Offe Advice
Buying an Engagement Ring
Congratulations on your engagement! At Offe Jewellers we support you on your journey of selecting your engagement ring, from choosing your stone to designing your engagement ring and wedding bands.
SELECTING A STONE
The first step is deciding what’s the best stone for you. Diamonds are the classic choice for your engagement ring; however, they are not for everyone. Fashion forward women who want to make a personal statement might choose a non-traditional colour gemstone and there’s a massive number of choices when considering this.
For the lover of diamonds, start by learning about diamonds and what defines their quality and price before you rush out and make your purchase.
The 4 C’s are considered the global language of diamond quality. The Offe Jewellers’ team of diamond experts will invest personal care and time to understand your vision and find the very best value diamond in your budget.
SELECTING METAL
Once you’ve selected your stone, next it’s time to choose the best metal for your engagement ring.
Yellow gold is pure gold mixed with silver and copper alloys for a warm look, whereas white gold is pure gold combined with palladium and silver or with nickel, copper and zinc. Rhodium plating improves whiteness and durability.
Rose gold is becoming more and more popular and is made from pure gold plus copper. The more copper, the pinker the metal.
Platinum has a soft, white hue and is a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings due to its hardness. Engravings or embellishments can look sharper and more precise when crafted from platinum. Platinum is rarer and heavier in weight than gold making it a more expensive choice.
SELECT A STYLE
The style of an engagement ring is an expression of personality. For a simple and timeless look, a solitaire design might be your preference. Or if you’re looking for a statement piece, why not an exquisite diamond or coloured-centre stone accentuated by a sparkling halo of diamonds.
SolitaireSingle diamond with classic polished band. Available in all shapes, sizes and settings.
Solitaire with shoulder accent stones
Single centre diamond accentuated with diamond set shoulders. There are many different design options, whether you chose a split shank, straight shoulder or tapered shoulder, the list goes on.
Vintage
Vintage rings merge classic design with contemporary feel, often featuring millgrain detail and scalloped settings.
Halo
A favourite of the modern era featuring a larger centre stone surrounded by a halo of smaller stones. This design increases the appearance of size and looks stunning in any shape.
Trilogy
The trilogy design features three central stones representing past, present and future. The centre stone is usually larger and complemented by a slightly smaller stone either side. For a slightly different look, mix it up and use different shaped stones like baguette diamonds.
Cluster and Multi-stone
If you are looking for a larger look, but have a budget, a cluster or multi -stone ring will be perfect for you. This design features smaller stones clustered together to give the appearance of one large stone.
Jewellery Gift Ideas
Jewellery is a heartfelt gift, perfect for all occasions. Whether you’re buying a gift for a birthday, anniversary, new baby, or just to say I love you, let Offe Jewellers guide you in finding that special jewellery gift that will mean so much. Here are some different ways to convey a message to the person you care about through jewellery.
Affirmation Jewellery
Offe Jewellers carry an extensive range of jewellery with heartfelt and motivational messages.
Charm bracelets
Charm bracelets represent your journey through life with charms available for each special event of milestone.
Jewellery with Religious Significance
Offe Jewellers have a beautiful range of religious jewellery. Find the perfect gift for baptism, christening, communion or confirmation.
Initials
Join the trend with monogram jewellery allowing you to display your first or last initials.
Gifts for Mum
Mothers take pride in in their children and families and will treasure any piece that signifies their children or grandchildren. For an extra special piece let us design or make a special piece with your children’s birthstones.
Gifts for Children
There are many gorgeous options for children’s jewellery gifts at Offe Jewellers. From basics like sleepers, ball studs and baby bracelets, to lockets, pendants and animal earrings.
Bridal Jewellery
Gifts for the bride, bridesmaids, flower girls, mother-of-the-bride or groom. Offe Jewellers have a wide range of jewellery options for your bridal party, no matter what the budget.
A Guide to Birthstones
Birthstones are a fun and colourful introduction into the world of gemstones. At least one gemstone corresponds to each calendar month. Discover the features of your birthstone and explore options for a heartfelt and personalised gift.
The Gemologist Institute of America Inc (GIA) explains the significance and history of gemstones by calendar month, outlined below.
Garnet comes in many different colours. The name garnet is derived from the word pomegranate, because the deep red varieties of the gemstone resemble the seeds of the pomegranate fruit. A green variety, called tsavorite, was found in 1971 in Kenya’s Tsavo National Park. Garnet is believed to bring a sense of calm, when worn.
