As both a professional jewellery designer and personal jewellery-tragic I’m excited to let you know that there’s something to suit everyone’s taste this year.

However, if you did twist my arm for a “nutshell’ description, I’d have to say 2012 is the year of Eclectic, Elegant and Earthy.

So let’s have a look at some of the jewellery trends destined to be popular in the year that is:

Natural looking pieces with a classic flavour

In 2011, it was all about bold, grand, chunky pieces that demanded attention.  This year, we’ll be rediscovering the joys of timeless, classical elegant pieces.

Eco-jewellery

As in so many areas of life, sustainability will have a strong influence. We’ll see some amazing pieces, ranging from classical to exotic, created from or incorporating recycled and raw materials.

Crystals and large gemstones

The perfect stones to complement the natural, earthly influences that I believe we’ll see in abundance throughout this year.

‘Studio’ vintage

Neutral colour palettes will feature in the ‘studio’ trends of 2012.  I can see handmade pieces being sought after. Plus, there’s a lot of retro influence happening overseas – think 1950’s featuring pearls, brush-effect metalwork and vintage designs.

Flora and fauna ‘Fantasy’ pieces

Flora and fauna will have a huge influence on ‘fantasy’ jewellery.  Think deep, rich greens, violets, orchid colours and bright pink that reflect those shades seen in gemstones.  These will be incredibly intricate, one-off designs for those who love to express their individuality through jewellery. And who doesn’t?!

Gaga ‘Fiction’

The rising popularity of sci-fi and provocative jewellery loving celebs like Lady Gaga will see a big demand for ‘fiction’ designs.  Think skeletal structures, bones, myths, legends and aliens amidst orange, red and night sky shades of glinting black and grey.

1990’s techno-influence

Inspired by a revival of the 1990s techno era, ‘luminescence’ (sounds far more romantic than radical minimalism, don’t you think?) is in vogue. This is essentially jewellery with a modern, industrial flavour.

Think architectural and geometric shapes, with a dash of abstract.  I feel the contrasting colours and bold statements will, much like the fiction pieces, get Gen Y and Next most excited. Something to think about next time you’re after a gift for that impossible to buy for teen.

A renewed fascination with ‘Nouvelle vague’

In the year that a B&W silent film, The Artist, is favourite for Best Picture at the Oscars, it’s appropriate that timeless, classic cinema and music – ‘New Wave’ and ‘Film Noir’ – is tipped to have an influence on jewellery. In particular, a renewed interest in black and white-themed pieces.  I envision these to appeal to smart, classic dressers who appreciate their statement diamond jewellery.

If some of the wonderful pieces we’re designing at the moment are to go by, 2012 is sure to be one of the most interesting and exciting years in jewellery design for a long time.

Who knows, maybe the daring actions and lashing of love that the Year of the Dragon brings with it are responsible. Whatever the case, I for one am relishing the very thought of it all!

What sort jewellery are you looking forward to this year?

That’s something we’ll be asking you when we create your engagement ring this year, because you could win a $500 credit with us – plus go in the judging for “Australia’s Most Romantic Proposal 2012” and jet off to Tahiti for a 7-night, once-in-a-lifetime romantic getaway!

The competition is exclusively for customers who have chosen a participating JAA jeweller (as we are) to craft their engagement ring – so it’s a select group of people who will be eligible to enter.

So whether your marriage proposal was/will be a bells and whistles spectacle, an intimate tear jerker or a spur of the moment rush of love, now’s the time to stake your claim as Australia’s most dreamy question-popper!

How you can enter Australia’s Most Romantic Proposal!

1. After choosing us to design and craft your engagement ring, simply upload your romantic proposal story to www.mostromanticproposal.com.au, along with your photograph or even a video if you have one.

2. In December 2012, one of our customers will have the title of “Local Most Romantic Proposal” bestowed upon them.  They will receive a $500 store credit with us!

3. From there, each entry from across Australia will be considered and one lucky customer’s proposal will be chosen as “Australia’s Most Romantic Proposal”!

4. This lucky couple will then jet off to Tahiti for a 7-night, once-in-a-lifetime romantic getaway!

Check out the details at www.mostromanticproposal.com.au for more information.

And, of course, feel free to come and see us about your engagement ring anytime – we can’t wait to hear the story either!

Sienna was just two and a half years old when she passed away from an aggressive form of cancer known as Neuroblastoma – the most common cancer claiming the lives of infants and children under five years of age.

Sienna endured such a brave battle, and today her legacy lives on thanks to her parents Lucy and Oliver, and their dedication to help Neuroblastoma Australia raise vital funds to help find a cure for this deadly disease.

Sienna’s Frangipani Gala Dinner

This year, Lucy and Oliver are hosting once again a Sienna’s Frangipani Gala Dinner – a fundraising event to raise much needed money for Neuroblastoma  Australia.

This year we wanted to go further with our support and have created a special White and Yellow Gold Frangipani necklace for auction at the dinner. Valued at over $5000, the necklace features five pink tourmaline frangipanis which hook onto a white gold chain.

Frangipanis were Sienna’s favourite flower, so we couldn’t think of a more fitting way to honour Sienna and help this wonderful organisation raise funds to save precious young lives.

If you’d like to learn more about this amazing dinner and to get behind Sienna’s cause visit www.neuroblastoma.org.au or email forsienna@gmail.com.

So in this first part of a series on Choosing Jewellery for Different Ages, I thought we should start with beauty before…let’s just call it blossoming.

Baby and small children jewellery

Jewellery for babies and small children has traditionally been pieces like ID bracelets and brooches for special occasions. Recently, however this has grown to encompass pearls, charm bracelets, earrings and pendants.

It’s about delicate…but not fragile.

What to get for bubs?

There are few things cuter than a baby wearing jewellery, but it has to be tasteful. Classic pieces, like ID bracelets, are great because they can be kept for the rest of their lives and make wonderful family heirlooms. The most important consideration is safety.  Don’t give babies and toddlers jewellery that uses elastics or has parts that can be tugged at and swallowed.

