Pink Jewellery

It's all in the Accessories...

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 16:34:26 GMT

With the party season almost upon us, us ladies are already conjuring up mental images in our minds about how fabulous we intend to look at each and every event. However, December is already a very expensive month for obvious reasons and it seems slightly unpractical for us to be buying a whole new outfit every time we step out of a taxi and into a Christmas party. So, what is the alternative? Obviously we cannot attend every party looking the same- heaven forbid! The answer then - accessories! Wearing the same dress in different ways with different jewelry, shoes and even hair and make up can really open you up all manner of outfit opportunities.

First of all, we need to find the dress. Before you head out hunting for a new 'goes-with-everything' frock, check your wardrobe! The four dresses you bought last year maybe up for the job. Once the dress is decided upon, the fun really starts. Perhaps you have stayed safe an opted for a little black number which has always served you well? That's great, the options, then, are endless.

For look no.1, think Audrey Hepburn. Simple and elegant, her iconic style still inspires many even today. So, what do you need to achieve such a look? Well, its pretty simple really. You need an immaculate up-do (perhaps watch a few online video guides), you need a fabulous pair of sparkly earrings and, you need a set of pearls and, for the extravagant among you, a lavish cigarette holding prop might be the perfect finishing touch.

For look no. 2, think festive. Color and sparkle can work wonders
alongside that staple black dress; these are Christmas parties after all! The easiest way to add a bit of color to your outfit is in the shoes or the tights. Perhaps you could team your black dress with a pair of show stopping shoes; the amazing women's shoes available this season should provide you with many options. Following such, a few pieces of costume jewelry - a few coloured bangles and a ring or two - and perhaps even some hair accessories - bows and flowers, etc - will really set off the outfit.

For look no.3, think natural goddess. This look is all about making the most of what you have. Beautiful, natural make up, loose wavy hair, and a few understated pieces of jewelry can sometimes be the boldest statement of all.

So, enjoy the party season, and make the most of that little black dress!

- Emily Patterson

A Superb Pink Diamond

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:01:13 GMT

From last year, but worth watching:

Types of Sapphire Jewellery

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:46:16 GMT

Sapphire is a kind of mineral known as Corundum. There are many types of sapphires, depending upon their colours and other properties. When a sapphire is red, it is called Ruby, and a pinkish-orange sapphire is called Padparadscha, which means lotus blossom. A sapphire other than blue is called a fancy sapphire.

Pink sapphires are usually known as girly sapphires because pink gives a feminine look. Sapphire jewellery became very popular after Paris Hilton was seen wearing a pink sapphire ring and a yellow diamond pendant. After this, people are taking interest in sapphires and the demand of sapphires is increasing day by day. The current trend is towards the large knuckle-type rings that are paved with tiny pink sapphires.

Sapphires come in about all colours depending on the quantity of impurities in them. Elements such as Titanium, Chromium and Iron can all change the hue of the transparent mineral into variety of colours such as green, pink, orange, yellow and variety of blue. Sapphires are also available in black and grey colours as well.

Sapphire is a hard mineral. It has a melting greater than 2000 deg C and is also insoluble and infusible. It is widely used in sapphire rings and other jewellery items. Besides this, it has other practical applications as well.

Sapphires come in two different varieties: synthetic and natural. As it is clear from the name that natural sapphires are mined naturally, synthetic sapphire is grown through different procedures developed in 1902 by Auguste Verneuil. Due to the advancement in the creation of large scale synthesizing of sapphires, sapphires today are available at very cheap rates. Due to their affordability, they became more valuable for use in both jewellery and industry. Different types of sapphires are available all over the world.

Besides the colour differences, sapphires are also differentiated due to their shapes and appearance. A star sapphire is named due to the appearance of the star-shaped pattern. This star-shaped pattern is the result of asterism. Asterism is a phenomenon which can be found in different types of gems. In star sapphires it is due to intersecting needle-like impurities. Star sapphire jewellery is dependent upon the colour and the asterism intensity.

