Platinum
A white metal which only gained major usage in jewellery from the 1920's onwards.
A very heavy metal, having twice the density of silver, it is used 95% pure, which makes it the purest metal used in the manufacture of jewellery.
It is also extremely hard which makes it an ideal setting for diamonds and gemstones. This does not stop it from scratching when worn as a ring, which will occur with normal wear and tear and like gold, it will eventually acquire its own surface patina.
The hardness of platinum whilst being an attribute makes it very difficult to work from the jewellers perspective,and many more hours go into making and finishing a platinum piece of jewellery than one in any other precious metal.
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Diamonds
We have a booklet by the Diamonds Trading Council giving information about the qualities of diamonds.Please complete our contact form and we will gladly send you a copy.
Generally all the diamonds used in our jewellery are G-H colour and no less than VS2 in clarity. We are happy to supply diamonds with qualities of any permutation to fit a budget or match an existing piece of jewellery.
We also have certified diamonds. These are stones which are independently assessed by recognised gem laboratories in Europe and America. We are able to offer high quality stones from 0.25 carats upwards.
You can be assured that our diamonds come from recognised reputable sources in line with the Kimberley Process which certifies the source of uncut diamonds from their country of origin. This agreement has been signed by sixty countries including Great Britain.
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Pearls
In the past few years there have been huge developments in the production of freshwater cultured pearls. What used to be known as 'rice' pearls have now developed through production methods into much larger pearls of even sizes, rivalling the traditional Japanese cultured pearl.
Freshwater pearls are available in a huge variety of colours, the pinks, pale purples and apricots are usually natural colours; other popular colours, grey and black are dyed. Other shades available include pale blue, green, yellow/gold, copper and red.
All in an amazing variety of traditional and original shapes.
Top quality South Sea cultured pearls from the north coast of Australia are cultured in a different oyster to the traditional Japanese cultured pearl, this larger oyster (Pinctade Maxima) produces pearls which generally are more than 9mm in size and tend to average around 12mm to 14mm. They have a distinct silvery lustre but can also be found in cream and gold.
South Sea of finest quality are the most expensive of the cultured pearls. We are stockists of AUTORE South Sea pearls a company which distributes some of the finest South Sea pearls available, we are able to supply single pearls or rows of fine pearls.Some of their pearls are crafted into some unusual and striking pieces which can be seen in our pearl section.
Tahiti Pearls were first commercially cultured in the early 1960's, they grow in a large oyster similar to that of South Sea pearls, the difference being that these oysters have a shell with a 'black lip' (Pinctada Margaritifera), which results in the cultured pearls being formed naturally black, the colour ranging from a silver/pewter colour to jet black.
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