South Gippsland Jewellers Shine Magazine 2015

the ROMANCE edition 

A CUT ABOVE 

The Passion8 story 

IT STARTED 

WITH A KISS 

Diamond collection 

FULL 

CIRCLE 

Wedding rings 

ISSUE 1 | $5.95

A time to shine. 

Welcome to the first issue of Shine. We’ve had a great time 

putting this magazine together and we’re looking forward 

to sharing it with you. 

It all began in the early 1970’s when Gis, a watchmaker 

and jeweller, entered a partnership with his parents Peter 

and Elizabeth, who together, saw an opportunity to open 

Cranbourne’s first jewellery store. Now celebrating 40 

years of proudly serving the Cranbourne community and 

are still family owned and operated. Come in and meet 

our team; proud owners, Toni and Gis, family members 

Kevin (qualified watchmaker) and Gary (qualified jeweller) 

manage our onsite workshop. South Gisppland Jewellers 

long-standing team are thrilled to share their expertise and 

knowledge with you. We are also proudly associated with 

Showcase Jewellers, a premier Australasian buying group 

with over 250 stores, allowing South Gippsland Jewellers 

to access the best diamonds and jewellery from around 

the world and locally at very competitive prices. 

We understand that when it comes down to it, jewellery 

is all about love, friendship, families and even treasured 

pieces. We offer a design and remodelling service, in 

conjunction with jewellery and watch repairs. We love our 

customer’s stories and most of all, we love making dreams 

come true. 

We scour Australia and the world to personally hand-select 

and ensure we have the highest quality, latest trends and 

brands as part of our range on offer to our long-term 

and new customers. We are proud stockists of: 

Diamond Brands 

Passion8 

Dreamtime 

Kimberley Pink 

CanadianFire 

Fine Jewellery Brands 

Peter W Beck 

Von Treskow 

Nomination 

Montage Gold 

International Fashion 

Brands 

Pandora 

Thomas Sabo 

Endless 

Watch Brands 

Citizen 

Seiko 

Thomas Sabo 

Fossil 

Emporio Armani 

Michael Kors 

Armani Exchange 

Kate Spade 

Daniel Wellington 

Guess 

G Shock 

Plus the South Gippsland Jewellers Collection, 

designed for you by our jewellers. 

Kevin who has been with South 

Gippsland Jewellers for 40 years. 

the ROMANCE edition 

CONTENTS 

P2 

P6 

P10 

P13 

P16 

A Cut Above 

The Passion8 story 

It Started With a Kiss 

Diamond collection 

Rise & Shine 

The Dreamtime Diamond story 

Exploring the Kimberley 

A Beautiful Education 

Diamond education 

P20 Tender Loving Care 

Jewellery care 

P22 Sealing The Deal 

Engagement Rings – what you 

need to know 

P26 Full Circle 

Wedding Rings 

P30 From You To You 

You 10 Year deserve Diamond a diamond! 

Guarantee 

P33 What’s Hot 

10 Year Diamond 

Finance 

Guarantee 

Available 

Finance 

Custom Design 

Available 


Guarantee 


Jewellery 

Guarantee 

Cleaning 

Jewellery Pearl 

Cleaning Re-threading 

2 A Cut Above 

Prices in this magazine are subject to change. See South Gippsland Jewellers for up to date pricing. 

Jewellery 

10 Pearl Year Diamond 

7 Jewellery 

Year Diamond 

Custom Design 

Layby 

Repairs 

Guarantee 

Re-threading 

Guarantee 

Remodelling 

Custom Design 

SOUTH GIPPSLAND JEWELLERS SERVICES 

6 It Started with a Kiss 


Guarantee 

Finance 

Available 


Custom Design 

Guarantee 

Jewellery 

Finance 

Repairs 

Available 

Jewellery 

Cleaning 

10 Rise & Shine 


Guarantee 

Pearl 7 Year Diamond 

Re-threading 

Guarantee 

26 Full Circle 

Layby Jewellery 

Cleaning 

Insurance 

Pearl 

Replacements 

Re-threading 

In this edition of Shine we’re sharing a lot of what we’ve 

learned over the years – from everything you need to 

know about choosing the perfect diamond or wedding 

ring to tips on how to care for your jewellery. Have a read 

and tell us what you think. 

Toni and Gis 

Owners 

Shop 17, Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre 

Cranbourne VIC 3977 

03 5996 3733 

www.southgippslandjewellers.com.au 



Guarantee 

Guarantee 

Finance 

Finance 

Available 

Available 

Custom Design 

Custom Design 

Jewellery 7 Year Diamond 

Year Diamond 

Repairs Guarantee 

Remodelling 

Guarantee 

Jewellery 

Jewellery Valuations 

Remodelling 

Jewellery 

Cleaning 

Cleaning 

Valuations Pearl Watch Pearl Repairs 

Re-threading 

Re-threading 

Finance Insurance 

Layby In-store Loyalty 

Available Replacements 

Programme 

Insurance Watch 

Custom Replacements 

Batteries Design 

Jewellery Watch 

Engraving 

Repairs Batteries 

Jewellery 

Valuations 

Cleaning 

Repairs 

Pearl 

Watch Jewellery Repairs 

Re-threading 

Remodelling 

Gift Cards 

Layby 

Valuations 

Watch 

Batteries Layby 

Engraving Insurance 

Replacements 

Watch 

Batteries 

2SHINE SHINE | ISSUE | ISSUE 1 1 

Jewellery 

SHINE | ISSUE 1 

Jewellery 

Watch Gift Cards 

Layby 

Repairs 

Jewellery Engraving 

Insurance 

Watch Repairs 

Engraving 

Repairs 

Layby 

Remodelling 

Replacements 

Repairs 

1

A 

CUT 

ABOVE 

WHO IS BEHIND AUSTRALIA’S 

OLDEST DIAMOND BRAND? 

WE MEET PASSION8’S 

CRAIG MILLER, FOR WHOM 

DIAMONDS ARE BOTH A LEGACY 

AND A WAY OF LIFE. 

