HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY?
Here are some options to help you navigate based on common needs & enquiries.
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 completed online, one has to ask – are we losing the human touch? Customer service is becoming less about what the client wants, and more about what the sales person’s targets are or what they are trying to move. Here’s a list of six things one simply should not say to a client!
A prime example of words usually uttered by a sales person that wasn’t interested in taking the time to learn about their client or what was going to serve their needs and desires. A professional sales person should be attentive to their clients, after all, they are the paying customer. Our job, as professional sales people, is to guide the client along their journey, even if just a little.
Let’s face it – who likes to hear the word no? Murphy’s law dictates that if there are two ways a product can be made, you will find the opposite to the one that you wanted. The role of a sales person is to find a way to make the object of a client’s desires attainable. My favourite mantra is – “The answer to every question is YES!“
This always strikes me as professional “buck” passing. A business should always confidently stand behind the products that they sell. You can’t be willing to accept a client’s money at the time of the sale and then hold them at arms length when something goes wrong. Not every transaction goes right 100% of the time, but the way that a business handles the occasional lapses in product quality and customer satisfaction, says a lot about an organisation and their staff. Have you ever had an Apple retail assistant turn around and say, “its the manufacturer’s responsibility”?
Often heard in stores that specialise in annual sales. This one always reminds me of the “Rug Man” sales. No one likes to be pressured into a sale with the threat of a price hike should they not make a purchase decision that fits with the sales assistant’s timeframe. Purchasing a stunning piece of jewellery should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, that isn’t solely focused on price.
No two transactions are the same. Every piece of jewellery is as unique as the client wearing it. Having a blanket rule that is a one size fits all, is bound to leave some clients feeling left out in the cold. There is no reason a business should be inflexible to a client’s concerns. In business, there is always a compromise, where both parties can reach an outcome which is mutually beneficial. The last thing a business wants or needs, is for a disgruntled client to verbalise their concerns in a public forum.
I find sales people that lead with this very abrasive. I find that it is better to avoid pigeon holing clients. It is far more advantageous to the client, and your business, to devote time to finding the perfect ring that ticks all of their boxes. If you only ever look at the rings in your budget, you may miss the perfect ring style. Almost every design can be customised to incorporate a different sized diamond. Not to mention that I have often seen clients come in with one figure in mind and leave with another, once you have taken the time to show them the differences in product quality.
You should never have to settle for bad customer service. Shopping for an engagement or wedding rings should be an enjoyable experience. If a business does not show you, that you are one of the most valuable pieces to their organisation. Then show them, in the best way you can, by shopping somewhere else.
Those are my top six offending customer service phrases; feel free to add yours below.
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 with your first proposal, why not re-propose and create a new memory?
Didn’t have the right ring the first time or you know that she is particular and were unsure as to which ring she would like? Weather destroyed your plans? Lost the element of surprise? Didn’t say all the things you wanted to? If you’ve answered yes to any one of these questions, perhaps you should consider re-proposing?
According to a study by Theknot, 32% of women say the biggest proposal mistake you can make is not having a ring. If you proposed without a ring or it turned out to be the wrong ring, re-proposing could be an excellent idea to recreate the perfect moment. This time, you will have the right ring and the element of surprise still won’t be lost.
If you are worried about choosing the wrong ring, it might be a good idea to walk her past the odd jewellery store or two. Be mindful about timing though. Don’t do it the week before you propose as it will still be quite fresh in her mind. Ideally, try and allow a six month time frame between walking past jewellery stores and popping the question. If you are still unsure and decide to include her in the process, there is no reason why the proposal can’t still be a surprise. In doing so, make sure you reassure her that it will take place at some point it the near future. Once you have chosen the design, it could be a good idea to set a false date in the future. For example, if it is January, tell her you are planning something amazing at Christmas time, but then plan to whisk her away in June to a surprise location.
