As much as you may think you know what you are doing, guessing your partner’s finger size is one of the hardest things to do. I personally never recommend a size for clients looking to surprise their partner. It is simply too difficult for anyone other than the wearer to determine the right size. You only need to be out by a fraction of a size and the whole ring needs to be resized again. An increase of one size usually equates to 1 mm in the circumference of the circle – which, if you are not familiar, is about the thickness of a credit card. If you do choose to try to pick the ring size without your partner, my general rule is to go for a standard size – for women, this is in the range of L to M. (In Australia, as well as Ireland and the UK, ring sizes are specified using an alphabetical scale.)

The ideal tactic, however, is to take your partner in for a fitting prior to the proposal. At the fitting, your partner can keep in mind the following tips to help you pick the perfect size:

Try to make sure your partner’s fingers are a comfortable room temperature. When our hands are hot, they can generally swell up, and can be as much as a ring-size larger. Likewise, when we are cold, our fingers shrink, which usually explains why a lot of people lose their rings around water activities when the water is cold. Making sure your partner’s hands aren’t too hot or too cold will help ensure the ring size is correct. (The best way to see how hot or cold your partner’s hands are to feel their fingertips.)

Work out whether your partner’s finger changes in size from one season to the other. Some people’s hands can change as much as a full size from summer to winter. One way to find out if your partner’s hand fluctuates with the seasons is to look at the rings, they may be wearing on one of their other fingers. One of their other rings feeling tighter than normal at the time of sizing is agood indication that their hands may be at the upper end of their sizing spectrum at that time.

If your partner’s hands do change significantly when they are hot or cold, try to choose a size that is in the middle. The aim here is to avoid a ring that will be uncomfortably tight in summer and one that is falling off in winter. If having the ring too loose is a worry, you may need to consider changing the shape of the ring – covered in this section.

What to look for

When sizing a hand, you want to see the ring grip the finger a little. But the ring shouldn’t be so tight that it looks like a napkin ring squeezing the napkin and making it bunch up. This can really detract from the aesthetics of the ring. The second thing is that when you turn the ring, it should grip the finger slightly and then release. The ring gripping the finger and not releasing is a good sign that the ring is too tight. Likewise, if the ring spins without grabbing the finger at all, it is too loose. When trying to work out the perfect size, it is usually a good idea to go past the size you think you are, and then go back one (just to rule the incorrect size out).

Sizing wide or thin rings

Wide rings take up a lot more surface area on the finger and, there- fore, will generally feel about half to one size tighter than a standard ring. A standard ring is usually around 3mm wide. The store your partner is having their finger sized in should have a separate set of sizing rings for rings 5mm and wider. If choosing a wider ring design, this set should be used to ensure the ring size is correct.

Thin rings are usually around 2mm in width and will feel about half to one size looser. Getting the size wrong for a thin ring will mean it will tend to flop and spin around more – which is likely to be extremely annoying to your partner. This means you may need to have the ring a little tighter if the band is super fine.

Sizing a ring around big knuckle

This is one of the hardest hands to size, because the ring needs to be big enough to get over the knuckle, but not so big that it will flop around when it is on. The best thing you can do here is to make sure the ring is as tight as possible when it is going on over the knuckle. If this doesn’t solve the way it sits, you may need to consider having the ring shaped or choosing a hinged ring.

Changing the shape of the ring to change the size.

This is a technique for special cases where the resizing of the ring hasn’t helped the way it sits on your partner’s finger. Changing the shape of the ring involves flaring out the bottom corners of the ring. This will make the inside shape of the ring look like a triangle, with the flat part being on the bottom of the finger. The flat bottom then helps keep the ring upright. But don’t worry, the shape will hardly be noticeable from the top, but it will certainly make a difference to the way the ring feels and looks.

Sizing inside comfort fit or hollowed out rings.

Rings with inside comfort fittings need a special set of sizing rings. While the comfort fit feels more comfortable, taking the inside edge of the ring out means there is less surface area to grip the finger. Depending on the width of the ring, the comfort fit can make the ring feel half a size looser compared to a flat bottom ring, so you will want to choose a size that is a little tighter.

The trick to sizing rings with a hollowed-out head is to go more on feel than the actual size. When you put on a ring with a hollowed out top, the top part of your knuckle fills the void, making it feel bigger than you imagine. The best way to pick the correct size is to choose the ring size on the normal ring sizing set that feels the most comfortable. The jeweller should then take that sizing ring into the workshop when they are ready to start the resize, cutting out only as

much as needed to create the same feel on the finger as the sizing ring that your partner tried on.

