Of the treasures we collect throughout our lives, from our first CD
to the concert ticket stubs from your favourite band, there are a rare
few which will accompany us through the decades, holding a place close
to our hearts.
It’s these treasures which carry a story, or a special meaning,
reminding us whenever we set eyes upon them. We may keep such pieces for
years, but their significance will remain as fresh as ever.
Jewellery, one of the most personal gifts you can receive, becomes a
part of your life when you wear it. Diamond jewellery is especially
iconic, representing purity and strength of spirit which will never
fade.
Dreaming of Dreamtime
When it comes to choosing a jewellery gift that will accompany the
wearer through the many years to come, Dreamtime Diamonds come with a
story all of their own. A distinctly Australian treasure,
Dreamtime Diamonds are sourced from a remote area in Western Australia’s
Kimberley region, from the Argyle Diamond Mine.
Diamonds were first discovered in Australia in 1851, with the
majority of Australia’s stunning gems now sourced from the Argyle mine –
operating in the heart of the Outback for over 30 years.
Each Dreamtime piece is designed to enhance the natural beauty and
brilliance of these special Australian jewels. Give your loved one a
twinkling of star like diamonds in the form of Dreamtime’s elegant, yet
modern rose gold earrings, with their delicate central cluster setting.
Filled with ancient symbolism, the boab tree, also known of as the
‘tree of life’ represents solidarity and eternity due to their
incredibly long life span. The Dreamtime diamond boab tree pendant is a beautiful illustration of this poignant symbolism, with the fine branches of the tree set with six beautiful diamonds.
The source for Dreamtime’s precious diamonds, the Argyle mine is also
known for producing stunning examples of coloured diamonds, which can
be found in the Dreamtime 9ct gold diamond ring.
Its shining, interwoven golden bands are encrusted with champagne coloured and white diamonds to create a luminous, perfectly balanced effect, sure to have a special place in the heart of the receiver.
As the end
of the year draws closer, things begin to wind down and we start
dreaming about our upcoming holidays. Not only do you get to take a
well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but you
also get a chance to steal a few precious days with the one you love.
However, once you return home, it is wonderful to have a token to
remember those glorious days away. But rather than a souvenir key ring
or postcard, how about you mark the occasion with something extra
special – thoughtfully chosen jewellery.
Here’s a sprinkling of holiday inspiration to help you choose an appropriate piece to match your destination.
There’s nothing quite like the classic beach holiday. Think lazy days
basking in the sun, with the smell of sea salt and the sand between
your toes. Time seems to slow down, and you find time to sit back and
really enjoy your day.
According to research done by Budget Direct, as Aussies, our most
favourite international travel destinations include close neighbour New
Zealand. Only a short flight away, you can enjoy one of the country’s
most wonderful, naturally abundant beachy areas at Tawharanui National
Park, just over an hour’s drive from Auckland.
To immortalise this wonderful moment, either home or across the
ditch, let your jewellery reflect the golden sands and the sparkle of
the sun on the ocean with this Dreamtime yellow gold and diamond pendant – the perfect embodiment of the warmth of summer.
So the beach isn’t your thing, that’s alright. There is another
perfectly viable option for whiling away the summer days, and that’s by
staking your claim on a patch of green in a picturesque park.
There is something so soothing about being surrounded by the lush
greenery of the manicured lawn, with the leaves on the trees dappling
the sunlight. Pack a picnic and lunch in the shade of the trees, with a
good book to page through before you snuggle up on the blanket.
In terms of the perfect park, there are plenty to choose from, such
as Sydney’s Hyde or Kings Park, or Melbourne’s stunning Botanical
Gardens in St Kilda with their abundance of fragrant roses.
For those who love the slopes, the summer holidays in the Southern
Hemisphere mean peak snow season up north. As the days begin to heat up
here, you can escape to a winter wonderland where the air is crisp and
the powder is fresh.
Europe of course remains one of the most quintessential ski
destinations, with France’s Val Thorens winning this year’s Best
European Ski Resort award. Not to mention the giltz and glam of
Switzerland’s world famous slopes.
A little closer to home, the island nation of Japan is also home to
some incredible ski spots, such as Niseko in Hokkaido. After an
exhilarating day flying down the mountains, warm up inside your resort
by the fire and watch as that special someone unwraps a white gold diamond dress ring, as brilliant as the snow outside. For a little extra frosting on the cake, they’ll be delighted with these charming diamond snowflake earrings in white and yellow gold.