If you decide to propose without the ring, then choose a different location to re-propose. That way she won’t suspect a thing. If you do propose with a ring that she doesn’t like, try not to take it personally. Better that she says something now, then live the rest of her life with a ring that she doesn’t like. Or worse still, find out 20 years later that she didn’t like it. A beautiful engagement ring is something you should be proud of. It is always a good idea to ask about the exchange policy with the jewellery store you are purchasing the ring from should it not be quite right. That way you can re-propose with the right ring, without losing out.
If you lost the element of surprise the first time, undoubtedly you will have learnt a thing or two for the second time around. It might be because you decided to take your partner out on a date for the first time in six months. So, if you are planning a surprise proposal, it’s not a bad idea to take her out on a few “dummy dates” to throw her off your proposal “scent”. Try and act natural. Getting down on one knee and picking up a napkin off the floor for example, is only going to start putting ideas in her mind that a proposal is imminent.
Think about how you are going to transport the ring. A big ring box in tight jeans is a dead giveaway. A small proposal pouch is a great way to conceal the ring until the right moment arises. A proposal pouch is also a great idea if you are going through customs for example, as it can be easily hidden in your wallet.
Weather destroyed your plans? If you were planning to go hot air ballooning and that morning a hurricane decided to come and spoil all your hard work, then it would be a good idea to re-propose somewhere else where you will be less dependent upon the weather.Try taking a drive up to the top of the mountain to make the most of that picturesque, romantic view, ideally a place that has an indoor setting that can’t be spoiled by bad weather.
Been married for a few years and want to surprise her with the unexpected? A re-proposal might be just what the doctor ordered. Offer to take her rings in for their annual clean and check. Make sure you get the engagement and wedding rings polished so that they appear shiny and new again. It can either be a re-enactment of your original proposal if it was amazing or you can create a whole new proposal concept. Perhaps this could be the perfect opportunity to do all the things you wish you could have done the first time? Whether that means going to the place you wished you could have afforded to take her or saying the words you wished you had said the first time around. I guarantee that no matter what you do, it will be something she will remember forever.
If you need help with choosing the perfect engagement ring, come and see the team at Xennox Diamonds. Our friendly staff will help guide you through the process, and if the ring isn’t quite right, we will let you change it so that you can re-propose with a ring she loves.
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 though, the last thing most brides want to be thinking of when they are exchanging their vows is taking off their engagement ring.
Provided your hands are similar in size, most brides choose to wear their engagement ring on the right hand ring finger temporarily. Being such a special day filled with love and lifelong memories, it is certainly nice to have both rings on. In doing so, you won’t have to worry about your engagement ring as it is never too far away. It is a good idea to check how close your fingers are in size prior to the wedding day, as there is usually a half a size difference between your two hands. The last thing you want is to get the ring stuck on the wrong finger the morning of the wedding.
Similar to the best man carrying the wedding rings, you might entrust your engagement ring with your maid of honour. If the bridesmaids’ dresses don’t have anywhere to discreetly carry the engagement ring, you might also consider giving it to the best man. It’s certainly a good idea to ask your jeweller for a jewellery pouch or something similar for the best man to carry the rings in safely, as ideally you want it to be less bulky than a ring box. Then, at an appropriate time, after you have exchanged your vows (usually just before signing the marriage certificate), add your engagement ring to your ring finger. That way you will be photo ready should your photographer choose to take a photo of your hands whilst you sign the marriage certificate.
Another nice way to include a family member that may not have a job is to give them the task of looking after your engagement ring. Consider asking your mother to hold on to your engagement ring during the ceremony. This is a lovely way of assigning the mother of the bride with a very important task on what is undoubtedly a very special day for her daughter. Another option might be a younger sister or a sister in law that may not have been heavily involved in the wedding prior.
If you are wearing some bridal jewellery, sometimes you might be able to clip your engagement ring into it. Much like a charm bracelet, your engagement ring will adorn your bracelet until you need it. Just be sure to check that the bracelet is secure enough, as the last thing you want to be doing is searching down the isle for your engagement ring.