Hinged rings

If some of the preceding options haven’t worked, or your partner has injured their finger badly in an accident, a hinged ring may be your only other option. Much like a hinged bangle, the ring needs to be crafted with a hinge that allows it to open and close. For a hinged ring, the hinge allows the ring to open only as much as needed to get over the knuckle. The hinge can then be closed and locked in. Crafting the hinged mechanism is incredibly difficult and time-consuming, so this is usually a last resort if all other options have failed.

Tips for taking off a ring.

A chiropractor once told me that before an adjustment I should wiggle my toes. The effect of this actually has nothing to do with your feet – it just forces you to take your mind off what is happening to another part of your body. I often see the same kind of distraction tactics with clients when they are trying to take off a ring that is a little too tight. It is often quite funny to watch – it almost appears as if they are trying to pull their whole knuckle off. Twisting and turning, holding their tongue to one side and jumping on one foot are all common techniques I have seen – and all of these will prob- ably hurt your finger more than help you remove your ring.

The first simple thing to do is relax. By relaxing you allow all the tendons and muscles in your finger to go down. The second step is to bend your finger slightly. This helps remove all the excess skin from the top of your knuckle, which tends to bunch up when you straighten your finger. The third step is to push up from the bottom of the ring with your thumb. Then, using your index finger on the top of the ring, gently rock it over your knuckle as you are pushing up with your thumb.

WHAT IF I GET THE SIZE WRONG?

The ring only needs to be out a fraction of a size for it to have to be resized, but almost any ring can be sized up or down three sizes. So, although the chances of you getting the size spot-on without your partner are pretty slim, getting it more than three sizes out is even more unusual. My advice is to go for an average size – between L and M for women. If their hands and fingers are particularly small, maybe go down one size to K. Likewise, if you are worried that your partner won’t be able to get the ring on during the proposal, you might want to go a little bigger to be on the safe side. From a jeweller’s perspective, going down a few sizes is a little easier than going up.

If you have spoken about getting married, but still want to maintain as much surprise as possible, have your partner go to a local jewellery store to have their finger sized. Again, depending on when you plan on proposing, try to do this as early as possible, and give away as few details as possible, so as to maintain some element of surprise.

Can I use an old ring to guess the size?

The only ring that will be helpful in determining the engagement ring finger size would be a ring that your partner wears on the ring finger on the other hand. (If you’re still unclear, this is the finger next to the pinkie finger on the right hand.) Never use a ring that your partner wears on their two main pointer fingers, because the size of these have no correlation to the ring finger on their left hand. For most people, the two ring fingers will only be about half a size different. If she is right-handed, the right hand is usually a half size bigger, so make sure you take off half a size. If the only ring you can find is a ring that she wears on one of the two middle fingers, just stick with the standard finger size option (between L and M for women).

Want More Help?

You can contact the team via email here and we can arrange a complimentry ring sizer to be delivered to your home or workplace. You can also call the showroom on 07 32106288 or make an appointment to chat with one of our experts here.

How to clean a diamond ring can be tricky

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 regularly. Most jewellery, particularly well-crafted pieces, will also turn into a gift that keeps on giving. A person can hand something treasured down through generations as a family heirloom, and you will always be part of that story.

So, how do you make sure that your present will hit the right spot? Follow these 5 valuable tips to picking the perfect jewellery gift and you will nail that gift every time.

1. Pay Attention to the Person You are Shopping For

Jewellery Gift IdeasWhen you start to research your gift, the person wearing the jewellery is more important than the jewellery itself. Pay attention to what they already have and what they like to wear. Obviously, it is not a good idea to get them something too like what they already own, but you can certainly draw inspiration from their favourite pieces.

Next, take note of what jewellery they wear. If the person wears a necklace that never gets taken off, buying them another one may not be a worthwhile gift as they are not likely to wear it. However, if they love to chop and change between different rings on their fingers, a special addition to their collection will likely go down a treat.

Finally, look at their style and fashion choices. Are they more into keeping up with current trends or do they prefer a timeless and classic look? Do they like big and shiny bling, or is understated and simple more their thing? All of this will help you narrow your search to a style.

2. Make Sure The Gift Matches The Relationship

Jewellery gift engagement ringBuying someone a diamond ring for their birthday when you may have only been dating for a short time is probably not going to go down well. On the other hand, a plain chain for a 25-year anniversary is not suitable either. You need to think about how well you know the person, what you mean to each other and what the occasion is.