Ask Craig Miller about his earliest diamond memory, and 

the answer comes straight away: working at his family’s 

diamond-cutting factory in South Africa in the school 

holidays. He can still recall the smell and the noise of the 

machinery. The sheer volume of diamonds coming out of 

the factory every day. “I always remember just standing 

and staring at one of the cutters, and saying to myself: 

I’m going to do this for the rest of my life.” 

Miller, 40, whose family immigrated to Australia from South 

Africa in 1999, is a second generation cutter: his own father 

became a diamond cutter as a teenager, then started his 

own factory. “I was brought up in the diamond industry 

with my father and brothers,” Miller says today on the 

phone from Sydney. “All I ever heard was ‘diamonds, diamonds, 

diamonds’, there is nothing I enjoy more.” 

Miller’s family trade, and the passion it instilled in him, 

became the springboard for a long and innovative career in 

diamonds. In 2001, after decades as a diamond cutter and 

seller, the Miller Family founded diamond brand Passion8. 

It is a name given to hand-cut diamonds so expertly crafted, 

and of such supreme quality, that less than one percent of 

the world’s diamond supply can even hope to qualify in the 

first instance. 

Once a stone does make the grade, says Miller, the work 

that follows is intensive and exacting. “It takes around four 

times longer to cut a Passion8 diamond, using state-of-theart 

technology. The level of skilled labour involved is vastly 

different to conventional diamond manufacturing, and 

incredibly rare to find.” 

The result is a ‘high performance’ diamond, or, as Miller 

puts it, the “Ferrari of diamonds”, sparklier and brighter than 

your average jewellery store purchase. Passion8 stones, 

(which come in a choice of round brilliant or princess cut) 

have superior brilliance, and because of their cut also 

typically perform 2 to 3 shades of colour whiter and 

brighter to the naked eye, even when dirty. 

Crucially, every Passion8 round diamond displays eight 

perfect Hearts and eight perfect Arrows, a sign that the 

stone has been cut to exact and perfect mathematical 

proportions. 

“When you view a Passion8 round diamond through a Hearts 

and Arrows Viewer, you will see a perfect image of 8 Hearts and 

8 Arrows,” says Miller. “It’s the ideal. Less than one percent 

of diamonds have that level of symmetry and proportion.” 

Diamonds are, without a doubt, an enduring love story 

for Miller. But it isn’t solely his passion for the stones 

that have driven his demand for perfection. It was also a 

sense of justice and unease when it came to a lack of 

honesty in the diamond retail market. 

The only thing that really gets him down, he says, “is that 

unfortunately, because a lot of people don’t understand 

diamonds, they can be taken advantage of. A lack of 

knowledge can mean a consumer can be misguided, or worst 

case, completely misled about what they are purchasing.” 

That’s not just speculation: before Passion8 came about, 

Miller did some solid research. He sent a mystery shopper 

out to ‘purchase’ a diamond, who reported on their return 

that different jewellery stores had given out different and 

often conflicting advice. “For a first time diamond buyer, 

what a daunting process”. The mystery shopper had been 

offered several different types of certification, very little 

education and a barrage of information, some unfounded, 

that was proffered as fact. Often simply because the staff 

were not sufficiently trained. 

Take, for instance, the perfect Heart and Arrows of Passion8 

diamonds. There is a term used by retailers that speaks of 

the ‘Hearts and Arrows effect’, which is an inferior mark of 

quality, “don’t get caught out”. 

Even the stores themselves are geared towards showing 

potentially average diamonds off to brilliant effect with 

increasingly sophisticated lighting. “It’s almost like printing 

fake bank notes, if a consumer doesn’t know how to look,” 

says Miller, who adds that it takes a good number of years 

to truly understand diamonds. 

He’s also weary of the purchase of diamonds online, sight 

unseen. And the often-quoted GIA triple-excellent cut 

grade rating which doesn’t mean you have the best of the 

best, either, says Miller. It simply means it’s in the top 50th 

percentile. 

“Buying a 

diamond isn’t 

like buying a 

television or 

car, with a set 

model number.” 

“Bottom line,” says Miller, “is 

that buying a diamond is not 

like buying a television or 

car with a set model number 

that you can shop around 

for. Diamonds have so many 

variables. Make the wrong 

choice and it stays with you 

forever. Diamonds are a family 

heirloom, we look after them 

for the next generation, 

that’s why I educate and 

train all our sales staff to 

take their clients on a journey and help make the decision 

of a lifetime, based on what is important to you the client.” 

Armed with this knowledge, he took the opposite approach 

and decided to create a ‘package’ that was so clear and 

transparent that the brand name alone would be all 

consumers needed to know the diamond they were 

buying was perfect. 

The diamonds all come from De Beers, are conflict-free, 

and 58 out of 58 facets are perfect. It all starts in the factory 

with a rough diamond, and his specially chosen cutting 

partners know to select only the finest crystals, capable of 

giving the brightest performance once cut to Passion8’s 

mathematical proportions. 

Ultimately, says Miller, it’s all about the ‘true performance’ 

of your diamond when you get back home from the store. 

When you use hand cream, for example, or wash your 

2 SHINE | ISSUE 1 


3

hands with soap. As your hands get dirty, so does your 

diamond, and even a colourless diamond with an average 

cut can start to look dull. Passion8 diamonds, on the other 

hand, because they have been cut to such exacting proportions, 

continue to perform even when they get grubby. 

“The light refraction is reflecting off the facets internally 

– all the light is coming back out of the crown. Basically, 

every facet on a diamond behaves like a mirror,” says Miller. 

“If your mirrors are all angled correctly, it’s irrelevant how 

clean or dirty your ring is underneath. It’ll perform the 

same way.” 

You’d be forgiven for thinking that diamond cutting 

this precise comes with a higher production cost. 

And you’d be right. 

For a start, says Miller, you lose 10 percent more rough 

weight in order to get a perfect Passion8-approved cut. 

