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At The Goldmarket, we are delighted to be able to offer an extensive jewellery repairs and resizing service to a wide selection of jewellery. From resizing an engagement ring, to carrying out repairs on delicate, antique pieces, we pride ourselves on the quality of our craftmanship. As well as having highly skilled technicians and craftsmen, we are also in possession of the finest technology. This includes an in house laser welding machine which allows us to be able to offer a far more superior and skilled service than many others. 

Previous to our acquisition of this particular piece of technology, anything too fine or intricate would have had to be sent away for external repairs which would involve a delay and incur additional costs. By investing in this technology we can provide a much quicker turnaround and a much more detailed range of repair services, while saving our customers money. 

What is a laser welding machine? 

A laser welding machine emits a fine laser beam directly to the area that requires work.

For clarity, here is the tech part…

‘Laser welding reconfigures the molecular structure of similar or dissimilar metals at the point of welding. This allows the the two common alloys to become one.’

We also use fine solder wire in our repairs. The carat of the solder that we use depends on the piece that we are working on – 9ct yellow gold solder wire for a 9ct yellow piece, 18ct white gold wire for white gold and so on. We can also carry out platinum and stainless steel repairs too. Another fact – we use recycled gold wire so that our jewellery repairs are more sustainable therefore enabling us to reduce our carbon footprint as a business.

Why use a laser welding machine? 

The primary reason for using a laser welder in jewellery repairs and resizing, is precision. The laser beam that is emitted from the machine we use here at The Goldmarket is 0.2mm. This means we can now take on fine or delicate work that would normally  be difficult to complete with the standard solder machines that are widely used in the industry. 

There is also much less heat transference. This is especially beneficial with porous or delicate stones like opals, pearls and emeralds which would normally have to be ‘unset” or packed with heat resistant gels to be able to work anywhere near them.

Using a laser welder, we can now complete claw work, repairs or sizing jobs without the need to unset or disturb the stones. This is also a benefit when working with hollow metals as the heat transference is less meaning we are far less likely to melt the metal. A laser welding machine is great for the following:

• Fill porosity
• Re-tip platinum or gold prong settings
• Repair bezel settings
• Resize or repair rings without removing the stones

Calibre watches

In addition to jewellery repairs, we are able to use the laser welder to carry out work on calibre watches. We can repair deeps scratches and gouges with precision and restore the piece to its former glory.

Some examples of our work 

Here are just some examples of the work that we have carried out that, without the laser welding machine, we would not be able to complete here, at our workbench in Weston super Mare. The first is a 9ct yellow gold curb bracelet with a broken link. The reason that the laser welder was required in this instance is that hollow gold is much more vulnerable when soldering. The heat transference can be such that the gold melts. With the laser welder, the heat transference is minimal therefore there is no risk of causing further damage.

We also mentioned stones and how we can work on items with less heat transference. When it came to the below sapphire and diamond cluster, we were able to repair a claw and reset the lost stone without causing damage to the stones either side.

We have so many examples of excellent work that we have carried out using this laser welding technology and are happy to discuss your requirements with you before committing to any repairs. In the first instance, we recommend that you bring the item to us so that we can carry out a thorough inspection of the work required and advise of a cost and timeframe. We can then arrange to book the item in for repair and have it looking as good as new again.

Simply pop in and see us at 23 High Street, Weston super Mare and our team will be happy to help.

There are many reasons for wanting a ring resized. Perhaps you have inherited a family heirloom that you wish to wear yourself or maybe you bought a piece that doesn’t fit. Other reasons for ring resizing include weight loss or gain or the desire to wear a ring on a different finger. At The Goldmarket, ring resizing is a popular service, and something we have extensive experience with.

We take a look at the process and what it entails as well as sharing some examples of our work.

What Metal is the Ring Made From?

Most of the rings bought to us for resizing are either gold, white gold or platinum however, we also get requests to resize silver rings and even palladium.

In the case of silver, if it is a plain ring, we can fulfil the request however, if it is stone set then unfortunately, we can’t. If the ring is platinum the process will involve laser welding and can take longer.

What Size Does Should the Ring Be?

The first step is to measure the finger that you wish to wear the ring on to make sure that we know the correct size. We will measure both your finger and the current ring size and then calculate how much needs to be added or removed for the ring to fit correctly.

Increasing the Ring Size

 Increasing the size of a ring requires a new piece of metal to be added to the shank. It must  be the same material as the ring to ensure a good match – 18ct white gold for an 18ct white gold ring etc.

