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Emerald Gemstone… Fit For a Queen!

Did you know? Queen Elizabeth II, has been seen wearing emerald jewellery on various occasions. Notably, she wore an emerald necklace and earrings known as the Grand Duchess Vladimir Suite for her official Diamond Jubilee portrait in 2012. The late Princess Diana, also known as the Princess of Wales, had a fondness for emerald jewellery. She was often seen wearing a stunning emerald and diamond choker necklace, known as the Cambridge Emerald Choker, which she received as a wedding gift. There are several notable women in history who wore Emeralds The ancient Egyptian queen was famous for her love of emeralds and frequently wore them as a symbol of her power and wealth. The former First Lady of the United States, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, was known for her impeccable style. She frequently wore emerald jewellery, including an emerald and diamond engagement ring. Emeralds are connected to the concept of renewal and growth due to their vibrant green color. They symbolize freshness, vitality, and rejuvenation. They are associated with new beginnings, personal growth, and a positive outlook on life. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis with Emerald and Diamond earrings. The iconic Hollywood actress and fashion icon Elizabeth Taylor owned a remarkable collection of jewellery, including emerald pieces. Her emerald and diamond necklace, known as the Taylor-Burton Emerald, was one of her most famous possessions. Earrings and ring designed and produced by Penchant Fine Jewellery. The first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, Empress Josephine, was a renowned collector of jewellery, and emeralds were among her favoured gemstones. The wife of Napoleon III, Empress Eugénie of France, was known for her exquisite taste in jewellery. She often adorned herself with emeralds and other precious gemstones. Emerald designs by Penchant Fine Jewellery Fall in love with your own design. Book your private and exclusive personal consultation with Penchant Fine Jewellery. Book a free consultation with Jackie

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May 30, 2023
Clarity measures the presence of internal and external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. Clarity is graded on a scale from Flawless (FL) to Included (I), with various grades in between. A diamond with fewer inclusions and blemishes will have a higher clarity grade and be more valuable.

What are the four C’s of diamonds and what does it mean?

The four C’s of diamonds explained All of the jewellery featured in this blog was designed and manufactured by Penchant Fine Jewellery. Diamonds are graded using the “4 Cs” system, which stands for Carat weight, Cut, Colour, and Clarity. These are the four key factors that determine the quality and value of a diamond. Here’s a brief overview of each grading factor: Carat weight: Carat weight is the measurement of a diamond’s size, with one carat equivalent to 0.2 grams. Diamonds are typically sold in fractions of a carat, and larger diamonds are generally more valuable. Cut: The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions, symmetry, and polish, which affect how well the diamond reflects light and how sparkly it appears. A well-cut diamond will have excellent brilliance, fire, and scintillation, making it more valuable. There are several different types of diamond cuts, each with its own unique characteristics and appearance. Some of the most popular diamond cuts include: Round Brilliant Cut: This is the most popular, common and classic diamond cut, featuring a round shape with multiple facets that are designed to maximize the diamond’s brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Round brilliant cut diamonds are known for their exceptional sparkle and are often used in engagement rings. Princess Cut: The princess cut is a square or rectangular shape with sharp corners and a brilliant-cut style. It is known for its contemporary and modern appearance, with a combination of step-cut and brilliant-cut facets that create a distinctive pattern and high sparkle. Emerald Cut: The emerald cut is a rectangular shape with step-cut facets and trimmed corners. It is known for its elegant and sophisticated appearance, with long, linear facets that create a “hall of mirrors” effect and emphasize the diamond’s clarity and colour. Asscher Cut: The Asscher cut is a square shape with step-cut facets, similar to the emerald cut, but with a smaller table and higher crown. It has a unique “X” pattern in the centre and is often chosen for its vintage and Art Deco-inspired look. Cushion Cut: The cushion cut is a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and larger facets that create a pillow-like appearance. It is known for its romantic and soft look, with excellent brilliance and a vintage charm. Marquise Cut: The marquise cut is a long, narrow shape with pointed ends, resembling the shape of a football or boat. It is known for its elongating effect on the finger and is often chosen for its unique and distinctive appearance. Oval Cut: The oval cut is an elongated, oval-shaped diamond with brilliant-cut facets that maximize its sparkle. It is known for its elongating effect on the finger and offers a similar appearance to the round brilliant cut but with a more unique shape. These are just a few of the many different diamond cuts available, and each cut has its own unique characteristics and appeal. The choice of diamond cut is largely based on personal preference and style, as well as budget considerations. It’s important to choose a diamond cut that reflects your taste and preferences, while also considering the diamond’s overall quality and value. Colour: The colour of a diamond is graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The most valuable diamonds are completely colourless, with less colour indicating a higher grade. Clarity: Clarity measures the presence of internal and external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. Clarity is graded on a scale from Flawless (FL) to Included (I), with various grades in between. A diamond with fewer inclusions and blemishes will have a higher clarity grade and be more valuable. In addition to the 4 Cs, diamonds may also be graded for other characteristics such as fluorescence, which refers to how the diamond reacts to ultraviolet light, and shape, which can affect its overall appearance. Different grading laboratories may also use slightly different grading scales or terminology, so it’s important to understand the specific grading system being used when evaluating a diamond’s quality.