Then there’s the cost involved with sourcing the appropriate 

rough crystals, using the most advanced cutting technology, 

and employing the most talented diamond cutters from 

around the world. Because of the skill and level of detail 

required, it also takes around four times longer to cut and 

polish a Passion8 diamond than a regular one. 

In 2014, Showcase Jewellers, one of Australia and New 

Zealand’s leading diamond and jewellery buying groups 

purchased Passion8. With Miller still at the helm and driving 

Passion8 forward, taking the brand to the next level, this 

was a strategic move in the direction of vertical integration. 

Now Passion8 diamonds can go from factory to finger and 

remove the middle man margins, offering the consumer the 

highest quality of performance at no extra cost. 

In order to spread the word, Miller has travelled for 15 years 

to train and educate retail staff about Passion8 diamonds. 

The reason for that, he says, is that the education required 

is quite complex. 

“Because I was a diamond cutter and because I have all 

this knowledge, I’m extremely passionate about the cut. 

I almost feel like the consumer is being robbed by not 

getting a full explanation, now that there is no difference 

in price when you’re buying from Passion8. It’s just the fact 

that somebody takes the time to explain it.” 

When someone is this committed and in love with their 

work, is it still work? ‘Choose a job you love, and you will 

never have to work a day in your life,’ said Confucius, who 

could well have been referring to this second-generation 

diamond cutter, born into the heart of the industry and 

ferrying it forward to this day. 

“I love every minute of my day,” he says. “I can’t wait for 

work on a Monday because every day is a new experience 

with diamonds. No two diamonds are ever the same. But I 

do know one thing: every diamond makes someone happy.” 

PASSION8: THE FACTS 

Less than one percent of the world’s 

diamond supply meet the Passion8 criteria. 

Passion8 round-cut diamonds display 

true Hearts and Arrows, as opposed to the 

Hearts and Arrow effect. 

Passion8 rounds above 30 points come 

with a small viewer to observe its Hearts 

and Arrows. 

Every Passion8 diamond comes with an 

authenticity card. 

Passion8 diamonds above 30 points 

come with a laser-inscribed girdle with 

a GIA report number. 

Passion8 diamonds are all conflict-free. 

PERFECTION 

Diamonds like you’ve never seen 

HEARTS 

& ARROWS 

The special scope allows you to view the patterns 

of hearts and arrows exhibited by each Passion8 

round diamond. 

8 Hearts 8 Arrows 

Perfect Hearts and Arrows 

www.passion8diamonds.com 



5

It started 

with a 

KISS 

For over 30 years, we have sought out the most 

beautiful of diamond rings and accessories 

for our esteemed “It Started With a Kiss” 

diamond collection. Because we know that a diamond, 

set perfectly, represents the ultimate symbol of 

commitment. And like true love, it’s enduring. As your 

local Showcase Jeweller, we know how important it 

is to get it right, and we have the expertise to make 

your vision a reality. A simple kiss, and a Showcase 

Jewellers ring. It’s a match made in heaven. 

1 

2 

3 



7

4 

6 

5 

7 

THE PERFECT KISS 

8 

9&10 

11&12 

PREVIOUS PAGE 1. SJ1095 FROM 

$10,999 | 2. SJ1646 FROM $12,999 | 

3. SJ0005 $5,999 

FACING PAGE 4. SJ0976 $299 | 

5. SJ1605 $2,299 | 6. SJ1645 $3,499 | 

7. SJ0029 $3,499 | 8. SJ0025 $2,999 | 

9. SJ0041 $2,999 | 10. SJ0040 $1,699 | 

11. SJ0045 $1,699 | 12. SJ0044 $2,499 

THIS PAGE 13. SJ2703 SET $2,999 

13 



9

RISE 

& 

SHINE 

Nestled deep in a remote corner of Northwest 

Australia lies a stone both rare and remarkable: 

the Dreamtime diamond. 

Diamonds are, without a doubt, one of the 

world’s most beautiful natural resources. That 

is practically a given. But that is also not the whole 

story, because depending on where diamonds 

are sourced, these ancient stones can also take 

on majestic properties reflective of their natural 

surrounds. They can be imbued with the stories and 

legends which have danced across the earth above 

them for millions of years. Which makes them so 

much more than just diamonds. 

A prime example is the Dreamtime diamond, which 

is earthed carefully from the Argyle Diamond Mine 

in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. 

These stones are truly one-of-a-kind, says Carson 

Webb, General Manager of Showcase Jewellers. 

“They vary in colour and represent the warm colours 

and rich mythology of the Australian land,” explains 

Carson. “Plus they’re all tracked from the ground 

they came from, so you know absolutely that they 

are natural and untreated Australian stones.” 

Dreamtime diamonds come in a visually striking 

palate of colours, which has created the perfect 

platform for the design of Dreamtime jewellery. “Our 

designers are inspired by the diamonds’ natural 

warmth, which is reflective of the warmth of the 

land,” Carson adds. “Knowing you have something 

from Australia that’s been in creation for millions of 

years, and specifically from the Kimberley region 

- that makes owning one of these pieces really 

special.” 

The idea behind Dreamtime jewellery, he says, is that 

it is versatile, affordable and on-trend. “The styling 

is simple, but also elegant and interesting. It’s about 

taking the colours of the Outback and playing with 

them to create interest, rather than just a plain band 

with some stones set in it. That is the kind of thing 

that will last a life time.” 

GOING UNDERGROUND 

The Argyle Diamond Mine 

Owned in full by Rio Tinto and located in the remote 

East Kimberley Region of Western Australia, the 

Argyle Diamond Mine has to date produced more 

than 800 million carats of diamonds. It is the world’s 

largest producer of natural champagne and cognac 

diamonds, as well as the very rare pink diamond, 

which has become Argyle’s signature stone and is 

coveted by diamond experts and collectors globally. 

The Argyle lease tenants the traditional lands of the 

Gija and Mirriuwung people. In 2005, an Indigenous 

Land Use Agreement and Participation Agreement 

was set up between the mine and the Traditional 

Owners of the mining lease area. It was an important 

step towards Argyle’s sustainability goals and put in 

place a formal relationship that will help deliver longterm 

economic benefits to Aboriginal communities in 

the East Kimberley region. 



