Tag Archive for 'Gemstones'

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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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Gold vs. Platinum: And the Winner Is?

Published on July 29, 2010 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

For generations there has been a mighty battle between platinum and gold, both vying for the first place positioning in the world of jewellry settings. Sometimes it is a matter of preference as the wearer may find inherent value in one metal over another. For others, the appearance of the metal dominates the decision. At the end of the day – is one better than the other?

Gold

An element, gold naturally occurs in nature. It is mostly found in solid form in the veins of the siliceous rocks, although it can also be eroded and found as a powder, granules or nuggets in riverbeds. In its native state, the gold is free of any other element. As a compound, it is known as telluride. Roughly 25 percent of the gold in the world is found in South Africa, although the United States, Australia, Canada, China and Russia are also leading producers.

The earth at one time had plentiful supplies of gold, especially in chucks or nuggets large enough to be mined or picked out of streams and rivers. Gold is thought to be more common in the oceans, although measured known amounts in the world are estimated to be 0.005 parts per million. As a result, gold is one of the ten rarest elements in the crust of the earth. Its value, however, is driven not by rarity, but by the element’s inherent beauty.

Platinum

In contrast to the eroding characteristic of gold, platinum is a metal that will not corrode, fade or tarnish. It is known to originate from the heavens, arriving on earth in meteorites that have been landing on the planet for billions of years. At one point in history, those searching for gold passed over platinum as an inferior metal.

As platinum looks much like silver, it was given the name platina by the Spanish when it was discovered in 1590. It wasn’t until two centuries later when King Louis XVI of France declared platinum to be the only metal fit for kings that the metal finally earned its place of honor. It has since been the chosen metal of the royals, serving as the foundation of the crown for the late Queen Mother, Queen Elisabeth.

Why Platinum is Better

What we know today is that platinum is much better and more valuable than gold. In fact, it is 35 times more rare than gold, making it an excellent precious metal investment. To give you an example, the amount of known gold on this earth would fill four Olympic-sized swimming pools; the amount of known platinum would fill only one of the same sized pools – knee high.

Platinum is a white metal that is used almost in its purest form in jewellery. Generally speaking, it is 950 parts pure platinum per 1000 parts. Platinum is a very dense metal and will feel heavier than a gold piece of jewelry of the same size. If we took two identical rings, one made of 18ct gold, it will weigh 10 grams; the same size ring in platinum would weigh 16-18 grams.

Platinum wears much better than gold as it is more durable. Over the course of 80 years, a gold ring would wear out if it is worn on a regular basis. The Platinum ring would not erode like the gold, but would instead flatten and thin over time. While this would require some care to help maintain its integrity, the gold ring would need repair and replenishment of the gold.

And the Winner Is: Platinum

There is little more beautiful and brilliant than a flawless white diamond set in platinum. In fact, the whiter the diamond, the more important it becomes to set it properly in white, bright and precious platinum. As platinum is both strong and pliable, it makes for the perfect metal to craft the diamond or gemstones setting in.

The main point is platinum can be so highly finished or polished, it can be like looking in a mirror, which reflects the light back into the diamond or gemstone. This reflection gives it more sparkle or Fire or Brilliance. In addition, jewellers can create very intricate jewellery pieces with the metal. When fine prongs are created, the diamond – or other stone – is held securely and beautifully in place.

While some may still prefer gold over platinum in the creation of the perfect piece of jewellery, especially when considering the band component of your ring, but when it comes to the setting that is to hold your diamond or gemstone in place, the value, durability and appearance of platinum wins every time.

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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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Onyx – A Gemstone of History and Magic

Published on July 14, 2010 in Art Deco Jewellery and Gemstones. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , .

Onyx:  A Gemstone Steeped in History and Magic

There’s something undeniably fascinating about Onyx.

Is it the richness of its colour (typically black, but also sometimes available under the name “sardOnyx” in striped or solid dark/reddish brown, sparkling white or deep red)?  Or could it be the bold statement made by this powerful gemstone?  Whatever the reason, Onyx has enjoyed popularity for millennia and its status shows no signs of waning any time soon!

