No longer do statement rings solely need to grace a single finger. In fact, thanks to a spur of beautiful creativity from the world’s leading haute joaillerie houses, they can now span across the hand, ranging from between-the-finger creations that peek out between the gaps of your digits to attention-grabbing numbers that meander across multiple fingers.
Such bejewelled pieces need not be overly ostentatious, though. In fact, some designs are purposefully demure, as aptly demonstrated by Chanel’s rose gold Extrait de Camelia transformable ring or Yoko London’s elegantly minimalist diamond-and-pearl creation. At the other end of the spectrum, however, are eye-catching jewellery fronted by dazzling gemstones of every imaginable hue. Take, for instance, Dior’s Dior et Moi black opal design, whose kaleidoscopic colouring is sure to ensnare any passing gaze. Then there’s the gorgeous leaf-like Plumage ring from British designer Stephen Webster, which features a plethora of emeralds and diamonds across its three-finger span.
A true showstopper, though, is luxury jeweller Piaget’s Mediterranean Garden ring. Featuring roses adorned with some 200 brilliant-cut diamonds, the purple and pink spinels add a welcome splash of colour to the attention-grabbing two-finger design.
Also Read: Men’s jewellery is back in style – Top trends here!
The full version of this feature appears on Gafencu Magazine’s January 2022 print issue as ❝Double Digits❞ by Tenzing Thondup. Download the free app (iOS, Android) for digital editions of the magazine.
Will lab made diamonds become a girl’s new best friend?
If you are planning to gift – or hoping to get – a diamond this season, you have a ’40s copywriter called Frances Gerety to thank. Or blame. It’s hard to imagine a time when diamond engagement rings were not the norm, but before the ’30s, the unveiling of a diamond would not generally seal a marriage proposal unless the love-struck suitor was literally royalty or uber wealthy.
In the Great Depression, diamonds were seen as an extravagant expense that detracted from functional luxuries like buying a car or a house. It was then that De Beers, the company which monopolised the diamond market, hired advertising agency N.W. Ayer to “use propaganda in various forms” to transform the stone into the ultimate gesture of love. Some 10 years later, in 1947, Gerety coined the signature line, ‘A Diamond is Forever’, and De Beers sold a novel idea to the world that a stone which can be chiselled, discoloured and incinerated to ash is a symbol of eternal love and emotional value.
This ‘slogan of the century’ has been used in nearly all of De Beers advertisements. The beauty of Gerety’s one-liner was that it didn’t try to make a direct sale; instead, it sold the concept of permanence and eternity and based it on the foundation of sentiment. For a mass of coal that did incredibly well under pressure, diamonds owe their remarkable success to the genius of a creative writer.
In the post-World War II era, diamond solitaire rings became de rigueur for lovers virtually everywhere in the world. But recently, the pressure and conditions in which a diamond thrives have spurred a debate that threatens to derail Gerety’s legacy. Decades of environmental and humanitarian abuses in diamond mining; a boom of lab-made, guilt-free counterparts; and an ethically-conscious generation coming of diamond-purchasing age – the industry is once again at the crossroads. So, what are lab-made diamonds, and why are young people falling out of love with the naturally mined gemstones?
Made in a Lab
Frankensteined into existence, lab-created diamonds are not new; they were first manufactured for General Electric in 1954. Replicating the properties of the world’s hardest substance, industrial diamonds were made to cut other materials that would be otherwise impossible to crack. Larger, more sophisticated and stunning gem-quality synthetic stones followed, created within weeks in laboratories using high-pressure, high-temperature growth chambers that mimic what, in nature, takes millions of years. Advances in technology in the last four or five years have allowed companies to produce higher quality diamonds more quickly and cheaply.
A report by management consultancy Bain & Company states that the worldwide growth of lab diamond production increased to six to seven million carats in 2020, while the production of mined diamonds fell to 111 million carats, from a peak of 152 million in 2017. The synthetic variety cost “a third of what it is for something that we’ve dug up from the ground,” says Alexander Lacik, CEO of Pandora, the world’s largest jeweller.