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April 22, 2023

Penchants’ Perfect Souvenir Africa range – Take 15% off

  A souvenir is truly something special. In a unique way it awakens all our senses and bring memories to life. At Penchant Fine Jewellery, we dedicated a range to souvenirs of Africa and specifically Cape Town as well as Franschhoek. What makes these souvenirs so unique? Our souvenir range is inspired by our surroundings, expertly designed, hand crafted and of course proudly South African. I was, not surprisingly inspired by the Hugenot Monument in Franschhoek. My shop is situated in Franschhoek, and this town is simply magical.  Did you know that Franschhoek made Time’s Magazine ‘World’s Greatest Places list for 2022 I was, not surprisingly inspired by the Hugenot Monument in Franschhoek. My shop is situated in Franschhoek, and this town is simply magical. Huguenot Monument Inspired The Huguenot Monument is situated in a garden landscape with the Franschhoek mountains in the background. Symbolism: The monument celebrates the Huguenots’ successful struggle for religious freedom. The cross is right at the top with the sun of righteousness just below. The three high arches represent the Trinity. The woman holds a Bible and a broken chain to symbolise their triumph, and the pool their spiritual peace after great strife. My inspiration and where it is reflected in the piece In our piece, the star at the top of the monument can be seen but, it is formed by the four ends of the cross as well the four pillars. The monument signifies freedom, and we added a little dove at the bottom to resemble freedom. We have set a small Tanzanite in a tube setting in the middle. Tanzanite is the darling stone of Africa and whenever you visit the Hugenot Monument on a clear day, the miraculous clear blue sky will take your breath away. The Tanzanite also resembles the bright blue African sky. Table Mountain and Fynbos inspired Table Mountain is an unmissable beacon. It can be admired from almost everywhere in Cape Town. If you gave paid a visit you would know that it offers picturesque views. Table Mountain is named Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction in the World Travel Awards. Table Mountain is proud to be one of the official ‘New7Wonders of Nature’, and the only one to be located in an urban area, making it highly accessible. Competing against major international attractions, Table Mountain made it to the top seven after a campaign that attracted more than 100-million global votes. My inspiration and where it is reflected in the piece Nothing but the best for this beauty. It is a true diamond and therefor I included diamonds. Only Gold was used, and it is made with 9K gold. The Western Cape is also well known for its Fynbos. The blossoms resemble the Fynbos.  Madiba inspired   Midaba – The Man – The Legend. He cannot be described in a just a few paragraphs and is a man of great inspiration. We decided to create a 5-in-1 pin. My inspiration and where it is reflected in the piece Nelson Mandela is the inspiration and we used silver with a laser and hand engraved replica of his face with his well recognisable big smile. The pin can be used a keyring, bookmark, tie-clip, money clip and even a cufflink. Take a look at the rest of our Africa range.  

