Custom Jewellery - Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery https://suzannecrudden.com Specialists in Custom Jewellery Wed, 08 Oct 2025 20:46:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://suzannecrudden.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/favicon-2019a-grey-150x150.jpg Custom Jewellery - Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery https://suzannecrudden.com 32 32 Birthstone List https://suzannecrudden.com/birthstone-list/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=birthstone-list Mon, 02 Jun 2025 23:57:04 +0000 https://suzannecrudden.com/?p=11210

THE COMPLETE BIRTHSTONE LIST

Have you ever wondered why birthstones are such a big deal? In our birthstone list we will explore their history, discover the traditional and alternate stones, and learn some cool facts about each gem.

If you just looking for quick rundown of which stone corresponds to which month we’ve created this handy graphic below.

birthstone list

A Brief History of Birthstones

The idea of birthstones dates back to ancient times. The tradition is thought to have originated with the Breastplate of Aaron, a religious garment described in the Bible that was adorned with twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

Fast forward to the 18th century, and people in Poland began wearing gemstones corresponding to their birth month. This trend spread, and in 1912, the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America) officially adopted a standardized list of birthstones.

Traditional Birthstone List

January – Garnet

  • Chemical Description: Garnets are a group of silicate minerals with similar physical properties but different chemical compositions.
  • Where It’s Found: Garnet deposits are found in places like India, Sri Lanka, and the USA.
  • Fun Fact: Garnets come in almost every color except blue!

February – Amethyst

  • Chemical Description: Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz, composed of silicon dioxide.
  • Where It’s Found: Major sources include Brazil, Uruguay, and Zambia.
  • Fun Fact: Ancient Greeks believed amethyst could prevent drunkenness.

March – Aquamarine

  • Chemical Description: Aquamarine is a blue to blue-green variety of beryl, containing beryllium aluminum silicate.
  • Where It’s Found: This gem is commonly found in Brazil, Nigeria, and Madagascar.
  • Fun Fact: Aquamarine is said to calm the waves and keep sailors safe at sea.

April – Diamond

  • Chemical Description: Diamonds are pure carbon, arranged in a crystal lattice.
  • Where It’s Found: Diamonds are primarily mined in South Africa, Russia, and Canada.
  • Fun Fact: Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth.

May – Emerald

  • Chemical Description: Emerald is a green variety of beryl, colored by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium.
  • Where It’s Found: Significant sources include Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil.
  • Fun Fact: Cleopatra was famously obsessed with emeralds!

June – Pearl

  • Chemical Description: Pearls are organic gems formed inside mollusks, composed mainly of calcium carbonate.
  • Where It’s Found: They are primarily harvested in Japan, China, and the South Pacific.
  • Fun Fact: Pearls are the only gems created by living organisms.

July – Ruby

  • Chemical Description: Ruby is a red variety of corundum, made of aluminum oxide with chromium.
  • Where It’s Found: Notable sources are Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
  • Fun Fact: Rubies are known as the “king of gemstones” for their deep red color and rarity.

August – Peridot

  • Chemical Description: Peridot is a gem-quality variety of olivine, composed of magnesium iron silicate.
  • Where It’s Found: Major sources include the USA (Arizona), China, and Pakistan.
  • Fun Fact: Peridot has been found in meteorites!

September – Sapphire

  • Chemical Description: Sapphire is a variety of corundum, an aluminum oxide mineral.
  • Where It’s Found: Sapphires are mined in countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Australia.
  • Fun Fact: While blue is the most common, sapphires come in nearly every color except red (which are rubies).

October – Opal

  • Chemical Description: Opals are hydrated silica, with a significant water content.
  • Where It’s Found: Australia is the primary source, followed by Ethiopia and Mexico.
  • Fun Fact: Opals can display a stunning play-of-color, with flashes of rainbow colors.

November – Topaz

  • Chemical Description: Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine.
  • Where It’s Found: Brazil is the largest producer, along with Pakistan and Russia.
  • Fun Fact: Pure topaz is colorless, and impurities give it various colors.

December – Turquoise

  • Chemical Composition: Hydrated copper aluminum phosphate.
  • Where Found: Iran, the United States (Southwest), and China.
  • Fun Fact: Turquoise has been prized for thousands of years and is one of the oldest known gemstones.

