How to find the right jeweller for my engagement ring?

Choosing an engagement ring or finding the right jeweller to create a custom ring, can be overwhelming. There are so many things to consider, such as the centre stone (a more traditional white diamond or an alternative gemstone?), gold colour and ring design. In addition, in Sydney where Lizunova Fine Jewels is based, there are hundreds of jewellers to choose from, and each one says they are the best!

Commissioning a custom engagement ring or a wedding ring that carries so much meaning is a big decision. For many people, it’s the biggest sum they will spend on a single piece of jewellery in their lifetime. Ultimately, you want to trust that the jeweller who is making your ring is a good designer, a skilled craftsman and will be there to provide a warranty and great after sales service. It’s a good idea to not only see online but also touch and hold the rings they have previously made – jewellery can look amazing in carefully photographed and retouched images but does it come up to scratch when inspected closely? If you are buying online, I would recommend requesting videos of a ring or a gemstone shot in natural daylight. If you are able to visit the jeweller in person, it's a good idea to look closely at the quality of the rings: the neatness and symmetry of settings and quality of metal and craftsmanship.

Five Questions To Ask A Jeweller

Some of the things to look out for, and questions to ask to help you find the right jeweller for your engagement ring, are:

  1. Where is the jewellery made and by whom? Is it ethically crafted by a local jeweller or made in a factory off shore? Cheaper ring settings mass produced overseas are not the same as high quality rings made by small local artisans who care about their craft and will stand by their quality and look after your ring over the years to come. At Lizunova we are passionately committed to ethical, local manufacturing, valuing quality craftsmanship above all else.
  2. Is the ring made of new or recycled gold or platinum? Recycled gold sounds romantic (and even more sustainable), but if it's essentially just gold melted down from second hand jewellery, steer clear. Without a specialised lab analysis, it's impossible to prove that your recycled gold ring is 18 karat and contains 75% pure gold. In addition, metal in second hand jewellery has unknown alloy composition, meaning it might contain something that irritates your skin (e.g. nickel which some people are allergic to). We work with high quality, new precious metals only, produced by local, specialised, sustainable manufacturers out of a mix of newly mined and refined recycled metal.
  3. Is sufficient metal used in the ring shank and gem setting to last 30 or more years? Thin bands might be on trend but will not wear well over time – metal thins out with wear, especially at the base of the ring shank. Dainty bands that don't have enough metal will bend and warp with wear, and any diamonds or gemstones set into them may become loose and fall out as settings become compromised when a ring gets bent out of shape. At Lizunova we insist on using sufficient metal in our ring settings to ensure your ring is strong and will wear well over the years.
  4. Stone settings need to have enough metal in them to hold your diamonds or sapphires secure through daily wear and tear - dainty claws might look aesthetically pleasing to start with but may not last the distance. We aim for optimal claw thickness which is a balance of durability and aesthetics.
  5. Is there a valuation, a warranty and after sales service? All Lizunova pieces come with a valuation which is sufficient for insurance, a voluntary manufacturer's warranty and complimentary after sales service. We stand by our quality.

It’s also always a good idea to read a jeweller's testimonials or Google reviews to see what previous clients think of their work and customer service.

Going direct to a manufacturing jeweller

If you go direct to a manufacturing jeweller, you’re relying on their aesthetic sense, ingrained way of designing jewellery and their ability to understand and translate your ideas to a finished piece. They have a different approach and motivation to those of a jewellery designer, and while it may save you some money going direct to a manufacturing jeweller, I would recommend finding a great jewellery designer, whose style and work you love. A jewellery business led by good design would provide an in-depth understanding of many factors involved in creating the perfect ring, not the least of which is collaborating with you in such a way that you end up with the ring you are delighted with.

Is it a good idea to buy an on-trend engagement ring?

Trends come and go. You’re going to have this ring for the rest of your life, so we think it’s a good idea to steer away from fashion and choose a design that’s stylish, well thought-out and timeless.

If I go with a custom ring, how do I ensure I like the end result?

The advantages of having a bespoke ring designed and made especially for you is that, if you pick the right designer, you will have a beautiful ring that’s unique to you and expresses your personality and your love story. To ensure you’re getting exactly what you envisage, you need to be given very clear and precise, to-scale design sketches that show the ring from three angles – top view, and two side views. You also need to see and hold the stone that is going to be set into your ring and see what it looks like on your skin.

We like to work with modern technology that allows us to create 3D colour drawings as well as a to-scale 3D printed wax model of your ring you can try on – so there are no surprises when you receive your finished ring.

Are diamond wholesalers and online only jewellers okay?

A real diamond wholesaler doesn't sell to the general public, and sells only to trade - jewellers and jewellery designers. The so-called diamond wholesalers who sell direct to public are actually retailers. These businesses are typically volume based and their interest does not lie with beautiful design. You may pay less but end up with a ring that is a replica of a hundred other rings, made without soul or attention to detail. Oftentimes, these rings are made overseas due to lower manufacturing cost.

While it's fine to buy online from a reputable jeweller, if you have a chance to try on a ring in person, it would be a good investment of time to do so. If visiting in person is not an option, we recommend having a video appointment, so you can get a sense of the person you will be working with and ask any questions. If selecting a stone online, we recommend requesting to see videos and photos of the stone taken in natural daylight as well as indoor light, as gems can often look different in different lighting conditions.