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November 15, 2022

Explore the rare CSARITE colour changing gemstone

Join Jackie on her Turkish adventure and exploration of the CSARITE mine This mine is home of the CSARITE gemstone, a gemstone which changes colour depending on the light source it is exposed to. Jackie Hahn, owner and lead designer of Penchant Fine Jewellery, has been invited to visit the mine in Turkey at one of the coastal towns called Bodrum. https://penchantdesign.com/ A photo collage of some Jackie’s adventures in Turkey. Where and what is the CSARITE mine Location, a single site, single mine gem in the rural countryside of the Mugla province of South West Turkey, roughly 25km from the small city of Milas, lies the only mine currently known to produce CSARITE®. Located in the westernmost part of the infamous Menderes Massif, the mine is positioned in one of the most continuously deforming areas of the world. At the peaks of the Ilbir mountains lies the world’s only CSARITE® mine more than 3000ft above sea level This, alongside its remote location continues to test modern engineering and technology. It is only because of perseverance and ceaseless cooperation with local communities that Milenyum continues to successfully extract this magnificent gemstone from the Turkish landscape. A New Gemstone for a New Generation Why is the CSARITE® so unique Found in only one place in the world, in a single mine in the rural Turkish mountains of the ancient region of Anatolia, CSARITE® is amongst the world’s rarest and most exquisite gemstones. With a rare and natural ability to shift colours under different light sources, CSARITE® ceaselessly transforms by day and night, indoors and out. Exhibiting a spectrum of natural colours from earthy pistachio and olive greens to golden campaign yellows, deep sunset gingers, and soft pinks and reds, CSARITE® is dynamic and expressive. Join us on this adventurous journey. We will be sharing stories and pics throughout.

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September 8, 2022

The Birthstone for November is Blue Topaz or Citrine

Did you know that Blue Topaz is extremely rare? It is said to believe that topaz portray healing and peace properties. The gemstone was founded by Romans over two millennia ago on an island in the Red sea. The Romans believed it would protect them from evil and their enemies. During the gold rush of the 18th century, the Brazilian topaz became very popular amongst European aristocracy. The famous exquisite Braganza topaz is set in the Portuguese Royal crown. Colour Topaz is a silicate mineral of fluorine and aluminium. Interestingly blue Topaz is more rare and therefore needs to be heated and irradiated to obtain its colour. However, the heat treatment or irradiation is permanent and it won’t discolour after time. Blue Topaz can range from light blue to deep ocean blue. It also presents a slightly turquoise hue that resembles aquamarine. Due to the rarity of the topaz, it is important to treat this gemstone with the utmost care. We will be sharing some clean & caring tips with you too. Care and Cleaning Topaz is a natural crystal and therefore can be brittle if knocked or exposed to sudden change of temperature. It is recommended to use warm water and soap, use a cloth or soft toothbrush to clean your stone. Gently pat your topaz dry afterwards and it will be as good as new. Planning your Christmas shopping Can you believe we are approaching November already?!  Now is the perfect time to start prepping for all your Christmas gifts. Spoil your special person with a divine item of Blue Topaz jewellery. These stones are perfect gifts for your 4th, 13th or 17th wedding anniversary as well. We also have gift vouchers that can be added or given as a gift for your loved ones to choose their own preferred item of jewellery. If you need any more convincing, the Blue Topaz appears in a variety of colours yellow, grey, red and colourless pale blue and pink.  What about Citrine? Is an alternative birthstone for the month of November. It is known as the 13th anniversary gift. Citrine pairs perfectly with tourmaline, peridot or aquamarine. Moreso, it was wildly popular in the 1940s for its retro style. Colour The citrine gemstone has a beautiful golden glow to it. For many years people have treasured it as the gift from the sun. The name is derived from the french  word citron, or lemon. The colour ranges from a light yellow to deep honey like yellows and browns. It is the perfect pop of colour to any outfit. Meaning Citrine has healing properties associated with it. Previously the warm colours evoked a sense of warmth, sun and illumination. The gemstone resembles romance, positivity, and happiness. Recently it has become the gemstone of vitality, freshness, new beginnings, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.  None of us can deny that these last two years have been a roller coaster of emotions. We need to protect our emotional well-being daily.  What a spectacular gift it would be? Care & Clean Citrine is not as brittle as topaz and is more durable. Although it is more durable it should avoid excessive exposure to high heat. To keep your gemstone clean try not wearing it whilst applying lotion or cleaning products.  Clean with a mild dish soap in water with a soft brush behind the stone to remove any dust and greasiness. There are many more interesting facts about these 2 gemstones, which we will be sharing throughout the month on our social media platforms. Stay tuned for this month’s content and follow us on Instagram or Facebook.  We have both of these gorgeous birthstones available for you to view in our store. We would love for you to come visit and see our collections or have something made especially just for you with our collection of loose stones on display.  Stay Beautiful, Jackie Hahn & Penchant Design Team