Alternate Birthstone List

In addition to traditional birthstones, there is an alternate birthstone list for each month. They were introduced over time to provide more options and sometimes better availability.

June – Alexandrite

  • When It Became an Alternate: Added as an alternate in the late 20th century.
  • Fun Fact: Alexandrite changes color from green in daylight to red under incandescent light.

August – Spinel

  • When It Became an Alternate: Officially recognized in 2016.
  • Fun Fact: Spinel was often mistaken for ruby in the past; the “Black Prince’s Ruby” in the British Crown Jewels is actually a spinel.

October – Pink Tourmaline

  • When It Became an Alternate: Recognized in the early 20th century.
  • Fun Fact: Tourmaline comes in many colors, with pink being one of the most popular.

November – Citrine

  • When It Became an Alternate: Added in the early 20th century.
  • Fun Fact: Citrine is known as the “merchant’s stone” for its supposed prosperity-bringing properties.

December – Blue Zircon and Tanzanite

  • When Became Alternatives: Zircon in the 1950s, Tanzanite in 2002.
  • Fun Fact: Zircon is double refractive which makes it very sparkly and Tanzanite is prized for its deep blue-violet hue.

What's your Stone?

So there you have it, your comprehensive birthstone list! Next time you admire your birthstone, you’ll know a bit more about its history, origins, and the science that makes it shine.

If you are thinking of making a piece of birthstone jewellery we’d be happy to help! You can either reach out to us or request a quote and we’ll get back to you asap.

The post Birthstone List first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

]]> Classic Jewellery Pieces https://suzannecrudden.com/classic-jewellery-pieces/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=classic-jewellery-pieces Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:47:32 +0000 https://suzannecrudden.com/?p=10831

The Most Classic Jewellery Pieces

Chances are if you look in your jewellery box you will find some of these classic jewellery pieces. These are the items of jewellery that have stood the test of time to become classics. These pieces can be aspirational, the ones that you want to start your “forever” jewellery collection. They can also be no brainer gift ideas.

Classic jewellery pieces such as the pearl necklace, the diamond tennis bracelet, the bangle bracelet, the pendant of religious significance, diamond stud earrings, hoop earrings, the signet ring and the locket pendant have transcended fads to become timeless staples in every wardrobe. Below we’ll explore the history of each piece as well as give some tips on what to prioritize if you’re looking to purchase your own.

Pearl Necklace

From Coco Chanel to Audrey Hepburn, pearl necklaces have long been part of iconic looks. Pearls became especially popular during the Renaissance period and have remained a staple in collections of classic jewellery pieces ever since.

The pearl necklace is seeing a bit of a resurgence these days. There was a period of time in recent years when pearl necklaces were seen as passé or something a grandmother would wear. But now we’re seeing people playing with styling, layering pearl necklaces with other necklaces, contrasting a pearl necklace with a dressed down look or choosing different colours of pearls.

Diamond Tennis Bracelet

The diamond line bracelet has been known as a style since around the 1920’s. But how did it get the name tennis bracelet? Few people know that the term “tennis bracelet”  originated during the 1980’s when Chris Evert lost hers during a tennis match. A tennis bracelet is made from connected settings that are set with diamonds giving the impression that the bracelet is constructed of a line of diamonds.

There are different styles of tennis bracelets and the diamonds can be of various size and set in various ways. The classic tennis bracelet has the diamond set in a four prong setting, with diamonds ranging in size from 2 to 3mm.

Two things to consider if you are shopping for a diamond tennis bracelet. First, you’ll want to make sure you get the right size. Just as with fingers, everybody’s wrist size is different too. Second, you’ll want to make sure that it has a good, strong clasp. Tennis bracelets usually have a box clasp which is a very durable clasp. You don’t want to loose it!

.

Bangle Bracelet

Bangle bracelets have been worn for centuries across various cultures. In Indian tradition, brides often wear ornate, symbolic bangle sets called “chooda”. In Western fashion, bangle bracelets gained popularity during the Art Deco era of the 1920s, utilizing bold geometric shapes, ceramic inlay and intricate metalwork.

In terms of classic jewellery pieces, you can’t go wrong with a gold bangle. If worn on its own, a wider bangle such as the one pictured might be more desirable. But you could also purchase a set or more delicate bangles and stack them. Since a bangle is worn on the wrist it will be subject to daily wear and tear. You will need to be prepared that they may get a bit misshapen over time. But, not to worry, they can easily be hammered round again!