11

DIAMOND COLLECTION 

Exploring The 

Kimberley – The 

Jewel of Australia’s 

Wilderness 

For the ultimate wildlife adventure 

in an untamed wilderness, Africa 

would be top of the list for many. 

Those in the know, however, go no 

further than the Kimberly region 

of Australia’s North West, which 

offers a unique experience in some 

of the most spectacular landscape 

in the world. From the beautiful to 

harsh, wildlife as diverse as rock 

wallabies to salt water crocodiles 

and the contrast of powder red 

earth with lush waterfalls, The 

Kimberley region is remote enough 

to disconnect from the world and 

reconnect with nature, yet a few 

hours away from most Australian 

cites by plane. 

The idea of Australia as a sunburnt 

country was famously immortalised 

in Dorothea Mackellar’s poem, My 

County, and gazing over the extreme 

colour palate of The Kimberley you 

know exactly what she meant. The 

earth is pink, the setting sun is like a 

fireball and the landscape radiates 

orange and brown hues. 

The region is vast, approximately 

twice the size of Victoria, so you 

will want to visit over and over again 

to really take in all the sights. Flying 

into Kununurra is a good place to 

start, this lively hub of the East 

Kimberley offers some spectacular 

scenery including the waterways of 

Lake Kununurra to waterfalls and 

gorges. From here you can easily 

head down to Lake Argyle by driving 

one of the sealed roads or taking 

a scenic cruise up the magnificent 

Ord River. For a real splurge, you can 

fly in via helicopter. 

Aptly nicknamed the ‘Jewel of the 

Kimberley’ Lake Argyle is not only 

a natural wonderland of scenery 

it’s also the largest producer of 

diamonds in the world by volume, 

producing approximately 20 million 

carrots annually. It’s here that you’ll 

find the rare and highly coveted 

pink diamond. Tours of the Argyle 

Diamond mine are a must when 

visiting the region. They provide 

a unique insight into the industry 

as well as the history between 

the traditional owners of the land. 

You will also get the chance to see 

diamonds on display and take one 

home – bank balance permitting. 

Rare rocks don’t just come from 

the underground, with the Bungle 

Bungle Range another natural 

wonder of The Kimberley. The 

distinctive bee-hive shaped 

towers are part of the Purnululu 

National Park, south of Lake Argyle. 

Exploring the canyons and crevices 

of this unusual landscape, which 

features a curious orange and grey 

colour pattern due to the different 

layers of sandstone. There is a 

feeling of the oldness of the earth 

and the power of mother nature 

as she shaped the landscape over 

millions of years. 

The Kimberley is arguably 

Australia’s last untamed frontier 

and the towering termite nests 

give you sense that nature has 

been left untouched and to its own 

devices. You’ll spot all sorts of 

wildlife big and small, from insects, 

lizards, snakes to roos, emus and 

birds of pray. The Kimberley also 

is barramundi country and it’s a 

seafood smorgasbord. 

Discovering The Kimberley can 

be fun on your own but if you 

prefer an experienced guide, APT 

Kimberley Wilderness Adventures 

are available via helloworld and 

offer a range of tours. The small 

group 4WD tours are a great way 

to experience this picturesque part 

of the world and the driver-guides 

are very knowledgeable on the area. 

APT’s network of private lodges 

are perfect for the traveller who 

wants a touch luxury among the 

wilderness, with comfortable beds 

and hot showers waiting for you 

after a long day discovering some 

of the most diverse landscape on 

the planet. 

FOR A 

HOLIDAY 

YOU’LL WANT 

TO TELL 

EVERYONE 

ABOUT 

With 40 years experience, no one knows the 

world quite like we do. So wherever you want to go, 

let our experts create your perfect holiday. 

Remarkably beautiful and naturally captivating, Dreamtime Australian Diamonds originate from 

the world renowned Argyle Diamond Mine, located in a remote corner of Northwest Australia. 

Every Dreamtime diamond is unique and resonates with the Australian landscape, its stories and legends. 

www.dreamtimediamonds.com 

To book your Kimberly adventure head to 

helloworld Cranbourne or call 5995 1488 

to chat with an agent. 

helloworld Cranbourne 

Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre, High St 

(03) 5995 1488 cranbourne@helloworld .com.au 



13

Montage would like to congratulate 

South Gippsland Showcase Jewellers 

on 40 fantastic years of business. 

Each piece of Montage Gold Jewellery 

is individually crafted for you. 

Order to your personal requirements, as 

all Montage products are available in a 

variety of colours, lengths & sizes. 

Montage products are all covered by a 

manufacturers warranty, ensuring you 

have peace of mind when you indulge 

in a piece of Montage Gold. 

An extensive range of high quality hand 

and machine made jewellery, created in 

Melbourne with Australian Gold. 

Find something you love. 

Gold For Someone Special. 



15

A beautiful 

EDUCATION 

There’s more to a stunning diamond 

than first meets the eye. Here’s what you 

need to know about a girl’s best friend. 

“Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without,” said Confucius. Indeed, 

diamonds by their very nature are a delight to look at, and anything more 

than a billion years in the making has got to be pretty remarkable. 

But there is much more to diamonds than just sparkle, and no two diamonds 

are exactly alike. You might have noticed, for example, that some shine more 

brightly, or are more symmetrically cut, or appear clearer. 

So what sets apart a ‘good’ diamond from a truly top-tier sparkler? It’s all 

about the four Cs – how these elements interrelate determines a diamond’s 

overall beauty, rarity and (monetary) value. 

Cut 

The cut of a diamond refers to its facets and proportions, 

not just its shape. The proportions between the table, the 

crown, the pavilion and the girdle are extremely important 

in ensuring the radiance is maximised. For this reason, 

sometimes cutting the diamond smaller to better its 

proportions can make it more valuable. 