“Created within weeks in laboratories using high-pressure, high-temperature growth chambers [synthetic diamonds] mimic what, in nature, takes millions of years”
Synthetic stones, however, retain a certain stigma in the luxury industry, a psychological barrier to break through given our historic conditioning that diamonds are exceptionally rare, prized possessions. But laboratory-manufactured diamonds are not imitations or knock-offs – physically, chemically and optically they are bona-fide gems, corresponding very closely to natural stones. And they are more affordable, ‘conflict-free’ and apparently created at half the carbon footprint of the mined variety.
Cleaner Choice
The diamond mining industry has long been tainted by images of international or civil conflict and humanitarian transgressions, as spurred into the public consciousness by the 2006 film Blood Diamond. Cultured diamonds, on the other hand, are increasingly marketed as the cleaner, sustainable choice to price- and planet-conscious young buyers who are steadily making their mark; this market segment is growing by 15 to 20 percent per year, according to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre.
The lab-grown sector has welcomed countless new players embracing the trend, most notably Pandora, which this spring announced an exclusive switch to lab-made diamonds as a part of its long-term sustainability drive. After long resistance to change, for the first time in its century-old history, De Beers has rolled out a line of lab-created diamond jewellery under the brand Lightbox, with an annual production of some 500,000 synthetic carats.
‘C’ for Cost
Just like a natural diamond, the price of its synthetically-made cousins can vary tremendously. At bridal jeweller James Allen, a one-carat lab-created diamond starts at about US$1,550, and bestows up to 30 percent more size for the price than a natural diamond. A 6.36-carat synthetic diamond, meanwhile, can be snapped up for US$61,888 at Clean Origin. Lightbox sells one-carat loose cultured diamonds for US$800; a mined diamond of the same size and clarity would cost at least 10 times that price. The resale value of a lab-grown stone is questionable, though, and with a capacity surge assured as Chinese producers begin to enter the market, it’s clear that prices will keep falling in contrast to the naturals, especially as the mined supply dries up.
Since the synthetic diamond has an identical chemical structure to the mined stone, and goes through the same grading and certification processes, they ‘appear’ the same in terms of the 4 (or 5) Cs – cut, colour, clarity, carat (and certification). The essential difference hinges on their enduring worth. Real diamonds are true miracles of nature that have withstood the test of time, so their inherent value is incomparable.
Not Flawless
Lab-made diamonds are being talked up amid the climate crisis, but are they so squeaky clean and green? Given the increasing number of players in the synthetic diamond industry, it is difficult to compare accurate data about the carbon footprint of mined and lab diamonds. The synthetic manufacturers like Gemesis and Deluxe Diamonds, have repeatedly pointed out that their lab-made creations produce less than half the carbon emissions, and are without the taint of child labour. But the US Federal Trade Commission has gone on record to warn against unsubstantiated sustainability claims, pointing to the significant amount of electricity required to create gemstones in artificial conditions.
A report by the Diamond Producers Association (DPA) found that the greenhouse gas emissions of diamond mining are three times less than growing a gemstone in the lab. It’s worth noting, however, that members of the DPA – now rebranded as the Natural Diamond Council – are seven of the world’s largest diamond miners, including De Beers, Alrosa and Rio Tinto.
Regardless, some experts speculate that 20 years from now the debate will be moot. The vast reserves of diamond mines will follow the fate of Rio Tinto’s Argyle Mine in Western Australia. Once famed for unearthing 90 percent of the world’s pink diamonds, it closed last year after supplying 865 million carats of rough diamonds since 1983. Other mines will surely shutdown the same way. There will be a world with a continuing desire for the sparkling stones – but the demand will be fulfilled by man-made gems. After all, diamonds are forever – but the mines are not.
Men’s jewellery is back in style – Top trends here!
The men’s jewellery renaissance is gaining momentum. The creative sartorial pursuits of fashion sensations like Harry Styles, Timothée Chalamet (Cartier’s new friend), Joe Jonas (Chopard’s bud) are to be thanked but back home, all credit goes to the champions of Mirror boy band for fueling the rage in Hong Kong circles.
From the past few seasons, we’re seeing boys in bling on fashion runways but the Spring 2022 collection of luxury houses, from Prada, Gucci, Versace to Ferrari and others, were all gleaming with gems… Below is our edit of the most fashionable men’s jewellery trends of the year. Notice the bling and the ring are getting voluminous in size.
