- What bride doesn’t want to look stunning on their most memorable day? Finding the perfect bridal jewelry and knowing how to wear it properly on your wedding day will make you and your jewels – flawless!
- There are many reasons why your loved one loves YOU! One of those reasons could be that you’re different – in a good way, of course. Show your sweetheart that you care by going the extra mile and opting for designer jewellery rather than walking into a store and picking one out from the display case because it’s the little things that matter!
- Let’s face it – engagement rings are all about the woman which could mean a very stressful time for the groom-to-be. By knowing what you’re getting into ahead of time (we’re only talking about the ring…), it might be helpful to know exactly what it is you’re looking for before rushing out and putting that big dent in your bank account.
- Believe it or not, diamonds are not just a girl’s best friend – they’re pretty good friends with men too! Men who know how to wear their diamond jewellery fashionably can sport their rock just as well as women do.
- For those who enjoy authenticity and an artistic twist, picking handcrafted jewellery instead of the usual design, is a sure way to draw great attention to you!
- Bridal jewellery has a more sentimental value to it than most other pieces of jewellery. Since it will probably only be worn once and then kept as a keepsake, make sure you’re picking the best value as well as the best quality.
- Most women want their engagement ring to stand out and look different from every other run-of-the-mill engagement ring. Having designer rings made especially for you will guarantee you your chance to shine.
- Buying an engagement ring online is becoming more and more popular. Like everything else, it’s easy and you don’t have to get up from your chair to do it. However, it’s a HUGE gamble to take involving an awfully large amount of money. Your best bet may be to choose your diamond or fine jewel in person to ensure you get exactly what you’re paying for.
- Learn what it takes to design and create custom jewelery because once you know how, you will not want to go for anything less to dazzle and impress!
- Unique jewelry is fantastic because you get to have a hand in designing your own one-of-a-kind jewelry! It’s easy to get carried away when picking jewels and metals (it can get rather expensive) so before turning over your ring design over your jewellery designer, make sure you’ve allocated beforehand for changes and additions to your budget.
- Once you’re married, you’ll be planning to wear your wedding rings for the rest of your life. Look around to get to know what type of metal and design appeals to you while remaining within your budget.
- Understanding the important qualities of your diamond will make you appreciate your diamond rings all the more!
Archive for the 'Diamonds' Category
The 4C’s in Diamond Characteristics: Carat Weight
In this series of blog posts, I have been examining the brilliance and beauty of the natural diamond. I have touched on the colour, clarity and cut of the diamond. These three, along with carat weight make up the 4C’s. The 4C’s is a method by which the GIA – the benchmark in diamond grading throughout the world – compares the quality of diamonds.
In this post, let’s take a look at carat weight and how that plays into the value and desire of the diamond. The word carat is the term used to express the weight of the diamond and one carat is equal to 200 milligrams of actual weight and five carats is equal to 1 gram. Interestingly, while carat weight is used to measure other gemstones, different stones of the same weight are not necessarily the same sizes as the density of the stone plays a role in total carat weight.
When considering two equal carat diamonds, for instance, one may be cut too shallow and will appear to have a larger diameter but a smaller depth. The other diamond may be cut too deep – what is considered to be bottom heavy – and will have a smaller diameter, but will appear smaller when it is viewed from the top. In this case, both diamonds are equal in carat weight, yet look very different when viewed with the naked eye.
It is important to remember that as the diamond carat size increases, so does the diameter and depth of the diamond. As a result, a 1.00 carat diamond will not look twice as wide as a 0.50 carat diamond. At the same time, you must consider the size of the finger that will wear the diamond as a 1 carat solitaire looks much larger on a smaller finger than it will on a larger finger.
Smaller diamonds are weighed in points instead of carats. The carat weight is still the base of measurement, but the points communicate to the consumer and the jeweller how much of a whole carat is represented in the stone. In other words, there are 100 points in 1 carat and if a diamond is rated a 0.05, this means it is five one-hundredths. A 0.05 carat diamond is equal to five points.