Heavy Deep Cut Ideal Cut Light Shallow Cut 

DIAMOND TERMS 

Pavilion Crown 

Colour 

Table 

Culet 

Girdle 

The whiter the colour of the diamond, the greater its 

capacity to reflect and refract light, and create a greater 

brilliance. The highest quality diamonds are described as 

colourless and are extremely rare. This, of course, makes 

them very valuable. Jewellers grade a diamond’s colour on a 

scale beginning with D (colourless) and moving through to Z. 

Clarity 

The more pure the clarity, the more brilliant the diamond 

appears. Diamonds are graded according to their 

combinations of minute mineral traces and crystal 

dislocations called inclusions. Flawless diamonds are 

extremely rare and valuable because the fewer the 

inclusions, the less interference with the passage of light 

(hence its greater sparkle). 

CLARITY GRADING SCALE 

FL IF 

VVSI-2 VSI-2 SI 1-2 I1 I2-3 

THE EXPERT 

When looking at the cut of a diamond, says 

gemologist and diamond expert Tony Smallwood, 

it’s all about “how the diamond performs”. Once 

you’ve checked its specifications on the certificate, 

this comes down to visual observation. “Look 

at how ‘bright’ the diamond is - or, technically 

speaking, how much light is ‘returned’ to the 

viewer,” he explains. “Look also at how it ‘sparkles’ 

as it is moved, which is referred to as ‘scintillation’ 

- and how the flashes of ‘colour’ come out of a 

stone, too - which, technically speaking, is the 

diamond’s ‘dispersion’.” 

Carat Weight 

Carat is a term referring to the weight of a diamond and 

not its size in dimensions. The weight of a diamond alone is 

not all that is considered as a large stone is not particularly 

valuable if it lacks high-grade colour, brilliance or clarity. 

The size and shape of the “rough” diamond usually dictates 

the “shape” of the final diamond produced. 


“The greater 

the clarity, the 

more brilliant 

the diamond 

appears.” 

GIA 

COLOUR 

GRADING 

SCALE 

D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

colourless near colourless faint yellow very light yellow light yellow 

Who knew? 

The word diamond 

comes from the Repair 

Greek word ‘adámas’, Service 

meaning ‘unbreakable’. 

Jewellery 

Care 

Valuations 

Only one polished 

diamond out of a 

thousand weighs 

more than one carat. 

Diamonds have 

been treasured as 

gemstones since their 

use as religious icons 

in ancient India. 

Diamonds are often 

brought to the earth’s 

surface by deep 

volcanic eruptions. 


17



19

Diamonds 

1 

2 

3 

Because diamonds can easily scratch other jewellery, even other 

diamonds; the best single piece of advice is to keep your diamond 

jewellery in a fabric lined jewellery case with dividers. 

Prevent damage by taking diamond jewellery off when doing rough 

work like gardening. 

Diamonds should be cleaned regularly as even your natural skin oils can 

apply a film that cuts down their brilliance. Visit your local jeweller for 

advice on how best to do this. At the same time, have them check for 

wear and tear on the mounting. 

TENDER 

LOVING 

CARE 

Jewellery is precious and very 

often sentimental too, so it 

pays to look after it properly. 

Here’s how to keep yours 

looking its best. 

“Prevent chipping 

by taking 

diamond jewellery 

off when doing 

rough work like 

gardening.” 

Gemstones 

1 

2 

3 

Wipe your precious stone jewellery with a clean, 

soft damp cloth after wearing. When it’s not 

being worn, store in a soft cloth pouch. 

With some gemstones such as opal, avoid salt 

water and chemicals like chlorine bleach, 

detergents, hairspray and perfume. Wipe clean 

instantly if they come into contact. 

All gemstones are different, so ask your local 

jeweller how to clean yours. They can also check 

condition and can recommend if repolishing is 

necessary. 

Gold 

1 

2 

3 

Store gold jewellery carefully to prevent scratching – a compartmentalised 

jewellery box makes this easy. 

Take off your gold jewellery when bathing, showering or washing up: 

soap tends to cause a film that can make it appear dull and dingy. 

Regularly clean your gold jewellery as perfume, 

fluoride in water or even the acidity in your skin 

can cause discolouration. See your local jeweller 

for advice as softer gemstones in gold jewellery 

will need some extra careful attention. 

Your local jeweller can also professionally 

clean your jewellery. 

Cultured Pearls 

Wipe your cultured pearls clean after every wear, especially in summer 

when perspiration can affect their lustre. 

1 

2 

3 

4 

Store cultured pearls separately to prevent scratching – pop them 

into a chamois bag or other soft cloth. 

Avoid any bleach or detergents touching your cultured pearls; 

this can cause damage and change the colour and lustre. 

Professional cultured pearl cleaning is especially recommended, 

because extra care must be taken with the surface of the cultured 

pearls and with the silk thread used to string them. 

Check the strand for weak points to prevent the loss of any cultured 

pearls. Pearl stringing should be examined every year and cultured 

pearl strands should be checked by your local jeweller for advice. 

Silver 

Like most precious metals, in time silver 

will tarnish. 

1 

2 

3 

4 

Simply clean with a mild soap and 

water solution then pat dry with 

a soft cloth. If tarnish is stubborn, 

try a silver cleaner. Just use a 

polishing cloth or fine piece of felt 

to prevent scratches. 

Avoid wearing silver jewellery 

in chlorinated water and store 

somewhere sealed and dry. 

After the use of silver cleaning 

products, it’s important to rinse 

thoroughly, normally with hot water 

(being mindful of any stones set 

in it, of course). 

Most silver jewellery items may 

tarnish more often than other 

jewellery items made of other 

precious metals like gold and 

platinum. If this bothers you, 

ask your jeweller about Rhodium 

plating, which can be a reliable 

and low-cost solution. 



21

Sealing the 

DEAL 

Finding the perfect 

engagement ring is a 

journey of many steps. 

Allow us to lead the way... 

CRUNCH 

TIME 

Engagement ring tips 

you need to know. 

If you’re not sure where to start, the answer is diamond 

shape. Whether you’re shopping together or alone for 

your future fiancé, the shape of the diamond should be 

your first port of call as it sets the scene for the remaining 

ring-related decisions like cost, setting and side stones. 