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz. The ancient Greeks associated the mineral with Bacchus, the god of wine. It was believed that wearing amethyst would keep the drinker sober. Perhaps the modern sentiment, that amethyst brings power to the wearer, derives from this sense of being clearheaded.
Aquamarine is the blue to greenish blue variety of the mineral beryl. Its name is derived from two Latin words: aqua, meaning “water,” and marina, meaning “of the sea.” Crystals can grow quite large allowing the gem cutter to fashion sizeable gems. It is believed to represent unity.
Diamond is the hardest of all gemstones. They form deep within the earth and reach the surface through violent volcanic eruptions. Some diamonds are more than three billion years old, which is likely the reason that they represent endurance.
Emerald is among the most valuable of gemstones. This blue-green variety of beryl was once believed to heal ailments of the eyes. Colombian emerald mines are legendary and continue to produce the finest specimens. An emerald always brings joy to the wearer.
Pearl is different from other gems because it forms in the soft tissue of a living mollusk. Natural pearls are rare; most pearls are cultured by implanting a bead into the mollusk and letting the mollusk coat the bead with nacre for up to two years before the pearl is harvested. Wearing pearls is believed to bring clarity to the mind.
Ruby is esteemed among gems because of its rich red colour. The finest examples come from Myanmar (Burma). In ancient times, rubies were believed to give the wearer strength and courage in battle. They are also considered a source of harmony.
Peridot is the gem variety of the mineral olivine. The most ancient source of fine peridot is a tiny island in the Red Sea known as Zabargad. Peridot has also been recovered from meteorites. It is believed to bring purity when worn.
Spinel comes in a painter’s palette of colours: orange, intense “stoplight” red, vibrant pink, and all shades of purple, blue and violet through bluish green. Fine specimens became the treasured property of kings and emperors. Spinel is believed to promote health.
Sapphire comes in every colour of the rainbow, although blue sapphire is the most popular. Also prized is the rare pink-orange sapphire variety known as padparadscha, named after the colour of a lotus flower. Sapphire represents loyalty.
Opal may exhibit a spectrum of colours called play-of-colour. When this is set against a dark background, it is known as black opal. Australia is the source of most of the world’s fine opal. Opal represents hope.
Tourmaline exhibits a wide range of colours. Bicoloured and multicoloured crystals are common. Sometimes crystals are green on the outside and pink inside; these are called watermelon tourmalines. Wearing tourmaline is believed to bring strength.
Citrine is the golden yellow variety of quartz. Most citrine is produced by heating amethyst. Brazil is its main source, but it’s also found in many African countries such as Zambia, Namibia, and Madagascar. Wearers of citrine may experience heightened awareness.
Topaz is widely known for its golden colour but it can also be found in blue and pink. Regardless of the colour, it is believed to bring prosperity when worn.
Turquoise contains copper which is the source of its blue or greenish blue colour. Many minerals, such as variscite, naturally resemble turquoise. Other minerals can be dyed to imitate it. Turquoise imparts peace upon the wearer.
Tanzanite (a variety of the mineral zoisite) was discovered in 1967 in northern Tanzania, which remains the world’s only known source. Its velvety, purplish blue colour sets it apart from all other gems. Tanzanite is said to give its wearers balance.
Reference: Gemological Institute of America Inc. (2002 – 2019). Retrieved from https://www.gia.edu/gia-museum-exhibit-birthstones
A Guide to Anniversary Gemstones and Jewellery
Gifts have been given for anniversaries since medieval times. The first formal guide was written in the 20’s and adapted and built upon ever since. Most people know that your 25th anniversary marks your silver jubilee and your 50th anniversary marks your golden jubilee. However, you might not realise there’s a specific metal or gemstone attached to every anniversary year starting from your first anniversary. For the sentimental among us, this can be a beautiful way to create a collection of meaningful pieces to pass down to the next generation.
There are a few versions of anniversary gift guides available internationally. At Offe Jewellers we follow the following guide:
Gold is a classic and affordable choice for a first anniversary gift, especially for couples in the honeymoon period and maybe still paying off the wedding! Offe Jewellers have a beautiful selection of gold necklaces and bracelets, or even consider a gorgeous pair of gold hoop earrings.
Garnets are available in many colours, but most commonly found in red. Garnet is a classic choice for use in jewellery. Offe Jewellers stock a range of jewellery set with the traditional red hue as well as a lovely purplish-red colour called rhodolite garnet. If these colours don’t appeal our Offe gemologists can source stones for you to view and select in green (Tsavorite garnet) and even orange (Spessartite).
