Jewellery Odyssey:
Cocktail rings were the symbol of the retro period, which took place between the mid 30’s and 40’s. Large rings displayed the skilled innovation of voluminous and textured gold. With a minimum amount of gold being used, it was often: woven, braided and coiled, to produce extravagant designs. The gold was then ingeniously hammered, mattified or polished to produce a wide variety of textures. The effects of the war, restricted the use of precious gemstones such as: diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds in large sizes. The technique of pavé, rose to prominence, as large quantities of smaller sized precious gemstones were available. Cocktail rings exhibited a combination of large voluminous, textured gold designs, pavéd with brightly coloured precious gemstones. The limitations lead jewellers to use other gemstones such as: amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, garnet, peridot, smokey quartz, topaz and tourmaline. These stones were available in larger sizes and provided a burst of colour.
Gem Lore:
Topaz - has been linked with the ancient Greek word ‘Topazions’, which was an island in the Red Sea. The island is currently referred to as ‘Zabargad’ in Egypt (and can further be translated to St John’s Island in english). Coincidentally, the island mined many yellow and green gemstones and incorrectly referred to them as Topaz. Alternatively, the name is thought to derive from the Sanskrit word ‘tapaz’, which translates to ‘fire’. The Egyptians believed that their Sun God Ra, provided the stones golden colour and protected the wearer from harm. Topaz naturally comes in white, yellow, brown and with the aid of treatment, pink and blue. Blue topaz possess a range of shades from: pale 'Sky Blue', to moderate 'Swiss Blue' and vividly saturated 'London Blue’.
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.
Topaz:
Hardness: 8 | Toughness: Fair | Stability: Good
Extreme Caution, Avoid: Sudden Impact (pressure, knocks), Extreme Temperature Change (thermal shock), Jewellery Cleaners (ultrasonic, steam cleaners).
Mild Caution, Avoid: Light.
Gemmological Observation: Avoid leaving for long periods in strong light, as in some cases the colour may fade. Avoid any rough handling that can cause abrasions. Topaz has a low toughness, as it possess moderately easy cleavage, which means that the stone can fracture if it experiences a sharp knock.