The gallery below showcases a recent ring resize carried out by our talented jeweller in house.

As you can see, the first step is to heat the ring to find the original join line (anneal the ring). Then we carefully cut the shank down that same fire line if possible and then offer up the new metal which has to be accurately measured to ensure the ring is sized correctly.

The next step is to solder, or laser weld, the new piece into place ensuring that the shank is strong. The process used will depend on the nature of the ring that we are working on and whether there are any adjacent stones that could be damaged by the heat of the solder, for example. We are lucky to be able to offer laser welding at The Goldmarket which means we can offer an extensive range of services on all manner of rings and jewellery.

Once the ring has been soldered, or lasered, the shank will then be filed and polished to remove any evidence of the join and to blend the metal of the existing ring with the new piece. This requires a careful hand and a keen eye, something our jewellers most certainly have.

Resizing a Gent’s Ring

This was another example of a recent ring up-size. This time, it was a much heavier, diamond set, 9ct gold gents ring. We had to saw through the shank to open up the ring so that piece of 9ct gold could be inserted into the ring to expand the size of the shank. Once this is done, the ring is soldered and then shaped, buffed, polished and cleaned as per the images below.

Reducing the Ring Size

In many instances, reducing the size of a ring is simpler than increasing the size of the ring as we don’t have to add any new metal to the shank. Instead, we are removing a piece to ensure that the ring fits accordingly. Using the same process required to increase the size of a ring, the shank is cut, the correct sized piece of metal is removed, and the ring is soldered, or lasered, back together. The join is then filed, buffed, and polished using specialist machinery and the ring is good as new.

However, it is not always so straightforward and very much depends on the style and design of the piece in question – the stones and the type of setting. If a ring is micro bead set for example, and has to come down more than a few sizes, it can become problematic and, in some cases, impossible. It is important that we have sight of the ring in the first instance so that we can assess the job and the work involved.

How Much Does it Cost?

A simple ring resizing up or down costs from £35 however, because every ring is different and the requirements will be unique, we would ask that you contact us first.

You can find out more about the process, the cost and how to book an appointment here but the best thing to do is pop in and see us. We will be able to examine the ring and tell you if it’s a job that we can complete on site, and, how long it will take.

Our Talented Jewellers

We are very lucky to have two very talented jewellers working at our in-house bench in Weston super Mare. Often, they can carry out work while you wait, or certainly within a few hours. This will depend on how busy they are and the nature of the job. We are fortunate to have specialist laser welding equipment on site which means that we can carry out almost every type of repair at our workbench. If it is a complex job, or you bring it to us at an extremely busy time, we may require the ring for longer but if we can’t carry out the ring re-size ourselves, it is highly unlikely that anyone can.

If you have a ring that needs re-sizing, the best thing is to bring or post it in for us to assess. Bringing it in to us is preferable, especially with the unpredictable postal situation.  We can then accurately tell you what is required, if it is something we can do in house and how long it will take. We can also give you a quote for the work as well. All of our work is covered by a 12 month guarantee however, it is very rare that there are ever any issues and your resized ring will be as good as the day you bought it.

As a business that specialises in buying and selling gold, fine jewellery and luxury watches, we often meet people that want to sell their gold items. There are many reasons for coming to this decision, but commonly we find it’s because the individual wants to upgrade to something else, simply fancies a change, or they want to realise the asset into cash. In light of this, we carry out daily valuations on a huge range of individual items of jewellery. Of course, as experts, we have a well-trained eye for what is real and what’s not. For those that are unsure as to how to tell genuine gold from fake gold, it can be a little trickier.

While the best way to be sure of the authenticity of your gold is to bring it along and have it inspected by our experienced team, there are other tell-tale signs that should help you establish if your piece is the real deal.

The most widely recognised go to bench mark for this is called a ‘hallmark’.

What Is A Hallmark?

Perhaps the best way to tell the difference between real gold and fake is by looking for what is called a ‘hallmark’. Be mindful real gold doesn’t always carry this stamp, depending on a range of factors including which country it was produced in, the age of the item, the style of the piece and how much wear and tear it has had. Many countries however, do have a hallmarking system.

Here’s what to look for:

Until 1998, a Hallmark had to include four compulsory marks.  Since 1998, this has reduced to three (the date letter has become optional).

The symbols must include:

• The maker’s stamp – who made the item
• It’s guaranteed standard of fineness – is it 9ct, 18ct, 22ct etc.
• Assay Office at which the article was tested and marked
• The year that the article was tested and marked (not compulsory on more modern pieces)

As mentioned above, with pieces made since 1998, the date mark is no longer compulsory.

