Guides

Many households from Perth to Hobart hold a velvet-lined box of rings, brooches and chains inherited from grandparents, aunts or parents. These pieces carry…

Citrine is the golden-yellow variety of quartz, valued for its warm colour, brilliance and remarkable durability. Its commercial nickname comes from a…

Carat weight is often the first number a buyer notices on a gem certificate, yet it describes mass rather than appearance. A one-carat diamond and a one-carat…

The popularity of minimalist gemstone stud earrings comes from their unusual balance of polish and ease. A small coloured stone can brighten a work outfit, add…

A gemstone begins as a geological event rather than a finished piece of jewellery. Heat, pressure, circulating fluids and slow changes in the planet’s crust…

Enamel and gemstone inlay can both create colourful, decorative surfaces on jewellery, but they rely on very different materials and techniques. Enamel is a…

Choosing a gemstone can be a reflective experience as much as a style decision. Colour, texture, symbolism and the feeling a stone creates may all influence…

Signet rings began as practical tools before they became fashionable jewellery. A carved stone set into a ring could press a distinctive design into wax or…

A bezel setting surrounds a gemstone with a slim rim of metal. Instead of holding the stone with separate claws, the jeweller creates a continuous border…

Pearls have a soft, living-looking lustre that makes them different from diamonds, sapphires and other durable gemstones. Their surface is built from layers of…