Pendant of Religious Significance

We haven’t included an image here because there are really just so many different pendants with religious significance. Often a pendant such as this will be given as a gift at a milestone moment such as a baptism or marriage.

We’ve had the opportunity to custom create many different pendants from many different faiths. Sometimes created for our client and sometimes created as a gift. Often a pendant of religious significance will be the first piece of precious jewellery a person receives.

Diamond Stud Earrings

Diamond stud earrings are the epitome of understated elegance. Their timeless appeal lies in their simplicity and versatility, making them suitable for any occasion. The quintessential day to night accessory. Diamond studs gained popularity during the Victorian era when diamonds became more accessible to the middle class. Since then, they have remained a classic choice only gaining in popularity through the decades.

When shopping for diamond stud earrings you’ll want to first assess what size of diamond appeals to you. The standard, classic size is 5mm or the equivalent of 1/2 carat in each ear totalling 1 total carat weight. The next thing you’ll want to consider is the metal. A white metal will distract less from the diamond whereas a yellow or rose gold will be more contrasting. Also, be aware that some people have an allergy to the nickel in white gold. If you’re unsure of an allergy, but want a white metal, you could instead opt for platinum.

Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings have been a staple accessory across cultures for millennia, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Romans. In ancient Egypt, hoop earrings were worn as symbols of status and wealth, while in Rome, they were associated with femininity and fertility.

Today, hoop earrings come in various sizes and designs, from delicate gold hoops to bold statement pieces set with gemstones. Hoop earrings are so versatile and go with everything.

One thing to watch out for, often hoop earrings are hollow. If somehow they receive a ding or a dent, there is no way to remove that blemish. Just something to keep in mind!

Signet Ring

Signet rings originate in ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Initially, these rings were used as practical tools rather than fashion statements. The word “signet” is derived from the Latin word “signum,” meaning sign or seal. Signet rings were used as seals, serving as a personal signature or a mark of authority when pressed onto wax or clay. They played a vital role in official correspondence, legal documents, and the authentication of important messages.

One of the defining features of signet rings is their ability to be customized. The engraving on the bezel is usually very personal, reflecting the wearer’s individuality, heritage, or affiliation with a particular group or organization (for example Mason’s or a school ring). Family crests and coats of arms are also common as well as monograms and initials. These engravings tie generations together and make signet rings meaningful heirlooms that are usually passed down.

We’ve had the opportunity to create many custom signet rings. We find the most popular engraving to be initials but many people also choose to set gemstones as well. Think of the face of signet ring as your canvas to express yourself.

Lockets

Lockets are more than just decorative accessories; they are keepsakes that hold sentimental value and cherished memories. These hinged pendants have been worn for centuries, serving as miniature treasure chests for locks of hair, love notes, or photographs.

Lockets gained popularity during the Victorian era when sentimental jewellery became fashionable. Today, they remain symbols of love, loss, and remembrance, offering wearers a tangible connection to their past.

If you’re shopping for a locket, we recommend gold over silver. Because the function of a locket is to be open and closed somewhat regularly, you want to ensure that the closure is strong. Silver is quite a soft metal and eventually the closure on a silver locket will fail. Although the cost difference is significant, a gold locket will last much longer and be much more durable than a silver locket.

Ready to Start Collecting your Classic Jewellery Pieces?

Whether you are looking to start your forever jewellery collection or looking for an easy gift idea, any of these classic jewellery pieces will be a winner!

Classic jewellery pieces have stood the test of time and will no doubt continue to do so. Whether a fashion statement, a religious emblem, or a cherished heirloom, these timeless pieces endure.

If you’re looking for your first classic jewellery piece but having a hard time finding exactly what you want, we’re here help! Please get in touch with us, we’d love to work with you.

The post Classic Jewellery Pieces first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

]]> Your Guide to the Different Types of Jewellery Professionals https://suzannecrudden.com/your-guide-to-the-different-types-of-jewellery-professionals/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=your-guide-to-the-different-types-of-jewellery-professionals Mon, 24 Mar 2025 20:52:18 +0000 https://suzannecrudden.com/?p=10804

From goldsmiths to gem setters, from lapidaries to gemmologists,
this is your guide to the different types of jewellery professionals.