Jewellery, especially something of quality, is often a statement about the relationship you have with the recipient. You wouldn’t necessarily buy the same item for a parent as you would for a significant other, even if both are celebrating a birthday. This is because different types of jewellery have different meanings or symbolism. A ring is seen as a commitment or a promise to someone and is usually reserved for romantic relationships.

The occasion for giving a gift is always a major consideration when shopping. If it’s a milestone anniversary or a big birthday you should definitely consider spending more or going for something a bit more timeless. For the years in between, you could have a bit more fun and think outside the box.

3. Remember That Size Matters

Jewellery Gift in a boxThis goes back to considering the person you are buying the gift for and their specific tastes in fashion and jewellery. Say you have done your research and you have decided on a bracelet as the perfect gift. You need to make sure that your gift fits!

Firstly, the bracelet should fit comfortably around the wearer’s wrist – not too loose or too tight. Secondly, think about the size of the chain and the stones that make up the bracelet. Should they be small and delicate, or big and chunky? Neither is right or wrong on their own, but they can look very wrong on the wearer if they don’t suit their style.

Remember, bigger is not always better if the person will not want to wear it, and this goes for all jewellery types and gemstones too. While you may love the idea of splashing out on a huge sparkler, the recipient may not be wild about wearing such an obvious piece and would prefer a smaller, more subtle gift.

4. Get the Best Quality for your Money

If you are giving a gift that you want to be around for a long time and worn regularly, then quality is of utmost importance.

For one thing, a plated metal will not look good with regular wear. It will start to chip or flake off over time, leaving the cheaper metal below exposed. The worst part about this is the cheaper metal is usually copper or brass, which can leave a nasty green or blue stain on the wearer’s skin. It is much better to go for pure silver if you cannot afford gold or platinum instead of getting something that’s gold plated, as plated will shine nicely to begin with but will not stay that way for long.

5. Ask The Experts

If you are going to make a big purchase, it is always a good idea to get an opinion from an expert with credibility whom you can trust. They can help you appraise the quality of the stones, how secure the settings are, and how well the item will wear over time. You can then buy the piece knowing that you are getting the best value for your preferred price.

When it comes to buying diamonds and other precious stones, it is good to ask for information on the stone. An expert should be able to give you the full report on the stone and offer you alternate options.  They should be able to offer you total transparency, and if they cannot divulge the details, it is best to look elsewhere and know exactly what you are buying.

Jewellery makes a wonderful gift for just about every occasion. With this guide, you can ensure that whatever you buy will be treasured and worn for years to come.

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 regularly. Most jewellery, particularly well-crafted pieces, will also turn into a gift that keeps on giving. A person can hand something treasured down through generations as a family heirloom, and you will always be part of that story.

So, how do you make sure that your present will hit the right spot? Follow these 5 valuable tips to picking the perfect jewellery gift and you will nail that gift every time.

  1. Pay Attention to the Person You are Shopping For

Jewellery Gift Ideas

When you start to research your gift, the person wearing the jewellery is more important than the jewellery itself. Pay attention to what they already have and what they like to wear. Obviously, it is not a good idea to get them something too like what they already own, but you can certainly draw inspiration from their favourite pieces.

Next, take note of what jewellery they wear. If the person wears a necklace that never gets taken off, buying them another one may not be a worthwhile gift as they are not likely to wear it. However, if they love to chop and change between different rings on their fingers, a special addition to their collection will likely go down a treat.

Finally, look at their style and fashion choices. Are they more into keeping up with current trends or do they prefer a timeless and classic look? Do they like big and shiny bling, or is understated and simple more their thing? All of this will help you narrow your search to a style.

  1. Make Sure The Gift Matches The Relationship

Jewellery gift engagement ring

Buying someone a diamond ring for their birthday when you may have only been dating for a short time is probably not going to go down well. On the other hand, a plain chain for a 25-year anniversary is not suitable either. You need to think about how well you know the person, what you mean to each other and what the occasion is.

Jewellery, especially something of quality, is often a statement about the relationship you have with the recipient. You wouldn’t necessarily buy the same item for a parent as you would for a significant other, even if both are celebrating a birthday. This is because different types of jewellery have different meanings or symbolism. A ring is seen as a commitment or a promise to someone and is usually reserved for romantic relationships.

The occasion for giving a gift is always a major consideration when shopping. If it’s a milestone anniversary or a big birthday you should definitely consider spending more or going for something a bit more timeless. For the years in between, you could have a bit more fun and think outside the box.

