Gold futures gain on spot demand

 Gold prices rose by Rs 46 to Rs 50,197 per 10 gram in futures trade on Friday as speculators created fresh positions on a firm spot demand.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold contracts for February delivery traded higher by Rs 46, or 0.09 per cent, at Rs 50,197 per 10 gram in a business turnover of 10,070 lots.

“The gems and jewellery industry was initially affected due to the pandemic, particularly in Q1 of this financial year (2020-21). We have, however, seen growth recovery post-lockdown.”

Fresh positions built up by participants led to the rise in gold prices, analysts said.

Globally, gold prices traded 0.09 per cent higher at USD 1,895.10 per ..

Jewellery trends that won 2020 & will rule in 2021

While 2020 was all about mindful spending and investment, 2021 would see return of jewelry as adornment, as people would embrace back socializing with a fervent, say experts. Jewellery in 2021 would be anything but boring and subtle. So we would see a ‘riot of colors’ expressed through unusual combinations of very different families of gemstones coming together, giving designers a very rich canvas to paint on, they add. Here’s looking back at the trends that won 2020 and trends that will rule 2021.

Some of the jewellery trends observed in 2020 are:

1. Chokers:  Be it a casual choker, a gold one or a diamond choker, this beautiful necklace which fits on the neck is loved by everyone. Chokers have a tendency to add class to any outfit while defining your neck beautifully.

2. Gold tones: Long royal necklaces with earrings made of Kundan, Polki, and  Meenakari were an important part of the jewellery trend in 2020. It included multi-layered necklaces, and pieces with delicate but detailed work that formed a part of the trend.

3. Studs: Stud is that piece of jewellery which will never go out of fashion. The availability of studs in various shapes, size, colour and the easiness to wear keeps the jewellery piece in trend always.

4. Accessories played an important role: This year has seen the use of a lot of accessories like maangtika, pasa, haathphool, light weight bangles and bracelets. Even if one is not wearing heavy jewellery pieces, accessorising your attire can change your entire look.

Listing down more jewellery trends that are going to go big in 2021.

1. Asymmetrical Earrings: This is a concept that was introduced by us in the year 2019 on the runway of New York Fashion Week. Since then, asymmetrical earrings have been in trend quite a lot and we expect them to be in vogue in 2021 also.

2. Florals: Floral jewellery with a pinch of colour will trend the year 2021. Flower jewellery has become common amongst brides that also include earrings, necklaces, and rings in gold and white gold.

3. Layered jewellery: Layering of necklaces is considered to be an art and if done in the right way can enhance one’s personality. The best part about layered necklaces is that one gets to play with its length, texture and mismatched design.

4. Detachable jewellery pieces: The best part about detachable jewellery pieces is that they can be worn according to one’s own convenience. Detachable diamond jewellery will stay in trend in the year 2021, especially amongst the brides, who will be able to wear the jewellery on several occasions. 

Tayshia Adams’ Engagement Ring Features 95 Diamonds

 After many surprise twists and turns, Tayshia Adams, star of the 16th season of The Bachelorette, is engaged to Zac Clark. The reality show contestant popped the question during Tuesday’s finale and, true to Bachelorette form, the engagement ring is absolutely stunning.According to E!, Adams’ ring features a 3.25-carat emerald-cut diamond, encompassed by a sparkling halo of 27 round diamonds. The band and edges hold another 67 diamonds. For those counting, that is 95 diamonds. The jewelry designer behind the ring, Neil Lane, told People that the engagement ring has a vintage 1920s feel which, according to him, is what drew Clark to it in the first place. It also features a hidden-halo detail, one of 2021’s top engagement ring trends.

This is the second ring Lane, the franchise’s longtime go-to jeweler, has designed for this season of The Bachelorette. Back in week four, he created the 4.5-carat ring containing a whopping 148 diamonds for contestant Dale Moss, to propose to the season’s original bachelorette Clare Crawley. Lane had his work cut out for him this year. Not only was season 16 filmed during lockdown but Lane had to quarantine before he could present the ring which meant that he wasn’t able to bring Crawley’s ring to her. He was able to be there for Adams and Clark’s engagement, though. (Lane also appeared during Adams’ date with Brendan Morais earlier in the season.)

