How Are Diamonds Formed?

August 30, 2012 · 0 comments

Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, engagement rings – diamonds are used in all kinds of fine jewellery, but how much do you really know about this amazing stone. For instance, do you know how diamonds are formed?

1.15 CT Diamond Ring by Eskae

If you said that diamonds come from coal, head to the back of the class. Actually, leave class altogether, because your science classroom was probably where you learned that old myth about diamonds and coal. Yes, that’s right: myth. Diamonds absolutely do not come from coal.

So, where do they come from?

Diamonds Are Formed in Four Different Natural Ways

Experts believe that diamonds come from four different natural sources, but the diamond jewellery we are wear and love mainly comes from just one of these. Where?

Deep within the Earth’s mantle. Yes, our engagement rings most likely began life deeper inside the Earth than Brendan Fraser in his Journey movies. It takes lots of pressure and high heat to form diamonds, and those kinds of conditions only exist in certain areas of the mantle, deeper than anyone has ever been able to go. So how do we get those diamonds? Simple: they come to us.

Deep-source volcanic eruptions long ago brought the already-formed diamonds to the surface. These eruptions actually tore up pieces of the mantle and took it with them as they ripped through the Earth and exploded to the surface. In the process, the eruptions formed “pipes” in the Earth that are sought after by diamond prospectors, and deposited many diamonds in the sediment of coastlines and streams where your friendly neighborhood diamond jewellery company was more than happen to come in and dig them out.

Diamond Solitaire Pendant (Photo Source: Paparutzi)

Besides these eruptions, there are three other natural ways that diamonds are formed:

In subduction zones. What are subduction zones? They are rock formations that have been pushed down into the mantle when the tectonic plates shift so that the conditions become ripe for diamond formation. Then, when the plates shift again, the rock formations rise again to levels where we can dig out the tiny diamonds that form.

This is probably where the myth about coal comes from, because it’s possible that coal could be the carbon source for these diamonds. However, experts believe it is far more likely that these diamonds come from limestone or marble because rock formations on the ocean floor have a greater chance of becoming subduction zones.

Impact diamonds. Some diamonds are believed to have been formed by extremely high-temperature and high-pressure impacts on the Earth’s surface. What could have caused such an impact? Asteroids. That’s right, it’s possible that some engagement rings had a little bit of otherworldly assistance coming into being. Again, coal is a possible carbon source, but limestone, marble, and even dolomite are just as likely.

Space diamonds. Forget having a ring with a diamond that was “helped” into existence by an impact from space – what about having diamond jewellery that actually is from space? Many experts believe that the final natural way that diamonds form is in the darkness of space. As meteors travel around the universe, sometimes they hit each other. Scientists believe that these impacts are forceful enough to create tiny nanodiamonds, which is why this material has been found in a number of meteorite sites around the world.

 

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Summer Fashion: Fine Jewellery Trends

August 25, 2012 · 0 comments

Fine Jewellery: Catherine Zeta Jones Wearing Chandelier Earrings (Photo Credit: David Shankbone)

It’s sunny season again – and time to change up your jewellery to reflect the latest styles and trends. Whether you’re spending time relaxing in the sun or heading out for a night on the town, you can find ways to incorporate these new (or returning!) ideas to make your outfit just a little more interesting.

Floral Jewellery

Flowers aren’t just being included on clothes, bags, and hats; they’re now finding their way into fine jewellery. You’ll find many more necklaces, rings, bracelets, and hair jewellery pieces that incorporate floral designs today than ever before. Expect to see more flower drop earrings, carved floral patterns, pastel colours, and parures.

Gemstone Jewellery

More jewellery is incorporating the varied beauties of the earth, making use of the natural colours of stones rather than artificial enhancements.  Check out our series of gemstone articles for ideas on what kinds of accessories would go well with your summer plans.

Multilayer Necklaces

There are many different styles that you can use to layer your necklaces to create a new, fun, and stylish look. Try combining necklaces of the same colour or colour family – or necklaces of totally different colours but the same style. Another trend is the combination of silver and gold.

Summer Jewellery: Chunky Gold Bracelet (Photo Source: GlitzUK)

Geometric Shapes for Jewellery

This is particularly true for bracelets, which you’ll find in chunky square, triangle, and round shapes. These block bracelets make for a stunning, attention-getting look. Combine this trend with the layered look, and put on multiple bracelets to change it up. The bigger, the better!

