Jewellery Odyssey:
The Georgian Era, (quintessentially named due to the reign of four Georges, King George I - IV) saw the design of the first "Cluster Ring". A ring with a central gemstone, traditionally round or oval and surround by a halo of more gemstones. The design evolved through different eras of history (Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and Contemporary) and today we see many variations to the original "Cluster Ring".
Gem Lore:
Emerald - derives from the greek word ‘smaragdos’, which simply translates to ‘green stone’. In many ancient cultures, Emeralds are notoriously known, for bestowing good luck to those that adorn the gemstone. From being considered as ‘holy’ by the Aztecs ... to the writings of Veda, which unearthed the gemstone to ‘improve one’s well-being’. Even the ‘holy grail’ itself, was depicted as being created, from an emerald.
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.
Yellow Gold:
Gold as an element, in its purest form will not tarnish, but gold used in jewellery has been alloyed with other metals, to increase durability. These metals have properties that when in contact with oxygen, chemicals, oils or other substances - will result in a surface tarnish or damage and corrosion. Even the pH level of you skin and the natural oils it produces, can tarnish your gold jewellery.
To prevent your gold jewellery from tarnishing or even disintegrating, avoid exposure to household chemicals, bleaches, toothpaste, baking soda and other cleaning abrasives. Wearing jewellery in places where perfumes, hairsprays, body lotions have been applied on your body, will increase tarnishing. Wear your jewellery after the products have been applied. To clean your gold jewellery, use a mild soap with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. For professional cleaning, our workshop can polish your jewellery back to life.
Platinum:
Platinum as an element in it purest form, is denser and stronger than gold. Due to this, platinum can be used in a purer form than gold, and when used in jewellery, 90-95% of platinum is alloyed with cobalt/iridium. Containing a high purity of platinum, means that of all of the precious metals used in jewellery, platinum is the most hypoallergenic.
Platinum is naturally white in colour and unlike white gold or sterling silver it will not tarnish, fade or discolour. However with natural age and wear, the high polish will dull to a darker matte tone and the metal will develop a patina of age. Although durable, platinum has a softer surface than 18ct white gold, and the appearance of scratches are more visible. Heavy wear will result in surface damages of little bumps and ridges.
To prolong the condition and surface wear of platinum, it is advisable to practise our jewellery care precautions. A professional polish, with our workshop, will revive the high mirror-like polish and smooth surface of your platinum jewellery.
Emerald, Beryl:
Hardness: 7.5 | Toughness: Poor | Stability: Fair
Extreme Caution, Avoid: Sudden Impact (pressure, knocks), Chemicals (acids, detergents, solvents, nail polish remover), Heat, Jewellery Cleaners (ultrasonic, steam cleaners).
Gemmological Observation: Emerald is a very brittle stone, it can fracture/chip easily due to internal fissures. Please avoid wearing during an activity that can cause this gemstone to be knocked. Clean with mild soapy water and dry with a soft cloth. Never soak in detergents/solvents/ultrasonic cleaning - as this can cause the removal of any oils, if present.
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).
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