I am often asked if I sell gold-plated jewellery – being a cheaper alternative to my solid gold work. Although gold-plated jewellery is exceedingly less costly than solid gold work ( especially in the weights I use) I explain below why it is such an inferior form of jewellery and should be avoided.

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What Is Gold-Plated Jewellery?

Gold-plated jewellery refers to jewellery that has a thin layer of gold applied to the surface of another metal. These metals can be silver, brass, or copper. This is the least expensive of the gold options. Gold plating is a method of covering up another type of metal with a very thin layer of gold via electroplating. This method results in only about 0.5-1 microns of gold on plated jewellery, meaning that these pieces don’t offer much in terms of longevity. Additionally, it is not always good for those who are allergic to different types of metals, as the gold rubs off. There are a few different ” varieties” of gold-plated jewellery, as discussed below.

Gold-Filled
Gold-filled has a heavier plating than standard gold-plated jewellery, making it slightly more durable. Created differently, with two to three layers of gold being bonded to a base metal (such as jeweller’s brass). This may last you somewhat longer than a standard gold-plated piece, but still, it will show wear and tear within months. Don’t be fooled into thinking “gold-filled” means solid gold!

Gold Vermeil
Gold Vermeil sounds fancy because it is essentially a fancier version of gold-filled. It differs in that the base metal must be sterling silver, and that the gold used is often 10 carat or above. The gold layer is typically a gold leaf or powder and must be at least 2.5 microns thick. But it also wears off over time.

Does gold-plated jewellery have any value?

Quick answer NO.

In summary, just don’t do it

Unfortunately, all these variations of gold plating have often been known to turn human skin green, or worse still cause allergies. They also frequently end up in the trash, being cheaply made and mass-produced. Gold plating has all the hallmarks of fast fashion, get the look, forget about longevity. The gold plating process involves the chemical ‘Potassium gold cyanide’. Cyanide is toxic to humans! There are cases of deaths in third-world countries, that do not have safe work practices.

Cyanide waste is also incredibly expensive to manage, and I shudder at how much of it possibly ends up unmarked in landfills.

My advice at the end of the day would be to save your pennies until you can commit to the real thing!

The majority of the pieces you see on this site will have been customer commissions. I pride myself on my “Bespoke” work and client commissions, having created many handmade jewellery pieces for discerning clients Worldwide.

The process should be exciting, fun and downright easy, it rarely costs you more than something off the shelf as I specialise in custom-made-to-order works.

However, due to the massive amount of enquiries I receive, I tend to be VERY DIRECT so please do not take offence at all if I ask straight-out questions, so we are both on exactly the same page before any work commences.

Occasionally my directness gets misinterpreted as ‘rudeness” – so if you are the type of person who is hyper-sensitive, then I am definitely not the jeweller for you.

So here are a few simple ways that you as the customer can make my life ( and yours too!) a little bit easier 🙂

1: HAVE SOME IDEA/S– of what you like and what you don’t like.

It’s pointless emailing me saying “I really want you to design and make me a ring”

Try to reference styles of mine you like, colours you like, widths you like, surfaces-shiny, brushed, organic, rose gold, yellow gold, white gold.

Be a little flexible with the design, I will be creating a ONE-OFF for you, hence it will not be EXACTLY the same as the one you saw on my Facebook, Instagram or this website.

Custom work is ALL about communication!

2: Be REALISTIC regarding the design – I will not create anything that is not within my design style/aesthetic – e.g. a boring 3-claw ring or something you would see at Michael Hill, or in a commercial jewellery store.

I will not reproduce copies or styles of jewellery that are not mine, you can send pictures of styles you like, but please do not expect a direct copy of them.

Chances are if you do that, I will not respond.

3: BUDGET – I need to know how much you want to spend, again be realistic. Whilst I can often “tweak” things to reduce costs do not expect me to perform miracles.

4: Tell me a bit ABOUT YOU – or the person it is being created for.

Are they sporty, funky, romantic, ethical, or boho – do they like green, blue, or violet?

That kind of thing really helps me out.

5: FINGER SIZE

If it’s a ring this helps so much, it’s difficult to quote for a gold ring as a small finger size versus a larger finger will take considerably more gold, and hence cost much more.

