HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY?
Here are some options to help you navigate based on common needs & enquiries.
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 or improve, but never got around to doing. Whether it is something physical like losing a few kilos or business orientated like reaching more clients, having an incentive to achieve your New Year’s resolution is sure to increase your chances of success.
When I sit down with clients we discover together what pieces are on their jewellery wish list and what major goals they would love to achieve for the coming year ahead. For some it might be a promotion or a number of successful client transactions, for others it is the completion of a project. Whatever your goal is, having a piece of jewellery to symbolise your achievement will not only give you the enjoyment of wearing it, but also spur you on to hit your next goal. One of the things that my clients often overlook is the power of goal setting – using diamonds as the carrot (pun intended). I always say that if a picture tells a thousand words, then your jewellery is a novel with a lifetime of memories. When I look at a piece of jewellery I am reminded of all the memories associated with it – how I designed it, where I sourced the diamonds from, how the jeweller made it etc…
One of my clients, Sally, had a goal of reaching 150 active recurring clients in her business. Sally’s incentive for working towards that goal was a new pair of gorgeous diamond studs. Throughout the year Sally worked tirelessly, putting in extra hours, sacrificing personal leisure time and even visited her diamond studs in the showroom as a motivator to stay on track. By the time the end of the year came around Sally actually ended up with 186 clients. Sally had been so motivated to achieving her goal that the extra momentum she had built up allowed her to blow her target out of the water. Now we use Sally’s earrings as a memory anchor to help her go after her next target of 250 clients. You see, every time Sally now looks in the mirror, she doesn’t just see her diamond studs, she sees everything those diamond studs represent. Sally is reminded of all the hard work she put in to achieve her goal, and ultimately how successful it makes her feel, which is a great sense of fulfilment for her. It also makes her excited about going after her next goal, which is a diamond bracelet. It doesn’t have to be a set of diamond studs for you; it might be a bracelet, a ring or a strand of pearls. Whatever your taste in jewellery is, link it to S.M.A.R.T. goal.
Set yourself one SMART goalI find limiting it to one main goal at a time works best, that is until you develop the skill set to handle multiple goals at once. That way you will avoid the vicious cycle of recycling your New Year’s resolutions. While the beginning of the year is a great time to set a goal, there is really no reason that you can’t do it at any time. Just follow the S.M.A.R.T acronym and link it with whatever is going to be your greatest currency, and you will be sure to achieve it. Accountability is also a great way to make sure that you stay on course to achieve your goal.
So what is your goal this year, and what is going to be on your jewellery wish list to motivate you to achieve it?
Like the old saying, “failing to plan, is planning to fail”. The time to set a new goal is now. So don’t wait another week or month to start putting your diamond S.M.A.R.T. goal together. I guarantee that when you look back in 12 months’ time, you will not only be amazed by the results, but you will have a lovely piece of jewellery to remember the journey.
About Karl
His recently released book, ” Rock Her World” is available now. If you would like help, in choosing the perfect diamond to help you achieve your goals for 2016, there is a lot of great information in “Rock Her World” or you can even listen to a sample chapter here. Karl believes that choosing a piece of jewellery should be a phenomenal experience, and over the last 21 years has helped more than 5800 clients choose a special piece of jewellery that tells their story.
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 propose. Everyone is normally taking time off with their partners to celebrate the holiday season, families are coming together, and lets be honest a fair amount of holiday cheer is involved. Whatever your reason for choosing this time of year to get engaged i have;
While you might think that a public proposal in front of all of her family might be the romantic gesture she has been waiting for, the truth is most ladies would prefer a more personal intimate setting with just the two of you.
While i am sure the answer would still be “YES”, proposing with a ring will DEFINITELY create a bigger WOW factor
I might be a romantic and a traditionalist, but i still think it is a nice gesture that most fiancée’s (and their dad’s) appreciate.
You might think you are a “wing it” kind of guy, but this is one of those special moments where you want to make sure everything is said just right. So spend a few minutes rehearsing what you are going to say before you get down on one knee. A lot of guys can get caught up in the moment, and if you haven’t practiced, all your best ideas may go out of the window.
Despite the best intentions and planning, sometimes things just don’t work out as well as you planned. So having a backup plan come sometimes calm the nerves. If you are planning an outdoor proposal, maybe have an indoor spot picked out, just in case Mother Nature tries to put a spanner in the works.
If this is the first time you have taken your partner out on a date in a long time, chances are she is going to suspect that something is up. So if a surprise proposal is high on your hit list, then makes sure you plan the lead in with a few extra outings.
On many occasions a bride to be, has commented to me that their partner was acting really weird before the proposal. Just remember millions of guys have gone through what you are about to go through you, and millions will go through it after you. It really isn’t as scary as your mind might make it out to be.
Often the process of choosing an engagement ring can be all consuming, and it seems to take everything they have just to make this important decision. One of the great things i get to do is to coach guys through the process not just about buying an engagement ring, but all the things they need to do before and after the pick up the ring.
