Synthetic, or man-made diamonds are now readily available. Please note: we are not talking about things that look like a diamond, such as Cubic Zirconia or Moissante, but of diamonds that have been grown over a few weeks in a laboratory. Prins & Prins is one of the few jewellers who employ qualified […]
Only from the Meralani Hills in Tanzania, comes TANZANITE – the most unique gemstone discovered in the past century. According to historical accounts, Masai herdsmen discovered the gem in 1979, after the heat from bush fires changed the brownish colour of the mineral zoisite, into a magnificent violet blue. After a devastating monsoon in 1998, […]
The tradition to celebrate wedding anniversaries dates from Roman times, when husbands crowned their wives with a silver wreath on their 25th anniversary and a gold wreath on the 50th. In Commonwealth countries one can receive from the monarch a letter of congratulations on the 60th, 65th and 70th anniversaries. Roman Catholics can apply for […]
Pearls have been imitated for centuries. Most pearl imitations are made by first producing a spherical glass or mother-of-pearl bead. The bead is then coated by a substance called pearl essence” which is made by mixing guanine (extracted from fish scales) with glue and a colouring agent. After a few layers of “essence” have been […]
Facts to be aware of: Most countries are at war with criminals. Valuables and guns are targeted and it is up to the individual to have valuables properly insured. The resultant physical, emotional and monetary damage caused by home invasions have reached unspeakable proportions. You should know: Insurance valuation certificates often indicate a value […]
GOLD JEWELLERY – White, green, purple, red or yellow ? The traditional colour of gold jewellery is yellow and in cultures where gold has religious meaning, no other colour than yellow will be acceptable. Fashion in the nineties and thereafter demanded a “white” look and platinum and white gold jewellery became popular. Yellow […]