Pearls are organic gems growing inside saltwater and freshwater mollusks. Natural pearls are extremely rare and very expensive so a vast majority of pearls available for sale are cultured (formed with the assistance of humans). Offe Jewellers stock a gorgeous range of pearl jewellery from long and short strand necklaces to classic stud earrings and elegant pendants.
Topaz is available in many shades. Blue topaz was originally the rarest, however now, using modern diffusion treatments, a natural colourless topaz can be turned into a permanent shade of light blue. These pretty stones look beautiful in white metals and are available at Offe Jewellers in rings, earrings and pendants.
Sapphires are a corundum, making them a relatively hard and durable gemstone. The rich, blue colours are the most popular, made so particularly after Prince William presented his wife Kate Middleton with his mother’s sapphire engagement ring. Fancy sapphires can however come in shades of pink, yellow, purple, colourless, black, green and pinkish orange (Padparadscha). Over the years Offe Jewellers have sourced some stunning specimens of sapphire for our clients.
Amethyst is part of the quartz family usually associated with purple colour, ranging from a pale to deep royal hue. Amethyst is an eye catching colour suitable for all styles of jewellery and a favourite amongst the staff at Offe Jewellers.
Onyx is a hard and durable material popular in men’s jewellery due to its masculine black colour. It’s also suitable for more feminine styles, particularly when paired with diamonds for a bit of extra bling.
Tourmaline is referred to as ‘a gem of the rainbow’ as it’s found in a dazzling range of colours. It’s even possible to find one stone featuring both green and red/pink. This is called a watermelon tourmaline and suits a contemporary style pendant or ring.
Lazuli Lapis Lazuli is a cobalt blue gem found mainly in craft jewellery and not as common in fine jewellery.
Diamond jewellery is perfect to commemorate your ten-year milestone. An eternity ring to sit beside an engagement ring is a popular choice and our experts at Offe Jewellers will work with you to make sure it matches perfectly. For another timeless option consider a pair of diamond stud earrings or a diamond tennis bracelet.
Turquoise ranges in colour from green and greenish-blue to light or deeper blue. A popular statement piece when set in sterling silver. For a small and simple gift, consider a classic pair of turquoise drop earrings or studs.
Jade signature colour is green and has been popular around the world through the ages, particularly in China and Japan. When used in jewellery, Jade is most commonly found in bangles, rings and beads.
Citrine is perfect for those who like warmer colours. A beautiful, sunny citrine will suit you with its yellow-orange tones, especially when paired with yellow gold. Enhance its drama with accent diamonds and you will have a stunning piece to cherish.
Opals display a phenomenon called play of colour and can vary widely in appearance and quality. Commercial white opal is affordable and widely available. If you prefer the rainbow of colours, to stand out, you might like black opal or boulder opal, which is more expensive. For an affordable option you could consider a doublet or triplet rather than a solid stone. Visit Offe Jewellers to assist sourcing a stone to suit your taste and budget.
Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum. The colour of a ruby is the most significant factor affecting its value. Rubies are emblems of love, making them the perfect gemstone to mark your anniversary. A typically expensive stone, Offe Jewellers can help find the right piece, whether it’s a stunning natural piece or a created stone with a gorgeous vibrant colour.
Peridot is available in various shades of green but is most commonly found in lighter, grassy tones. Peridot is stunning in both white and yellow metals.
Watches can be the perfect way to celebrate your anniversary. Spoil your loved one with a really special timepiece that signifies your love. Offe Jewellers stock an extensive range of watches including some of the world’s best-known brands.
Cat’s-eye is a phenomenon found in various gemstones including quartz, sapphire and ruby. It occurs when the stone is a round, cabochon cut with tiny inclusions that catch the light, creating a straight line that looks like a cat’s eye.
Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl. As the name suggests, it’s found in light, greeny-blue to blue. This gem looks stunning in white metals such as platinum or white gold, especially when paired with diamonds for some extra sparkle. It’s a favourite at Offe Jewellers!
Emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl. It has enchanted royalty for more than 6 000 years. Natural emeralds are fragile stones and should be worn with care and saved for special occasions. If you like the colour, but are looking for a hardier option, consider a created emerald.