Jewellery is an intensely personal purchase. We believe it’s about connecting with your jeweller, or falling in love with a particular stone. There are many talented independent jewellers, and we believe there’s a right one out there for everyone. Someone you are comfortable with creating your most important piece of jewellery – connection and trust are vital ingredients in a successful relationship between a client and a jeweller.

We would be happy to talk to you about pros and cons of different gemstones, diamond selection or engagement ring design in person or via a video appointment. Drop us a line, call 02 9221 1900 or book a bespoke engagement ring design appointment.

Rhapsody in teal

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

“The sense of excitement was almost overwhelming. I just had to hold the mysterious gem, sparkling blue-green in the gem dealer’s hand. It was cool to touch, its oval form as big as a small egg. My nervous fingers held it gingerly while I admired its magnificent sparkle and flashes of colour,” Lizunova Fine Jewels founder, jewellery designer Maria Lizunova recalls. “I fell in love with it almost instantly.”

What could it possibly be? At 109 carats, it was way too big to be an indicolite tourmaline, which are as rare as hen’s teeth in sizes above 1 carat. Matthew, Lizunova’s trusted Sydney gem dealer, finally broke the suspense, “It’s a London topaz, but this colour – it’s a miracle, in all my years of travelling the world and scouring gem fairs, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

A RARE GEM

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, and this teal-coloured wonder is a true freak, or gift, of nature.

A cherished possession in Matthew’s mother’s personal collection, it was bought over 20 years ago on a whim – she simply could not resist its highly unusual colour. This enigmatic gem would emerge from time to time to be shown off at gem fairs and trade shows as a showpiece, on the condition it would not be sold. Finally, after years of pleading by her son, she agreed to part with it on one condition, that it would be sold to a jeweller who would set the gem into a design worthy of it.

A MASTER GEM CUTTER STEPS IN

Lizunova decided to change the gem from its original cut, a commercial oval with a typical diamond checkerboard, to something much more contemporary and crisp. Cue Doug Menadue, a renowned Sydney gem cutter - a true gem connoisseur and a master of his craft. He was beyond excited at the opportunity to transform this rare gem.

“I was as thrilled about the opportunity to work with Doug as I was about buying the stone. I have admired Doug’s work for years, and all the gems he cuts bear his unmistakable signature – they’re crisp, contemporary and very beautiful,” says Lizunova.

For Menadue gems and gem cutting are a true passion. Taking a leap to pursue his passion for gemmology and stone cutting, Menadue ended a 20-year career in IT to explore and hone his knowledge in the gem field. His craftsmanship is second to none and every gem he cuts often surpasses expectations, highlighting the beauty of each gem he touches. After much deliberation, Menadue designed a cut especially for this remarkable gem, to optimize light and accentuate the vibrant colour. The new, crisp rectangular octagonal cut, named Rhapsody Lizunova Variation, brings out the best of this magnificent gem, with strong flashes of teal throughout its beautiful, 68.6 carat form. The definition of rhapsody is an ecstatic or enthusiastic expression of emotion, and the newly recut gem truly lives up to its name, inspiring awe and emotion in all who see it.

A BESPOKE JEWEL

“We are so excited to hold this beauty in our gem collection,” says Lizunova. “The minute I had it back from Doug, I was sketching ideas for setting it. I would love it to be a cocktail ring, as topaz is 8 on a Mohs hardness scale. Imagine it in platinum or white gold and diamonds! It would take one brave lady to wear such a large cocktail ring though, so I also sketched ideas for a pendant necklace. The bespoke designs respond to the lines of the Rhapsody cut and would make a truly magnificent, one of a kind jewel.”

Lizunova has a true appreciation for design, with a career in graphic design and art direction spanning over 15 years. For her, just like for Menadue, gemstones and jewellery design are a true passion, worth a radical career change later in life. Similarly to Menadue, Lizunova is self taught, with a truly fresh, contemporary approach to jewellery design.

The brand is fiercely loyal to local, ethical craftsmanship, and uses Australian-made gold, silver and platinum in its designs, with hand-picked gemstones, ethically sourced from local, Sydney gem dealers, front and centre.

“We invite you to view Rhapsody in our boutique. It is a true masterpiece, where natural providence meets craftsmanship.”

8 alternatives to diamond in contemporary engagement rings

As a bespoke jeweller specialising in contemporary engagement rings, we have been seeing a trend away from the traditional diamond as an engagement ring centre stone. Diamond is still a classic and beautiful choice, but we are seeing that couples are casting their net wider in search of personal self expression, beauty and value that coloured gemstones provide. Not all gems are suitable for every day wear and tear, such as an engagement or a wedding ring, due to their lesser durability. Here we look at 8 alternatives to diamond in contemporary engagement rings, and their pros and cons.

Diamond engagement ring trend

Diamonds are durable and beautiful engagement ring centre stone. Popularised in the 1940s by the famous De Beers advertising campaigns 'Diamonds are a girl's best friend' and 'Diamonds are forever', diamonds have until recently been the go-to as an engagement ring centre stone. However, coloured gems such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires were the preferred choice for engagement rings since the dawn of time, and diamonds are a relatively recent addition, with diamond engagement rings coming into vogue from the early 20th century.

