The Exceptional Earring Enhancers
Here the platinum work is complete on the drop earring enhancer for my client.
Next step, gem setting...
#juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #juliapharoclients #myringmyway #hattongardenrocks #hattongardenbespoke #bespokdesign #hattongardenmagic #earringenhamcers #decemberbirthstone #tanzanite #tanzanitetjewelry #tanzanitejewellery
The Exceptional Earring Enhancers
Here the platinum work is complete on the drop earring enhancer for my client.
Next step, gem setting...
#juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #juliapharoclients #myringmyway #hattongardenrocks #hattongardenbespoke #bespokdesign #hattongardenmagic #earringenhamcers #decemberbirthstone #tanzanite #tanzanitetjewelry #tanzanitejewellery
The Exceptional Earring Enhancers
Is it a sin to covet a piece of jewellery owned by one of your clients?
If so, I am guilty as charged.
One of my UK clients owns a pair of staggeringly beautiful diamond solitaire stud earrings. Discretion prevents me from disclosing their carat weight - but let`s just say they are very large, very lovely and distinctly dazzling.
In short, they are the diamond stud earrings that most girls dream about wearing.
Knowing my love for her earrings, my client set me an interesting conundrum.
Her magnificent diamond stud earrings were already absolute show-stoppers but, she asked, would it be possible for me to create an equally stunning set of earring enhancers that my client could wear when she wanted to "dress up" her diamond stud earrings?
The thought of needing to "dress up" such stunning diamond earrings made me laugh out loud - and, having immediately got the joke, my client also threw back her head and laughed too.
"Hey, it`ll be fun!", she added - as if I needed further persuasion to accept her very exciting commission.
Shown here is the tanzanite and diamond enhancer design I created in collaboration with my client - tanzanite being one of my client`s favourite gemstones and the accent diamonds matching the colour and cut of their very much larger cousins they were destined to hang below.
Second image: the tanzanite enhancer CAD design shown with a mock-up of my client`s diamond studs, showing the perfect balance between the diamond studs and the tanzanite drop enhamcer.
#juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #juliapharoclients #myringmyway #hattongardenrocks #hattongardenbespoke #bespokdesign #hattongardenmagic #earringenhamcers #decemberbirthstone #tanzanite #tanzanitetjewelry #tanzanitejewellery
The Exceptional Earring Enhancers
Is it a sin to covet a piece of jewellery owned by one of your clients?
If so, I am guilty as charged.
One of my UK clients owns a pair of staggeringly beautiful diamond solitaire stud earrings. Discretion prevents me from disclosing their carat weight - but let`s just say they are very large, very lovely and distinctly dazzling.
In short, they are the diamond stud earrings that most girls dream about wearing.
Knowing my love for her earrings, my client set me an interesting conundrum.
Her magnificent diamond stud earrings were already absolute show-stoppers but, she asked, would it be possible for me to create an equally stunning set of earring enhancers that my client could wear when she wanted to "dress up" her diamond stud earrings?
The thought of needing to "dress up" such stunning diamond earrings made me laugh out loud - and, having immediately got the joke, my client also threw back her head and laughed too.
"Hey, it`ll be fun!", she added - as if I needed further persuasion to accept her very exciting commission.
Shown here is the tanzanite and diamond enhancer design I created in collaboration with my client - tanzanite being one of my client`s favourite gemstones and the accent diamonds matching the colour and cut of their very much larger cousins they were destined to hang below.
Second image: the tanzanite enhancer CAD design shown with a mock-up of my client`s diamond studs, showing the perfect balance between the diamond studs and the tanzanite drop enhamcer.
#juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #juliapharoclients #myringmyway #hattongardenrocks #hattongardenbespoke #bespokdesign #hattongardenmagic #earringenhamcers #decemberbirthstone #tanzanite #tanzanitetjewelry #tanzanitejewellery
Exceptional Earring Enhancers
Something stunning to brighten the most gloomy of days....
Some beautiful matched pear cut tanzanites in my London studio for a rather gorgeous commission.
#juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #juliapharoclients #myringmyway #hattongardenrocks #hattongardenbespoke #bespokdesign #hattongardenmagic #earringenhamcers #decemberbirthstone #tanzanite #tanzanitetjewelry #tanzanitejewellery
Exceptional Earring Enhancers
Something stunning to brighten the most gloomy of days....
Some beautiful matched pear cut tanzanites in my London studio for a rather gorgeous commission.
#juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #juliapharoclients #myringmyway #hattongardenrocks #hattongardenbespoke #bespokdesign #hattongardenmagic #earringenhamcers #decemberbirthstone #tanzanite #tanzanitetjewelry #tanzanitejewellery
An Engagement Ring Worn with Love
My client was thrilled with the transformation of her engagement ring.
The difference in her re-faceted cushion cut green tourmaline could really not be more pronounced.
Very few physical objects can touch the heart more deeply than the gift of fine jewellery. Emotions and memories even more precious than the materials from which the jewellery is created.
I was honoured to have been entrusted with the renovation and re-making of this beautiful engagement ring, not least knowing that it will now continue to be worn with love and will dazzle for many more years to come.
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #gemrefaceting #finejewellery #jewelleryrepair #jewelryrepair #finejewelry #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
An Engagement Ring Worn with Love
My client was thrilled with the transformation of her engagement ring.
The difference in her re-faceted cushion cut green tourmaline could really not be more pronounced.
Very few physical objects can touch the heart more deeply than the gift of fine jewellery. Emotions and memories even more precious than the materials from which the jewellery is created.
I was honoured to have been entrusted with the renovation and re-making of this beautiful engagement ring, not least knowing that it will now continue to be worn with love and will dazzle for many more years to come.
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #gemrefaceting #finejewellery #jewelleryrepair #jewelryrepair #finejewelry #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
An Engagement Ring Worn with Love
And here it is! My client`s re-faceted cushion cut green tourmaline set in the re-made 18K white gold engagement ring.
The re-cutting work conducted by my lapidary, Stuart, was sensational. This time-worn tourmaline now literally dances in the light.
The round brilliant cut accent diamonds also seem to sparkle more brightly as they rejoice at the glory of this gorgeous re-cut tourmaline.
Even more impressive was that the carat weight actually lost during re-faceting was far less than that which I had anticipated.
The ring design, although now in white gold, was very similar to the original piece. The prongs were slightly thicker and more evenly spaced and the quantity of gold used to make the ring was also far more substantial.
It only remained for me to return this much loved engagement ring to the place where it belongs - my client`s ring finger.
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #gemrefaceting #finejewellery #jewelleryrepair #jewelryrepair #finejewelry #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
An Engagement Ring Worn with Love
And here it is! My client`s re-faceted cushion cut green tourmaline set in the re-made 18K white gold engagement ring.
The re-cutting work conducted by my lapidary, Stuart, was sensational. This time-worn tourmaline now literally dances in the light.
The round brilliant cut accent diamonds also seem to sparkle more brightly as they rejoice at the glory of this gorgeous re-cut tourmaline.
Even more impressive was that the carat weight actually lost during re-faceting was far less than that which I had anticipated.
The ring design, although now in white gold, was very similar to the original piece. The prongs were slightly thicker and more evenly spaced and the quantity of gold used to make the ring was also far more substantial.
It only remained for me to return this much loved engagement ring to the place where it belongs - my client`s ring finger.
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #gemrefaceting #finejewellery #jewelleryrepair #jewelryrepair #finejewelry #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
An Engagement Ring Worn with Love
Many clients ask if I personally cut the gemstones I use.
Although I confess to being a bit of a gem geek (and am a GEM-A certified gemmologist to boot!) gem cutting is a highly specialised career in and of itself.
That said, whether I am in London or Jo`burg, I am blessed to know some of the world`s most talented gem cutters (called lapidaries).
As this ring re-modelling was undertaken in my London studio, I paid a visit to my lapidary, Stuart, who resides in one of the small workshops that hide away above (and often, below) the retail store fronts of Hatton Garden, the centre of London`s jewellery district.
Having received a call from Stuart to come and collect the re-cut stone, my heart was in my mouth as I pressed the door buzzer to gain access to his building.
Had Stuart been able to rescue and revitalise this very special stone?
I`ll tease you for one more day by showing you the side view of the newly made ring after I had set my client`s re-cut green tourmaline into the brand white gold engagement ring I had created...
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #gemrefaceting #finejewellery #jewelleryrepair #jewelryrepair #finejewelry #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
An Engagement Ring Worn with Love
Many clients ask if I personally cut the gemstones I use.
Although I confess to being a bit of a gem geek (and am a GEM-A certified gemmologist to boot!) gem cutting is a highly specialised career in and of itself.
That said, whether I am in London or Jo`burg, I am blessed to know some of the world`s most talented gem cutters (called lapidaries).
As this ring re-modelling was undertaken in my London studio, I paid a visit to my lapidary, Stuart, who resides in one of the small workshops that hide away above (and often, below) the retail store fronts of Hatton Garden, the centre of London`s jewellery district.
