For his now wife, then girlfriend, K took the plunge by selecting a gemstone which he knew would fit her perfectly. A deep forest green tourmaline.
He came to us looking for a green gemstone, needing suggestions that were not Emeralds and not Tsavorites. As we all know, green tourmalines come in a few shades of green. K wanted green, with no blue modifier and no yellow modifier. It was the sweetest thing as he already had an idea of what designs his then-girlfriend would want for her ring.
While the trend at that time was to go for green tourmalines with a blue modifier (the ‘buzzword’ thrown around was teal tourmaline / peacock tourmaline), K knew she wanted a deep forest green colour.
We narrowed down some options and finally found the colour K was looking for.
There is no other way to describe this beauty. Seeing this piece brings a sense of calm and serenity. Deep forest green against a background of diamonds and 18K Beige Gold.
Did you know that Tourmalines come in a huge variety of dazzling colours? This ranges from colourless, yellow, mustard, raspberry red, fuchsia pink, shades of green and blue, turquoise and lagoon.
A custom matched set of Emerald jewellery. The task was to source and handcraft an Emerald ring to match a pair of earrings we had customised awhile ago.
The design brief: to create a design that shared similar design elements to the pair of earrings, but for both ring and earrings to have the possibility of being worn on their own. So that neither looks lonely when worn singly. But when worn together as a set, it does not look overpowering or heavy.
Emeralds are very often oiled and having significant inclusions. Oiling is a process that helps fill out cavities that often appear at the edge of the girdle. By immersing the emeralds in oil, oil enters the gemstone from the tiny cavities that exist at the edge of the girdle. The oil will fill out the cavities within the gem. Once the cavities are filled out with oil, it makes the inclusions and cavities less obvious, thereby improving eye-clarity of the gem.
Since it is common for Emeralds to have significant inclusions, it is easy to assume that prices should be relatively affordable. However, this is not so. Main reason for this is due to scarcity of the rough material. Despite the relatively high premium these green gemstones are commanding, it does not stop prices from climbing. A glance at the tip of the iceberg situation of gemstone availability, sourcing and mining here: https://www.gemresearch.ch/news/2022/02/23/dramatic-rise-in-price-for-fine-gemstones-as-high-end-ruby-emerald-and-sapphire-sales-soar
Emeralds are believed to empower the wearer with intellect and wisdom, and develops a person’s logical thinking and arithmetic skills.
Below is the 3 piece emerald jewellery set. Custom matched set Emerald and coloured stone jewellery requires a fair bit of luck and effort. It was not easy to do a “colour matching” as the pieces were sourced at different times and not from the same lot. Nonetheless, a relatively well-matched set in terms of colour and design.
Just exactly how rare is an unheated ruby? Regardless of its origin?
Much has been said and written about the differences in value between an unheated and heated ruby. In addition, there is also a category reserved for “glass-filled” or “lead-filled” or “lead glass-filled” rubies. These 3 terms pretty much mean the same thing, which essentially means, rubies that have been filled with high-lead-content glass, which made the rubies appear more transparent after the treatment process. Filling ruby material with lead glass enabled what would have been nothing more than material specimen mainly used for gemological studies; definitely nothing of decent commercial value. In addition, filling gemstones with lead glass actually adds carat weight to the material. What does this mean for end consumers? Essentially, consumers will pay more for glass instead of gemstones. More can be read about lead-filled rubies here: https://www.gia.edu/doc/SP06A2.pdf
Heated rubies in our present, modern-day gemstone and jewellery market have become more commonplace because it remains a fact that unheated, 100% natural rubies oftentimes, have a lacklustre and dull appearance. Ruby material is heated to improve the colour and clarity of the rough and ultimately, the polished gemstone. It is important to recognise this because it impacts the price differences between heated and unheated rubies and the market premium accorded to unheated rubies. Without the heating process, commercial quality rubies would have a lot more eye-visible inclusions, opacity and dullness, which would result in these rubies being unable to be sold at fair prices or worse, not sold at all.
Unheated rubies as mentioned above, are typically heavily included with a dull appearance. To understand it in a nutshell, as this article aptly describes: “Very few of the recovered rubies are of high enough quality to be sold on the market. In fact, only about 1% of all corundum found is gem quality. Of those rubies, only a fraction remains untreated.” https://thenaturalrubycompany.com/education/ruby-characteristics/ruby-rarity-value/
Let’s all take a moment to consider this statement: of the 1% of all corundum mined from earth being gem quality, only a fraction of this 1% remains untreated and unheated.
“Gem quality” usually means a gem has the aesthetic appeal to the human eye. Eye-clean, with even colour tones throughout the gemstone, with good brilliance and lustre.
Seen below is a rare unheated 1+ ct ruby, set in diamond halo with 18K Natural Gold. It is becoming increasingly difficult to source for eye-clean unheated rubies that are facetted and polished with a nice finish and cutting symmetry. In addition, unheated rubies are almost always presenting themselves in a somewhat dull and lacklustre appearance, oftentimes looking somewhat cloudy.
