Moissanite is Here to Stay

Gone are the days where the old adage is only applicable to diamonds! Humans have been using diamonds as precious stones for hundreds of years, and from the more famous applications, such as the Crown of England, to everyday applications, like engagement rings, diamonds have been the stone of choice to denote stability, prosperity and hope. But diamonds come at a far higher cost than just being expensive. Their history is also rooted in blood, conflict and corruption, as natural areas are decimated for their mining, and poor workers exploited and abused for below minimum pay. This major ethical consideration is driving more and more people to a kinder alternative.

Goodbye diamonds, hello moissanite

Moissanite is a mineral compound that was discovered by a scientist named Henri Moissan, from whom the stone takes its name. However, the initial site of discovery was near a meteor impact site, and the original silicon carbide crystals could not be used as moissanite directly. A series of scientific interventions must occur in order for the silicon carbide to be usable in the form of moissanite as we experience it. Visually, there are several significant similarities between diamonds and the more affordable moissanite such as the fact that they are of similar brilliance and hardness.

Advanced laboratory processes ae used to manufacture moissanite jewels. Although far cheaper than diamonds they provide a high-quality, ethical alternative, which not only benefits those with restricted budgets, but also those with ethical objections to the use of diamonds.

Getting the best Moissanite Gemstone

A great stone does not come into its own without a great setting. Its neutral color allows the band to be set in almost any color metal, such as yellow, rose, or white gold. Like diamonds, the right cut is also crucial to get the right degree of fire from the stone. Moissanite is well known for its refractive abilities, creating a rather spectacular rainbow effect. It also has a far higher sparkle value than a diamond, making it appear far more radiant. Buying a moissanite will also have you considering weights and measurements, which is similarly measured in carats. The big difference comes into the price to weight ratio. For a stone of equal size, you can expect a significant and pocket-pleasing difference in price.

Taking the first step

Engagements, birthdays, anniversaries – you can be sure that there is a moissanite out there that will meet your needs. I cannot reiterate the value of the correct setting enough – remember that you are not dealing with a cheap diamond replica – you are dealing with a significant jewel in its own right, and the money you spend will be wasted if the setting is poor. Make sure that you go through your buying process in the right way and get the full value of the money you spend. All that remains is to enjoy the extreme sparkle and beauty of your new purchase. Because there are no ethical considerations attached to them, you can breathe easy and know that you are not contributing to anything sinister through your purchase.

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GOOSSENS X HARUMI KLOSSOWSKA DE ROLA

On the one hand, the House of Goossens, established in 1950 and a part of Chanel’s Métiers d’Art since 2005, with its gold and silver creations and artistic objects. On the other hand, Harumi Klossowska de Rola who creates exceptional works between fine jewelry and art objects. When the former decided to invite the latter to celebrate the new season, the result was a release of uniquely free creativity. They both deeply love expert know-how and hand crafting, are fascinated by the beauty of the deceptively irregular, and combined their talents to give birth to an original capsule collection focusing on 6 decorative items and their accompanying 6 jewels. 

What do they have in common? The presence of strong symbolic elements relating to three main themes. 

Case in point, on a box with two lids inlaid with baroque garnet, a decorative branch, a pair of earrings, a bracelet and a sautoir, we find a grenade (in several forms), a fruit that is sacred in all civilizations, synonymous with resurrection, fertility and life. 

The fig leaf, a symbol of generosity, adorns a small tray, a little dish named “three fig leaves” enlivened with a small caterpillar entirely pavé-set with brilliant cut stones, in old bronze metal. 

As for the mistletoe, a sacred plant that evokes immortality as well as prosperity, it covers a branch, a candlestick, earrings, a ring and a bracelet. All of which are in antique gold metal and baroque rock crystal beads. 

The focus is on beloved materials: rock crystal, antique gilded bronze, old gold and fine stones. Rock crystal and garnet give life to these creations. 

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Hot jewelry Trends Inspired By The Royal Wedding

The eyes of the world were trained on Windsor last weekend, as actress Megan Markle and HRH Prince got hitched in a fantastically romantic ceremony that brought a lump to the throat of even the most hard-hearted. With a posse of glamorous and groomed young royals now stealing the limelight – and headlines around the world – Meghan is now more a trendsetter than ever. The effect that she, the Duchess of Cambridge and the little Princes and Princess have on product sales is significant, with both making instant sell-outs of items they are pictured in. Small British company Strathberry, makers of luxury bags saw their waiting list jump to 3,000 for a bag Meghan was pictured carrying during one of her post-engagement appearances in Nottingham. So what trends are emerging in the wake of the royal wedding?

Luxurious Drop Earrings

Sculptural earrings were all over the guest list at the royal wedding, as statement ear candy makes its comeback from 80s style Siberia to be a key accessory for summer 2018. The Robinson Pelham diamond tsar earrings sported by Pippa Middleton last week epitomize this trend, while the dramatic pear diamond drops worn by Amal Clooney also shone. Pearls were also a key trend at the wedding, with the somewhat fusty image they’ve had being shaken off with the wearing of dramatic, oversized pearl drop earrings. New designs mix pearls with rose gold and contain just enough punk edge to look modern while still nodding daintily to the heritage vibe. Even the Her Majesty the Queen, the original wearer of pearls, sported a slightly oversized drop pair for the big day.

Stacked Items

Meghan’s signature style when it comes to jewelry has always been to combine and stack multiple pieces, sometimes mixing metals, which gives a high-end boho twist to her tailored couture outfits and perhaps expresses a bit of her self-confessed free-spirited hippy vibes under the modest and formal style of a new member of the royal family. Steal this look with stacking rings, an arm party full of bangles in gold and silver, delicate layered necklaces and earrings featuring climbers and jackets that almost give the appearance of multiple piercings. Stella and Dot is especially good to get this on trend look. While bar necklaces and circular pendants from Daisy London are also ones the new Duchess of Sussex would definitely rock.

A Story of Origins

While the debate about ethically-sourced diamonds is certainly not a new one, the fact of Meghan’s ring containing a centre stone originating from Botswana, where the couple have holidayed in the past, casts a whole new spotlight on the topic, bringing the issue of sustainability in fine jewelry to the front and centre, and making political topics more about a couple’s personal values. The incorporation of heritage stones from jewelry previously belonging to Harry’s mother Diana, Princess of Wales will similarly inspire couples getting engaged to think outside the box when it comes to repurposing family mementoes. Use a supplier such as http://yourdiamondguru.com/reviews/blue-nile/ to source the most perfect fit for your story.

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