Young children

Once a child reaches five years, you can start to safely introduce elastic jewellery. At this age, kids become aware (or their mothers are!) of what colour suits them and the outfit they wear. Little girls especially love brightly coloured necklaces with cute pendants, and will grow up treasuring these kinds of pieces.

I think little girls with pierced ears is a gorgeous look. They make their whole face sparkle!

Some Examples: Piccolo

So keep it delicate, tasteful, and embrace all the bright eyed cuteness that comes with little kids and jewellery. Take a look at Piccolo, one of our suppliers, for some great examples.

8-15 year olds jewellery

The age when kids know what they like, and don’t like! On the plus side, they start to understand jewellery and its significance. So they appreciate and care for it more too. In other words, they’re less likely to try turn their jewellery into a snack or toy.

What’s suitable?

Depending on budgets and the care of the wearer, delicate 9ct Gold pieces are very suitable because the 9ct won’t irritate delicate skins and isn’t overly expensive.

You can also introduce the concept of a suite of jewellery, i.e matching earrings, rings, pendants and bracelets at this age. And there’s such a variety out there – ladybirds, butterflies, stars, moons, hearts, flowers, pearls, all in different colours – something for even the most picky preteen!

Take a look at the Piccolo website for some great examples of jewellery we can organise for you.

Teenagers jewellery

Teenagers are in that transition stage from child to adult (or are already there if you ask them). Jewellery is a great way to show that you see that they are maturing, capable of carrying off adult like pieces and responsible enough to care for them.

What’s suitable?

Give them something durable that also starts creating memories for them. Diamond or pearl studs, a small pearl or diamond pendant or a fine bracelet are all great choices because they are beautiful and significant, but not difficult to wear. And teens can wear these kind of classic pieces with anything.

Lots of parents seem to want to steer clear of rings, perhaps because they are so visible and are scared their teen won’t like it! A good alternative is to take them shopping with you (what teen would say no to a day of shopping for them?), and you might end up with something you both adore.

Jewellery for young adults – the 21st milestone

The coming of age is a real milestone, with plenty of celebrations and opportunities to give jewellery; a 21^st birthday, a graduation, a new job. But there are certain other milestones you need to be mindful of – you don’t want to give them jewellery that competes with the type of piece a special someone might want to give them.

What’s suitable?

It should be a piece that fits in with their existing jewellery, or something to start a lifelong collection. Because they are so classic, diamonds and pearls are still a safe bet, but brave coloured stones can also be introduced because by this age, skin and hair colouring have usually settled down.

More adventurous options

Blue sapphire, aquamarine, amethyst, pink sapphire; all of these are beautiful and will stand the test of time. This Pearl Enhancer with Blue Sapphire Beads is an example of exciting colour that a confident 21 year old would love, and as a classic choice these Pearl and Topaz Earrings are lovely and perfect for a special occasion.

The gold bracelet has been the most popular choice, but with the price of gold being such as it is, this might change.   Strands of pearls are a great idea because around this age, young people enter professional jobs where they need to make an impression.

So, yes there is beautiful jewellery appropriate for children of all ages.  And remember, where always here if you need help choosing or designing a piece they’ll always adore.

I have enough trouble just trying to fathom where four years have gone by since I bought the business from Deborah when she headed for greener pastures to look after horses – or in her words, “swap diamonds for poo!”

So come and celebrate with us during November!

Of course, birthday celebrations are much more fun when you share them with others. So until 30 November we’re discounting all coloured gemstone jewellery pieces in the store by 25%. Hip, hip, hooray!

What sort of jewellery can you save on?

It’s a birthday, so this is all about luscious, beautiful, brilliant colours. The sale pieces include a wide range of our most gorgeous rings, earrings, pendants, necklaces and strands of beads.

Here’s a taste of the kind of jewellery you can pick up:

• Enhancer and Blue Sapphire Beads
• Aquamarine pendant and Pink Sapphire Beads
• Heart-shaped Peridot, South Sea Pearl and Diamond Pendant
• Garnet and Diamond Earrings
• Oval Blue Sapphire Cluster Ring
• Tahitian Pearl and Garnet Pendant

So come and see us at the store in Neutral Bay during November, and help us celebrate 25 years of jewellery love!

So how do you wear pastel jewellery?

In all their understated glamour, pastel stones have often been wrongly perceived as boring. On the contrary, these softly, spoken beauties are very versatile and always ready for a day or night out!

You can team them with a standout piece of bright jewellery for a stunning, mosaic layer effect. Or to complement and offset a bright piece of clothing with something simple.

One of my favourite looks is pastel jewellery with a black or white outfit. It’s simple, clean and often quite breathtaking.

Pastel jewellery moves with the times

One great advantage of pastels is that they suit all skin and hair colours. This means they can transcend not only seasons, but decades. The right piece can look and feel chic and modern, but with an air of sophisticated, elegant Grace Kelly glamour.

A peek at some of our pastels

There are so many variations of soft colours and beautiful stones, such as:

• tourmalines in soft pink, like our Pink Toumaline and Diamond Cluster Ring
• luscious greeny blue or minty green, like these Beryl and Diamond Earrings with matching Green Beryl Necklace
• sapphires in all gentle colours
• beryl in soft yellow, orange
• and many more.

Or for a very unique piece, something like this:

• Rutilated Quartz and Diamond Pendant
• ever-changing Labradorite Cabochon Pendant
• Tahitian Pearl Strand, starring all kinds of muted, pastel pearls.

So drop in to see us if you’d like to take a look at the season’s hot pastels, including soft moonstones in nude and ivory colours that look divine  with just about anything including lovely summer glowing skin tones.

Our workshop has been a hive of activity into the wee hours just to cope with the influx of work. 

In case you missed the news…

… we’re offering 20% discount on remodelling orders placed in August, September and October.

