The colours of the rainbow set in stone
As pride month draws to a close, we take a look back at some of the world’s most vibrant jewels that make up the colours of the rainbow. Red: Wallis Simpson’s Van Cleef and Arpels ruby suite For a woman…
EDITOR
The history of the Hatton Garden jewellery district
London has a rich and varied history dating back to Roman times and the archaeological records show that jewellery production dates to at least this period, evidenced by the discovery of the Temple of Mithras near the Bank of England.…
Treasure assets – why the mega-rich are investing in coloured gemstones during Covid-19
Whilst it is true to say that ultra-high net worth individuals are usually the last people to notice a global crisis, it is striking just how robust demand for fine jewellery and fine grade coloured gemstones has remained during the…
The Cheapside Hoard and the rich history of London’s jewellery quarter
June 1912 and a team of workmen were busily demolishing a building on Cheapside, close to St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London. As the men bashed through the floor of the timber-framed house and into the older brick-lined…
A guide to emeralds and the 4C’s
London DE is a fully integrated fine jeweller and gemstone dealer, operating at every stage of the supply chain, from mine-to-market. They focus on the finest grade gemstones and coloured gemstones from around the world, including Colombian emeralds, supplying the whole…
Life beyond the lockdown – How can jewellers prepare for the gradual return of face-to-face business?
It seems likely that the coming weeks and months will see a gradual loosening of the current lockdown measures, potentially enabling many jewellers to start to return to face-to-face trade perhaps as early as next month. This indicative timeline affords…
An insight into the colourful Indian jewellery market
India has for many years been a powerhouse of the global gemstone and jewellery industry and it is now reopening for business, including international business. By some measures over 80% of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished in India,…
Emerald – the majestic May birthstone
Emeralds are fast becoming one of the most popular gemstones and they are focus in the month of May as its recognised birthstone. Emeralds are a notoriously hazardous stone to cut and polish because they can crack, or cleave, easily. All examples…
From mine-to-market: How to buy coloured gems ethically
Coloured gemstones are the luxury must-have fashion trend, but customers shouldn’t have to choose between fair trade and fair prices, writes London DE’s Phil Spencer. Emerald, sapphire, ruby and other coloured gemstones are enjoying a fashion renaissance. Royalty, movie stars…
Our guide to the perfect emerald engagement ring
From Cleopatra to Angelina Jolie, through Maharajas and Catherine the Great, emerald engagement rings and jewellery have been a must have for celebrity ladies. For many years some of the major high-end jewellers, such as Van Cleef & Arpels, have…