About materials

Diamonds

Lab Diamonds

I avoided using lab diamonds for a long because they were so insanely overpriced while the value was rapidly dropping. They were wildly overprices for years.
I kept an eye on the market, and once the prices reached a reasonable level for that they are, I started using them in my work.
I absolutely love the concept of diamonds made in a lab, and I have been using moissanite in my work ever since I started making jewellery. Moissanites and lab diamonds are made in very similar ways, but moissanites are silicium carbide, while diamonds are carbon.

I’m happy to source any size and shape of lab diamonds, and can also get them custom cut in unique shapes and cuts.
I source them directly from the producer, not via any of the large international suppliers.

Conflict free, ethically sourced diamonds

I avoid all the large international diamond monopolies, and only purchase through small independent diamond suppliers who focus on ethics and environment, or directly from the diamond cutters.

I use conflict free diamonds, sourced ethically from small diamond suppliers working closely with the miners and cutters, ensuring good working conditions, and giving back to the communities.
Buying real diamonds supports some of the poorest communities in the world, and while there is still a lot to be desired, the diamond trade continues to move towards a better conditions.

I use raw and rustic diamonds, becuase they are so beautifully marked by nature, and the process of creation they went through over millions of years. The large jewellery chains and diamond resellers do not want these because they look odd and are deemed “not perfect”, so when small designers buy them, the miners get to sell more of their product, which they otherwise wouldn't get paid for, or would have to sell cheaply for industrial use as sandpaper and diamond drill bits.
There are also fewer links between miner and end customer on these compared to traditional diamonds, so more of the profit reaches the workers.

Vintage Diamonds

I also really like using vintage diamonds. Reuse and recycling is so important for our planet.
By buying old diamonds, you get one that is already in the market, no additional environmental strain is put on our planet.
In addition to the sustainability aspect, vintage diamonds are also extremely beautiful. Old European Cut look so ethereal, and fit beautifully with a nature-inspired style.

Moissanite (a diamond alternative)

I absolutely love moissanites!
They're nearly as hard as diamonds, reflect even more light, so they sparkle more than diamonds. And they cost a fraction of the price of natural diamonds!
I use high quality moissanites, eye cleane and colourless.
It’s also possible to get moissanite in colours like teal, grey, blue, green, pink etc.
Moissanites are available in any cuts, I can custom order one for you if you have something specific in mind!
Moissanites were first discovered within a meteorite, so I love combining them with real meteorites in rings and jewellery. They have also been found as tiny little crystal inclusions inside natural diamonds.
All moissanites used in jewellery today are lab created, there are no natural moissanites for sale in the world. Be ware of any sellers who claim they have natural moissanites, that is just not possible.

Metals

-PLATINUM-
Platinum is the most durable of the precious metals, and is a bright white colour. It is not rhodium plated, and does not require much maintenance.
It is very scratch resistant.
Rhodium is a metal in the platinum family, used to plate other metals to make them appear whiter. I very rarely do this, but when I do it’s clearly stated. I occasionally use black rhodium for a vintage patina effect on gold.
Palladium is also a metal in the platinum family, and is a deep grey. I don’t usually use it on it’s own, but the white gold I use contains it.

-GOLD-
I use palladium white gold, not the standard nickel white gold. This means that my white gold products are nickel free. Nickel is a cheap non-precious metal, while palladium is a precious metal in the platinum group.
I use a white gold with a high palladium content, always 14-20% palladium. Low pd content golds look pale yellow, while high pd content makes for a deep grey white gold. I usually leave my gold unplated, to minimize maintenance.
Nickel white gold is usually rhodium plated, but palladium white gold looks wonderful in it's own right.
Occasionally, there wil be a few items in my shop made with standard white gold, but those are clearly marked as such. Those are still compliant with the EU laws on nickel content in precious metal jewellery.
I work in solid 14k gold, white, yellow, or rose gold.
I can do custom orders in 18k as well.

-SILVER-
I use 925 Sterling Silver.
Please note that the oxidation on black silver may wear off a bit over time, especially in raised areas. This will create a new look of brighter high points and darker details. Re-oxidizing silver to get it jet black again is also easy to have done at any jewellery shop.

Bright sterling silver will oxidize somewhat over time from exposure to chemicals in the air and human skin. It can be cleaned off by using a silver dip. I use Hagerty brand, but any kind works. This does not harm meteorites and most precious gems, but never use it with opals or pearls.
Avoid using any harsh cleaning products that may scratch the silver.