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. Variations of the design, are sometimes seen with accent diamonds set on the shoulders of the ring.
Gem Lore:
Garnet - derives from the Latin word ‘garanatus’, which is translated to ‘seed-like’. The discovery of small red crystals bared a similar resemblance to pomegranate seeds. It is not widely known, that garnet can come in a rainbow of hues from red, orange, green and purple. However, red garnets are far more commonly seen with subtle overtones of purple, orange and golden brown. The gemstone has anciently been believed, to bring balance and harmony to the wearer.
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.
Garnet:
Hardness: 7.25 | Toughness: Good | Stability: Good
Extreme Caution, Avoid: Heat, Extreme Temperature Change (thermal shock), Jewellery Cleaners (ultrasonic, steam cleaners).
Mild Caution, Avoid: Sudden Impact (knocks), Porosity.
Gemmological Observation: Clean with mild soapy water and dry with a soft cloth. Garnets are usually a very durable gemstone. Some stones are prone to damage due to thermal shock. Do not expose them to extreme temperature changes.
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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