However, in saying all of this, everyone is different. Ultimately, you want to feel comfortable and stress free on your wedding day, so we recommend you choose the option that works best for you. After all, it is your special day.
If you need further advice or tips for your wedding day, feel free to contact one of our team members on (07) 3210 6288. We are always on hand to help wherever we can!
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 are a few things to avoid to ensure that it is memorable for all the right reasons.
While it might look good in a movie, I am sure it would be far from their idea of perfect if you asked a room full of ladies. Being put on the spot in front of a crowd and asked the question they have been dreaming of for years, might not be high on their romantic proposal list. While most guys think it should be an easy “YES” answer, some ladies like to take a bit of time to process it and soak in the moment. The crowded restaurant might also be a bit noisy, distracting and overwhelming to take in everything that you are saying. According to a study by Theknot, 68% of women remember what was said during the proposal, so you want to make sure she can hear you loud and clear.
You usually only get one shot at proposing, so don’t rush it. While you might be really excited after picking up your diamond engagement ring from the jeweller, it is important to wait for the right moment. She will really appreciate you putting some thought into proposing. “Winging it” might seem like a good idea at the time, but there is no substitute for a properly thought out idea. Let’s face it, as guys we aren’t the best communicators and don’t always have a way with words, so it is also not a bad idea to rehearse what you are going to say. The last thing you want to be doing is stuttering and fumbling through your proposal whilst telling your future bride how much she means to you.
Many Hollywood producers have learnt this the hard way. Involving young children in your plans for proposing may put unnecessary pressure on them to get it right. And lets face it, pets, and even children for that matter, can be unpredictable at the best of times. The last thing you need is your animal accomplice running off with the diamond ring and burying it somewhere in the garden. Sorry gents, but the daunting prospect of proposing to your future bride is not something that you can delegate.
One of the biggest no no’s. No lady likes to feel like she was the next one in line. Apart from the bad sentiments attached to the ring, most believe it is extremely tacky and even bad luck. Every lady is unique and the ring you choose for her should reflect that. Saying one ring fits all is definitely not going to win you any brownie points that’s for sure. Further, it could really ruin the magic proposal you had planned if she ever found out.
While you might have significant control over the planning of the proposal, remember this is something she has probably been waiting for for some time. While spending the day out on a boat deep sea fishing and proposing after you just pulled in the biggest marlin sounds like a fantastic day for you, I can almost guarantee you it won’t be hers. Take the time to think about the things that she likes and tailor the proposal to this. Does she like romantic walks along the beach or is she more of a snowboarding action girl?
Take home message
Gents, if you only take one thing away from all of this, it is this;
keep it simple, personal and from the heart.
Diamond Engagement Rings in Brisbane
When the time does come to proposing to your partner in the most magical way possible, make sure you have the right engagement ring picked out. The friendly diamond consultants at Xennox Diamonds, Brisbane will help make the process as stress free as possible and ensure that you pick the perfect ring. But don’t worry, if it is not the right ring, we will let you change it for one that she loves. That way you can just concentrate on making your proposal the most memorable one that it can be. Contact Xennox Diamonds on (07) 3210 6288 to discuss engagement rings, or email the team with your enquiry.
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 he doesn’t know which engagement ring you like? When you think about it, you would actually be doing him a favour by helping him along this journey. Whether you choose to drop these hints or not, and how often you drop them might depend on how long you have been together or whether you have discussed the prospect of marriage yet. The average time before most couples consider tying the knot is usually around the 3-5 years.
Circling engagement rings in catalogues or magazines is a great way to show your partner which rings you like. Similarly, putting crosses through rings that you dislike, will definitely let him know what NOT to buy. A few well positioned notes also next to the ring such as “my dream ring” could certainly help your cause. Once you have selected the ring or rings you like, the next thing you need to do is strategically place them around the house. A great place would be a coffee table, with the TV remote placed on top of it. If he misses this subtle clue, try opening the magazine to the right page.
They often say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. If watching tv is not his thing, why not try cutting out your favourite engagement ring picture and putting it on the fridge? That way he is more likely to see it.
