Topaz

Topaz is quite common in naturally occurring light brown to colourless shades. However a natural, untreated blue topaz is extremely rare to find in nature but when it is it is a beautiful pale blue. A majority of these gems today owe their colour to irradiation and annealing (heating) processes. Commonly most of the bright blue topaz’ you see in retail stores are heavily treated this way. When a topaz occurs in shades of yellow it is referred to, depending on its intensity of colour, a golden or yellow topaz. When this specific type of topaz starts to display undertones of peachy or reddish-orange it is regarded as even more precious and is quite valuable and very rare.

Unfortunately in some areas of Asia, an inexpensive citrine can be called a ‘quartz topaz’ or even simply labelled ‘topaz’ because of the similarities in colour, so be careful when you are buying loose stones from markets around the world. Here at Gold River we source all of our stones from reputable suppliers, and we can source them as best we can to the colour and cut that you are looking for.

‘In mysticism, the topaz is attributed with a cooling and appetising effect. It is said to dispel sadness, anger and nocturnal fears, to warn its wearer of poisons and protect him or her from sudden death. It is reputed to make men handsome and intelligent and sterile women fertile and happy.’ (international coloured gemstone association)

However, in my opinion I would not rely to wholly on the mystical powers of a Topaz, as it is also said that after a topaz has been thrown into boiling water you could place your hand in and retrieve it without being harmed!

Such a beautiful stone, which such a rich history, how could you resist putting one of these on a ring, pendant or even in a pair of earrings! Check out some of our creations using the spectacular Topaz and come visit us in store for more information, and maybe we could source one just for you!

 

White Gold, Topaz and Diamond dress ring with a round top. Gold River Jewellers, Brisbane.

 

White Gold, Yellow Topaz and Diamond engagement ring, Gold River Jewellers, Brisbane.

 

 

 

 

Garnets

There are, not unlike most gems, different varieties of the garnet. Almandine and pyrope garnets are often confused with one another because they have so many similarities. Essentially they are the same, however there are certain gemmological means of differentiating the two. The main difference is the colour of each as they both have different amounts of colouring molecules. These specific types are rated between a 7 and a 7.5 on Mohs’ Hardness scale so they are a fairly sturdy stone. Another type is a Rhodolite Garnet which was named after a magenta coloured flower that was growing where the first Rhodolite was found in 1882 in North Carolina up on the Mountains. The colour of a rhodolite can vary from pale rose-red through to a deep purple, both with undertones of purple and intense red consecutively. The rhodolite Garnet can be rated between 6.5 and 7.5 on the hardness scale, so its occasionally found to be slightly less durable than the almandine, but not significantly. Currently synthetics are not being commercially produced and there are no recognised treatments, like with all other garnets.

Make sure you pay us a visit in store down on James Street in Fortitude Valley and try on some Jewellery. You never know, you might even fall in love with one of our beautiful Garnets!

Gold River Jewellers, Two Tone, White and Yellow gold dress ring with a diamond crossover shank and a rectangle cushion cut Rhodolite Garnet in the centre.

Gold River Jewellers, Mandarin Garnet, Two Tone, White and Yellow gold Diamond dress ring.

Argyle Diamonds

Natural Pink Diamonds are commercially rare, highly valued, and are most popular among connoisseurs. Pink diamonds are so rare that the entire years’ worth of production from the Argyle Mine in Australia can be held in the palm of two hands. These stones symbolize fun, beauty, love, glamour, and romance and are known to inspire creative expression, making th

em the foremost choice of Hollywood stars like: Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Vivica Fox, Salma Hayek, and Barbara Streisand.

At Gold River Jewellers we have two stunning bridal sets that feature these beautiful argyle diamonds, both of which are for sale in our boutique located on James Street in fortitude Valley.

Don’t miss out on owning a spectacular pink diamond before they sell out!

 

18ct white and rose gold engagement ring with pink argyle diamonds accompanied by 10 white diamonds in the shank with a matching 18ct white gold diamond wedding band $4,499 (for the set)
Gold River Jewellers

What is Milgrain?

What is Milgrain?

Milgrain is a French word meaning a thousand grains; Milgrain is a popular decoration that’s in the form of tiny bead shapes, which are raised using a knurling tool. Adding a Milgrain edge to your ring will give your band an antique and elegant look, which is becoming more and more popular in today’s hand makes.

Four Claw Emerald Cut Engagement Ring, alongside a Milgrain Diamond Wedding Band, Gold River Jewellers, Brisbane.

 

Six Claw Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring alongside Baguette cut Diamond Wedding Band, without a Milgrain edge. Gold River Jewellers, Brisbane.

 

The Great Gatsby

It seems all the hype surrounding popular culture lately has been about the new film ‘The Great Gatsby’ which is soon to be released in cinemas. I know that when i go to see it i will be looking specifically at all of the amazing 1920’s jewellery that has been recreated. All art-deco inspired, from diamond and cultured pearl savoy tiaras, diamond chandelier style earrings to onyx and silver cuff links, there will be something to tickle everybodies fancy! So, in honor of the upcoming feature film, here is a roaring 1920’s inspired, art deco, two tone, Ruby and Diamond Dress Ring from Gold River Jewellers, located in James Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Queensland. If you see the movie and love the jewellery so much that you are inspired to design your own piece or even have someone else design it with you, come down and see us and we will bring your ideas to life!

