So you said YES to the ring (and your partner of course) !!! Now it is time to start planning the big special day you have been waiting on. In the beginning it might feel a little overwhelming with so many moving parts to organise. The best thing to do, is to start with one […]
5 Tips for Successful Jewellery Gifting Jewellery makes for one of those special gifts, perfect for just about any occasion. Afterall, who doesn’t love receiving dazzling jewels to show off? It can highlight how much you care for a person, and the recipient can show you how much they appreciate the gift by wearing it […]
Before you get engaged with a temporary engagement ring You might be wondering, What is a temporary engagement ring? It is simply a ring that you can get engaged with NOW, until you find the dream engagement ring. You can still have that amazing proposal experience your partner has been waiting for without the big […]
1. Which is the Best – White Gold or Platinum? There are a lot of myths surrounding platinum. So, here are the facts. Platinum is about 34% denser than white gold. This means it will be better wearing than white gold. While this makes platinum a better choice, it doesn’t mean that white gold is […]
There’s so much choice out there that sometimes it’s hard to know which metal is best for your dream wedding rings, especially when it comes to choosing for the groom. So to help you out, below is a brief description of some of the more popular metal types with a focus on metal that works […]
There are many decisions you need to make when you are about to get married and we can help make everything run smoothly. One decision you might not be thinking about at the moment is about protecting that investment for the future. Now, I know you already have a million things going on and you […]
Buying a beautiful diamond with an unlimited budget is easy; finding something just as stunning within your means can sometimes be a bit more challenging. While a lot of us might sometimes believe that we have champagne tastes with a beer budget, you can get an amazing diamond without breaking the bank. Learning how to […]
How do you feel about shopping for wedding rings online? Have you considered the option? Buying stuff online usually works out cheaper because many vendors online don’t have to pay store site rental, warehouse fees and the general overheads of a regular store, so those savings often go back to the customer. Browsing through the […]
Are you ready to start looking at possible wedding ring choices? Choosing the right jeweller can be just as important as the rings themselves and with so much choice available you might be stuck even before you start. Your options range from branded chain stores to more exclusive customized bespoke jewellers, but one thing is […]
Brisbane jewellers who conduct their manufacturing on the premises are an excellent place to start when you are looking for your wedding rings. Wandering from shop to shop, looking for “the one ” that matches your engagement ring perfectly or one that the husband-to-be simply loves can sometimes be a very draining experience. Having your […]
Let’s start with the top 3 questions you should ask yourself before picking a wedding ring # 1 When is the right time for Wedding Rings? Your wedding is such a special day, and one you may have planned in your mind for years. It is an occasion to be shared with family and friends […]
An Eternity ring is usually the third ring worn on the engagement ring finger. It usually sits on the side furthest away from you. If your wedding band is a diamond band, it will normally be the same style. However sometimes there can be a few variations. Here are a few of the questions i […]
Finance and payment plans: There is more pressure now than ever before to have it all. That beautiful home, healthy and happy kids, marriage and of course the perfect engagement ring and the dream wedding. It can be hard for young couples to find the right monetary balance. Life would certainly be a whole lot […]
Looking to propose with an Altr created diamond? To celebrate Altr created diamonds coming to Australia, we are giving couples looking to propose a $500 gift card to use towards their Altr created diamond engagement ring, when they place an order before 30th December 2018. Altr created diamonds have the identical physical, chemical, optical and molecular structure […]
Are you a little bit of a techno geek like me? Do you love the anticipation of getting your hands on the latest trend in technology? If you are then I bet you can’t wait for the newest Apple product to land (Yes, I am a diehard follower – sorry to all the Android lovers) […]
In recent times almost every industry has either gone through or is about to go through massive disruption, on a scale never seen before. The diamond industry is by no means immune to the changes that are coming with man made diamonds. We have seen a marked increase in the enquires around created diamonds in […]
Like most ladies, I am sure you would love to know how to get diamonds for Christmas. I wish I could tell you that guys love shopping for your Christmas present. The truth is most of us hate going near the shops, especially at this time of year. Even worse there is a constant dread of […]
Different Stories, Same Love One of the most amazing parts of my job is that I get to see love, joy and happiness every day. Whether it is someone looking to choose an engagement ring for their partner or a couple embarking on the journey together, it is a true privilege to be a part of […]
An engagement ring engraving is an expression of love inside one of life’s most treasured possessions. Choosing an engagement ring engraving can sometimes take months, as after all, it is a piece you are going to wear for the rest of your life. Once you have chosen your dream ring, the first piece of the […]