You know what they say – good things come in small packages, which is why gifting your loved ones spectacular jewellery this Christmas is sure to keep you on their nice list for months to come.
Unwrapping a special bracelet or pair of earrings that dazzle brighter than the Christmas lights strung across your tree will put a smile on any face, so look no further than this helpful guide on gifting a present to each person on your list. In true Santa workshop style, we are also dishing out a myriad of creative tips on how to wrap the present!
Gifts for her
It may not be a wintry Christmas here in the Southern Hemisphere, but that doesn’t mean you can’t let it snow for your angel. Bring some delightful frosting to her life by gifting her the snowflake-shaped 9 carat gold diamond earrings. No two snowflakes are ever the same in the natural world, which is a lovely message to share with her in your Christmas card accompanying the present, showing her that she’s the only one for you and unique in every way.
For an added cute touch, cut out three circles of white paper and build a snowman as your gift tag around the earring box. If she’s a fan of Disney films, bust out your best “do you want to build a snowman?” singing voice from the hit animated film Frozen as she opens her present!
If you’re after a touch of elegance, the classy 9ct double infinity necklace with matching two tone gold and diamond infinity bracelet is a wonderful set for interlinking your love for all eternity. Diamonds are forever, and so is infinity, making this bracelet and necklace a lovely symbolic gesture to immortalise your love.
Another timeless present for your lovely lady is a freshwater cultured pearl bracelet, a statement piece that will match any outfit and never go out of style. Shimmering and round, the pearls resemble shiny Christmas baubles and would look beautiful packed in a gift box full with colourful Xmas baubles for a silly seasonal flair.
He’s usually your Santa Claus, the kind and generous man you adore, so treat him this Christmas to a masculine, sturdy watch. If he tends to wear the colour black very often, suiting up in a crisply tailored jacket for work or lounging in black polo shirts on the weekend, the Mizzano Gents 100m watch with black dial is just the one to fit the bill. The watch band is made of steel, an ideal material for your man of steel.
Bring this superhero touch to your gift-wrapping by printing out the Superman ‘S’ logo but writing the word ‘Claus’ next to it, using the ‘S’ to suggest you mean both Santa and Superman. Use this to make a gift tag, punching a hole in the top and threading it through some twine. Write your ‘to’ and ‘from’ message on the back. Voila! You have a personalised card that can’t be store-bought.
If black isn’t quite your man’s colour, stick to the classic Mizzano chronograph silver watch. The Gentleman’s Gazette shared an interesting history of the chronograph, noting that this sophisticated watch style translates to ‘time writer’ based on Greek root words “chronos” meaning time and “graph” meaning writing.
First invented in 1815, the chronograph has become a stylish and revered style due to its intricate dials. You’ll be ticking in his thoughts for years to come every time he glances at his wrist to check the time! Not to mention, with New Year’s Eve countdown around the corner, he’ll be able to bring in the new year by looking at this phenomenal watch as the clock strikes twelve.
Gifts for your little elves
Every parent will know all too well the feeling of gifting your precious gem a new toy or dress, only to find that within weeks it has broken or no longer interests her. Jewellery, on the other hand, will last for years and retain its value.
Adorn the ears of your little pixie princess with the adorable yellow gold enamel ladybird studs, brought to life with the matching ladybird ID bracelet. Engrave her name onto the ID for a personalised feel. Grandparents looking to give your granddaughter a special Christmas present, this is a lovely option!
Merry Christmas, and we ho ho hope you deck the halls with ample sparkle this year!
Yes, we know that Christmas is just around the corner, and that
you’re being reminded of it every time you go to the shops, but don’t
worry.
Why? Because Showcase Jewellers is here to help with our ultimate
gift giving guide, complete with handpicked pieces certain to bring a
smile to your loved ones’ faces. From slick watches to glittering
diamonds, there’s something in here for everyone.
So keep calm, and browse for gifts in our beautiful infographic.
For mum
Where would we be without our mothers? For many of us, our childhood
is intrinsically entwined with the loving influence of our mothers,
providing us with endless support and love. They are there through
life’s ups and downs, and somehow always seem to have the answer to
those tricky dilemmas.
This Christmas, spoil mum with our Green Amethyst & Diamond
Pendant in a yellow gold setting. Its hue complements a range of skin
tones, and adds a hint of sparkle to any outfit. Best of all, it comes
with a matching set of beautiful earrings.