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November 12, 2021

The birthstone for October is either a Tourmaline or an Opal

Did you know Tourmalines come in nearly every colour? Can you believe it is October already!? A new month presents a new opportunity to share insights into the history and meaning of all the gorgeous gemstones. The name “tourmaline” comes from the Sinhalese words tura mali, which mean “stone of mixed colors.” Starting with Tourmalines that come in an array of beautiful and vibrant colours. From the deepest of blues and greens to the lightest of pinks and yellow, this stone comes in nearly every colour. A certain species of tourmaline, called schorl, can even come in black or dark brown. It’s thanks to this amazing colouration that this stone has earned the title of the ‘Rainbow Gemstone’. This gemstone happens to be one of my favourites for this very reason. What is so unique about a Tournamline?  One of the reasons are that a Tourmaline  is  pleochroic,  which  means  you  can  see  different  colours  when  viewed  from  different  angles. In addition, you also get Bi-coloured Tourmalines as the crystals may be green on one end and pink on the other.  The second reason is because a Tournamline can be as clear as a diamond! The only thing better than a wide variety of stunning colours is a colourful stone that allows light to pass through, creating a majestic effect that will leave onlookers in awe.  Opal, the alternative birthstone for the month of October  Along with tourmalines, Opal is the birthstone for the month of October too. It is also the stone given to celebrate the 14th year of marriage. The name Opal is thought to be derived from the Sanskrit upala, meaning “precious stone,” and later the Greek derivative “Opallios,” meaning “to see a change of colour.” How did the Opal stone form? Opal formed millions of years ago when heavy rains soaked the sun-baked ground in the arid desert, and rainwater carried a dissolved mineral called silica into cracks inside rocks. When the water dried, the silica deposits were left, and these layers formed Opal. Do Opals come in many colours? Yes, they do and each Opal reflects light differently therefore no two Opals are exactly the same colour. However, you get mainly 3 colour types.  White Opal is the most popular type in jewellery because it’s pearly white colour is easy to wear and combine with any outfit. It can be milky, translucent or opaque, and it shows a stunning, pastel-shaded play of colour when you move it in the light. Fire Opal on the other hand comes in translucent orange, yellow or red hues. It is sometimes called Mexican Opal. Black Opal is the rarest type of Opal. Its background is very dark and because of this its play of colour really stands out. However, its price can be prohibitive and its dark colour is hard to wear; that’s why it is usually reserved for big, expensive statement jewellery pieces. There are many more interesting facts about these 2 gemstones, which we will be sharing throughout the month on our social media platforms. Stay tuned for this month’s content and follow us on Instagram or Facebook.  We have both of these gorgeous birthstones available for you to view in our store. We would love for you to come visit and see our collections.  Stay Beautiful, Jackie Hahn & Penchant Design Team  

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October 14, 2021