Want to go as large as possible but the budget’s 

saying no? Buy just shy of the carat weight you want: 

0.8 carat, for example, can be nearly 20 percent less 

than one carat, but looks close in size. 

Another size-trick is to buy a stone with a larger table 

facet. Oval, pear-shaped, and marquise cuts all have an 

elongated shape and can create the illusion of a larger 

diamond. 

Guys: you should like the ring you buy, but remember 

it’s your future fiancé who will be wearing it forever. 

So pay very close attention to her personal style and her 

existing jewellery. If she is drawn to classic and simple 

designs, a solitaire is probably a good bet. If she is wild 

and eccentric, you’ll want something more unique. 

Still unsure? Ask her mother or her girlfriends. 

Always enquire about the store’s exchange policy, 

in case you (or she) goes cold on the chosen stone. 

And remember to insure the ring for its documented 

value as soon as it’s in your possession. 

Don’t forget that custom designed rings take more 

time to design and make. So if you’re arranging an 

elaborate, time-dependent proposal you’ll need to 

factor this in. 

DIFFERENT 

STROKES 

Like to march to the beat of your own drum? 

Read on. 

If traditional diamond engagement rings don’t fill your 

heart to bursting with excitement, worry not – you’re far 

from alone. In fact, there is an impressive alternate 

universe of options out there just waiting to grant your 

wish for something that will really stand out. 

TO START, THINK COLOUR: what’s your favourite hue, 

and what’s the core palette of your wardrobe? Then it’s 

time to think gemstones. There’s regal purple amethyst, 

the green gleam of an emerald, a simple pearl, refreshing 

citrine, or the delicate rosiness of morganite. And that’s 

just the tip of the iceberg. 

Coloured diamonds are another beautiful alternative, 

whether it’s pink, yellow, chocolate or champagne 

that tickles your fancy. (And who could forget Carrie 

Bradshaw’s black diamond in Sex in The City?) 

Whichever option you go for, your ring is guaranteed 

to stand out. Just ask fashion-forward A-listers like 

Zoe Saldana and Halle Berry, who both wear emerald 

engagement rings, and Kate Middleton, who was given 

the late Lady Diana’s royal blue sapphire. (If it’s good 

enough for them...) 

Finally, think about shape and design. Play with contours, 

accent stones and negative space. Ultimately the most 

important thing is that your ring feels special to you, 

whether it’s direct from the 

cabinet, custom made, 

or a remodeled family 

heirloom. 

“It was Jess’s 

birthday, and when I woke up 

that morning I decided I would propose 

to her that night. We were going out to dinner 

with her family and I wanted them to be a part of 

it. My brother helped me choose a ring – elegant and 

gorgeous, just like her – and before we went out, 

I pulled her father aside and asked him for his daughter’s 

hand in marriage. 

That night at dinner, as the cake was brought out and 

we were all singing happy birthday, I got down on 

one knee and proposed. The ring fitted perfectly 

(stroke of luck!) and she loved it. It made for 

a very special birthday.” 

KARL, 33 

PRECIOUS 

METALS 

Which precious metal should you choose for your 

ring? A quick guide to help you pick. 

WHITE GOLD / Placing white metals next to white diamonds 

looks fantastic because it creates a continuous, streamlined 

look that’s both classic and contemporary. An extremely 

popular option, white gold is plated with a hard element 

called rhodium, which resists scratches and tarnishing and 

leaves a lovely reflective appearance. But it can also wear 

away with time, so periodic re-plating is recommended. 

PLATINUM / Rare and expensive, this naturally white metal 

has a cool luster and is resistant to damage, ideal for active 

lifestyles. It’s also hypoallergenic, which is a nice bonus for 

those with sensitive skin. 

YELLOW GOLD / Yellow gold is a true representation of 

golds natural colour and although yellow gold may have 

recently fallen behind in the popularity stakes it is making 

a come back. It is truly a classic precious metal, its warm 

patina comes from its natural qualities and appearance. 

18ct offers great durability. 

ROSE GOLD / Rose gold is an alloy that is increasingly 

on-trend, thanks to its elegant, romantic look. The gorgeous 

pink hue is created by adding a little more copper in the 

yellow gold alloy. 

CAN’T DECIDE? 

Combine two or three – a mix of different metals will 

give your ring a modern feel that’s right on-trend. 



23

CELEBRITY 

SPARKLE 

If you’re 

after some 

blingspiration, 

look no further than 

the rich and famous. 

Celebrities have it all: legions of staff 

to make them look flawless (even when 

they’re nipping out to buy milk), the 

most incredible designer wardrobes 

money can buy, and the sort of 

engagement rings that make your 

mouth water. Below, six celebs with 

seriously impressive engagement 

candy. 

Lady Gaga The quirky ‘Poker Face’ 

singer sports an impressive heartshaped 

diamond engagement ring, 

designed by jeweller to the stars 

Lorraine Schwartz. 

Kim Kardashian Schwartz also 

designed Kim Kardashian’s 15-carat 

(yup, you read that right) emerald-cut 

diamond solitaire for Kim’s husband, 

Kanye West. 

FASHION FIRST 

A peek at this year’s hottest 

engagement ring trends. 

ART DECO 

There’s a reason designers refer to flappers for their 

collections; the roaring 20’s was a time of style, luxury 

and serious attention to detail. In turn, art deco-style rings 

make a bold and beautiful statement. 

HALO SETTINGS AND 

DOUBLE HALO SETTINGS 

The halo setting isn’t new, but two-tier halo settings are 

breaking new ground in the sparkle stakes. Not for the 

faint of heart. 

SPLIT SHANK 

A single band of diamonds is 

gorgeous, but a pavé band 

that splits into two is twice 

as impressive, while still 

remaining delicate. 

TWISTED BANDS 

An elegant trend that adds interest to a simple solitaire, 

twists in the metal band are cropping up all over the place. 