Just moments before Clark proposed, Adams told him, “That first night when I got here, I was extremely excited about the possibility of finding love, but also very nervous and scared, because I didn’t know if finding true love was possible.” She continued, “When I first met you, I thought to myself, ‘He’s different, and that man is kind. He shows gratitude, and has the biggest smile. He has been through a lot, but has never given up, but also has learned how to read me better than really anyone ever has, and knows how to comfort me when I’m down.’ There was one point in my life when I thought I would never get married, because of all the pain and the heartbreak I had been through, and I hit absolute rock bottom. And I know I told you that I love you, but… it’s more than that.” After saying yes to the proposal, Adams rode off with Clark in the New York City-inspired cardboard taxi that first made an appearance in their hometown date.After the finale aired, Adams showed off her engagement ring on her Instagram story. Doing a little happy dance beside her new fiancé, Adams was all smiles as she captioned the Story with “2021 we ready for you baby!” Whether that is a hint at an impending wedding date or simply excitement for the year to come, Adams and Clark seem ready for whatever 2021 brings.

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.

The Complete Guide to Composite Diamonds

 Looking for a large diamond ring without the hefty price tag? A composite diamond ring could be the answer. These show-stopping engagement rings offer the same sparkle and glamour of a large diamond, usually at a lower cost.

What Are Composite Diamonds?

Composite diamonds are small diamonds that have been carefully placed together to create a larger looking diamond. Composite diamonds may be set in a way that makes them appear as one stone or carefully arranged in a design to maximize their beauty or sparkle. 

Jeweler Rahul Sacheti explains that composite diamonds are often set within a ring in just the right way “to convey a larger appearance.” These jewels may also be glued together to form doublets or triplets that are then set the same as a single, larger gemstone would.

Cost of Composite Diamonds

Composite diamonds are usually much more affordable than a full, large diamond as they “allow the execution of complex designs with a lower profile and cheaper upfront cost.” But, while composite diamond rings may seem budget-friendly initially, they could become costly long-term, especially when it comes to maintenance and repairs.

“Future repair costs are an important consideration,” Sacheti explains. “Rings made of composite diamonds may find the buyer in a costly situation if the item needs repair in the future. Finding the appropriate diamonds to replace a missing stone in a composite ring can be costly and difficult.” For example, if your ring involves an invisible setting, you can only repair the piece with notched diamonds, and Sacheti says these are “not kept in big supply by diamond wholesalers.”

Pros and Cons of Composite Diamonds 

The pros of composite diamonds are plentiful, however. Aside from their attractive cost, the design possibilities with composite diamonds are nearly unlimited. Composite diamonds are perfect for creating intricate details. “The clustered designs are always unique and allow for more artistic expression,” Sacheti adds. Still, there are negative aspects to composite diamond rings. First, the potentially high repair costs for a broken composite diamond can negate the savings on the piece and the future value of a composite diamond ring is generally not as clear. Furthermore, the environmental impact on the stones could change the appearance and possibly cause breakage.

Composite Diamond Shopping Tips

When shopping for a composite diamond ring, always consider the future repair costs. Ask your jeweler if the ring incorporates an invisible setting and whether or not the stones in the cluster are notched. You should also ask if there is glass filling in any of the stones. According to Sacheti, when looking at a cluster-style composite diamond ring, it is obvious when the ring is examined with a jeweler’s loupe. The same holds true for bluff stones, however, he says, “Here you are looking for inclusion characteristics rather than metalwork joining the stones. One can see the areas where the stones are glued together.”

“Given the unregulated and emotional nature of the jewelry industry, it is tough to forecast the value of traditional diamonds, let alone composite diamonds,” says Sacheti. “Their value retention as compared to traditional diamonds is nowhere close. However, the components and material values still may allow particular pieces to retain more of their value due to demand.”

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Tanzania nationalizes nearly $30M in diamonds

 Tanzania’s government on Saturday officially nationalized a $29.5 million diamond consignment seized three years ago in a case highlighting a tug-of-war with economic saboteurs.

The 71,654 carats of diamonds, bound for Belgium, were initially seized at Julius Nyerere International Airport in 2017.

The move comes after a court in the capital Dar es Salaam ordered two former government officials to pay fines or spend three years in jail for causing the government losses, local daily newspaper reported.

Police said the duo confessed their wrongdoing in undervaluing the diamond shipment, and then the state decided to nationalize the diamonds.

The verdict is being called a milestone in the war against corruption and the theft of mineral resources in the East African country.

Mining accounts for about 4% of Tanzania’s GDP. President John Magufuli has overhauled the mining industry, as the government targets doubling its contribution to the GDP to 10% by 2025.

The government in 2017 passed laws to enable the state to re-negotiate contracts with mining and energy firms.

The impounded diamonds, owned by Williamson Diamonds, were initially documented to be worth some $15 million but a government audit found them to be worth nearly twice that, officials said.

Embrace Slow Fashion with Natural Diamonds To Get Your Bling On

 We don’t need to make any case for diamonds. For those who love understated elegance, classic cuts, formidable finesse and perfect panache to speak for their personalities, diamonds are the way to go. Classic yet timeless, natural diamonds are the one thing that has everyone going the extra mile. They represent the aura and elegance of the wearer in its finest glory. From experiencing joyest moments of celebrations to life changing events, diamonds have always been an integral part of it. Their au naturel appeal makes every jewellery lover gravitate towards the distinctive, natural allure.