We are lucky in Toronto to have access to such a wide range of jewellery professionals. We know it can be difficult for the average person who is not involved in the industry to understand all of the different specialties. In this article we’re going explore some of the most common jewellery industry professionals and what they do.

We will focus on the jewellery professionals involved in the production of fine jewellery.

History

The working of metal is one of the oldest trades in human history. As the centuries progressed, so did specialization. A blacksmith worked iron and steel into swords and horseshoes. A silversmith worked silver into ornamental items such as candlesticks and plate. A goldsmith worked gold into precious jewellery and sacred objects.

Although it could be said that all of these people could be referred to as metal workers, it is more accurate to define them in terms of their specialties.

In the modern era, the number of specialties in the jewellery industry has increased due to advances in technology. But also because, in our ever more busy world, it just isn’t possible for one person to do everything.

Goldsmith

As mentioned above, goldsmithing is one of the oldest trades. As methods and skill became more refined during medieval times, the apprenticeship system emerged as the main method of passing on knowledge. The apprenticeship model is still an option but there are also now trade schools that teach goldsmithing. We are graduates of the George Brown Jewellery Program which we highly recommend!

The training to become a Goldsmith includes learning to work and manipulate all precious metals. Despite not be included in the profession title, a goldsmith works with all noble metals including silver, gold and platinum. A goldsmith education will also include basic gemmology instruction, stone setting, wax carving, mold making and casting.

A good way to think about a goldsmith is as the “general practioner” of jewellery. They will often have another jewellery specialty or two in addition to being a trained goldsmith.

Hand Engraver

A hand engraver is trained in the art of engraving in metal. And it truly is an art. A master hand engraver will often create intricate patterns of their own design. Learning to use steel tools to delicately carve into the metal without making a mistake is quite a skill!

The labour and skill required to hand engrave is immense. It is not surprising then that it is much more expensive than designing an engraved pattern in the computer or using a laser for engraving.

Gem Setter

As the title suggests, a gem setter specializes in setting gemstones into mountings such as rings, pendants and earrings. A gem setter is also usually a trained goldsmith but focuses on the part of the process that involves gem setting. This is a skill that requires many years to master.

There are also many different types of gem setting and each one requires different methods. Knowledge of gemology is also a must.

Gem setting is a skill that requires time, focus and precision. For that reason some goldsmiths will choose to specialize in gem setting and leave the overall production of the jewellery pieces to someone else.

Casting

Casting is the process of taking a jewellery piece from a wax model to metal. While some goldsmith’s will have their casting facilities in house, many choose to use a casting house. The process of casting is very time consuming with many steps. It also requires a lot of energy use so it makes sense to use a facility instead.

All major cities will have a casting house. We have multiple excellent choices available to us Toronto.

CAD Artists

A new jewellery professional has arisen in the 21st century. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software like Rhino is used in a wide variety of industries to construct digital models. In the jewellery industry CAD artists use this computer program to design a model of a jewellery piece.

Once the piece has been created, the file of that item is used to print a model in wax. This wax model is then used in the casting process to create an exact replica of the original design.

While some may regret the loss of traditional techniques, CAD has allowed for an explosion in custom options. Whereas in the past the labour involved in some designs may have been too cost prohibitive, CAD now allows us to create with freedom.

Jewellery Designer

The title jewellery designer is a catch all term that does not describe any particular specialization.  The category is just too wide to be helpful. A person may call themselves a jewellery designer with absolutely no training in jewellery whatsoever.

We include it here because it can be sometimes used to describe jewellery professionals such as goldsmiths creating custom jewellery or CAD artists. It is essential that the designer of a piece of fine jewellery has been trained as a goldsmith. When using expensive metals and precious gemstones, the piece must be well designed and constructed to last. You don’t want the piece falling apart or the gemstone falling out!

Watch Makers

Horology is another trade with a significant and storied history. While broadly placed under the category of jewellery, watch making and repair requires an entirely different type of education and training. It is also often associated with the tool and dye trade.

Enamellist

An enamellist is someone that works with glass and metal. Jewellery professionals that specialize in enamel will have a lot of colour in their work. This colour is glass that has been incorporated into their design.

An easy way to know if someone is an enamellist is if their work includes a colour that is not produced by either metal or gemstones!

