Blog
9k vs 18k gold - what is the difference?
Karats, or carats, refer to the pure gold content in gold alloys, and is a measurement of the ratio of gold to other metals in the alloy. Other metals in alloys can include copper, silver and palladium, with small amounts of zinc and iridium.
9k vs 18k gold - what is the difference?
Precious emeralds in bespoke jewellery
Precious emeralds have been used in bespoke jewellery for centuries. Emerald is part of “top 3” coloured gemstone suite, along with ruby and sapphire. These highly coveted gems are prized for their beauty, exceptional colour and fascinating historical provenance. These highly coveted gems are prized for their beauty, exceptional colour and fascinating historical provenance. Emerald is the most precious green coloured gemstone and a member of the beryl gem family, whose members also include aquamarine, morganite, heliodor and goshenite.
Precious emeralds in bespoke jewellery
Sapphire
Sapphire is the most precious blue gemstone, and blue is sapphire's most well known colour. But sapphires naturally occur in a rainbow of colours beside various shades of blue: teal, black, white, grey, orange, pink, green, purple, yellow and the rare and extremely valuable Padparadscha (pinkish orange). Bi-colour or parti sapphires (stones with two colours in the same crystal, eg yellow and blue) occur in Australia as well as Africa (Madagascar, Tanzania and Nigeria).
Sapphire
Salt and pepper diamonds
Salt and pepper diamonds are a great alternative to the traditional white diamond as engagement ring centre stone. They have become a popular choice in contemporary engagement rings due to their uniqueness. Salt and pepper diamonds are natural diamonds that are heavily included. Each one has distinctive markings, some resembling a pattern of stars in the night sky – these are called galaxy diamonds. These black markings are carbon spots, pieces of the diamond that never crystallised properly. Salt and pepper diamond engagement rings vary greatly in design as well as the shape of the centre stone, and can be anything from classic to asymmetric and non-traditional.
Salt and pepper diamonds
Lab grown diamond engagement rings
Lab grown diamonds are sustainable, totally conflict free and look identical to natural diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are not imitation diamonds, which are made of non-diamond material. The only chemical difference between lab diamonds and natural diamonds is that most natural diamonds contain tiny amounts of nitrogen, and lab diamonds do not, making them sparkle more and shine brighter. Lab grown diamonds cost on average 30-40% less than natural diamonds, allowing couples to choose a bigger diamond for their engagement ring if they wish.
Lab grown diamond engagement rings
White diamonds: beyond the 4Cs
Diamonds are made of carbon – but there’s something almost supernatural about them. Just the word ‘diamond’ invokes luxury, desirability and toughness. Diamond has been the gemstone of choice for contemporary engagement rings, but did you know, that diamond is not just a sparkly rock? Diamond is the hardest known substance, the greatest conductor of heat, has the highest melting point of any substance (4090°C or 7362°F), and the highest refractive index of any natural mineral, which gives the diamond its 'fire'. Learn more about diamonds from their origins and formation to the 4Cs - carat, colour, clarity and cut, that determine their value.
White diamonds: beyond the 4Cs
Opal
There are two main types of opal – precious and common. Precious opal displays iridescence, or play of colour, due to the diffraction of light off the tiny, closely packed silica spheres in the atomic lattice of the gem. Common opal does not possess iridescence due to its silica spheres being random in shape, size and arrangement.
Opal
Parti Sapphires
Parti sapphire is part of the most important gem family, corundum, which also includes ruby. Sapphires have consistently risen in value and popularity, due to their beauty, durability and versatility. The rarity of parti sapphires makes them valuable, especially bigger stones, and stones with brighter colours. Compared to blue sapphire though, parti sapphire is exceptionally good value. Parti sapphire engagement rings have been rising in popularity due to the gem's exceptional beauty and individuality.
Parti Sapphires
How do I pick the right jeweller for my engagement ring?
In Sydney, where Lizunova Fine Jewels is located, there are many engagement ring jewellers to choose from. Buying or commissioning a bespoke engagement ring that symbolises your love and commitment is a big decision. For many people, it’s the biggest sum they will spend on a single piece of jewellery in their lifetime and the decision which jeweller to select to make their future heirloom can be daunting. Here's what to look for.