In the photo: Fred Force 10 Collection; Bulgari B.Zero1 ring and Cartier bracelet; Tiffany & Co. T True ring and Maker’s narrow chain necklace; Gucci yellow-gold bracelet and ring with interlocking G
Adding stylish sartorial details to the typically minimalist gold ring and necklace, fine jewellery houses such as Fred, Chautmet, Gucci and Tiffany & Co. these classy collections elegant lines and a rich characteristic to accentuate the hands and wrists.
In the photo: Dior chain necklace; Givenchy chain necklace and lock bracelet; David Yurman chain bracelet
For a flashy number, chain necklaces take on a pared back and more sophisticated appeal than its longer, oscillating iterations. Whether you’re putting together a minimalist look or a modish ensemble, chains offer the perfect accent to any outfit.
In the photo: Vintage Cartier brooch and pin; Etro brooch; Maison Margiela brooch
Extravagant brooches and pins are making a fierce comeback. Fashioned on the red carpet by the likes of Timothée Chalamet and Regé-Jean Page, among many other A-listers are owning their softer sides and turning these traditionally feminine accessories into a unique statement piece for any black tie event.
In the photo: Pearl necklace by Éliou; Afternoon at the Ritz Pearl Story-ring by JLG
The preferred jewel of kings and pop-stars alike, are back in swag for men to don on any occasion. If a chain of pearls, de rigour for men in the 16th and 17th century feels a tad extra, the contemporary male can go the Harry Styles way – wearing minimalist, finest quality solitaire pearls for a subdued layer of style.
In the photo: Solitaire pearl on a gold chain; string of pearls Paradox collection by Arao
These natural wonders are often worn by the highest in royalty and if you’re looking for a place to start shopping – Mirabel Rosar’s sustainable and ethical jewellery outlet, Arao, curates modern yet timeless, gender fluid pieces. Her latest Paradox collection introduces two awe-inspiring lines – Sinag, a stunning single Keishi pearl in a 14k gold strand, and –Sikat, a classic string of pearls are a good place to start if you’re looking to make a statement.
In the photo: John Hardy black jade ring and beaded bracelets; Northern Sky rings by JLG; Messika titanium ring and bracelet; Harry Winston cuff-links and pendant necklace
Luxury jewellers the world over are pushing out sartorial creations that oozes style, character and the essence of joie de vivre. The Northern Sky Story-ring in elongated ice blue spinel by JLG and John Hardy’s dual black jade in sterling silver ring and beaded bracelets among other standouts by Messika and Harry Winston are case in point.
Flower Power: Sparkling high-end jewellery inspired by nature
Since time immemorial, humans have been enamoured with all things floral. Embraced as symbols of everything from new life and fertility to passion and romance, their natural beauty has entranced and enchanted at every turn. Small wonder, then, that they are a constant, never-ending source of inspiration behind the timeless creations of countless high-end jewellery brands.
In fact, so strong is this floral love affair that many iconic marques have actually adopted their own flower emblems. Take, for instance, Dior and Piaget, who have both selected the rose as their blossom of choice and unveiled entire collections dedicated to the thorny blossom. Elsewhere, there’s Chanel and the camellia, Chaumet and the hydrangea, and so forth.
Featuring a startling array of colours, shapes and sizes, this nature-inspired leitmotif is flexible to the extreme. Some flower designs are subtle, demure, and perfectly suited for everyday wear. However, the other end of the spectrum accentuates precision jewellery-making at its very finest, using a smorgasbord of precious and semi-precious gemstones and skilled craftsmanship to portray all the inherent beauty of flowers in truly dazzling style.
Haute Joaillerie houses embrace stunning rainbow hues in their designs
In contemporary times, the rainbow has come to symbolise hope and new beginnings, so it’s no surprise that haute joaillerie houses the world over have embraced this motif during the current Covid-dominant times. Gone are the days when single-colour styles were in vogue, and in their place are a veritable treasure trove of prismatic designs, pieces that unabashedly embrace a multi-hued appeal.
Subtler creations are imbued with an ombré effect, one that utilises precious gemstones of similar colours to create a graduated look. A prime example of this is the stunning necklace from premium Japanese brand Tasaki’s latest High Jewellery collection, and Tiffany & Co.’s Colors of Nature necklace.