Once you find your dream ring, try taking a photo of it and strategically placing it on technological devices. With most smart phones these days, you can save the photo to your lock screen or your phones background. Your home computer is also a great place to save your photo somewhat subtly on the desktop, and perhaps less so as the screensaver.
Liking an engagement ring specialist Facebook page is always a subtle way to let him know you are interested in moving your relationship to the next stage. If that doesn’t work, try tagging him in your favourite engagement ring photos or in the comments section of your different wedding and engagement ring related posts.
The Jewellery Store Drive-byIf you find yourself walking past a jewellery store, gradually drift over to the window. As he follows you, make a few comments about the engagement rings you do and perhaps don’t like. The subtle version can be a general casual remark about the ring styles you like. For example, “Isn’t that one beautiful? I love the white gold princess cut diamond rings”. The more overt version may start something like, ” When you propose to me, I like these designs….”
Designing or shopping for your engagement ring together might not seem as romantic, but is a sure-fire way to get the exact ring that you want. One way to make it easier is to cut down the number of jewellery stores he gets dragged through by doing some of the leg work for him. After you have narrowed it down to a few stores by yourself, get a few designs you like written on cards. Try and keep the number of rings you like to two or three, that way he will still at least have had some input into choosing your engagement ring and there will still be an element of surprise. Don’t be afraid to tell him exactly what it is you do and don’t like from a design point of view. He can always personalise it later from a diamond size perspective. Don’t worry if you know what the engagement ring looks like, he still will be able to keep the proposal a romantic surprise for you. Once you have chosen the ring with him, make sure you put it out of your mind and not nag him every week for it. You have done all the ground work for him, now it is time to let romance take its course.
If you would like something totally unique and individual, you are welcome to come into our design showroom anytime. We have Brisbane’s largest range of engagement and wedding rings, and with our onsite workshop can combine multiple ring styles you like, into the one perfect engagement ring for you. After all you are going to wear it for the next 50 – 60 years, so we won’t let you settle for anything less than perfect. The team at Xennox Diamonds are always available for advice. You can either email us, or connect with us through Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest or Instagram.
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. While some jewellers can set stones, it is usually best to leave it to a professional gem setter.
In Brisbane to become a jeweller, you must complete a four year apprenticeship under a fully qualified jeweller. As in all apprenticeships, apprentices of the appropriate age are able to receive a learning wage, which makes it economical for the employer to train them. In their 4 years, apprentices should learn all the basic techniques of making simple rings and carrying out repairs. At present, and at least for the next few years you are able to complete your jewellery apprenticeship in Brisbane. However due to falling numbers at Tafe and reduced government funding the future of jewellery apprenticeship scheme seems uncertain.
Jewellery that is made especially for a particular stone is always going to be better than an “off the shelf” setting that is trying to be squeezed or stretched to fit the stone. This is especially important in three stone settings, where it is vital that the stones overlap. A professional jeweller, must not only make sure that the stones and claws are positioned in the correct places, but the shoulder stones must be angled correctly to create a pleasing level appearance. When a jeweller is making a ring, they are constantly making adjustments to improve the aesthetics of the ring, something that is impossible to do in CAD or mass produced style rings. Metal that has been hammered is also always harder and tougher than cast metal. A mass produced ring, has very little room for modification, because all the pieces are set in their current positions.
Setters
In Brisbane there is currently no provision for completing a setters apprenticeship. In England, a setters apprenticeship is normally five years. However here there is no such apprenticeship for setters, neither is there any subsidy for employers to train setters. Consequently there are no new setters being trained. The only new setters entering our industry are those that have traveled here from overseas, or are jewellers that have crossed over to become full time setters.
