Engagement Rings….Hand made vs casting ?

The 2 biggest differences between a hand made engagement ring and cast one are price and quality. A cast ring which has been made using C.A.D ( computer aided design ) takes next to no time to create whilst a hand made ring of a similar design can take many hours to create.

At the Diamond Jewellery Studio when a Diamond ring is hand made to hold and show off a diamond it starts from a square rod and is worked by a Master Jeweller into the final design. Through the various stages the metal is being tempered and work hardened so when it comes to the finished ring the metal is at a perfect hardness and can be guaranteed for life against any metal defect.

Rings that are made using CAD are created in wax first and then cast which can open the doors to many problems. If the metal has been poured either too hot or too cold it can be brittle or soft and have many surface issues such as cracking and porosity. Many Diamond rings are being made this way and passed off as “ hand made” which they are definitely not. The art of hand making Diamond rings is becoming a thing of the past  as Master Jewellers become harder to find.

With so many companies competing for business many are turning to CAD to reduce costs but ultimately producing inferior products, yet claiming them to be hand made.

The Diamond Jewellery Studio have workshops in both Brisbane and Sydney and clients are encouraged to sit with the Master Jeweller who will create their Diamond ring or Engagement ring and go through the manufacturing process together.

All their Diamond rings and Engagement Rings are hand made and guaranteed for life.

Platinum V’s White Gold Engagement Rings.

White Gold

White Gold is a mixture of metals, with saying that keep in mind that gold when mined is naturally yellow. White Gold is alloyed with white metals like zinc, palladium and sometimes platinum to turn it into a grey color which is then Rhodium plated to give it a mirror like white finish that you see in the stores.

White Gold Specs – 18ct white gold has a Moh Hardness of 2.5-3 White gold has the same properties as yellow gold – meaning that 18ct white gold is 75% gold mixed with 25% Alloy

Platinum

Platinum is heavier which makes it denser and more durable than other metals.  Platinum Jewellery is 95% pure and it is also hypoallergenic and does not need the constant maintenance of Rhodium Plating like white gold, as it is naturally white.  Platinum is not a very easy metal to work with and is totally unforgiving, so you need to be a real Master jeweler to know how to work with it. Therefore many Jewellers may steer you away from it to satisfy their manufacturing capabilities.

Platinum Specs – Platinum has a Moh Hardness of 4-4.5 Platinum is also purer than white gold.  Measured in parts per thousand, platinum jewelry is typically 850-999 parts pure platinum (85%-99.9%), with the remainder made up of Alloy (ruthenium). White gold isn’t as pure or durable. Platinum is denser, heavier and stronger than white gold. Platinum is about 60% more dense than Gold. Platinum is said to be 35 times rarer than gold also.

So with all that in mind I hope that this puts it in perspective of the differences between white gold and platinum.

Design your own diamond wedding bands and engagement rings at DJS

If you have scoured the many fine jewellers across Australia without finding the perfect jewellery to celebrate your relationship and marriage, then you may have decided that the next step is simply to design your own wedding engagement rings and wedding bands.

At Diamond Jewellery Studio our master jewellers and creative team work tirelessly with couples who have a concept or ideal setting for their diamond wedding bands that they need brought to life. As we are both a world class diamond merchant as well as jewellery designers, we have the unique ability to source your ideal stones within your budget and create your rings in the one place. Not only does this expedite the process, but it also means you are dealing with only one company and have the peace of mind that you will receive the right advice and get genuine value for money.

Our jewellers believe it is a privilege to work with couples when creating jewellery that signifies their relationship and their lifelong commitment and we are committed to working hard to achieving absolute perfection for each and every one of our clients

Mens wedding bands can be special too!

Traditionally mens wedding bands have been either entirely absent, having been exchanged but never worn, or a simple gold band. Mens engagement rings have been an even rarer commodity! However, with men more willing to wear jewellery and new and innovative designs that are both masculine and appealing coming on the market and being designed, more and more couples are choosing to exchange engagement rings and wedding rings- with both partners wearing them with pride.