In the example below, the RJ symbol is the maker’s mark. The crown refers to gold and is an optional mark. The number 375 represents 9ct gold and is the standard mark to verify the fineness of the metal. The lions face is the symbol of the London Assay Office where it was verified.

These symbols tell us that this is a 9ct gold ring that has been certified by the London Assay Office and is therefore a genuine piece of gold. It tells us everything we need to know in order to provide an accurate valuation of the item.

You can find a full explanation here.

No Hallmark

If the piece is not hallmarked, it is much harder to tell and you will need to get it verified by an expert who is trained to differentiate real gold from gold plated metals using other methods. Even if the item is verified as real, it can be tricky for the jeweller to resell the item without a hallmark so please bear this in mind.

NOTE

While something might contain gold, it needs to be a certain purity to have value. Anything that is less than 37.5% or 9cts of gold is considered fake in the UK market.

DIY Ways to Spot Fake Gold

Not by any means conclusive or fool proof, these “do it yourself” home tests may assist with how to spot real gold from fake or plated:

Does it Float?

Drop your ring in a jug full of water. Gold is denser than other alloys and will sink to the bottom. If your item is fake, it will likely float although this is not the case in all circumstances.

Try the Vinegar Test

If you drop a few drops of vinegar onto a ring and wait 15 seconds, real gold won’t change colour. Fake gold will.

Look for Faded Spots

If your ring is gold plated, over time the plating will wear away and you may find that your ring, necklace, bracelet etc is discolouring. Solid gold will not discolour so this is a pretty obvious sign that item is genuine.

Does it Leave Green Marks?

If your jewellery leaves a green mark on your skin after wearing it, it’s a sign that you are possibly wearing copper. Ever seen what happens to bathroom pipes etc? Over time they too can become green. This is the same with any copper that is exposed to the elements.

If your item is a mixture of gold and other base metals, the same may happen so this is not a definitive that your jewellery is not gold to some extent, but will give you an indication.

Understanding the Value of Your Jewellery

If you own a sentimental piece of jewellery and are unperturbed as to whether it is real gold or fake gold then you need not worry. The meaning is there to you regardless of its intrinsic worth.  If you want to ascertain the monetary value of something for insurance purposes however, then it is prudent to understanding your jewellery, or jewellery collection and arrange to have it formerly assessed. If you are looking to sell something and want to know if what its worth, getting the right price for your gold is key.

At The Goldmarket, our staff are trained to identify real gold from fake gold and are also licensed and certified to carry out written insurance valuations on items. In addition to this we buy gold at competitive prices and also purchase items of jewellery for resale. If you have a piece of jewellery that you would like valued, please bring it along to our High Street store in Weston super Mare and our friendly, expert team will be only too happy to help.

It’s the same story every year and has been since the year 1916. Every spring and every autumn, we have to change the clocks. As we get used to one season, it’s all change and we either welcome lighter nights or say goodbye to some daylight. But why do the clocks change and how did this tradition begin?

Why Do the Clocks Change?

The tradition of changing clocks was first suggested by William Willett in 1907. He wanted to introduce lighter evenings in the summer months and stop the waste of early morning day light. It was in 1916 that British Summer Time was passed as an Act of Parliament.

Since this time the clocks have moved forward an hour in spring and back an hour in autumn. The only exception was during the Second World War.

Which Way Do They Go?

Many people get confused over whether the clocks go back an hour or forward an hour. It doesn’t matter how old you are – it can often cause confusion. The easy way to remember it it ‘spring forward and fall back’ They go forward one hour in spring on the last Sunday of March at 1am, making the time 2am, and then back one hour on the last Sunday of October at 2am making the time 1am. This process is known as British Summer Time or Daylight Saving Time.

What is the ‘Correct’ Time?

Greenwich meantime, or GMT as it is known, is the yearly average (or ‘mean) of the time each day when the sun crosses the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

If we didn’t change our clocks, we would all operate on GMT which doesn’t change for BST. In fact GMT is shown on the Shepherd Gate clock which can be seen at the gates to the Royal Observatory and which is never changed.

Changing the Clocks

For many years, clocks had to be changed manually with delicate clocks having their hands moved twice a year. Then came the age of cars when the clock car was a mystery to be solved by many. Some people just used to leave their car at the same time all year round without moving it – at least it was correct for 6 months of the year.

The Digital Age

With the advance in technology, many of us don’t even realise that the clocks have changed. We go to sleep and wake up to discover all of our smart and digital devices have been updated.