Chandelier Earrings

The layering doesn’t have to stop with necklaces and bracelets, either; you’ll also see styles that incorporate two-, three-, and four-tier chandelier earrings. Consider smaller chandelier earrings for during the day, and then turn to longer earrings made with precious metals and jewels for fancier evening occasions.

Ribbon Necklaces

Sick of your normal necklace chains? Bring a little texture into your look by hanging your favourite fine jewellery pendant on a silk ribbon instead. It’s a throwback to a more traditional look that works well whether you’re headed out for a night on the town or going to a nice lunch during the day. You can also take it a step further by adding some of the same ribbon to your hairdo, and maybe even add some fancy hair jewellery pieces.

Gemstone Jewelry - 9.78 Carat Tanzanite Set in18 Karat Gold (Photo Source_Gemteck1)

Continuing the tribal influences that seem to be so popular this year, you’ll find more feather charms and pendants combining with geometric designs, as well as horn and leather accents. Continuing the theme, large stones, gemstones, and seeds often seem to find their way into these more natural pieces. Burnished metals are also being combined with this look.

Car-Inspired Jewellery

Rev your engines for new modernist jewellery that includes a number of car-related themes, as well as metal “lace” and sleek designs. You’ll also find sleek, modern metals combined with beaded jewellery, and natural materials such as stone and wood.

Bright Colours Contrasted with White

A light, fresh, and youthful look, the white helps the brighter colours to really pop in jewellery. You’ll also find other neutral colours being used to this effect, such as grey, tan, or nude, and you’ll find this trend popping up in those floral motifs mentioned earlier as well!

To check out more of what’s new in fine jewellery this year, such as art deco jewellery, ocean themes, and the return of pearls, read our post on Top Jewellery Trends in 2012 to discover other ideas you can incorporate into your repertoire to make yourself feel like you’ve gotten a whole new wardrobe.

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Gay Pride Rings: The Symbolism behind the Gemstone Rainbow

August 21, 2012 · 0 comments

Pride Flag (Photo Source: Sigmaration_

What do you think of when you think about rainbows? Leprechauns and pots of gold? Skittles? Or maybe you just think of the actual object – a gorgeous band of multiple colours that is all the more beautiful for how the different hues work together.

That idea of difference and diversity is how the rainbow became a symbol for the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community. But now, it is a symbol that is not only being used in gay pride rings, but also finding its way into commitment bands and other special occasion jewellery of couples who want to celebrate their relationship as well as their pride in being gay and married!

The rainbow was first made popular as a symbol of the LGBT community in 1978 by an artist from San Francisco, California, named Gilbert Baker. The range of colours celebrated the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, and was first displayed in a “freedom flag.” From there, the symbol spread to be displayed on banners, clothing, and, of course, jewellery!

The original version of the rainbow symbol actually had eight colours: pink (sex), red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sunlight), green (nature), turquoise (art/magic), blue (harmony), purple (spirit). As of 1979, pink and turquoise were removed, and now the standard symbol only has 6 colours with red always being at the top or to the left.

Gay Pride Jewellery

While rainbow rings, earrings, and pendants began as an accessory for gay pride parades, festivals, and other events, the rainbow was often formed using plastic, paint, or sometimes coloured stones of cubic zirconia. But as people are increasingly looking to incorporate the symbol into fine jewellery for their engagement rings, wedding rings, and commitment bands, you can now find unique, beautiful pieces that use high-quality gemstones displaying brilliant colours, and occasionally people choose to use diamonds which are either naturally coloured (which can be very pricy) or artificially enhanced.

Wedding Band (Photo Source: Srslyguys)

Here is a list of some of the precious and semi-precious gemstones that are often used to form the rainbow:

Red Stripe – Ruby, Garnet
Yellow Stripe – Yellow Sapphire, Beryl
Orange Stripe – Citrine, Fire Opal
Green Stripe – Tsavorite, Peridot, Emerald
Blue Stripe – Blue Sapphire, Blue Topaz, Turquoise, Aquamarine
Purple Stripe – Amethyst, Spinel

Many couples also choose to incorporate other LGBT symbols, such as the triangle, lambda, labrys, double Venus, or double Mars. And some opt for “freedom rings,” which are made up of 6 intertwined bands of different colours and symbolize the power of people coming together in the fight for gay rights.

When shopping for fine gay pride jewellery, be sure to find out what gemstones will be used to form the rainbow, as well as what your options are for the metal used.