The carat weight of the diamond will impact its value, simply because larger diamonds that are both brilliant and beautiful are much rarer. At the same time, the larger diamond is in more demand than smaller diamonds of the same quality. As a result, a larger carat diamond solitaire has more value that a diamond setting made up of multiple diamonds that total the same carat weight, but are individually smaller. Likewise, the diamond that is just less than one full carat will be less expensive than the diamond that surpasses the full-carat benchmark.
No matter what the carat weight of the diamond, its value will also take into account the cut, clarity and colour as all four combine into the 4C’s when determining the true quality and investment potential of the diamond.
I have enjoyed this series and I do hope that you have been able to learn some new and important information that will help you make the best decision when you are purchasing your next diamond – whether it be for an engagement ring or anniversary or just because…
If you are in need of expert advice, please contact me via my website, Eskae Jeweller and I will be happy to sit with you to go through the various options available in your next diamond purchase.
Sam Kritsotakis
Eskae Jeweller – Your Private Jeweller
The pictures in today’s post come courtesy of Dr Marc Dussault, The Exponential Growth Strategist. At his recent Exponential Business Building Bootcamp, he demonstrated how a squash racquet gets broken from repeated use…
Broken Squash Racquet
You will see that on the “corners” of the racquet where it has broken, the break has been caused from repetitive damage to the same spot. In squash, as Marc explained, racquets are often broken where the same part of the racquet scrapes against the wall of the court from a well placed shot by your competitor, which forces you to retrieve the ball right up against the wall.
You are probably sitting there asking yourself what on earth does this have to do with jewellery and diamonds?
To make the connection for you – if your diamond setting is consistently damaged in the same place with repeated wear and tear, over time you run the risk of the setting becoming loose and the diamond falling out and being lost for ever…
Broken Racquet, Broken Setting = NIGHTMARE!
With a squash racquet there is no maintenance possible. When it breaks, you have to replace it.
The good news is that with your diamond jewellery it can and should be maintained regularly. At Eskae Private Jeweller, we have a service called the Refreshing Ring Rejuvenation to make sure your setting never gets loose so you never lose a diamond, pearl or precious gemstone.
Click on the hyperlink to go to our Refreshing Ring Rejuvenation page to find out everything you need to know.
We will make sure that -
- The beadwork on your ring is correct and full – which means that the diamonds or gemstones are securely held in place
- The bezel edge is safe and secure with enough metal over the diamond/gemstone.
- The setting edge is secur enough of the diamond/gemstone.
- There are NO chips, scratches, breaks or cleaves in the diamonds/gemstones.
- The claws or setting edges are all in place and are not bent out of shape.
- There is not too much wear on any of the exposed metal holding the diamond/gemstone in place.
- Your jewellery is checked for damaged or loose diamonds or gemstones.
- Your jewellery is professionally cleaned and polished so it looks like NEW again.
- ALL scratches and marks on your jewellery are removed.
- The white gold sections are re-rhodium plated to give your white gold a more brilliant lustre and hue.
The broken racquet – or your broken diamond setting – can be avoided.
At Eskae Private Jeweller we provide this service for our clients every 6 months, which is the recommended maintenance schedule for high-value jewelery. It gives us the opportunity to prevent any damage or loss to YOUR jewellery BEFORE any expensive restoration work is required.
It really is simple and easy to do – just give me a phone call or send me an email to book in your Refreshing Ring Rejuvenation so your rings are sparkling and clean just like when they were brand new!
Sam Kritsotakis
This is a picture of mining giant Rio Tinto’s one-of-a-kind Argyle pink diamond tiara, which added some sparkle to the Masterpieces London Fair, a unique event that showcased fine art, wine, jewellery and cars in June.
Have a look at the picture below and I am sure you will be amazed at the amount of pink diamonds used in this magnificent tiara. The symmetry on this is superb, the craftsman really got down into the detail here as you can see from all the “waves” and they way they all have the same motion and direction on either side of the centre. They really did an excellentr job of this piece of jewellery
Argyle Pink Diamond Tiara
Can you imagine wearing this on your wedding day!, what a statement it would make for your special wedding…
If you follow the link to the Pink Diamond Tiara, you will be able to find the full story on how our Pink Diamonds are wowing the world!