To find a ruby that checks the following will involve more than just luck: 1. Unheated 2. Eye-clean 3. Lively appearance with fair – good brilliance. Not dull and not cloudy looking 4. In a properly facetted, well-proportioned symmetry
Unlike the vibrant blue, violet, purple Tanzanites that most jewellery lovers are used to seeing in stores, unheated Tanzanites are not as common. Featured below is a pair of unheated Tanzanite earrings.
These gemstones display flashes of blue, periwinkle, cool grey tones, earthy yellow green tones that sparkle underneath. Unheated Tanzanites are however, not a common sight. Unlike most precious coloured gemstones, Tanzanites are typically and usually loupe clean – which make them so easy to love. Tanzanites in general also have very good dispersion, and strong pleochroism. Pleochroism is a term used by gemologists to describe the myriad colours seen in the same gemstone when viewed from different directions. This makes for a very alluring optical dazzle for any gemstone and jewellery lover.
Tanzanites, as the name suggests are mined predominantly in Tanzania. This limited source renders in Tanzanites being at least 1000x more rare than diamonds. Due to it’s small scale of source location, gemologists believe that in the next 2 to 3 decade to come, there will be no more Tanzanite rough left to mine. After the sour has become depleted, there will be no more first-hand owners of this gem and will become precious heirloom material.
These unheated tanzanite earrings are set in a classic design that never gets old, easy to pair with just about any attire. Dress them up, or dress them down. Wear these ear studs with your hair up or down, it will be sure to impress.
Did you know that fun cocktail earrings and jewellery is not just limited to engagement and wedding jewellery? It was truly a unique and bespoke piece of jewellery for a client whose style and personality is reminiscent of a time past yet ever so modern. A fairly abstract mix of jewellery is what our client loves to match-and-wear.
The gemstones were handed down to our client from her grandmother. Up until the time she met us, she was unable to decide what to do with her coloured stones! That’s when she enlisted our help So we started with the design discussion and consultation stage. Ideas flowed and what resulted was a whimsical, bespoke and bold piece of jewellery that she could wear with all her other jewellery handed down from her grandmother, in one great eclectic mix.
Fun cocktail jewellery hold special meaning to its owner. Who ever said fine jewellery is strictly limited to engagement and wedding occasions only? 🙂
As with every piece of handcrafted jewellery that goes through the hands of our artisans here at Heritage Gems, right from drawing board to the final piece that ends up in our clients hands, great care is taken every step of the way.
Work in Progress Photos
From the jeweller’s bench, artisans delicately handcrafts the pieces that come together to make the complete jewellery.
Before you know it, we’ve handcrafted a stunning, whimsical pair of earrings in a beautiful colourway of gold, black and red.
Voila! A pair of bold, whimsical earrings that our client is very happy with! Customised bespoke jewellery doesn’t have to be overpriced nor overly grandiose in design. It just has to be fitting and paired just right for its owner.
This is the beauty of customised pieces and what sets customised jewellery apart from ready-to-wear pieces. Customise your jewellery with the correct artisans and you will have a stunning piece of jewellery that fits like a glove and accentuates your best features.
Our client review below:
If you are considering to customise a bespoke piece of your own, a piece specially crafted for yourself, contact us at 97716923. It’s an obligation-free consultation.
inspiration on other projects that are also fun cocktail pieces? Click below:
As with commercial grade unheated natural sapphires, commercial grade Spinels are abundant. Below are some examples of regular Spinels most people come across in stores or at their local jeweller.
commercial grade spinel that has heavily dark zones with 80% of gemstone in shadowcommercial grade spinel with inclusions commercial grade spinel with large window
Commercial grade spinels come as cheaply as $200/ct for sizes under 3cts. However, aesthetically beautiful, well-cut and 100% unheated Spinels are difficult to source. Often times, Spinels, like above, that come through our hands do not make through our quality controls. Investment-grade Spinels in shades of pink, blue and red can command a minimum of $4000/ct and upwards. This is assuming the Spinel is eye-clean/loupe-clean, well-cut with no colour zones, no areas of large windows, no areas of dark shadows.
Some examples of fine quality Spinels are as below. Well-cut, aesthetically beautiful & 100% natural Spinels are becoming increasingly difficult to source.
How is the Blue Spinel different to the Blue Sapphire?
How is the Blue Spinel different to the Blue Sapphire? Are they both natural gemstones?
Fine quality blue spinels are unlike any Blue Sapphires the regular consumer typically sees in the shops or online.
Clients often ask us: What is the difference between a Blue Spinel and Blue Sapphire?
Blue sapphires exist usually in the pure blue shade, often without any secondary tones.What varies is whether it is a light blue, medium blue, vivid blue, inky blue or deep blue. On the other hand, blue spinels come in a spectrum of blues, often with a secondary undertone or overtone of grey, green, or lilac/purple. This lends a depth of colour to the gem, quite unlike any other Blue Sapphire.