Not sure how to establish the finger size?

I go into full details about this in another blog – but here’s the edited quick version

Visit a local jewellery store.

This is by far the most accurate and the most straightforward way to find out your or your partner’s ring size. If you have not the slightest clue about the size, visit a local jeweller or jewellery store. Even if you don’t buy from them, many jewellers will measure your finger for free. Please consider this option as your premier choice if you are looking for an engagement ring online. When you provide the most accurate measurements, you will be 100% sure that the ring will fit perfectly.

6: ESTABLISH/CONFIRM THE DESIGN 

Once we establish some basic ideas I will run up some quick sketches and a plan – and yes, they will be quick and very simple, I do not charge “custom fees” as many jewellers do, so please do not expect detailed rendered drawings.

Once we are both comfortable with the design a deposit is taken *(deposits depend on the final cost of the work but on gold rings average $500.00 -$1000). These are NON-REFUNDABLE once work has commenced.

All custom work is non-returnable or refundable.

My turnaround can vary from 3-8 weeks – if you need something urgently just ask.

Shipping is available WORLDWIDE, I will discuss all options with you.

Rest assured, with over 27 years in the business of custom-made jewellery, I know what I am doing!

Have you seen those magical, iridescent moonstone rings all over social media?

Or maybe you’re being targeted with those cute teeny tiny fine diamond bands , or the “raw” stone look -which is so “Hot right now!”

Let’s face it social media taps into your history whether you like it or not ,  so if you’re browsing engagement rings (or advertisers believe you’re in that demograph ) you’re probably being bombarded with lots of different ring ads .

For the first time in history brides are finding their rings through instagram and facebook instead of the big commercial jewellery companies . People are moving away from the old diamond 3 stone or solitaire and towards more unique rings , that express their own individuality , which for me as an independent jeweller is bloody awesome.

However there’s a lot more to consider than a ring that looks super pretty on a mobile device.

Unfortunately a lot of the more unique style rings found especially on Instagram are not all that suitable for engagement or wedding rings , because they are just not constructed good enough to be worn everyday .

Plus often they showcase gems that I personally would never recommend using in a ring designed for everyday wear.

Whilst there is no such thing as a good or bad gem , it’s good for you the customer to have some insider knowledge , before you make that expensive purchase.

Remember a chipped stone is not fixable – it’s forever .

Ring buying remotely, when you are unable to visit me in person can be slightly challenging.

One of the most frequently asked questions I am asked constantly is “How do I find out my finger size?”.

Below I address this and give you a few tips and pointers on not only how to get this done accurately for yourself, but also for others you may wish to buy for.

If You’re Buying a Ring for Yourself

If it’s for you, then it is a very simple task. Just head into your local jewellery store and get your size measured. It is a free service, so don’t be afraid to ask.

If you are unable to get to a jewellery store, I can courier little sizers (that you can keep) within New Zealand for $15.00

Tips for Getting Your Finger Size Correct

– Time of day and what you are doing at that time can affect your exact ring size. Getting your finger measured towards the end of the day when you’re more relaxed will provide a more accurate measurement.

–  Your knuckle plays a significant role in understanding your ring size. Knuckles are larger than your actual finger, so don’t ignore them when measuring your ring size. The rule here is to select a size in between the measurements of your finger and the knuckle.

– Please do not use string or tape to measure your finger. It is a very unreliable method.

– Double-check if you’re unsure by visiting another jewellery store to make sure you got the sizing right, second opinions can help!

– If you’re a size in between, I suggest leaning towards a tighter rather than a looser fit. It can often be easier to resize a slightly smaller fit, by just gently stretching the ring *(Although this method only works for on some styles, not all). Resizing a ring smaller is a more complicated process and involves cutting the band, taking a piece out, resoldering it back together and then re-polishing. I more often than not use a manufacturing jewellery company in Christchurch for my resizing as repair work isn’t within my skill set.

– Use correct jewellery sizers, metal sizing rings. Keep in mind that if the ring you’re ordering is over 5mm in width, you must get your finger sized with a wide sizer.

If You’re Buying a Ring for Your Loved One

If you’re buying for someone else and don’t want to spoil then surprise then read on.

