A Brief History of the Pearl Engagement Ring

For some it’s a matter of superstition. “In my family,” a friend whispered, “they symbolize tears.” For others it’s simply impractical. “Pearls must be last jewelry on, first jewelry off. They are sensitive to fragrance and makeup and moisturizer,” one jewelry naysayer wrote. “I wouldn’t want to keep removing my engagement ring every time I put on hand lotion or perfume.” But others supported the trend. “Pearls mean purity and they are a natural wonder—a miracle that happens despite it all. That sounds like love doesn’t it?”

The reactions came swiftly after images of Ariana Grande’s engagement ring, a diamond set with a pearl on the side, appeared with her announcement this week. It followed similar responses to Emma Stone’s engagement ring, and Michelle Williams too.

The pearl as engagement ring is not entirely new—Barbara Hutton got a black pearl ring one time out of seven—but it is an unusual choice. And, given the delicate properties of the pearl—a devotion to care is required.

While pearls may not have always been regarded as a choice for engagement rings, this is a trend that is emerging. When selecting a pearl ring, you will need to decide if you would like a cultured pearl or a natural pearl, the latter being the more expensive of the two choices and then the overall style from the Edwardian or Art Deco periods or a more contemporary look. You will also need to take extra care of a pearl ring, especially if it’s being worn every day as the material is organic and does not wear as well as a diamond, sapphire, ruby, or other gemstone.”

The care required for a pearl is something to take note of, but perhaps it is an apt symbol of the level of the commitment itself?

Argyle tender breaks records during pandemic following pink diamond mine closure

The collection consisted of 62 rare pink, red, blue and violet diamonds from its Argyle mine in West Australia. The mine ceased production last month following 37 years of production. It’s said that the Argle Mine was responsible for more than 90% per cent of the world’s annual natural pink diamond supply.

“It is an extraordinary opportunity and a privilege to be part of the history-making Argyle diamond mine. We are humbled to be the custodians of these iconic rare jewels and are delighted to be part of their enduring legacy.”HARSH MAHESHWARI

The 2020 tender, which had to be conducted under COVID ‘conditions’, allowed participants to view the stones using live streaming and a virtual portal at locations in Antwerp, Singapore and Perth, Australia, due to travel restrictions. Technology that enabled exacting colour calibration and magnification of the diamonds was also used during the event.

Hong Kong-based Kunming Diamonds was the successful bidder for 35 lots, including the coveted Argyle Eternity. The 2.24-carat fancy-vivid-purplish-pink, which Rio Tinto representatives say, is “the most valuable diamond in the collection and the most valuable Fancy Vivid diamond in the Tender’s 37-year history.”

Harsh Maheshwari, director of Kunming Diamonds said, “It is an extraordinary opportunity and a privilege to be part of the history-making Argyle diamond mine. We are humbled to be the custodians of these iconic rare jewels and are delighted to be part of their enduring legacy.”

He told Jeweller that he doesn’t have plans for the Argyle Eternity as yet: “We will see in 2021, but it could be part of a museum or at an art gallery exhibit. It’s meant for a connoisseur, collector, someone who appreciates and respects such a rare diamond.”

Other record-breaking diamonds from the tender included the Argyle Infinite, a 0.70-carat oval fancy dark violet-grey diamond which now becomes the most valuable diamond in this colour category ever produced at the mine.

“I am thrilled with my success at this year’s Tender and the exciting design possibilities unleashed by these colourful and uniquely Australian jewels.”JOHN CALLEIJA

Patrick Coppens, Rio Tinto’s general manager sales and marketing said, “We are delighted with the results of the 2020 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender, a testament to the unique Argyle ore body and its place in the history of the world’s most famous diamonds.”

Also included in the 2020 offering were 12 additional lots of “carefully curated and never to be repeated sets of miniature rare Argyle pink, red, blue and violet diamonds”, named The Petite Suites.