Changing a Watch

For those that own a watch including a Rolex or Omega, there is a particular method to changing the time. Unfortunately, as sophisticated as these timepieces are, they don’t change themselves. Let’s take Rolex as an example and give you some tips on how to set the date and time.

Quickset Rolex Adjust

• Step 1 – All Rolex watches have a screw-down winding on the outer edge. This screw-down function is used to change the date and time as well as to enhance water resistance
• Step 2 – Unscrew the winding crown counter clockwise until it releases from the casing
• Step 3 – Rotate the crown clockwise to manually wind the watch. The number of turns required will depend on your model. Most will be 25 revolutions but it can range from 20-40. You will need to check your watch manual or contact us for this info
• Step 4 – Pull the crown head to the first notch. You will notice that the time hands continue to move
• Step 5 – To set the date you need to rotate the crown first setting the date to the day before today
• Step 6 – To set the time, pull the crown to the second notch. Rotate crown clockwise or counter clockwise.
• Step 7 – Set the time to midnight – today’s date will appear
• Step 8 – Now set the time accordingly taking into consideration whether it is PM or AM
• Step 9 – Press the crown head back into the case to lock it. Wind it in a clockwise direction to ensure it is secure to the body of the watch. Never leave a winding crown screwed up as this can allow dust and moisture into the watch

Non-Quickset Rolex Adjust

• Step 1 – Locate the screw-down winding and unscrew until it releases from the casingNow manually wind the watch
• Step 2 – Pull out the crown to the second notch (skip past the first notch)
• Step 3 – Rotate crown in either direction until correct date appears ensuring it is either am or pm.
• Step 4 – Now set the correct time
• Step 5 – Push the crown securely back to the casing

Should you have an issue with setting the time or date on your watch, we would be happy to assist. Just pop into The Goldmarket, WSM and let us help.

To the untrained eye, spotting a real diamond from fake can be a real dilemma. How do you tell what’s real and what’s not? How can you be sure that you aren’t going to get ripped off to the tune of hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds? How to tell a real diamond from a fake is a job for the experts but there are a few tell tale signs that can help you spot a fake. Before you part with your hard earned cash, we share the benefit of our experience and offer you some real pearls of wisdom! 

A fake diamond is what’s known as a synthetic diamond – one that is produced in a lab or ‘above the ground’. Unlike those found in the ground, they are mass produced for the unsuspecting market and hard for the untrained eye to spot. They are for all intense and purposes diamonds, just not the pure ones you find in the ground therefore they don’t have the same value as a real mined diamond. 

There are a few tests and methods that you can try yourself which may help you to spot a synthetic diamond from an organic one which will also make anyone trying to sell you a fake, uneasy too!

The Line Test

Place the diamond on a single black like drawn on a piece of white paper. The black line will appear more visible through a fake diamond. With a real diamond, the line will virtually disappear! This is because white light bends when passing through a diamond.

Weigh Your Diamond

Possibly the simplest way to tell if a diamond is real. A 5mm round diamond should weigh almost bang on 0.50ct. It may be a few points either side but it will be there or thereabouts. A cubic zirconia of the same size will be weightier. The chart below shows you what your diamond should weight if it’s real.

The Breath Test 

If you breathe on a genuine diamond, the moisture beads that form will quite quickly disappear. If the diamond is not real, the moisture will fade much more slowly. This method is used by many experts to spot a fake from a real diamond. The simple truth is that diamonds are the best thermal conductors on the planet. 

Touching a Rock with Your Tongue 

While writing this we have visions of people licking their diamonds to test this theory but it really is something that can only be determined by an expert. The feel of a diamond on the tongue is much different than a non-diamond due to that icy feel and the thermal conductivity we mentioned above. A diamond will take the heat away from the surface of your tongue. 

If it Looks Too Good to be True….

Sadly, if it looks too good to be true then it probably is! If your diamond looks flawless, is very in white in colour and has no visible imperfections, you are probably looking at a fake. While flawless diamonds to exist they tend to be out of many peoples price range. To ascertain a diamonds authenticity, magnifying equipment is required. 

How Sharp are the Facets?

A diamond has very sharp facets when compared to CZ stones which tend to have more rounded ones. Again, magnification is required if you want to look in fine detail. A diamond never loses the sharpness of the facets.

Wear on the Diamond 

Genuine diamonds don’t wear like other gemstones. One reason that the popular “diamonds are forever phrase” was coined. They keep their sharpness and so don’t chip or scratch. If a diamond looks worn and tired, it’s probably not the genuine article. This is a great indicator of how to spot a real diamond from a fake if you are buying a vintage piece. 