If your mum is always on the move, you’ll be interested to know that
traditionally amethyst helps to deflect negative energies and have a
calming effect.
For her
Looking for a special gift to give the wonderful woman in your life? How about this elegant, but unique gold Crossover ring? Forward thinking, yet sophisticated in its simplicity, it’s the perfect accompaniment to both formal and casual attire.
You can also match it with this chic solid gold bangle, a timeless piece she’s certain to cherish forever.
For him
Show him your love stands the test of time with one of our stylish
men’s watches. A more elegant solution than checking a phone, a watch is
the ultimate accessory that never goes out of fashion.
The perfect match to a sharp suit or a button down and jeans, this Mizzano Stainless Steel Chronograph has a glossy finish and is a stylish match to any wardrobe.
And for you. Yes, you!
In the hustle and bustle of Christmas, don’t forget to treat yourself. You deserve it, after all! The gorgeous Natural Pink and White Diamond Ring
is the perfect way to brighten any day, with the central flower shaped
cluster of rare pink diamonds surrounded by a halo of white ones.
The design is so charming, it’s replicated in a pair of matching pink diamond earrings, which make for a fitting addition to your Christmas day wardrobe.
When it comes to lending a helping hand, the wonderful people of
Breast Cancer Network of Australia (BCNA) have been doing an incredible
job for over 15 years.
First coming together in 1998 under the guidance of founder and
former CEO Lyn Swinburne, BCNA is dedicated to providing the best
support, information, treatment and care for all Australians affected by
breast cancer.
Fighting the good fight for Aussie women
Many organisations have partnered with BCNA to help raise awareness and funds for this incredible initiative, and now Showcase Jewellers is one of them. As part of our range of jewellery, we now offer the BCNA collection. A percentage of every sale will go directly to BCNA to support their ongoing work throughout the country.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Australia,
with over 1.7 million new cases diagnosed around the world in 2012,
according to the World Cancer Research Fund International.
So if you’ve been looking for a way to contribute towards an amazing cause, here are a few of BCNA’s wonderful pieces to consider. Not only will your money go to a good place, you can also show your support by sporting the BCNA’s iconic Pink Lady silhouette.
The Faith, Love & Hope Circle Pendant is a simple, yet elegant piece that embodies three of the most important values for anyone to hold dear. $5 from each sale goes towards supporting women around the country who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The BCNA Pink Lady Pendant comes with a beautiful Swarovski crystal set into it on a 45 cm sterling silver chain. For each sale, we’ll donate $10 to the BCNA. You can also get a similar design with Swarovski crystal in a pin form.
We can hardly believe the month of September is upon us already! With
the summer beginning to wane in the Northern Hemisphere, for us in
Australia, this month marks the turning of the seasons and the
long-awaited arrival of spring.
However, for anyone born in the ninth month of the year, it also heralds the celebration of the September birthstone, sapphire. If you’ve been following our birthstone series, from the dazzling ruby, to the enchanting peridot, you’ll know how we enjoy delving into the history and background of each gem.
You’ll be pleased to know that this month is no different, so here’s a look into the stunning sapphire.
Sapphire: The back story
Sapphires form a part of the corundum variety of gems. What makes
this an intriguing factoid however, is that the name sapphire can also
apply to gems that aren’t solely blue.
Corundum can come in a range of hues from royal to greenish blue, as
well as violet and even red.The Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
notes that red corundum stones that don’t quality as rubies can fall
under the category of sapphire – along with other non-blue specimens,
they count as ‘fancy sapphires’.
However, the sapphire that we know and adore is best served in dazzling, vibrant blue. Some of the world’s finest come from the Kashmir region, where, following a landslide in 1880, the discovery of beautifully vibrant blue stone with a hint of violet set the modern standard for the gem, according to the International Coloured Gemstone Association (ICA).
In praise of sapphire
The gem has been prized throughout the ages. With blue thought to
represent the celestial, the stone was believed to bring about
blessings, as well as protect the wearer from harm and even envy, as
told by the American Gem Society.
Blue is also the colour of royalty, and sapphire has graced kings and
queens with its presence from Ancient Greek and Roman times all the way
to the Middle Ages. The GIA notes that it is also thought to represent
qualities such as honesty, faithfulness and nobility.