Just as no two individuals are alike, no two jewellers are the same. Every successful jewellery retailer operates in a particular niche. There are some that cater for the mass market, while some are more bespoke. I am not suggesting that everyone must go for the bespoke jeweller. Rather it is important to discover the […]
Confused by the diamond certificate? Have you ever looked at a diamond certificate and had no idea what all the numbers and percentages mean? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Starting out can be a bit daunting, not only do you have to find the ring that she likes but you need to make sure […]
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett famously stated that “diversification is protection against ignorance.” At the moment it seems pretty hard to make money in most of the usual asset classes. Many of the most historically reliable investment vehicles, such as shares or property have failed to deliver spectacular results in the last few years. But you […]
Wear it, don’t warehouse it! Do you have any unworn, old or broken pieces of jewellery lying around, unloved in your jewellery box? Maybe now is the right time to consider remodelling your jewellery? Many people have inherited jewellery that while sentimental, is no longer their style. Or maybe you have a piece that has […]
In today’s world is there really still any justification for inequality between men and women in the workforce? I am constantly amazed when the subject comes up on TV or it is the punch line of a comedians joke. I think it is a sad reflection on our society, that in many industries women are […]
Did you make a New Year’s Resolution last year that you didn’t keep or achieve? By now you have probably recovered from your New Year’s festivities and made a few New Year’s resolutions. Ironically there are probably a number of them that you have recycled from last year. All those things that you want to change […]
Believe it or not Christmas and New Year’s Eve are the two biggest events on the calendar for proposals. Having helped over 5800 couples on their journey to finding their perfect engagement ring, it never ceases to amaze me how popular this time of year is. I can’t really blame guys for choosing this time to […]
If you have ever planned a wedding or been involved in one, you will probably recall that terrible feeling in the pit of your stomach when you ask “how much is this going to cost.” I know that there is a perception out there that the mere mention of the 7 letter word is going […]
Valentine’s day is one of the most romantic days of the year to propose. This Valentine’s day, to celebrate the launch of my newly published book “Rock Her World” – The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Engagement Ring. I designed and created a beautiful Valentines Day engagement ring for one lucky couple to help […]
The question of “How much does a 1ct diamond cost?” is something that I get asked often. Because there are so many factors that make up a diamonds price and quality. The usual answer here is how long is a piece of string. It is a common question that most men ask as they are […]
Did you get a new years proposal? If the answer is no, and you have been together for what seems like “enough time”. Maybe it might be time to take an active role and plan for your upcoming engagement. Plan to be engaged Like anything in life, if you want something special you need to […]
Have you ever wondered what you should do, if you hate your engagement ring. I know hate is a very strong word, and most ladies would be happy with whatever their partner chose. But for some the engagement ring is their most prized possession, so it simply has to be perfect. So if you […]
Love is a beautiful thing. It makes us do things we wouldn’t normally do. In the initial months of a relationship, even taking out the rubbish is done with a smile. In today’s world, more and more couples are living together before getting married – according to 2012 figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics […]
So you have decided that it is finally time to choose an engagement ring. Whether you are the future groom to be and have popped the question, or choosing to find the dream engagement ring together as a couple, here are the 5 steps you need to follow when choosing an engagement ring. 1. CHOOSING AN […]
Finding your jewellery story is one of the most beautiful parts of my job. If a photo tells a thousand words, then surely your jewellery is like a novel filled with a lifetime of stories and memories. [Tweet “If a photo tells a thousand words, then your jewellery is a novel filled with a lifetime […]
This weeks Feature Engagement Ring is a princess cut diamond engagement ring with Argyle pink shoulder diamonds. The centre diamond was a 0.59ct D VS2 Passion8 and the shoulder diamonds were 4 = 0.17ct 4P Argyle pink diamonds. Feature Engagement Ring Sketch Design Features of the Engagement Ring One of the special requirements of this design was […]
Congratulations, on deciding to have your engagement ring specially designed. Hopefully you have read about the various stages of having your engagement ring specially designed. The next question most couples have, is how much will my custom made engagement ring cost? In a recent survey – 79% of people surveyed expected to pay more for […]
Are you absolutely frustrated with not being able to find your dream engagement ring design ANYWHERE? Have you been through a 1000 shops and nothing is jumping out at you. It may mean that you need to have your engagement ring specially designed, exactly the way you want it. The reason you haven’t travelled down […]
