Jewellery Odyssey:
Inspired by the Late Victorian Period which was popular for boat shaped clusters, themes of filigree and the use of more delicate settings. It heavily inspired the Edwardian Period, whereby jewellery became more refined; in the fashioning of stones and simultaneously, in the design of jewellery.
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.
Opal - derived from the Latin word ‘opalus’, which translates to ‘see a change in colour’. The romans believed Opal to be a beautiful combination of all the other precious gemstones. Another interpretation in ancient India, considered the opal to be the embodiment of ‘Goddess of the Rainbow’. In recent years, the gemstone has been carved out to symbolise hope and honesty. Precious opals exhibit the optical effect, known as play of colour. The iridescence of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet flashes, is due to a combination of diffraction and interference of light.
White Opal's - possess a magical phenomenon termed opalescence. The translucent, pearly white appearance, resembles the sky on a cloudy day. Not many people know, that the cause of a cloudy sky and white opals are similarly linked. The effect merely relies on large particles scattering light. White opals been associated with the meaning of purity and nurturing.
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.
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.
Precious Opal:
Hardness: 6 | Toughness: Poor to Fair | Stability: Fair to Poor
Extreme Caution, Avoid: Sudden Impact (pressure, knocks), Cosmetics (hair sprays, lotions, perfumes, make-up), Chemicals (acids, detergents, solvents, nail polish remover), Light, Heat, Extreme Temperature Change (thermal shock), Porosity, Jewellery Cleaners (dip, ultrasonic, steam cleaners).
Gemmological Observation: Clean only by wiping with a damp/dry cloth. Do not soak in jewellery cleaners. Opal is a very soft material and should be treated with care, avoid wearing whilst doing anything that can cause abrasion. Avoid dry/hot storage conditions or leaving them in direct sunlight. Ideally store with moist cotton balls/a dish of distilled water, to avoid dehydration and prevent cracking and crazing. Wearing opals will provide them with the moisture they need.