This means you save when you bring your old jewellery into the store and:

• have it remelted and transformed into something new that you really love
• exchange it for fresh metal of the same kind, or a different type altogether
• use it as credit towards something else we have in stock.

So what’s popular? Remodelled jewellery for engagements, weddings, parties, anything!

Quite a few clients have brought in gold and loose stones to have them transformed into updated engagement rings, wedding rings, dress rings, pendants and earrings. And quite a few have swapped the original Yellow Gold to Platinum or White Gold.  

However, the real star of the remodelling show has been … Aquamarine. They’ve been pulled out of dusty drawers all across Sydney for a makeover.  

What is your favourite jewellery worth?

As part of the promotion you also receive a free valuation on your new remodelled piece for insurance purposes.

Breathing new life into these precious old pieces and allowing people to cherish them again is a real joy. Not to mention, all this recycling will make Mother Nature smile too.

Promotion ends 31 October

So bring your much loved jewellery into the store during October and give it a second chance at the good life!

One of the things I enjoy so much about movies is the glamour. In particular, when they showcase spectacular jewellery pieces that you just don’t see anywhere else. 

And since Hollywood movies and breathtaking jewellery go together like, well, popcorn and butter (or fine chocolate and me!) I thought it would be fun to celebrate some of the big screens ‘Best performances by a gem or precious metal’.

Most Enduring Style Icon Award goes to … “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”

No article on the topic at hand would be worth its weight in zirconia without mention of the beautiful 1961 film, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.  And no one but Audrey Hepburn could have transformed Holly Golightly into the world’s most adorable dreamer. 

The film cemented angelic Audrey’s place in movie and style icon history.  It also gave us a Holly’s multi strand pearl necklace, tiara and earrings.  Typically, these are costume jewellery pieces, however they certainly provided some fabulous inspiration for designers – and still do today!

Most Challenging Role Award goes to … “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”

Getting noticed around Marilyn Monroe at her peak wasn’t easy. But an incredible array of diamante necklaces and bracelets costume jewellery, typical of the 1950′s, managed to do so in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”. 

If you’ve seen the film, you’ll remember the show stopping scene where Marilyn performs, “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” draped in beautiful bling every bit as eye-catching as her. It’s as close as anything ever came to stealing the limelight from lovely Norma Jean.

The jewellery was created by J.C. Joseff, who was the wife and partner of the late Eugene Joseff – founder of Hollywood’s top costume jewellery manufacturer, Joseff. 

Most Jewellery References In a Film Title Award goes to … James Bond

When we took our eyes and minds off dashing super spies for a moment, we realised just how many of James Bond films remind us how valuable gold and diamonds are – “Goldfinger”, The Man with the Golden Gun” and “Diamonds are Forever” for starters. 

We also saw how versatile gold can be – whether it’s painting a girl from head to toe, building an assassins gun – or even a golden eye! And while I’m certainly not suggesting any of these would make a suitable personalised jewellery gift for that special someone, these films do remind us that to some, gold and diamonds are worth fighting for – particularly if you happen to be sitting there reading this with a white cat purring on your lap (I have two so I’m not quite sure what that says about me!).

Best Performance in a Comedy Award goes to … “The Return of the Pink Panther”

Depending on your, um, vintage you may be picturing Steve Martin in the recent “The Pink Panther”. However, for bumbling, chaotic and destructive Inspector Clouseau at his best you can’t past the amazing Peter Sellers character in the 1975 version.

As we learn, the Pink Panther is the world’s most famous and largest pink diamond that contains a flaw resembling a leaping panther.  Against all odds Clouseau manages to retrieve the diamond and capture the lovely Lady Claudine.

The Pink Panther is a fictional diamond conjured up by the book’s author, Agatha Christie. In the real world, the Darya-ye Noor is believed to be the largest pink diamond. It weighs an estimated 182 carats but its exact weight is unknown because it’s been mounted in its brooch setting for over 130 years as part of the Iranian Crown Jewels.

 
Best Supporting Jewellery in a Rom-Com goes to … the Pretty Woman necklace

It’s hard to believe that it’s 21 years since Julia Roberts strutted onto the screen in the modern day Cinderella movie “Pretty Woman”.  Aside from Julia’s wild mane, huge smile and traffic stopping legs – plus Richard’s considerable charms – who can forget the incredible oval ruby and diamond necklace she wears in the scene at the hotel bar, ”You’re late”. ”You’re stunning”. ”You’re forgiven”.

Best Jewellery Dropped Down the Sink goes to … “Titanic”
 

Kate Winslett’s heart went on for Leo and was symbolised by a breathtaking and Titanic sized heart-shaped deep blue sapphire (known in the film as the “Heart of the Ocean”) surrounded by fine diamonds on a diamond chain. 

The piece itself stirred massive interest, compliments of the film, and inspired jewellers Asprey and Garrard to create a very real, “Heart of the Ocean”.  The end result was nothing short of spectacular – a (hold onto your popcorn and chocolate ladies!) 170 carat heart-shaped sapphire with (wait for it!) 65 diamonds at 30 carats each. It sold for $2.2 million at a benefit auction.

While movies are a fun escape from reality, a part of them also teaches us that it’s important to look beyond the ordinary and remember that so much is possible in real life too. That includes our own jewellery designs – and the personal scripts behind them. 

In the meantime, I’m off to the Afterparty…

Along with such regal connections, the colour blue is a symbol of water and the sky, giving it natural calming and relaxing qualities.

So while white diamonds are traditionally a girl’s best friend, it’s well worth taking a closer look at the range of mysterious, regal and highly symbolic blue stones before making up your own mind.

BLUE DIAMOND: Who’s the rarest of them all…

What does it mean?  The word diamond comes from the Greek word ‘adamas’ meaning ‘unbreakable’.

Place in History  The ‘Hope Diamond’, the world’s most famous diamond, is large (45.52 carats), of perfect quality and an extremely rare shade of blue. Its history is equally impressive. Discovered in India, rumour has it that the Hope Diamond was stolen from the eye of an Idol. It was once owned by King Louis XIV, before being stolen during the French Revolution. It has since been sold to earn money for gambling, worn to raise money for charity, and finally donated to the Smithsonian Institution.