OUR FAVOURITES 

FOR UNDER 

$3,000 


FOR UNDER 

$5,000 

Jessica Biel Justin Timberlake 

presented the actress with an ornate, 

vintage-style engagement ring with a 

large cushion-cut diamond centre. 

“He has a real eye for design,” said 

Biel afterwards. 

Nicole Ritchie The successful 

fashion designer and mum wears a 

cushion cut pink sapphire center stone 

surrounded by pavé set diamonds. 

Mila Kunis Ashton wasted no time 

in popping a 5-carat emerald-cut 

solitaire diamond on this beauty’s 

ring finger. 

Scarlett Johansson French journalist 

Romain Duriac bought the actress a 

vintage Art Deco ring featuring three 

round-cut diamonds and rows of 

sparkly pavé set diamonds. 

ROSE GOLD 

This precious metal is 

making a massive comeback, 

partly thanks to its heritage 

(mid-Victorians loved it) but 

also because it looks amazing 

on all skin tones. 

She said 

yes! 

“My fiancé took me by 

complete surprise by proposing 

at Christmas. My ring was the last 

present in the bottom of my stocking - 

he somehow managed to keep it a surprise, 

and did the ring shopping by himself. He did 

say that I could change it if I wanted, but I 

wanted the one he had selected, because even 

though I might not have chosen it myself, 

he did, and that made it even more 

special in my eyes.” 

MIA, 26 


FOR UNDER 

$7,500 



25

full 

CIRCLE 

You found The One, and you’re marrying 

him. So now it’s time to find the perfect 

wedding ring. Here’s our handy guide to 

getting it right. 

What you need to know 

Check how the ring sits with your engagement ring How do the two rings 

look side-by-side? If your engagement ring has a very big central stone, 

there might be a gap in between the two rings, which bothers some people. 

In this case, consider how a curved wedding ring may be deigned to curve 

around the engagement ring or consider how a fitted wedding ring may be 

designed to interlock with the engagement ring. You might also want to 

think ahead, and leave room for an anniversary eternity ring (hey, wishful 

thinking never hurt anyone). 

But don’t over-think it Sure, it’s nice to have your wedding ring complement 

your engagement ring, but don’t stress if they’re not twins. They’re two 

separate rings for two separate reasons, and seeing that distinction isn’t 

necessarily a bad thing. In fact, some people prefer it. 

Be yourself Don’t feel obliged to pick a plain wedding ring just because it’s 

tradition. Look at unique accents and interesting details in case they appeal 

even more. Remember: your wedding ring should match your personality, 

no one else’s. 

Throw in some diamonds Once you’ve chosen the wedding ring, consider 

popping a few diamonds (or other precious gemstones) into the ring. 

Diamond-set wedding rings are a popular choice, largely because they 

provide a beautiful sparkly backdrop for engagement rings. Of course, 

diamonds aren’t just for the girls. Consider a single diamond or coloured 

stone in the groom’s ring, too. 

Princess pink; StarTrek themed; on horseback; under a 

teepee in the garden... no matter how different each 

and every wedding, one simple piece of jewellery connects 

them all: the wedding ring. The age-old tradition symbolises 

commitment like no other object on earth, transcending 

cultures, languages and religions across the globe. 

Like any tradition, though, it’s evolving: wedding rings 

have historically been plain gold, but in recent times more 

detailed and ornate styles have caught on. Gemstones, 

engravings, unique patterns - there’s now a world of 

choice, and a tempting one at that. 

So how to choose? Should you keep it simple or opt for 

something fancier? As something you’ll wear for the rest of 

your life, one thing’s for sure - it pays to spend some time choosing 

a wedding ring that’s perfect for you. 

I always thought 

I’d go for a pretty traditional 

wedding ring, but when we went 

shopping for them I came across one I 

loved instantly. It was white gold, quite 

thick, and had a small square emerald in 

the middle. My now-husband loved it too, 

so we chose one similar for him - he wasn’t 

so keen on the emerald, though. He said 

he’d feel like a mafia boss. So instead 

I had a tiny little one put on the 

inside of his ring, where only 

he would know it was there. 

Karen, 28 

“My fiancé and I knew we 

wanted quite plain wedding rings. 

My engagement ring was a simple solitaire 

so the goal was something equally as simple 

and understated. We didn’t mind if they 

didn’t match each other, and we both found 

rings we loved quickly with the help of our 

jeweller – mine a plain 18ct yellow gold ring 

and his a 18ct white and yellow gold ring. 

What made them even more special 

was the engraving - ‘You have my heart.’” 

Emily, 33 



27

South Gippsland Jewellers 

Congratulations 

Material girl 

A key factor when choosing a 

wedding ring is the metal it’s 

made out of. For the bride, it is 

normally determined by what 

metal her engagement ring is. 

GOLD 

Prized since prehistoric times, gold 

is a reliable choice as it doesn’t rust, 

tarnish or corrode. It also mixes well 

with other metals. Wedding rings 

come in 9ct, 10ct, 14ct, 18ct and 22ct 

gold, which can be yellow, white or 

rose-coloured, depending on your 

personal tastes. Pure gold, which is 

24 carat, is often considered to be 

too soft for jewellery and requires 

much more care. 

An ideal choice for wedding rings is 

18ct, which is 75 percent pure gold 

and has a richer hue 

than 9ct (which is 37.5 

percent pure gold). 

One thing to keep 

in mind is that to 

keep your white gold 

wedding ring looking 

beautiful, you’ll need 

to have it periodically 

plated with rhodium. 

WHAT IS RHODIUM 

PLATING? 

Rhodium, part of the 

platinum precious 

metal group, is used 

to plate white gold 

because it is 

dazzlingly white and 

mirror-like, whereas 

white gold can be 

slightly grey in tone. 

Rhodium is shiny 

and cool, almost like 

chrome, but even whiter. It also acts 

as a protective coating for your ring, 

enhancing its life span. 

PLATINUM & PALLADIUM 

Two popular choices for wedding 

rings are platinum and palladium, 

which don’t require rhodium plating. 

