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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). Due to its durability, varied colour and value, sapphire is a great alternative to diamond for contemporary engagement rings.

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 it 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 to find 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 to find 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

Testimonials

Why choose Lizunova?

Sapphires & Diamonds

Finest hand-picked sapphires & diamonds

Each sapphire is carefully hand-picked for its quality, beauty and rarity. We use only high-grade, conflict-free diamonds.

Design & Craftsmanship

Superior design & craftsmanship

Exquisitely designed and expertly handcrafted rings and jewellery, to be cherished forever.

Locally Made

Locally made in Sydney, Australia

Ethically handcrafted in Sydney by our team of master craftspeople.

Global Shipping

Insured global shipping

We ship worldwide and your parcel is insured in transit.

Where to find us

Lizunova Fine Jewels
Level 5, Suite 6/74 Castlereagh St,
Sydney NSW 2000
T: 02 9221 1900
E: info@lizunova.com

By appointment only.

Our appointment hours are

Tuesday to Friday 10.30am - 5.30pm Saturday By appointment Sunday & Monday closed
lizunova-logo
SHOWROOM

Level 5, Suite 6/74 Castlereagh St,

Sydney NSW 2000 Australia.

By appointment only.

 

+61 (02) 9221 1900

info@lizunova.com

© 2024 Lizunova. All designs and content are copyright Lizunova Fine Jewels.
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