Bespoke
Personalised jewellery design by appointment
Bespoke
Personalised jewellery design by appointment
How the Process Works
Book an appointment with Colette or Meagan : Colette and Meagan, both work by appointment and will be able to walk you through the design process. They are both GIA qualified in Diamond and Coloured stone grading as well as Design, and Counter Sketching.
This together with their years of experience will ensure that sourcing and purchasing the correct stone or jewellery will be a seamless experience for you. We understand that stones are passed through generations and hold sentimental value, so please feel free to bring heirloom stones and jewellery pieces to be given new life.
The design process starts with one of us, we work and have worked closely together for years so our aesthetic is very similar, and often ideas are bounced between us, it really is a team effort to ensure that you, the customer is well looked after.
Choosing the Right Design: The purpose of the piece influences the design and should complement your lifestyle. For example, a ring is that is worn daily must withstand the wear and tear of your routine. Does this look compliment my lifestyle? Do I like claw settings or more contemporary bold pieces ? Is it a gift for someone special or an engagement ring?
Choosing Your Metal: Options include sterling silver, 9ct & 18ct White Gold, 9ct & 18ct Yellow Gold, 9ct & 18ct Rose Gold, and Platinum. 14ct Gold can be use on request but often incurs extra costs.
Selecting the Right Stone: The stone is a major factor in the design and should be chosen carefully based on your budget and the piece’s purpose. Whether you opt for a diamond or a precious gemstone, ensure it suits your personality and lifestyle. For rings worn daily, durability is key. Diamonds, being the hardest stones, remain the most popular choice for engagement rings due to their longevity and investment value, allowing them to be passed down through generations.
Book an Appointment
Tel: +27 21 794 1181 | Email: info@maackandmartin.co.za | Studio Hours: Mon-Fri: 09:00 – 17:00
N.B. Design consultations or jewellery alterations are only by appointment.
Understanding Diamonds (The famous 4 C’s)
Colour: After cut, colour is typically regarded as the second most crucial factor when choosing a diamond. The highest colour grade is D, while the lowest is Z. and price is based on this scale. This colour change is very subtle and often a slightly tinted stone will look and face up well, but land up saving you thousands. Diamonds can be classified as “fancy coloured,” which means they are valuated based on the intensity of their hue (such as yellows, pinks, and blues). Unlike white diamonds, these fancy coloured diamonds become rarer as their colour intensity increases.
Clarity: Clarity refers to the quantity and size of the small imperfections found in nearly all diamonds. Typically, a higher number and larger size of these inclusions results in a lower clarity grade, making the diamond less rare. These inclusions are mostly seen under magnification, and only once one gets to the I1 to I3 range will they be visible to the naked eye. A diamond without any inclusions is deemed flawless and is highly valued for its rarity.
Carat: A diamond’s weight is measured in carats, but this alone may not accurately indicate its size. Diamonds with the same carat weight can differ significantly in brilliance depending on their symmetry and cut. Therefore, carat weight by itself is an unreliable indicator of a diamond’s value.
CUT: The cut of a diamond dictates its brilliance. In essence, a well-cut diamond will sparkle more.
Using Unique Diamonds, gemstones and other precious stones: For clients seeking a more organic and natural style, there is the option of choosing a unique ‘faceted cut’ diamond. For a more unconventional ring or design, consider options such as Cognac, Fancy Brown, Champagne, and Black diamonds. When considering a gemstone other than a diamond for your engagement ring, it’s advisable to choose one with a hardness rating above 7. Such stones are durable enough to last a long time. Colette and Meagan are available to help you source a wide variety of gemstones.
Budget: We understand how valuable stones and precious metals can be intimidating, however we are happy to work within an established budget . This assists us, so that we can create that special piece for you. Once you have established a budget, Meagan and Colette will assist you in selecting the best quality metal, stone, and design within your price range.
FAQ’s
Caring for Your Jewellery
Jewellery can become dull over time due to exposure to detergents, moisturizers, and other chemicals. Ideally, you should remove your jewellery to protect it from such substances. If it does become dull, a quick polish with a soft cloth or jewellery cloth can brighten it up. Use a soft toothbrush with jewellery cleaner or mild liquid soap and warm water to gently clean your pieces. Dry with a soft cloth. Be cautious when cleaning porous and soft gemstones.
Caring for Your Jewellery
Jewellery can become dull over time due to exposure to detergents, moisturizers, and other chemicals. Ideally, you should remove your jewellery to protect it from such substances. If it does become dull, a quick polish with a soft cloth or jewellery cloth can brighten it up. Use a soft toothbrush with jewellery cleaner or mild liquid soap and warm water to gently clean your pieces. Dry with a soft cloth. Be cautious when cleaning porous and soft gemstones.
Choosing the Right Metal
Gold: M&M’s offers gold in 9Ct and 18Ct. The 9Ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold (375), while 18Ct gold contains 75% pure gold(750), making it more expensive. Both types are alloyed with other metals. Gold colours include rose gold, yellow gold, and white gold. White gold is more expensive than yellow and rose/red gold and requires rhodium plating for a whiter appearance.
Sterling Silver: M&M’s uses 925 sterling silver.
Allergies & Reactions
Some people may develop an allergic reaction to a ring over time due to hormonal changes, weather (sweat), or the metal alloy, such as nickel. Rhodium or gold plating can help alleviate allergies by creating a protective layer between the alloy and skin. M&M uses nickel-free gold.
Rhodium & Gold Plating
Rhodium: White gold rings are traditionally plated with rhodium to achieve the whitest appearance. This plating will wear off over time but should do so gradually and evenly. If the ring becomes too yellow, you can send it back for re-plating (at an extra cost).
Gold Plating: M&M’s uses rose and yellow gold plating for certain silver pieces. Plating is not permanent, as it is a thin metal layer coating the sterling silver. It wears off over time depending on usage and exposure to chemicals such as chlorine and detergents. Skin acidity can also affect the longevity of the plating. The piece will eventually return to its silver appearance and can be re-plated anytime.
Sizes and Sizing
Ring Sizes and Sizing: The best way to determine your ring size is to visit a local jeweller and have your finger professionally measured. Sizes can be altered or custom-made upon special request.
Please note that all services depend on the condition of the jewellery. Meagan and Colette can provide advice based on the specific state of your items.