Setters are crucial to maintaining the highest quality finish of a piece. Even if the ring is expertly hand crafted, if it is set poorly, the finished ring will look terrible. It is the setters job, to ensure that the stones are not only secured correctly and tightly into the ring, but they are also set level and straight. Stones that are not securely are prone to coming loose and falling out over time. If the shoulder diamonds have not been set well, there may be gaps between the stones. Channel set rings, will not have straight bright cuts (the inside lines between the stone and the metal) , and their may be gaps at the end of the channel. This will become noticeable as the rings become dirty, as the dirt often gets trapped in the gaps. It goes without saying that the centre stone should be properly set. Poorly set centre stones, will not only through off the symmetry of the ring, if they are not set in the middle, but they can also be prone to coming loose, and if not regularly checked – lost. Another symptom of a stone that hasn’t been set correctly is catching of threads under the claws. A properly set stone should be nice and smooth on top, and have no gap between the stone and the claw. If you are finding that your clothes are catching on your claws, simply bring them into us, and we can secure the claws correctly on your stone.
At Xennox Diamonds, we have full time jewellers and a setter, to make sure there is never any compromise in the finished product. Our standard for choosing to only work with the best diamonds and metals, applies to our jewellers and setter too, to ensure that you will receive enjoyment from your treasured piece for many years to come. If you are finding your are having problems with your setting, please don’t hesitate to email us, or pop in for a free inspection.
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 pinks this is certainly the case. Pink diamonds have been know to increase in value 20% – 30% every year. Certainly they are a stone that you will not only enjoy now, but future generations will also enjoy as they are handed down. While light pink diamonds are found in other countries around the world, such as Russia and Brazil. The Rio Tinto Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia was the only consistent supplier of deep pink diamonds in the world.
Pinks are graded into 5 main colour types. Purplish Pink, Pink, Pink Rose, Pink Champagne, and Red. The red is considered the most rare, followed by the purplish pink, pink, pink rose and lastly the pink champagne. When talking about pinks, it is quite common to not mention the clarity, as their value is much more heavily weighted in its depth of pink than its clarity.
When purchasing a pink diamond, ensure that the stone comes properly certified by Argyle. All stones over 0.20ct should have an Argyle certificate with a registered lot number, so the origin of the stone can be traced. An Argyle certified stone is generally considered more valuable than a pink diamond from another country. 
Anything in nature that is extremely rare, is also generally considered quite valuable. The Argyle mine’s pink production accounts for only around 0.1% of all the diamonds that are mined there. It has been said that if a giant mining truck was filled with all the diamonds that Argyle produces, then the deep pink diamonds that it finds each year, would only fill the ashtray.
When it comes to Pink diamonds there is not always a level of predictability with regards to price. You might find that the price difference between certain grades of pinks is only 20%, whereas with others the price difference may be 50%-80% different.
Another reason that pinks are always increasing in value, is that with the closure of the mine their demand has now far exceed their supply. Which basically means that more people want them, than there are stones available. I often use the analogy, that pink diamonds are like water front property. You might look at these properties (like the pinks) and think, that the prices are ridiculous. and that someone would be crazy to pay that much for them. However if you could fast forward ten years, you will wish that you could buy them at the old price. Unfortunately once the price moves up, it never comes back down again.
At Xennox Diamonds, we have the largest selection of pink diamond jewellery as well as loose pink diamonds. Whether you are looking to have an engagement ring made with a pink center stone, or you would like a wedding band with pink and white diamonds in it. We even have a number of clients that purchase their pink diamonds in self managed super funds as an investment. We can even help you store them in our safe, free of charge. The only draw back with this option though is you are not allowed to wear them. If you would like to know more about buying pinks and some prices, please email me at info@xennoxdiamonds.com.au
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 to the bottom of the to do list. The great thing about your diamond engagement ring is that when it is properly cleaned and cared for it will look like the day you picked it up from the jewellery store.
1. Clean it with hot water and dish washing detergent. I generally recommend to add just off boiling hot water and detergent into a coffee cup. Don’t worry – The melting point of gold and diamonds is much higher than 100
degrees, so your diamond engagement ring should be safe. After it has been sitting there for around 3 -5 minutes, use an old toothbrush to dab in and around the settings. A dabbing motion is preferred to scrubbing. Dabbing allows the bristles to find their way in and behind the setting, whereas scrubbing may affect the polish of the metal, causing it to dull.
