Jewellery Odyssey:
Cocktail rings were the symbol of the retro period, which took place between the mid 30’s and 40’s. Large rings displayed the skilled innovation of voluminous and textured gold. With a minimum amount of gold being used, it was often: woven, braided and coiled, to produce extravagant designs. The gold was then ingeniously hammered, mattified or polished to produce a wide variety of textures. The effects of the war, restricted the use of precious gemstones such as: diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds in large sizes. The technique of pavé, rose to prominence, as large quantities of smaller sized precious gemstones were available. Cocktail rings exhibited a combination of large voluminous, textured gold designs, pavéd with brightly coloured precious gemstones. The limitations lead jewellers to use other gemstones such as: amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, garnet, peridot, smokey quartz, topaz and tourmaline. These stones were available in larger sizes and provided a burst of colour.
Gem Lore:
Amethyst - derives from the Greek word ‘amethystos’, which translates to ‘not drunken’. The ancients greeks believed the stone to behold the power, of preventing intoxication. In ancient Persia, if Amethyst was carved into the sun, it was believed to deflect witchcraft. Amethyst, possesses a variation of intensity: from deep purples with subtle red glints, to pastel lilacs with hints of blue. The symbolisation of protection, has evolved in recent years, to being associated with healing and peace, frequently used in meditations techniques.
Pink Sapphires - mainly when people hear the word Sapphire, they immediately think of the colour blue. However, some maybe surprised to know that Sapphire, can come in an array of hues: orange, yellow, white, green, pink and purple. Pink sapphires possess a range of shades, from highly saturated magenta to vivid purplish pinks and pastel rose. In asian literature, Pink sapphires are compared to a lotus flower, which symbolises beauty, wisdom and sincerity.
Diamond - derives from the Greek word ‘adamas’, which translates to ‘invincible’. Today, the meaning somewhat refers, to the gemstones excellent hardness (ranking 10 on Mohs' scale), hence diamonds are highly resistant to be scratched or abraded by another material, other than diamonds itself. Moreover, diamonds possess the magical phenomenon of fire, which relies on the facetted gemstones ability to disperse (split) light, into a rainbow of colours.
The ancient Egyptians thought diamonds symbolised life, and the Pharaohs were known to place the gemstone in the centre of an ankh cross. Whereas, the ancient Greeks believed diamonds to be the tears of the gods or broken splinters from fallen stars. Alternatively, in ancient Roman literature it is noted that Cupids arrows were ‘diamond tipped’, maybe one of the first references that associates the gemstone with love.
Request Current Ring Size To Be Altered:
If the current ring size listed, is not the ring size you require. Please fill out the form below, requesting the size you need and we will respond within 2 working days. We will answer any question you may have, estimate lead times and let you know you how much this alteration will cost.
Please note, that whilst ring sizes (depending on the setting and style of ring) can safely and easily be sized up or down, one to four sizes. Rings were generally made to the scale of their current size. Requesting a ring size a lot smaller in size then the current size, can make the bottom band of the ring become oval in shape. When making rings larger in size, our highly skilled workshop will seamlessly add a piece of metal, into the bottom of the ring. If a size is requested that will impede the structural durability of the ring, than depending on the setting and style, alternative options such as: half shank or soldered beads, can be suggested.
Remember there is only about a 1mm difference between each whole ring size. For more information on what to consider when finding your size, read our blog: "The Factors Affecting Ring Size”.
Jewellery Care Precautions:
Avoid direct contact with: perfume, lotions, skincare, hairspray / other chemicals. Remove, your jewellery: when showering, swimming (as both chlorine and saltwater will react with metals), washing your hands / using hand sanitisers, before going to bed or when participating in physical activities (going to the gym, exercising, gardening, housework etc….).
Beware, metals may tarnish over time due to oxygen contact and natural body oils. Prevent items from being exposed to moisture and direct sunlight, for long periods. Store jewellery in a dry place away from humidity, in a pouch/jewellery box and keep each piece separated from each other. Care, for your jewellery by cleaning with a soft dry cloth.
White Gold:
White gold is not an element and does not occur naturally in a pure form. Pure yellow gold is mixed with alloys of white metals (such as palladium) to produce, a silver coloured alloy, known as white gold. It is further coated in a precious metal called rhodium (an element that derives from the same metal family as platinum), to increase its lustrous sheen and protect it from tarnishing and scratching.
Over time with exposure to oxygen and moisture, the rhodium coating will naturally wear and you will begin to see the natural yellow colour of gold. Rings will experience this more than other types of jewellery. The general guide for re-applying rhodium coating to your rings is between 1-2 years. However, the rate of wear depends on the pH level of your skin, exposure and contact to chemicals. For professional cleaning and rhodium coating, our workshop will provide the TLC your jewellery needs.
Amethyst, Crystalline Quartz:
Hardness: 7 | Toughness: Good | Stability: Good
Extreme Caution, Avoid: Light, Extreme Temperature Change (thermal shock), Jewellery Cleaners (steam cleaners).
Mild Caution, Avoid: Heat, Chemicals (acids, detergents, solvents, nail polish remover), Jewellery Cleaners (ultrasonic).
Gemmological Observation: Avoid leaving Amethyst in strong light/heat, as colour may fade, with prolonged exposure. Quartz is pyroelectric, this means that when the gemstone experiences a change in temperature (for instance heat from the sun/lighting) it causes a low-level electrical attraction to fine dust particles. Therefore, you may experience that any quartz-set jewellery may need frequently cleaning.
Fancy Sapphire, Corundum:
Hardness: 9 | Toughness: Excellent | Stability: Very Good
Low Caution: A very durable gemstone, generally it is safe to use in; Jewellery Cleaners (Dips, Ultrasonic, Steam Cleaners).
Gemmological Observation: Corundums are a very durable gemstone. However, if lead-glass filled or heavily fractured, you will need to avoid: Chemicals (acids, detergents), Direct Heat, Jewellery Cleaners (ultrasonic, steam cleaners).
Diamond:
Hardness: 10 | Toughness: Good | Stability: Excellent
Low Caution: A very durable gemstone, generally it is safe to use in; Jewellery Cleaners (Dips, Ultrasonic, Steam Cleaners).
Gemmological Observation: Diamonds have excellent hardness, this means only a diamond can scratch/abrade another diamond. To avoid scratches, store your diamond set jewellery separately. Diamonds only have good toughness, as they possess perfect cleavage. This means that if knocked in the wrong direction, the diamond can cleave/fracture. Whilst wearing, you will need to avoid: Sudden Impact (sharp knocks). If the diamond is heavily fractured, you will need to avoid using: Jewellery Cleaners (ultrasonic, steam cleaners).
Contact Us
