HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY?
Here are some options to help you navigate based on common needs & enquiries.
Are you absolutely frustrated with not being able to find your dream engagement ring design ANYWHERE? Have you been through a 1000 shops and nothing is jumping out at you. It may mean that you need to have your engagement ring specially designed, exactly the way you want it.
The reason you haven’t travelled down the road of having your engagement ring specially designed could be that you are unsure what is involved? How much it costs to have an engagement ring specially designed?
The first stage is to choose your jeweller. Ideally you are looking for somewhere, where they custom make engagement ring designs onsite. You also need to be completely comfortable with the look and feel of the store, and feel like they really understand your vision for what your engagement ring is going to look like.
The second stage is to sit down with a professional jewellery designer. A professional jewellery designer will guide you through all the steps, and give you advice on how to personalise your engagement ring design so that it is totally unique and special to you. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions. They should ask you things like; What you do during the day? What your design preferences are? (heights and widths of your ring) Do you want your ring to look like this or that? (two options are always ideal) After all you don’t know what you do and don’t always like, which is why you are seeking the designers help.
The third stage is the creating phase. Here the jewellery designer will work with your master jeweller to make sure the designs are being followed according to all your tastes and style. An expert designer will make tweaks and adjustments as the ring is being made, to maximise the WOW factor. You might also ask for progress photo’s of your ring to be sent to you, so that you can see how your ring is progressing. It is very easy to make adjustments to an engagement ring as it is being made, if you catch it early enough.
The fourth stage is the unveiling stage. One of my favourite parts of the whole process. Seeing the sheer joy on a fiancee’s face as she is almost brought to tears because the finished ring is even greater than she ever imagined it could be, is what drives me every day. Close enough is simply not good enough for me. I am aiming for nothing less than breathtaking.
If this is something that you would love to experience, please send me an email, or ring to make an appointment for a custom engagement ring design consultation.
One thing that a lot of guys are missing after they purchase the engagement ring is a proposal guide. There are a few main ingredients when planning the perfect proposal to make it magical. The first element, is to PLAN. Failing to plan, is planning to fail. A misconception from some guys is to just”wing it”, and the perfect moment will just present itself. While spontaneity is important, the key to a magic proposal is to do your researchand create a magical moment for your lady.
PROPOSAL GUIDE STEP 1 – RESEARCH
Understand that the proposal moment is something that your partner has been dreaming about for some time, maybe even before you met. So it is crucial to find out how she would like to be proposed to. If she would like an intimate and private setting, proposing in a crowded restaurant isn’t going to go down well.
PROPOSAL GUIDE STEP 2 – PLAN
A well thought out plan is always a beautiful thing to see unfold. Make sure that everything is organised and that that you build in a few contingency plans, if your plan A doesn’t come off.
As you are getting down on one knee to ask your partner to spend eternity with you, you may feel a few butterflies in your stomach. Don’t worry – this is perfectly natural. The best thing you can do here, is make sure you rehearse a few times, the important things you want to say. There generally isn’t a do-over button, so you want to make sure you say everything right the first time.
In a recent study, 37% of women surveyed said the biggest proposal mistake you can make, is proposing without a ring. While i am sure she won’t say no, it will certainly add the experience if you have a ring specially chosen for her. Any reputable jeweller, should have an exchange policy, if she really doesn’t like the ring you have chosen.
If you follow these steps, you are sure to have a moment that she will always remember, and believe me, you will definitely, be the man of the moment, when she tells all her friends about the effort you put in. Make sure you don’t do any of these proposal mistakes.
Are you in need of a holiday? Or are you planning a wedding and looking for an amazing destination to kick back and recover from all your wedding planning? For some couples, all the effort that goes into planning a holiday can really take its toll. To help we are having our annual holiday promotion. We are picking up the tab for the resort accommodation at the Paradise Taveuni Resort in Fiji. This honeymoon location is a great way to recharge the batteries and reconnect with your new loved one.
With the average Australian wedding now costing over $40,000, a relaxing overseas tropical honeymoon is something high on the wish list for brides today. Even better if it is a FREE holiday. If you have been trying to decide where to go for your honeymoon, this might make the decision making process a little easier.
