Bring back the elegance in jewellery presentation
We have seen a recent craze sweeping jewellery social media platforms. Beautiful photo's and collections of antique and vintage jewellery boxes!! But why?
Modern jewellery boxes just don't offer the elegance that once was. Many are attractive but as the saying goes, they don't make...
Turquoise - A hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate
What makes turquoise "Sleeping Beauty"? The answer is it's origin. Origin plays a significant factor in valuation.
A very high percentage of turquoise currently on the market is treated, dyed or imitation. So where does turquoise come from? Historically fine grade goods came from...
There are many benefits to being a retail employee at the holidays. Increased sales, the festive atmosphere, opportunity to work additional hours, commission and bonuses. It can be fantastic! I have personally experienced 13 Christmas's in luxury retail (jewellery). This will be my first season as a business owner outside...
Posted at 18:27h
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Jewellery
by Sherrie Taylor
The Mystery of Opal
Opal is the traditional birthstone for the month of October. In previous times opals were thought to be bad luck and due to this poor reputation weren't terribly popular. Lack of desirability drove prices down. Good news! Opal jewellery is on the rise the last couple of...
Posted at 16:36h
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Jewellery
by Sherrie Taylor
Leave a little sparkle wherever you go!
Clients visiting my office for appraisal always leave with their jewellery sparkling! It is amazing how different jewellery can appear after a spa treatment. I am constantly asked for jewellery cleaning tips. My usual suggestion is a mild dish soap with warm water and...
Diamonds can chip!
I often see chipped diamonds come through the appraisal lab. In multi diamond set pieces I might find one or possibly more chipped stones. It is quite common! Many clients are surprised to learn that diamonds can chip! Isn't a diamond the hardest substance in the world? Yes...
Posted at 16:55h
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Jewellery
by Sherrie Taylor
4 things you should do before you start engagement ring shopping!
Congratulations! Getting engaged is an exciting and important event in your life. Are you sure you want to do this? Kidding!! It is a wonderful feeling when you find someone that you would like to spend the rest of your life...
Posted at 17:47h
in
Jewellery
by Sherrie Taylor
Welcome!
I am thrilled to be writing the very first blog post as "The Blonde Gemologist". This was a nickname given to me early in my career. It always made me smile. I was proud to be a woman working in such a scientific research based industry. Blondes may have more...