Shades  Blue diamond colours range from pale blue to metallic gun blue shades to an exquisite and very rare deep blue, with smaller stones set in designer jewellery or available in strands of beads. The blue diamond can be an interesting and meaningful alternative to regular diamonds.

Cost   Not the kind of jewellery to wear while you’re out doing the grocery shopping, blue diamonds are among the most rare and valuable gemstones on earth. They’ve been known to sell at auction for over $1 million per carat. However, less sought after colours, or artificially induced coloured blue diamonds, tend to be more affordable (subject to your definition of affordable, of course).

BLUE SAPPHIRE: The Stone of Royalty

What does it mean?  Sapphire comes from the Greek word for blue ‘sappheiros’ and is known as the gem of fidelity and of the soul.

Place in history  While sapphires are probably the first blue gemstone to come to mind, the history of the stone is less well known. Ancient Persians believe the earth rested on a giant sapphire whose colour was reflected in the blue sky. In these times the stone was gifted as a pledge of trust, honesty, purity and loyalty, making it an ideal engagement ring today. Of course, the sapphire secured a place in modern history when it re-emerged in the 20^th, featuring on Princess Diana’s engagement ring.

Shades   Ceylon Blue sapphire occurs in a wide range of colours including soft-pale blues, beautiful mid-blues and darker royal blues, while the Australian blue sapphire tends to be a very dark rich blue, appearing almost black. It is best known as a blue gem, however, sapphire also naturally occurs in yellow, green, orange, pink, purple, peach, black and colourless.

Cost   Price depends largely on the colour, clarity and brightness. Untreated blue sapphires of highly desirable shades are more valuable and less common. Stones above four carats can sell for thousands per carat, while 1ct sapphires sell in the hundreds. It’s a practical stone that can be set in a variety of jewellery styles to suit any taste.  Reaching a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, it’s also durable enough to be worn every day.

BLUE TOURMALINE: A harmonious relationship

What does it mean?   The colour evokes feelings of harmony, while gemstone ‘gurus’ claim that a blue tourmaline can make the wearer honest and tolerant.

Shades   Also known as indicolite, blue tourmaline can show an intense, clear radiant blue similar to a blue sapphire. It’s also available in darker and greener blue shades. However, rich electric blue shades from Brazil are extremely rare.

Cost  Darker, green-blue stones tend to be more affordable, while intense, clear and radiant blue shades are far more valuable. At 7.5 on the Mohs scale, blue tourmaline  jewellery lends itself well to being worn daily.

AQUAMARINE: The treasure of Mermaids

What does it mean?  Its name is derived from the Latin term ‘aqua’, meaning water, and ‘mare’, meaning sea. Old traditions promise a happy marriage, joy and wealth for the woman who wears it.

Place in history   Folk law states that the stone originated from the treasure chest of mermaids in ancient times, and has since been regarded as the sailors’ lucky stone.

Shades   The Aquamarine gemstone is of the same family as the Emerald, occurring mainly in greenish-blue and varying light shades of blue. Deeper blues are reminiscent of the sea and can be enhanced by the cut, which tends to be very clean and comes in flawless crystals.

Cost  The more intense the colour of an Aquamarine, the more valuable it is. The stone contains iron, giving it its colour and it reaches 8 on the Mohs Scales which protects it to a large extent from scratches and damage. It’s extremely versatile and can be refined in a wide variety of ways including the classical step cut or modern creative cuts. It may even remain uncut, but either way is able to suit any taste or wish.

BLUE TOPAZ – super powers

What does it mean?  The name Topaz is derived from the Indian Sanskrit word tapas, meaning fire. 

Place in history  The Topaz has enjoyed international significance throughout history, as the Greeks believed it had power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible, while the Romans believed it had power to improve eyesight. In Egypt it was worn as an amulet to protect them from injury. During the Middle Ages topaz was thought to heal both physical and mental disorders and prevent death.

Shades   Naturally occurring blue topaz is quite rare, as pure topaz is typically colourless. The blue topaz comes in 3 main shades: (light) Sky Blue, (medium) Swiss Topaz Blue or (dark) London Blue Topaz. Pale blue stones (the most natural blue) are often heat treated to produce a more desired darker blue.

Cost  This stone is more affordable than most, while still exhibiting stunning rich hues of blue. It’s ideal for daily wear, making it more popular than any other commercially sold gemstone.

Dare to wear Blue…

Blue stone jewellery makes gorgeously unique gifts and engagement rings that capture attention and envious admiration. Best of all, the versatility, variety and beauty of these gems means there’s something perfect for every woman.

Recently, they showed us some wedding photos that were so classically beautiful, dramatic – not to mention very Fred and Ginger meets Bogie and Bacall – that we just couldn’t resist asking them to share the story behind the romance.

So without further ado, play it again Richard…

“The first time I saw Emma was actually at a club in the wee hours of a Sunday morning. I’ll spare you the finer details, but let the records show that we met through mutual friends rather than in the middle of crowded dance floor or waiting in line for a drink.

Emma and I dated for several years before we were engaged, but within days of that first meeting I just knew she was the woman I’d spend the rest of my life with. Thankfully, Emma felt the same way… and it wasn’t long before conversations turned to the house we’d like to live in, marriage and children.

A few years before we were engaged, friends told us about Deborah Windfield and that they were a boutique jeweller who offered a very personal caring service and high quality pieces.

Trying to find or create the right ring and diamond is a daunting and emotional experience, so we were very relieved the first time we visited the store and met Eric. Not only did he make the experience fun and exciting – as it really should be – he educated us along the way so we could make very informed decisions.

Eric focused a lot of our attention on diamond selection. Initially, Emma pointed out the sort of styles she liked and then left me with the final choice. I was shown several stones over a period of time until I chose a beautiful 1-carat diamond and had it set in the unique Pinnacle style made from Platinum.