If you want more information about this semiprecious type of chalcedony, you’ve come to the right place.  Below is all you need to know about Onyx, a terrific way to highlight any necklace, set of earrings, ring, bracelet or other hand-crafted jewelry.

History and Info

The term “Onyx” has Greek origins (meaning “fingernail”, “claw” or “hoof” depending upon the translation), while the term “chalcedony” hails from older Asia Minor roots.  As for the gemstone itself, Onyx’s popularity seemed to grow during the height of the Roman Empire.  During that time, Onyx was often used to create seals and cameos because of its innate carvability.

Today, deposits of Onyx can be found worldwide, including India, the United States, Australia and South America.  Although Onyx is considered a semi-precious stone, those who love it agree that there’s nothing “semi” about it!

Folklore and Legend

From a “mystical” perspective, Onyx is deemed to be the birthstone for December babies.  (In contrast, the “traditional” birthstones for that month are blue topaz and turquoise.)  Onyx is also the Zodiac birthstone for Leos (those born between July 23 and August 22.)

Many people throughout history have believed (and still believe) that Onyx has regenerative powers, increasing happiness and mastery of one’s fate.  In India, it has even been used as a talisman to “cool” passion between lovers who would be better off apart!

Some individuals seeking alternative remedies for their afflictions turn to Onyx to help with bone, heart, kidney, liver, hair, eye, foot, hand and nail conditions by wearing the Onyx close to the intended body part.  However, please be aware that we do not recommend using jewelry to take the place of proper medical care.

Caring for Onyx

If you’ve invested in rich-looking (but ultimately affordable!) Onyx jewelry, it’s important to understand how to take care of it.  Even though it has a Moh’s scale of hardness rating of 6.5-7, it is still quite delicate in some ways.

Onyx can chip or scratch; consequently, it’s important to treat it with care.  Take off any Onyx jewelry when doing physical labour or in the evening.  Additionally, be certain that Onyx jewelry isn’t rubbing against other jewelry in your jewelry box or storage unit.

Is Onyx Right for You?

So… is Onyx the right choice for your next jewelry purchase?

Black Onyx in particular has a strong prominence and history in the Art Deco period, a period where contrast and geometrical shapes were the norm, this beautifully glossy gemstone provided exactly those qualities. Onyx lends itself to being cut into straight lined geometrical shapes as well as being polished to a glossy finish which contrasts perfectly with the pave or bead setting most commonly used in the period.

If you are looking for an Art Deco styled piece of jewellery then it is hard to go past Onyx as something to bring the sophistication and contrast that epitomises the period.

If you like necklaces, rings or earrings that make a bold, elegant statement and command attention, you just may find that Onyx is a perfect addition to your jewelry collection!

Sam Kritsotakis

Eskae Jeweller – Your Private Jeweller

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Elephant Emerald Found!

Published on July 10, 2010 in Emeralds and Gemstones. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

WOW!

Emerald - The 6225 carat Elephant Emerald

This is all I can say when I see news of a find like this… I mean 6225 carats of emerald…

Gemfields, one of the world’s leading coloured gemstone producers, has announced the discovery of a 6225 carat rough emerald at its Kagem mine in Zambia.

The emerald was recovered during normal mining operations last month and is now being examined by Gemfields’ experts to “establish a clearer understanding of its value and significance”.

Emerald - Elephant Emerald

For the full story click on the link above and enjoy the read!

Sam Kritsotakis

Eskae Jeweller – Your Private Jeweller

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The most famous gemstones in the world

Published on May 25, 2010 in Diamonds, Emeralds, Engagement Rings, Gemstones and Wedding Jewellery. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

I was doing some research on coloured gemstones for a client who wanted to use something different in her engagement ring. She was moving away from the traditional diamond set engagement ring and more towards having a coloured gemstone to go in the centre of her ring, we had gone through her birthstone – which was Aquamarine by the way.

But she wasn’t drawn to that idea.

So we started to talk about what different celebrities were wearing and so on, thinking that we might be able to spark some inspiration for her by using a real life example. I haven’t gotten back to her yet, but  what I have found is a short list of the most famous coloured gemstones that have been mined worldwide. I have put a link on the page to make it easy for you, but without giving too much away be prepared to see some mega gemstones here!

http://www.jewelinfo4u.com/World_Famous_Gemstones.aspx

They have pictures of huge carat weight gems, just take the first one for example, have you ever seen a 1759 carat emerald crystal before???