I have mentioned it in a few earlier posts, the Argyle diamond mine is now beginning to halt the production of it world famous pink diamonds. There is a finite amount of pink diamonds in the mine and they know they will run out in 2018. The price of rare pink diamonds has begun to increase steadily due to this fact, along with the fact that there has been NO significant find for quite some time…
The Argyle diamond mine produces 95% of the worlds pink diamonds, and the other mines in India and Brazil do not produce the colour with anywhere near the same sort of intensity of colour…
Hopefully there will be another find of these most magnificent diamonds.
Sam Kritsotakis
Eskae Jeweller – Your Private Jeweller
WOW! is all I can say…
To be finding diamond rough of this size still amazes me – to no end…
Click on this link to read all about the 507 carat diamond that was found.
“This spectacular gemstone was recovered on Thursday 24 September and is currently with experts for analysis,” said a statement released by the London-listed company which operates mainly in Africa.
The precious stone was found alongside three other special white gems of similar colour and clarity, a large diamond of 168.00 carats and two other stones of 58.50 and 53.30 carats.
The mine which was previously owned by diamond mining giant De Beers, is renowned for the discovery of the famed Cullinan Diamond in 1905, which is part of the British crown jewels and weighed 3106 carats.
Now imagine that, finding a 3106 carat diamond in the rough… that the kind of thing dreams are made of!
Sam Kritsotakis
Eskae Jeweller – Your Private Jeweller
Here is a great video for you that will demonstrate to you easily – how you can clean your diamond set, gemstone set or plain gold jewellery at home!
I take you through the steps of how you can get a semi professional clean right in the comfort of your own home. Your jewellery will not be polished, but the best advantage of this technique is that all of the grime and layered on dirt will be removed. What this means for you is that the “stuff” that is caked onto your precious diamonds and gens actually gets in the way of light coming through and into the diamond or gemstone. So when this layer of grime is removed, we open the diamond or gemstone up to the full amount of light again, which will significantly enhance the sparkle and brightness of the jewellery you are wearing.
This is best done a little while before you go out to that special party, or event, it will only take you a couple of minutes to do so it really is quick and easy!
Please note CAREFULLY the instructions contained within the video as they must be adhered to for the best result.
Sam Kritsotakis
Eskae Jeweller – Your Private Jeweller
In this series on inclusions, I have been examining the different elements of the natural diamond that are known as inclusions or natural imperfections. So far, I have examined clouds, feathers, cleavage, crystals and cavities.
Today, I will take a look at pinpoints, internal graining and needles. While many of these inclusions will have similar characteristics, there are also some differences we will explore here together so you better understand how these inclusions impact the beauty and value of the diamond.
Pinpoints
Pinpoints are the tiny light or dark crystals you may see in the diamond that can appear on their own or together with other crystals in clusters. When the pinpoints are gathered together in a cluster, they are known as a cloud because they can create a hazy area in the diamond. This cloud will affect the clarity of the diamond by disrupting the path of light through the diamond which in turn will also play a role in the quality grading for determining the value of the diamond.
Diamond Inclusions - Pinpoints create a cloud
Internal Graining
As diamonds are formed through a unique process, the crystals forming with the diamond take on their own characteristics. Internal graining occurs when irregular crystal growth takes place within the stone, creating internal distortions, waviness and/or a haze to the appearance of the diamond. This internal graining can easily be accompanied by an internal strain.
Internal graining is also known as grain lines or growth lines. If the grain line is colorless, it often will not affect the clarity of the diamond. If the lines are present in large masses, however, they can impact the diamond’s clarity again by disrupting the path of light through the diamond. At the same time, white or colored grain lines are known to lower the clarity grade of the diamond.
Diamond Inclusions - Internal graining
Needles
Needles are another example of internal flaws that can exist in a natural diamond. When the internal crystals are present in the form of long and thin needles, they earn the needle reference. Many needle inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, although needles that take on a particular color can be easily seen. As you can see in the photo provided, some needles can be clustered together, very apparent to the viewer in a way that vastly impacts the beauty and value of the diamond.
