So you have decided to propose! Congratulations! The first big decision is usually the ring. It is traditional to surprise your partner with a ring you have chosen and the most common way of getting this ring is through shopping either online or in a jewellery shop. These can be terrifying places for people with little knowledge about jewellery. After … Read More
Rhodium Plating Yellow Gold
Although yellow and rose gold have seen a real resurgence in recent years, I am still finding that majority of the clients I work with are looking for white metal in their commissioned pieces. When it comes to inheriting jewellery, a lot of classic designs were made in yellow gold (perhaps with Platinum settings or design details) which … Read More
How to choose an engagement ring – 5 key steps
So you have decided to propose! Congratulations! But how do you go about choosing an engagement ring? It is one of life’s most meaningful and romantic purchases that no one wants to get wrong. The job of selecting a piece of jewellery you hope your significant other will wear for the rest of their life can understandably cause a fair … Read More
Tanzanite Pendant Case Study
Have you ever considered buying a gemstone while traveling as a memento of your trip? That is exactly what Stuart did on his trip to Africa last year when he climbed Kilimanjaro. Stuart wanted to do something special for his wife’s birthday and decided to commission a bespoke piece of jewellery for her using a stunning tanzanite sourced during this … Read More
What does Carat or Karat mean?
Carat in jewellery can either refer to the weight of a gemstone, or the fineness of gold. Confusingly, in the UK, we use the same spelling for both. In the US, K (or K, Karat) is more commonly used when describing gold fineness and ct (carat) is used when discussing the weight of a gemstone. Why carat? Both in gemstone … Read More
Rose Gold
Rose gold, also called red or pink gold, has re-gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to white metals and yellow gold. This copper coloured metal has become so popular we now see its warm tone replicated in interior design, with ‘rose gold’ coloured taps, handles and lamps, and also in our technology with ‘rose gold’ coloured mobile phones and … Read More
Recycled Diamond Engagement Ring
It is becoming increasingly common for couples to look more closely into the ethical credentials of their jewellery. Going the bespoke route can make people feel more comfortable about the provinence of their jewellery as there is often a strong relationship between an independent jeweller and their suppliers of metal and gemstones. One ethical route that some of the customers … Read More
Bespoke Horse Charm
It’s always exciting when I get asked to make something a little out of the ordinary, and David set me a fantastic challenge to design and make a custom charm for his wife Cathy’s charm bracelet. Cathy has a bucket list of experiences she is working through and top of the list was to ride a horse along the water’s … Read More
What is a hallmark?
A hallmark is an official mark on a piece of jewellery or item made from a precious metal. Hallmarks exist to protect consumers as they prove the type of metal and its quality, and also provide evidence of who made the piece and when. A full traditional hallmark is made up of five marks and looks like this: Sponsors’ (or … Read More
Why is my white gold tarnishing?
You’ve got a new beautiful white gold ring you have worn for a few months, but then you notice the metal around the back of the ring and the setting have changed colour. Patches of your ring are a totally different shade of white, and next to the bright silvery areas that remain, these patches almost look yellow. Is your … Read More