Just remember, it doesn’t need to be difficult. Choosing an engagement ring can not only be easy, but also a fun and enjoyable experience as well. So if you have been thinking of taking the plunge this Christmas time – Don’t put it of any longer. 🙂
If you would like help, in choosing the perfect engagement ring, there is a lot of great information in my recently published book, “Rock Her World” or you can listen to a sample chapter here
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 plan for it. Whether it is a new car, holiday or your dream engagement ring, the key is to lay some groundwork. Depending on your age and how long you have been together, you may do some, or all of these tips on how to get engaged.
I wish i could say that guys can take a hint. But the truth is, most of us will procrastinate when something seems a little difficult. For some guys not knowing what sort of engagement ring you want, can be a significant factor in putting off the engagement. Having some tips on how to get engaged and choose the perfect engagement ring can make the difference between having an amazing engagement ring that blows your away and something that you will love just because your partner chose it for you.
If you think your partner is putting off a proposal because he doesn’t know what you want in an engagement ring, then we can help. We have some great tips to help guide him through that initial “looking phase” to really find out what your style is and what will look amazing on your finger.
If that fails there is always our FREE arm twisting service to help get him across the line. You can try tweeting it here 🙂
[Tweet “I need @XennoxDiamonds FREE arm twisting service to help my partner get the perfect engagement ring”]
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 find yourself in the position with an engagement ring that is not your dream ring, don’t panic. There are always things you can do to make sure your engagement ring is perfect – the way you always dreamed it would be. Here are a few options that you have up your sleeve if you hate your engagement ring.
If you are really unhappy with the engagement ring your partner has chosen for you. Telling him, when he is down on one knee professing his love for you, might not be the right time. Soak up the moment, and just enjoy the journey of being engaged. If you find that you still hate your engagement ring after a couple of weeks, then it might be a good sign that the engagement ring is not the perfect ring for you. If you decide that your engagement isn’t the ring for you, then you need to choose the perfect time to have the conversation with your partner. Choose a time when both of you are relaxed, a good option is after a romantic dinner, where you both have the time to talk openly.
Good communication is the key. Make sure you partner understands that it isn’t a reflection on the commitment you share to beginning your new life together. Understand that your partner, has probably put a lot of thought into choosing your engagement ring. Spent many hours researching and going from shop to shop, trying to find “The One”. It may have also been one of the most significant purchases of his life. Remember above all, he really wants you to be happy. Speaking from a guys perspective, i would want my wife to tell me, if she didn’t like something that i gave her. The worst scenario in my mind, would be to find out 20 years later that she never liked her engagement ring. Another way to explain it to your partner, is to imagine that they could only wear one shirt for the rest of their life, i am sure that they would want to make sure they really loved it.
The best option here is to talk to the jewellery store where the ring was purchased. Any reputable jewellery store that is interested in keeping their clients happy, will be invested enough to help you with find an option that you are happy with. The first thing to keep in mind, if you go down the path of changing your engagement ring is to be clear on what it is exactly that you don’t like about your engagement ring. The worst outcome, would be to change the engagement ring, to something new, only to be unhappy with your second choice, and have to go through the process again.
Sometimes the thing you don’t like about the ring might be only minor. If the alteration you are wanting is not to major it might be possible to modify it. Things that are easy to do, are things like changing the profile of the band. For example, if you ring has a flat profile or a knife edge, you are able to soften the edges and make it look more round, giving it a more dainty finer look. Setting heights can also be lowered, if you feel the engagement ring is too high.
Remember issues of the heart always need to be treated with care. So make sure you always tell your partner how much you love them. Pick the right moment, and if you think it might help, buy him the gold club set that he has been eyeing off to soften the blow.
Would love to hear your thoughts, If you didn’t love your engagement ring, how did you tell your partner, and what did you do?
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 a custom designed ring. Interestingly a staggering 91% said they would be willing to do so.
When hand making a diamond ring there are several components that need to be taken into consideration; the diamonds and stones, gold, setting costs and manufacturing time that form the final value. It makes absolutely no difference to the price, whether a ring has been custom made or not. If unique designs cost a little more, it is only because they take a little longer to craft and have used more materials. So you might as well have your ring specially designed so that it is everything you hoped it would be, and one that you will love forever. 
How much does it cost to have an engagement ring cost with a F Colour SI Clarity Excellent Cut Grade?
1. With a 0.50ct should be approximately $4800.
2. With a 0.70ct it should be approximately $6800,
3. With a 1 carat diamond approximately $12500.
This would include the whole experience from the initial design consultation, through the creation process to the final unveiling.
I believe that everyone should be able to have an amazing engagement ring that they truly love. An engagement ring is one of life’s most treasured purchases that you will have always. I am passionate about helping brides get their dream rings, without having to pay any extra, because it wasn’t there on the shelf. Make an appointment with our designer to have your dream ring drawn in 3D, at no charge and see how amazing your dream ring could be.
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 the road of having your engagement ring specially designed could be that you are unsure what is involved? How much it costs to have an engagement ring specially designed?
The first stage is to choose your jeweller. Ideally you are looking for somewhere, where they custom make engagement ring designs onsite. You also need to be completely comfortable with the look and feel of the store, and feel like they really understand your vision for what your engagement ring is going to look like.
