A “brilliant recovery”: the Global Diamond Industry Report 2021-2022 Mining Technology
Category: Diamond
Category Added in a WPeMatico Campaign
How long do engagement rings take to make?
Few people realise how long it takes for an engagement ring to be made. In contrast to off-the-shelf styles, we handcraft most of our rings individually to order.
As a result, most designs take around 4 weeks as a rule of thumb. Clients choose a unique set of options for any single ring design. As a result, we tailor the precious metal, finger size and diamond to our client’s exact requirements.
Whether you choose a diamond, or a gemstone, we source unique gems for all jewellery. While we create the ring design, we work with existing suppliers to find the perfect diamond, ruby or sapphire.
Ready-made engagement rings vs made-to-order ring designs
Some buyers choose a ready-made item of jewellery. Or, settle on a made-to-order engagement ring. Both with very different timescales. If you’re lucky enough to find the perfect ring in the correct size, a ready-made ring works perfectly.
The easiest way to find a suitable ready-made ring is to look through our finished ring designs online or in our showroom. Most ready-to-wear rings can be sent out with fast delivery within just a few days. Otherwise, 4-5 weeks represents the time to make the ring for you from the ground up.
How long does it take to make an engagement ring from our collection?
Each design in our engagement rings collection takes the allotted time of 4-5 weeks. Occasionally, when a client contacts us, we check for a suitable empty ring mount in our workshop. In this instance, provided we have a finished ring mount, we can set and finish the ring within just one week. Or, within a few days ideally.
Engagement rings go through a time-consuming process to transform precious metal into the finished ring mirror-polished to perfection.
Firstly, molten metal goes into a cast. Casting sometimes takes place with two parts of a ring made separately. This happens frequently when a ring is made from two precious metals. For example, a Platinum setting with a Yellow Gold shank.
Next, a mounter assembles the ring and prepares a semi-finished ring in the correct finger size. Then, a setter adds the diamonds or gemstones. Finally the ring goes through extensive finishing to polish the engagement ring ready for the client to collect.
All of our commissions go to a specialist in each section to complete each part of the work. For example, our finisher spends all day polishing jewellery. As a result each person is an expert in their niche.
Once completed, we thoroughly quality-control the final ring. In fact, this is possibly the most critical part of the journey to ensure we ensure all jewellery adheres to a very strict standard.
Fairtrade Gold takes an additional week since it is cast separately and less frequently than regular 18ct Gold.
Buyers choose their ring style, pick their diamond and metal type and the engagement ring is made to order in the correct finger size.
How long do bespoke engagement rings take to make?
Besides our regular ring styles, we create bespoke engagement rings. We design custom-made rings for clients through a unique service to include CAD design and a unique
Example of a bespoke engagement ring which takes longer than a regular engagement ring design — designed and crafted just for you.
We design rings with our clients’ approval before making the ring, working with their chosen materials. Owing to the work involved, the timescale will be longer than an existing design engagement ring.
Last minute rings
It is not unusual for a client to propose at very short notice. In fact, unplanned, surprise proposals lead to more engagements than planned proposals. For example, a spontaneous trip combined with the decision to propose.
Under such circumstances, we frequently loan out our showroom samples. Usually, this serves perfectly well for a proposal.
The advantage to choosing a ring together ensures a correct finger size in addition to the perfect design and specifications.
But, for anyone looking for a finished ring at short notice, we have a selection of ready-made engagement rings available from our showroom window. Buyers view designs online, or in our showroom window. Once purchased, a finger size adjustment can be made if the ring does not fit.
Starla from our Ready-to-Wear collection is available by next day delivery, depending on availability.
Buyer beware of rings made in a matter of days
Take care when purchasing an ring made in just a few days. Typically, such rings exhibit reduced quality. By comparison, a finished ring mount can be quite easily set within a matter of days. You will note this from our chart above.
How to get more help with lead times on engagement rings
Whether you are a retailer in need of assistance or a public member, we can help.
