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I can’t believe how quickly the year has flown by, and hasn’t it been a roller coaster ride…… but if you are considering purchasing a piece of precious jewellery as a Christmas gift there are only 10 weeks left before the Big Day. To avoid a last minute rush it is worth remembering that making up a specially commissioned piece takes an average of three to four weeks.
If you, or someone you know, have a tendency to leave things until the last minute it is worth noting that I also have a selection of ready-made jewellery on display in my studio featuring diamonds, pearls and coloured gemstones that include ideal gift items such as earrings, necklaces, pendants and bracelets.
Between now and 15th November I am offering you, as a subscriber to this Online Newsletter, the opportunity to have your precious jewellery cleaned and checked at no charge. Importantly this will include checking the condition of the stone settings to ensure that none of the stones have loosened due to wear.
To arrange a convenient time for you to come into the studio please call us on 02 9231 0994.
I am often asked for advice on the key points that should be considered when buying pearls.
The first consideration is the type of pearl, of which there are many. The most popular are the South Sea Pearl and the Japanese Akoya Pearl, which come in either, round, semi round or baroque shapes. The decision on the type and shape of pearl you choose is a very personal one.
Whether you are looking for a strand of pearls or individual pearls for earrings, pendants or rings, you should consider the following; these criteria will all affect the end price:
1. Size – measured in millimetres; in general terms, the larger the more expensive the pearl
2. Shape – if perfectly spherical, will be more expensive than out of round or baroque
3. Colour – again a matter of personal choice, however pearls with pink over tones tend to be a little more expensive
4. Lustre – a pearl with very high quality lustre (shiny reflective surface) is said to have a glow from within
5. Surface Perfection – it is normal for pearls to have minor flaws. The cleaner the surface perfection the more expensive the pearl will be
There is a great deal more that can be discussed about pearls and what to look for when purchasing, far too much to detail here. Overall it is a very personal choice based on preference and budget.
More information and some examples of my pearl jewellery can be found on my website www.billhicksjewellery.com.au, or if you would like to discuss things further please don’t hesitate to give me a call on 02 9231 0994 or 0419 484 287.
Whilst on the subject of pearls I thought you would be interested to know that one of the largest and most valuable pearls ever discovered, a 2.267 kg blister pearl, has recently been recovered from waters off of the Philippines.
The brain shaped pearl, measuring over 15 centimetres in length was found in the giant clam Tridacna Gigas.
A member of the team who authenticated the find reportedly remarked that, “The pearl world is its oyster.” Honestly it’s true!
Please feel free to forward this newsletter on to friends, relations or business colleagues who you think would be interested in reading it.
Regards,
Bill Hicks
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