FAREWELL...

While this blog serves its purpose quite well, I'm now ready to move everything to my official web page at:

www.paulsyjuco.com

Its just been quite difficult managing two different addresses at the same time. BUT...not to worry, all archives have been moved to the main site and I have maintained the blog feature so I can still keep all of you updated as always.

It's still a work in progress but at least you'll get to see new things every time you drop by for a visit.

Bookmark me please!!!

Rose cut diamonds

...or "diamante" in the vernacular has been making a comeback of sorts lately. Along with the renewed interest in Victorian/Edwardian style jewelry. It's popularity actually never waned for businessmen and entrepreneurs as it is said to bring in luck. This stems from diamond's characteristic of being the hardest substance on the Moh's scale; all other gems scratched and shattered beside it. Ergo the thinking that this certain imperviousness, or "luck", would also be attained by the wearer. Rose cuts were actually one of the earliest types of "cutting" done on a diamond. They did not have the technology to saw through diamonds then so they just crudely grinded the tops off diamond roughs and noticed the patterns looked like rose buds from the top hence the name. I personally like how subdued it is compared to a full cut diamond. It sort of glows from the inside as opposed to the sharp sparkle a full cut presents. Which is not actually any better...just different.

Nobody else's

Aum Jewels not only offers one-off pieces but also bespoke services. If you can't find what you want anywhere then I can personally sit down and work with you to create a piece.




We can source unusual stones, rework gems from heirloom pieces or mix old and new. Absolutely no limits to the possibilities.




In the end, arguably no brand can ever match the look and feel of something that was specifically created for a wearer.

New Jade, Old Jade

I'm pretty sure many are familiar with jade. The gem of choice by Asians for luck. Carve even more auspicious characters and figures on them and it becomes even more fortuitous to possess. It is generally said to protect the wearer from harm.

Here are some things you probably know (or don't, but still interested to find out) about jade. There are two types of stones we call jade; Nephrite and Jadeite. Most common in the market are Nephrite. At best translucent in thinner pieces but mostly opaque. Jadeite, on the other hand, is much more rare. It can be cut into cabochons or beads and even whole carvings and still remain translucent. Most prized samples with color of a vivid apple to emerald green are called "Imperial Jade" and are priceless. A whole strand of evenly matched beads are even more so. It's also interesting to note that jadeite comes in several other fabulous colors (namely lavender, black, white & yellow) besides green.

However, the problem with jade is that it is too much associated with antiquity. But here are attempts at giving it a bit of an updated twist.


L-R: Bi-color jadeite ring in hammered yellow gold. Black jadeite ring in yellow gold with diamond eternity micro-pave. Green jadeite ring in yellow gold with diamond eternity micro-pave.

Pendant of antique nephrite jade dragon carving with multi-colored sapphires and seed pearl in yellow gold. Strung on black coral beads. I got this carving from an old man while walking along some alleys in Hong Kong. The carving was just too interesting to let go.

In Three's

Here's a piece with faceted blue and purple sapphires and pink sapphire cabochons. It's a pretty piece; wearable everyday. But definitely not lacking in character.

All that glitters!

Gold. Warm. Rich and luxurious. Understandable why countries have been built and ruined by this noble metal. More so these days as prices are as high as they have ever been historically. But of course we do wear jewelry for a different purpose. And to associate it with just material value is totally not the point. We talk about beauty and craftsmanship and all that. At the end of the day if you're happy with a purchase then that's all that matters.

Above is a handmade brooch of multi textured gold sheets with a baroque pearl and diamonds. Will try posting a few more pieces in gold these coming weeks in time for summer.

Detachables

More and more people want variety with their jewelry these days, especially with earrings. While some people are comfortable wearing dangling earrings everyday, some only choose to wear them for special occasions. (I, on the other hand, don't believe in waiting for an occasion to wear whatever you like. But that's for another blog.)





Here's somewhat of a solution I propose: detachables. These are earrings of pink and blue sapphires with diamonds set in yellow gold. The baroque south sea pearls can be worn as drops or can be taken out. Dangling earrings and studs in one piece. To take it even further you can substitute other gems for the pearl as drops. I would think some kunzites, tanzanites and amethysts (to name a few) would go well with the base. Or a big ball of twined gold.