At Diamond Jewellery Studio we have also embraced this practice and regularly work with couples to create men’s wedding bands and men’s diamond rings that not only symbolize their relationship but that also compliment their personality, style and lifestyle. Take a look at our online mens jewellery collection to see what we are capable of and be sure to contact us should you like to work with one of our innovative and creative master jewellers to create your perfect wedding ring!

For timeless elegance, choose a cushion cut diamond

The cushion cut diamond, as its name suggests is reminiscent of a small pillow in appearance. They are usually square to rectangular in shape, with softened corners and a “puffy” appearance. Cushion cut diamonds are far less about sparkle and bold statements and their softer sparkle, most prominent in lower lighting situations, is more suggestive of elegance and refinement. Most popular in the 1800’s through to the early 1900’s, most modern brides and grooms are not familiar with the cut and as such either immediately adore the unique appearance of cushion cut engagement rings or find it’s less intense appearance less appealing.

Cushion cut engagement rings and jewellery with cushion cut diamonds have, until recently been difficult to come by, with buyers often resorting to estate jewellers and antique specialists to find them. However, with more brides and grooms appreciating the appeal of timeless elegance, the cushion cut is slowly becoming a more popular choice and as such, diamond merchants and jewellers are sourcing them more readily.

When buying or selecting a cushion cut diamond be sure to place considerable emphasis on the clarity and colour of the stone as fewer facets mean that it is easier for a naked eye to pick up small flaws.

The modern appeal of the princess cut diamond

The princess cut diamond, also referred to as “square modified brilliant” is modern in every sense of the word. A relatively new cut in the world of diamonds (created in the 1960’s) the princess cut diamond has taken the world by storm and is not only used widely in engagement rings but also in many other pieces of jewellery including earrings and necklaces! But what is it about a princess cut diamond that makes it such a popular choice especially when it comes to modern brides and grooms?

Money Matters?

Let’s face it, when we invest our hard earned money into a lovely piece of jewellery, we like for it to be noticed! But did you know that princess cut engagement rings are often slightly cheaper than that of their direct modern competition- the brilliant cut stone? This is because a princess cut diamond retains about 80% of the rough diamond, as opposed to the round brilliant which retains only about 50%.

When a bride or groom thus, chooses to opt for princess cut diamond rings, they are likely to be able to either get a larger diamond or a better quality diamond for less. And that little bit of extra size or sparkle goes a long way toward the special ring being admired and noticed!

Styling with the times?

But it’s unlikely to be all about the money when it comes to princess cut diamond engagement rings. They are often the choice of modern brides based on their styling. Their distinct, clean lines and their versatility allow princess cut diamonds to be used in a vast array of unique and modern settings. They can also be integrated with other jewellery very easily, given the fact that princes cut diamonds are used in many necklaces, earrings and even body jewellery.

What’s in a name?

Some think that it is the simple appeal of the name that makes this diamond so popular. After all who doesn’t like to feel like a princess every now and then and what stone is more symbolic and special than a diamond?

In reality, it is probably a combination of all three of these things that has brought the princess cut diamond to such prominence. Ultimately, the princess cut is a beautiful and versatile representation for a classic and vibrant stone- and modern brides and grooms can’t get enough of it!

The wedding rings Australia’s brides and grooms recommend

When it comes to wedding rings, Australia’s modern brides and grooms are discerning, thoughtful and expect only the very best in design and quality. And at Diamond Jewellery Studio we admire this passion for perfection- after all, a wedding ring is not only a highly symbolic piece of jewellery, but also a piece of jewellery that one wears every day of their lives!

Our creative team and master jewellers design our wedding rings with modern brides and grooms in mind. We know that it is important to offer both modern, edgy designs as well as traditional and classic designs. We are open to suggestions and love to listen to our brides and grooms to help them either locate or create the wedding ring of their dreams. It is because of this passion and commitment to fabulous wedding rings, Australia’s brides and grooms recommend us to their friends and family once they have experienced our service. Be sure to contact us today should you have a dream wedding ring you need a jeweller you can trust to create!