We advise contacting us with details of the ring style needed. Try to include as much information as possible. Information including metal choice, diamond size, colour and clarity help.
Additionally, we require some guidance on finger size. Alternatively, just pick up the phone and chat with us. We are used to giving expert help on all of these details. All information and help come without any obligation on your part.
We have many great ideas to share with you. Our small and friendly team remain on hand to guide you at every step of the way.
Examples of finished rings
For more examples of finished rings, visit our YouTube channel where we upload video clips of many of our designs such as the two stone design below, set with Moissanite.
The post How Long Does an Engagement Ring Take to Make? appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.
The first spherical diamond
Spherical diamonds differ in appearance to traditional diamond cuts. In fact, they bear a greater similarity to Cabochon gemstone cuts with a rounded polished surface. Imagine a small crystal ball, similar in size to a small marble.
On a field trip to Idar-Oberstein in Germany, a group of gemmologists discovered a most unusual diamond. The stone, cut by master diamond cutters Ph. Hahn & Sohne resembled a pearl with a distinctive difference. But, on closer inspection, its reflective properties revealed something far more exciting.
“We just had the idea to try such a round ball,” said Dieter Hahn, the CEO of Ph. Hahn & Sohne, the oldest diamond cutting workshop in Germany.
The first spherical diamond came out of an industrial rough diamond, polished into a perfect round spherical diamond. The diamond measured 10mm in diameter with a carat weight of 9.41cts.
The expertise of this diamond cutting company resulted in a diamond of unusual beauty made with a unique ability.
Furthermore, the diamond’s resistance to friction gave the stone unique kinetic properties.
The town of Idar-Oberstein long famed for its gem cutting expertise, dates back 400 years.
Originally Idar and Oberstein were separate valley towns united by a river. But, the geological finds within their hills included amethyst, jasper, and agate.
For this reason, mining became integral to the area. And, as a result, cutting workshops grew up along the river. Streams powered mills with enormous sandstone water wheels turned by water.
This heritage of expertise in gem cutting resulted in an area famed for its advanced lapidary skills. At the same time, the region gave rise to notoriety for its excellence in innovative techniques.
Spherical lab-grown diamonds
Since then, scientists at Ehime University in Matsuyama have formed the first perfectly spherical lab-created diamond. The diamond weighed 4 carats and measured 7.5mm in diameter. The university named the diamond Hime, and was produced by the universities Geodynamics Research Center.
How are sphere-shaped diamonds created?
Very few spherical diamonds exist. A sphere-shaped diamond requires a piece of rough ground down into a perfectly round shape. Conversely, most diamonds go through a cutting process ahead of the final polish.
At the same time, spherical diamonds go through 100% polishing. And the final polish requires intensive polishing with diamond powder. In fact, every part of the surface requires an even polish. For this reason, the technical skill and abilities of the polisher go beyond the traditional skills of the lapidiarist.
Traditional diamond polishing
The following video shows the traditional techniques of a diamond cutter. As a result, we develop an understanding of skill required to cut a diamond into a traditional cut of diamond.
The above article was first featured on the Serendipity Diamonds blog on August 29th 2014, later revised. With thanks to our friend C. Spooner for her writing contribution and field-trip photography.
The post Spherical Diamond Cuts – The Beauty of Spherical Diamonds appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.
Our favourite jewellery items from Pandora Brilliance: Pandora’s sustainably lab-created diamond collection HELLO!
Top diamond miner ALROSA suspended from the Responsible Jewellery Council Kitco NEWS
Categories
Fairy Tale Princess Jewelry
So many fairy tales end with a happily ever after (well, perhaps not all the Brothers Grimm’s offerings). Happily ever after is what we are looking for; when the Princess …
Fairy Tale Princess Jewelry […]
The post Fairy Tale Princess Jewelry appeared first on PriceScope.