2. Don’t use hand cream while wearing your rings. One of the biggest causes for diamonds to dull, is the use of hand cream. To understand what hand cream does to your diamond, imagine smearing hand cream over your bathroom mirror. After a day or two, the general everyday dirt would stick to the cream, forming a layer and preventing the light from getting through. As diamonds require light to sparkle, anything that prevents the light from interacting with the stone, will cause the diamond to dull, like this one.
Have it professional cleaned at least once a year – While cleaning your diamonds and jewellery at home will certainly make a marked difference to the performance of your diamond. To achieve the best result, we recommend that you bring it to a qualified jeweller at least once a year for a professional clean. Jewellers will generally have an ultrasonic cleaner. Most professional ultrasonic cleaners cost in excess of $1000. Ultrasonic’s are great for getting into all the really hard to reach places and shaking the dirt out. At the same time your jeweller can check all your settings to make sure that all your diamonds and gemstones are secured. This is a complimentary service that we offer to all our clients, even if the piece is not from us.
1. Toothpaste – Ideal for cleaning your teeth, not your diamonds. I am sure that the original inventors of toothpaste did not envisage a lady cleaning her diamond engagement ring with it.
2. Vodka – Great for drinking, but unnecessary to use to waste on cleaning your diamonds. While pure alcohol is sometimes used for cleaning diamonds, i am sure that you can find a much better use for Vodka than cleaning your diamond engagement ring.
3. Cloudy ammonia – there are a lot of websites advising to use cloudy ammonia when cleaning your diamonds and jewellery. The origin of this most likely came about when jewellers used a polishing compound called rouge. This red polishing paste was notorious for sticking to the gold. The cloudy ammonia was an excellent solution for removing this paste for the metal. These days jewellers use a much more refined compound which is cleaner and dissolves faster in water, making the cloudy ammonia unnecessary.
1. Emeralds – almost all emeralds have been oiled. Placing them in hot water, causes the oil to come out of the stone, and the hot dirty water to go in. When this happens the usually invisible feathers and inclusions can sometimes become visible. This will have a detrimental effect on the value of the stone. While the process can be reversed, it is not an easy or cheap one.
2. Opals – Opals are known as a hydrated silica. They have a reasonable amount of water in them. Placing opals in any environment which is hot, can cause the opals to crack, making them effectively worthless.
3. Pearls – being the product of a once living organism, pearls are also to be kept away from heat. When pearls are used in jewellery, they are usually always glued in. As the heat from a flame would destroy them. When cleaning pearls, it is recommended to use cold water, with a soft cloth similar to a glasses cleaning cloth. (non abrasive)
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 values that have been established over the last 37 years. My main drive and passion is to make Xennox diamonds, a name that is synonymous with high quality diamonds, jewellers who specialse in hand made manufacturing and unparalleled service.
My belief is that the answer to any client’s question is “YES”. There is nothing that our jewellers can’t do, or won’t do for our clients. There is always a way to achieve the desired outcome, its just a matter of finding a way. My job as the designer is to find the way. We always strive to do anything we can to help our clients, whether its giving advice, or helping a client restore a piece, their happiness is always paramount.
I never compromise on quality. I would always rather our jewellers scrap a piece and start again, then give something to a client that i am not 100% happy with. One of the great things about being extremely fussy, is that the finished product will always achieve a higher result. The benefit of upholding yourself to the highest standards, is that you get to work with really nice stones.
Our minimum diamond quality that we try and aim for is an F colour. This forms part of the white diamond range. While some jewellers will tell you that a G colour stone sits in the “near colourless” range. For me a G colour diamond pulls too much yellow. I find that most clients, can tell the difference between an F and a G colour, when placed side by side. The colour difference of an E colour is even more noticeable. I like to personally inspect every main diamond that we sell to ensure that our diamonds are “eye clean”. Where ever possible i try and find diamonds that have girdle inclusions. If a diamond must have an inclusion i always try and aim for a white inclusions, instead of a black carbon mark.