Diamond Inclusions - Needles within the diamond
While it is easy to assume that all inclusions will affect the quality of the diamond in a negative way, this is not always true. Instead, talk to a professional jeweller to determine whether or not the diamond of interest has any natural inclusions and how they may impact the quality of the stone. Keep in mind that most diamonds will have some form of an inclusion that gives it a unique characteristic that can at times enhance its beauty.
Believe it or not, we still haven’t covered all inclusions that could occur in a natural diamond. I will continue this series to make sure you are completely informed and educated on all the possibilities. Join me next time as I explore carbon, knots and growth tubes.
Sam Kritsotakis
Eskae Jeweller – Your Private Jeweller
Designing your own Engagement Ring
A marriage proposal is one of the most important and personal events of a lifetime. A very special engagement ring will reflect the significance of this event. When you become engaged, you and your partner can create a lasting symbol of your unique love for each other with a custom engagement ring design. With the help of an experienced jeweller, the process of designing a custom engagement ring will bring you and your loved one closer and help you create a ring that both of you will treasure forever.
The Design Process
Once you’ve decided to create an engagement ring that will reflect you and your partner’s personalities and taste, the next step is to consult a jeweller who specializes in custom engagement ring design. An experienced jeweller has the technical expertise required to guide you through the design process. Your jeweller will explain the process to you in simple terms and make sure you have input at every step. You will gain an understanding and appreciation of how much is involved in custom designing and creation of your engagement ring.
Your jeweller will help you make a series of important design decisions related to ring design, including:
- Diamonds – Which one is Right for you? – Your jeweller will help run you through what makes a diamond sparkle with “Fire and Brilliance” and how the different characteristics affect the value of the diamond. Diamonds are a traditional choice for engagement rings, but a truly unique design can be created using other types of stones. Emeralds, rubies and pearls can be striking alternatives to diamonds.
- The Size and Shape of the Diamond or Gemstone – Once the type of stone is chosen, your jeweller can recommend suitable sizes and shapes. When recommending a diamond or gemstone, your jeweller will take into account your personalities, what you want to communicate through your engagement ring and a host of other considerations.
- The Style of the Setting – The design details of the setting will have a major impact on the overall style and look of the ring. The setting can be traditional, with a clean and crisp look that will allow your diamond or gemstone to sparkle with its own “fire and brilliance” or it may be embellished with side stones, engraving or filigrees, adding more detail and intrigue to the design.
- Platinum or Gold? – Which one is Best for your Setting? – The setting design, the diamond and gemstones used and the ring budget will determine the best metal for the engagement ring.
After you have expressed your design preferences, your jeweller will create a custom design for your approval. Many couples have seen another ring that they want to copy, or they may want to combine 2 or 3 design elements from other rings. If this is the case with your ring design, feel free to bring in drawings or photos to give your jeweller an idea of what you have in mind. A talented jeweller will incorporate these suggestions into a single cohesive ring design, adding any details that may be needed to complete the design and convey what you would like to have represented in your ring.
The Surprise Engagement Ring
A marriage proposal and engagement ring are often planned as a surprise. In this case, the design decisions will be made solely by the man. His fiancée’s lifestyle, looks, body size and shape, personality and taste in jewellery should be taken into account when designing a custom engagement ring. Family members or close friends can be a great help in creating a design that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Wedding Band Considerations
The design for your wedding bands should be considered when designing your engagement ring, especially if a bridal set consisting of the two rings is desired. Using similar stones, metals and design motifs is the best way to tie together the engagement and wedding rings.
Generally speaking, if you use a similar design in both engagement ring and wedding bands, you will gain the benefit of having them look they were designed together at the same time. When the engagement and wedding ring are worn together they will truly look like a matched set and not two unmatched rings that were bought at different times and places and thrown together.
Custom Engagement Ring Budget
You and your partner need to be aware that a custom designed engagement ring may cost a bit more than purchasing a mass market existing design due to the exclusivity of having an engagement ring designed specifically for you. It’s important to establish a budget and to work with your jeweller to stick with your budget. Your jeweller will be prepared to offer many suggestions on how to stick with your budget. Be prepared to listen to your jeweller’s suggestions and work with the options that are presented to you.
Sam Kritsotakis
Eskae Jeweller -Your Private Jeweller
This short video sums it all up!