Lucky couples who purchase their wedding or engagement ring from Xennox Diamonds between July and August 2014, will see themselves soaking up the sun with a free holiday in Fiji. Saving the stress and expense of planning that dream honeymoon and leaving nothing to do but relax and bask in the beauty of that sparkling new ring.
While the concept for this promotion was designed around honeymoon’s, there is no reason why it can’t be used to plan a surprise proposal, Hint, Hint !!!! Gentlemen, please take note, this location would be ideal for popping the question. The money you save on the free holiday, could even go towards the ring you will be proposing with. Now there really has never been a better time to take the plunge. It will truly be a proposal she will never forget.
Taveuni Island Resort & Spa is the jewel of the Pacific. It is set in ten acres of immaculate manicured tropical gardens, and accommodates only 12 privileged couples. There are only twelve accommodations with each house positioned for maximum privacy and to take advantage of the spectacular views over the azure ocean and surrounding islands.
On trip advisor, Paradise Taveuni has received a 4 1/2 star rating from more than 200 reviews, and a 94% thumbs up rating. You can see more of the reviews here
There are three levels of accommodation on offer,
a. For purchases between AUD$4,000-$7,000 will recieve a AUD$2,000
holiday package at Paradise Taveuni, Fiji. Inclusive of 5 nights
accommodation, breakfast daily, return airport transfers and activities.
b. For purchases between AUD$7,001-$14,000 will receive a AUD$2,600
holiday package at Paradise Taveuni, Fiji. Inclusive of 5 nights
accommodation, breakfast daily, a one course lunch, two course dinner, return
airport transfers, a Paradise Massage and activities.
c. For purchases AUD$14,001 or greater will receive a
AUD$3,600 holiday package at Paradise Taveuni, Fiji. Inclusive of 7 nights
accommodation, all meals, return airport transfers, Wi-Fi access, a Paradise
Massage and activities.
All holiday packages must be booked before 30th June, 2015 and used before 30th November, 2015. You can see more of the T@C here
Please feel free to post any questions you have.
Rhodium plating is something that is done almost every day in a manufacturing workshop. Because it is something that is done by hand, there are times when it doesn’t always work out as perfectly as you would like. Every good workshop should have someone who is appointed as a quality control agent. Here are the things that you should look for after having your ring rhodium plated.
This effect usually occurs when the ring has made contact with the metal electrode. It can sometimes look like a dark spot of the ring. This can usually be fixed quite easily by giving the ring a light polish in the affected area. If it is on the inside of the ring, the ring will usually not need re-plating.
Every time a ring is rhodium plated it draws some of the rhodium out of the solution (which makes the solution weaker) and makes the end result less white. This can be fixed by filtering the rhodium solution through a graphite powder filtre or topping up the solution with some new rhodium.
White gold solder generally has a slightly darker colour. When a ring is rhodium plated it masks this discolouration. If you can easily see the join line, it either means that the solder has been polished out though the process (as it is softer than the gold) or the rhodium plating hasn’t binded to the new ring properly. Unfortunately the only solution here is to re-do the whole process.
At Xennox Diamonds we make sure that all our work has been checked by our master jewellers to make sure your ring leaves our workshop as perfect as it can be. If for whatever reason you are not happy with any element of the ring, we will change it to make sure you are 100% happy with the finished piece. If would like an impartial second opinion on any piece of jewellery that you have serviced and are unhappy with the result. Please come in and see our jewellers any time, or email me at info@xennoxdiamonds.com.au Any other questions that you might have, please leave a comment below.
I think guys who are buying an engagement ring on their own deserve respect. It can be a really daunting experience and there is a lot of pressure to get it right. Over the last 20 years I have helped a lot of gentlemen choose a beautiful diamond engagement ring for their fiancées. Make sure when you are buying an engagement ring, you make it one she will love forever. 
If you think i have missed anything, would love you to post it in the comments section below.
Resizing rings is something of a daily occurrence for manufacturing jewellers. However it never ceases to amaze me how many times I hear from clients who have been to other jewellers that a ring can not be resized to suit their fingers. While it may be difficult at times to resize a ring, it is rarely impossible. The following is a list of some of the rings that we often resize.