Having received a call from Stuart to come and collect the re-cut stone, my heart was in my mouth as I pressed the door buzzer to gain access to his building.
Had Stuart been able to rescue and revitalise this very special stone?
I`ll tease you for one more day by showing you the side view of the newly made ring after I had set my client`s re-cut green tourmaline into the brand white gold engagement ring I had created...
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #gemrefaceting #finejewellery #jewelleryrepair #jewelryrepair #finejewelry #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
An Engagement Ring Worn with Love
Having explained to my client that her very worn green tourmaline could only be improved by re-faceting - and that this process would result in the gemstone losing some if its original carat weight - my client willing agreed to the re-faceting process.
Also, she asked, would I be able to remake her original engagement ring in a similar style but in 18K white gold, as she felt white gold would be more flattering to her complexion now she was little older.
Here is the 18K white gold ring I designed for my client, keeping both the spirit and style of her original engagement ring but with strong, protective prongs to secure her tourmaline and using a more substantial amount of gold in this new piece than in the original yellow gold ring.
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #gemrefaceting #finejewellery #jewelleryrepair #jewelryrepair #finejewelry #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
An Engagement Ring Worn with Love
Having explained to my client that her very worn green tourmaline could only be improved by re-faceting - and that this process would result in the gemstone losing some if its original carat weight - my client willing agreed to the re-faceting process.
Also, she asked, would I be able to remake her original engagement ring in a similar style but in 18K white gold, as she felt white gold would be more flattering to her complexion now she was little older.
Here is the 18K white gold ring I designed for my client, keeping both the spirit and style of her original engagement ring but with strong, protective prongs to secure her tourmaline and using a more substantial amount of gold in this new piece than in the original yellow gold ring.
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #gemrefaceting #finejewellery #jewelleryrepair #jewelryrepair #finejewelry #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
An Engagement Ring Worn with Love
The first task for this commission was to carefully unseat the green tourmaline centre stone to assess the best possible "next steps".
Could this gemstone be rescued?
Removing the tourmaline from the setting clearly showed that virtually none of the original facetting was apparent on the table (the top of the stone). In fact, from the top, this tourmaline looked more like a smooth, domed cabochon.
Gemstones that have picked up "scuffs" and "dings" (scratches and small chips) over the years can often be re-polished to correct many, if not all, of these defects.
There was, however, one major problem with my client`s tourmaline.... There were simply no facets on the stone left to re-polish.
There was nothing for it - I had to ask my client`s permission to re-cut (re-facet) her gemstone.
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #gemrefaceting #finejewellery #jewelleryrepair #jewelryrepair #finejewelry #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
An Engagement Ring Worn with Love
The first task for this commission was to carefully unseat the green tourmaline centre stone to assess the best possible "next steps".
Could this gemstone be rescued?
Removing the tourmaline from the setting clearly showed that virtually none of the original facetting was apparent on the table (the top of the stone). In fact, from the top, this tourmaline looked more like a smooth, domed cabochon.
Gemstones that have picked up "scuffs" and "dings" (scratches and small chips) over the years can often be re-polished to correct many, if not all, of these defects.
There was, however, one major problem with my client`s tourmaline.... There were simply no facets on the stone left to re-polish.
There was nothing for it - I had to ask my client`s permission to re-cut (re-facet) her gemstone.
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #gemrefaceting #finejewellery #jewelleryrepair #jewelryrepair #finejewelry #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
An Engagement Ring Worn with Love
My client looked down lovingly to the ring finger of her left hand.
"This is my engagement ring. I`ve worn it since the day my husband proposed," she smiled. "I could never be without it - but my beautiful tourmaline does seem to have lost a lot of its sparkle in recent years...."
Her voice trailed off as she stared down at her green tourmaline engagement ring , the centre stone flanked by two round brilliant cut diamonds.
Having known my client (and her husband) for some time - and the fact that their marriage was already one of many years - it would have been indiscreet to ask the age of her engagement ring.
Even the most cursory glance at her cushion cut tourmaline showed that whilst this gemstone must have once been extremely impressive, through decades of continuous wear the facets of the stone were almost completely worn away.
Likewise, the claws of the 18K yellow gold ring were very worn and asymmetrical, showing that they had been inadvertently knocked and damaged at some time.
My client looked up from her engagement ring and continued, "I entirely understand if there`s nothing that you can do to help. My ring has been with me for so many years..."
I paused, wondering what exactly to say to my client, given the deep emotional attachment she clearly had for the piece.
Gently smiling, I simply replied, "I think your ring is beautiful. Nothing would make me happier than to see your tourmaline sparkle once again. That is, if you will trust me with such an important task..."