Does it Have Small Marks?

Genuine diamonds, unless flawless, have small marks which are known as inclusions. There is a grading scale of how included a diamond is which is used as one of the considerations when valuing a diamond. If your diamond has no inclusions it’s either worth a small fortune or it’s not real. 

Still Not Sure?

If you’re not convinced and none of the above tests have made your mind up, we are happy to help. We provide experienced, professional diamond valuations for sale and insurance purposes and have the knowledge and skill to accurately assess your diamond. If you need help and advice with how to spot a real diamond from a fake, get in touch with us and we will offer the benefit of our experience to help you find your perfect gemstone. 

Just give us a call on 01934 628361 or pop along to 24 High Street, Weston-super-Mare where we will be happy to help.

The inspiration for our latest blog came from a bespoke engagement ring project for a client who wanted to propose to his partner with a ring that, at this stage, only existed only in his head. It was our job to try and extract that vision and bring it to life. This article documents the journey, how we arrived at the final piece and his partner’s answer to the all important question.

The Initial Consultation 

The process of designing a bespoke engagement ring starts with an idea, a vision or maybe even a photo of something similar. In this case, the client came to us with an idea that he had managed to sketch out on paper so that we had a starting base and some idea of what he was looking for. We then took those ideas, along with his verbal requests and our designer sketched out a number of variations of the design for him to peruse. 

Building a Wax Model 

Once we had the drawings agreed in principle, we could then get to work on the next stage in the process. Creating the wax mould of the ring mount so that it could be cast in metal. 

Now, when working with precious metal (in this case platinum), it can get very costly so in the first instance, we always create a silver mount. This way the client can see what the finished product will look like and make any changes to the silver model.

The wax mould

We are able to set the diamonds in the mount and remove them thus creating the overall impact of the finished design. 

This is the ideal time to make any significant changes and ensure that we get the mount absolutely right – including getting as close to the correct size as possible. We can do this using other pieces of jewellery if you are able to sneak them to us under the radar. If not, we can always adjust at a later date. 

The silver mount

Creating the Final Design 

Once the client has inspected the silver mount (and tried it on – if the ring is not intended as a surprise), we are then able to cast the ring in precious metal and set the stone/s in the permanent mount. All that is left to do then is present the finished article to the client. 

The final design

Popping the Question

Once we have created the ring and bought your designs to life and quite frankly, obliterated your expectations (yes we are that confident), its’ over to you. We can’t propose for you although we reckon we’d be great at that too. In this instance, the lady said “yes” and we couldn’t be happier for this lovely couple. The ring will last a lifetime, and those smiles will too! 

She said “yes”

Additional Ideas and Services

In addition to creating the ring of your partner’s dreams, we can also add a few other bespoke touches such as engraving the ring. Some people choose to have the date they met engraved on the inside of the band, or their names/initials. Some even have the coordinates of where they met engraved. We can also take existing pieces of jewellery, or elements of them, to create stunning designs that are super special.

All you need to do in the first instance is get in touch. Book a time to come in and see us and let’s discuss what you are trying to achieve. We have lots of ideas and inspiration that we can add to the mix too so that you can create a bespoke engagement ring that will win the heart of your beloved.

Diamonds are forever, and like anything that is forever, a big commitment! When selecting the perfect diamonds for you, there are a number of things to consider. In addition to the colour and style, you also need to consider the cut and clarity and your budget. Let’s call it the four C’s and examine each in further detail in our guide to choosing diamonds:

• Colour
• Clarity
• Cut
• Cost

Colour

There are many shades of diamond in addition to the traditional white diamonds. Fancy something different? Looking for pink or blue maybe? You have options. In fact, we have produced a whole article on the various colours of diamonds available which you can find here. Just bear in mind that opting for something other than white is going to increase the budget somewhat.

• White – the most popular colour and most widely available
• Champagne – more neutral/pale but you can find champagne diamonds with a pinkish tinge
• Green / Blue – Among the rarest and most valuable in the world. You will may more if you want to obtain a blue or green diamond
• Grey – for a more subtle and some might say, more dignified look. Classy and professional

You may not be aware of just how many different colours of diamond are available. In fact, it very much depends on personal taste. If you are buying diamonds as a gift or surprise, it is always wise to stick with white unless you know exactly what you are looking for.

Clarity

What do we mean by ‘clarity’ when it comes to choosing diamonds?