  1. Remember That Size Matters

Jewellery Gift in a box

This goes back to considering the person you are buying the gift for and their specific tastes in fashion and jewellery. Say you have done your research and you have decided on a bracelet as the perfect gift. You need to make sure that your gift fits!

Firstly, the bracelet should fit comfortably around the wearer’s wrist – not too loose or too tight. Secondly, think about the size of the chain and the stones that make up the bracelet. Should they be small and delicate, or big and chunky? Neither is right or wrong on their own, but they can look very wrong on the wearer if they don’t suit their style.

Remember, bigger is not always better if the person will not want to wear it, and this goes for all jewellery types and gemstones too. While you may love the idea of splashing out on a huge sparkler, the recipient may not be wild about wearing such an obvious piece and would prefer a smaller, more subtle gift.

  1. Get the Best Quality for your Money

If you are giving a gift that you want to be around for a long time and worn regularly, then quality is of utmost importance.

For one thing, a plated metal will not look good with regular wear. It will start to chip or flake off over time, leaving the cheaper metal below exposed. The worst part about this is the cheaper metal is usually copper or brass, which can leave a nasty green or blue stain on the wearer’s skin. It is much better to go for pure silver if you cannot afford gold or platinum instead of getting something that’s gold plated, as plated will shine nicely to begin with but will not stay that way for long.

  1. Ask The Experts

If you are going to make a big purchase, it is always a good idea to get an opinion from an expert with credibility whom you can trust. They can help you appraise the quality of the stones, how secure the settings are, and how well the item will wear over time. You can then buy the piece knowing that you are getting the best value for your preferred price.

When it comes to buying diamonds and other precious stones, it is good to ask for information on the stone. An expert should be able to give you the full report on the stone and offer you alternate options.  They should be able to offer you total transparency, and if they cannot divulge the details, it is best to look elsewhere and know exactly what you are buying.

Jewellery makes a wonderful gift for just about every occasion. With this guide, you can ensure that whatever you buy will be treasured and worn for years to come.

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 expense. 

But how do you know when you have met the love of your life? Someone who you want to be with through thick and thin. The glorious good times and the really yucky bad times. (that no one tells you about) For me it was the butterflies in my stomach after the first date with my then girlfriend. I am now 22 years married, 4 kids and two massive Newfoundland dogs later. (not by my choice, I got outvoted on that one) The simple answer is, you just know. 

What happens when your proposal plans go out of the window?

temporary engagement ring

Now speaking as a self-confessed control freak, planning to me is everything. If you are nodding along, then welcome to the club. The truth is, life has a funny way of throwing curve balls at us. Covid-19 is certainly one of those curve balls. You, like many couples, were probably blissfully celebrating the start of 2020, thinking that this year was going to be the year that you got engaged. With everything that is going on, you might now be wondering if you have to re-asses your options. 

While some of our clients may have lost their jobs due to COVID -19, there are still some that want to take that next step. Understandably a number of clients have been considering whether they should postpone or cancel their planned proposal. Maybe spending $8000 on an engagement ring right now might not be the best thing for you to do.

With so many restrictions in place it is perfectly understandable to think the only alternative is to do nothing and stay at home. Which is certainly the advice coming from the authorities. While that is true in some cases, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get creative with a surprise proposal at home with a temporary engagement ring. A ring that you can go back later and change for the perfect engagement ring. Something that you both can have an input into and enjoy the process.  

On the bright side, there have been a number of proposals still going ahead. Albeit much more low key than were originally planned. What is heart warming is talking to a proposer and hearing  how despite everything, they are still looking to make their partners year and pop the question. 

The Ultimate COVID-19 proposal idea with a temporary engagement ring.

For many of the proposers  I talk to, it can be quite an involved process choosing their partners dream engagement ring. Let alone how and when they are going to propose. With classic proposal locations such as restaurants, or travelling interstate or overseas now off the table, here is a really great alternative. 

With every temporary engagement ring purchase we are offering a romantic room turn down service. Imagine turning up with your beloved after a nice walk and coming home to this…

Romance Package 1

50 x Led Candles

1 x Bag of Red Rose Petals

1 x Bouquet of Red Roses

Fresh Strawberries

Chocolate Dip or Favourite Dessert

Your favourite photo memories displayed of you and your partner

Romantic Music Playing

Champagne

Then all you need to do is get down on one knee open the ring box with your stunning temporary engagement ring and ask your partner the words they have been waiting for.  “Will you marry me?”. Your proposal will be special, no matter where it is, or whether it is with a temporary engagement ring. Most partners who I speak to after having been proposed to, are glowing. They are so excited to share about how their partner proposed. They remember what they said and generally how excited they are to be on their way to being married.