One thing that a lot of guys are missing after they purchase the engagement ring is a proposal guide. There are a few main ingredients when planning the perfect proposal to make it magical. The first element, is to PLAN. Failing to plan, is planning to fail. A misconception from some guys is to just”wing […]
Wedding day diamonds are a great way to spoil your new bride on one of the most magical days of her life. Wedding days can be an exciting roller coaster of emotions. New beginnings as the two of you begin your new life together, contrasted with the sadness of some fathers of the bride, who […]
Are you in need of a holiday? Or are you planning a wedding and looking for an amazing destination to kick back and recover from all your wedding planning? For some couples, all the effort that goes into planning a holiday can really take its toll. To help we are having our annual holiday promotion. […]
Rhodium plating is something that is done almost every day in a manufacturing workshop. Because it is something that is done by hand, there are times when it doesn’t always work out as perfectly as you would like. Every good workshop should have someone who is appointed as a quality control agent. Here are the […]
I think guys who are buying an engagement ring on their own deserve respect. It can be a really daunting experience and there is a lot of pressure to get it right. Over the last 20 years I have helped a lot of gentlemen choose a beautiful diamond engagement ring for their fiancées. Make sure when […]
Resizing rings is something of a daily occurrence for manufacturing jewellers. However it never ceases to amaze me how many times I hear from clients who have been to other jewellers that a ring can not be resized to suit their fingers. While it may be difficult at times to resize a ring, it is […]
Passion8 diamond engagement rings don’t just have the most perfectly cut diamonds but they also have an excellent manufacturing standard. Today’s engagement ring review is on model Passion8 model 5294 in 18ct white gold with a 0.70ct F SI princess cut diamond. This engagement ring features a grain set halo surrounding the claw set princess cut […]
10 things you must ask your jeweller to make sure you are getting the best advice 1. Ask your jeweller where was the ring made ? Is the ring made locally or overseas ? Hand made rings manufactured locally are not only better quality, but will last longer as well. A master jeweller is someone […]
Engagement ring claws are an essential part to holding your diamond in place. Whether you have four or six claws, it is still possible for the claw to become separated from your diamond. Through normal everyday wear, your engagement ring claws are prone to being bumped and knocked. This can cause the claws to come away […]
Buying a diamond engagement ring is not only a big emotional commitment but a significant financial one for most couples. While the internet is usually a great tool for conducting some initial research before buying a diamond, it can become difficult when you need to make a price comparison. The key piece of advice that […]
If diamonds would sparkle more in claw settings, then i am sure that almost every diamond ring would be set that way. Understanding the way a diamond sparkles has more to do with the cut of a diamond than it does the setting that it is in. A diamond owes its sparkle to the precision […]
Gym’s are great for personal fitness but a gym will kill your rings. Some of the most destroyed pieces of jewellery i have ever seen come from avid gym trainers who wear their jewellery at the gym. If you want to protect your ring and increase its life expectancy, then here are some things to […]
Do you know a tradie that would like a scratch resistant metal ? While some guys can be a little unfazed by the metal of their wedding bands, more and more are looking for low maintenance better wearing wedding rings. As time goes on, new technology and advancements are bringing new metals to the market. […]
Research Shows – Size Doesn’t matter !!! Diamond Size Vs Quality A recent study found that 84% of respondents surveyed, stated that they would prefer a smaller diamond size if it was of a higher quality. This was in line with further questioning that showed that 86% didn’t want a showy engagement ring at the expense of […]
Diamond halo engagement ring designs are extremely popular at the moment. Whether it is a centre round brilliant cut diamond or fancy shape like this radiant, the range of halo designs is always expanding. When deciding on a halo engagement ring design there are two main design styles to choose from – grain set and […]
Matching a wedding band to your engagement ring should be an easy process if your engagement ring has been designed with this in mind. Almost every engagement ring can be made to sit flush with a wedding band. It just takes extra time and precise direction to angle the wires to a small base. While some […]
1. Does my white gold need to a rhodium plating ? Yes. All white gold, is essentially an alloy of pure (24ct) yellow gold, so it is natural to assume that it has a yellow tinge. The rhodium plating is a process which gives the white gold its ultra white colour by placing a coating […]
Which diamond cut looks the biggest? Have you ever wondered if a 1 carat round brilliant cut diamond looks bigger than a 1 carat princess cut diamond? I am often asked whether round or square diamonds look bigger by many brides-to-be as they begin the journey of picking their perfect diamond engagement ring. While the sparkle […]
