18th February 2022 - Customer Location: Cairns

I first quoted to make this engagement ring in June 2016. Not the record for a customer to come back to me “later” but very close.

The diamond is F colour and Si1 clarity, GIA certified and laser inscribed. The setting is made in 18ct yellow and white gold.

With the side we left the side V section open as a little window into the diamond. The claws on the end of the marquise diamond were an alteration on the original design to provide some protection to the most vulnerable area of this diamond.

Problems with supply

When a customer comes to me we try and match their informed choice on material qualities with their budget. However I am having less and less to choose from as I try to source materials. When I do find them inflation is also taking a toll much like the building industry.

The last two years of travel restrictions has heavily limited the ability of many suppliers to travel to source good stock.

Most of the gem and diamond brokers for good reason prefer to sight the goods they are buying rather than rely solely on descriptions or certification. Also a lot of the overseas manufacturing has been interrupted if not stopped, so even if they can travel overseas there is less to choose from.

I only use Australian brokers/suppliers so that I can always get materials on approval and retain the right and convenience of returning them if they are not suitable.

I also want our local industry to survive so I support it…something that I feel the likes of Jeff Bezos - Amazon do not. This thought occurred to me when I recently saw here in Australia an advertisement for Amazon parcel delivery drivers needed……bring your own van please!

Have a great weekend.