Categories
Throwback Thursdays: March 2022
March of 2022 is closing out and we got to look at some really great pieces this month. The Throwback Thursdays and the Jewels of the Week were all lovely …
Throwback Thursdays: March 2022 […]
The post Throwback Thursdays: March 2022 appeared first on PriceScope.
You may have heard the term “push present” on your Instagram feed, from a friend who recently had a baby, or as an eager request from your expecting partner. The phrase is quite literal and refers to the relatively recent phenomenon of presenting a gift, traditionally jewelry, to your partner as a token of appreciation for courageously pushing a child into this world through the miracle of childbirth.
Categories
March 2022 Throwback Thursdays
March of 2022 is closing out and we got to look at some really great pieces this month. The Throwback Thursdays and the Jewels of the Week were all lovely …
March 2022 Throwback Thursdays […]
The post March 2022 Throwback Thursdays appeared first on PriceScope.
Categories
A Guide to April’s Birthstone – Diamond
What is the Birthstone for April?
Firstly, the Birthstone that represents April is Diamond—representing eternal love. At the same time, a diamond is believed to bring courage to the wearer.
Diamond comes from the Greek word Adamas meaning invincible. Favoured for engagement rings, diamond stands apart as the gemstone of everlasting love.
A diamond is the strongest gemstone. In addition, diamond is thought to bring strength with mystical healing powers associated with this most precious gemstone. Buyers regard diamonds as the most durable, hardwearing of all gemstones. In fact, diamond represents the hardest substance on the planet.
However, April’s modern birthstone shouldn’t be confused with Zodiac signs and differing systems between the UK and the US. For example, some Aries signs state that Bloodstone is the birthstone. Instead, we provide guidance from a list of traditional birthstones.
The history and origin of diamond
Diamonds formed almost 250 km under the Earth in the mantle. Incredibly, diamonds came into existence as long ago as 3.5 billion years.
Ancient cultures discovered the April birthstone in India. Diamonds gathered from the country’s rivers and streams were traded as early as the fourth century BCE. Moreover, royalty and the social elite coveted diamonds for their beauty and value.
Merchant caravans traded for Indian diamonds, along with other exotic merchandise. As a result, their trade routes reached the medieval markets of Venice. By the 1400s, diamonds became fashionable accessories for Europe’s elite and ruling classes.
Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave the first diamond engagement ring on record to his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477.
Evidence pinpoints the origin of the legendary 45.52 carats (ct) blue Hope diamond to India’s Golconda mining area. King Louis XIV of France purchased the diamond (known as the French Blue diamond at the time) in 1668.
Today, diamonds originate from all areas of the World including South Africa, Australia, Botswana, Russia and Canada.
The meaning of April’s diamond birthstone
Diamond signifies strength, endurance and healing. In addition, diamond magnifies the emotions of the wearer—mirroring their emotional state.
Diamond enhances both the positive and the negative to bring the wearer strength, fortitude and courage. Diamond has the power to drive away bad energy and fortune. At the same time, to bestow its wearer invincible powers.
Most importantly, diamond birthstones bring good luck to the fortunate wearer.
April birthstone necklaces
The hardness of a diamond lends itself well to jewellery. For long-term wear and endurance, diamond provides the best level of durability to any item.
When it comes to April birthstone gifts, a diamond necklace makes a perfect choice. From classic diamond solitaire pendants to clustered necklace designs.
At the most affordable level, silver set with a tiny diamond. In contrast, a luxurious single-stone diamond dazzling on the chest for all to see. When it comes to custom design, some designs feature added space for engraving. For example, the engravable round and heart disc necklace designs.
Our personalised necklaces feature a brilliant white diamond flush set onto the disc. With the additional option to add a personalised message for a Birthday. Add a date, message, fingerprint, or any other choice of engraving imaginable. Most importantly, our custom design service includes all artwork and support.
Fancy shaped diamonds
In addition to our engraved necklaces, we have a range of other jewellery designs perfect for an April birthday. For example, rings, earrings and necklaces set with fancy shaped diamonds.