Needless to say the night of my proposal was wonderfully romantic and one that Emma and I will always remember.  I took her out for dinner in the city but subtly suggested we take a walk along the Sydney Harbour foreshore before heading to the restaurant. With the Opera House as a backdrop I took a deep breath and popped the question.

As the photos reveal, her answer was yes. A good thing considering I’d invited our good friends along the restaurant to celebrate, unbeknown to Emma.

Eric also helped us select the perfect wedding rings for what turned out to be our perfect wedding day….. We were married in the evening at Aria Restaurant overlooking Sydney Harbour. The weather during the day was terrible.

To put it in perspective, it was the same day the Pasha Balka ran aground near Newcastle because of the weather. It poured right up until the moment we were married, when suddenly, the rain stopped and the sun came out like wink of approval from Mother Nature.

So finally we had the house and marriage we’d talked about all those years ago. Then just six weeks ago our son Harry came into the world. 

To celebrate, I bought Emma a beautiful set of diamond earrings.

In a way, Eric and the team at DWJ have become part of these special moments in our life. And every time I see the sparkle of the beautiful diamonds I’ve bought, I can’t help but smile at the feeling of success, love and partnership they symbolise.”

You may think this would be an easy way for us to make some quick money (and perhaps it is), however it’s not something we choose to do.

Why we don’t copy jewellery

Helping our clients live out their wildest jewellery fantasies is as much fun for us as it is for them. However, we just won’t do unto other jewellers what we would never wish for them to do unto us.

Recently, there was a scandal about a talent show on TV where a young comedian’s winning performance was entirely made up of international comedian’s jokes. He didn’t realise anyone would notice. I imagine that’s what people think when they rip off your favourite song or old movie. But someone always knows – even if it’s just them.

At the end of the day, it’s about showing respect for another designer’s creativity, imagination and unique vision – and for ourselves. I’d be utterly devastated if I ever discover that one of my original designs was replicated – and would feel just as terrible if I ever did it myself!

The trouble with replicas

Over the years, we have seen clients come in, fall in love with a piece and then decide they can have it made elsewhere for less – only to be disappointed with their replica and come back wanting to buy the original.

Which is why, in the reverse situation, we always suggest clients go back to the original jeweller.

Sourcing Inspiration vs. stealing

One thing we are happy to do is ‘improve’ upon designs clients bring us and use them as inspiration. If you bring an image of a piece of jewellery you’ve seen in and ask for something similar, but not the same, we’ll happily use it to inspire a fresh design.

So what is the line between stealing designs and getting inspiration from them? Well there’s no hard and fast rule, however, we won’t do an exact copy. We have to feel comfortable that we are paying due respect to the designer by changing it enough.

More than a clear conscience

This decision goes beyond maintaining a good reputation – and being able to sleep at night. It’s also about wanting to give clients remarkable service and unique, wonderful pieces every time. That’s not what replicas provide.

If you’ve got a piece in mind, come in the store and talk to us about it. Just like when you go to the hair salon, bring pictures of your favourite jewellery and together we can design something that is as unique as you are.

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However, as a jeweller who has helped many people – especially in the past few years – trying to fix or replace jewellery bought and made cheaply overseas, I can honestly say that giving in to the temptation nearly always results in disappointment.

Why are imports so cheap?

Many people buying overseas aren’t aware that most bargain jewellery makers cut corners wherever possible. As a result, all kinds of problems can occur.

You see, in a lot of ways jewellery making is like building a house or a car. How long it lasts and how beautiful it looks comes down to the materials, production and workmanship (or as we like to say, workwomanship!).

Here are some examples of what happens when quality is sacrificed:

• Metal quality:  Have you purchased a piece of white gold jewellery you love that looked nice and white only to see it turn a yellow colour months later? This is the result of cheap metal. Often white gold with nickel is used and after the plating wears off, you’re left with a piece that looks like yellow gold.
• Amount of metal:  Designers who want to lower costs rather than create the best possible piece will often cut down the amount of metal used. This means your new ring or charm will feel very light and often won’t have enough density to hold the stones in place for long.
• Stone quality:  As with metals, second-rate jewellery makers will choose quantity over quality when it comes to sourcing their stones. Cheap stones simply won’t have the wow-factor of good-quality stones; they scratch quickly, deteriorate and often don’t sit in the piece as well.
• Integrity of design:  More than often, cheap imports are simply copies of designer pieces. Part of the cost cuts are that there was no time invested in conceiving and designing the piece from scratch. Aside from infuriating the original designer, your piece lacks originality.
• Production quality:  Mass-production lines don’t pay attention to the quality of pieces, which are prone to bending and breaking. There’s simply no care in the making of the piece and the appearance will suffer because of this.

At the end of the day, a unique, locally made piece created with care and attention to every detail is an investment that will bring you so much more pleasure (and far less stress) than any savings ever could.

So here’s some exciting news to warm you up…. Deborah Windfeld Jewellery is having a sale from 1 – 30 June!

Get 20% discount on all jewellery stock items

That’s right, you will get 20% off all jewellery items we have in the store including: 

• diamond rings
• bracelets
• earrings
• necklaces
• pearls and beads
• pendants.

Most of the pieces are exclusive one-offs with stones that are very difficult, if not impossible, to replace – so you know that your new jewellery, like you, will be a one of a kind!

An irresistible engagement ring offer

As you know, we like our happily-ever-afters here at DWJ. So in addition to offering 20% off every engagement ring in the store during June (which could literally save you thousands), we’re dangling an extra carrot in front of those romantic men out there perched nervously on the fiancé fence.

Just in case she says “Yes” to you, but no to the ring, you can get a brand new ring made to order or exchange to the same value for another stock ring. So now’s the perfect time to pop the question.
 

Plus 40% off European designer watches

And finally, have you seen our regular collections of beautiful Swiss-made Edox Watches and Clyda Watches from France while visiting the store? As part of the sale we’re taking a huge 40% off all watches in stock this month. They’d make a wonderful gift for someone special – or an end of financial year reward for yourself.