I didn’t think so…

Have some fun with this and let yourself be blown away at what the natural world is capable of creating… When I see things like this it reminds me about how fantastic a place we live in, just look at those perfectly formed crystals right out of the ground!

Sam Kritsotakis

Eskae Jeweller – Your Private Jeweller

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Top 10 Rarest Gemstones in the World

Published on May 16, 2010 in Gemstones and Jewellery. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Have you ever wondered what the top ten most rare gemstones are in the world?

I was doing some research the other night for a client, and I stumbled across the page linked below.

It is a page that goes through and lists, then explains what the top 10 most rare coloured gemstones of the world are. I thought it was interesting and something that you would enjoy as being a post that is different to what I normally blog about. Unfortunately the page doesn’t include pictures of every gemstone on there, but it does however include a brief description on each one and generally where it can most commonly be found. Click on the link below to find out some rare info!

http://www.curiousnotions.com/gemstones/

Sam Kritsotakis

Eskae Jeweller – Your Private Jeweller

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Introducing our Refreshing Ring Rejuvenation Service

Published on March 29, 2010 in Diamonds, Gemstones, Gold, Jewellery and Platinum. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

Are your precious diamonds, gems and jewellery looking a bit sad?

With our Refreshing Ring Rejuvenation not only will we have your rings and jewellery looking fresh and sparkling, just like they did when they were new, but you will feel better and refreshed as well!

How do I know that my diamonds, gems and jewellery is looking tired and worn out? This is a great question and one that I wish more people would ask… Essentially what you need to look for are the following:-

  • Worn out looking claws – What this means is that the gold or platinum is no longer holding as much of your diamond or gemstone in the setting as it once did. The claw will look and feel particularly rounded and will not have the same crispness or strength that it did.
  • Dull sparkle from your diamonds or gemstones – Diamonds in particular have an inherent “Fire and Brilliance” about them, so do coloured gemstones but it is slightly different in their case. Generally speaking this means that you have a build up of dirt and grim in and around your diamonds and gems, a little like having a build up of plaque on your teeth they never really look the way the should.
  • Scratches and marks on the gold or platinum -These are the easiest to see and spot on your jewellery and they are the most common form of damage that a piece of jewellery will take, they are also the easiest way to damage your jewellery too, a really deep scratch can and often will remove some of the gold or platinum out of either your ring or setting. These scratches and marks can take a bit of work to remove as they can potentially be quite deep into the precious metal.
  • Anything that looks out of place or wrong – When new, a piece of jewellery is precise and symmetrical, in every aspect so when something looks out of place or not right, it is generally a really good indication of exactly that.

These points are tell tale signs that your jewellery needs some work or at the very least some attention. With our Refreshing Ring Rejuvenation we will pay particular attention to making sure that your jewellery looks like brand new again!

What I will personally do for you is this -

  1. take out all the scratches and marks from the metal
  2. check all the settings to make sure they are secure and structural
  3. clean the settings and jewellery of any dirt and grim that can build up over time
  4. re-buff the jewellery so that it is all polished and looking better than new again
  5. if your jewellery has white gold in it I will re-rhodium plate the piece of jewellery for you (this is a super special finishing touch that really adds to the look and feel of your jewellery!)

Once these 5 steps have been taken and we are happy with the finished piece, I will be in touch for you to collect your jewellery. Upon collection you will notice a change, you will see a change and you will feel a change more importantly. You will feel refreshed and rejuvenated too, especially when you begin to remember all the wonderful and special memories you have attached to your jewellery!

Special moments in your life, getting engaged, getting married, having your kid/s, graduating, anniversaries, major celebrations… all these moments will come back to you which will make you feel and experience them all over again! You will feel alive and vibrant, refreshed and rejuvenated!

Or you could let your life’s memories fade, get dull and start looking like they were such a long time ago… from another place… or you could loose them all together if proper care is not taken… just like a bad nightmare.

Take the 1 minute now to check and see if your jewellery is looking a bit “how you doing” and if so take action NOW and get that rejuvenated and refreshed feeling back again.

We spend the lions share of our time designing and handcrafting new jewellery for clients, so we unfortunately have to limit the amount of Refreshing Ring Rejuvenations that we can do per month to 15. I would suggest that you book yours now by visiting our website so that you can take advantage of this wonderful service.

Your Private Jeweller

Sam Kritsotakis

Eskae Jeweller

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the eternity ring history

Published on March 8, 2009 in Diamonds, Emeralds, Gemstones, Gold, Jewellery, Platinum, Rubies, Sapphires and White Diamonds. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

Eternity Rings, they are a special gift that a husband will give his wife on the occasion of either their first child being born or their first year anniversary, which ever comes first is the norm, so i thought i would write a little bit about the history and the tradition behind the eternity ring.

What is the meaning behind an eternity ring?

The eternity ring is given as a tangible symbol of the promise of love forever. The eternity ring is simply one beautiful way to show the love your life how much she means to you. The endless or eternal loop is symbolic of eternal love as it has no beginning and no end. For this reason, some eternity ring designs are multi-stranded or plaited, this is symbolic of the many years to come that you will be spending together. Another more ancient and symbolic again is the theme of having the band formed and shaped like a snake almost always swallowing its own tail, this is a theme more common in ancient Greece and symbolises the never ending circle of BOTH life and love

What is the tradition attached?

The history of the eternity ring is very closely related to that of the wedding ring – that is a ring, or circle of metal, that has no beginning and no end – in other words is ‘eternal’. Throughout history the concept of the eternity ring can be seen in many traditions and even as far back as 2000 BC with what could be thought of as ancient eternity rings can be found. The earliest recorded examples of a simple plain eternity ring can be traced to the ancient Egyptians and then following the rise of the Greek empire, the design of these simple rings follow into that tradition.

The history of the eternity ring goes back almost four thousand years. Ancient Egyptians are thought to be the first to make and wear eternity rings. Eternity rings are essentially a continuous circle of metal studded with stones either halfway or all the way around. In ancient Greece the design of the snake or serpent depending on which part of Greece, was more prevalent, not only was the ring symbolic but also the use of the motif of the snake and serpent, as this was representative of life and love similarly to the goddess Athena. Early eternity rings were meant to symbolize eternal life and love. The unending, unbroken circle of precious metal represents a never-ending circle of trust, or the circle of life and love.

Early eternity rings in the more modern times featured stones that went halfway around the band of the ring. this began the move into the modern day version with either the band set with diamonds or a combination of diamonds and ruby, emerald or sapphire. even closer to today and we start to see that people are taking this idea one step further and setting the entire band with stones, again it is either all diamond or a combination like i mentioned above. these rings look great however because of the exact measurements needed to place and set diamonds all the way around these are generally custom crafted to fit not only you but the look you are after.

When do you normally get an eternity ring?

Eternity rings like wedding rings are a symbol of everlasting love and are typically given to celebrate an anniversary or another significant event, such as the birth of a child. traditionally they were given at the 5 year anniversary, but there has been a massive shift in this and now they are given at either the first year anniversary or the birth of your first child, which ever happens to come first.

The birth of a child is a very appropriate time to give an eternity ring. In this instance, it could symbolize the eternity of your new family or your never-ending love and compassion for your wife who has helped you create this new life. As an anniversary gift, it could symbolize the eternity that you will be together or how it has felt like an eternity being married. only in the best possible way of coarse!!! Whatever meaning you come up with, an eternity ring will leave a lasting impression and most definitely become an heirloom and beautiful conversation piece for years to come. The long-lasting reputation and never ending popularity of the eternity ring will ensure that it never goes out of style and is always admired and loved. Showing your love with eternity rings is a long standing tradition and will surely make your special someone feel loved and appreciated.

What is the typical design?

Eternity rings are usually set with diamonds. Other stones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires are also popular choices, but diamonds are the favourite. most people go with either a round shaped stone or a square (princess) shaped stone. the round stones lend themselves very well to almost any setting style that we can come up with, while the square or sharper shaped stones are particularly well suited to having a channel set band. this is the sort of ring in which there is no gap between the stones and being able to set a straight edge up against another straight edge works really well.