Whether it’s an engagement or wedding ring or a gift, trying to buy “on the fly” is not easy!

Try the below tips and if all fails, then just come clean and ask for their finger size, leaving it at that… the suspense will kill them!

If you are still adamant a surprise is in order but cannot get their ring size no matter what you try, I do have another option. If I have something suitable in stock, I will be more than happy to send it your way (after payment in full has been received). If the ring does not fit, or the person does not like it, we can either exchange it or remake it to the purchase amount (or go with something else). Please note though; I do not offer this service on custom work.

Tips of Getting Their Finger Size Right

– If you’re a bloke and trying to figure this out, your best bet would be to recruit one of her friends to help you with this task. Ask your “wing-woman” to find a way to measure your girlfriend’s finger size and find out what style she likes while she’s at it. Potentially they could “accidentally on purpose” pop into a local jewellery store one day and get each other’s sizes measured.

– Don’t measure by drawing around an old ring (and sending the diameter to me) or using an online guide. An online guide should only be used as that – a guide. Unfortunately, they are not particularly accurate.

– If the person already has a ring the right size and you can sneak it into a jewellery store, it can be sized on a measuring stick to check its size. Wide band size is whatever letter or number sits in the middle of the band. For example, inside of the fused band in the pic sits on O 1/2, but on a narrow ring, it’s the outside edge you are after.

If a Ring Needs Resizing

Even after all this effort, sometimes things don’t go exactly to plan, and we need to resize, even after 20 years in the business I ( I would be lying if I said I did not ) get the size occasionally wrong.

If this is the case, contact me as soon as you can.  Do not panic, on a scale of life-threatening issues, a ring that does not quite fit is rather low on the totem pole!

If the problem is due to an error on my part, all costs involved are covered by me. If the error is on your part – then I will only charge the minimum that it costs to correct the problem.

**As a rule of thumb, we can resize up to 3 sizes up and down. Any more can sometimes put stress on the stones. Think about it a bit like dress sizes – you can only alter minor, not major.

In major cases, it is often a remake.

Ring resizing starts at around $45, but if we need to laser weld, then it can be anywhere around $80 to $90, although gold can often cost more.

If it’s a gold ring, keep in mind that some resizing may require more gold added, which means greater cost. Each job is different.

Choosing a metal for your wedding ring is a personal choice. However, if you aren’t sure about which way to go with this, I’ve put together several things to consider and help you with such an important purchase.

Skin colour. Your skin colour can often indicate which metal compliments you, stands out and looks great on you.  Shiny or brushed rings can also play a significant part in what suits your colouring. Whether you meet with me in person or order online, I always try to establish what metal colour will suit your skin tone best.

As a generalisation, olive skin suits yellow gold and fair skin rose gold, and shiny white gold or silver seems to work with most skin types. Brushed white gold or brushed silver is best on olive or tanned skin. However once again this is only MY observation.

Value. Everyone has an estimated budget. So your metal choice may depend on your budget as well as what value this ring will hold for you. For example, most of the cost of creating a silver band is in its construction, whereas a gold wedding ring holds a lot of value in the metal itself.

Skin sensitivity. Some people are sensitive to certain metals. Usually, it’s due to either nickel or copper in metals. If you have skin sensitivity, I always suggest choosing white gold, which is the safest option – as it does not contain copper or nickel.

If you would rather prefer yellow, rose or red gold, I suggest choosing higher carat metal, which has less chance for a skin reaction. Sterling silver, yellow, rose and red gold all contain some copper but no nickel.
The amount of copper in yellow however gold is very, very slight.

Durability. There are lots of different opinions about this, but I am going to share mine. It’s important to know that your ring is reasonably durable for life, no matter what metal it’s made out of. When people talk about durability, they usually mean “How something wears over time ” and shows surface dings and scratches.

Jewellery is an expensive investment, no metal is indestructible so at the end of the day the better you look after your ring, the longer it will last and look new.

See comparison photos of two of the same style rings. One is made out of sterling silver, and the other one is made out of 9ct white gold. Both have a brushed finish. For this durability experiment, I asked my husband to wear both rings for two weeks without taking them off. It looked funny as he wore one on each hand, but the results were interesting. As you can see from the photo, the sterling silver ring shows far more wear than the white gold ring.