The return of coloured gems in engagement rings

There has been a rising trend of alternatives to the more traditional diamond in engagement rings over recent years. The unrivalled expression of individuality that a coloured gemstone engagement ring provides along with the unexpected wow factor and the ubiquity and high cost of diamonds have ensured that more and more couples are choosing to step away from the tradition. While a diamond engagement ring will always be the classic choice, there is a plethora of exciting and more affordable gemstones that can provide greater impact at a lower cost. Not all coloured gemstones are a suitable choice for engagement rings though, with durability and hardness being important aspects in choosing the right stone. Here are our top 7 coloured gemstone alternatives to ditch the traditional diamond, for a truly individual, stand-out engagement ring.

1. Parti Sapphire 9 Mohs

Parti sapphires, including beautiful gemstones from Australia, are loved by couples looking for a unique coloured gem for their engagement ring. Featuring bands or areas of colour such as blue, green, teal and yellow, these beautiful gems recall the colours of the Australian landscape: gum, wattle and deep blue sky. Partisapphires in oval, octagon, round, pear and emerald cuts are all fabulous engagement ring gemstone choices, either paired with diamonds or on their own, such as solitaire ring designs. Side or accent diamonds, such as kite shaped, trillion, pear cut, baguette or round can look spectacular in engagement rings, accentuating parti sapphire's unique beauty. A durable gem with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, ideal for everyday pieces such as engagement rings, parti sapphire is here to stay. As each parti sapphire is unique, you can be assured that an engagement ring with this stone would also be a truly unique one. Parti sapphires are yet to be synthesized, so you can be assured that this unique gem is sure to be the real deal.

Cushion cut Australian Parti Sapphire, 1.21ct, Sydney jeweller Lizunova, Chifley Square

A beautiful cushion cut Australian parti sapphire with classic yellow-blue-green colour mix Australian partis are famous for. 

2. Salt and pepper diamond

Possessing all the qualities of a white diamond, but with unrivalled personality, salt and pepper diamonds have become a popular choice for engagement rings. Each stone is completely unique due to its distinctive markings, or internal inclusions, some of which look like a whole galaxy inside a stone. Measuring 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, salt and pepper diamonds are durable and suitable for everyday wear, eg in engagement rings. They also come in a variety of cuts and shapes and are a fraction of the price of white diamonds.

3. Grey Spinel 8 Mohs

Grey spinel is the ultimate stone for those who have an eye for the refined and mysterious. This stunning gem comes in an assortment of tones from a silvery lavender to a deeper, warmer shade of charcoal. These warm and cool tones mean there is a grey spinel to match a variety of skin tones. A rose gold setting is perfect for picking up the warm tones of the stone. White gold enhances the cool tones found in the more violet spinels, creating a sleek sophisticated feel. Black or white diamonds set in the band of the ring would accentuate or contrast with the stone. Despite being rarer than sapphire, spinel is more affordable. Like sapphire, spinel is a hardwearing stone, with a rating of 8 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a great choice of gem to be worn every day.

4. Blue and Fancy Colour Sapphire 9 Mohs

Customarily, blue sapphire represents nobility, wisdom, honesty and faithfulness. It has been incorporated into the traditional dress of royalty and the clergy for centuries. Sapphires are strong and durable, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, and diverse, occurring in a dazzling array of colours from white to deepest, almost black, and blue. Due to their strength, sapphires have been considered a very practical choice for engagement rings. The stunning blue sapphire in Princess Diana's (now Kate Middleton's) engagement ring sparked a spike in blue sapphire engagement ring popularity. Pink sapphires can be a vibrant or subdued tone, a feminine flair that can be complemented by diamond accents in the ring design. Shades of gold, from champagne and peach to pale yellows, to deep, vibrant oranges, look exquisite set into rose or yellow gold, which picks out the warm tones, or white gold, to accentuate the cooler shades.

Blue sapphire, bespoke Sydney jeweller Lizunova, Chifley Square

This Australian blue sapphire has unique natural 'silk' markings within the stone. Image: Lizunova Fine Jewels

5. Morganite 7.5-8 Mohs

Morganite is part of the beryl family, which also includes emerald and aquamarine. Being 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale makes Morganite a great choice for a ring worn every day like an engagement ring would be. Morganite comes in a variety of pink-tone pastels, from peach to salmon to blush pink. A rose gold setting would pick out and intensify the softer peach tones. This feminine colour brings a subtle warm tone to a ring, which makes it perfect for anyone who wants subtlety over a statement colour. Much like a nude pair of heels, these soft pinks match the colours found in a sophisticated fashion-savvy wardrobe and go with everything. Due to the delicate colour palette, a larger stone would not look overbearing when worn as an engagement ring. Dubbed ‘the love stone’, morganite is said to have the metaphysical properties of attracting and maintaining love, making it a beautiful choice for a ring symbolising love and commitment.

6. Aquamarine 7.5-8 Mohs

Cool and calm, this beautiful stone is leading the pack when it comes to engagement ring takeovers. Much like morganite, the subtle colour of aquamarine is very attractive for those who prefer delicacy over a drastic difference to the popular diamond. The pale ocean tones range from a greenish blue to a deeper more vibrant blue hue. These tones can be accentuated with different metals and due to the cool tone, suit most skin tones. If your partner is an ocean lover, surfer, or sailor, this gem would directly link back to their connection with the water. The name aquamarine is Latin, aqua meaning water and marine meaning sea. An aquamarine engagement ring is a wonderful way to start off wedding planning, by ticking something blue off the list straight away.