How do I pick the right jeweller for my engagement ring?
Rhapsody in teal
Natural blue topaz can vary in colour from very pale to inky blue, called London Blue, the most valuable of this spectrum. Topaz also naturally occurs in white and amber colours, the latter, Imperial topaz, is highly prized. Blue topaz never crosses into the green spectrum & this teal-coloured wonder is a true gift of nature.
Rhapsody in teal
8 alternatives to white diamond in contemporary engagement rings
As a bespoke Sydney jeweller, we are seeing a trend of other gemstones, such as parti sapphires, salt and pepper diamonds, blue or fancy colour sapphires, spinels and lab grown diamonds being chosen more and more often over the more traditional natural white diamond in engagement rings. The expression of individuality and exceptional value that a gemstone engagement ring provides sees couples stepping away from the tradition.
8 alternatives to white diamond in contemporary engagement rings
Same sex wedding and engagement ring guide
Australia has become the 26th country to legalise same-sex marriage. The law was passed on Thursday, December 7th, 2017 and since Tuesday, January 9th, 2018, same-sex marriages are now legally recognised. This is a historic victory for the…
Same sex wedding and engagement ring guide
Celebrate with Fine Jewellery
Fine jewellery can be a wonderful way to commemorate certain events in our lives. For life’s milestones such as birthdays, engagements and weddings, the birth of a baby, a promotion or a new career, wedding anniversaries and even a divorce, fine jewellery is the perfect choice…
Celebrate with Fine Jewellery
Ten Interesting Facts about Diamonds
Diamonds are the most fascinating, alluring gemstone. Did you know that diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth, occur in most colours and even exist in space? Discover ten interesting, lesser known facts about this rare, dazzling and popular gem with an unrivalled sparkle.
Ten Interesting Facts about Diamonds
Jewellery Concierge
We appreciate it can be difficult to allocate precious time to make a physical visit to the store. To assist our customers, we have launched a personalised jewellery concierge service – we can now come to your city office with a…
Jewellery Concierge
Ultra Violet - The Cosmic Colour for 2018
A colour that will lift us to the higher realms and will assist us in tapping into our imagination is Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2018, Ultra Violet. This enigmatic purple is blue-based and is both complex and mysterious.…
Ultra Violet - The Cosmic Colour for 2018
Blooming Dahlia – Blooming Gorgeous
The beginning of 2018 will see a burst of soft feminine colours with a slightly vintage feel. The colour experts at Pantone declared peachy pink Blooming Dahlia as one of the key colours for the Northern hemisphere spring or our Antipodean autumn. This delicious…
Blooming Dahlia – Blooming Gorgeous
Top Ten Gemstone Trends
1. Grey Spinel – we are head-over-heels for grey spinel. This sophisticated, mysterious beauty is captivating the alternative engagement ring market. Grey spinel comes in a range of different tones from silvery lilac-grey to deep warm charcoal and compliments all skin tones.…
Top Ten Gemstone Trends
Arcadia - Top Colour Trend for 2018
The colour gurus at the Pantone Color Institute have just released the palette for 2018 and the star shade is the gorgeous verdant yet versatile Arcadia. This vibrant green with subtle blue undertones reflects the trend for thosewho…
Arcadia - Top Colour Trend for 2018
Holiday Gift Guide
Nothing makes a more intimate and eternal gift than fine jewellery. At Lizunova we have a fabulous selection to choose from that will cater for a wide range of personal style and budget. Here we will make some…
Holiday Gift Guide
Precious Metals and Skin Tone
What colour suits me? There are many elements to consider when selecting a piece of jewellery that you will love and wear every day. The design, the shape and colour of gemstones and diamondsand of course, which precious…
Precious Metals and Skin Tone
Black Pearls - Gem Treasures from the Ocean
Most of us think of gems as hard mineral, or shiny stones faceted from crystal rough that forms beneath the Earth’s surface. However, there exist several organic gemstones formed through plants and animalprocesses. The most famous organic gems…
Black Pearls - Gem Treasures from the Ocean
Zircon - The Unsung Hero of Gems
Star light, Star bright, First star I see tonight. At the beginning of the 20th century, the legendary gem buyer for Tiffany & Co., George Frederik Kunz, attempted to come up with an appealing name for a very…
Zircon - The Unsung Hero of Gems
Rhodolite Garnet, the Wine coloured gem.