One of the most well-known examples of sapphire jewellery is that of Lady Diana’s engagement ring, a stunning piece with a halo of diamonds around the centre stone that Prince Charles bestowed upon her in 1981. It was this ring that was then passed on to his son Prince William’s fiancee at the time, Kate Middleton.
You can channel the royal style with a sapphire ring of your own. Why not pay your local Showcase Jewellers a visit to see what other beautiful pieces you can find?
If you’ve seen our first guide to peridot, the intriguing gem that is August’s birthstone, you’ll already have an idea of what makes this gem so special. From celestial origins in meteors dating back millennia to masquerading as emeralds, the peridot’s golden green hue has enchanted throughout the ages.
Like numerous other coloured gems, the peridot is thought to be imbued with various properties. According to the American Gem Society, the olive-hued stone is believed to bring good fortune through power and influence, as well as bringing about a prosperous year. Additionally, peridot is also said to act as a talisman to protect the wearer from nightmares.
But how can you tell a good quality peridot specimen? For those who have read our handy series on how to sound like an expert when choosing jewellery, you’ll already have a good few pro phrases under your belt, but this is something a little more specialised.
Here’s what to look out for when you’re seeking out the perfect peridot at one of our Showcase Jewellers stores.
Making the cut
As we mentioned before, the peridot gets an average score of 6.5-7 the Mohs hardness scale, meaning that it doesn’t have the hardest composition. While this isn’t too much of a concern for the discerning consumer, for jewellers, it can make cutting this gem into the perfect shape more of a challenge.
According to the International Coloured Gemstone Association (ICA), raw peridot is prone to cracking, meaning it takes a skilled hand to reveal its true inner beauty. However, once a gem cutter has worked to remove any coarse outer imperfections, the ICA notes that you don’t need to take any special precautions with it, as a peridot wears fairly well.
What to look for when choosing a peridot
With peridots coming in a broad range of verdant hues, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) notes that the finer examples tend to be more vibrantly coloured, with poorer-quality stones tending to be more brown in colour. Today, the best examples of peridots with good colour come from Pakistan and Myanmar, according to the GIA.
As with diamonds, clarity is important. Finer peridots won’t have any imperfections or inclusions – often in the form of black spots – that are visible to the naked eye. However, with a slightly included peridot, you may see flat, reflective disk-like shapes known in the industry as ‘lily pads’.
As for cut, peridots can be moulded into a variety of shapes, so go for one which catches your eye, or that complements its setting.
When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, it’s likely you’ll find yourself being bombarded with a whole new vocabulary of words you’ve never encountered before. Not only do you have to work your way around carats, but also a diamond’s cut and clarity.
But what does it all mean? Well you’re in luck, for it’s time for another handy jewellery guide with the Showcase Jewellers ABCs.
C is for… carat
Apart from sounding uncannily close to the vegetable, carat is the term used to identify a diamond’s mass. The word carat is thought to be derived from the carob, which was a small hard seed once used as a counter balance on the scales when weighing gems.
Although you’ll hear the same terminology being used to describe gold, in the case of the precious metal, a carat refers to the fineness or purity of the material, rather than the weight.
The metric carat has been used as a form of measurement for gems since the early 1900s, where one carat is the equivalent of 200 milligrams. A the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) explains, from here, each carat is then divided into 100 points, allowing for more precise measurement of the diamond. Therefore, 0.5 carats could also be classified as being 50 points.
“All else being equal, diamond price increases with diamond carat weight, because larger diamonds are more rare and more desirable,” explains the GIA, going on to note that carat weight isn’t the only deciding factor on the value of the diamond.
C is for… cut
This one is fairly easy to wrap your mind around, simply describing the way the diamond has been cut. Like many gems, diamonds require skilled craftsmanship to mould them into a shape that will showcase its inner brilliance.
Different cuts allow the light to bend and reflect in the diamond in a way that gives it its special sparkle. In terms of shape, you have anything from a square princess cut, to a classic round cut as demonstrated in the stunning Canadian Fire engagement ring.
However, as the GIA explains, the shape of a diamond doesn’t dictate the quality of the cut, which is determined by the way the light interacts with the gem.
C is for… clarity
In order to understand clarity, you first have to know the terms “inclusion,” and “blemishes”. Inclusions refer to any internal irregularities or markings in a diamond, whilst blemishes refer to external marks.
