Tag Archive for 'Eskae Jeweller'

Eskae Jewellers Studio Development Stage 3

Published on August 11, 2010 in Eskae Jeweller Studio. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Here it is!

After much designing, working the candle at both ends, very early starts to accommodate various tradesmen we have the Jewellery Studio on the home stretch!

Once the plaster boards went up, the Studio took on a whole new persona, instead of having only a skeleton to look at through the day, we now had a studio with some flesh on it and we could really start to appreciate the spaces that we would be working in.

The studio definitely does not have the biggest square meterage, so how we used each and every single bit of space was of prime importance, as you can see I was pretty happy with the way the spaces have worked out!

Getting the studio cleaned up for the painters to come in and do there work was such a rewarding thing to do as much as it was a pain! Looking back at the first workbench that went in – it felt like such a long journey to get even that far, I am actually shaking my head here thinking “my god, what a journey that was…”

Now I know why people get stressed when they do home renovations!

What a difference a coat of paint make to the place too! When I walked in on the monday morning, it felt so good to have it all looking clean and fresh and crisp with the coat of paint, We still had a fair bit of work to do but it was a nother major step in getting the Eskae Jewellery Studio up and running.

When the lights were installed, the difference that having them on all the time made to how we worked, was huge. We were relying on spotlights that were actually called “day-makers” these were more floodlights than not and the amount of heat that they gave off was unbelievable…

All I will say is this – Let there be light!

I would like to say thank you to Luke Miles from LME Electrical Contracting for their great service and experience in getting all my electrical parts sorted out for me, as you can see they did a stellar job of it.

When the jewellers benches started to go in, it was like the icing on the cake was being prepared. I have selected solid oak timber benches, which have all been finger jointed, and are all made out of recycled timbers. These benches will take a bit of a beating over time so they need to be up for the challenge of the day to day use that being in a jewellers studio will give them. As you can see they are starting to come together well and the all important underside of the benches with the workings of how a jeweller gets his jewellery made is still a little bit early on, but the benches are coming together that is the main thing and a HUGE step towards getting started in the studio.

There will be 1 more video log of the development of the Studio and I hope that you enjoy the stages of the development.

Sam Kritsotakis

Eskae Jeweller – Your Private jeweller

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Pink Diamond Tiara

Published on August 7, 2010 in Coloured Diamonds, Diamonds, Pink Diamonds and Wedding Jewellery. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

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

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507 carat rough diamond found!

Published on August 3, 2010 in Diamonds and White Diamonds. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

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

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How to Clean your Jewellery at Home!

Published on July 31, 2010 in Bridal Jewellery, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Gemstones, Jewellery, Tips for Home, Wedding Jewellery and YouTube. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

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

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Inclusions – Natural Imperfections Part III

Published on July 29, 2010 in Diamond Education, Diamonds and White Diamonds. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

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

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Designing your own Custom Engagement Ring

Published on July 27, 2010 in Bridal Jewellery, Coloured Diamonds, Designer Jewellery, Diamonds, Emeralds, Engagement Rings, Jewellery, Pearls, Rubies, Sapphires, Wedding Jewellery and White Diamonds. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

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

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The Beauty of the Pearl; A Series Part I

Published on July 24, 2010 in Freshwater, Keshi, Pearls and South Sea. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

In my jewellery profession, there are a number of different stones and metals that combine to create true works of art – worn for both pleasure and purpose by my clients. One of the most exotic items included among these gems is the pearl. As the variety of pearls is vast, I have dedicated a series of posts to explore different pearls and the beauty they bring to you – the wearer.

Pearls are something that truly emulates miracles in nature, the idea of something so beautiful emerging from a process so simple leaves many in awe. If you are not familiar with the birth of a pearl, they are the result of a biological process inside a living creature – an oyster. (While clams and mussels also have the ability to produce a pearl, those will be discussed in a future post in this series on the pearl.)

As an oyster is a living creature; it moves, grows and eats just like other living creatures. The two valves (one part of a two-part shell) usually stay open to allow the oyster to eat. This process can sometimes also allow a foreign substance to get between the shell and the mantle, or the organ that produces the oyster’s shell.

When this happens, the mantle is irritated by the foreign substance and its natural reaction is to cover the irritant with the same substance it uses to create the shell. This substance is known as nacre.