The duality of its style makes it the perfect accessory for all your outfits, whether it’s traditional or western. A fashion must, diamonds are considered as the ‘little black dress’ of the fashion jewellery industry.

The Many Facets Of Natural Diamonds

Crafted carefully to bring on the rare and remarkable details of each diamond, these crown jewels are a companion of a lifetime. This uniqueness is what attracts consumers to indulge themselves in natural diamonds for a lifetime. Natural diamonds tend to have a bright visual aspect that radiates of brilliance and life. A true symbol of love, a diamond holds the power to one’s emotions and feeling that binds them together. Every milestone in your life is celebrated with joy and exuberance, with diamonds. The whole experience of buying natural diamond jewellery is such an important moment for the whole family, as the future of a family heirloom is being created at that very moment. 

For Every Affair To Remember

Every joyous celebration from marriages to an addition of a young one in the family to every personal and professional  achievement, a diamond holds the capability of being an integral part of their special memory. Versatile style coupled with sheer elegance and incredulous craftsmanship make natural diamonds stand out amid the sea of sparkling stones. Their classic appeal adds sentiment to slow fashion, a lifestyle and fashion adaptation that is a must in today’s day and age. A testimony to forever love, the value of natural diamonds never wanes in the eyes of your loved ones, for it represents the emotion it holds is much greater than anything in the world.  It carries the stories and moments of celebrations of a whole generation of family and their countless emotions with it.

Ways To Layer And Pair Natural Diamonds

There are multiple ways you can incorporate your favourite diamond jewellery. To give your look a chic touch, stack your diamond bangles and bracelets together to create a beautiful and unique hand piece. You can also try layering multiple necklaces at different lengths to create a beautiful illusion of a stunning necklace. To make heads turn and create a statement, mix and match a traditional diamond necklace or earrings with a crisp white shirt to ace your fusion wear style game. Last but definitely not the least, to steal the show, create an eccentric style with pairing multiple rings for a fun, glam look.

Why It’s The Best Time To Spend On Diamonds

With Christmas festivities right around the corner, this is the best season to buy your loved ones (or yourself) natural diamond jewellery.The charm and elegance that a diamond has will never diminish and will always hold a high value to oneself. With its perfect duality, natural diamonds are perfect  for you, everyday. Natural diamonds will forever be our favourite classic.

Miniature food jewellery pieces big on charm

 ARTIST Lim Beng Wee certainly has a meticulous eye for minute details as he can create art pieces as tiny as 4mm.

Using clay carving tools, a penknife and modified tools, he sculpts polymer clay into a full-fledged nasi lemak meal, curry puffs, ang koo (bean paste cake), steamed bun with exposed filling and others.

He would then turn the miniatures into jewellery pieces. This has been his work of passion since 2007.

“We have earrings, bracelets, hairpins, brooches, rings, necklaces and headbands featuring the miniature pieces, some smaller than a grain of rice.

“What started as a hobby has become something which I am pursuing full-time now with my girlfriend.

“I have always enjoyed drawing and art, having studied it and working as a graphic designer before becoming an art director, ” he said when met at his shop in Hin Bus Depot, George Town, recently.

Recalling his romance with the art, Lim, 45, said his first item made was a doughnut as it was popular to eat back then.

Today, his intricate works include sushi, burgers, pastries and even a big breakfast plate among other designs.

Lim said making nasi lemak took the longest time as it was a combination of multiple components.

“We make rice, cucumber, sambal, chicken, egg and banana leaf separately before combining the pieces for a jewellery piece.

“We make them in batches, and it usually takes us two weeks to make a batch of 50 nasi lemak earrings.

“The whole process may sound tedious but I enjoy it and zone out during the process.

“It is fun to create miniatures that resemble the real deal. A lot of love goes into producing these pieces.

“It is a strain on the eyes after a full-day’s work as I do not use a magnifying glass, ” he said.

Lim said his pieces are priced between RM18 and RM150, depending on the intricacy and details.

“People usually say since the pieces are handmade, there should be less production cost and things should be cheaper.

“But they forgot that a lot of effort goes into producing these pieces.

“They are waterproof, durable and anti-allergenic, ” he said.

Lim said his more popular pieces among customers were the nasi lemak, steamed bun series, curry puff and sushi jewellery.

“We now have a face mask series of earrings which we introduced prior to the movement control order.

“With Christmas approaching, we also have gingerbread man earrings.

“We are working on a flower range now as well, ” he said.