Jewellery Odyssey:
The vintage mid-century era saw the rise of the modern period. Influenced by the political scope of civil right and feminist movements. Goldsmiths of the 60s - aspired to rebelliously express their loud, bold and beautiful jewellery designs with unbridled creativity, to make a statement. Echos of optimism surrounding scientific developments, had the world and jewellers alike, fascinated by this new space age. Capturing the mood of iconoclasm, with explosive themes of splintered shapes. The classic cluster was reborn with jagged and spiky contours, to create a striking effect. Reflecting the spirit of the time, gemstones of contrasting colours where combined, enhancing creativity and empowering innovation.
Gem Lore:
Sapphire - derives from the Latin word ‘saphirus’ and Greek word ‘sapheiros’, which simply translates to the colour blue. This gemstone is referenced frequently throughout Ancient Literature. From being the celestial material given to Moses, that sacredly held the inscription of the Ten Commandments. The ancient Persians, who believed the earth to rest on a giant sapphire, which was then reflected in the sky. To Helen of Troy, who was thought to possess a large star sapphire, the reason behind her desirability. In most recent times, sapphire has come to symbolise wisdom and creativity.
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.
Sapphire, Corundum:
💎 Hardness: 9 | 💪 Toughness: Excellent | ⚖️ Stability: Very Good
💚 Low Caution: A very durable gemstone, generally it is safe to use in; 🫧 Jewellery 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: 🧪 Acids, ☀️🔥 Direct Heat, 🔊 Ultrasonic, 🌪 Steam Cleaners.
Diamond:
💎 Hardness: 10 | 💪 Toughness: Good | ⚖️ Stability: Excellent
💚 Low Caution: A very durable gemstone, generally it is safe to use in; 🫧 Jewellery 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: 🔨 Sharp Knocks. If the diamond is heavily fractured, you will need to ⚠️ avoid using: 🔊 Ultrasonic, 🌪 Steam Cleaners.