Iolite is a pretty violet-blue gemstone named from the Greek word ‘ios’, meaning violet. Although an attractive colour, supply of iolite is not consistent enough for large jewellery retailers to stock with continuity, so they favour other blue gemstones. At Offe jewellers we can assist in sourcing iolite stones and setting into a beautiful jewellery design for your 21st anniversary.
Spinel is rapidly gaining popularity due to increasing demand for ruby alternatives. A durable and affordable stone, spinel can be found in a rainbow of colours and are mostly available in red, pink, lilac and blue.
Imperial topaz is a term signifying the colour of a topaz stone, ranging from yellow to a deep golden colour, often likened to Cognac.
Tanzanite was only recently discovered in 1967 and named for the location it was unearthed, Tanzania. These beautiful stones gained instant popularity due to the vivid blue to violet colour, high clarity and potential for large cut stones. Offe Jewellers have designed and created spectacular tanzanite pieces for clients. We would love to assist you in creating a stunning anniversary gift.
Silver Jubilee has been marked by sterling silver around the world since ancient times. It’s the perfect precious metal to mark 25 years together. At Offe Jewellers our range of silver jewellery is extensive with a beautiful selection of rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and necklaces.
Pearls are created by layer upon layer of nacre which give the pearls their luminescence. You might compare these layers to the years of love that have grown over the last thirty years of your relationship. Pearls marked your 3rd anniversary. This time consider south sea pearls sourced from the tropical waters of the northwest coast of Australia. South sea pearls are known for their size, typically larger than other pearl types, and also for their unique lustre quality. The buyers from Offe Jewellers visit international trade fairs to hand pick the most beautiful selection of pearls just for you.
Emerald appears on the anniversary gift guide twice and this is no accident. Such a stunning and prized gemstone in a beautiful green colour. Add an emerald to your collection with a pendant or earrings and set it off with diamond accent stones.
Rubies are well known as a gemstone to mark your fortieth wedding anniversary. They’re the essence of love. Also used to celebrate your 15th anniversary, this time consider a beautiful brooch enhanced with these stunning red beauties or a stunning ruby ring or pendant.
Sapphires come in a wide range of beautiful colours meaning a girl can never have too many sapphires! If you selected a blue stone 40 years ago for your 5th anniversary, this time select a sapphire in another colour or consider a different shape.
Golden Jubilee is celebrated through giving the gift of gold. It’s a tradition as old as human society itself and there’s no better time to do it than your 50th wedding anniversary. If shopping for him, consider a beautiful gold chain or a gold watch. Or for her, a gold bangle or necklace. Remember, it doesn’t have to be yellow gold. It could be white or rose gold, or even mix your metals and select a gorgeous bi-or tri-coloured piece.
Alexandrite was first discovered in Russia in the 1830’s and named after the Russian Emperor Alexander 11. This stone is unique due to its rare colour-changing abilities. The most prized Alexandrite’s show a vivid green to bluish-green in daylight and fluorescent light and an intense red to purplish-red in incandescent light.
Diamond is the perfect way to celebrate your 60th anniversary milestone. Your love and commitment can never be doubted with diamond as the classic choice for such an event. Consider a ring or a brooch set with these gorgeous stones. The kids and grandkids might also like to mark this special day with a pair of earrings or a pendant.
Platinum jubilee is celebrated with the giving of platinum. A hardy and durable metal, platinum is a gorgeous symbol of beauty and endurance. Commemorate the occasion with a bespoke piece from Offe Jewellers.
Jewellery Style Tips and Tricks
Your jewellery is an important accessory adding personality to every outfit. To complete your look and feel like a million dollars, our Jewellery Style Tips and Tricks will help you on your way.
When styling a strapless dress first select your focal point. Just pick one and make a statement.
- Around your neck, either a choker or short necklace will accentuate your face or longer chains or pendants can be layered for a striking look.
- In your ears, decorative drop style earrings will make a statement.
- On your wrist go for a bold cuff or chunky link bracelet to show off your style.
Consider the pattern of your dress.
- With block colour or subtle pattern you can choose a jewellery design with more detail.
- Achieve balance with bold pattern with lots of detail by choosing a highly polished simple piece of jewellery.
Don’t forget your hair style makes an impact too.
- Up-styles and short haircuts will reveal your earrings and highlight stunning necklaces
- For long hair worn down create drama on your wrist or hands with a statement ring or bracelet.
You can’t go past these tips for the best jewellery for a night out:
- Though lovely by day, cultured pearls have a sophistication perfect for evening.