7. Champagne Diamond 10 Mohs

What better way to celebrate than with champagne! Start your beautiful married life off with an elegant style choice using a champagne diamond as your statement stone. The wonderful thing about champagne diamonds is the hardness is not compromised by the colour. A more affordable alternative to the traditional white diamond, champagne diamonds come in the same variety of cuts and shapes that white diamonds do, allowing you to create a truly individual ring. The warm hues range from a subtle antique off-white, through to a darker cognac. For contrast, pair the stone with white diamond accents to accentuate the warm tones. A setting of rose gold helps to create a feminine feel.

8. Pink and red spinel 8 Mohs

Dazzling, fiery hot and electric. Did we just describe your love journey with your partner? Red and pink spinel is the perfect stone for an exciting, lively engagement ring. In some cases, the pink tone can be described as almost neon. This gem gets its vibrant colour from chromium, the same chemical that gives ruby its red colour. One of the most famous examples is the so-called Black Prince's Ruby, set in the Imperial State Crown of England and displayed in the Tower of London. Thought to be a ruby for centuries, the gem was analyzed in recent years and found to be, in fact, a red spinel. Edward, Prince of Wales, the Black Prince, received the stone in 1367 as payment for his aid to put down a revolt against the King of Spain. The Black Prince's Ruby outlasted them all, surviving fires attempted theft, and World War II bombing raids. With all this history, it seems as though spinel may be a good luck charm.

Baguette pink spinel, bespoke Sydney jeweller Lizunova, Chifley Square

This baguette cut pink spinel would suit an engagement ring design with clean Art Deco lines. Image: Lizunova Fine Jewels

The ferocity of this colour allows room for additional statement colours for an even more, fun and vibrant look. Paired with a black gemstone, such as black spinel, black diamond or onyx, this stone reaches a new level of feminine style. Pink spinel suits a setting in any gold colour, with the rose or yellow gold accentuating its warm hues. The best quality pink spinels are sourced from Tanzania, Africa. Vivid, clear and sparkling red spinels are a wonderful alternative to the often milky and included ruby. With a Mohs scale rating of 8, this stone is durable enough to be worn every day. Paired with a well-considered setting, a spinel ring would be a wonderful piece to be appreciated by generations to come.

There are so many wonderful options for your bespoke engagement ring, from diamonds to coloured gemstones, that it can be tricky to know who to trust and how to make the right choices for your engagement ring, this most significant of jewels. We are happy to talk through the many different options of diamonds, gems and settings, to ensure you get the best value for money and the best design you will cherish for the rest of your life. To arrange a complimentary design consultation, drop us a line.

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 LGBT community as it undoes the last major piece of discrimination against this sector of Australian citizens. In celebration of this momentous occasion, Lizunova Fine Jewels wishes to share our engagement/wedding/commitment ring guide for same-sex couples.

1. Unity – This simple yet timeless design encapsulates the union of two people. The two bands converge to symbolise a couple coming together in a loving relationship. This ring can be made in any gold colour or platinum, with the gemstones of your choice. For example, two diamonds of different colours or two gemstones which are the birthstone of each partner.

2. Galaxy – If you have a taste for the flamboyant then Galaxy would be the perfect ring for you. The stunning knife edge band, 5mm wide, is sprinkled with an impressive 0.8ct of pave set diamonds. A single band can symbolise the engagement or commitment and then can be stacked with a second band for the wedding ceremony, becoming Twin Galaxy. Gold colours can be mixed or matched, as well as black with white diamonds to make a bold statement.

3. Black Zirconium – If you’re seeking rings with understated chic and masculinity then our range of black zirconium rings would be ideal. Zirconium is a highly durable, hypoallergenic, corrosion resistant and light material not too dissimilar from titanium. The metal is originally greyish in tone, then is oxidised to give it a black finish. You can choose from plain zirconium or zirconium with inners of precious metals such as 18ct rose, white or yellow gold or platinum.

4. Half Moon – If you prefer clean, architectural lines free from filigree then Half Moon will suit your taste. This strikingly elegant ring was inspired the energy and sass of New York City and features a single baguette diamond set in an asymmetric geometric setting. It makes a unique and contemporary engagement ring. A simple diamond set wedding band slipped underneath looks beautiful.

5. Manhattan – If you like a more delicate engagement ring that isn’t overly complex and has clean, geometric style then Manhattan is perfect for you. This ring juxtaposes a baguette cut aquamarine with a round brilliant cut diamond. Naturally the gemstone selection is yours to choose. All diamonds would look superb as would sapphire and diamond in a yellow gold setting. Manhattan also looks wonderful stacked with a simple diamond set wedding band that sits flush underneath.

6. Empire State – We love rings with two feature gemstones and Empire State has the winning combination of cornflower blue sapphire and Colombian emerald. The two main gems can be selected to symbolise two people in a committed relationship which gives this ring a highly personal feel. It’s a super alternative engagement ring and looks very stylish paired with an elegant diamond set wedding band.

7. Grey Spinel Engagement ring - If you have fashion forward tastes and want an engagement ring that breaks away from the classic six claw solitaire then our grey spinel engagement ring is right for you. Spinel is a very rare, lesser known gemstone that has good durability and hardness, thus it’s appropriate for an engagement ring setting. We love grey spinel as it embodies sophistication, especially when set with black diamonds and 18ct rose gold. Either a black or white diamond set wedding band would look fabulous back with this ring.