Which might come as a much welcome distraction if you are finding yourself stuck at home with a lot more time on your hands. Planning a wedding can take a good 12 months, which means you are all set for a 2021 wedding. 

Which temporary engagement ring will you choose? 

If you have decided that you really want to get engaged to your partner and would love some help. You can book a FREE proposal planning session with me. I guarantee there are some really easy and simple ways to create a romantic proposal that will really blow your partner away. Or have a look at some of our amazing temporary engagement rings here.

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)

That’s why I was so excited to see the latest development in the diamond world, ALTR lab created diamonds. The idea that man can create a diamond absolutely blows my mind. It reminds me of the old cartoon The Jetsons, about a futuristic family who lived in the sky travelling around in hovercraft spaceships. Anything they wanted could be printed through a magic printing machine. Isn’t it funny how so many things from science fiction become reality?

Are lab created diamonds new?

While it might seem new, the concept of lab created diamonds has been around for over 60 years. It is just in recent years that they have perfected the art of crafting these stunning stones into gem-quality diamonds. But diamonds for personal use are just a small portion of what the future holds when it comes to creating diamonds. There are so many applications for having a transparent substance that is also incredibly strong. Can you imagine in the future having your iPhone glass face made up of diamond? No more replacing screens because you dropped your iPhone.  

Now, in the beginning, I was just as sceptical as the next person, I mean lab created diamonds? What changed my mind was a test given to me by the creators of these amazing diamonds. The creators placed 10 diamonds in front of me and asked me to separate them into mined vs created. I spent a great deal of time looking at each diamond, from the front, upside down and even in different lights. What I found though, was while I thought I could tell the difference between the two, the truth is I failed miserably. Considering I am a diamond expert and I look at diamonds every day, I found this quite shocking. The only way to tell the difference with a 10-x magnifying lens was by looking at the girdle where it is inscribed that it is a lab created diamond.

If you would like to learn more about how these amazing gems are created, check out my blog about ALTR lab created diamonds here. If you take the method of creation out of the picture ultimately what you are left is with a beautiful gem that sparkles brilliantly. I think deep down what everyone wants is to make their partner happy and give them the diamond they deserve and desire. In a perfect world, we could all afford to get the largest diamond possible for our partners. But in the real world, we all have expenses that we need to balance out. What I have seen over the last month with the clients I have shown the ALTR lab created diamonds to has been nothing short of amazing. Clients have been able to give their partners the diamond that will make their heart skip a beat.

While I know some of you are saying, it’s the thought that counts and your partner should be happy with whatever size their partner gives them. What I have come to see over the last 22 years and helping more than 6800 clients choose their engagement ring, is exactly 0% of them have come back in 6 months’ time and asked for a smaller diamond. Further, as we get older, we only want nicer and bigger things not smaller. So, the bigger diamond that you choose now, will undoubtedly last you longer, before you start thinking of upgrading.

I strongly believe in the power of storytelling through jewellery. Whenever I ask someone to tell me the story of how they were proposed to, they can often recant in detail where they were and what their partner said. Never have I heard them say, they proposed to me with a 1ct F VS diamond engagement ring. For me, the sentiment and story behind the giving of a diamond is the same with a created diamond as it is for a mined diamond. What is important is that you have chosen it for your partner and that he plans a romantic proposal, in a way that his partner wants to receive it.

What has been the most appealing thing about Lab Created Diamonds?

I would say for most of the clients I have served, the size is one of the most contributing factors. I mean who doesn’t love a bit of extra bling. When I got engaged 17 years ago, the average size of a diamond engagement ring was a half a carat. Today the most popular diamond size that we sell is a one-carat diamond. Even now we are starting to see that size increase with some brides looking at the 1.10ct – 1.20ct diamond sizes. So, my usual advice to the guys out there is to propose quickly, because I think we will be at a 2ct diamond size before you know it. At this point in time, it is hard to go past the ALTR lab created diamonds from a value for money standpoint.