Besides the round brilliant-cut diamond shape, many other styles exist. Alternative popular fancy shapes include Princess cuts and Emerald cuts. In addition, Oval cuts, Heart-shapes, Pear shapes and Emerald cut diamonds.
Our photograph shows the incredible Emerald-cut pendant. Simple facets of the step-cut add contrast to the sparkle of diamonds on the bail.
Alternative gemstones to a natural diamond
Many clients look for an affordable alternative to natural diamonds. With April and its birthstone diamond in mind, lab-grown diamonds make an affordable choice. At the same time, lab-grown diamonds keep within the April birthstone theme.
Lab-grown diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds work out to half of the cost of natural diamonds. Moreover, we set lab-created diamonds into any of our jewellery designs.
Above all, under magnification, our lab-grown diamonds are identified by a unique laser inscription. Applied to the outer girdle, the certificate number and reference appear. Buyers can view a current list of man-made diamonds on our dedicated lab-grown diamonds page of our website.
Moissanite
Many sources quote ‘crystal’ for April’s birthstone—tailored to buyers with a smaller budget. For this reason, we introduced Moissanite as a further alternative to diamond.
The lower cost and ethical standards of Moissanite make this an attractive choice for consumers.
If Diamond comes from Carbon, then Moissanite comes from Silicon. Both offer near-identical properties (but differing chemical compositions) with incredible sparkle and fire.
April birthstone earrings
Swarovski Crystal creates a perfect birthstone gift, set into 9ct White Gold. These earrings also create a more durable finish created in white gold. Above all, they give an impressive show of diamond. These earrings are available online here or in our Ryde Showroom.
With a range of diamond earring designs to select from, including studs, drop or fancy shape options. Moreover, our diamond earrings are now available with the reassurance of 60-day returns. We send each pair out with a hygiene seal attached.
Coloured diamonds
Diamonds are available in a range of colours. Differing from the regular whiteness scale that we have available, D-J. You can also find diamonds in a fancy yellow colour. Above all, creating a unique alternative for a Birthstone gift.
Pink diamonds
We get asked about pink diamonds daily. Although they can be sourced, the price range for a single pink diamond starts at 10,000.00. The demand and lustre for pink diamonds are incredible. This is why we always suggest going for our diamond cut Pink Sapphires—giving the same look for nowhere near the same cost!
Black diamonds
Clients rarely think of black coloured diamonds. In fact, they offer an alternative to white, colourless diamonds. Rarely high quality, black diamonds create a unique look set alongside brilliant white diamonds.
Bespoke jewellery made with birthstones
Many past clients requested the addition of their loved one’s birthstones into new and existing jewellery. For example, the placement of a small diamond set into their wedding ring.
To add colour and contrast, precious gemstones alternate wonderfully with white diamonds. For example, Sapphire Eternity rings. Incorporating both April birthstone and September birthstone. Blue sapphires represent September, available in a wide range of blue, blue-black, light-blue or blue green shades.
Precision set side by side. Learn more about Birthstone Eternity rings.
Therefore, with a fully bespoke option available, any design can be created fully set with Birthstone variations. Our example of Bespoke 18 – Set with over 0.85cts of certified diamonds. Arranged between a combination of four different gemstones, comprising Aquamarine, Peridot, Tanzanite and Amethyst. In conclusion, our client wanted to use all of these gemstones to represent her husband’s birthstone and children.
Caring for your diamond
Diamonds attract grease and dirt. They lose their sparkle when natural oils, dust and dirt adhere to the surface. The underside of a diamond attracts dirt and grease due to contact with the skin.
We recommend professional cleaning. At the same time, occasional routine checks. We offer Diamond Dazzle Stiks to purchase.
Within the stick, a special polymer fills tiny scratches. Dazzlestiks clean diamonds, precious stones, platinum and gold jewellery settings.
The post A Guide to April’s Birthstone – Diamond appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.