Natural diamonds are created deep in the earth. They are the result of carbon being exposed to incredible heat and pressure. The diamonds produced have internal characteristics which are referred to as inclusions and then blemishes which are external characteristics. The value of a diamond will depend on the size, position and nature of these inclusions and blemishes While it is almost impossible to find a ‘pure’ diamond, the better the clarity, the more valuable a diamond is.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) use a grading system to assist in the evaluation of diamonds. Within this there are 6 categories, some of which are divided, giving a total of  11 grades. These grades are as follows:

• Flawless (FL) – no inclusions/blemishes visible
• Internally Flawless (IF) – no inclusions visble
• Very, Very Slightly Included – VVS and VVS_{2 –}inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see
• Very Slightly Included (VS₁and VS₂) Inclusions are observed with effort and charatyerised as minor
• Slightly Included (SI₁and SI₂) Inclusions are noticeable
• Included (I₁, I₂, and I₃)Inclusions are obvious and may affect transparency and brilliance

All of the above relate to the diamonds being examined under 10x magnification.

At The Goldmarket, we are able to value diamonds using this grading system.

Cut

The cut refers to the shape of the diamond. 75% of all diamonds sold are actually round cut but there are many others to consider. We go into much more detail in our blog Which Diamond Cut Should You Choose for Your Engagement Ring? but essentially you can choose from the following:

• Round
• Princess
• Oval
• Marquise
• Pear
• Cushion
• Emerald
• Asscher
• Radiant
• Heart-cut

A Marquise cut engagement ring

Then there are fancy cuts which include modified brilliants, step-cuts, mixed-cuts and rose-cuts. It is definitely worth checking out all the different cuts to find one that you prefer.

Cost

Last, and by no means least, there is the matter of cost. All of the aforementioned – colour, clarity and cut, will affect the cost of the diamond that you choose.

Most recently (May 22), The Pink Star, is the largest know diamond to have received a Vivid Pink Colour Grade. It sold for $71 million in Hong Kong. This oval-shaped 59.6 carat pink diamond broke records for the highest price ever paid for a jewel.

Now we don’t suggest for one minute that you have millions of pounds to spend on a diamond but can assure you is that if you come to The Goldmarket, we will help you find the best diamond to suit your taste and your budget.

Diamonds are Forever

Our commitment to finding the perfect jewellery doesn’t end with this brief guide to choosing diamonds. At The Goldmarket, we can create bespoke designs and pieces for you. Have you got a diamond that you would like setting into a new mount? Want to use the diamonds from a sentimental piece to create a new piece? We can help and have years of experience in matching the right diamonds with our happy clients.

Just pop along to The Goldmarket and let us help you find exactly what you are looking for.

With the Queen about to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, we thought it timely to write a piece about this precious metal, where it comes from, why it is so much more valuable than gold and why platinum jewellery is such a popular choice for many.

A Brief Overview of Platinum

Only really used in the production of jewellery since the 19^thcentury (unlike gold which has been used for centuries), platinum was actually first discovered in 1557. In the late 16^thcentury, it was discovered by Spanish Conquistadors in the rivers in Ecuador. Of course, they had no understanding of its value and simply named it platina, throwing it back into the rivers for it to “ripen” into silver. Fast forward to today and we are much more aware of its benefits and value.

A Rare Precious Metal When Compared to Others

A far cry from the 16^thcentury, now we know platinum to be one of the rarest and most durable of the precious metals. In fact, if you took all of the platinum ever mined and put it in one room, it would actually fit into the average living room. That is not a lot – especially when you consider how many platinum wedding rings must exist.

Why Choose Platinum?

Platinum is an extremely durable and hard wearing metal weighing 60% more than gold. It maintains its luminosity unlike other metals which may tarnish. It is resistant to tarnishing and discolouration and it’s strong white lustre makes it an extremely popular choice

Aside from how shiny and hardwearing it is, many choose it as it is a hypoallergenic metal – great for those with sensitive skin that cannot wear other metals.

Some Interesting Platinum Facts

Here are a few snippets about this rare but favoured precious metal that you may not know already:

• The Hope Diamond is set in platinum
• It is great for every day wear due to its strength and durability
• Platinum doesn’t wear away and if you scratch it, you don’t lose any of the metal, it just displaces.
• It doesn’t fade, discolour or tarnish
• It’s hallmark is PT or PLAT. In Europe, platinum is identified by the following marks: 950 or PT950.