If you are looking for the kind of investment that is what the ultra wealthy make without the vast majority of people knowing – then this is one of them.
Pink diamonds have averaged a 15% increases in value, year on year, for the past 20 years – that is 15% each and every year… for 20 years…
Don’t just take my word for it, watch the video below and then if this is something that is right for you and you want to start making an investment in Pink Diamonds – you will want to contact me through my website http://www.EskaeJeweller.com.au
Your discretion is my focus, and making an investment in Pink Diamonds does have an entry level of $50,000. I have very well established contacts here in Sydney, which means for you, that I am able to supply you with the best available selection given the fact that we are looking at a product with dwindling supply levels.
I have several other bog posts about Pink Diamonds of which the one that sums the situation the most can be found here – http://www.eskaejeweller.com.au/blog/pink-diamonds-set-to-sizzle
Throughout this blog you will also find many posts that point to record breaking sales of pink diamonds throughout the world. The demand is there and these posts prove that fact.
The Argyle Dimaond mine at the moment has put production on hold and has started the next phase of its mining operation – called “piping” where they are drilling verticle holes into the ground so they can access the remaining diamond deposits there. Once they have finished with the piping phase, they will start to drill across the pipes which is called “caverning”
There is a finite amount of Pink Diamond left in the ground in the Argyle mine, which accounts for 90-95% of the worlds pink and coloured diamonds. The investment worth of these rare and magnificent diamonds will esclate in line with the decline in supply.
When would NOW be a good time to start looking at an investment in one of the earths most wonderful creations?
Get in touch with me via my website or the contact form on the right, so that I can help you make an investment in Pink Diamonds.
Sam Kritsotakis
Eskae Jeweller – Your Private Jeweller
Rumor has it diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but have they always held such status in the eye of the beholder? While it’s true the durability, beauty, rarity and strength of the diamond make it appealing, it also stands as the ultimate symbol of love passion, elegance and glamour.
For centuries, only the wealthiest were able to own diamonds, increasing their status symbol among the rich. In today’s society, diamonds are much more accessible, broadening their appeal for the masses. Even today, however diamonds have saturated the global market, they are viewed as status symbols; the cut and quality of the diamond demonstrating investment made.
This widespread appeal was sparked by the innovative marketing strategy launched by De Beers in the 1930s. This campaign elevated the diamond from the focal point on engagement and wedding rings to the gem of status among those in the public eye. This campaign included the presentation of diamonds to Hollywood starlets, photo shoots and movie productions, asking that the jewels be included in photo opportunities, cover layouts and movie scenes.
In 1947, the same company launched the “A Diamond is Forever” campaign that is still well and alive today, demonstrating the eternal status of love and social placement the diamond represents. While these marketing campaigns launched a whole new home for diamonds among jewelry lovers everywhere – married or not – they also unwittingly created another social platform for establishing status for years to come.
In today’s materialistic society, the classes are not as clearly defined as they once were in previous generations. When De Beers launched their first campaign, cars were not owned by nearly every citizen in an urban area; clothing was not piling up at second hand stores; and flat screen televisions weren’t even a figment of anyone’s imagination.
Today, the possessions of the middle class easily emulate those of the rich, making it more difficult to clearly identify social status. When diamonds enter the picture, however, they are able to take the similarities and separate the two. Diamonds remain today one of the most distinguishable status symbols available, found in mother-baby diamond tennis bracelet sets, 4 carat emerald cut right-hand rings and even the man’s diamond stud earrings.
Each of these items can be considered a symbol of the individual’s status in society, business and life. Many will view their diamond purchase and ownership as a demonstration of success, proof they have arrived into a status that most only dream of and never achieve. Diamonds represent a brilliant beauty that can have no bounds when money is no object.
No matter what the intention is for the purchase of the diamond, the selection of shape, cut and colour depends greatly upon the status it is meant to project. Diamonds truly are a girl’s best friend and a status symbol of love, wealth and happiness. The beauty is that the wearer of the piece gets to decide just what he or she wishing to communicate.
Sam Kritsotakis
Eskae Jeweller – Your Private Jeweller