8. Orchid – If you prefer a solid ring that can combine both the engagement and wedding rings then Orchid is for you. Some couples prefer to exchange the one ring during the ceremony and this stunning ring, that is sprinkled with sapphire and diamond pave, makes a statement. Our current Orchid ring is set with a pink tourmaline however we can source spinel, sapphires and diamonds which have the necessary durability and hardness required for a ring that is to be worn every day, forever.

Lizunova Fine Jewels also offers our customers bespoke jewellery design. We would be delighted to sit with you both and create your dream wedding rings to be cherished always.

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 as it’s durable, highly portable and beautiful.

In our society, certain birthdays have become milestones that are normally celebrated with a lavish party with lots of good food, premium beverages and, most significantly, the company of friends and family. Turning 21 is thought to symbolise the moment a young person enters into adulthood and is widely celebrated. Adoring and proud parents often want to give their young adult children a gift that they can treasure forever and hopefully pass on to their children when they come of age. For a daughter, a delicate diamond necklace or diamond stud earrings would be a perfect gift that she can wear while pursuing a career or at leisure well into her adult life. For a son, a dress ring or a pair of cufflinks that can be worn to work or for formal occasions would be ideal.

Many women like to receive or gift themselves with an impressive piece of fine jewellery for each decade from 30 and beyond. Often a group of friends will pool funds together so that they can buy a gorgeous pair of earrings or a spectacular necklace that they know the birthday girl will adore. Gifting this way means that every time she wears her birthday jewels, she will be reminded of her special friends and the wonderful celebration she enjoyed to mark a milestone. Sometimes it’s good to indulge oneself with a luxury piece and starting a new decade is definitely a good time to empower oneself with a special jewel that can feel like a talisman.

It’s no secret that a bejewelled ring is presented when one asks someone to marry them. In modern times this usually means a diamond ring set into gold or platinum however there is an increasing trend towards coloured gemstone engagement rings as people want to express their individual taste. Sapphires, rubies and emeralds are often selected however now people are looking at spinelsaquamarinestourmalines and morganites as centrepieces for contemporary engagement rings. Diamonds are often employed to offset the stunning colours of these beautiful gems and yellow and rose gold are now making a big comeback after years of white gold dominating the market.

Wedding bands symbolise a union between two people and it’s now the fashion for both partners to wear rings. Many women are loving the delightful sparkle of a fine diamond set wedding band which nicely complements their engagement ring. Some ladies are opting for a statement band that is dramatic enough to be worn on its own and if diamond-set, perhaps merges the engagement and wedding rings into one ring. Men are expressing themselves beyond the classic gold ring and are looking for edgier designs in unsual metals including palladium and zirconium. The mixed metal look is also being favoured by modern grooms.

One of life’s great achievements and cause for celebration is bringing a new baby into this world. Couples like to celebrate and commemorate a new addition to the family by having a jeweller create a special piece of jewellery. Often this is a ring and some designs allow for more diamonds or gemstones to be added as more children are born into the family. This jewellery piece would make an intimate heirloom to be passed through the generations. This piece of jewellery is generally presented to the mother by her partner, although can be presented by family or friends.

Professional women have their own portion of disposable income to spend as they please. A new job or promotion can be denoted by a knockout jewel and this is reflected in the trend for right hand rings. Right hand rings can be as extravagant and colourful as the wearer chooses and is an expression of her individual style. Women will still wear their engagement and wedding rings on their left hand while their right-hand ring can either complement or have a completely different feel and be in a different metal colour. Another option is stunning earrings that can be worn to the office or after hours. Pearls often symbolise power and femininity especially when combined with gemstones for sophisticated look. Colourful gemstone earrings can also bring some individual flair to a conservative suit.

Wedding anniversaries have been traditionally celebrated with silver, gold, gemstones and diamonds depending upon the number of years a couple have shared together. Some of the better-known anniversaries are silver for 25 years, ruby for 40, sapphire for 45, gold for 50 and diamond for 60. A lot of couples celebrate with diamonds each decade with eternity bands that can be stacked together with wedding and engagement rings or worn on the right hand. If it’s a coloured gemstone anniversary, pendants can make a nice choice.

Finally, a rather new trend is jewellery to celebrate a divorce. It may be too painful to wear your engagement ring on a different finger and a beautiful diamond or coloured stone is too precious to throw off a cliff in a whim. The smart idea is to have a jeweller create a new piece of jewellery using your metal and gemstones to create a spectacular pendant or use your diamond as one half of a set of diamond earrings. You will need a matching stone, however having the earrings will make you feel free while still honouring the beautiful stone you received at a happy time in your life. Some ladies are even opting for a divorce ring to symbolise their separation. These are as individual as the wearers and perhaps are good for enhancing self-confidence after a tremulous time.

Jewellery truly is the perfect way to celebrate the important milestones in our lives and is something to treasure forever.

Image credit: Belleame Balloons

Ten Interesting Facts about Diamonds

Diamond, the traditional engagement ring centre stone and an alluring gem used in much of historical, as well as contemporary jewellery, may be rather ubiquitous, however there are some lesser known and interesting facts, beyond the more well known 4Cs, about this beautiful gemstone.

