Author: JewelleryMonthly

In an article published in InColor (ICA Magazine) and then republished by Jeweller Magazine, the great artist gem cutter Victor, Tuzlukov concludes: “I dare say that those who are brave enough to pursue quality in faceting and grading will make history”. Indeed, I bet on this way too. Since the birth of the world, minerals, precious stones and diamonds have been dealt. However, they only become desirable in Occident since the first well known merchant, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, brought some Golkonda diamonds back from Persia. Diamonds more than famous today, such as “The Regent” (Louvre Museum, Paris) or “The Hope”(Smithsonian Institute,…

For most of us getting married is a once in a lifetime event and it could be the first time that you have needed to hire a photographer. They are different from other people that you hire on the day because of how they get involved. The cake, the flowers and the venue may all be gone at the end of the day. However, the photos will last a lifetime. When you look for a photographer, you are looking for social skills, creativity, professionalism and quality. Start looking early Booking your wedding photographer should be one of the first things…

Hans Wilsdorf, the co-founder of Rolex, had a motto he lived by: “Produce nothing but beautiful work.” And quality was no less a concern of his than beauty, for on every Rolex watch to this day is inscribed the iconic Rolex durability guarantee: “PERPETUAL.” What gives the very name “Rolex” such an indescribable mystique today? The answer to that lies in the history behind the more than 100-year-old watch company. Why is Rolex the watch to have for businesspersons, professional divers, sports enthusiasts, Hollywood’s elite, and the affluent in society? Again, you have to take a look at the past…

It’s a new year, and with all things new, we need to first “clean out” the old as well. So here are some general tips on managing your collection of jewels that you have bought and inherited. Over a period of time, we inevitably gather jewels – precious, semi-precious, synthetic, that have been handed down to us from generations past and we simply do not know whether they are of much value. Or they may be jewels that are purchased over many years and we have outgrown them. Who hasn’t got a few strings of pearls (or at least we…

Precious jewellery such as diamond rings or wedding rings, although fairly robust, should be carefully looked after to maintain its quality over time. During everyday wear, your jewellery can get damaged, chipped, marked and sometimes diamonds can become loose. You can avoid this by checking your jewellery regularly or taking it to a professional jewellery to cary out an inspection.  With the right care your valuable keepsakes will maintain their lustre and sparkle for a lifetime. See some of our tips below to ensure your jewellery is kept in perfect condition. 1. Inspect your jewellery on a regular basis. 2.…

You will see on many jewellery retail websites a raft of trade organisation logo’s and links displaying a companies association or membership with online trade buying groups or organisations. There are many reasons for this type of practise which include: 1: Brand Confidence and Trust Being associated or a member of a trade group can give your customers the impression that you are a trustworthy brand. Being linked to well known companies, such as, GIA or The responsible jewellery council gives an immediate impression of legitimacy. This provides a feeling that you’re dealing with a company that is known or…

Diamond consumers, especially millennials, expect more from their diamond retailer than just the piece of diamond jewellery. They want to be assured that the diamond they are purchasing does not support any conflict, terror or illicit activities. Furthermore, they are keen to know about the pathway of that diamond from being the diamond rough out of the mine to the piece of jewellery in the shop. The diamond industry in recent years has been responding to these needs in different ways and the process continues to evolve. Early developments The earliest need for the industry to trace the pathway of…

The Christmas season is truly magical: the world is bathed in warm, twinkling lights, everywhere you look shop windows and homes are decorated lovingly and beautifully, and not a child walks by without that excited sparkle in their eyes. This time of the year offers the perfect setting for a romantic marriage proposal – the globe has turned into a winter wonderland, so why not hijack it as the backdrop for your proposal? Go on, make this Christmas a double celebration for your friends, family and, especially, your partner. There really is no good reason not to propose during the…

The truth about engagement rings Proposing to your significant other is a momentous occasion. It’s no wonder that there’s so many different opinions on what ‘should’ or ‘should not’ be done, or what an engagement ring ‘should’ or ‘should not’ look like. Perhaps one of the most prevailing myths surrounding engagement rings is how much you should look to spend. In this guide, we will explore the different variations attributed to various rings that can alter the price range, and find out what should really be the focus of this iconic purchase. Myth #1: You should spend a certain amount…

Bikers have different tastes and preferences for rugged and unique accessories, which they can wear on their hands. The most prevalent accessories among the bikers include leather jackets, wallets with chains and biker rings. Most bikers prefer sterling silver bold rings because of a cool quotient feature displayed by these rings. These rings also match with their form of gaming and require little maintenance, unlike other accessories. These biker rings are in most cases made of gold, sterling silver or have some chromatic designs on them. Read below to see how you can select sterling silver bold biker rings. Gothic…

