It's been a long time coming and a lot of work but now I've opened a workshop in Monmouth
Thank's to my 30-year friendship with Andrew and Sue Howell Managing Directors of Wye Valley Group, and frequent visits to Hereford I fell in love with the Wye Valley region and decided to move here and set up a workshop in Monmouth
WWW.Harddiamond.com
mail..harddiamond@gmail.com
Here are two pictures of a recent commission from Chris and Michael Dixon good clients and friends of mine. 18ct white gold set Diamonds and Sapphiers
If you want to by out of a shop window
so can every one else.
Design and work directly with the jeweller
and you get an exclusive piece of jewellery
visit the work shops watch it being made
have your input and say.........
feel free to call paul on
07855951568
|
07855 951568
A recent client of mine mentioned in passing to me about a pair of cufflinks which as a child he always remembered his grandfather wearing. I suggested I create something for him along similar lines. I first had to find pearls of 9mm size and good quality. Synthetic pearls and imitation pearls are very easy to find; but true cultured pearls of defined lustre are nowadays few and far between.
However, after some research and discussion (and many I rejected), they were located. Once purchased, then drilled to accept the cufflink chain, which I made in 9ct hard drawn gold. This makes the chain very durable. The finished item is basically quality chosen pearls, held together with a hard 9ct chain, simplicity makes perfect and they speak for themselves.
9ct white gold Cross, set diamond in 18ct yellow gold. I have split the ends of the Cross in this case I have set round cultured pearls. Previously I have made this Cross and set sapphire, emerald and ruby spheres in the place of pearls. However, pearls for some reason, give an angelic feel. This piece in the flesh has a very holy appeal.
I first designed this ring using platinum and an emerald-cut diamond, which is featured on the front page of this blog. Here I've changed the design somewhat and elevated the stone. These rings have been designed to show the beauty of the highly-polished emerald-cut stone. They are not diamonds, they are coloured stones, which radiate vivid colour. These stones, in particular the pink to reddish stones, are tourmalines.
The yellow stone is a citrine. Tourmalines are not known today as semi-precious, since quality stones of this colour are not easy to find. So I consider them more in the precious stone bracket. The citrine as with amethyst, garnet, peridot, all work with this ring, since it's about image, colour and beauty and not cost. The back plate shank is reflective as are the inner walls of the arms which hold the stone by pressure, so reflect the colour and beauty of the stones.
The biggest problem with this design is setting the stones. Diamonds are no problem due to their hardness. Semi-precious stones are further down on the Moh's hardness scale, and will chip on the corners when pressure is applied. Having struggled time and time again, eventually I mastered a technique. I then set the side of the ring with a bead setting so the stone cannot slip sideways. These rings are an ideal complement to any cocktail party. Available in 18ct yellow and white gold. Approximate price according to gemstone: £850.