1. Diamonds are the hardest known natural substance on Earth

They measure 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness with talc being the softest substance at one. Diamonds can only be scratched by other diamonds and due to their superior hardness, they have great durability and are ideal for engagement and wedding ring settings as they can be worn with confidence every day. As they are scratch resistant, their facet edges remain sharp much longer than other gemstones.

2. The word diamond comes from the Ancient Greek word “adamas”

Adamas translates as "proper", "unalterable", "unbreakable", "untamed" - a fitting name for the hardest natural substance on Earth! Diamond’s lustre is known as adamantine and is the brightest of all lustres. Due to its superior hardness, diamond can take a high polish and reflects light superbly.

3. Diamonds have been known to mankind for a very long time

They are believed to have been first mined in India at least 3,000 years ago and probably as far back as 6,000 years ago. The Ancient Indians used diamonds as religious icons and also implemented them into engraving tools. They were discovered in alluvial deposits in the rivers Penner, Krishna and Godavari.

4. Diamond is the only gemstone to have a single element as its equation

Diamond has only one element – “C”, which is the symbol for Carbon. All other gemstones are mineral compounds.

5. There are naturally occurring diamonds in most colours

Even though most of us think about diamonds being white (they are in reality colourless at their most ideal; the D colour grading is totally colourless), diamonds can be found in the following colours: colourless, yellow, orange, red, pink, brown, black, blue, violet and green. They are coloured by minute quantities of trace elements such as nitrogen, hydrogen and boron or by plastic deformation, which means interruptions to the crystal lattice during their dramatic journey from the Earth’s mantle to the surface via diamond pipes.

6. Why do we see rainbow sparkles of colour in diamonds?

This is due to the phenomenon known as dispersion. Dispersion is the diamond crystal’s ability to break up white light into the spectral colours as the light is bounced and totally internally reflected inside the faceted stone. Dispersion is known as ‘fire’ in the jewellery trade.

7. Diamonds repel water so are therefore hydrophobic

This means that a diamond’s surface cannot be made wet. The flip side of this is that diamonds attract oil and grease, which is extremely useful during the mining process when sorting diamond from other minerals. The downside for jewellery wearers is that diamonds need constant cleaning as contact with hand cream, sunscreens and cosmetics can affect their sparkle. The simplest way to clean your diamonds at home is to soak them in warm water with a few drops of a mild dish washing liquid. A soft brush can then be used to remove grime from the surface of the diamonds and under the settings. This method is safe for cleaning most gemstones. For more information, head to our blog Tips To Keep Your Diamonds Clean. 

8. ‘Diamonds are Forever’ according to the 1940s campaign by de Beers

De Beers' campaign relaunched the popularity of diamonds to the American public. Diamonds that make it to the Earth’s surface are generally 1 billion to 3.3 billion years old so seem worthy of the lasting ‘forever’ slogan. However, they are not indestructible. Diamond has perfect yet difficult octahedral cleavage in four directions which means along these cleavage planes the atomic bonds in the crystal lattice are weaker. These planes of weakness enable diamond markers to cleave the diamond in the appropriate place so the crystal will split into two pieces. Diamonds can be chipped and fractured which comes as a surprise to most people.

9. Diamonds exist in space

As diamond is a form of carbon with predominantly covalent atomic bonding it comes as no surprise that diamond could exist in space. Although diamonds on Earth are rare, extra-terrestrial diamonds are very common. Microscopic diamonds not much larger than molecules are abundant in meteorites and some of them retain a record of their formation in stars before the Solar System existed. High pressure experiments predict that large quantities of diamonds are formed from methane on Uranus and Neptune (it is thought, through mathematical predictions, that on Uranus and Neptune it rains diamonds!), while some extrasolar planets may be almost entirely composed of diamond. Diamonds are also found in stars and may be the first mineral to have formed.

10. Man can make diamonds of his own

Synthetic gemstones are not fake gemstones; they have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as their natural counterparts. The difference is that natural occurring diamonds took up to 3 billion years to form under the Earth’s mantle while synthetic diamonds are created by man in laboratory conditions over several months. During the 20th century the race was on to synthesise diamond. There are two methods, high-pressure/high temperature and chemical vapour deposition. Most synthetic diamond is used for industry, however synthetic diamonds of gem quality are now being produced and only a highly trained gemmologist with special instruments can detect the difference from natural stones.

 

Image Credit: bbc.com

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. This shade is said to communicate originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future. Ultraviolet is dramatic yet at the same time calming.

Purple has a long history of being associated with royalty, the clergy and higher consciousness. Throughout history, purple robes were worn by royalty and people of authority or high rank. Many believe this to be true because the rare occurrence of purple in nature made it one of the most expensive colour dyes to create. There are only a few flowers that naturally occur as purple including iris, lavender and violets. Purple is often associated with luxury and wealth and has often be favoured by royalty for ceremonial garb and public appearances.

The Ancient Greeks believed that purple and therefore, amethyst, had a mind-clearing, sobering effect. It was believed that if one wore an amethyst on one’s person or concealed one orally they could drink all night without suffering the intoxicating effects of wine! The name for amethyst comes from Ancient Greek and means “not intoxicated” or “sober”. The medieval clergy was attracted by this association and Anglican bishops wear an episcopal ring often set with an amethyst, an allusion to the description of the Apostles as "not drunk" at Pentecost in Acts 2:15. In modern times amethyst and purple have been seen as symbolising higher consciousness and is the colour of the seventh or crown chakra. The colour has been favoured by rock stars such as Prince, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix as the contemporary symbolism for purple is ambiguous sexuality, the counter-culture and the “purple-haze” of an altered mind state.