They weighed 13.90 carats in total and were collected over a five-year period, with each parcel designed to strike a balance between size, shape, colour and clarity.

The Petite Suites were of particular interest to high-end designers. Local Sydney jeweller, John Calleija, successfully bid on several lots. He has a long tradition in securing and working with Argyle pinks.

“I am thrilled with my success at this year’s Tender and the exciting design possibilities unleashed by these colourful and uniquely Australian jewels,” Calleija said.

“As next year will be the last Argyle tender, we will bid on all stones, since the goods will become super rare, in high demand, and expensive.”Shmulik Polnauer, Leibish & Co

In October 2018 he unveiled the ‘Argyle Dreaming’ jewellery set, and which debuted in New York City. The necklace and ring featured 673 pink, white, yellow, blue and champagne diamonds from the Argyle Mine in Western Australia, set in gold mined from the Rio Tinto’s Kennecott site in Utah, USA. The pieces are valued at $US1.1 million ($AU1.63 million).

Rio Tinto will hold its final Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender from the last remaining ore production next year.

According to Shmulik Polnauer from Leibish & Co, an Israel-based trader specialising in colored diamonds, the 2020 tender asking prices were 15 per cent higher than last year and that Leibish added “20 per cent and more” to its bids to ensure the company secured lots.

He told Rapaport, “As next year will be the last Argyle tender, we will bid on all stones, since the goods will become super rare, in high demand, and expensive.”

Dubai’s Gold Souk: Everything you need to know before you visit

The Dubai Gold Souk is one of the most unique gold markets in the world with arguably some of the most competitive prices globally. You can bargain and negotiate with sellers, making it an exciting experience. Many shops can create custom pieces and also sell precious gems and stones.

What is the Gold Souk?

The Dubai Gold Souk is a traditional market in the heart of old Dubai by the creek. This market mainly sells gold, silver and precious stones. You’ll find the odd seller of handbags here and there, but this is the best place to buy gold in the UAE. The souk is home to over 300 retailers. Some have been there for over 40 years, while others have just set up shops a couple of years ago.

Tip: It is highly recommended to take the metro or a taxi. Do not take your own car and try to park it somewhere nearby. A parking spot near the Gold Souk is rare to find.

Timings

Although most stores are independent and can open and close when they choose, most of the time, stores will operate from 10am to 10pm. Some stores are closed between 1pm to 4pm.

Tip: Best time to visit is mid-morning around 11am. It is still quite crowded, but less intense than in the evenings.

Why should you visit the Gold Souk?

The prices you will get at the Gold Souk are some of the most competitive in the world. What you will pay for your purchases depends on the daily gold rate, which tends to fluctuate.

Most places charge per gram and others per karat. If you want to get a great deal on jewellery, you’ll have a better chance of finding it here, than in any mall jewellery store. The Gold Souk needs to be seen at least once by everyone who is visiting or lives in Dubai. It has been around for almost 100 years and is the most bustling of the old souks. Merchants in the souk today tell us stories about how they were born and raised here, taking over from their fathers. There’s something in every nook and cranny for everyone.

Interesting fact: The Gold Souk is home to the worlds’ heaviest ring, the Najmat Taiba or Star of Taiba. This gigantic ring is just 314g shy of 57kg in weight and is studded with 5.17 kg of Swarovski stones. Endorsed by the World Gold Council, the ring made by Taiba Gold and Jewellery of Saudi Arabia also has a certificate from the Guinness Book of Records certifying its ‘weight in gold’. It is worth approximately Dh2.2million.

Stay out of the larger more main stream jewellery shops and look for the smaller ones in corners or little alleyways, you’ll most likely get the best deals there.To get the most traditional Arab style jewellery, head down to the Al Romaizan Gold and Jewellery. It’s difficult to miss, since it hosts the famous display of a body suit made of gold.Make sure you also bargain and haggle with the shop owners to get the best possible deal.