Usually the sapphires used in jewellery are synthetic sapphires because they are more affordable. Natural sapphires are expensive because they are rarer. Both types of sapphires look the same. Only jewellery experts can distinguish between natural and synthetic jewellery. The price of the sapphires also depends upon the clarity, size, cut, quality and colour of the sapphire.

Sapphire jewellery exists in a wide range of forms. But the most popular of them are sapphire jewellery rings, such as engagement rings and eternity rings. The most valuable sapphires available on the market are blue sapphires. Sapphires having a cornflower blue shade are the most popular stones, known as "Kashmir Sapphires". Besides this, Padparadscha sapphires are also high in price and popularity.

- Imran Ali

Antique Unheated Pink Sapphire Ring

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:34:37 GMT

Morganite or Pink Beryl?

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:29:48 GMT

In the first decade of the twentieth century, several new gemstone varieties were discovered in Pala, California. They include kunzite, the pink variety of spodumene; and morganite, the pink variety of beryl. Kunzite was named after the famous American gemologist, George Frederick Kunz, who spent most of his career as the chief gemologist at Tiffany and Co. Morganite was named in honor of the legendary financier and gem collector, J.P. Morgan. In fact it was Kunz who suggested naming the newly discovered beryl after Morgan, who was Tiffany's largest customer.

Morganite belongs to the same gemstone family as emerald, aquamarine, golden beryl and bixbite. Among these beryls, morganite and the raspberry-red bixbite are the rarest. In fact bixbite is only found in the state of Utah in the USA. Morganite is not quite as scarce, but still counts as a rare variety.

There has been some attempt in the jewellery trade to change the name of morganite to "pink emerald." But this should be seen as just a marketing ploy to bring pink beryl to the attention of the public. The official mineral name for pink beryl continues to be morganite.

Like the other members of the beryl family, morganite is aluminum beryllium silicate. The source of the pink colouration is not well understood. Some scientists attribute morganite's colour to traces of manganese, while other sources attribute the colour to the element caesium. Morganite's colour can vary soft pink to violet to salmon or peach.

In common with other beryls, morganite has very good hardness, with a rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. Unlike emerald, which tends to have significant inclusions, morganite is usually quite clean.

Morganite is routinely heat treated to improve its delicate colour and remove any yellow tones. Heating is done at relatively low temperatures (about 400 degrees centigrade) to achieve this effect.

Morganite deposits are found in Afghanistan, Brazil, China, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and the USA (California and Maine).

- AJS Gems

Pink Diamonds Trade Secrets

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 18:33:46 GMT

Choosing Wedding Jewellery - 10 Top Tips

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 21:46:52 GMT

You've chosen the wedding and bridesmaid dresses, the venue, the flowers and even the table settings. The band has been booked and the menu tasted. At some point your thoughts will inevitably turn to the finishing touches, and so to what accessories and jewellery will complement your wedding outfit.

The choice can be confusing. White gold or yellow gold? Diamond jewellery or a mix of pearls and diamonds? Can you wear gemstone jewellery for a little colour? Should you keep it simple or opt for a regal look? Our handy 10 Top Tips will help you choose.

(1) Do you prefer white gold or yellow gold?

Naturally the gold colour of your engagement ring and wedding ring will influence your decision here, but it is also worth bearing in mind the style of your dress. Generally, white gold or platinum gives a more contemporary edge, while yellow gold is seen as more traditional. Two tone gold offers the best of both worlds � why not try a pink and white gold pendant instead of the more usual yellow and white, for a slightly more romantic look?

(2) Do you have a preference for diamonds, pearls or gemstones?

Traditional brides may prefer white pearl jewellery, but it's a misconception that pearls are necessarily old fashioned. Indeed, a white gold pendant featuring a single pearl and accent diamonds can work well with a minimalist, contemporary look.

Diamond jewellery is a popular alternative, and can be the most glamorous option. It's also a plus point that the choice is vast � you're sure to find something you like, from a pretty floral diamond pendant to a rubover diamond tennis bracelet or diamond chandelier earrings. Diamonds do of course have the benefit of adding a touch of sparkle to your dress, and most styles are readily wearable in everyday life (for example, diamond stud earrings are one of the staples for every woman's jewellery box and look great at the office; while a fancy necklace can be worn on nights out).