Remember, the sale ends 30 June, but the earlier you come to see us, the more beautiful one off jewellery, engagement rings and watches you’ll have to choose from.

See you soon.

Well, Les Cabochons proved to be more popular than we ever imagined. So, over the past two months I’ve been back in my designer hat working on new pieces and ranges that offer women the flexibility, practicality and Hollywood glamour we really need from jewellery these days.

And I’m very excited to let you know that my latest jewellery babies are now finished and ready to fly the nest!

My secret favourite gemstones

This time I used tourmaline stones in many of the pieces. If you’re not familiar with these beautiful gems, they’re mixed crystals and the slightest variation in composition produces very different breathtaking colours.

While I try my best not to play favourites amongst precious stones (they can be very sensitive, you know!), I have to tell you quietly that I have a real soft spot for this gorgeous gem family.

New additions to Les Cabochons

One of the things I really love about the original Les Cabochons collection is its versatility. There are so many ways you can wear the coloured gemstones and diamonds. So, I’ve added a few more pieces to the range to give you extra options:

• a beautiful suite consisting of a pendant and earrings using moonstone, diamonds and pink tourmalines
• a gorgeous blue tourmaline cushion-shaped cabochon pendant with detachable black spinel tassles  
• two rich brown tourmaline cabochon rings set with diamonds.

Gorgeous blue and green tourmalines

I’ve also created a completely new range that includes beautiful matching sets of earrings and rings using blue tourmaline (also known as indicolite), pink tourmaline and mint green tourmaline.

Head turning rings

Last, and anything but least, I wanted to design some rings that would look spectacular at prim and proper occasions, but not appear ‘overdressed’ if they accompanied you to work or relaxed social events either.

One is a lovely emerald cut aquamarine (beautiful soft blue) with side diamonds, and the other a unique emerald cut morganite (or beryl) similar colour to a pink diamond, that also has side diamonds.

If you’d like to find out more about the new pieces feel free to call us, or even better, drop by the store to see them in all their shimmering glory.

Of all the rappers, LL (Lady Lover) Cool J is perhaps the most subdued. He fancies classy suits and a ‘less is more’ approach to his jewellery collection.  In the hip-hop world, though, ‘subdued’ is obviously a fluid term. LL often sports a diamond-encrusted belt that’s hard to ignore – even on the rare occasions these days that his famous chiselled torso is on display.

Nelly

Nelly is more than happy to admit he has a “diamond addiction.” And don’t it show! He gets out in his claw set and pave diamond pieces along with enormous diamond studs in his ears, huge diamond chains and diamond pave pendants. Even fellow meg-wealthy rapper 50 Cent is staggered by his collection, saying Nelly is a “damn fool” for dishing out so much cash on diamonds!

Rihanna

The Only Girl (In the World) may be the only girl in my list, but she definitely holds her own with the boys. Rihanna has come a long way since her first album of 2005, and so has her jewellery collection. She loves both costume jewellery and precious stones and her eclectic taste sets trends all around the world. Here she shows no fear of blending precious metals by wearing a Yellow gold cabochon ring with a chunky silver necklace.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop is another rapper famous for his classy dress sense and “less is more” approach to bling. He’s well known for sending a political statement out through his jewellery, and frequently wears diamond bullets as a way of protesting the use of weapons. In this photo Snoop’s wearing one of his yellow gold chains with a gun pendant – plus a pretty serious diamond on his pinky!

As you can see, these guys (and gal) seriously love their jewellery. While you probably wouldn’t want to be getting around in such OTT bling even if you could afford it (on top of the chiropractic bills!), they are really fun examples of celebrating jewellery and using it to express their personalities.

But if you’d like to find or create some slightly more understated bling that expresses your personality and style – be it mixing-and-matching like Rihanna, making a statement like Snoop or a showpiece for special occasions like LL Cool J – my ‘jewellery homeys’ and I are always here to help.

Read part 1 of ‘Diamonds are a Rapper’s Best Friend’

Recently, I wrote about personalised jewellery pieces and the ways we can use customisation to create jewellery that’s as unique as the individual. And while I certainly don’t see myself, or many of my customers, in a set of diamond braces anytime soon, we can learn a thing or two from rappers and their ability to express themselves through their bling.

So I thought it would be fun to take a look at eight of the biggest names in hip hop and the jewellery that has come to define them:

50 Cent

Eminem’s close buddy clearly loves his diamond pave set jewellery. It’s one of the most extravagant diamond designs imaginable – the reason why so many in the rap set try to emulate it. The heavy chains are probably white gold chains, but this style is often replicated in platinum throughout the US. His first album was aptly titled ‘Get rich or die trying’.

Busta Rhymes

Brooklyn born rapper Busta Rhymes busts out some very large diamonds when he’s on stage or on the town. One round diamond adorns his finger while another large square emerald sits on his other hand. Never one to pare down, you can see he likes to wear his diamond pave bracelet with other large singular stones.

Flavor Flav 

Since the 1980s, iconic Flavor has been a member of one of the first hugely successful rap groups, Public Enemy. And while he’s famous for the giant clocks he wears around his neck, there’s far more to his collection than Big Ben bling. You can see he also loves his 18 caret yellow gold jewellery – a bit of an unusual choice on the hip-hop scene, and yet another thing that sets the intriguing Mr Flav apart.

Kanye West

Allegedly, Kanye had a near-fatal car accident a few years ago that left his bottom teeth severely damaged. Not happy with just a new set of pearly whites from the dentist, he went to his jeweller and had custom made gold crowns with diamonds inserted – talk about a multimillion dollar smile.

And during last year’s Black Entertainment Awards, the man who penned ‘Golddigger’ sported an estimated $300,000 worth of 24 carat yellow gold link chains custom made my Jacob & Co.

Read part 2 of ‘Diamonds are a Rapper’s Best Friend’

Gentlemen, do I have your attention now? 