SILVER VS GOLD

Sterling silver consists of the Helvetica of metals 925 parts silver and 75 parts of copper.

Benefits:

Silver is great if you’re on a budget as it costs less than gold, especially in  the large heavy amounts I use.

Disadvantages:

You should stay away from silver if you heavily use your hands for work. Silver can easily scratch, dent and ding. If you’re into a more rustic look though, then it’s perfect. . Be aware that natural hot pools, swimming pools and sulphur can discolour silver. If you are also prone to allergies, don’t choose silver for your ring. Sterling silver doesn’t have nickel in it; however, sometimes it’s the copper that can cause an allergic reaction.

My husband is a prime example of someone who can’t wear silver. First, the ring goes black, followed by a horrid skin rash. So for him, it’s gold all the way!

Gold is almost always alloyed with other metals before being used in jewellery. In its pure form, it is too soft for everyday wear. Gold is measured in carats which show the level of purity. 24 carat is pure gold. 9 carat is 9 parts gold and 15 parts other metals (or around 1/3rd of gold). 14 carat is 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals (or around 5/8ths gold) and 18 carat is 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals (or 3/4 gold). In general, the higher the carat, the softer and heavier it is.

Benefits:

Gold is suitable for many budgets, as jewellery pieces can be of different carats. Also, it’s a world-recognised commodity .

Gold has a lustre to it that silver just cannot replicate and an inherent weight and holds it’s value overtime .

It’s also far superior to sterling silver in hardness and durability. The bottom line is there is a reason why gold is so popular for engagement and wedding rings. I urge you to consider paying a little extra for gold because, in the long term, it will save you money.

Disadvantages:

If you’re into super bright and white metal jewellery, then gold is not for you. Unless you go with 9ct white gold, but even then it will have a warm white tone to it. 14ct white gold is a cooler white, but 18ct white gold in it’s natural non Rhodium plated finish is very grey looking. Rhodium-plating is commonly used by commercial jewellers to give white gold a very shiny, bright silver like finish. But here is the thing – it wears off in a few months meaning you have to have it redone continually! To me, that is insane, time-consuming and at $200 a pop expensive! I do not rhodium-plate my work at all.

ETHICAL ALLUVIAL GOLD
I try to only to use alluvial New Zealand gold. It is eroded out of the mountains naturally by water, then collected by people. From small scale fossickers to river dredgers to large scale gravel deposit mining, it all has an impact. In my opinion, alluvial gold has a lot less impact than hard rock mining. You know, the kind with the giant holes in the ground and tanks full of cyanide. This may sometimes have a little recycled gold mixed in, but the gold in your ring will always be around 70 {5f012ed296dba5fac9fc7119d8346bdddc246b29cdda9da1d268f2ef9c3fe197} pure New Zealand alluvial gold.

Over the years some people attached meanings to stones and believed they had mystical powers to help with certain things they would like to have or help with in their life. For example, diamonds are for love. Jade is for protection. Pearls mean purity.

In the modern world, many still believe that stones hold powers. What is it about these stones that makes some think they are powerful? Could these stones attract people with a subtle message “I’m beautiful, please wear me” or is it something else?

Well, gemstones are made of unique molecules which are formed underground over millions of years. They are tough and very durable. This already makes them special.

Various researchers have been either debunking the concept that stones hold powers or proving the fact that they do. Looking at the research which focused on proving that stones have power in them, it was found that they emit energetic fields, which also include pyroelectricity and piezoelectricity. That’s, ladies and gentlemen, simply put energy.  As many know quartz is used in watches and electronics due to its precise vibration frequencies. It is also used to transmit TV and radio signals.

Of course, no stone will help us solve our life problems, however having a stone and believing in it can provide one with strength and courage, which is sometimes enough to help bring something great into one’s life.

Everyone knows what engagement rings are for these days. When a man (or a woman) proposes to their partner, a ring is given to symbolise the exciting occasion and the promise of marriage.  