For something a bit different, it might be worth considering some subtle gemstone jewellery. Even if you're going to wear white, you could add a single piece of gemstone jewellery, which will go well with other diamond pieces. Indeed there can be positive benefits of adding a touch of colour � a particular gemstone can be used to tie in your own outfit with that of your bridesmaids and wedding colour scheme in general; your birthstone could be worn to add some special hidden meaning to your accessories (or even your husband's birthstone for an extra romantic idea); or a sapphire or topaz item could take care of your "something blue" worries!

(3) What will your hairstyle be on your wedding day?

You will probably have an idea of how you will wear your hair very early on in the process, either when you choose your dress or even before. Although the actual hairstyle may not be settled on until you have a trial run at the hairdresser's a week or two before the wedding, all you really need is a general notion of whether you're more likely to wear it up or down.

If you're planning to wear your hair completely up, you have the most options open to you in terms of earrings � diamond studs, half hoop earrings or even full blown dangle chandelier earrings will all work (depending of course on your dress neckline etc).

Wearing the hair down doesn't necessarily prevent you from having long dangly earrings, especially if you're prone to brushing your hair behind your ear every now and then. However if your hair is long and will be in ringlets or tight curls, it might be easiest to avoid chandelier or other particularly moveable earrings, since they can get caught up in the hair (especially when dancing). Simple stud earrings or French clip half hoop diamond earrings would be a good alternative, with the focus instead on your necklace, pendant or bracelet.

In a way, a half-up and half-down hairdo falls somewhere in the middle of the considerations for a fully up or fully down style. You can show off your ears since it's unlikely that hair will be falling over them, save for a couple of loose curls. However as this type of style can be the most romantic and graceful, it can look great with minimal diamond stud earrings as well.

(4) What is the style of your wedding dress?

In very broad terms there are four styles of wedding dress (or indeed bridesmaid's dress), namely:

(a) classic elegant dresses (e.g. a simple white satin a-line dress nipped in at the waist);

(b) princess style dresses (e.g. boned with netted underskirt);

(c) flowing and romantic dresses (e.g. empire line, perhaps with chiffon or lace); and

(d) figure hugging dresses (e.g. fully fitted with a fishtail).

Jewellery works best when it either subtly accents your dress or acts as a stunning feature against a simple background. It's best not to, for instance, overpower a traditional lace ornate dress with heavy diamond jewellery when an elegant pearl pendant would look more in keeping with the style of your dress.

Again as a very general guide, dresses falling within category (a) are the simplest to accessorise as they look great with almost any jewellery. For a full on princess effect (category b), chandelier earrings or a fancy diamond necklace are probably the order of the day, since you're likely to be a fan of sparkles! For dresses in category (c), these team best with pearls or more subtle pieces; and for (d) you can either keep the jewellery to a minimum by wearing smaller or non drop earrings and no necklace or go all out and wear a showstopping piece of jewellery or two.

(5) What neckline will your dress have?

Next to your hairstyle, this may well be the deciding factor for you in choosing your jewellery. Round necklines look beautiful with pearl necklaces or diamond tennis necklaces whereas v-necks emphasise a pendant more.

The easiest to accessorise is a sweetheart neckline, which goes well with almost anything. On the other side of the coin, you may be wearing a high necked dress � the very fact that this isn't seen much nowadays means that it will be stunning enough on its own, without any necklace needed (though a pair of earrings would look fantastic with it). Modern one shoulder dresses, or those with a halterneck, may not work as well with a line necklace, though again offer the perfect backdrop to a beautiful pair of earrings.

(6) Will your wedding dress have straps or sleeves?

The majority of formal dresses seem to be either strapless or with spaghetti straps, neither of which should pose any problem for your jewellery choices. If however you have a dress with long sleeves, you'll almost certainly have to forego any bracelet or bangle since this could catch on the fabric of the sleeve. Mid length sleeves (around elbow or three quarter length) are the opposite: since they draw the eye down the arm, a diamond bracelet or gold bangle will add the perfect finishing touch.

