Beware of Synthetic Diamonds
Understanding Synthetic Diamonds Synthetic, or laboratory-grown, diamonds are now widely available in the jewellery market and are often presented as alternatives to natural diamonds. While they may appear similar at first glance, there are important differences that every buyer should understand before making a decision. Laboratory-grown diamonds are not simulants such as cubic zirconia or […]
What you need to know about Tanzanite
What You Need to Know About Tanzanite Only from the Merelani Hills in Tanzania comes Tanzanite — one of the most unique gemstones discovered in the past century. According to historical accounts, Maasai herdsmen discovered the gem in 1979 after bush fires altered the brownish colour of the mineral zoisite into a striking violet-blue. After […]
What To Give on Your Next Anniversary
The Origins of Wedding Anniversary Gifts The tradition of celebrating wedding anniversaries dates back to Roman times, when husbands honoured their wives with a silver wreath on the 25th anniversary and a gold wreath on the 50th. These materials symbolised endurance, value, and the strength of a lasting marriage. In Commonwealth countries, couples may receive […]
How To Identify Fake Pearls
Imitation pearls: what to look for Pearls have been imitated for centuries. Most imitation pearls are manufactured by forming a spherical glass or mother-of-pearl bead, which is then coated with a substance known as pearl essence. This coating is produced by mixing guanine, extracted from fish scales, with binding agents and colouring compounds. Multiple layers […]
Jewellery Insurance
Important facts to be aware of Crime targeting valuables remains a reality in many countries. Jewellery, firearms, and other high-value items are frequently targeted, making appropriate insurance and secure storage essential. Beyond the financial loss, theft can cause lasting emotional distress. Understanding jewellery insurance valuations Insurance valuation certificates typically reflect a “new-for-old” replacement value, as […]
How To Select Jewellery That Complements Your Skin Tone
Gold Jewellery Colours: What They Mean and How to Choose The traditional colour of gold jewellery is yellow. In many cultures where gold carries religious or symbolic meaning, yellow gold remains the only acceptable choice. From the 1990s onwards, fashion shifted towards a whiter aesthetic, driving the popularity of platinum and white gold jewellery. Gold […]
Facts About Precious Metals
Gold – the enduring precious metal Over two thousand years ago, the Greek poet Pindar wrote that gold was “the child of Zeus – neither moth nor rust can devour it.” Few materials have carried the same emotional, cultural, and historical weight as gold. Wars have been fought over it, love has been declared with […]
Synthetic Gemstones and Gemstone Treatments
An Introduction to Gemstones Before purchasing a coloured gemstone, it is essential to understand that not all gemstones are the same. Gemstones differ significantly in origin, treatment, and value, and misunderstandings can easily arise if these distinctions are not properly explained. Main categories of gemstones Natural gemstones Natural gemstones are formed by geological processes in […]