An antique engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewellery — it’s a tangible connection to history, romance, and craftsmanship. But what happens when the ring you’ve fallen in love with doesn’t quite fit? Whether it’s too loose, too tight, or you've inherited a ring from a loved one, resizing an antique engagement ring can seem like a daunting task.

As a professional gemmologist and valuer, I often get asked: “Can you resize antique rings without damaging them?” The answer is yes — but with care, expertise, and the right jeweller.

Like all beautiful things in life, your jewellery deserves care and respect. Whether it’s a precious heirloom, an antique ring, or a contemporary piece, taking a little extra time to care for your collection will ensure it lasts for generations.

Here’s my expert guide to keeping your jewellery looking its best — and the common mistakes to avoid.

No two opals are ever the same. That simple truth is what makes them both extraordinary—and extraordinarily challenging to grade.

Opals are a form of silica infused with water, and under rare geological conditions, they develop the extraordinary play-of-colour that defines a natural precious opal. This phenomenon—those shifting flashes of colour that dance across the surface—is what makes them one of the most mesmerising gemstones in the world.

As a gemmologist and valuer, I often assess pearl jewellery not only for its material worth but also for its cultural and historical significance. This post explores the rich history of pearls, the revolution of cultured pearls, and how to distinguish between premium varieties like South Sea, Tahitian, and Akoya, versus more common freshwater pearls.

In this post, I’ll take you through the rich history of jewellery metals, from the origins of gold and platinum to modern preferences like white gold. I’ll also explain how different purities of gold work, how certain metals wear over time, and what suits your skin tone best.

When it comes to coloured gemstones, treatments are a widespread and accepted part of the industry. However, for buyers, collectors, and even jewellers, understanding what treatments have been applied, how they affect value, and how they can be identified is crucial to appreciating — and appraising — a gemstone correctly.

Whether you’ve inherited a jewellery collection, stumbled upon a box of old pieces during a clean-out, or are downsizing a loved one’s estate, it can be overwhelming knowing what to do.

Should you keep it? Donate it? Get it insured? Before making any decisions, it's important to sort and identify what you’re dealing with. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the basics of sorting jewellery, how to distinguish fine from costume pieces, and why involving an expert is essential to avoid costly mistakes.

As a professional gemmologist and valuer based in Australia, I often encounter clients who are surprised to learn that blue zircon is a natural gemstone, not a synthetic or imitation. This confusion is understandable — and unfortunately, it's one of the key reasons this historically significant gem has fallen out of favour in recent decades. Let’s set the record straight.

For gem lovers, history buffs, and fossicking enthusiasts, the northeast of Tasmania offers a unique blend of geological beauty and fascinating mining history. Whether you're looking to fossick for your own gemstones or learn about their historical significance, this guide has everything you need.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through four of the most well-known vintage and modern round diamond cuts, how to spot them, when they were made, and why some are rarer and more valuable than others. I’ve also included photos so you can see the differences for yourself.