Anthropologists say that originally this was a Roman tradition to show husband’s ownership of his future wife. Definitely, less romantic as we would’ve wanted the story to be…

It is believed that the very first diamond engagement ring was commissioned by Archduke Maximillian of Austria in 1477 for his loved one Mary of Burgundy. This then created a trend for engagement rings to have beautiful diamonds and mean something more than just ownership among European aristocracy.

Later Victorians started creating their engagement rings including gemstones mixed with diamonds as well as rings with designs from enamels and precious metals. Back then most engagement rings were made in flower shapes and called “posey rings.”

The next Edwardian era had engagement rings created in the same fashion where a master paired diamonds with jewels. There was also a new trend of mounting stones in filigree settings.

Fast-forward to the 19th century (in the 1930s), and we have De Beers launching a hugely successful diamond campaign “A Diamond is Forever” and showing movie stars wearing jewellery with the sparkly diamonds. This campaign was by far one of the biggest within the industry, which motivated great sales. Diamond’s durability was associated with the meaning that the marriage is forever.

These days some people show the level of commitment and their status with the quality of the diamond given to their loved one. Others get creative by giving a unique engagement ring with gemstones or different coloured diamonds. Either way, the engagement ring has come a long way since symbolising the ownership of a woman. It represents the commitment to marriage, deep love and celebration of a union. There are many options and styles available to people these days, which means you can create your one-of-a-kind ring.

Popular Diamond Cuts Over the Years

The round brilliant (made up of 58 facets dividing the top and the bottom half) has been most popular for engagement rings over the years. Followed by the princess, emerald and oval cut.

While we all know that a beautiful jewellery piece is gorgeous on the eye and adds glamour to its owner, we often don’t suspect that jewellery is more than just that. Gorgeous jewellery brings out deep-rooted and powerful happiness in many of us.  And here’s why:

• Allows Self-Expression

We are all individual and want to express ourselves in whichever way we can. It is a natural human need! So highlighting our personality with jewellery is something we all subconsciously do. We might not understand it, but we definitely express our mood and what’s inside of us through jewellery.

• Magnetising Jewellery

You may have heard that stones have energy… People are drawn to precious stones and especially when these stones are arranged in a beautiful jewellery piece. The effect is magnetising! Attracting others with your precious stones might not be your primary plan, but when it happens, you sure enjoy it.

• Feeling Closer to Nature

21st-century modern life is busy and hectic. Wearing a piece with natural stones can make you feel closer to nature and even bring out an inner hippie in you. Whatever the feeling is, people enjoy it and appreciate natural stones or elements in their jewellery.

• Holds memories

Each jewellery piece has a story behind it. Some stories are very special, especially if it’s engagement jewellery or something that was made in honour of someone special. The fact is, every piece holds a memory and we love it, as it reminds us of something or someone when we wear it.

Shopping for beautiful sparkly jewellery is a fun experience where you get to look at options, compare, ask questions and finally become the proud owner of a gorgeous piece. However, there can be some factors to consider when choosing jewellery. So after listening to my customers and taking into consideration what we discuss, I decided to put together a list of ultimate questions to ask before buying jewellery.

What do I really want?

I know it might sound strange, but you should always ask yourself this question and understand precisely what you like even before approaching a jewellery shop. Think of a design, ideas, inspirations and favourite pieces you’ve seen in the past. Understand your own taste before talking to the jeweller. Although being open-minded and ready to explore something entirely new is also a plus. At the end of the day, you might follow your heart and fall in love with something different to your usual taste. The key here though is to know what that usual taste of yours is.

What is this metal?

If you see something you like, make sure to start asking questions like what metal it is made out of. Understanding whether it’s made out of platinum, gold or another type of metal won’t just give you an indication of its value, but let you know whether you like this metal or not. Some people prefer one metal over another, so if you’re one of them, I suggest you start by asking your jeweller to show pieces made out of the metal you prefer wearing.

What are these gemstones/diamonds?

If you’re looking at a piece which contains stones, make sure to ask what exactly they are. With so many different stones out there, you should never assume. A blue stone in a ring can be anything from topaz to sapphire (and even iolite). So check what the stone is as it’ll also indicate the jewellery’s value. There are also diamonds of various qualities, grades and colours. Ask your jeweller to explain what the diamond quality of the piece you’re looking at and what the difference between various types is.

