Thursday 27 June 2013

PEARLS! The only organic gem!

A  pearl is a spherical object formed within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk. As such a pearl is made up of calcium carbonate in tiny crystalline form, which is deposited in concentric layers. An ideal pearl is perfectly round and smooth, but many other shapes of pearls (baroque pearls) occur. 

The value of pearls is determined by the luster, color, size, symmetry and the lack of surface imperfections.

For many centuries the finest quality natural pearls have been highly valued as gemstones and because of this, pearls have become a symbol as being rare, classic, admirable, and very valuable.

Valuable pearls occur in the wild, but they are very rare.
Cultured or farmed pearls make up the majority of those on the market today. Pearls from the sea are valued more highly than freshwater pearls.
Pearl Diamond ring- 18ct rose gold, white diamonds.



The story goes...

The last Egyptian queen Cleopatra prepared a banquet for the Roman leader Marc Antony. At the banquet Cleopatra bet Antony that she could give the most expensive meal ever provided. When the only thing placed in front of her was a cup of sour wine Antony wondered how she would be able to win the bet. At which point Cleopatra removed one of her pearl earrings and dropped it into the glass where it dissolved in the strongly acidic solution, Cleopatra drank it down, winning her bet. 


Rosebud pearl earrings, pink pearl earrings, baroque pearl necklace
Pearl Care

Because pearls are an organic gemstone, They are softer and more delicate than other gemstones and precious metals, they can therefore be more easily scratched, cracked, and damaged. Substances such as perfume, hair spray and even natural body oils and perspiration can dull the luster of pearls. 

It's a good idea, to apply perfume, hair spray, and other cosmetics before putting on your pearls, to  minimize the amount of product that comes into contact with the pearls. 

After wearing your pearls, wipe them with a soft damp cloth to remove any traces of cosmetic products or body oils. Wash the pearls occasionally with a mild soap and a soft cloth, to remove any build-up.

To prevent scratches or other damage pearls should be stored separately, away from other jewellery. If possible, store them wrapped in soft cloth, pouch or a soft-lined jewellery box.

It's a good idea to have your pearls restrung every so often. Knotting the strand between each pearl will prevent all of the pearls from falling off the strand in the event the strand breaks, it also reduces the pearls rubbing against one another.

Hope you found this little round gem, with all it's history fascinating!

Feel free to leave your comments.
Until next time
Kisses

Cassandra

Thursday 13 June 2013

Thinking about popping the question?

Knowing what engagement ring to opt for can be slightly daunting... after all this special piece is worn for a lifetime- so it's worth taking the time to get the right one.
So what exactly is the right one? How do the fella's go about getting the perfect style to pop the question with?
Adelaide fine jewellery designer Cassandra Mamone asks the questions to help you through the process and ensure the journey is as easy and exciting as possible. 
Upon your initial consultation with Cassandra you'll be asked various questions like what metal you would like? eg. platinum, 18ct white or rose gold. Diamond shape? eg. brilliant, pear or oval. etc.
Metal choice

Platinum being the rarest and most durable metal is fast becoming the most popular choice for engagement and wedding bands. With new trends coming through and women seeking more unique designs- 18ct rose gold is quickly becoming a favourite.
'Cognac Beauty' from Sorrento collection. 18ct rose gold featuring cognac diamonds

Picking the stone 


Diamonds are traditionally the choice for stone with engagement rings, sapphire's, rubies and emeralds follow closely behind as they have strong and durable properties and can be just as hard wearing as diamonds. Due to it's unmatched strength and purity, the diamond is symbolic of the love declared between the couple.


Brilliant cut (round) diamonds are the most popular shape for diamond engagement rings, other shapes include emerald cut, pear, princess, oval etc. Click selection for further info.


So you've decided on metal and stone, but now you may be wondering what style would suit your future fiance best?...


Style


Many engagement rings feature the centre (larger) diamond set with smaller diamonds around it. The 'halo' style is very popular as it is elegant and can enhance the size of the centre stone if designed well. Another popular style is diamond solitaire, where the diamond is set on it's own as the feature. Rest assured that the design process is always fun and we will help you create the perfect style for your lady love.



Custom made ring with two tiered 'halo's' around claw set brilliant cut diamond.
The finer things

It's always best to have the finger properly sized, but most likely you won't want your bride- to- be to know of your plans of proposal so Cassandra will give you ideas on how to do this so she won't have a clue.


Always consider the lifestyle of the wearer of the ring, occupation and daily environments will determine choice in style and metals. e.g. nurses or carers may prefer lower settings as they are less likely to catch and women who constantly handle abrasive papers in the office area might prefer platinum as this will out- wear gold many times over.


Well, I certainly hoped this has helped you. Ladies feel free to share this post with your man. 

Fella's, we hope you feel more confident now and feel free to email with any questions.

Did you learn anything new? We hope so.


Feel free to leave your comments :)


Kisses,


Cassandra


Friday 7 June 2013

Piece of the Month- Internally Flawless diamond for Simone


When Timothy came to see Cassandra Mamone about an engagement ring for his beautiful girlfriend of 5 years Simone, he knew two things- the diamond was to be oval cut and the style was to be elegant. 

Adelaide jewellery designer Cassandra Mamone sourced a beautiful Internally Flawless (IF) and colourless 1.40carat oval diamond. Cassandra designed a very classic six claw setting on a half round band elegantly complementing the beautiful stone. Timothy was very happy with the design that incorporated his ideas and the engagement ring was made in platinum.
Front sketch design by Cassandra, with finished piece held next to it

THE PROPOSAL

The proposal took place on the 28th April. 
Timothy took Simone on a belated birthday lunch at the Bridgewater Mill, Petaluma. When they arrived, the waiter conveniently said their table was not ready and Timothy suggested a walk instead of waiting. 
They walked up to the top of the Heysen trail and it was in a beautiful secluded spot that Timothy got down on one knee, pulled the ring box out from his pocket and asked Simone to marry him. Simone recalls “I was so shocked, I missed the proposal” after Timothy got down on his knee a second time to ask again, Simone burst into tears, her obvious answer being “Yes”

The happy couple just moments after the proposal

A touching text sent to Cassandra from Simone




Don't you just love Simone's elegant engagement ring? and aren't they a stunning couple?
We certainly think so. Please leave your comments below.

Kisses,
Cassandra

"nothing moves me more than the beautiful journey I am able to take with my clients"- Cassandra Mamone