More outré designs that truly reflect the kaleidoscopic nature of rainbows, meanwhile, are also on offer from such luxury labels as Bulgari, with its vivid, gem-studded Multicolore necklace, and Boucheron’s multifaceted ring.
Robinson Pelham Synchronicity Rainbow Ray Inner ring
Rosior multicolour earrings
Tasaki High Jewellery necklace
Tiffany & Co. Colors of Nature necklace
Engagement watches are the new engagement rings
Modern couples and forward-thinking individuals are setting the trend for engagement watches – breaking the mould of traditional engagement gifts.
(Photo: Piaget)
Not unbeknownst to any watch aficionado, gifting a fine watch, especially to men, have long been a sentiment and symbolism to reflect a person’s taste, lifestyle and class. Timeless, versatile and meaningful in every form, it’s little wonder why engagement watches are on the rise. But as modern society would have it, women too, have taken a keen interests in the practicality of wearing chronographs over jewellery.
(Photo: Omega)
Thankfully, watches today range drastically for both genders, from dress watches with classic vintage straps to high-jewellery timepieces for with diamond-set dials, each matching the unique personality and style of its owners. But which one makes for the perfect engagement watch to say “Yes” to and cement the kind of love worth celebrating? Here are a few of our recommendations…
For her: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust
28mm, 18ct yellow gold set with a white mother-of-pearl dial, and diamond-set hour-markers and bezel; Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown, a scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date and a semi-circular three-piece links President bracelet. Powered by a Bidirectional self-winding movement calibre 2236 with a power reserve of 55 hours and is waterproof up to 100 meters.
For him: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36
36mm, 18ct white gold dial set with baguette-cut diamonds on the hour markers, Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown, featuring a fluted bezel with scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date on a semi-circular three-piece links President bracelet. Bidirectional self-winding movement calibre 3255 with a 70-hour power reserve and is waterproof up to 100 meters.
For Her: Omega Constellation Co-Axial Master Chronometer 29mm
29mm, 18k Sedna gold, diamond-paved bezel, sun-brushed blue dial with diamond hour markers and a date window at 6 o’clock within a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal case. The bracelet, hands, OMEGA logo, Constellation star and diamond holders are also in 18K Sedna™ gold. Powered by OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8701 visible through the domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
For Him: Omega Constellation Co-Axial Master Chronometer 39mm
39mm, 18K Sedna gold on leather strap, engraved bezel with Roman numerals, silk-embossed blue dial and a date window at 6 o’clock. The hands, OMEGA logo, Constellation star and indexes are all in 18K Sedna™ gold. Powered by OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8801 visible through the domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
For her: Audemar Piguet Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie
42mm, salmon dial with with “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating; Titanium case, glareproofed sapphire crystal, screw-locked crown with Titanium bracelet with AP folding clasp. Hand-Wound Minute repeater Supersonnerie, hours, minutes and small seconds with a 72-hour power reserve.
For him: Audemar Piguet Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie
42mm, Black dial with “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating; 950 platinum case, glareproofed sapphire crystal, screw-locked crown, hand-stitched “large square scale” black alligator strap with 950 platinum AP folding clasp. Hand-Wound Minute repeater Supersonnerie, hours, minutes and small seconds with a 72-hour power reserve
For Her: Piaget Polo Date High Jewellery watch
36mm, 18k white gold case set with 80 brilliant-cut diamonds (1.22 ct), 352 brilliant-cut (1.21 ct) diamond-paved-set dial, crown set with 9 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.02 ct) and bracelet in 18K white gold set with 1315 brilliant-cut diamonds (5.69 cts). Powered by a Manufacture Piaget 500P1 self-winding mechanical movement, visible through its sapphire crystal case back.
For Him: Piaget Polo Chronograph watch
42mm, 18K white gold case set with 178 brilliant-cut diamonds (2.70 cts), 286 brilliant-cut diamond pave (1.0 ct) set dial with blue counters, crown set with a brilliant-cut diamond (0.10 ct), buckle set with 15 brilliant-cut diamonds (0.10 ct) on an interchangeable strap. Powered by Manufacture Piaget 1160P self-winding mechanical movement with chronograph and date on Blue-coloured oscillating weight.