If you ever have any questions about resizing your diamond engagement ring, please don’t hesitate to email me, or post a comment below. If your ring doesn’t sit well, don’t put up with it, come and see us.The Xennox Diamonds team are always here at your disposal to answer any of your jewellery questions. With our onsite master jewellers there is almost no ring that we can’t resize.
10 things you must ask your jeweller to make sure you are getting the best advice
Is the ring made locally or overseas ? Hand made rings manufactured locally are not only better quality, but will last longer as well. A master jeweller is someone who has spent their whole life perfecting the art of making jewellery. The quality of the piece created by a master jeweller is far superior to that of a mass produced ring.
A lot of the overseas made rings are of lightweight manufacturing design and are not built to stand the test of time.
This is a must. Having a ring specially designed by a professional jewellery designer is incredibly important. Almost every ring can be designed to sit flush with a wedding band. It just comes down to the skill of the designer. Make sure it is drawn for you in 3D before having it made.
Russian and Belgian diamond cutters are the best in the world. While they usually cost a little extra, they will definitely sparkle more . If you are trying to compare apples with apples, it is important to find out where the diamond was cut.
All diamond grading is done by the human eye, which is not infallible. It is vital to have a strict diamond grader with knowledge on diamond cutting check your stone to ensure you get what you pay for.
Any reputable jewellery manufacturer should be able to stand behind the quality of their work. A lifetime manufacturing warranty gives you the greatest piece of mind.
Most jewellers have ultrasonic machines specially designed to keep your rings clean. The ultrasonic literally shakes the dirt out from all the hard to reach places. This should be a free service that comes with all your jewellery.
Longevity and legacy in a business is essential in building credibility and trust. Look for jewellery stores that have ideally been around more than 10 years. Jewellery stores have been known to come and go. A warranty is not worth anything, if the business is not around to fulfill it.
If a minor stone falls out for no apparent reason. Most reputable jewellery stores should replace the stone free of charge. To a manufacturing jewellery it is usually obvious why a stone has fallen out. If it is not due to wear and tear the stone should be replaced free of charge.
It is quite normal for a stone to come loose through every day where. For a jewellery store with a professional diamond setter, it is a simple task to secure your stone. This should also be checked every time the ring is cleaned.
Because jewellers are often dealing with insurance companies through the claim process, they generally have a good idea about which insurance company is going to look after you the best, in the event of a loss.
Would love to hear from you. What questions did you ask your jeweller ? Please post your questions below.
Yes. All white gold, is essentially an alloy of pure (24ct) yellow gold, so it is natural to assume that it has a yellow tinge. The rhodium plating is a process which gives the white gold its ultra white colour by placing a coating over the existing metal.
2. How long does rhodium plating last ?
The rhodium plating on your ring should definitely last longer than a year. Although having said that, if the base colour of the white gold has a really yellow colour to it, then you might start to see the gold colour coming through at the base of the ring, before the end of the first year. Normally you should expect the plating to last 2-3 years.
3. How much does rhodium plating cost ?
Typically the cost for rhodium plating can range from $60 – $120 for a fine engagement ring. The price may vary depending on the quality of the rhodium solution, the skill of the jeweller, turnaround time, and the finished effect. Wider and heavier pieces soak up more rhodium out of the solution so will cost a little more.
4. Will the rhodium plating affect my diamonds or gemstones ?
No. The process of rhodium plating requires a current to run through the metal. The rhodium then binds to the elements in the piece which conduct the current, causing the plating to take affect. As diamonds and gemstones don’t conduct electricity, they will be safe from the plating.
5. Can you rhodium plate my yellow gold ring ?
Yes you certainly can. As mentioned above – any metal that conducts a current is able to be plated. However as your yellow gold is really yellow, you may find it only takes about 6 months for the gold colour to show through at the back of your ring.
6. Should I rhodium plate my ring every year?
Absolutely not !! This will only wear your ring down prematurely. Every time your ring is rhodium plated, your old plating must first be striped off, all the old scratches taken out, cleaned and be prepared to have the new plating applied.
7. How long does it take to rhodium plate my ring ?
Depending on the complexity of your piece, and whether there is any filigree or distinct work your ring, it usually will take around an hour and a half to complete the process.
If you have any questions i may have missed please feel free to email me. If you have found this post helpful or know someone that it could help, i would love you to share it on your favourite social platform.
Which diamond cut looks the biggest? Have you ever wondered if a 1 carat round brilliant cut diamond looks bigger than a 1 carat princess cut diamond? I am often asked whether round or square diamonds look bigger by many brides-to-be as they begin the journey of picking their perfect diamond engagement ring. While the sparkle and fire of a diamond are important, the physical size of the diamond can also play a part in your decision making process.
Here is the maths for the surface area of a 1 carat princess cut diamond versus a 1 carat round brilliant cut diamond.
Formula for the surface of a square is length x width. square = a2 
For a perfect cut 1ct princess cut it would be – 5.5 x 5.5 = 30.25
Formula for the surface area of a circle = pi r 2 
For a perfect cut 1 carat round brilliant cut diamond with a 6.5mm spread – 3.252 x 3.14 = 33.16
From this basic analysis of the two different stones we can see that the round brilliant cut diamond is approximately 10% larger in surface area than the princess cut diamond. While this doesn’t take into account the effect of the claws, on face value it appears the round brilliant cut is winning the size debate. However, if you took the diagonal measurement of a 1 carat princess cut, it would measure approximately 7.7mm, which is more than 1mm wider than a 1 carat round brilliant cut diamond. So sometimes, when determining which one is bigger, it simply depends on how it appears in the flesh.
If you are about to set out on the hunt for your engagement ring and want to know how to get the biggest diamond for your buck, then read on. Ultimately, if you were to spend the same money, the princess cut diamond would actually give you a bigger physical diamond in comparison to the round cut diamond. This is because the rough crystal for a princess cut diamond is significantly cheaper and more economical to cut than that of the round.
Therefore, should size be an important consideration for you, you will be able to get a bigger diamond overall for your budget. On average, for well cut diamonds, there is at least a 25% price difference between a round brilliant and princess cut diamond. In the case of a 1 carat F SI1 round brilliant cut diamond, you would be able to buy a 1.3 carat F SI1 princess cut diamond.
From this we can see that if you were to spend the same budget, you would actually get a 10% bigger surface area by purchasing a princess cut diamond ring, instead of a round brilliant cut diamond ring.
While maths can be fun (well for some of us anyway), we are really passionate about finding the perfect diamond for you. Whether you have your heart set on a round brilliant cut diamond or a princess cut diamond, we will find the perfect ring for you. We are always available for a chat, and have an amazing selection of loose diamonds for you to have a look at. Please feel free to email me, if you have any questions or would like to make an appointment to view our diamonds.
While engagement ring insurance might not be the first thing you think after you finally find “The One”. It could be one of the second most important decision you make. No one knows what’s around the corner. For example;
If these seem like specific examples, it is because they have actually happened. If you want to make sure your example doesn’t get added to the list, now might be a good time to review your ring insurance.
While a lot of Insurance companies might cover jewellery in their policies as an add on, it is not their specialty. Ring insurance is a very precise field and requires a completely tailored insurer who specialises in quality jewellery. If you do decide to use your current home and contents insurer, make sure that you read the fine print.
Conditions to be aware of;
While nothing can ever replace the sentimental attachment you had with your jewellery, it is important to protect yourself from financial loss. The sentiment behind your rings is priceless, but the rings themselves can be replaced, if you have the right ring insurance. You also need to make sure your valuation certificate has these 5 important elements.
For complete piece of mind, we strongly recommend our clients consider Q Report which is backed by Chubb Insurance of Australia .We understand everyone’s circumstance are different and you may want to go online and read their policy , but from our experience nothing else comes close. We as jewellers hate seeing clients go through the trauma of a claim, where they have had either inadequate insurance, or their insurance company is trying to back out of a claim. In my experience Q report offers clients a clear difference when choosing to protect their jewellery.
If you would like help with your ring insurance, visit us in store to obtain a quote. The helpful staff at Xennox Diamonds, will clean, inspect and check your jewellery, while we prepare your quote. If you would like complete piece of mind, to know that your rings are completely covered no matter what happens to them, then there really is only one clear option. If you have any questions about your ring insurance or a claim that you are currently undertaking, please email us at info@xennoxdiamonds.com.au, or post a comment below, we are here to help.
Karl