Flawless, rather than being a Beyonce song, is also used to define a diamond with no inclusions visible at 10 times magnification. Diamonds rank from ‘flawless’ to ‘slightly included’, or simply ‘included’ at the opposite end of the scale.
While there will never be a perfectly pure gem, the American Gem Society notes that the further up the clarity scale a diamond is, the more rare and valuable it becomes.
C is for… colour
Last but not least, and the final of the four ‘Cs’, is colour. This is used again, as a determiner of the value of the diamond, with the clearer the diamond, the more valuable. The scale ranges from colourless, to ‘light’, where the colour of the diamond becomes more off-white, says GIA.
While you’re most likely to see engagement rings with a classic white, or diamond, you can also get diamonds in other hues, also called ‘fancy diamonds’. For example, you can add a unique touch to an engagement ring with a yellow or pink diamonds, such as those found on the rose and white gold diamond ring.
With the winter season beginning to wrap up for yet another year, it brings with it the month of August. As many born in the eighth month will know, their special birthstone is the luminous, enchanting peridot.
With its leaf-green hue, the peridot is at once unassuming yet glamorous, able to add a touch of colour to any silver jewellery, as well as offset any gold pieces.
Here’s an insight into this wonderful gemstone and its background as a birthstone.
Taking a peek at the history of peridot
The name comes from the French word, “peridot”, first used in the early 1700s as a replacement for the more antiquated “peritot”, according to Merriam Webster. Often yellow-green in colour, the peridot was first believed to be mined by none other than the Ancient Egyptians, who found deposits of the eye-catching stone in the Red Sea.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun”, believing it had properties that could protect the wearer from nightmares and ward off evil spirits.
The peridot raked in the acclaim in Shakespeare’s time, with the gem considered to be “of exceptional rarity”, according to famed mineralogist George Frederick Kunz. In addition, the 200 carats worth of ’emeralds’ once believed to decorate the shrine to the Three Kings in the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, are in fact, simply beautiful peridots, recounts the GIA.
Green with envy
The majority of peridot formed deep underground, with volcanic activity bringing it to the surface, according to the GIA, but there is also evidence of peridot forming in meteorites over 4 billion years old.
Another quality of the stone is how its colour can vary, from paler golden green, to a more intense, almost emerald colour. The gem is coloured by iron, with higher iron content resulting in greener stones, notes the International Coloured Gemstone Association (ICGA).
While the peridot gets a score of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale for its moderate hardness, the ICGA reports that it is actually fairly solid and easy to look after. If you’re looking for inspiration for an August birthday, take a look through our range of jewellery online, or pop into your local Showcase Jeweller store.
At Showcase Jewellers, we’re all about spreading the love for quality
jewellery, as well as giving a little insight into what’s behind your
favourite pieces. Whether its a simple silver bangle or a gem encrusted cocktail ring, every treasure will have years of history behind it, and we’re here to help you find out more.
So let’s keep it simple with the ABCs of jewellery.
A is for… Amethyst
The amethyst is a quartz gem that comes in a range of purple shades,
from palest lavender to stronger, almost mauve renditions. The
birthstone for February, the amethyst is also renowned for its soothing
and calming properties.
In addition, the Ancient Greeks believed that the amethyst had
mysterious powers that would protect the wearer against the intoxicating
powers of Bacchus, the god of wine.
As reported by the International Colored Gemstone Association, it is a fable that quite possibly acts as the gem’s namesake – with the Greek word ‘amethystos‘ translating to ‘not intoxicated’.
According to the American Gem Society (AGS), the amethyst’s alluring,
mystical hue has played a role in many cultures and legends. It was
also used as embellishment on English regalia, echoing purple as a royal
colour.
“Historically, the finest amethysts were found in Russia and were
featured in much royal European jewellery,” says the AGS. “Today, while
Brazil is the primary source of this gemstone, fine materials can be
found elsewhere, especially in Zambia.”
A fair few famous names appear to have had an affinity for the gem,
such as Leonardo da Vinci, who wrote that it “quickens intelligence and
gets rid of evil thoughts”, according to the Gemological Institute of
America (GIA).
Furthermore, the GIA notes that Saint Valentine, patron of the
celebration in February of the same name was also said to have worn an
amethyst ring engraved with the image of Cupid.
While the price of amethysts decreased with the discovery of large
Brazilian deposits, the GIA reports that it remains the world’s most
valued quartz. All the more reason to treat you or your loved one to a set of amethyst earrings.
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