For Her: Cartier Tank Louis
30mm, case in 18K white gold set with 254-brilliant-cut diamonds (2.20 ct), beaded crown in 18K white gold-set with brilliant-cut diamond (0.12 ct). Sword-shaped hands in blue steel on a skeleton sapphire dial on fuchsia or burgundy alligator skin and 18K diamond-set white gold double adjustable folding bucket (0.42 ct). Water resistant of up to 30 meters. Calibre 9616 MC, hand-wound mechanical movement with a power reserve of up to approximately three days. Complication fully visible under sapphire crystal and case back.
For Him: Cartier Tank Asymétrique
47.15 mm, platinum case on navy blue or black alligator skinstraps. Buckle and crown set with 251 brilliant-cut diamonds (2.21 ct). Blue-steel sword-shaped hands and Arabic numerals on the hour-markers on skeletonised dial. Manufacture hand-wound mechanical movement with manual winding, calibre 9623 MC (112 parts, 22 jewels) and 48-hour power reserve.
For Her: Longines the record collection 26mm, 18k pink gold, white mother-of-pearl dial with pink hands, 12 Top Wesselton VS-SI diamond-set (o.034 ct) hour-markers, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass and case back on brown alligator strap. COSC self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve of 45-hours. Water resistant up to 30 meters.
For Him: Longines Master Collection 40mm, 18 rose gold, anti-wear synthetic sapphier glass and case back, sukver “wheat grain” decoration with blue steel hands and lacquered Arabic numerals on brown alligator strap, L888 self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve of 72-hours
For Her: Patek Philippe Twenty~4 7300/1450R
36mm, Rose gold Haute Joaillerie model. 384 diamonds are set on the dial “snow setting” while its bezel, crown and rose gold bracelet are paved with diamonds. Sitting underneath its rose gold case and sapphire-crystal case back is a self-winding movement Calibre 324 S.
For Him: Patek Philippe Calatrava 4978/400G-001
36.5mm, Diamond Ribbon Joaillerie model. 679 diamonds of graduated size forming a spiral is embellished on the dial, while the bezel, crown and bracelet are paved with diamonds. Featuring a white gold case and sapphire-crystal case back that encloses its ultra-thin self-winding mechanical movement Caliber 240.
For Her: Jager LeCoultre Reverso Classic Duetto pink gold
21mm, Pink gold, silvered grey dial with vertical satin-brushed and guilloché, black transferred numerals and Bâton hands on the front and frosted numerls with Dauphones hands and frosted numerals on the back dial, finished with diamond settings on the top and bottom edges. Manual-winding movement Jaeger LeCoultre Calibre 844 (223 parts, 19 jewels).
For Him: Jager LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Moon
29.9mm, Stainless Steel with leather strap, silverd grey dial with appliqued hour-markers and dauphones hands with a moon phase and date indicator at 6 o’clock at the front; and dauphoines hands, appliqued hour-marker on Blue, guilloché, velvety Clous de Paris dial at the back. Manual winding movement, Jaeger LeCoultre Calibre 853A (100 parts, 18 jewels).
For Her: Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Cocktail 2-Hand
25.6mm, 18k rose gold, White guilloché dial, black satin strap with a diamond buckle, case set with round brilliant cut diamonds (1.53 ct), Quartz movement. Water resistant up to 30 meters.
For Him: Tiffany & Co. Tiffany 1837 Makers 27mm Square Watch
27mm, 18k rose gold with a rose gold soleil dial, limited edition applied gray Arabic numerals, gray alligator strap, hand-wound mechanical movement with power reserve of 42 hours. Water resistant up to 50 meters.
Boucheron’s magestic Wladimir Le Chat takes centre stage
Wladimir, the majestic feline emblem from French high jewellery house Boucheron’s first high jewellery creations, retakes centre stage.
The Wladimir Le Chat Ring is a subtle blend of green and sparkling white. Set with diamonds and tsavorites on a white gold band, the captivating cat is delicately sculpted with an edged nose and black sapphire eyes, and wears a necklace of eight rounded tsavorites centred by a pear-cut stone.