Sapphires

Sapphires

Sapphires have become increasingly popular in engagement rings so I thought today was as good a day as any to delve into and learn a bit more about rubies blue sister. Both rubies and sapphires contain the mineral corundum, a crystalline form of aluminium oxide and are the second hardest gemstone after the diamond. Red corundum is known as ruby, while all other colours are referred to as sapphire. Blue is the most famous of sapphire colours, they can have quite a strong blue colour but can also appear very dark to the point of seeming dense and blackish from a distance. However, the sapphire is not only found in blue, but also yellow, purple, orange and green.

Because the Sapphire is a nine on the hardness scale and the second hardest gemstone after the diamond; this means that a ring made from Sapphire can be worn quite often, and is more likely to last a lifetime if you treat it right! Because of their durability they can be not only be used for decorative purposes but also industrial and non-ornamental means. For example, most good quality watches use sapphire for movement bearings and also on the face because it is mostly scratch resistant. Also, interestingly it can be used in high-durability windows and in the infrared optical components in scientific instruments.

 

Zodiac, Myth & Legend   just for something a little different

“Sapphire is the birthstone for those who are born in September. As for the Zodiac, it is regarded as the stone for the Taurus. If a Taurus wears a sapphire, it will protect one from and cure one’s mental disorders.

Through history, sapphire symbolizes truth, sincerity, and faithfulness in relationships, and to bring peace, joy and wisdom to the wearer and owner. In the past, the sapphire was also believed to be a talisman that would protect you against evil spirits and other unsavoury creatures of the night. The ancients regarded star sapphires as a powerful talisman protecting travellers and seekers. They were so powerful; they would continue protecting the wearer even after being passed on to another person.” (GemSelect.com, 2005-2013, 21/04)

 

 

Here are some examples of the beautiful work our Jewellers do with Sapphires here at Gold River Jewellers..

18ct White Gold Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Dress Ring, Gold River Jewellers, Brisbane, QLD.

 

White Gold and Diamond Parti Sapphire Engagement or Dress Ring, Gold River Jewellers, Brisbane, QLD.

 

Yellow Gold, colour banded Sapphire Engagement Ring, Gold River Jewellers, Brisbane, QLD.

 

 

 

 

 

Mothers Day @ Gold River Jewellers

MOTHERS DAY LUCKY DIP!

 

Head in store leading up to Mothers Day and when you spend over $50 you get a lucky dip prize. We have free rhodium plating, free clean and polishes, GRJ candles, polishing cloths and a $250 gift voucher up for grabs! Everyone is a winner so make sure you come to us for that special something this mothers day.

 

Up Late on James Street with Marie Claire

Gold River Jewellers will be staying up late this Thursday night the 18th April. We will be open until 9pm to coincide with the James Street, Up Late with Marie Claire. We are also featured in the Marie Claire giftbags and will be giving away a $250 Voucher to one lucky customer on the night! Make sure you step into the store and have a peek at our beautiful range of Jewellery for your chance to win this fantastic prize!! We look forward to seeing you this Thursday night down on James Street!

 

Step in store on Thursday night, 18 April for your chance to win!

The Ruben Project/Dinner for Ruben

UBUNTU – Through Health

www.ubuntuthroughhealth.org

Check out the lovely thanks we got on our testimonials page!

THE RUBEN PROJECT/DINNER FOR RUBEN

The Ruben Centre is a not-for-profit charity organisation situated in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. These particular slums, the Mukuru or ‘Garbage Site’ are home to over 600,000 people who live in corrugated shacks generally 10 by 10 feet in size. Many of the residents who cannot find casual work in nearby manufacturing industries are unemployed.

The Ruben Centre aims to increase the quality of life for those who reside in these slums.

“In 2012 members of Ubuntu Through Health visited the region and helped establish the Malnutrition Intervention Program (MIP). The MIP aims to treat malnourished children aged between 6 months and 6 years with a fortified, nutrient rich meal of corn soya blend.

In November 2012, Ubuntu Through Health hosted the Dinner For Ruben event at Royal on the Park in Brisbane. This event raised $53,775 to ensure funding for the MIP and OT incentive program for four years.” (www.ubuntuthroughhealth.org)

Gold River Jewellers are proud to say they contributed to this cause by donating a Handmade 18ct white and rose gold dress ring with a 4.14 carat natural Pink Spinel with eighteen 3pt and twenty two 1pt Round Brilliant diamonds. The Total weight of the 40 diamonds is 76 carats and the ring was valued at $9,880.00.

Handmade 18ct white and Rose gold dress ring with a 4.14ct natural Pink Spinel with round brilliant diamonds – eighteen 3pt diamonds and twenty two 1pt diamonds. Donated to Charity for The Ruben Project by Gold River Jewellers.

Enjoying our donated, handmade 18ct white and rose gold Pink Spinel Dress Ring.

Gold River Jewellers involvement in the Dinner for Ruben Night

GRJ ON TUMBLR

Gold River Jewellers are officially on Tumblr, so check out our page and see what we are thinking on a day-to-day basis!

http://goldriverjewellers.tumblr.com/

A hand sketched design from one of our onsite jewellers