Amethyst was once considered to be one of the most precious gemstones or cardinal gems alongside diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies. Deposits of amethyst were rare and it wasn’t until settlers from Idar-Oberstein in the early 19th century discovered large deposits in the Minas Gerais district of Brazil that the purple gemstone became more affordable and amethyst was relegated to the rank of semi-precious. As well as Brazil, some very fine amethyst comes from Uruguay, South Korea and Russia.

So how to wear Ultra Violet in 2018? If you want to make an entrance choose a dramatic dress in Ultra Violet and accessorise with red shoes for a head-turning look. Ultra Violet marries brilliantly with many colours including red, soft greens such as Pantone’s Arcadia, turquoise and soft pinks like Pantone’s Blooming Dahlia. Purple looks great with denim so you can choose an Ultra Violet coloured top if the thought of head-to-toe purple is too much. An Ultra Violet jacket would look stunning thrown over a crisp white shirt and neutral-coloured tailored pants if you want to update your work wardrobe.

When it comes to Ultra Violet coloured jewels, amethyst springs to mind with its stunning purple colour with undertones of blue. As it’s a more affordable gem, you can go for the impact of a statement cocktail ring such as our magnificent Vivaring with an impressive 18.17ct Brazilian amethyst set in 9ct rose gold. For a real colour pop, we’ve contrasted the cool violet of a rounded amethyst cabochon with the electric green of emerald in our Deux ring, also set in 9ct rose gold. If you love silver and the futuristic look you can’t go past our Meteor necklace in sterling silver with five bullet-shaped amethyst cabochons which would add that 70’s rock star touch to your outfit.

It looks like a year of positive change, imagination and elevated consciousness with Ultra Violet inspiring us in 2018.

Image Credit: People.com

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 soft shade is surprisingly versatile and works really well with another favourite for 2018, the gorgeous bluish green Arcadia. Blooming Dahlia is ideal to wear close to the face as its gentle warm tone is great for giving a glow to pale skin and a superb contrast to a tanned complexion.

Select relaxed knits in Blooming Dahlia that look super sweet paired with pale denim or go for the full 'vintage femme' look with an intricate, textured floral skirt and a plain top. Get super funky with a strapless jumpsuit or plain flared pants in this alluring shade. If you are planning a wedding, Blooming Dahlia would work brilliantly for bridesmaids’ dresses especially if your gown is ivory or pale cream. Blooming Dahlia works wonderfully with the other key neutral shades for the season such as Coconut Milk, Harbour Mist, and Warm Sand.

To accessorise with an early 70’s vintage style, go for gold! Yellow gold is making a huge comeback in Europe and the United States and the trend will be undoubtedly hitting Australia any moment. Plaited neck chains, gold watches, stacking rings and drop earrings will give your outfit total retro glamour with a modern edge. Big ombre sunglasses with coloured frames and a gold shoulder bag with a disco feel would complete the look.

Thinking of complimenting your outfit with Blooming Dahlia coloured gemstones? There are plenty of options to choose from. Morganite with its peachy pink hues immediately springs to mind – a delicious delight paired with rose gold. Consider a statement cocktail ring as morganite gems come in large carat weights and are affordable in price. Malaya garnets are another pretty option from the gem pantheon. These lesser known garnets hail mostly from Tanzania and Kenya in Africa and are very clean with good dispersion. They also have an appealing price point per carat. Finally, peachy pink sapphire can come in Blooming Dahlia shades. Sapphire is always such a brilliant choice for jewellery, especially that worn every day, such as engagement rings, due to its great hardness and durability.

These gems could be set in any gold colour or platinum depending upon your preference for precious metals.

The ornamental gemstones to wear with Blooming Dahlia that you could experiment with are rose quartz, rhodonite or rhodochrosite. Rose quartz comes in the palest shades of pink which would complement nicely with Blooming Dahlia. Rhodochrosite is a banded ornamental gemstone with a soft sheen that has pinks mixed with white. Rhodonite has pinks mixed with blacks for those who can’t go with a fully pale look.

It’s going to be a blooming lovely start to 2018!

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. It looks amazing set in rose gold which picks up on the warm tones or in white gold which enhances the cool violet tones. Choose either black or white diamonds to be set into the band or a combination of both if you are adventurous. Spinel is mostly more affordable than sapphire even though it’s a rarer stone. Like sapphire, it’s hard and durable enough for ring settings and can be worn every day. We have combined the winning combination of grey spinel, black diamonds and 18k rose gold in our bespoke engagement ring.

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2. Morganite – is the pretty peachy pink gem in the beryl family. Its other relatives include aquamarine and emerald. We love morganite as it looks so sophisticated in rose gold with diamond accents. One of our favourite ring designs is Lumiere - this morganite cocktail ring is handmade in rose gold and accented with diamonds. The design truly floods the centre stone with rays of light, creating lots of sparkle. Morganite is super feminine and many fashion savvy women are selecting it as an alternative engagement ring stone. It comes in peach or pink tones in the pastel palette and owes its soft colour to the transition element manganese. Morganite is a gorgeous gemstone choice for summer as it looks great with whites and neutrals, as well as brighter colours.