Their natural brilliance makes them 

the perfect choice for jewellery that 

lasts pretty much forever. Recently, 

palladium has become a popular 

alternative to platinum because of 

its similar colour yet more 

budget-friendly price tag. 

TITANIUM 

Titanium rings have some unique 

properties; they’re hypoallergenic, 

lightweight, corrosion-resistant and 

strong enough to keep their shape, 

even when knocked about. For this 

reason they’re a great choice for 

those with active lifestyles who 

don’t want to worry about wear 

and tear. 

On your 40 years in Business 

EXPERT ADVICE 

When researching the perfect Wedding Rings, there are a few things to consider so you make a choice that you 

will be happy with for the rest of your life. Think about your lifestyle, your fashion sense, your job, your skin 

type and things you do everyday. 

For Her 

Try to find a Wedding Ring that will match the style of 

your engagement ring. Choosing the same profile and 

the same width as your engagement ring will mean the 

design will sit comfortably on your finger and feel 

similar to your engagement ring, encouraging you to 

wear them together. If you have a diamond in your 

engagement ring and want diamonds in your wedding 

ring, you may want to pick the same setting type and 

diamond shape so the two rings complement each 

other and look like a set. Often the Wedding Ring is 

worn without the engagement ring after the wedding 

so considering your job and day to day activities may 

help in your final decision. 

Rings courtesy of Peter W Beck 

For Him 

Choosing the right Wedding Ring for you also needs to 

be well thought out, especially if you, the groom hasn’t 

worn jewellery, and in particular rings, before. Consider 

your day to day activities like sport, your job and hobbies 

and choose a ring suitable to wear during these tasks. 

Also confirm that neither you nor your partner are 

allergic to any kinds of metals, and if so, choose a safe 

precious metal such as Platinum or Palladium which 

have a high purity of fine metal and are therefore 

hypoallergenic. 

Exquisitely crafted and highly polished, Peter W Beck manufactures a range 

of Wedding Rings for Brides and Grooms all over Australia. Each design 

available to be customised, you can choose from a variety of metals, widths 

and even the option of Ezi Fit or Luxury Fit for comfort. 

Ask in store at South Gippsland Jewellers for more information when choosing 

your Peter W Beck Wedding Ring. 

www.pwbeck.com.au 



29

FROM 

YOU to 

you 

UNDER 

$3,000 

UNDER 

$1,500 

You work hard and you play hard – so isn’t it time you bought 

yourself something nice? We look at the rise of the right hand ring. 

Sarah, 27, was in a good place. Her job in publishing 

meant a bit too much overtime for her liking, but her 

career path felt on-track. She had an active social life. She 

hadn’t met The One yet, but there was no massive hurry, and 

anyway, she was pretty okay with doing exactly what she 

wanted, when she wanted. Rules had never sat well with her. 

prime example is the adage “Your left hand says ‘we’, 

A your right hand says ‘me’” – which speaks to the thinking 

behind right hand rings. “Right hand rings are about women 

buying diamonds for themselves, rather than waiting for Mr 

Right to come galloping along,” says Laura, 34, who works 

in a jewellery store. 

UNDER 

$6,500 

So one day, as Sarah passed by her local jewellery store on 

the way to catch up with a friend, it struck her that now was 

the time to mark this point in her life with something nice. 

“I’d always been obsessed with diamond rings,” says 

Sarah, “I used to try my mum’s engagement ring on all the 

time. But it hadn’t really occurred to me until then that I 

didn’t need to wait for a guy to buy me one. I could just 

go and get one for myself. Like a kind of ‘nice work’ gift for 

what I’ve achieved so far, and not compromising on what I 

want out of life.” 

She walked out of the jewellery store that morning with a 

spring in her step and a right hand dress ring. It was white 

gold, with wavy lines paved with tiny diamonds. “I wear 

it with everything and I still get a buzz out of the sparkle,” 

Sarah says, “but mainly it’s special to me because it’s 

about self-care and respect. There’s something 

empowering about that.” 

For the first time in history, women are out-educating men. 

They’re also forging ahead with brilliant careers, in numbers 

unseen by any generation before. So it’s unsurprising that 

women’s consumer behaviour is shifting, too. This spirit of 

independence is translating into trends that symbolise inner 

and outer freedom – a sense of ‘nice work’, as Sarah puts it. 

Laura is married, but “I earn my own money, so why would 

I need my husband to buy my diamonds? Five years ago I 

might have pestered him before my birthday and given out 

ridiculous hints. Now I just do it for me. From me.” 

Laura bought herself a band studded with amethysts and 

diamonds last year, which she proudly wears on her (you 

guessed it) right hand. 

“My friends and I just happen to really love jewellery,” 

she shrugs. “Some of us are married, some not. They don’t 

all buy diamond rings - diamond studs are popular, and 

diamond pendants sell pretty well too.” 

When’s the right time to buy a right hand ring (or studs, or 

necklace)? There isn’t one - it’s for anyone at any time. That 

said, common purchase times are milestone birthdays and 

other special occasions like graduation or a raise at work. 

Basically, any event or occurrence that’s about you and you 

alone. It’s about being proud of who you are, and the value 

of living your own, authentic life. 

And that applies irrespective of whether there’s a Mr Right 

on the scene. As Beyoncé put it back in her Destiny’s Child 

days: “I buy my own diamonds and I buy my own rings.” 

UNDER 

$11,000 

Mainly it’s special to me because it’s about self-care and 

respect. There’s something empowering about that. 



31

White gold ring, pendant and 

earrings set. 

Also available in yellow and rose gold. 

ADD COLOUR 

THIS SEASON 

GORGEOUS 

NEW DIAMOND 

COLLECTION. 

WHAT’S 

HOT 

MAKE A 

STATEMENT 

Men’s rings available in gold 

or silver and coloured stone 

options. 

Australian owned with Authentic Coins 

Subtle understatement or exotic simplicity. 

You choose. 

Available in earrings, pendants, rings, 

necklaces, bracelets & bangles 

32 SHINE | ISSUE 1

SHINE | ISSUE 1 34

South Gippsland Jewellers Shine Magazine 2015

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