What is important for you when choosing a diamond – the colour, clarity or size? Do you understand how these impact upon the price? What safeguards should you have to ensure that you are getting what you paid for? Imperfect information sources of the customer I have always witnessed customers grapple with understanding the 4Cs (Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat Weight) of a diamond and their influence on the price of the diamond. Unfortunately, the customer has limited or incomplete information. They are not expected to be knowledgeable or experienced, hence they obviously rely upon the salesperson to provide that knowledge.…

The Gold-Dipped Natural Rose is created as a timeless symbol that will last a lifetime. This 24k Gold Rose by Love Picker stands beyond the usual idea of love gifts, making it amongst the most cherished rose that could be offered. Each rose is grown naturally, and dipped in certified 24k gold so that they will never die. The gold dip rose will always be with you to remind you of the love your partner or loved has for you. Real live flowers die quickly, but the beautiful, gold dip roses are a timeless symbol or your love. Every Love…

Pearl buying is not as simple as picking the first thing you see in the store. Ideally, you want to look for something that is high quality and goes good with your wardrobe and dress style but without breaking the bank. There are many things to take into consideration when choosing pearls, such as the size, appearance, color, type, the location it was grown in and the way it was cultivated. To ensure that you will make the best choice possible, here’s a short guide to help you find the perfect match. Different varieties of pearls The first thing you…

If you choose to follow Harry and Meghan’s example, then you need to start looking for a ring for your husband-to-be. Finding stylish men’s rings is a lot tougher than finding wedding rings for women. While a lot of men like wearing jewellery, your fiancé might not be interested in sporting a flashy ring. To ensure that your wedding band is something that your husband will comfortably wear you need to consider a few things. The Perfect Fit The fit of the ring is very important. If the ring keeps sliding off or is too tight, your husband might end…

In this article, you’ll learn all about the factors that contribute to the beauty of the Princess cut diamond. We hope that this series helps you select that ideal diamond shape for your finger. Princess Cut Diamond Shape & Characteristics The Princess cut is a square shape whose facets reflect the brilliance of a Round Brilliant cut and hence, are ideal for those who like the brilliance of a round but prefer a square shape. The actual shape of a Princess cut diamond mimic the shape of an octahedron – similar in shape to a rough diamond crystal. This means…

Serendipity Diamonds Launches New High Street Jewellery Showroom Serendipity Diamonds have opened their brand new High Street showroom. The new store, located in Ryde on the Isle of Wight is the latest development after more than a decade selling diamond jewellery online to a global client base serving the UK, Ireland, Europe, USA, Canada and Australia. Started in 2007, the online diamond jeweller opened their first showroom in 2010. Their latest showroom takes a fresh approach to jewellery—merging their online experience with a contemporary boutique environment. “We’re very excited to make Serendipity Diamonds far more accessible to the public,” says…

At a time where weddings are becoming more and more competitive, it’s no surprise that costs too are on the up. Recent research, by personal loans company Likely Loans, has revealed that many believe that the most they would spend on a wedding to be in the region of £10,000. In reality, wedding costs soar to an average of £27,161. Calculations have shown that in 2018 some estimated 16,000 couples are expected to turn to credit or to take out a loan to finance at least part of their perfect day.  The investigation has uncovered that whilst 20.9% of men…

Autumn Fair is the season’s No. one marketplace for the retail industry. Comprising 13 diverse sectors, including Fashion, Accessories & Jewellery, Autumn Fair is the Gateway to the Golden Quarter in 2018, the place where over 24,000 retailers come and source 200,000+ new products for the festive period and spring season. Autumn Fair is also the opportunity to discover the trends of what will sell in 2019 and get ahead of the competition, gain retail insight and bucket-loads of inspiration. This year Autumn Fair welcomes over 180 suppliers within the Fashion, Accessories and Jewellery sector and it will also launch…

IIDGR, part of the De Beers Group of Companies makes a very welcome return to the 2018 edition of IJL. Whilst De Beers is known throughout the international jewellery community as a supplier of rough and cut diamonds, the IIDGR division specialises in supporting the industry through its educational programmes, supply of synthetic diamond detection equipment and laboratory-based diamond grading facilities. Offices in Maidenhead, Antwerp and Surat, IIDGR have greatly extended their reach into the UK market, and now enjoy close commercial ties with many leading UK jewellery organisations, manufacturers and jewellery retailers. “Our main aim is to support the…

The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT) – (Public Organisation) advises consumers to only purchase diamonds and diamond jewelry with certification from leading laboratories after CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, remarked at its 2017 annual congress that increasing amount of synthetic diamonds are being circulated in the market. Ms Duangkamol Jiambutr, the director of GIT revealed that due to the high popularity of diamond among consumers and its high price point, other diamond simulants including natural gems such as colorless zircon and colorless sapphire as well as synthetic diamond are being used as diamond substitutes. Moreover, the production of…