Lapidaries

Lapidaries specialize in working with gemstones. Their expertise is in cutting, shaping, and polishing precious stones.  The more complicated the cutting required for a gemstone, the more skilled the lapidary required. For example, a facetted gemstone requires much more expertise than a cabochon (rounded stone with no facet edges).

A lapidary may go to school for training or learn as an apprentice. Precision and skill are the hallmarks of this profession and they require years to master.

Gemologists

Gemologists are trained to identify, grade, and assess gemstones. Education in gemology is available in some post secondary schools. But, certification is issued only after testing is completed successfully by a recognized institution such as the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (GEM-A) or the Gemology Institute of America (GIA).

A gemologist could seek a job outside of the industry but many choose to become jewellery professionals such as appraisers or gemstone suppliers.

Why it's Important to Speak to Jewellery Professionals

One of the benefits of working directly with one of these jewellery professionals is that you know they are an authority in their field. In a corporate retail jewellery space, most of the individuals you will encounter do not have the expertise or training of a professional. By speaking with a person with experience and training, you can be confident that you are receiving accurate information.

In addition to accurate information you can ensure that the piece you are making will be designed properly, using quality materials, and finished & set skillfully to last a lifetime.

In our experience, professionals in our industry love talking about jewellery so much that you will have a hard time getting them to stop! That is definitely true for us. We’d love to share our knowledge with you.

The post Your Guide to the Different Types of Jewellery Professionals first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

]]> The Style and Tradition of Signet Rings https://suzannecrudden.com/the-style-and-tradition-of-signet-rings/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-style-and-tradition-of-signet-rings Mon, 24 Mar 2025 20:26:30 +0000 https://suzannecrudden.com/?p=10794

Signet Rings: A Timeless Symbol of Identity and Heritage

Throughout history, jewellery has served as a powerful means of personal expression, symbolizing status, wealth, and cultural identity. Signet rings hold a special place as cherished piece that often transcends generations. These rings, with their unique design and engraving, carry with them a rich history, steeped in tradition and symbolism. Here we are going to explore the world of signet rings and discover their history, significance, and enduring appeal.

History of Signet Rings

Signet rings trace their origins back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Initially, these rings were used as practical tools rather than mere fashion statements. The word “signet” is derived from the Latin word “signum,” meaning sign or seal. Signet rings were used as seals, serving as a personal signature or a mark of authority when pressed onto wax or clay. They played a vital role in official correspondence, legal documents, and the authentication of important messages.

Signet rings were used by nobility, clergy, and powerful people throughout history to show authority and social status. In ancient Rome, signet rings were a symbol of aristocracy and worn by political and military leaders. During the Renaissance, when all things classical became popular again, so did signet rings.

The design of signet rings was usually flat or slightly convex bezel and traditionally made of metal, such as gold, silver, or platinum. The bezel featured an engraved emblem, typically a family crest, monogram, initials, or a symbol. The engraving on the bezel was often embossed or intaglio, allowing it to create an impression when pressed into something soft.

Significance of Signet Rings

One of the defining features of signet rings is their ability to be customized. The engraving on the bezel is usually very personal, reflecting the wearer’s individuality, heritage, or affiliation with a particular group or organization (for example Mason’s or a school ring). Family crests and coats of arms are also common as well as monograms and initials. These engravings tie generations together and make signet rings cherished heirlooms that are usually passed down.

The Enduring Appeal of Signet Rings

Signet rings combine history, function and style which is why their appeal endures. From those who prefer bold and heavy rings to those who prefer rings more dainty and streamlined, signet rings offer a wide range of designs for any gender or age.

In recent years, signet rings have become trendy again. We’ve noticed that the shape of signet rings alone draw people in and they even choose to not have them engraved. Even if you purchase a blank signet ring because you just like the way it looks, you can always have it engraved later.

In years past a signet ring was a traditional graduation gift. Due in part to its history as a culturally significant piece of jewellery, it’s no wonder that it became an appropriate gift to give to mark a milestone. Now, in addition to graduations, signet rings are often given as gifts to mark many different milestones such as: significant birthday years, a gift to a Best Man or Maid of Honour and Father’s Day.

Signet Rings of any Size

While traditionally signet rings have been quite large, signet rings can be dainty too. If you’re looking for something smaller for a pinky finger or for a small hand, a smaller signet ring could be just the thing.