The second benefit that often resonates with the clients I speak to is the environmental benefits and minimal carbon footprint associated with created diamonds. Today I think we all realise that we share the same planet and it is the only one that we have, so it’s up to us to look after it. Most people don’t realise that they need to dig up over 1000 tonnes of earth, not to mention using over 100 gallons of water just to find a 1ct diamond. Whereas the ALTR lab created diamonds have their own wind turbines to power the presses that create these diamonds and use a fraction of the water to yield the same 1ct diamond. So not only can you give your partner the diamond you know they want but look after the planet as well. And with every diamond being able to be traced back to the specific lab that it was created in, you can be sure that your diamonds are 100% conflict free.

The final question that I am often asked is, ‘would you buy an ALTR lab created diamond for your own wife?”. My answer is YES!!! Currently, I am looking for a set of matching .75ct diamonds to create stunning diamond studs for her. After all, they have the same physical, optical and molecular structure as a mined diamond, and according to the FTC, they are a diamond in every sense of the word. So, the only question you need to ask yourself is whether you are ready to join the future of diamonds with me?

lab created diamonds
FAQ on lab created diamonds

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 the last month. Some is general curiosity, but most are as a genuine interest in purchasing a man made diamond. Up until recently, there has been little information about them to give a client the complete confidence in their purchase choice. The important thing to remember is that is exactly what it is – a choice. I honestly don’t believe that one will replace the other, just as Uber hasn’t completely replaced Taxis. If you are making an informed decision, you can be comfortable with whichever choice you go for.

 

How are Man Made Diamonds created?

Before going into the characteristics of laboratory created diamonds, it is important to understand that there are two main ways to create a man made diamond. High Pressure / High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Disposition (CVD). HPHT process mimics the high pressure that created diamonds in the earth crust. It uses a metal catalyst (graphite/carbon) to dissolve the carbon onto a diamond seed, essentially drawing the carbon out of ferrous metals. Whereas the CVD process in contrast uses low pressure but employs a vacuum which is fuelled with hydrogen and methane. Which means that it derives its carbon source from a vapour. The CVD method starts with a diamond seed crystal to grow the diamond, much the same way you might have grown crystals as a child at school in your science experiment.

You can watch how an 
Altr created diamond is grown here.

 

Born of Fire, Born Perfect : The making of a Type IIa ALTR Created Diamond from ALTR Created Diamonds on Vimeo.

 

Diamond crystal types

Diamonds naturally occur in nature as either a Type 1 (a/b) or Type 2 (a/b) crystal. The most purist and transparent form of Carbon crystal in the world is the Type 2a crystal, it has almost no impurities which leads to the colourlessness and only accounts for 1.8% of the world’s supply and is a rare quality gem.

 

Every Altr created diamond begins with a Type 2a seed crystal and is guaranteed to be only a CVD diamond, so it’s quality can be assured. Type 2a diamonds have much less nitrogen so they face up looking whiter and crisper, which is in line with their “Shine Brighter” campaign.

So that is most of the technical information out of the way. The simplest take way is that Altr created diamonds have;

  1. Same physical hardness as a mined diamond
  2. Same optical properties as a mined diamond
  3. Same Molecular structure as a mined diamond
  4. Will never have any fluorescence
  5. Will give you around a 20% bigger diamond for the same budget
  6. Often a cleaner diamond with less inclusions.
  7. Are completely certified and laser inscribed by the one of the worlds forensic laboratory (only 2 in existence), that even has a money back guarantee, if the stone hasn’t been accurately graded.

When I am showing a client an Altr created diamond, the first thing I will say is one was created below the ground, the other was created above the ground. That is essentially the only difference. Just like if you had two siblings, one was made by IVF and the other through the traditional way, you wouldn’t look at your sibling and call them a synthetic human. They just had a different start, but they are identical to you as a human in every way.

What a Man Made diamond is not.

A man made diamond is a very different stone to a Cubic Zirconia or a Moissanite stone, both of which are softer and have different optical properties. Both a cubic and a moissanite are known as stimulants, which means that they are like a diamond, but not the same.

What to watch out for in a created diamond.

The first thing to look out when shopping for a Laboratory created diamond is whether there is accurate disclosure around the way that it was created. Cheaper versions are made through either straight HPHT, or a combination of HPHT and CVD. If the stone you are looking at purchasing can’t guarantee the method of its creation, then it is most likely a cheaper combination creation stone.

Where your Laboratory created diamond is certified

The second thing to look out is for where the diamond was certified. If it is certified by IGI (International Gemmological Institute) it will be a cheaper stone, as the grading parameters for IGI are not as strict as the GCAL (Gem Certification and Assurance Lab). An IGI laboratory has been known to be a colour &/or clarity grade out compared to that of a GIA laboratory. Also, an IGI cert won’t tell you whether your diamond was created through HPHT or CVD.