We share below a quick visual example of the difference between a Blue Spinel and a Blue Sapphire. It is quickly apparent that the colour tones of the Blue Spinel and a Blue Sapphire are quite different, yet both gorgeous in their own ways.
Commercial Quality Spinels VS Fine Quality Spinels:
Unfortunately, commercial quality blue spinels are usually lack-lustre, appearing somewhat dull and in an overly dark shade of colour. Common examples are as below.
Often times, a good portion / area of the stone appears to be nearly black or cast in shadow. As a result, you would find it difficult to see the individual facets of the stone being reflected back to the eye. It is possible to see that the stone is blue, but the actual colour is not seen evenly throughout the gem.
On the other hand, fine quality blue spinels will a nice brilliance and lustre, with good amount of sparkle throughout the stone. It will not appear overly dull or cast in dark shadow. Scroll through to see visual examples of fine quality Blue Spinel set in a beautiful 18K white gold setting.
An example of a commercial quality Blue Spinel that has too much shadow and appears overcast and dull.
Customisation Process:
Recently customised for a client, below features a stunning and mesmerising spinel in Midnight Blue, set in 18K White Gold and diamonds. Look at the depth of colour on this gem! Mysterious midnight blue so mesmerising one could stare at the stone for hours on end. Notice that most of the facets can be seen from the top of the stone.
As with sapphires, Spinels that are well-cut and eye-clean are not common. Beautiful Spinels are not overcast in shadow nor having areas that lack in colour.
There is something very endearing about blue Spinels. The blue is not the usual “pop” of blue, but an enigmatic blue hue that grows on you and looks more beautiful with time. As is said, in every gem connoisseur’s collection, there is always at least one Spinel sitting in that private collection.
This piece is also design to be in a seamless fit with the wedding band.
It was a delight for us to handcraft such a beautiful bespoke spinel engagement ring.
Would you like to customise a similar piece?
Contact us now at: heritagegems@gmail.com or WhatsApp +65 97716923 and we’d be happy to get you started.
Check out the links below for some inspiration on other types of spinel engagement rings
It is never a dull moment when it comes to choosing a fine coloured gemstone for your bespoke piece of bridal jewellery.
Head on down to Marina Bay Sands this weekend and enjoy our exclusive promotion of $300 off the project’s bill when you customise your bespoke piece with us this weekend. Valid only from 26 – 29 October, at the Singapore Jewellery and Gem Fair 2018.
Beautiful vintage style engagement rings never fail to evoke romantic feelings.
Our client very graciously shared her wedding day photos and nothing says love better than a couple with their megawatt smiles, vintage inspired engagement ring and a stunning lace dress.
Beautiful blue Spinels are extremely rare. Yes, equally as rare as the unheated blue sapphire. Blue spinels and most other Spinels are typically non-treated and non-heated. The unique feature about the blue spinel is that it has a very magnetic shade of blue, one that seemingly grows on you rather than simply catching your eye at the first instance. Spinels have long been mistaken for sapphires, or Corundums, because its lustre and brilliance quite resembles the Sapphires.
It’s nice to be able to create your own history and story by customising a vintage styled engagement ring because there’s just something alluring and romantic about it. They make for great photos as well!
Photo Credit: From Client, taken by Daniel Sim Photography
Photo Credit: From Client, taken by Jasper Avenue Sydney
A bespoke customised piece of jewellery to call your own, in a shade of colour that captures your heart and eyes is truly a gift to be enjoyed and appreciated for the years to come.
There’s always something truly memorable and nostalgic about a vintage style engagement ring.
Congratulations to this lovely couple and wishing you both bliss in your journey!
Wanting to redesign your old jewellery into new? Remodelling your old jewellery is easier than you think. There is special meaning in keeping an inheritance, set in a new style to keep with the times.
“Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, Something blue, And a silver six pence in her shoe”
An 1883 English folklore recounts that the old item provided protection for the baby to come and for good luck.
Have you recently inherited some of your mother’s or grandparents’ older jewellery? Would you like to wear it as a part of your “something old, something new”? A piece of jewellery that you could both on your wedding day and even after your wedding? Something you could wear daily or even on special occasions?
Older styles of jewellery, while it has its appeal, may not be as easy to wear with apparel of modern, contemporary styles. And sometimes, it requires a little more than a simple cleaning job at your local jeweller. Remodelling your old jewellery or upcycling your old jewellery is the perfect way to update a special memento. It is a way of keeping a part of you that you cherish, in a style that is relevant to you. Keep
After redesigning, this pieces looks so much fresher and reminds one of Spring. Not at all ostentatious, dressy enough for an occasion, yet, simple enough for an evening out.
Who ever said wearing Jade pieces needs to look dated or old? 😉
Want some vintage design ideas? Or perhaps tips on how to care for your jewellery? Click below:
Photo Credit: From Client, taken by Daniel Sim Photography
Photo Credit: From Client, taken by Jasper Avenue Sydney