Soft and velvety like a fine Bordeaux, Rhodolite garnets are a great choice if you desire a rich red gem with great clarity and good fire and an appealing price. So many rubies on the market today are…
Rhodolite Garnet, the Wine coloured gem.
Back in Black: Zirconium Rings for Men
The latest trend in men’s wedding bands and dress rings is sleek and versatile zirconium. Zirconium is a lustrous grey-white metal that has some resemblance to titanium and hafnium. It is extremely durable and resistant to corrosion. It…
Back in Black: Zirconium Rings for Men
Traditional Birthstones and their Alternatives
For thousands of years gemstones have held a special fascination for humankind. Prehistoric man decorated himself with shells, bones, feathers and sometimes gems in their raw state. The Ancient Egyptians and Sumerians were very sophisticated civilizations that were…
Traditional Birthstones and their Alternatives
November Birthstones: Topaz and Citrine
November’s birthstone choices are very versatile as they include topazand the golden quartz called citrine. The topaz family of gems is incredibly versatile with the head of the family being Imperial Topaz. Imperial Topaz is a divine sherry…
November Birthstones: Topaz and Citrine
Right Hand Ring Right Now
A big jewellery trend at the moment that is totally about female power is the right hand ring. Traditionally women have received rings from male partners as commitment, engagement or wedding rings. These days most women are striving…
Right Hand Ring Right Now
Gem Trend - Hard Stones
In Europe the latest trend is to feature lesser known hard gemstones such as agates, ruby in zoisite and rhodochrosite. Set back with more familiar transparent gemstones, they make unique and intriguing combinations.Lizunova has been designing with hard…
Gem Trend - Hard Stones
Spinel - a perfect gem for contemporary jewellery
A princely gem for our times Spinel is a rare, gem qualityoxide mineral with a composition of MgAl2O4and is often found in octahedral crystals. Despite being rarer than sapphire, spinel is more affordable. Like sapphire, spinel is a…
Spinel - a perfect gem for contemporary jewellery
Shine On Crazy Diamond - tips to keep your diamonds clean
Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance known to man. They can cut through any metal or rock and the only way to cut diamond is with another diamond (with the exception of lasers). They are such a…
Shine On Crazy Diamond - tips to keep your diamonds clean
Selecting the Right Ring style - Big Hands
The advantage of having big hands is that you can wear big gems set into knock-out cocktail rings. No delicate stacking rings for you just big bold beautiful designs. Go for flamboyant settings such as larger stones in…
Selecting the Right Ring style - Big Hands
Selecting the Right Ring Style - Wide Fingers
Wide fingers may not seem ideal however they offer scope to wear some interesting and unusual styles. The secret is to avoid wearing long, vertically set narrow stones such as baguettes and marquise shapes you want to avoid…
Selecting the Right Ring Style - Wide Fingers
Selecting the Right Ring Style - Slim Fingers
If you have delicate slim fingers you’ll want to showcase them by selecting the right ring style. Avoid overpowering them with gemstones that are proportionally too big for your hand. Choose smaller stones on fine, elegant bands of…
Selecting the Right Ring Style - Slim Fingers
Selecting the Right Ring Style for Long Fingers
If you are blessed with long fingers you are able to wear dramatic ring designs. Bigger stones will look amazing and can be worn set horizontally for a modern look. Wider bands will also flatter long fingers. We…
Selecting the Right Ring Style for Long Fingers
Selecting the Right Ring Style for Short Fingers
When selecting a ring that you will love and wear everyday it’s very important to consider the shape of your fingers and the size of your hand. Those who are blessed with long slim fingers can mostly wear…
Selecting the Right Ring Style for Short Fingers
Paraiba Perfection
The holy grail of the multi-coloured tourmaline family is undoubtedly the electric coloured gemstone known as Paraiba. Tourmalines are complex boro-silicates that have incredibly long chemical formulas that resemble a mediaeval apothecary’s script. They are coloured by various…
Paraiba Perfection
Two Tone Terrific Earrings
Many of us may have jewellery tucked away and unworn because the gold colour isn’t suiting our current style. White gold has been the most popular choice for over a decade and many us feel that our yellow…
Two Tone Terrific Earrings
October Birthstone: Opal and Tourmaline
If your birthday falls in October then you are certainly spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting your birthstone. The two choices are opal and tourmaline both of these gems are truly kaleidoscopic! OPULENT OPAL Opal is…
October Birthstone: Opal and Tourmaline
Garnets
Garnet colours Most people have the misconception that garnets are rather unattractive dark reddish-brown stones and are basically a “poor man’s ruby”. This couldn’t be further from the truth – garnets are a remarkable family of gemstones that…
Garnets
Amazing Amazonite
With Spring upon us it’s time to starting considering fresh looks for the warmer months. It’s time to stash away the heavy dark layers and explore light gossamer fabrics that suit long sunny days. The ultimate accessory for…
Amazing Amazonite
Australian Parti Sapphire in engagement rings
Parti sapphires, including the beautiful stones from Australia, have been a firm favourite for couples looking for a unique gem for their engagement ring, with gorgeous teal and blue green sapphires being the most popular choice. Each parti sapphire is unique, displaying zones of green, blue, teal and yellow colours. These amazing gemstones look spectacular on their own or paired with diamonds, such as kite shaped, trillion, pear cut, baguette or round.