Origins:  Step cuts are among the oldest cuts of diamond in the world. The first ever diamond that was cut was the ‘Table cut’ – which was a step cut diamond. They first became prominent in the early 1400s, long before the Round Brilliant cut. Types of step cut diamonds The most popular Step cut is the Emerald cut diamond. Other types of step cuts are the Square Emerald cut and the Asscher cut both of which are square in shape compared to the Emerald cut. Besides these there are Baguette cuts which are usually thin and rectangular (but not…

The wedding ring has come along way from the plain court design. The options have grown as designers take on the mighty wedding ring for the modern man. This month we decided to reach out and find some stunning examples. Zirconium Ring Z062B – by Suay Design Wide contemporary Zirconium ring with segmented detail and a satin finish. This Zirconium ring is custom made and will take 4 weeks before delivery. A great alternative and very modern design. The final tones of grey look fantastic. Twin Edge Titanium Ring – by Ogham Jewellery This wedding ring from Ogham Jewellery is…

Goyam Diamond Institute Pvt. Ltd. is a leading institute in Surat, India; since 1999, providing quality education in manual and 3D CAD training. The different short-term & career courses offered cover a vast array of knowledge related to the field. It’s the first private training institute in Surat which provides training in jewellery design, and the only Institute who give professional level training in manual & CAD Matrix 9.0 on campus & online. Goyam is also an authorised training partner for Gemvision Matrix- a world leading jewellery design software. Goyam always update their courses to stay a step ahead of…

Independent French jewellers, Jaubalet Paris, have opened their first office within the UK. Based in London Mayfair, their London office is the first of the Parisian Jeweller’s UK location and marks the company’s successful venture across international waters. Jaubalet Paris was launched in 2008 with a mission to provide high end custom luxury jewellery that perfectly captures the exquisite French artistry. With each piece being uniquely crafted to each individual’s needs and tastes, no two pieces of Jaubalet Paris’ jewellery are the same. To ensure that this sense of individuality is awarded to each and every jewellery piece, Jaubalet Paris…

FIYAH Jewellery is running a student design competition this summer with students participating from Birmingham Academy of Jewellery, Glasgow School of Art and Central Saint Martins among others. The competition is held to help budding jewellery designers and artists advance their work.  FIYAH supports superb craftsmanship and students that are passionate and enthusiastic about creating jewellery. The brief is to create or design a piece that is unique and has personal symbolism. The competition is open to all students aged 17 or over, the winner will receive £1000, and a selection of submissions will be displayed in a virtual exhibition space.…

Leicester-based independent jewellery retailer Lumbers, transformed itself into a race track Pit Lane on Saturday, to help raise important funds for local Leicestershire and Rutland charity, Hope Against Cancer. Saturday 13th June was not your typical day at the renowned Lumbers Jewellers store on High Street, with teams from across the city competing against each other to achieve the fastest pit stop of the day, and the fastest laps around Silverstone on state of the art simulators, with the chance to scoop a top prize of hospitality tickets to the prestigious Silverstone Formula 1 Grand Prix. Lumbers, in partnership with…

It’s very exciting when you buy or you are given a expensive piece of jewellery. The item can often have sentimental value and be one-of-a-kind. Jewellery is often gifted to commemorate a special birthday, engagement, milestone or memory and is therefore intrinsically linked to your emotions. High quality jewellery that is crafted to last a lifetime is also costly, so many people would devastated if they lost that precious item. It is no wonder, then, that we especially treasure our jewellery, perhaps more so than other possessions. Surveys often find that jewellery is often towards the top of the list…

McGowans Jewellers, established in 1895, has unveiled its new mobile friendly website at www.mcgowansjewellers.com. The company with 3 stores in Glasgow and Aberdeen has become known as one of Scotland’s most trusted and reputable jewellers, and is now upgrading their online presence. McGowans specialise in diamond, coloured gem stone and re-conditioned jewellery, and currently have two stores in the iconic Argyll Arcade in Glasgow and one in the popular shopping destination of Union Street in Aberdeen. The jewellers, now a 4th generation family business, is now updating their presence online with an elegant new mobile-friendly website boasting a range of new…

In the first of a series, we explore a variety of diamond shapes starting here with the Cushion cut. We hope that these are a brief, yet informative guide to help you select that ideal shape for your finger. Cushion cut diamond shape The Cushion cut distinguishes itself in the shape of a square with rounded corners – hence a “pillow-like” look that matches the name. This is a personal favourite diamond shape for us as you can get a square or rectangle (for those who like geometric symmetry) but without pointed corners (which pose the most risk to the…

Shining Diamonds, the independent jewellery retailer, have opened their first store in London. The store has opened in the coveted jewellery spot of Hatton Garden, within the Holborn district of London. Customers have been able to check out the store for themselves since Saturday 5th May. Shining Diamonds started out as an online-only retailer for quality, yet low priced diamonds. However, plans to open a store were put in place as most higher value customers preferred to view the diamonds and the jewellery they are buying. Whilst the online market is growing for classic designs for lower to average budgets,…