Paraiba Tourmalines are one of the rarest and most sought after coloured gemstones and have only been discovered in recent times in the 1980's. They are most famous for their iridescent blue / green colour. However, they also come in beautiful magentas and pinks. Found only in Paraiba in Brazil, the mine itself is located at a hill that covers only a very small area that has now been depleted of its resources; adding to the rarity and value of these precious gemstones. In more recent years though in the early 2000's, similar tourmalines with a comparable chemical makeup were found in Nigeria & Mozambique. However, to the trained eye they lack the glow that tourmalines for Paraiba, Brazil are so famous for.
What makes Paraiba tourmalines so special compared to other tourmalines is the copper content. The high level of copper is what gives Paraiba Tourmalines their beautiful turquoise colour. The more vibrant the turquoise the higher the value. The more magenta coloured Paraiba Tourmalines have a higher content of manganese.
At Larsen Jewellery we work alongside the industry's most reputable gemstone suppliers, bringing you a colourful alternative to a traditional diamond engagement ring. Please feel free to call us to arrange an obligation free appointment.
(more...)
Heart & Arrow Diamonds are one of the rarest and most sort after types of diamonds on the market. The name Heart & Arrow refers to exactly what the name suggests – it is this pattern that is displayed as a result of extremely precise symmetry and proportions.
Heart and Arrow diamonds were discovered and introduced onto the world market in the 1980's in Japan. Following the discovery of the first Heart & Arrow diamond in Japan a piece of equipment called the Heart & Arrow viewer became available. Using this tool it is possible to see the difference between a true Heart & Arrow diamond and a non Heart & Arrow diamond. As technology advanced so did the cutting skills. What sets a heart and arrow diamond apart is the perfect proportions and symmetry. When looking into a Heart & Arrow diamond it is like looking at a perfectly symmetrical kaleidoscope pattern. The way that the facets overlap each other is what creates this precise pattern. The perfect symmetry and proportion allows the light to reflect such brilliance making these diamonds so highly desirable. When viewing a heart & arrow diamond from the crown (top) eight perfectly symmetrical arrows should be visible and from the pavilion (bottom) eight perfectly symmetrical hearts should be visible.
At Larsen Jewellery we work with the industry's most reputable diamond suppliers to bring you a beautiful selection of diamonds to view. Schedule an appointment with us today to view a selection of heart and arrow diamonds for you own engagement ring.
(more...)
Art Deco style engagement rings are still a very popular choice for women who are after something that is a unique statement piece and typically more unconventional compared to the classic solitaire engagement rings.
The Art Deco period of design started in France in the 1920s and 1930s, following on from the Art Nouveau period. It was a time of extravagance, class, high society and radical design. The Art Deco style reflected this with the use of grand and elegant geometry, long curved lines, motifs and bold use of colour.
Antique Art Deco engagement rings are extremely rare to come by; especially from the renowned French designers of that time Sandoz, Templier, Fouquet and Brandt. However, many women draw inspiration from these famous styles to come up with their own modern take on an Art Deco ring.
Art Deco inspired rings are typically formed of lots of metal, geometric shapes and patterns that reflect the architecture of this period. They are usually beautiful elegant pieces, far from being understated in appearance! One typical style of an Art Deco Engagement ring will consist of a square cut centre stone and then surrounded by rectangular baguettes or triangular stones all set into a bold geometric pattern. It is not uncommon for coloured gemstones to be used in Art Deco designs, especially rubies, blue sapphires and emeralds as these colours very much represent the style of this period.
At Larsen Jewellery we can help you come up with your own Art Deco inspired engagement ring. One of our popular Art Deco inspired engagement rings the 'Deco' can be viewed on our website. At Larsen Jewellery we can source a range of exquisite diamonds and coloured gemstones for you to choose from to work with you to create your own heirloom piece.
(more...)
Both more rare and less traditional than gold, platinum is a superb option for engagement rings. Platinum differs from gold in several ways. Like gold, it is known for being visually appealing, malleable, and fairly resistant to acids and other corrosive elements. It is heavier than gold, and has a higher melting point. While platinum does not feature the permanent glitter found in gold, its rarity and resistance to tarnishing give it a unique allure.
Though platinum jewellery has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, platinum rings are not a modern idea. This precious metal has a long history of being used in symbolic jewellery, and has been made into rings since the 19th century. It was first called platina del Pinto by the Spaniards, for its resemblance to silver, and has since become known for its silvery-white, radiant colouring and its status as a symbol of prestige and rarity.
For example, the majority of Queen Elizabeth’s crown, made for her coronation as royal wife to King George VI, was crafted from pure platinum. The choice of platinum to commemorate a royal union was a sensible one, since this precious metal symbolises elemental love and enduring connection. Unlike baser elements, it won’t change color, fade, or tarnish over time.
At Larsen Jewellery, our jewellers have a wealth of experience crafting beautiful rings with platinum. We can design and create a breathtaking engagement ring for your fiancée, which will allow her to express her individuality with class and timeless elegance. Contact us in Sydney on (02) 9223 2006 or Melbourne on (03) 9662 3005 to arrange a private appointment.
(more...)
Argyle Pink Diamonds are widely argued to be the most sort after and expensive diamonds on the world market. The rarity and their characteristically beautiful deep pink hue is what sets these beautiful diamonds apart from other coloured diamonds on the market.
The Argyle mine is located in the Kimberley Region in northern Western Australia. Exploration of the Argyle region started in the 1970s and it wasn't until the 1980s that the Argyle mine was up and running. Since then the Argyle mine has continued to grow as the world's leading producer of intense pink diamonds. Every year Pink Argyle diamonds are sold on the world market for astoundingly high prices. Differing from white diamonds, pink diamonds are graded on their colour and saturation. The more intense the pink the higher the value - 1P being the darkest and 8P being the lightest.
It is estimated that the Argyle mines supplies 90 per cent of the worlds pink diamonds. However, this number is diminishing. It has been said that there is only 10 years supply of pink diamonds remaining, making now the perfect time to invest.
At Larsen Jewellery we work along with the industry's most reputable suppliers to source some of the world's most beautiful pink diamonds. One of our talented jewellers can work with you to come up with a stunning piece of jewellery to include one of the world's most beautiful natural treasures!
(more...)
Read More Posts From Larsen Jewellery
Working...