Almost any signet ring style can be scaled down into something smaller. The only issue to consider is that there will necessarily be less surface area to add personalized engraving. It’s best to keep the personalization less detailed on a smaller signet ring.

At Posy Fine Jewellery we are advocates of reusing jewellery and we’ve had the honour of reusing heirloom signet rings to create new rings for the next generation. With their intricate engravings, meaningful designs, and timeless elegance, it’s no wonder that signet rings have stood the test of time. These rings represent a sense of personal history and connection to the past that we can forward with us as we navigate this ever-changing, complex world of ours.

The post The Style and Tradition of Signet Rings first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

]]> Graduation Jewellery Gift Ideas https://suzannecrudden.com/graduation-jewellery-gift-ideas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=graduation-jewellery-gift-ideas Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:20:25 +0000 https://suzannecrudden.com/?p=10787

Graduation is a such a significant milestone, and a thoughtful piece of jewellery can serve as a lasting reminder of this accomplishment. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a high school, college or university graduate, we’ve collected some great graduation jewellery gift ideas.

Rings

Some educational institutions may have their own “grad rings” available for purchase. But, if not, a ring is a wonderful gift for graduation because it can easily be worn everyday.

Signet rings come in many styles, shapes and metals. From wide, chunky and geometric to slim, dainty and curved. You could choose to set stones in a signet ring, leave them plain or engrave them with the graduates initials.

Necklace with Initial Pendant

A delicate necklace featuring the graduate’s initial is a simple and personal gift. It can be worn every day and serves as a reminder of their achievement.

Bracelet with Engraving

A bracelet engraved with the graduate’s name, graduation date, or a meaningful quote is a beautiful and sentimental gift. They can wear it on special occasions or as a daily accessory.

Birthstone Jewellery

Consider gifting a piece of jewellery featuring the graduate’s birthstone. It adds a personal touch and can be incorporated into rings, necklaces, earrings, or bracelets.

Inspirational Message

Choose a pendant or bracelet and engrave an inspiring message or symbol that resonates with the graduate’s aspirations. It could be a compass, a key, or a word like “dream,” “courage,” or “believe.”

Pearl Earrings or Necklace

Pearl earrings, a pearl necklace or an earring and necklace set are a traditional graduation gift. Pearls are timeless and versatile. A pair of pearl earrings can be worn on formal occasions or dressed down for everyday wear so they will get lots of use. The same is true for a pearl necklace although they do tend to be reserved for special occasions.

Customized Cufflinks

Customized cufflinks can also be a great gift for the sophisticated grad. You could engrave them with their initials, graduation year, or a special message.

Final Thoughts on Graduation Jewellery Gift Ideas

When looking for graduation jewellery gift ideas, remember to consider the graduate’s personal style and preferences. It might also be a good idea to consider the significance of the jewellery piece you choose. For example, a parent may want to invest in a higher cost gold ring whereas extended family members may choose an engraved gift in silver. Although no less meaningful, a silver gift will be less costly than a gold gift.

We hope that this guide has been helpful but be sure to reach out if you have any other questions. You can also check out our shop to see if we have anything in stock that might be the perfect gift for the grad in your life.

The post Graduation Jewellery Gift Ideas first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

]]> Custom Mother’s Day Jewellery https://suzannecrudden.com/custom-mothers-day-jewellery/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=custom-mothers-day-jewellery Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:04:55 +0000 https://suzannecrudden.com/?p=10775

Mother’s Day is a day where we pause the demands of everyday life to recognize and cherish our mothers. Traditionally accompanied with gifts, large or small, but always thoughtful. A macaroni necklace made by a child can be just as valuable to a mother as a necklace made of gold. What is important is the meaning. This is why custom mother’s day jewellery is such a great idea for a Mother’s Day gift. Lasting, heirloom quality jewellery invested with meaning.

Custom Mother’s Day jewellery doesn’t have to be studded with diamonds to be meaningful. For example, we could cast one of those pieces of pasta from a macaroni necklace in silver so it lasts forever. In this post we’re going to take a look at custom Mother’s Day jewellery ideas that are both thoughtful and meaningful.