As mentioned previously the GCAL is one of the strictest grading laboratories’ in the world and completely stands behind their grading. A GCAL cert in addition to the normal 4C’s information also has several additional features

  1. A Gem print – which is a unique optical fingerprint of your diamond
  2. Photomicrographs – which are actual photographs of your diamond, so you can see the actual incisions and faceting of your diamond.
  3. Optical Brilliance analysis – which is the overall amount of white light being returned to the viewer
  4. Optical Symmetry analysis – showing a coloured optical symmetry of the diamond, showing you a visual representation of the proportions and facet alignment. Man Made diamonds GCAL certificate

Minimal Carbon footprint for a Man Made Diamond. 

All Altr created diamond presses are powered by the earth’s natural wind cycles through the power of wind turbines. This renewable energy source creates the power required to form these amazing gems, ensuring that there is minimal impact on the environment.

Metallic inclusions for a created diamond.

Because HPHT created diamonds derive their carbon from a metallic source like iron, the inclusions found in them are often metallic in nature. These inclusions are often easily distinguishable and can even result in the diamond having a magnetic attraction to a magnet.

At the end of the day whether you choose a mined diamond, or a laboratory created diamond, will just come down to your own personal preference. Ultimately the choice will come down to whether it is more important to you that the diamond was created below the ground or whether you would rather have a larger diamond for the same budget. At the end of the day, the best way for you to decide is to compare them side by side and make the choice for yourself. So why not book an appointment and see the diamonds first hand and see if you can tell the difference.

We even have a special promotion on at the moment to celebrate the launch of the Altr created diamonds. You can WIN a .50ct F Colour VS clarity Altr created valued at $2900. All you need to do is book an appointment to come in and see them, to go in the draw to win this amazing diamond.

  man made diamond promotion

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 don’t have to be a billionaire like Warren Buffett to start investing in pink diamonds. The Pink diamonds have been increasing by 20%-30% every year for the last 5 years, which is a return that many fund managers would envy. What we have found is that the price of the investment pink diamonds has at least doubled over the last 5 years. Every year I go to buy pink diamonds I am always amazed at how much they have increased. Of course, it would be remiss of me if I did not mention that this is not legal or financial advice and you should seek your own advisor that can determine if this strategy is right for you. Clients today are looking to acquire Pink diamonds not just in their personal names, but in other investment vehicles such as a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF). Whatever your reason, whether it is diversifying your portfolio, saving for your own retirement or looking to acquire a family heirloom, The Pink Diamonds can be a solid investment.

Why are Pink Diamonds Increasing so rapidly?

There are 5 main reasons contributing to the year over year price increases.  

1. In 2013 Argyle Transitioned from an above ground mine to an underground mine. The Argyle mine and processing plant operate 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. All of these factors contribute to increasing running costs, which have an inflationary pressure on the rough cost of Pink diamonds. Furthermore, with underground mining, there is always the risk of a fatal accident which could see the mine close earlier than expected.

2. The kimberlite pipe where Argyle diamonds are found looks similar to a funnel. As they move further down the pipe, they are finding fewer and fewer diamonds. This leaves less rough to be cut into the desired round brilliant cut diamonds, which are in the highest demand.

3. Similar to the above point, as they find less and less diamonds the number of high quality deep pink diamonds they are finding is getting less and less. This is causing the deep pinks to increase at a faster rate than the mid – light pinks.

4. The demand for pinks is ever increasing. With this stunning Australian product attracting more and more attention, locally and internationally, more clients are seeking them out, not just for investment, but for personal use as well.

5. Projected end date. With the well-documented end date of 2020 predicted by Argyle, there is a finite timeframe in which to acquire them. While no one has a crystal ball, the prediction is that they could increase markedly after this end date, or when the mine is exhausted.

Grades of the Pink Diamond

There are 4 main colour grades when it comes to classifying Pink diamonds. Purplish Pink, Straight Pink, Pink Rose and Pink Champagne. The colour scale ranges from 1 -9, with one being the deepest pink diamond and 9 being like a decaf, skinny soy latte (or as I call it a ‘why bother’) Almost all pink diamonds have a primary colour and some have a secondary colour. Sometimes this secondary colour can give a little extra kick to the diamond. In the Purplish Pink scale, the purple hue can make a pink diamond look one shade deeper on the straight pink scale. So a 4PP pink diamond can sometimes look like a 3P. In the case of the Pink rose, it is often a brownish undertone that gives the diamond its stronger colour. A good tip when looking to buy a loose pink diamonds is to turn them upside down in a white sleeve to see the secondary colours.