Try it on!

Trying jewellery on is one of the most critical steps in understanding whether it suits you. We all have different looks to us and what suits one may not suit another. If you’re looking at earrings or necklace, it is especially important. You can then see how it looks on you and whether it highlights your beautiful features. Comparing jewellery pieces is also a good idea to understand what length or style looks best on you.

Aftercare?

Once you set your mind on a jewellery piece (and before actually buying it), check what aftercare instructions for it would be. Some jewellery requires more care than others. Some metals (like white gold) may fade faster than others requiring more regular cleans. And while gemstones are hardwearing, pearls can be affected by moisturises and perfumes so you would need to be aware of that and careful wearing them.

We all have our preferences and dislikes around jewellery, but did you know you can guess someone’s personality by the jewellery they wear? Some even claim that the jewellery can say the most about who you are. Below is jewellery personality info, see if you can find yourself!

Centre of Attention

Chunky, big and statement jewellery is chosen by a strong personality who loves being in a limelight. Someone who loves standing out and making themselves centre of attention. So whether it’s a huge gemstone ring or gold collar necklace, you’re a centre of attention type of jewellery personality.

• Romanic

This personality type isn’t all about hearts. You’ll see these people wearing pastel colours like pinks and rose gold pieces. They wear delicate or thin chains and jewellery with small details.

• Whimsical

If you feel like you were a fairy in your past life and cannot stop thinking about having a rainbow coloured hair, this is you. Whimsical personality is all about having fun and their jewellery reflects it. They love cute charm bracelets or fun shaped pendants like unicorns.

• Arty

Interesting, one of a kind and sometimes obscure jewellery can reflect its owner’s arty personality. They appreciate well-made jewellery pieces which sometimes don’t make sense, but have an interesting story to them. Think daring, bespoke and unique jewellery!

• Bling

These people will always go for what sparkles the most. They appreciate diamonds and will flaunt their whole collection on any occasion. They wear a big shining smile and you will notice them from miles away. These people are all about being dazzling brilliant.

• Fun and Funky

Mixing and matching (and not being afraid) is the key to this jewellery type. If you see someone who has multi-coloured bangles or mismatched earrings – they are the fun and funky personality type. Someone who can pull this jewellery style off is sure lots of fun to hang out with!

• Classic

If your favourite jewellery has pearls in it and your favourite earrings are simple studs, you’re a classic jewellery lover which reflects your classic jewellery personality. Some call this jewellery style boring, but it’s a style which never goes out of fashion.

• Hippie

If you often wear flowers in your hair, no shoes and natural jewellery like unpolished gems, you’re a laid-back person who’s most likely in touch with nature and love outdoors. If you gravitate to the natural style of jewellery, you’re a hippie jewellery personality. Your favourite jewellery pieces will have such colours as turquoise and stones like raw quartz, amethyst or moonstone.

• Trendy

This would be the hardest style to wear and if you’re it, then congrats – you rock a great jewellery style! There are only a small group of fashionistas out there who know which way the trends are going before others. Sometimes their style is ridiculed but then appreciated (when the fashion is in full swing that is). Their jewellery is eye-catching and interesting and they think and live outside the box.

Special Gift that keeps on giving

Christmas is a very special celebration for many people and finding a gift that reflects that can be very challenging. Jewellery is not a gift to enjoy during Christmas only, but rather a present that is kept and loved for a long time afterwards as well.  

Lovely Surprise

Jewellery has been a perfect timeless gift, however, it still keeps surprising people. When someone gives you jewellery, it often shows how much they care for you on a personal level.

Short on time?

With many of us getting busier towards the end of the year, we sometimes have no time to think and research what to get for a loved one, especially when they are picky or ‘have everything’. This is where jewellery comes in – a perfect solution for a special gift. Make sure to know and understand the style and preference of the person who will be wearing it though.

Express Your Feelings in One Gift

When you give jewellery, you express your feelings on a deeper level. Whether it’s love or appreciation or simply spoiling your loved one, jewellery will express those feelings on a deeper level than other presents.

Make this Christmas even more rememberable

Adding a simple engraving can make a jewellery piece even more special. Get a date or message engraved and you’ll be giving an amazing gift.