The second stage is to sit down with a professional jewellery designer. A professional jewellery designer will guide you through all the steps, and give you advice on how to personalise your engagement ring design so that it is totally unique and special to you. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions. They should ask you things like; What you do during the day? What your design preferences are? (heights and widths of your ring) Do you want your ring to look like this or that? (two options are always ideal) After all you don’t know what you do and don’t always like, which is why you are seeking the designers help.
The third stage is the creating phase. Here the jewellery designer will work with your master jeweller to make sure the designs are being followed according to all your tastes and style. An expert designer will make tweaks and adjustments as the ring is being made, to maximise the WOW factor. You might also ask for progress photo’s of your ring to be sent to you, so that you can see how your ring is progressing. It is very easy to make adjustments to an engagement ring as it is being made, if you catch it early enough.
The fourth stage is the unveiling stage. One of my favourite parts of the whole process. Seeing the sheer joy on a fiancee’s face as she is almost brought to tears because the finished ring is even greater than she ever imagined it could be, is what drives me every day. Close enough is simply not good enough for me. I am aiming for nothing less than breathtaking.
If this is something that you would love to experience, please send me an email, or ring to make an appointment for a custom engagement ring design consultation.
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 it”, and the perfect moment will just present itself. While spontaneity is important, the key to a magic proposal is to do your researchand create a magical moment for your lady.
PROPOSAL GUIDE STEP 1 – RESEARCH
Understand that the proposal moment is something that your partner has been dreaming about for some time, maybe even before you met. So it is crucial to find out how she would like to be proposed to. If she would like an intimate and private setting, proposing in a crowded restaurant isn’t going to go down well.
PROPOSAL GUIDE STEP 2 – PLAN
A well thought out plan is always a beautiful thing to see unfold. Make sure that everything is organised and that that you build in a few contingency plans, if your plan A doesn’t come off.
As you are getting down on one knee to ask your partner to spend eternity with you, you may feel a few butterflies in your stomach. Don’t worry – this is perfectly natural. The best thing you can do here, is make sure you rehearse a few times, the important things you want to say. There generally isn’t a do-over button, so you want to make sure you say everything right the first time.
In a recent study, 37% of women surveyed said the biggest proposal mistake you can make, is proposing without a ring. While i am sure she won’t say no, it will certainly add the experience if you have a ring specially chosen for her. Any reputable jeweller, should have an exchange policy, if she really doesn’t like the ring you have chosen.
If you follow these steps, you are sure to have a moment that she will always remember, and believe me, you will definitely, be the man of the moment, when she tells all her friends about the effort you put in. Make sure you don’t do any of these proposal mistakes.
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 see their daughter leaving as the end of a chapter of their life.
Like the best man who is in charge of the wedding rings. The maid of honour or sister of the bride is a great choice, to give the wedding day diamonds to (which ever you are closer to). You will need to arrange a little get together prior to the wedding day to finalise the finer points of your plan.
It is a good idea to do a little research here, to find out what her wedding itinerary will be like. Ideally you want to try and arrange to have it presented when the mood is just right. An ideal moment is when she is having her hair done, or she is celebrating the moment with a glass of bubbles. It is a good idea to avoid doing it when she is having her make up applied as she may cry and cause her mascara to run.
While I am sure most ladies would be over the moon to receive diamonds on their wedding day. There is something that you guys can do, to make it even more special. Inside the box, write a special hand written note, telling her how special she is, and how much you are looking forward to seeing her walk down the aisle. I guarantee it will be something that she will treasure as much as the diamonds.
Like everything in life, guides are just that. There is no strict rule as to how much you should spend, and everyones budget is different. Especially with the cost of weddings these days, it is important to pick something that isn’t going to blow out the already maxed out credit card. As a rough guide a set of fine diamond hoops could be from the $800 – $1500+.
Diamond studs are also a popular choice if she doesn’t have any, and are unlikely to clash with her wedding day dress.
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 things that you should look for after having your ring rhodium plated.
This effect usually occurs when the ring has made contact with the metal electrode. It can sometimes look like a dark spot of the ring. This can usually be fixed quite easily by giving the ring a light polish in the affected area. If it is on the inside of the ring, the ring will usually not need re-plating.
Every time a ring is rhodium plated it draws some of the rhodium out of the solution (which makes the solution weaker) and makes the end result less white. This can be fixed by filtering the rhodium solution through a graphite powder filtre or topping up the solution with some new rhodium.
White gold solder generally has a slightly darker colour. When a ring is rhodium plated it masks this discolouration. If you can easily see the join line, it either means that the solder has been polished out though the process (as it is softer than the gold) or the rhodium plating hasn’t binded to the new ring properly. Unfortunately the only solution here is to re-do the whole process.
At Xennox Diamonds we make sure that all our work has been checked by our master jewellers to make sure your ring leaves our workshop as perfect as it can be. If for whatever reason you are not happy with any element of the ring, we will change it to make sure you are 100% happy with the finished piece. If would like an impartial second opinion on any piece of jewellery that you have serviced and are unhappy with the result. Please come in and see our jewellers any time, or email me at info@xennoxdiamonds.com.au Any other questions that you might have, please leave a comment below.