To help you find the fiery stone that will best compliment her smouldering looks and personality – and your budget – let’s demystify the four red gemstones and the unique qualities that they each possess: 

RUBY – the royal jewel

Rubies have a rich and royal history, dating all the way back to the seventh century BC where Marco Polo mentions the gem in his travels. They are said to be able to foretell doom, and the first wife of King Henry VII is rumoured to have owned a darkening ruby that foretold her demise. The king of all precious gems remains a sign of absolute luxury today. 

Shade and Size: Rubies come in a wide range of shades ranging from a delicate pink tint all the way through to intense blood red. If cut properly, rubies display a strong fluorescence or ‘glow’ which adds extra sparkle to their strong red body colour.  Untreated rubies of fine quality are rare above 2 carats and world class stones above 5 carats. 

Value: The rarest of the red stones and considered one of the “big three” of precious gemstones, rubies are the most valuable of the red stones. 

Best For:  A nine on the Mohs hardness scale, I always tell clients that rubies are perfect for any piece that you might wear frequently, especially engagement rings. 

GARNET – Noah’s guiding light

Garnet comes from the Latin word for pomegranate and is said to be a cure for melancholy and warm the heart! You’ll see stunning garnet also used as slices in church windows. Legend says that Noah suspended garnet in the ark to project light, a believable myth given its incredible light dispensing qualities.

Shade and Size: The two red garnets- almandine and pyrope – come in a very dark to blood red shade (rhodolite garnet has a more purple tinge with a hint of red!). As for rubies , the most sought after colour for red garnets is blood red .  Readily available in most sizes although high quality stones of over 4 carats fetch higher prices . 

Value:  Small to medium garnets are the most affordable of the red stones. However, large garnets of excellent colour and clarity can be quite expensive. 

Best For:  Most types of jewellery. They have a moderate durability of 7-7.5 and can be cut in most sizes. 

RED SPINEL – the beautiful black sheep

Some of the most famous “rubies” adorning royal collections are actually spinels, showing just how similar the two red stones are. The “black sheep” of the gem stone world has been traced back to 100BC as an ornament on a Buddhist tomb in Afghanistan. In recent years people have become more aware of red spinel and the scarcity of high quality stones has led to prices soaring for the high quality stones. 

Shade and size:  With a very similar shade range to rubies, the two are often confused . However, there is one important difference – Spinel is for the gemstone connoisseurs.  It has less inclusions than ruby and has greater fire and brilliance. It is also never heated or treated in any way. 

Value:  Spinels offer tremendous value, being still cheaper than rubies but not for long! The most valuable shades are red, hot pink and flame orange. 

Best For:  I highly recommend spinels if you are looking for a red stone that appears to  be ‘on fire’. But be quick as the market is starting to notice this hitherto unrecognised stone.  They are an 8 on the hardness scale, making them a fairly durable option and suitable for wearing often. 

RUBELLITE – the true red gemstone

Rubellite is a beautiful rate tourmaline with colour ranging from shocking pink to deep red.  It’s also the birthstone for October and is said to give its wearer courage and a strong will power. 

Shade and size:  Many gemstones change their colour depending on the light source. A true rubellite does not. It shines just as intensely in artificial light as it does in day light. The colour range of pink mixed with violet makes for a very seductive red which comes in many colour nuances. So every woman can select the right rubellite for her type.   

Value:  Prices vary greatly depending on the size and quality of the stone, but they’re a less expensive alternative to the ruby but just as beautiful! 

Best For:  Due to the availability of larger stones, rubellites are a good choice for dress rings or pendants. They range from a 7 – 7.5 and a half on the hardness scale and are well suited for daily wear. 

As you can see, there’s far more to the world of red stones than rubies. With something for every occasion, and every woman, red gems are the perfect way to bring out your woman’s smouldering looks, style and personality. And I can’t think of a single downside to that scenario!

And while most women adore receiving a lovely piece, or spoiling ourselves, on occasion, there are famous women throughout history for whom beautiful bling can only be described as a lifelong obsession.

Here are a few of my personal favourite celebrity jewellery junkies over the past 2000 odd years:

Cleopatra

In Ancient Egypt, both men and women wore jewellery as a status symbol.  My favourite is, of course, the glorious Cleopatra, famous for (amongst so many things) her incredible collection of carnelian, jasper, lapis lazuli, malachite, quartz and turquoise. During her reign, lapis lazuli was one of the most prized of all gemstones as its blue colour signified royalty.

The Duchess of Windsor

The Egyptians’ trendsetting of blue stones as a royal favourite has lasted thousands of years, and even the Duchess of Windsor’s favourite stone was the sapphire.

Not only was her extensive collection famous for the record breaking $5.5 million it sold for in 1987 after her death, but the romantic story behind it.  King Edward V111 was so attached to his wife’s jewellery, most of which he bought for her, that he wanted it dismantled after her death so no one else could wear it. Certainly a beautifully romantic idea, but between you and me I’m pleased it didn’t happen and such beautiful stones didn’t go to waste!

Elizabeth Taylor

It’s no surprise that the late, great and beautiful Elizabeth Taylor was a jewellery aficionado. She not only played Cleopatra in the 1963 film, but was a close friend of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and even purchased a diamond plume brooch from the Duchess’ collection.

Again, her jewellery collection is seeped in romance. Famous for her many marriages, most of the jewellery Taylor owned had been gifted to her by husbands.

Who else but the original Hollywood diva could get away with, “You can’t cry on a diamond’s shoulder, and diamonds won’t keep you warm at night. But they’re sure fun when the sun shines.”

We will miss you Dame Elizabeth!

Zsa Zsa Gabor

“I never hated a man enough to give him his diamonds back.”

Before WW1, the iconic actress’  parents were renowned jewellers in Hungary and, years later, her mother continued working in the trade when she arrived in America. So I guess Zsa Zsa’s excuse for her infatuation was that jewellery was always in the blood.