Bad customer service has become one of the central talking points of the modern retail experience. Have you ever walked into a shop and had to jump up and down, or stand on a soap box just to grab the attention of a disinterested salesperson? In an age where an increasing amount of transactions are […]
“My diamond has a chip in it “ is one of the worst things a jeweller can hear. This is usually followed by “I thought diamonds were the hardest stone on the planet”. Unfortunately, while diamonds do have the highest rating on the Mohs scale of hardness (measured out of 10), it does have weaknesses. The best […]
A Royal christening certainly don’t come along very often; especially with four generations of royals in attendance. October 23rd marks the christening of Prince George by the Archbishop of Canterbury in St. James’ Palace’s Chapel Royal. While the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have proven to be very hands on parents who favour a more low-key lifestyle, […]
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SI2 diamonds that are eye clean are becoming harder to find. They are something that takes patience and experience to find. As a qualified diamond grader, I am always searching for the most perfectly cut SI2 diamonds with the best located inclusions. Looking at a diamond’s inclusion location is just like property, it is all about location, […]
Do you have some antique diamond rings lying around in your jewellery box sitting on your dresser? Not sure what to do with them? Why not have them remodeled into something more modern that you can and want to wear? Unfortunately a lot of the rings containing antique diamonds are very out dated and, more […]
Last Saturday, 7th September 2013 was the Legacy Defence Force Charity Ball. It was a momentous day for many reasons; not only did we have a change of government and a Wallabies football game, but the annual Australian Aerospace Defence Charity Ball supporting Legacy as well. Over 700 guests were on their feet applauding the […]
While engagement ring insurance might not be the first thing you think after you finally find “The One”. It could be one of the second most important decision you make. No one knows what’s around the corner. For example; You might accidentally lose the ring in the rubbish one day when cleaning up, You might […]
To re-propose or not, is an issue that confronts a lot of men after a proposal mishap. Re-proposing, is there even such a word? Is proposing something that can only happen once? I know there are many times in our lives where we wish we had a re-do button. So if you make a mistake […]
Wearing the engagement ring during the wedding is a question I often get asked when brides are picking up their wedding band. As is the custom in most western countries, the wedding band is the first ring on your wedding ring finger, followed by the engagement ring and then the eternity ring. In light of this […]
Proposing to the lady of your dreams is one of the greatest passages of life for a young man and there can be a tremendous amount of pressure to come up with the perfect proposal. While there are undoubtedly many articles giving you ideas on how to come up with the most magical proposal, here […]
There is no such thing as a perfect proposal. What might be magical for one couple may be the complete opposite for another. This aside, there are a few ingredients you should include to ensure it’s the magical moment it should be for the both of you. From choosing the right diamond ring to uncovering the perfect […]
Have you been waiting for Mr Right to propose with your dream engagement ring? If it doesn’t look like it is going to happen any time soon, maybe you might need to start dropping some carefully positioned hints in order to get the ball rolling. After all, maybe the reason he hasn’t proposed is because […]
Jewellers and setters are very different trades even though they are connected to the same industry. Just as plumbers and electricians are separate trades but connected to the building trade, so too are jewellers and setters unique. Jewellers are involved in the construction of the ring, while setters are the ones responsible for securing the stones. […]
Argyle pink diamonds, are know throughout the world, not just for their beauty, but their rarity as well. Not many people believe that their diamond engagement ring is an investment, however with Argyle pink diamonds this is certainly the case. Pink diamonds have been know to increase in value 20% – 30% every year. Certainly […]
A diamond engagement ring is one of a ladies most precious prized possessions. It symbolises a couples love and the start of their life journey, called marriage. Like a new car, that people try and keep clean for the first few months, the cleaning of a diamond engagement ring, is something that sometimes get put […]
As a family owned Jewellery business, i am proud to say that we are 100% Australian owned. Jewellery has always been in our family and was a big part of my up bringing. Being a second generation business, it gives me a lot of joy, to carry on the Xennox name, and uphold all the […]
Diamonds….. Is there such a thing as too many ? In years gone by, a traditional wedding band was considered just a plain band, either in white gold or yellow gold. However these days the traditional band is more an exception rather than the rule. In my experience only 1 in 50 brides will ask […]
A honeymoon can sometimes be the thing that couples really look forward to, one week out from the wedding. Especially if you have been planning this amazing event for the last 12 months. All the stress of deciding which table decorations to use, and who isn’t going to sit next who at the reception, can […]