The yellow and white gold Wladimir Le Chat Pendant, on the other hand, is studded with champagne diamonds and a pair of vivid green agates. Tsavorite eyes and a diamond necklace with a central pear-cut diamond complete the gem-loving puss’ look.
Ring It In: Attention-grabbing cocktail rings for that special occasion
The Roaring Twenties heralded a time of enormous change, with women of the world over fighting for equality and freedom as never before. Reflecting this changing mindset, the traditional norms of jewellery-wearing were also turned on its head. Replacing the demure designs of yesteryear were a plethora of attention-grabbing creations that were as unapologetically bold as they were beautiful – and none more so than cocktail rings.
These items of haute joaillerie first came into being during the US’ Prohibition Era, when trailblazing women attended illegal cocktail parties and soirées dressed to the nines. Jewellery, of course, played its part in announcing the status of a lady, and fashionistas would purposely don large gem-studded rings on the hand they used to sip their illicit tipple of choice. This, unsurprisingly, birthed the term ‘cocktail ring’.
Today, these gorgeous bijouterie may not have the same political significance as during its inception, but they nevertheless remain a surefire method of ensuring you snare any passing gaze. Adorned with oversized diamonds, rubies, sapphires and other precious stones, these conversation starters will never go out of style, be it as unabashed symbols of wealth and power or simply an easy ice-breaker at your next fancy do.
The very best of the year’s high jewellery bracelets…
In spite of combating perhaps one of the most challenging periods in history, the world’s leading jewellery brands have served up a truly arresting array of high jewellery collections this year, inspired by everything from the celestial bodies of outer space to the flora and fauna found on planet Earth itself.
David Morris bracelet
Chaumet Torsade de Chaumet High Jewellery bracelet
Adorned with diamonds, sapphires, rubies and a veritable treasure trove of other precious gems, there are bracelets in the latest High Jewellery 2021 collections for every occasion. Those in search for something subtler, for instance, could do far worse than give David Morris’ sleek yellow and pink diamond bangle or Chaumet’s pure white Torsade de Chaumet number a thorough perusal.
Da Bee Nmib Wonder bracelet
Messika Paris – Bracelet Diamond Magnet
Boucheron Prisme bracelet
Boucheron Prisme bracelet
For truly show-stopping creations, haute joaillerie aficionados are absolutely spoilt for choice. To start, there’s De Beers’ desert dune-inspired Namib Wonder cuff, with its dual-tone yellow and white diamond layers fringed with dangling white rough diamonds that swish to and fro.
Van Cleef & Arpels cuff bracelet
Piaget Rainbow Lights bracelet
Then there’s the ruby and diamond-laden Ison bracelet from Van Cleef & Arpels, named for the eponymous comet that exploded after coming into contact with our sun.
Chopard Red Carpet Collection 2021 cuff
Chopard Red Carpet Collection 2021 bracelet
Chanel Constellation Astrale bracelet
Rounding out the list of standouts is luxury label Chopard’s stunning Red Carpet Collection 2021 cuff, whose bright kaleidoscopic hues will surely ensnare any passing gaze.
In the modern world, diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds pretty much dominate the haute joaillerie sphere. However, in times more ancient, there was another gem that represented wealth and influence – the turquoise. Indeed, these bright blue stones captivated cultures across the globe, who often believed they embodied supernatural powers.
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The Persians, for example, believed they could ward of unnatural deaths, while ancient Aztecs and Egyptians thought them symbols of power and wisdom that could provide protection even in the afterlife.
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Although many believe its name is derived from the stone’s unique hue, turquoise’s etymological roots lie in the French word for Turkey (“turquois”), as early belief held that the gem originated in that country. Turquoises are actually phosphate minerals that are best formed in arid conditions, with the most valuable specimens often mined in Northern Iran.
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Flexible to the extreme, the colour of a turquoise depends on its place of origin and mineral make-up, with a higher proportion of copper yielding a bluer hue while the presence of any iron impurities is reflected by a greenish tinge. Given the semi-precious stone’s soft, porous natural state, many such pieces are treated and hardened with a clear epoxy resin before being transformed into sundry bijouterie designs. The result, as instanced by the stunning creations on this page, are well worth the effort.