Like so many pieces of fine jewellery that pass across my bench for repair or remodelling, the value of this ring couldn`t be expressed solely in monetary terms - but also in the great sentimental value it held for my client too.
One thing was certain - this was going to be an exciting but very challenging commission.
I hoped I was up to the task...
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #gemrefaceting #finejewellery #jewelleryrepair #jewelryrepair #finejewelry #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
An Engagement Ring Worn with Love
My client looked down lovingly to the ring finger of her left hand.
"This is my engagement ring. I`ve worn it since the day my husband proposed," she smiled. "I could never be without it - but my beautiful tourmaline does seem to have lost a lot of its sparkle in recent years...."
Her voice trailed off as she stared down at her green tourmaline engagement ring , the centre stone flanked by two round brilliant cut diamonds.
Having known my client (and her husband) for some time - and the fact that their marriage was already one of many years - it would have been indiscreet to ask the age of her engagement ring.
Even the most cursory glance at her cushion cut tourmaline showed that whilst this gemstone must have once been extremely impressive, through decades of continuous wear the facets of the stone were almost completely worn away.
Likewise, the claws of the 18K yellow gold ring were very worn and asymmetrical, showing that they had been inadvertently knocked and damaged at some time.
My client looked up from her engagement ring and continued, "I entirely understand if there`s nothing that you can do to help. My ring has been with me for so many years..."
I paused, wondering what exactly to say to my client, given the deep emotional attachment she clearly had for the piece.
Gently smiling, I simply replied, "I think your ring is beautiful. Nothing would make me happier than to see your tourmaline sparkle once again. That is, if you will trust me with such an important task..."
Like so many pieces of fine jewellery that pass across my bench for repair or remodelling, the value of this ring couldn`t be expressed solely in monetary terms - but also in the great sentimental value it held for my client too.
One thing was certain - this was going to be an exciting but very challenging commission.
I hoped I was up to the task...
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #gemrefaceting #finejewellery #jewelleryrepair #jewelryrepair #finejewelry #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
"Big girls need big diamonds" - so said Elizabeth Taylor (who certainly knew a thing or two about fine jewellery).
The ancient Greeks believed diamonds were fragments of falling stars - and, if it`s your birthday this month, we certainly hope you`ll sparkle appropriately!
#juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #myringmyway #hattongardenrocks #hattongardengems #smartcasualdiamonds #alwaysrealneversynthetic
"Big girls need big diamonds" - so said Elizabeth Taylor (who certainly knew a thing or two about fine jewellery).
The ancient Greeks believed diamonds were fragments of falling stars - and, if it`s your birthday this month, we certainly hope you`ll sparkle appropriately!
#juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #myringmyway #hattongardenrocks #hattongardengems #smartcasualdiamonds #alwaysrealneversynthetic
Unlike South Africa, which celebrates Mother`s Day in May (along with many other countries around the world) the United Kingdom celebrates Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday of Lent.
Mother`s Day has become a time to relax with your family and, of course, to treat Mom with a card, a gift and, perhaps, even a meal out.
Christian traditionalists of many denominations will often also visit the church or chapel in which they were baptised to honour their mother - or in memory of their mother if she is no longer living.
If you`re celebrating this very special occasion today, I wish you a very Happy Mother`s Day!
#juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #myringmyway #mothersday #mothersdayuk
Unlike South Africa, which celebrates Mother`s Day in May (along with many other countries around the world) the United Kingdom celebrates Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday of Lent.
Mother`s Day has become a time to relax with your family and, of course, to treat Mom with a card, a gift and, perhaps, even a meal out.
Christian traditionalists of many denominations will often also visit the church or chapel in which they were baptised to honour their mother - or in memory of their mother if she is no longer living.
If you`re celebrating this very special occasion today, I wish you a very Happy Mother`s Day!
#juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #myringmyway #mothersday #mothersdayuk
Aquamarine, the birthstone for all March babies, is said to be a stone of serenity - imbued with calming powers.
Wishing you peace, happiness and tranquility if you`re celebrating your birthday this month.
#juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #myringmyway #hattongardenluxury #marchbirthstone
#aquamarinebirthstone #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks #aquamarinering #privateclientcommission
#privateclient #jewellerydesign #jewelrydesign #madeinlondon #finejewellery #finejewelry #finejeweller #finejeweler #hattongardenbespoke #bespokejewellery #bespokejewelry #bespokejeweller #bespokejeweler #aquamarine #aquamarinejewellery #aquamarinejewelry
Aquamarine, the birthstone for all March babies, is said to be a stone of serenity - imbued with calming powers.