Custom Mother's Day Jewellery: Necklace Ideas

We’ve found that necklaces or pendants are a very popular gift for Mother’s Day. Likely because they are easy to wear everyday and sit close to the heart.

Birthstone Necklaces

Personalized Necklaces

There are many ways to include a special touch of personalization in a necklace. You could include names or initials. You could include an engraving of a fingerprint. You could even scan a piece of your child’s artwork or handwriting that we could then engrave on a pendant.

Custom Mother's Day Jewellery: Rings

The other most popular custom Mother’s Day jewellery idea is a ring. It is an especially popular gift for adult children to give to their mother, or a husband to give to a wife. Usually these rings contain the birthstones of the family.

The nice thing about a family ring is that it doesn’t have to adhere to a certain style. This gives us the opportunity to include, not only personal style preferences, but thoughtful, symbolic touches in the ring.

Other Custom Mother's Day Jewellery Ideas

Bracelets are probably the next most popular Mother’s Day gift after necklaces and rings. There are certainly a number of charm-type bracelets that are very popular. Although you could say that charm bracelets are personalized, it’s more of a generic personalization. To add more meaning, you could use some of the ideas above such as custom engraving, birthstones or fingerprints.

Earrings seem to be less popular for Mother’s Day in particular, although they are very popular as a gift for other special occasions.

As with anything, the sky is the limit. If you have an vision for something you’d like to create fill out our quote request form. Or check out our shop, we have a lot of really special ready to ship pieces.

The post Custom Mother’s Day Jewellery first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

]]> Custom Anniversary Rings https://suzannecrudden.com/custom-anniversary-rings/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=custom-anniversary-rings Sat, 22 Mar 2025 21:38:59 +0000 https://suzannecrudden.com/?p=10669

Questions such as what an anniversary ring is and when to get one actually have no straightforward answers. There definitely are some traditions regarding anniversary rings but there are also new and modern interpretations. Let’s explore the tradition of anniversary rings, custom anniversary rings and other unique anniversary gifts that you may want to consider.

Traditional Anniversary Rings

Eternity Rings

An anniversary ring is most often gifted on a significant milestone year such as 10, 20, 25 and so on. In the past, the idea of an eternity ring was very heavily marketed as “the” anniversary ring. Often this was because the traditional wedding band was solid gold with no gemstones and the, so called, diamond band was to be purchased later for an anniversary.

An eternity ring typically has diamonds set all of the way around the ring to symbolize eternity or a never ending circle. The only problem is that eternity rings are not able to be sized. This led to the half eternity ring becoming popularized. The half eternity ring has diamonds set only half to three-quarters of the way around the ring so that it can still be re-sized if it becomes necessary in the future.

Matching Anniversary Rings

Sometimes, it has also been traditional to make a duplicate of the wedding band as an anniversary ring. The idea is to wear matching bands on each side to act as a frame for the engagement ring. We’ve found that there are still a number of people who prefer this look but, over all, it’s not as popular as it was in the past.

Custom Anniversary Rings

How do you know when you should create a custom anniversary ring rather than purchase a traditional anniversary ring? There may be a number of reasons and we’ll take a look at a few here.

Unique Anniversary Rings

For people looking for custom anniversary rings the usual reason is because they can’t find what they want in the marketplace. They are looking for something unique and different. There are no rules about what you should get for an anniversary ring anymore.

For example, the stacked ring look is very trendy these days. Often these stacked bands will have an entirely different design, gemstone or metal colour than the original wedding band. Stacking ring sets let people express their personal style and can provide more versatility in how the set is worn.

More often recently, we are also seeing people who are looking for a more impactful or statement-like anniversary ring. Perhaps incorporating a gemstone or diamond that the person has been admiring for a long time.

Meaningful Anniversary Rings

This is the number one reason that most people seek us out for custom anniversary rings. They want to create something really special and symbolic to mark a milestone anniversary.

We’ve had clients ask us to insert a motif that represents a symbolic connection or shared memory between the couple. Another idea is to use a specific number or specific kinds of gemstones that have a meaningful message.

If you want to custom create a meaningful anniversary ring, it really is the thought that counts.

Custom Anniversary Rings that Re-use Heirloom Jewellery

If you’d like to further invest meaning in an anniversary ring, you may choose to re-use heirloom jewellery. We’ve had people bring in the rings of their partner that are no longer worn or fit in order to create something new. Or, sometimes, it is jewellery that has been passed down and has special meaning that we reuse to create the new anniversary ring.