Australian Parti Sapphire in engagement rings
Paraiba tourmaline
The Holy Grail of the Tourmaline family would have to be the neon coloured ‘Paraiba’ Tourmalines. These super exotic gemstones come in electrifying colours such as neon sky blue and green, electric cobalt and intense violet. Paraiba contains…
Paraiba tourmaline
Pink spinel
Spinel is a lesser-known gemstone that is exceptionally rare far more rare than ruby or sapphire. Like sapphire and ruby, it has good durability and can be worn in ring settings for everyday wear, thus making it a…
Pink spinel
Peridot, the extraterrestrial gem
A beautiful green gemstone from the Olivine gamily, magnesium-rich peridot is the birthstone for August. Called the extreme gem by the Gemological Institute of America, peridot is born of fire and brought to light, one of only two…
Peridot, the extraterrestrial gem
A sapphire, emerald and diamond show stopper
We have just completed this amazing custom made ring withcustomer’s own 4ct sapphire and 1.5ct emerald. Handmade in 22 karat yellow gold and 18 karat white gold, with 180 pave set diamonds, this unique ring has a beautiful…
A sapphire, emerald and diamond show stopper
Indicolite, a stunning and sought-after gem
True blue tourmaline is arguably the rarest colour variety of the tourmaline gemstone family and is part of the mineral species known as Elbaite. Known in the trade as ‘Indicolite’, it ishighly sought-after, with itsname derived from the…
Indicolite, a stunning and sought-after gem
Tourmaline - the rainbow stone
BIRTHSTONE FOR OCTOBER If you are fortunate enough to have a birthday in October, then you are blessed by having tourmaline as your birthstone (the other October birthstone is the equally colourful opal). Tourmaline has a kaleidoscopic range…
Tourmaline - the rainbow stone
Manhattan an inspiration behind new earrings design
These bespoke white gold earringsarebased on our Manhattan design, inspired by the architecture and beauty of NYC. Custom cutgreen tourmalines are set in 18 carat white gold. Clean, geometric design makes these custommade earrings a modern classic. Need…
Manhattan an inspiration behind new earrings design
Turquoise sculpture on your hand
This sculptural Gemini ring by@lizunovais one of our signature pieces. The beautiful veined turquoise gem is set in rose gold vertically on a sterling silver band. Contemporary and striking. See it in our boutique atLevel 5, Suite 6/74…
Turquoise sculpture on your hand
Tanzanite, a rare beauty
This rare and sophisticated gem is an unheated tanzanite. It has a magnificent display of greys, lilacs and even greens, depending on angle and light. We’resmitten! Contact us if you would like us to design a bespoke piece…
Tanzanite, a rare beauty
Amethyst and emerald create a burst of colour
In love with this brand new ring, fresh from the jeweller’s bench! Royal purpleamethystand a vivid green Colombianemeraldin rose gold. We’ve been having so much fun designing the new collection. It seems wehave a bit of a thing…
Amethyst and emerald create a burst of colour