HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY?
Here are some options to help you navigate based on common needs & enquiries.
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.
There are a few things you need to know before deciding whether platinum is the right choice for you. One of the main benefits of platinum is its density. Platinum is about 40% denser than white gold. While this makes it a better wearing metal, it is important to understand that it does not mean it is scratch proof or indestructible. Any piece of jewellery that is worn will require maintenance, so even a platinum ring will still dull over time as the metal becomes scratched. The increased density means that the ring will also weigh more, which is a feature that a lot of clients find appealing.
The other main advantage of platinum is that it doesn’t need to be be rhodium plated. The platinum used in jewellery is usually 95% pure, and as it is naturally a white metal, it doesn’t need to be rhodium plated. The colour that you see now, is the colour that it will always be.
Another benefit that some people find useful, is that it is a very hypoallergenic metal. If you are finding that your body is reacting to the minor alloys in white gold, then platinum might be an option to help alleviate some of the symptoms.
One misunderstanding about platinum is that it is actually whiter than white gold. Although platinum does not require rhodium plating as white gold does, the rhodium plating process actually makes the white gold look whiter. So it is important to compare the two side by side, to see which colour you prefer.
The other important consideration with platinum, is its melting point. As it is much higher than gold, if you ever need to retip a claw or do work near the diamond, often the stones will need to be removed. This will add extra costs to any repair work that you might need to have in the future.
Remember if you choose a platinum engagement ring, it will mean that you will need a platinum wedding band and eternity ring as well. Sometimes the extra money spent on upgrading your metal (which you may not always see), may be better spent on upgrading your diamond (which you definitely will see).
Platinum is a great metal to use in jewellery, as long as you understand all the pros and cons. If you would like to compare the differences, we can help show you the contrast between the two metals, and help you weigh up the costs and benefits to see if platinum is the best fit 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 life. Something that was once worn by a great grand parent a century ago, can be reborn to form part of a new engagement ring.
Apart from the sentimental reasons for redesigning rings, there is the added cost-saving benefit.
When you are thinking of redesigning rings, remember that you can use anything with gold in it. You will be surprised at how quickly it will all add up: a single earring, a broken bracelet, a safety chain, an old friendship ring.
When reusing gold, it has been my experience that you are going to need more gold than you think. I usually work on 2-3 times the amount of scrap gold that I will need for the finished product. If you have more gold than you need, you can always use the extra gold to offset the cost of manufacturing your new dream piece.
When redesigning rings, often clients will try and combine a few old rings into one ring that they can wear everyday. While this idea might be the most economical, it does not always produce the best result. Sometimes a design can be ruined by trying to push too much into one design, especially when this involves combining different stone qualities and calibrations.
At Xennox Diamonds, we love redesigning rings. We will sketch your new design in 3D and give you some great tips to turn those old pieces of jewellery into a new creation that you will love to wear for the next generation.
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.
If you really want your rings to sparkle on your wedding day, book them in to be polished the week of the wedding. That ensures that they will not only look good for the photos, but will start their married life together to age and wear at the same rate.
2. Check that hubby’s ring fits
The last thing you want to do after you say your vows is to find out that his wedding ring doesn’t fit. Wedding rings are usually ordered 6 – 9 months before the wedding. So to avoid any nasty surprises on the wedding day, check to make sure the ring still fits well the week before. That way if any alterations need to be made, there will still be enough time.
3. Insurance
For most couples, the wedding is followed by a honeymoon. If you are going to a tropical resort-style destination, it is a good idea to make sure that all your jewellery is insured by Q report before you go. The last thing you want is for your ring to fall off while you are snorkelling, and find that it is not insured.
At Xennox Diamonds we can rhodium plate and polish your ring within the same day, and sometimes even within a few hours. We can also do minor alterations while you wait, and help you organise your Qreport insurance for complete piece of mind.
Our Discovery Sessions at our luxury showroom open up a space for you to talk one on one with our team who are dedicated to helping you find the perfect wedding rings for your special day
Come join us for a drink and a chat and let us help you find your rings
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 ring shining for longer. While this is a short list of the things that you can do to help prolong the rhodium plating, there are things jewellers can do to ensure that your plating lasts more than a year, which i will cover in a future blog.
1. Avoid rubbing the rhodium plating off your ring.
The rhodium plating on a white gold ring is exactly that – a plating or coating. A rubbing motion, like rubbing your hands together, will wear down your plating faster. So if you are in an occupation like nursing or another professional where you need to constantly wash your hands, be mindful of rubbing your hands together. If the rubbing of your hands is unavoidable consider wearing your rings on a necklace around your neck.
2. Avoid heavy cleaning products
Some chemicals may react with the white gold rhodium plating, so if you are dealing with strong chemicals, it is advisable to take off your rings while you are working with them. Another alternative it to make sure that you are wearing suitable gloves to protect your hands and your engagement ring.
3. Metal on metal rubbing
Rings that are loose and constantly spinning, are more likely to wear away the rhodium plating on the inside of the ring. While this may only be a cosmetic effect that you will only see when you take off the rings, it will become noticeable if you don’t put them back on in the same order. If your rings are spinning a lot, it might be time to have your finger size checked and have the rings adjusted.
If you would like a free assessment on the state of the rhodium plating on your white gold ring, bring it in to us, and we’ll also give your ring a complimentary professional clean.
