Victorian jewellery: leading by example

Jan 15, 2010

Clients looking for bespoke jewellery often ask for pieces in a particular historical style, and one of the most popular themes is Victorian jewellery. Read the rest of this entry >>

Posted under: Bespoke Jewellery

A bright future for black diamonds

Jan 13, 2010

The unusual black form of diamond also known as Carbonado is becoming a more and more popular choice for bespoke jewellery. Naturally formed – though very likely in a different process to its sparklier clear cousin – the black diamond is a polycrystalline gem that is generally found in Brazil and Africa. It is usually black or dark grey, though brown stones are also known. Carbonado tends to be more porous than regular diamonds.

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Posted under: Ethical Diamonds

Historic Bespoke Engagement Ring

Jan 13, 2010

We recently had the pleasure of making a beautiful bespoke engagement ring for Joe Cripps and his fiancé Louise.

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Posted under: Bespoke Engagement Rings

The Many Shapes of Diamonds

Jan 11, 2010

Diamonds can come onto the consumer market in many different shapes, determined by various factors including the natural properties of the rough stone, the personal taste of the consumer and the popular designs of the time.

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Posted under: Bespoke Jewellery

Late Georgian jewellery: a revolution in style

Jan 10, 2010

Another popular style often requested for pieces of bespoke jewellery is Late Georgian, which encompasses the reigns of the British kings George III and IV (1760-1820 and 1820-1830), as well as William IV (1830-1837). This period was a time of social and political change, and these monarchs’ combined rule was set against the backdrop of the American Revolution, French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

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Posted under: Bespoke Jewellery

Vivid Pink diamond in record auction

Jan 08, 2010

A potentially flawless five-carat pink diamond has sold at Christie’s for a sum of $10.8 million – a record $2.1 million per carat. The previous per-carat record was set by a 7.03-carat internally flawless fancy vivid blue stone, which sold at Sotheby’s for $9.48 million, or $1.35 million per carat, in May this year. Read the rest of this entry >>

Posted under: Ethical Diamonds

Evening Star diamond sells for $5.4 million

Jan 06, 2010

A stunning pear-shaped 39-carat diamond known as the Evening Star has been sold in an auction at Christie’s for $5.4 million. With an estimated value before the sale of between $3.6 and $5.5 million, the final bid indicates that although the price of smaller diamonds remains relatively stable, the market is strong and larger stones are selling at the upper end of their valuation range. Read the rest of this entry >>

Posted under: Bespoke Jewellery

Art Nouveau jewellery: shock of the new

Jan 04, 2010

Clients frequently request bespoke jewellery in a particular historical style. One popular style is Art Nouveau – an influential movement which originated in Paris around the turn of the 20th Century and which enjoyed great popularity in Europe and further afield for a brief but highly significant period of around 15 years. Read the rest of this entry >>

Posted under: Bespoke Jewellery

The Fight Against Blood Diamonds

Jan 01, 2010

As with all very high-value goods, the trade in diamonds is subject to more than its fair share of abuse. In particular, the high price of diamonds in relation to their size makes them vulnerable to being controlled to finance war and insurgency. Read the rest of this entry >>

Posted under: Conflict Free Diamonds

Call For Zimbabwe Diamond Restrictions

Dec 23, 2009

Human rights groups are calling for Zimbabwe's access to the diamond trade to be restricted following reports of brutality by government militia. Due to their value and crucial place in the export of natural resources,  mining of diamonds is particularly open to abuse by interested parties. Read the rest of this entry >>

Posted under: Conflict Free Diamonds