3. Aquamarine – The star of the alternative engagement ring trend is undoubtedly aquamarine. This cool blue member of the beryl family is beloved by everyone and its pale ocean tones of blues through to blue greens suits all skin types. Our aquamarine, diamond and white gold Lumiere ring embraces the beauty of the centre stone set, a 2.4ct cushion cut aquamarine of the finest blue. The colour of aquamarine goes so well with most colours of your wardrobe and has a calming effect as you admire your ring sparkling on your hand.

4. Indicolite Tourmaline – tourmaline has dramatically increased in popularity in recently times and it’s not surprising as this family of gemstones truly is the rainbow family. The array of colours available is astonishing and indicolite, with its intense teal tones, is highly prized. Mostly these rare gems come in small sizes of around 1 carat, however occasionally a big beauty surfaces such as the majestic indicolite set into our Atlantic ring that weighs in at an impressive 6.67 carats! Set in 18ct white gold with diamonds, this ring is the epitome of elegance.

5. Parti Sapphire – If you like unusual gemstones with unique colours then parti sapphires will grab your attention. Most of us think of sapphires as beautiful royal blue stones, however they come in every colour of the rainbow including ruby (which is corundum coloured by chromium). Parti sapphires are even more unusual as they display distinct colour zoning and have bands or patches of yellow and blue and sometimes green. They are yet to be synthesised so you are guaranteed that a parti sapphire is natural. We have set one on these mysterious beauties into our Sofia engagement ring. It complements the side pear cut diamonds to perfection.

6. London Blue Topaz – topaz is a hard stone (8 on the Mohs scale) so is a great choice for effective ring settings. Blue topaz ranges from light blue to deep, almost inky blue, the most valuable of this spectrum, named London Blue. Topaz comes in big carat weights and our knock out Illuminaire ring features a majestic London Topaz weighing in at 20 carats! Even though topaz is gorgeous looking, it is also a more affordable gemstone so you can go for a big stone without breaking the budget.

7. Mookaite Jasper – Ornamental gems are all the rage in Europe. The ornamentals are interesting as they are opaque to translucent and have unique patterns and sheens that transparent gems don’t have. We have used the desert colours and undulating pattern of Australian Mookaite jasper to create our Dawn earrings in silver with gold vermeil and champagne diamonds. These spectacular earrings would make the perfect gift from Australia as an alternative to precious opal.

8. Pink Spinel – If you love dazzling electric pink then hot pink spinel is for you. Coloured by chromium, the same element which gives ruby its gorgeous red colour, pink spinel has an almost neon fascination. It goes with so many stones – super elegant with black onyx drops as in our Blush earrings or daring with green emerald in our Manhattan earrings. The best material hails from Mahenge, which is a limestone plateau in Tanzania, Africa. The hot pink material from this region has catapulted spinel back into public favour.

9. Rutilated Quartz – Hot at the Idar-Oberstein pavilion at the Tucson 2017 gem fair earlier this year was fascinating rutilated quartz. This type of quartz features clear rock crystal with myriads of strands of acicular (needle-like) inclusions of golden or copper coloured rutile. These shiny strands were once called “Venus Hair” and you can easily see why. A stunning carre square cut rutilated quartz is the star in our Viva ring in yellow gold to enhance the colour of the rutile. A truly unique gemstone!

10. Malaya Garnet – if you like soft dreamy rose pinks then Malaya garnet is for you. These gorgeous stones were once disregarded as rejects as gem prospectors were looking for purple-red Rhodolite garnets and were named Malaya, which means “Outcast” in Swahili. Fortunately, some gem dealer with vision saw that these pretty stones in orange pinks and rose pinks would become highly sought after. Garnets belong to the cubic crystal system as does diamond and possess a special sparkle all of their own. We have featured them in our show stopping Lily earrings with sapphires and 18ct rose gold.

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 want strong colour that can be paired with subdued neutrals. Designers are reflecting this trend with collections showing plenty of punchy colour. Fashion bible Vogueis heralding the arrival of this colour trend for next year which isboth retro and contemporary.

This is great news for coloured gemstone fans as Arcadia is one of those colours that looks terrific with so many different jewel tones. Anything in the blue family wouldcomplementthis hue beautifully. Aquamarine's pretty soft blue colour with hints of green would look so striking set in white gold and worn with Arcadia coloured clothing. Vibrant cornflower blue sapphires would also compliment and contrast well. The ornamental gems turquoise and amazonitewould also sit pretty next to Arcadia. Finally, the stars of the tourmaline family, Paraiba and Indicolite, would be delightful matcheswithArcadia.

For complete contrast, pink tourmaline set in rose gold or warm coloured garnets, from soft pink hued Malayas through to deep purple-red rhodolites, would look luscious against Arcadia. For a very regal look, deep red spinel or rich purple amethyst set in rose gold would sit divinely with the verdigris of Aracdia.

If you prefer to keep your jewellery neutral in colour when wearing stronger tones, imagine grey Tahitianpearls set in cool white gold or luscious South Seapearls in rose gold against Arcadia green. Elegant and understated.

Finally, if you are opposed to wearing strong colour and want to stick to a neutral wardrobe you could play with Arcadia coloured gemstone jewellery to add that on trend touch. Ornamental gemstones such as chrysoprase, amazonite and turquoise worn in strands of beads or set in statement earrings and rings would really lift beiges, whites and blacks into a more contemporary look.