To celebrate the one year anniversary of our shop opening, we're taking a look back on some of the pieces that were hard to let go of. It's tricky to pick favourites and we love all of our pieces, but these ones made a huge impression on us (and you!). For some of them, it may be a while before we find another! From chunky signets and intaglios, to light and airy old cut diamond solitaire rings, this is a top ten from our journey so far.
- Oval old mine cut diamond gypsy ring: She's the ultimate showstopper! At around 1.4 total carat weight (TCW) of oval old mine cut diamonds set in buttery 18ct gold and hallmarked for Birmingham and 1865, this one is an extremely rare find! She came to us early in our journey. When we dropped this one, there was a lot of excitement and we got a lot of questions. She even broke a few hearts along the way! We've had several similar gypsy rings, but this one reigns supreme!
- Graduated old mine cut diamond 'lilypad' ring: We fell fast for this one and couldn't wait to get it! She got a lot of attention and was another fairly early find. Old mine cut diamonds beautifully embellished by sweet rose cuts all set in 14ct gold. We called her the 'lilypad' ring for the gorgeous layout of the stones.
- Lapis lazuli intaglio signet ring: Satisfying weight in 18ct gold, check. English hallmarks for London 1936, check. Classic Art Deco style, check. Beautifully carved intaglio, check and check! This is one of the very best signets we've had. Lapis is a less common intaglio and we haven't seen another quite like this one! An early piece, but still stuck in our minds!
- Diamond bombe ring: A thick 'donut' style band with ten sparkly brilliant cut diamonds. Our first and only diamond bombe (French for 'domed') ring. She's a heavyweight stunner (12.7 grams!), set in luxurious 18ct gold. This one had many admirers and was snapped up quickly!
- 0.62ct old mine cut diamond ring: An early PC purchase that got out! Featuring a larger size old mine cut diamond with good colour/clarity in a classic belcher style, this one set hearts on fire!
- Star sapphire gypsy ring: Our one and only star sapphire to date! A weighty, gorgeous 18ct rose gold stunner, set with a large greyish purplish-blue star sapphire cabochon. Tilt this beauty from side to side to reveal a stunning asterism (star) effect.
- 0.4ct diamond gypsy ring: A generously portioned old mine cut solitaire with a wide, heavier style band. This one absolutely flew and was gone in minutes to a discerning buyer!
- Sard intaglio signet ring: Another exceptional intaglio signet! Beautiful sard (chalcedony) with coat of arms and a hard-hitting motto. An uncompromising and weighty piece (10.9g of 18ct gold!).
- Custom old cut diamond gypsy ring: It started with a beautiful reclaimed diamond and a trip to our jeweller. It became a substantial yet minimalist stunner! Lovingly crafted in buttery 18ct gold based on our specs, this one is the ultimate in wearable luxury.
- Custom diamond pendants: Another trip to our jeweller, another custom project - simple, elegant and beautiful! These little beauties are our pride and joy. Most feature old cut diamonds (our favourite), but others have included a round brilliant and a cleafless heart cut pink diamond (a rare piece and sold quickly to a repeat buyer with amazing taste!). With these done and more on the way, these pendants are an exciting new addition to the GBJ catalogue!
So many more we could list, and we have many new things coming! We recently sold an amazing old mine cut solitaire, as well as a five stone, but they'll have to hop onto next year's list! Can't wait to continue to uncover new favourites, and help you find yours.