- Grab attention on a night out with the allure of brightly, coloured gemstones. Pair with your black dress and stand out wherever you go.
- Diamonds go with everything and add just the right amount of sparkle for a night out. Diamond earrings with a stunning diamond tennis bracelet are the perfect pair.
CORPORATE AND WORK WEAR
Keep your jewellery simple when selecting what to wear for an interview or in a corporate environment. The focus should be on you and not what you are wearing. Unless of course you’re interviewing in the fashion industry and really need to show off your style!
- Keep earrings small and simple. Gold, silver, pearl or diamond studs are a classic choice as are small to medium size hoop earrings or simple diamond huggies.
- When it comes to rings, stick with your engagement and wedding rings and only one or two understated rings on the other hand. Steer clear of anything too big and flashy.
- Around your neck choose a subtle pendant or a strand of pearls.
- Bracelets can be distracting if you wear them layered and they jingle around. Select a simple polished bangle or basic bracelet.
EVERYDAY WEAR
Utilise your jewellery wardrobe to dress your outfit up or down. Elevate your look by accessorising your jewellery in different ways.
- Add a pair of pearl studs to strike a balance between sophisticated and cool.
- Instantly add glamour with dangling earrings or large hoops. This is especially great when paired with a black top and high heeled boots.
FROM DAY TO NIGHT
Transition from day to night with subtle jewellery changes, moving from casual to a more glamourous look.
- Diamond studs are appropriate for every occasion, even with your favourite jeans and a t-shirt look. Add in a simple pendant for a bit of extra bling.
- Stacked bangles when paired with jeans and a flowy top will give you a casual and bohemian look.
- A gold or silver cuff is simple enough for everyday and bold enough to make a statement.
- Add a long necklace or maybe layer a few which will bring the whole look together.
Five Must-Have Jewellery Staples for Every Woman
With so many options available, you’ll find our five must-have jewellery staples will guide you when selecting your next piece.
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A pair of diamond earrings
A pair of diamond earrings are important because they literally go with EVERYTHING! A classic pair of diamond studs are versatile, elegant and easy. You’ll get so much wear from your diamond studs, making them a worthwhile investment.
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A signature necklace
A classic necklace that is comfortable and versatile is a must have. It can be worn on its own or layered with more on-trend pieces. This everyday piece of jewellery will complete any look.
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A right-hand ring
This is a ring every woman should treat herself to. It might be a traditional band with beautiful hand engraving or your favourite gemstone with diamonds. A ring that sparkles will make you feel like a princess.
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Cultured pearls
Through the ages, pearls have been at the top of the wish list of women from around the world. They will always guarantee a refined and feminine look. A pearl strand might not appeal to everyone, but a pair of cultured pearl earrings or pendant will.
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A watch
A watch conveys sophistication and maturity and is a go-to piece for the modern woman. With so many designs to choose from you’ll find a timepiece to meet your needs and reflect your personal style.
Jewellery for Modern Men
Men tend to choose bolder styles and are open to experimenting with mixed metals. Men often choose bracelets or necklaces with larger links. Signet style rings can also be popular. Depending on the occasion, here are some styles your man might like:
- A gold or silver chain that can be worn alone or with a cross, ingot or dog tag.
- Stainless steel or tungsten jewellery for a strong and durable option in rings, bracelets, necklaces and chains.
- Gold or silver bracelets with or without ID plates.
- Professional pieces like tie bars and cuff links.
- Signet rings or band rings crafted in a single metal or mixed metal and set with or without diamonds or gemstones.
Create New Pieces from Old Jewellery
You may have inherited sentimental heirloom jewellery pieces that are not quite you or are worn and damaged. If you’d like to re-purpose your jewellery Offe Jewellers can help.
There are many possibilities to consider when turning previously owned jewellery into a new design, whilst retaining its emotional value. Offe Jewellers are experienced in this process, investing time to listen and understand what you want before offering practical advice and design options.
Some common options to discuss include:
- Turn an old ring into a pendant or vice versa.
- Recycle the stones and metal from your old piece making a brand-new design. Perhaps a new ring or pair of earrings you will wear for many years to come.
- Restring your long strand of pearls into a shorter length or multiple bracelets.
- Replace missing or damaged stones with something new. Maybe try a new colour or upgrade to a larger size.
- Are your pieces yellow gold and you’ve fallen in love with the allure of rose gold? Trade in the metal and recycle your existing stones for a brand-new look.
