Jewelry
How to Buy Fine Jewelry
Fine jewelry is bought rarely and worn constantly, which is precisely why the fundamentals matter. Metal purity, setting security and stone quality decide whether a piece becomes an heirloom or a repair bill.
Choose the right metal
18K gold is the standard for fine jewelry: rich in colour and durable enough for daily wear. 14K is harder and more scratch-resistant, useful for rings worn constantly. Platinum is denser and hypoallergenic but marks more readily, developing a patina many collectors prefer. Gold-plated and vermeil pieces are fashion jewelry, not fine.
Read the stone honestly
For diamonds, cut governs brilliance more than carat weight — an excellent-cut stone at 0.9 carats outshines a poorly cut 1.2. Colour in the G to H range and clarity at VS2 or better appear flawless to the eye at a fraction of the price of D/IF. For coloured stones, saturation and evenness of colour matter more than any grading letter.
Check the setting
Prongs should sit flush and evenly spaced, with no movement when the stone is gently pressed. Bezel and channel settings protect stones best for active wear. Ask when the piece was last checked and have prongs inspected annually.
Insist on documentation
Any significant diamond should carry a GIA or AGS report, and the report number is often laser-inscribed on the girdle. For signed pieces, original boxes and papers materially affect value.
Before You Buy
- Confirm karat or platinum stamp
- Prioritise cut over carat weight
- Test prongs for movement
- Request a GIA or AGS report
Private Appointments
Personal sourcing, authentication and styling — by appointment only.
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