The Queen’s Platinum Jewellery Collection

Now, we can’t let the occasion pass without discussing some of the Queen’s platinum collection:

Nizam of Hyderabad Brooch

CREDIT: GETTY

The Queen often wears this brooch, which is actually the centerpiece of the Nizam of Hyderabad tiara.

Fern Brooch

A platinum fern brooch featuring diamonds was given to Her Majesty by the Women of Auckland on Christmas in 1953, when she toured New Zealand. It has also been worn by the Duchess of Cambridge.

Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara

CREDIT: GETTY

This particular tiara was worn by Princess Eugenie on her wedding day. It is made of brilliant and rose cut diamonds pavé set in platinum, with six emeralds on either side.

Queen Mary’s Floret Earrings

CREDIT: GETTY

The main diamonds from these earrings were a gift to Queen Mary in honour of her July 1893 wedding. They have gone through a number of settings before becoming the centre piece of their current iteration. Set in platinum, the diamonds are surrounded by seven smaller diamonds for a floret effect.

King Faisal Necklace

CREDIT: GETTY

In May 1967, King Faisal of Saudi Arabia headed to the U.K. for a state visit — and brought this dazzling gift for the Queen in the form of a diamond necklace made by Harry Winston in the 1950s.

These are just a few of Queen Elizabeth’s famous platinum collection but let’s face it, it is a metal that is fit for a queen!

Caring for Platinum Jewellery

However durable and resilient this precious metal is, it is still highly important to look after your platinum jewellery. Avoid wearing it for manual labour or while at the gym/during exercise. Don’t allow your pieces to touch each other. In fact, it’s best if you can store your pieces separately in a fabric lined box. You should also be careful not to handle abrasives or acids while wearing platinum rings.

If your platinum jewellery does become scratched, fear not. At The Goldmarket, we have the tools to polish out those scratches and re-rhodium it to bring it up like new. You could even check out our collection of platinum jewellery while you are here!

Tangled chains, rings that are stuck on your finger, simple cleaning tips… we offer you the benefit of our wisdom with some top jewellery hacks. Of course, not everything can be fixed with a simple hack and for those jewellery issues that aren’t so easy to resolve, we are on hand with a warm welcome and a friendly smile to help. For now, let’s take a look at the things you can fix yourself.

Fastening a Bracelet

Not sure about you, but it’s not always easy to get those bracelets fastened one handed. There are a couple of things that you can try that will do the job though:

Use tape – a small piece of sticky tape will do the job. Using the tape, simply stick one end of the bracelet to your wrist to hold it in place while you fasten.

Use a paper clip or a bobby pin (hair grip) – Take a look at the below reel on Instagram to learn how you can quickly, and simply, fasten a bracelet with items that you have lurking in your bathroom cabinets or bedside tables.

 

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Rings Stuck On Your Finger

If you are struggling to remove a ring from your finger, there are a few things you can try:

• Try twisting the ring off
• Use window cleaner – squirt some window cleaner on the the ring and the finger then try gently removing – be careful not to use anything with harsh chemicals in!
• Reduce the swelling – If you are struggling to remove the ring because your finger is swollen, try submerging the finger in question into a cup of ice cold water for a few minutes while lifting the finger over your head (this uses the ice and elevation theory to reduce the swelling). You may need to repeat the process a few times.
• Lubricate – using vaseline or a similar lubricant, try to slide the ring off the finger.

If none of the above remedies work then you are going to need to consider having the ring cut off. We can help. Not only will we remove the ring, we will also be able to repair, increase the size and make it good as new. You will get your ring back in once piece and it will fit.

Lengthen a Necklace

Got a favourite necklace that is just a bit short for the outfit you want to wear or want to give a new look to your favourite necklace? Use a bracelet as an extender to make it longer. Simply attach the clasps of the bracelet as you would do when fastening your necklace.

Sore Ears?

When you have left those earrings out for a while, or your ear lobes are a bit tender and you are worried about putting earrings back in, try popping some vaseline on the posts first – this will help the earrings to slide back into the ears.

Stop Jewellery Discolouring

Soap, sweat, salt, chlorine etc. all contribute to the discolouration of your favourite jewellery. Always remove it before you washing, cleaning, exercising, swimming etc to ensure that you keep your precious items in tip top condition.

Tangled Necklaces?

Among the popular jewellery hacks that you will find online, are how to untangle necklaces. If you find yourself with a hopelessly knotted pile of chains, simply lay them out on a flat surface and use baby oil and pin to carefully and gently untangle them. You are going to need lots of patience though.