Wishing you peace, happiness and tranquility if you`re celebrating your birthday this month.
#juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #myringmyway #hattongardenluxury #marchbirthstone
#aquamarinebirthstone #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks #aquamarinering #privateclientcommission
#privateclient #jewellerydesign #jewelrydesign #madeinlondon #finejewellery #finejewelry #finejeweller #finejeweler #hattongardenbespoke #bespokejewellery #bespokejewelry #bespokejeweller #bespokejeweler #aquamarine #aquamarinejewellery #aquamarinejewelry
Romancing Rosie
Pictured is the wonderful message and photo I received from Rosie and her "forever owner", Suzanna.
Rosie, the stunningly beautiful Madagascan baby pink sapphire has left her very unique imprint on my heart.
Looking and feeling very much at home beside the Eiffel Tower in Paris, I penned this brief adieu to my sparkling sapphire friend.
Au revoir, Mademoiselle Rosie.
Dansant à Paris, vous êtes parfaite dans votre beauté.
Puissiez-vous briller de lumière et d’amour pour toute l’éternité.
Tu brilleras à jamais dans mon cœur,
Julia x
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #bespokeringdesign #dressring #finejewellery #finejewelry #pinksapphire #sapphirering #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
Romancing Rosie
Pictured is the wonderful message and photo I received from Rosie and her "forever owner", Suzanna.
Rosie, the stunningly beautiful Madagascan baby pink sapphire has left her very unique imprint on my heart.
Looking and feeling very much at home beside the Eiffel Tower in Paris, I penned this brief adieu to my sparkling sapphire friend.
Au revoir, Mademoiselle Rosie.
Dansant à Paris, vous êtes parfaite dans votre beauté.
Puissiez-vous briller de lumière et d’amour pour toute l’éternité.
Tu brilleras à jamais dans mon cœur,
Julia x
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #bespokeringdesign #dressring #finejewellery #finejewelry #pinksapphire #sapphirering #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
Romancing Rosie
Ready for your close-up, Rosie.
Professional photography of the piece is nearly complete.
It just remains for Rosie to trip the light fantastic - going for a spin on the videography turntable.
Needless to say, being the diva she is, she carried herself with aplomb during the filming.
Saying goodbye to this beautiful gemstone ring, that had kept me captivated at the bench for so many weeks, was going to be difficult.
But Rosie and her "forever owner" had one more surprise in store for me... a wonderful photograph and message I received several weeks later from a very special Parisian location.
Can you guess where Rosie was?
I`ll share the secret with you tomorrow!
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #bespokeringdesign #dressring #finejewellery #finejewelry #pinksapphire #sapphirering #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
Romancing Rosie
Ready for your close-up, Rosie.
Professional photography of the piece is nearly complete.
It just remains for Rosie to trip the light fantastic - going for a spin on the videography turntable.
Needless to say, being the diva she is, she carried herself with aplomb during the filming.
Saying goodbye to this beautiful gemstone ring, that had kept me captivated at the bench for so many weeks, was going to be difficult.
But Rosie and her "forever owner" had one more surprise in store for me... a wonderful photograph and message I received several weeks later from a very special Parisian location.
Can you guess where Rosie was?
I`ll share the secret with you tomorrow!
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #bespokeringdesign #dressring #finejewellery #finejewelry #pinksapphire #sapphirering #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
Romancing Rosie
With the setting and final polish complete Rosie, the 15.90ct octagon cut Madagascan baby pink sapphire looks perfectly at home in her new Eiffel Tower inspired ring.
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #bespokeringdesign #dressring #finejewellery #finejewelry #pinksapphire #sapphirering #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
Romancing Rosie
With the setting and final polish complete Rosie, the 15.90ct octagon cut Madagascan baby pink sapphire looks perfectly at home in her new Eiffel Tower inspired ring.
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #bespokeringdesign #dressring #finejewellery #finejewelry #pinksapphire #sapphirering #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
Romancing Rosie
Quiet please... Gem setting in progress!
Rosie settles into her new 14ct rose gold home.
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #bespokeringdesign #dressring #finejewellery #finejewelry #pinksapphire #sapphirering #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks
Romancing Rosie
Quiet please... Gem setting in progress!
Rosie settles into her new 14ct rose gold home.
#myringmyway #juliapharo #juliapharojewellery #gemstonerings #bespokeringdesign #dressring #finejewellery #finejewelry #pinksapphire #sapphirering #hattongardengems #hattongardenrocks