The Placement of LGBT Wedding Bands

While many gay and lesbian couples are choosing to forgo the traditional diamond engagement ring or plain wedding bands, they are also often changing how the jewellery is worn. Instead of wearing the wedding band on the left hand, couples are sometimes choosing to wear their wedding jewellery on their right ring finger, as another twist on old traditions.

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Fashionable and Fit: The Mosman Netball Audi Fashion Gala

August 15, 2012 · 0 comments

On July 21st, 2012, Eskae Private Jeweller had the honour of supporting a fundraising evening of style and glamour for the Mosman Netball Club at the new Audi Centre. We wanted to do our part to support girls’ sports. Team activities like netball help young girls to stay active, improve their self-esteem, and develop teamwork and leadership skills invaluable later in life.

At the Mosman Netball Audi Fashion Gala, six models from the netball club joined ten professional models in showcasing the latest in high fashion. Hair was done by Made in Paris, and cosmetics were provided by Ariane Inden.

The goal of the event was to raise $17,000 to support the 300 teams who train every week on the courts in Georges Heights through the Mosman Netball Club. Eskae’s giveaway of fine jewellery was only one of several other generous donations from local businesses, including nine fashion boutiques. The new Audi Centre even donated the venue for free and also sponsored a giveaway of a free Audi for a weekend to one lucky attendee!

Check out highlights from this evening of fun and fashion in the video below:

Mosman Netball Audi Fashion Gala from Chris Meredith on Vimeo.

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Jewellery Gift Ideas for Your Loved One's Work Promotion

August 10, 2012 · 0 comments

Tourmaline and White Gold Ring with Diamonds (Photo Source: Easement)

When it comes time to celebrate your spouse or family member’s promotion at work, one great place to look for gift ideas is fine designer jewellery. There are many unique and meaningful ways to express your pride and joy at their achievement, and they can keep the piece of jewellery with them while on the job to remind them of your support and love.

Engrave the Jewellery

Go right out and say what you’re feeling about this achievement on the inside of a ring, necklace, watch, bracelet, or other piece of custom designer jewellery. Other ideas include listing their new job title or commemorating the date of their first day on the job. You can also find an inspirational quote from someone they admire greatly in their field or something to keep them motivated during the tougher days.

Find the Right Gemstone

A diamond is always a classic choice for any piece of special occasion jewellery, but you can also select a specific gemstone or multiple gemstones that have a meaning you wish to share with your significant other.

Here is a list of gemstones and the special properties or meanings they are known for that may be appropriate for a work promotion:

  • Creativity -  Ametrine, Amber, Garnet, Labradorite, Tourmaline

    Gemstone Jewelry (Photo Source: Gnilenkov Aleksey)

  • Goal Setting – Labradorite, Lepidolite, Watermelon Tourmaline
  • Industriousness - Rhodochrosite
  • Improving Mental and Physical Energy -  Agate
  • Improving Self-Confidence – Calcite, Citrine, Fluorite, Garnet, Imperial Topaz, Sunstone
  • Increasing Motivation – Amber, Chrysoprase
  • Logical Thinking – Agate, Chrysoprase, Citrine, Kunzite, Lepidolite, Black Tourmaline
  • Celebrating New Beginnings – Garnet, Moss Agate
  • Order -  Aquamarine, Fluorite, Sodalite
  • Readiness For Action – Amethyst, Ametrine, Chrysoprase, Fire Opal, Rhodonite, Turquoise
  • Reducing Stress  - Amethyst
  • Solving Difficulties – Carnelian, Garnet, Moss Agate, Smokey Quartz, Tiger Eye
  • Wishing Good Luck - Agate, Amber, Ametrine, Aventurine, Chrysoprase, Garnet, Malachite, Moonstone, Sunstone, Turquoise

Be Practical in Your Jewellery Selection

If this piece of jewellery is meant to celebrate their accomplishment at work, consider finding a piece that they can actually use at work! In some positions, certain types of jewellery may even be prohibited for safety reasons or because they are not an acceptable part of the dress code. And even if they aren’t, some people find certain types of jewellery more difficult to wear on the job.

For example, if your loved one spends much of their day on the computer, he or she may find a bracelet to be cumbersome while typing, but a necklace would pose no problem. In some positions, however, particularly those where production equipment is being used, any kind of dangling jewellery can be a danger, so a ring might be a better option. If he or she can’t wear jewellery at all in the new position, another great idea that most people can make use of in their jobs is a congratulatory pen. A fine-quality writing instrument made of silver or gold can be engraved with a loving and meaningful message.