Diamonds and pearls reigned in her collection and, like Elizabeth Taylor, her nine marriages resulted in a bounty of gifted jewellery treasures that Blackbeard would have been proud of!

Grace Kelly

An amazing Cartier engagement ring probably says more about Grace Kelly than all her other pieces combined. The whopping 10.47 caret emerald cut diamond, with two baguette diamonds mounted in platinum, was given to her by her adoring Prince Rainier and is a perfect reflection of her classic, chic style. A little behind the scenes movie news: she wore this incredible piece as the engagement ring for her character, Tracy, in High Society.

Grace Kelly is, to this day, a style icon. Famous for pearls, diamonds and classic beauty, she continues to influence our jewellery choices.

Kim Kardashian

Curvaceous Kim is both a jewellery lover and designer, and you’ll often spot her in magazines or on TV in pieces that seem inspired by movie stars like Sophia Loren and 70’s fashion icons such as Lauren Hutton.

However, this 21^st century goddess has taken her love of jewellery to a new level by recently teaming up with designer Pascal Mouawad to create a 75 piece collection named ‘Kim Kardashian’s Belle Noel’.

So ladies, now you know the answer to quenching your jewellery desires – marry into royalty, design your own pieces, rule the ancient world or accumulate enough husbands to start a baseball team.

And if that all sounds too much trouble, you can always drop in to the store.

The key to buying jewellery for your lady is to understand that big and shiny is not necessarily better.
Firstly, some women just don’t like flashy jewellery. But just as importantly, our modern lifestyles and jobs mean it’s not always practical.

Four things you need to know first

Before you even think about a piece for your perfect partner’s lifestyle, you need to be able to answer four questions. This means keeping a very close eye on her while she’s not looking (and you thought this was going to be a chore!):  

Is she a jewellery aficionado, or will you be starting her collection?

What is she already wearing – dainty/fine jewellery or chunky and contemporary pieces?

What metals colour does she wear most – yellow, white, rose or perhaps multi tone?

Are shiny, sparky diamonds her best friend, or does she feel uncomfortable with anything too showy?

Armed with this new insight, now it’s time to think about the perfect jewellery to go with your gorgeous girl’s work and hobbies:

Sporty spice

If your lady spends a lot of time playing sports and challenging herself to athletic endeavours, she won’t want to wear anything that might snag on something – or someone – and hinder with her winning ways. So you’re best to go with practical stone settings and flat designs.

The fashionista

Does your woman have an eye for the latest fashion trends? Then you should take careful note of the shades she likes to wear. She’ll love coloured stone jewellery that blends beautifully with her favourite outfits. To find out more, read about matching jewellery with your perfect woman’s fashion sense.

Handy work and play

If her job involves close or physical contact with people all day – such as nursing, teaching or hairdressing – she won’t be able to wear certain types of jewellery like high settings or large stones. Similarly, if she’s an avid green thumb, cook or seamstress, these types of pieces will only get in the way.

As for sport, practical stone setting and flat designs are perfect for work and hobby time. You can always save the flashier jewellery gift for when it’s time to take her out somewhere special.

Vintage vixen or modern girl?

Does she have a soft spot for eras gone by? For example, if she wears second hand vintage clothing from Art Deco, Victorian or the 1940s period, you could choose a piece to match. But if she prefers contemporary fashion, she’ll probably fancy jewellery with clean, strong lines.

Of course, every woman is unique, so these examples may not sound like the special one in your life. Discovering the answers to those four questions is the key. Not only is it a mission any man will enjoy, but it will make it easier for your jeweller to help you find a piece that she’ll not just love – but love you for choosing.

To men, a vaguely familiar word they may or may not have heard the wife or girlfriend gushing about in background noise conversations with equally excited friends and retail store assistants.

To women, a spice of life we just can’t do without. Some have a penchant for hats, others for scarves, sunglasses, gloves or belts. But we all agree on two things – jewellery and handbags.

While handbag shopping is best left to the ladies, there are few gifts appreciated more by women than a piece of jewellery that matches our fashion style.

Of course, taste in dress and jewellery is a very personal thing. However, knowing where your perfect woman sees herself in the fashion stakes can be a great help in choosing jewellery that she loves:

‘New Age’ girl

If your favourite femme looks like she stepped barefoot and beautiful straight from the Age of Aquarius – or her favourite yoga studio – she may want her ‘guru’ to approve the stone first to make sure it’s creating the right energy for your lady. In fact, occasionally, new age girls come to us with strict instructions from said guru on the jewellery they should be wearing.

So, rather than make your gift a surprise, you may want to bring your lovely flower child along when you go jewellery shopping so the piece created has the right coloured gemstone shade and carat weight to maintain perfect harmony (in body, mind, soul – and your relationship!).

Spirituality in the piece is even more important than whether it matches her current outfits.

The fashionista

I touched on suggestions for women with an eye for the latest fashion trends in buying the perfect jewellery for your perfect woman’s lifestyle. Now let’s dig a little deeper into your style queen’s desires. Ladies who love their high heels and new fashion aren’t looking for the metaphysical powers of jewellery that ‘New Age’ girls desire.

The fashionista wants to compliment this season’s colours – and she listens closely to her favourite fashion designers recommendations for perfect accessories. So at the moment, large bracelet cuffs, cocktail rings and ‘almost nude’ pastel coloured pieces will set her heart fluttering.

The Trend Setter

If your perfect woman prefers to set the fashion trend – rather than follow it – experimentation is the key to her heart. Jewellery that gets her excited is usually the kind that challenges her style – and her lucky jeweller’s designer skills.

You’ll want to present her with something that her girlfriends, work colleagues and women she passes in the street can only admire and envy. So try a custom ordered piece, Art Deco ornate ring or highly unusual settings like a two-claw solitaire.

So before you buy jewellery for your perfect woman, take note of the outfits and pieces she likes to wear. Because if you can surprise her with the perfect accessory, you’ll be the one she’s gushing about to her friends and the girls behind the shop counter – trust us!