It is your personal choice when deciding how to wear your eternity ring. Eternity rings are usually worn on the same finger as the wedding rings. traditionally you wear your wedding ring closest to your knuckle then your engagement ring and then your eternity ring on the outside and closest to your finger tip The eternity ring can be worn in addition to the engagement ring and wedding band, or in place of either one. Many women choose to wear all 3 together, especially if they have taken the time to get these rings designed and crafted as a set.

Because of their beauty, fire, sparkle and endurance, diamonds are the most popular gemstones for eternity rings, as symbolizing the permanence and commitment of the relationship. However rubies, sapphires, emeralds are also popular, usually in conjunction with diamonds, however i have made a few all emerald or all sapphire eternity ring, but again this was a special request as the lady had an all emerald or sapphire wedding ring which she wanted to match.

One of the benefits for the full eternity ring is that no matter how much the ring revolves around the finger, the stones will always show and you will never see anything but diamonds! Because a full eternity ring cannot usually be adjusted for finger size, they need to be custom ordered and crafted. there are some very specific measurements that need to be adhered to in order to make the ring work as a full hoop (going all the way around) design, but once the measurements are done the result is absolutely fantastic!

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looking your best with jewellery on your wedding day

Published on February 8, 2009 in Diamonds, Gemstones, Gold, Jewellery and Platinum. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

Many girls spend days dreaming about their wedding day. They want to look their best, however beauty is incomplete without the proper jewellery. Especially when it comes to a wedding, you can’t imagine a bride without her jewellery. Your wedding day is one of the happiest days in your life and you don’t want to look outdated or stuffy.Most women are pro active in keeping abreast of the latest fashion and trends, and jewellery trends and fashions change like the seasons. However, as the wedding day approaches you want to make sure the style of jewellery can add the extra spark to not only your attire, but the way you are feeling.

Here are a few tips that can help you choose the bridal jewellery.

First, you need to keep in mind that you have to choose jewellery that will not only suit you but also your dress. You need to keep in mind the ‘mood’ of the wedding… The time of the wedding should be considered, whether it’s going to be in the daytime or in the evening, as this will help you select jewellery accordingly. Don’t just go by what you like, but see to it that the jewelry compliments your wedding gown. Before you get down to your jewellery shopping conduct some research on the latest fashion and the various types of designs that are available on the market.

If you are planning a glamorous wedding, jewellery with bold designs and a good use of sparkling diamonds will be just perfect to give you a glamorous look. If you are going for a simple wedding, you can select jewellery that has a classy look. This type of jewellery tends to be sleek and modern with simple and striking lines. Antique jewellery with pearls will help you get an elegant and classically beautiful look.

If you have organized your wedding at the seaside, you need to choose simple, but outstanding jewellery. As beach wedding means having loads of fun while dancing and jumping around. You don’t want the heavy jewelry to stop you. So to avoid this, you need to select lighter jewellery. If you plan for a cultural wedding, you can choose jewellery that suits your customs. Many times it happens that you want to wear colorful jewellery but the white gown stops you. It’s a myth that colorful jewellery doesn’t suit the white gown. Instead you can match your jewelry with the wedding theme. and even more importantly, there are no hard and fast rules for your wedding day, it is called “your day” for a reason…

There is variety of jewellery on the market, but if you are a perfectionist you can even ask the jeweller to design the jewellery as per your needs. Most of the bridal jewellery is made with beautiful white diamonds. These white diamonds, will need to be at a quality of ” G “colour or better to really take advantage of the fire and sparkle that diamonds are known for. Diamonds are available in many shapes and sizes and will be able to be turned into the most perfect piece of jewellery that you can imagine.

Pearls are an all time favorite. Pearls are known for their classy and traditional look. A strand of pearls combined with pearl earrings will surely add to your charm. You can combine the pearls with diamonds to add that extra shine.

if your wedding day is coming up, or you know f someone who is starting to plan a wedding, get in touch with me at Sam@EskaeJeweller to arrange a no obligation FREE quote on a suite of bridal jewellery that will suit you and your plans on your special day.

Sam.
Eskae Jeweller

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