If you’re not sure what type of jewellery your spouse can or wants to wear at work, pay attention to what they choose to wear on a daily basis as they head out to the office. Does she put on a pair of earrings every day? Does he wear a necklace? What jewellery your spouse chooses to wear during the work week may be very different than what they use for a night on the town.

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You’ll Be over the Moon for the Unique Moonstone

August 3, 2012 · 0 comments

Moonstone Gemstones (Photo Source: Mauro Cateb)

Few gemstones boast the dreamy, mythical qualities of the moonstone. Named for its startling resemblance to the luminous orb that shines in the night sky, the moonstone can be found in a variety of colours — but all specimens exhibit the signature shimmer that makes the stone so famous.

Though moonstones typically occur in white tones with a blue sheen, it is possible to purchase yellow, green, pink, brown, red, or even black moonstones. These unique varieties of the gem make for incredibly breathtaking designer jewellery pieces.

What Gives Moonstone its Distinct Luminescence?

Moonstone is a type of feldspar, the most common mineral in the Earth’s crust. Uncut pieces of moonstone don’t look like anything special — the trick to capturing the stone’s shimmer is entirely up to the skill of a capable jeweller.

Moonstone is one of a very few gemstones whose shimmer is derived from adularisation, a term that refers to the way that light is refracted and scattered within the stone. By cutting the moonstone to perfectly align the axes of the different layers within the crystal, the gem cutter can maximize the adularescent effect.

Tumbled Moonstone Gemstones (Photo Source: Jaja_1985)

The result is that a correctly cut moonstone will appear to possess a milky bluish glow just beneath the surface of the stone. Some moonstones’ crystal arrangements can even create a cats’-eye or six-pointed star effect when cut by talented jewellers.

What is the History of the Moonstone?

The moonstone has long been revered by ancient cultures. Ancient India (specifically, Sri Lanka) was the site of many moonstone deposits. The stone was considered incredibly precious, and was thought to give the wearer the power to see the future as well as beautiful dreams and visions. Both the Ancient Greeks and Ancient Romans believed that the gemstone was connected to the moon goddess, and the Romans even believed that the stone was formed from moonlight itself. Arabic cultures revered the moonstone for its supposed power to promote fertility.

Moonstones have always been popular as a jewellery material, but the gemstone saw a boom in popularity during the Art Nouveau period at the end of the nineteenth century. Now it is possible to purchase moonstones in every colour and size — although the rare, purer blue moonstones will be more expensive than their more colourful cousins.

What are the Healing Properties of Moonstone?

Rainbow Moonstone Necklace (Photo Source: Caliente Jewelry)

Moonstone is one of the most storied gemstones when it comes to mystical association. The stone is known the world over as the “lovers’ stone,” and it is said that exchanging moonstone jewellery when the moon is full will forge a deep connection between lovers. The stone is also said to have the power to reconnect lovers who have fought or drifted apart. Moonstone is valued for its calming energy, and promotes inspiration and intuition. The gem is also prized for its connection to women and its promotion of feminine energy, and is said to “honor the Goddess” in all women. The moonstone has been valued for these properties since ancient times and continues to be looked upon as a powerful and calming material.

How to Care for Moonstone Jewellery

It is important to be mindful of the moonstone’s relative softness when it comes to other minerals. The surface of the stone can easily be scratched, especially by harder gems, so care must be taken to keep it isolated when storing. Wrapping your moonstone jewellery in cotton can be an effective solution to prevent scratching.

Moonstones should be cleaned simply with a soft cloth. Never use chemical cleaners on your moonstone jewellery, and be sure to remove your rings and bracelets before cleaning or engaging in any physical tasks. However, if your moonstone jewellery does get scratched, it is easy for a jeweller to rebuff the surface and rejuvenate the shimmering glow of your piece.

What is the Best Way to Wear Moonstone?

Moonstone Earrings (Photo Source: Somma)

Since moonstone tends to be neutral in colour, it can work as an accent piece in ornate necklaces or bracelets, or can be the star of the show on its own in earrings or a ring. The stone’s white colour makes it a good choice for very unique bridal jewellery. The moonstone’s resemblance to pearl — the only other gem to exhibit the adularescent shimmer effect — has led it to be considered as an alternate birthstone for people born in the month of June.

The moonstone’s wide variety of colours makes it a great choice for anyone looking to purchase a piece of jewellery that’s as unique as its wearer. And the moonstone’s rich history and legendary healing and calming properties make it an even more significant gift for someone special — or for yourself!

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