(7) What material will your wedding dress be made from?

There are two reasons why this might matter. Firstly, if you intend to wear jewellery over or very near to the material of your wedding dress, you should avoid items which might catch on the fabric. For instance, a diamond chandelier necklace or a particularly fancy pendant can have several dangling parts which move around as you do, whereas a single pearl pendant with little or no claw set diamonds will be smoother against any fabric. So if you have a lace or chiffon dress, it would be easiest to wear the pearl.

Secondly, the fabric of the dress goes a long way towards determining the overall look you're trying to achieve. So a wedding dress with a lot of lace or chiffon would suit more traditional jewellery, whereas a contemporary ruched satin dress would look great with funkier diamond or gemstone pieces.

(8) Will your dress be embellished?

If there's already a lot of embellishment on the dress, by way of beading or embroidery, you should take this into account too (you might want to avoid overdoing it, or you may be going for the full on princess effect � either way, accessorise accordingly).

(9) What other accessories will you have?

Probably more than you think! But the most important in terms of complementing the jewellery you'll have will be the veil (especially in terms of earrings), the handbag (if you have a bangle or bracelet near it) and any hair accessories (tiaras suit the princess look; flowers are more romantic and look fantastic with pearls).

(10) What is your price range?

Not every bride's budget will stretch to a full wedding jewellery suite with a diamond necklace, tennis bracelet and chandelier earrings. It can be tempting just to wear the same jewellery as you wear to the office every other day.

Yet it's worth considering at least one new piece of special jewellery to enhance your wedding dress: not only will you feel like a princess on your big day, but you can wear it on your wedding anniversary the following year. Just remember that one stunning item can transform the whole look, with other pieces taken from your existing jewellery box (or that of a kind relative!).

Lab Created Gemstone

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:03:44 GMT

Pink Kunzite Gemstones

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:45:11 GMT

Pink has become one of the most popular colors in gemstones. But many pink gems, such as sapphire and spinel, can only be found in small sizes, typically under 2 carats. You can often find pink tourmaline in sizes between 5 and 10 carats, but if you're looking for a very large pink gemstone for a cocktail ring or a pendant, your best choice is kunzite.

Kunzite is still unknown to many gemstone buyers. But the gemstone world began to pay attention to kunzite when they learned of a 47 carat kunzite ring that President John F. Kennedy had purchased for his wife, Jacqueline. He never had the chance to give her the ring before his tragic death in 1963. The kunzite ring sold for more than $410,000 at a Sotheby's auction of the Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1996.

Kunzite is the pale pink-violet to light violet species of the mineral spodumene. It is a good hard stone (6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale) with a vitreous luster and good transparency, so it suitable for all kinds of jewelry. It is typically a very light pink or lilac, though we occasionally see some more saturated pinks. We've also found some interesting pieces in an unusual golden pink.

Though most of the fine kunzite in today's market comes from Pakistan and Afghanistan, the gemstone was first discovered in the USA. It was named as a tribute to George F. Kunz, the legendary American mineralogist and buyer for Tiffany & Co, who first described the gem in 1902. Interestingly, the green form of spodumene was also first discovered in the USA, and was named after another American, W.E. Hidden.

Kunzite is strongly pleochroic, meaning there is a color intensity variation when a crystal of it is viewed from different directions. The top and bottom of the crystal reveal the deepest colors. Kunzite is challenging to cut to ensure that the light passes through the gem and accents the desired color.

Kunzite can often be found in sizes over 20 carats, and we occasionally see pieces as large as 50 carats. These days it often receives a portuguese cut, since the extra facets of this cut enhances its brilliance. Most of the kunzite we find is quite clean, and it is not unusual to find large pieces that have no visible inclusions at all, even under magnification.

Make Your Own Jewellery!

The Jeweller Extraordinaire — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 19:40:52 GMT

Fancy making your own jewellery? Check out this cool video from Make Jewellery Magazine: