Jewellery Odyssey:
Solitaire, derived from the latin words 'solus' and later 'solitarius', meaning to be: alone, sole or lonely. In jewellery terminology, the word solitaire refers to settings of ring, earrings or pendants that are set with a single gemstone. The setting is generally associated with diamond engagement rings and can be dated back to the Ancient Roman times. When single uncut diamonds were set in gold bands.
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.
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.
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.
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.