There are two types of rose cut diamonds seen in much of the jewelry in this region, specifically South-east Asia. One is the ‘Western’ rose cut diamond and the other is the Straits Chinese rose cut diamond (intan). The Straits Chinese rose cut diamond is quite similar to the Indian polki diamond, which is an Indian cut diamond slice.

Historically the Western rose cut is hand cleaved, much like the Straits Chinese rose cut diamond. Hand cleaved diamonds reveal techniques of hand-cutting, with uneven facets at the crown of the diamond.

Voici mon secret. Il est très simple: on ne voit bien qu’avec le cœur. L’essentiel est invisible pour les yeux. Here is my secret. It is very simple: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.   And here is my secret: engravings are always very …

If you compare the underside of jewellery pieces, you can easily see the construction of platinum pieces is structurally more solid than white gold. It is this robustness that makes platinum feel substantial in your hands. Again, some value this aspect in their jewellery, some less.

  I have never heard anyone refer to Chinese jewelry as soulful. But it is. How can it not be? Jewellery enmeshed with its intentions that cannot be too poorly or too proud. We have been collecting and curating Chinese jewellery and later Straits Chinese jewellery for over five years. Yet it is only recently …

Most sapphires are heat treated. Thermal treatment is common in commercial sapphires, as heat brings out the vivid colours of sapphires.

Unless stated to be ‘Unheated’ or ‘No Heat’, the sapphires you see on a ring or a pair of earrings are likely to be heat treated.

Some photos.

Gem Gardener

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