Jewellers are not just craftsmen they are artists too. People are often amazed at how these artificers of metal, are able to manipulate gold and gemstones into the beautiful finished creations, that are adored for generations. But have you ever wondered how long you would have to train to be an exceptional jeweller to create […]
Buying diamonds overseas, can often be fraught with danger. Particular if it is from a place like Afghanistan. We always recommend extreme caution when considering to purchase a diamond from a source that you don’t know. If someone offers you a deal that sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Case story […]
2013 Vinnies CEO Sleepout Thursday 20 June The aim of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout is not only to raise funds, but raise awareness of and for our countries homelessness. The slogan for this year is to #halvehomelessness. Vinnies Evening Event I thought i would give you an insight to what occurs on the night. The event usually […]
Diamond engagement rings come in all different shapes and sizes. One of the first questions most ladies ask themselves is, what shape are they? Would they like a traditional round brilliant cut, princess cut (square) or fancy cut diamond ? Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Rings The round brilliant cut diamond has 58 facets, and […]
Wedding rings are sometimes one of the last things people think about when organising a wedding. The worst scenario i have ever seen was a couple looking to organise their wedding rings the day before the wedding. So if this isn’t you, then maybe you are not doing too badly. Order Your Wedding Rings […]
Brisbane jewellers who conduct their manufacturing on the premises are an excellent place to start when you are looking for your engagement and wedding rings. Wondering from shop to shop, looking for “the one ” can sometimes be a vary draining experience. For some clients hoping to find the perfect engagement or wedding ring that […]
Restoring antique rings is something best left to master craftsman. Rings that have been made more than 50 years ago, may have been repaired with a multitude of different solders. This can be problematic, as new solders may have different melting points, to those used when the ring was originally made. Restoring antique rings or […]
Ring rash as it is often called, is often a form of dermatitis, which leaves the finger itchy and red. While there are believed to be a number of causes, it is often difficult to pin point the exact reason this occurs. Which no doubt causes a lot of anxiety with the women that encounter […]
Platinum has long had a great allure. Whether you should choose a platinum or white gold diamond engagement ring is often an important decision most couples come across when looking for their dream diamond ring. Platinum Benefits There are a few things you need to know before deciding whether platinum is the right choice for you. […]
Redesigning rings can be one of the most rewarding experiences to undergo with a client. One of the things I love about the jewellery business is that gold and gemstones never go off. Gold can be melted down, reused, reshaped and remoulded. Gemstones can be rearranged and added to give pieces of jewellery a new lease on […]
Mother’s Day is a special day around the world, where we acknowledge the importance and significance of our mothers. Let’s face it, without mothers none of us would be here. While Mother’s Day has traditionally been a flowers, dinner, chocolates and card event, why not surprise the mother in your life with something a little […]
Having insufficient or inadequate jewellery insurance, is something most people only learn about when they need to make a claim. Apart from the many different policies out there, there are few things that you should try to have for each jewellery item, to make sure you replace the item that was lost. 1. A full […]
While the last week before your wedding can be quite hectic. There are a few important things that are important to add to your must do list to make sure your wedding goes off without a hitch. 1. Book your engagement ring in to be polished and/or rhodium plated the week of your wedding. If […]
Rhodium plating is one of the key things of interest for anyone who wears white gold. Often when i find a client whose rhodium plating has worn out within a year, it is because of a few factors. Which if you can help to reduce or eliminate, will prolong the life of your rhodium plating, and keep the […]
Cleaning your diamonds at home doesn’t need to be an expensive exercise. While ultrasonic cleaners can make the job of cleaning your diamonds easier, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on expensive solutions. Below are 5 tips on cleaning your diamond and how you can keep your diamond looking sparkly whether you are at home […]
Handmade jewellery has been around for thousands of years. However there has been an emerging trend over the last few years to import from China and India, mass produced jewellery instead of handmade jewellery made locally. This is due to the favourable exchange rate and to the fact that wages and expenses are lower in […]
The Past As a young child, I remember going into my father’s jewellery business, sitting at his bench, picking up his files and playing with his magnifying glass. I still remember how big everything seemed, and the rustic smell is still one that I think of fondly. As I grew older, I would often help […]
Ten years ago, the traditional wedding rings for a bride and groom were plain white or yellow gold bands. To have a diamond band was considered something extravagant or indulgent. However these days the trend has reversed completely, with only 1 in every 40 brides or grooms choosing a traditional band. For the ladies, the […]