Dealing direct with the diamond cutters overseas, i have learnt a lot about how to get the best performance out of a stone. A diamond’s cut standard is something i am really passionate about. It is the only thing man has control over, and is the only reason a diamond sparkles. If you want the brightest cut diamond on the market, we recommend a Passion8 “Hearts and Arrows” diamond. Like a mechanic who listens to an engine to see what is right or wrong with an engine, i love looking into a diamond to see what the cutter has done right or could have done better at.
An excellent cut grade from the GIA, only tells you that a diamond falls within certain parameters. Approximately the top 30% of stones that go to the GIA, will get an excellent cut grade. According to the GIA, a diamond with a table facet percentage of 61% will still be eligible to receive an excellent cut grade. However i would never buy a stone with a percentage over 58%. This is why it is so crucial to have a diamond cut expert to look at your diamond.
At Xennox Diamonds, we are passionate about you and the jewellery we make for you. Whether you have just started your journey or you know exactly what you want, we are always happy to spend the time and sit down with you. Our reward is seeing our clients blown away, and it is what I and my jewellers always strive for.
Karl
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 for a traditional wedding band. If you are trying to decide whether you should have a diamond wedding band, here are a few important things to consider.
If your diamond engagement ring is a traditional solitaire, then either a diamond wedding band or a traditional wedding ring will suit. However If your engagement ring has diamonds in the shoulders, then the complimentary wedding band is almost always a matching diamond wedding ring. Usually the width of the band compliments the engagement ring. Unless of course the engagement ring is quite wide (greater than 4mm), then it is quite acceptable to have a finer wedding band (around 2mm-2.5mm).
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, if you are matching the width, then it is a good idea to match the setting style as well. If you are going finer, then a great style to utilise is a grain setting. A grain setting, so named, because the beads holding the diamonds in, look like little grains, is ideal for creating a diamond border. This diamond border affect can really accentuate the centre engagement ring. Sometimes if you are choosing a wedding band that is much finer than the engagement ring, it is a good idea to go for a split diamond wedder. This is usually done to create symmetry with your ring. Depending on your need for symmetry, some brides will wait for the first year eternity ring, others will jump at the opportunity for some extra “bling”.
If a grain set wedding band is not your style, another style to consider is a shared claw wedding band. When selecting this style it is crucial that you ensure the band width is 3 tenths of a millimetre wider than the diamond. For example, if the diamond used is a 2mm diamond (0.03ct) than the width of the band should be 2.3mm. This is done to ensure the diamonds are not over hanging the band. If this was to occur, it will cause the diamonds to come loose more often, as they bump against the engagement ring.
Normally it is a good idea to match your wedding band diamonds to the shoulder diamonds of your engagement ring. The exception to this is with a princess cut diamond. Princess cut diamonds are best suited for channel settings, where the corners can be protected. If you would like to create a contrast, round brilliant cut diamonds seem to be the ideal all rounder, particularly if you need a fitted (curved) wedding band. The claws that sit in between the round diamonds create a more square effect, yet still allowing the wedding band to curve around the setting.
If you want to vary the width of your wedding band, then it is a good idea to vary it by at least half a millimetre. That way the variation will look intentional, rather than you tried to match the engagement ring unsuccessfully.
Whether you decide to have a diamond set wedding ring or a traditional band, will come down to your own personal taste. Ultimately there is no right or wrong ring, as long as you like the way that it looks and that it meets all of your requirements. If you are ever unsure what wedding ring suits your engagement ring, we are always here to show you all the options, so that you can see whether diamonds in your wedding band are for you.
As an award-winning jeweller, we would love to work with you and help you create your dream wedding ring.
Alternatively, why don’t you come to our luxury showroom and we can talk in person? We would love to have you here for a Discovery Session where we can help you choose the wedding rings that will suit you best.
Let us take some of the pressure off some of those things on your wedding to-do list so all you have to do is book an appointment today.