To avoid them becoming tangled in the first place, when storing your necklaces, you can pop a straw over the end of the necklace, then hook the necklace closed. The chain then rests inside the straw stopping it from getting tangled. You can also cut slits into some card, hang your necklace over the slits and pop the rest of the chain into a small see through bag.

Tarnished Silver

Apparently, storing chalk with your silver jewellery absorbs moisture and stops the jewellery tarnishing so quickly. It is also important to take any jewellery off before cleaning, washing, showering, exercising etc.

Dirty Jewellery

Apart from keeping your jewellery clean with warm, soapy water, we really would advise leaving professional jewellery cleaning to the experts. At The Goldmarket, we take great care and attention when cleaning your precious jewellery. We not only clean the pieces but also re-rhodium then to ensure they come up looking as good as the day you bought them. If you have jewellery that needs some tlc, bring it along to our shop and often we can clean it while you wait.

Do you haver any top tips or jewellery hacks that we haven’t mentioned? We’d love to hear them.

The wedding ring is a symbol of love and commitment, usually worn on the ring finger of the left hand where the vena amoris(vein of love) runs from the finger to the heart. When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding rings, we can help!

Where it All Began

While wedding jewellery hasn’t always been a ring worn on the ring finger, it has always been a piece of jewellery worn to signify that the wearer is married. This practise has evolved from Ancient Rome and Greece into a more modern day tradition where a wedding band is worn now on the ring finger of the left hand, usually by both parties. Embedded more in Christian tradition, it is a practise that is carried out the world over.

The Modern Day Wedding Ring

Forged from metals such as gold or platinum, modern day wedding rings are often matching and can be set with diamonds or engraved. They can be made from more than one metal and feature intricate designs. It’s not unusual to see tricolour rings which combine yellow, white and rose gold or a combination of two colours of gold. There are so many options that you don’t have to opt for simple plain gold bands, unless this is what you want.

Our Excellent Wedding Ring Service

At The Goldmarket, we have an excellent reputation for providing wedding rings for that special day. Our service extends from helping the happy couple pick the perfect ring from our extensive range of stock to custom designing and creating rings to individual specification. Let’s take a look at some of the options available to you when it comes to choosing wedding rings for your special day:

Custom Made Rings

Do you have a sentimental piece of jewellery that you would like to encompass in your wedding ring? Maybe it’s a family heirloom handed down through generations or perhaps it was a wedding band or engagement ring of a loved one that you lost. The precious metal from this jewellery can be used to form part, or all, of your new wedding band/s.

Diamond Set Wedding Bands

Maybe you would like to have a band set with a diamond or other gemstone such as a birthstone. One, or both, of you may have the desire to have a diamond set into the shank to make it an extra special piece of jewellery. It may be a stone that was set in a relative’s engagement ring that you would like to feature in your wedding band so that it is always close to you. There are many options when it comes to which gemstones you use and where they feature on the ring (either on the outer shank or inside the ring).

Engraved Wedding Rings

We love receiving requests for special messages to be engraved on the inside or outside of wedding bands. Some of them are so creative and romantic. Have you thought about having the latitude and longitude coordinates of where you met, or where you got engaged, engraved inside the ring? Maybe you want to get the date you met or the date you are getting married engraved? You could have each other’s names or dates of birth or a special quote that means something to both of you. There are so many opportunities to have something special engraved on your wedding bands to make it truly unique and special to both of you. Let’s not forget that having the wedding date engraved on the inside of the ring, serves as a constant reminder to those that aren’t very good at remembering anniversaries (you just have to remember to look)!!  We love getting involved in this personal detailing at The Goldmarket, and have vast experience of different languages too; from Latin to Gaelic to Hebrew!

Choose From Our Extensive Selection

We are proud to offer an impressive selection of ready-made wedding bands here at The Goldmarket. These include both ladies and gents rings in all different sizes, including Z+ sizes. Of course, if you see something you like and it’s not in your size, we would be more than happy to resize it to fit. Our selection of beautiful rings is perfect for all tastes and budgets, with prices starting from as little as £150. There is so much to choose from – platinum, gold, white gold, diamond set…

If you find something you like from our range but want to personalise it, you could look to have it engraved or gem set with something special as mentioned above. You don’t have to have a ring custom made to do this.

One thing you can be sure of is our excellent customer service and attention to detail. We will be part of your journey, ensuring that you get exactly what you want and need for your wedding rings. After all, they are designed to last a lifetime.

To discuss your requirements in more details, pop into our Weston super Mare shop or call us on 01934 628361. We would be delighted to share in the magic of your special occasion.