Investing in Pinks

If you are looking for Investment Pink Diamonds the ideal range that I recommend is to aim for a 4P or 4PP to a 5P or 5PP. This allows for capital appreciation and can still be an affordable entry point, not just for you, but the purchaser you wish to sell the diamond to down the track. While deeper pink diamonds might be rarer and also appreciate in value at a greater rate, the number of potential buyers down the track will be less. Budget permitting, if a portfolio of pink diamonds is something that you would be interested in the minimum amount that I recommend would be $100,000. The aim here is to put together a selection of diamonds that will allow you to sell certain portions of the portfolio at a future point in time if you so wished. That way you can either neutralise the initial investment or greatly reduce it, while still leaving a portion of diamonds to further increase in value.

If you are ready to take the next step in your pink diamond investment journey, please feel free to contact me for complimentary 10 min pink diamond investment call or request our Investment Pink Diamond report. Alternatively, visit us in our Queen St Mall Diamond boutique to see a selection of pink diamonds for yourself. About Karlbook-front1 His international award-wining book, ” Rock Her World” is available now. If you would like help, in choosing the perfect diamond and would like an amazing experience around jewellery there is a lot of great information in “Rock Her World” 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. Come and experience their brand new diamond boutique in the Queen St Mall.

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 become damaged or is no longer wearable. Why not have these pieces transformed into something wonderful that you can and actually want to wear. Remodelling jewellery is a great way to give new life and new meaning to old precious pieces.

Apart from the fact that ‘up styling’ jewellery means you now have beautiful modern pieces that can be worn every day, you may also discover that your pieces are now worth a lot more than you think. Remodelling jewellery can add a lot of value to the piece, provided it has been done by a reputable jeweller. When a piece of jewellery is damaged, it loses any manufacturing value that it might once of had. When it is valued – damaged or unwearable jewellery is only given gold and base stone value.

What’s involved in remodelling jewellery?remodelling jewellery

  1. First gather up any jewellery, whether you think it is valuable or not.
    • Sometimes the things that you think are worthless might have some partial gold in them. A qualified jeweller, will be able to quickly tell you what’s real or not, and whether there is any value there.
  2. Have some idea of what you would like to remodel your jewellery into
    • Having a starting point will make it a lot easier for your designer to help you create something amazing from your old pieces. While it is the designers job to give you the ideas of what is possible, having an idea before you come in, will definitely cut down a lot of the design time.
  3. Work our a budget
    • Whether you a remodelling a kitchen or a piece of jewellery it is always a great idea to work out how much you want to spend on the remodelling. Depending on what you have and what your new vision is, it could cost anywhere from $500 – $2000 or more. If you have expensive taste and would like to add more diamonds or other coloured gemstones to the piece, this would be an extra cost on top of the piece.

“Jewellery doesn’t belong in a drawer!”

Gather it up and visit us for a complimentary design consultation, and see how we can help you create something amazing from your unworn pieces. In your design consult, we will sit down with you and go through everything that you have and draw a 3D image of your new dream piece. You never know, you could discover thousands of dollars in value lying in your drawer!

International Womens day quote

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 paid less than their male counterparts for doing the exact same role.

Surely we have evolved as a civilisation, to see that in the workforce we deserve the same remuneration for the same job. Both genders are capable of significant contributions to the work force, and a person’s worth should be determined by what they contribute, not their gender. It is unfortunately not just their pay that they are sometimes missing out on, but also their future. As lower comparative wages, also means lower superannuation.

Here at Xennox Diamonds, we are always striving to find the most passionate and talented individuals, capable of delivering the most amazing experience to our clients. This is something that is not mutually exclusive to women or men. At the end of the day, I am looking for the X Factor, whoever it comes from, and I am looking for those that consider themselves professionals who are looking to achieve excellence. A thirst for knoweledge is also something that i think is vital not only for work specifically but life in general.

Regardless of their gender, the team that I am lucky enough to work with is rewarded based on the value they contribute to the business. While i understand that everyone has their different levels of things that motivate them, pay is not something that they are discriminated on.

That’s why, on International Women’s Day this year, I support the Pledge for Parity. It’s an important reminder that all of us in business can and must do so much more to promote equality, respect and fairness. It is for our wives, daughters, cousins and other extended family that we must do this.

You can make your pledge here http://www.internationalwomensday.com/ Let me know what you think?

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