The oyster continues this process over and over, covering the irritant with a number of layers of nacre. The result is the formation of a pearl. The most valuable pearls are those that were shaped beautifully within the oyster; but not all resulting pearls are the perfectly rounded objects you find in jewelry settings. Pearls that form in uneven shapes are known as baroque pearls.

Round and unique products of nature, pearls formed perfectly through this natural process are found in a range of colors such as white, red, black, gray, blue and green. Pearls can be found all over the world, although black pearls are indigenous to the South Pacific.

Aside from their shape and color, pearls vary in a number of others ways. While we have already discussed the natural pearl, there are also cultured pearls often found on the market. The process for creating these pearls is very similar to that of the natural process, although pearl harvesters help move the creation of the pearl along by cutting a small slit in the mantle tissue and inserting an irritant.

Both cultured and natural pearls discussed here take place in saltwater environments, although pearls are also formed in fresh water. This process is different from that of saltwater pearls and requires a much closer look. Join us next time as I continue this series on pearls by diving in for a closer look at fresh water cultured pearls.

Sam Kritsotakis

Eskae Jeweller – Your Private Jeweller

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Pink Diamond Investment

Published on July 21, 2010 in Coloured Diamonds, Diamonds, Pink Diamond Investment, Pink Diamonds and YouTube. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

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

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Diamonds: Socially Significant

Published on July 20, 2010 in Coloured Diamonds, Diamonds, Wedding Jewellery and White Diamonds. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

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

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Inclusions – Natural Imperfections Part II

Published on July 17, 2010 in Diamond Certification, Diamonds and White Diamonds. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Inclusions – Natural Diamond Imperfections Part II

To offer you insight into different imperfections – or inclusions – that are often found in the natural diamond, we have focused a series of posts on these characteristics often inherent in a mined diamond. In our first post, we looked at the clouds and feathers, understanding how to identify them on sight and what they can mean for the value of your stone. Now, we will examine crystals, cavities and cleavage.

Crystals

While it may seem unusual that a crystal within the natural diamond is considered to be an inclusion, anything that affects the way light passes through the stone is seen as an imperfection. It is a possible a crystal can enhance the diamond’s visual properties. In truth, a crystal can have a wide array of influence on the appearance of the stone.

Crystals within a natural diamond are often a small diamond trapped inside a larger diamond. Some have called the crystal the undigested gemstone, but not all crystals are diamonds. Crystals within the diamond can also be a garnet, diopside, spinel, olivine, calcite, iron oxides or even silica.

It is common for customers to view the crystal in a favorable light – literally. Some have described the crystal as a baby diamond, while others love the uniqueness of the tiny garnet inside the diamond. Crystals have also been referred to as needles, clouds and pinpoints, although each of these inclusions has its own characteristics that will vary from a true crystal inclusion.

Cavities

Much like a cavity in the mouth, when referring to a diamond, this inclusion is a large or deep opening in the diamond. And, like the tooth cavity, the diamond cavity is generally caused by human intervention. A cavity can occur when a feather or pinpoint already exists on the stone and the polishing process causes the inclusion to worsen, leaving a hole or opening in the stone.

It is important to note that a cavity is not the same thing as a chip. A cavity will generally have drag lines visible to one side of the cavity in the location where miniscule diamond particles have been dragged across the surface of the diamond by the polishing wheel. The hole of the cavity is clearly defined when the blemish removed is a crystal as this inclusion caused the basis of the cavity in the formation of the stone.

Cleavage

Like crystals and cavities, cleavage can be damaging to the natural diamond. Cleavage is a straight crack along the stone without any feathering. If the length of the cleavage is long enough, it has the potential to split the diamond apart.

This split generally only happens if the diamond is hit at the right angle, but the potential for damage still affects the integrity of the stone. If the cleavage cannot be seen when a diamond is viewed in the face up position, it is not considered a serious impact on clarity rating.

The inclusions mentioned here are not all natural imperfections found in a diamond, as the cavity certainly needs human assistance to appear. What is important to consider is that any of these imperfections can affect the visual brilliance, quality and value of your stone.

We will continue to examine the different inclusions you may encounter in searching for the perfect stone. Check back next time as we examine pinpoints, needles and internal graining.

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