By reusing heirloom jewellery we are able to give it new life and add an extra layer of meaning to the new ring.

Custom Anniversary Gifts

Sometimes we will use a gemstone that has been provided by the client that they picked up on a trip with their partner. Sometimes our clients will provide us with a very specific idea that they have in mind which we further refine. In each case, there is always a deeper level of meaning represented that is significant to the couple.

Again, the most important thing is that the gift is a symbolic representation of a couple’s journey together.

Still Have Questions?

If you’re considering a custom engagement ring and would like to find out more, please do get in touch or you can also request a quote!

The post Custom Anniversary Rings first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

]]> Tips on Maximizing Your Custom Jewellery Budget https://suzannecrudden.com/tips-on-maximizing-your-custom-jewellery-budget/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tips-on-maximizing-your-custom-jewellery-budget Thu, 20 Mar 2025 20:33:11 +0000 https://suzannecrudden.com/?p=10627

Recycling Option to Maximize your Custom Jewellery Budget

If you’ve worked with me before you’ll know that I’m passionate about reusing jewellery to create something new. Why take something else from the earth if we don’t have to? Also, by reusing high cost materials such as gold, platinum and diamonds, it is absolutely the best way to maximize your custom jewellery budget.

In addition to the obvious benefit to your budget, you are also able to transfer the sentimental value of the original piece into your new piece. And isn’t the sentimental value what jewellery is really all about?

I’ve written extensively on the how to’s and the faq’s of reusing your jewellery on this site and I encourage you to check out those pages if you’re interested in learning how to reuse your jewellery in an heirloom redesign.

Repair Options to Maximize your Custom Jewellery Budget

Perhaps you love the jewellery you already have but it has seen better days. Although some precious materials such as gold, platinum, diamonds and gemstones can be very durable, they are not indestructible.

Over time they will show their wear just as any other material. But the good news is that, in most cases, we can repair your precious pieces of jewellery to good as new condition! Below I talk about some of the most common ways to repair your heirloom pieces which will help you preserve their value without having to necessarily purchase any new materials.

Resizing

Sometimes an heirloom piece is perfect in every way except it doesn’t fit your finger. For rings in materials such as silver, gold or platinum with gemstones such as diamonds, rubies or sapphires we can easily change the size of your ring for you. The process requires soldering of the ring which means high heat must be applied to the materials. The materials I mentioned earlier are all able to take the high amount of heat required.

Unfortunately there are some gemstones that are unable to withstand the amount of heat needed to resize a ring. Gemstones such as pearls, opals, onyx, and turquoise will be destroyed by the high heat of a soldering torch. For other gemstones such as emerald or aquamarine the results are more unpredictable. Sometimes they can are able to endure the heat fine and sometimes the heat causes cracking or colour changes.

In cases with gemstones that are unable to withstand the heat of soldering we try to remove these stones from their settings before proceeding. This is usually not a problem with prong settings but we run in to trouble with bezel settings. In order to remove a stone from a bezel setting you have to destroy the setting. So if you wanted to resize a ring that had a bezel set fragile stone we’d likely have to remake the setting entirely.

Reshanking

I know, this term sounds slightly ominous. But, don’t worry, all reshanking means is removing the bottom portion of the ring “shank” and replacing it with a sturdier shank. Why would you want to do this?

Have you ever seen a ring that has had a long, happy life but only has a sliver of the ring shank remaining? This is because over time the gold in the ring gets slowly worn away by every day life. Activities such as opening doors, gardening, cooking, washing dishes, working out – all of these activities slowly remove tiny pieces of gold from your ring. So after decades what remains of the ring shank is a thin, worn band sometimes with a knife edge.

The good news is that, in most cases, we are able to remove the old, worn shank and replace it with a thicker, wider, stronger one. Once the reshanking is complete the ring is ready to be worn again for decades to come.

Retipping

Everyone should always pay attention to the condition of the claws or prongs of their ring, even if your ring is fairly new. The reason is that, just as the metal at the bottom of a ring is removed over time, the metal in the prongs will also wear over time. I’ve often seen many old rings with some of their prongs worn entirely away. Luckily the other three prongs had kept the stone in place.

So how do you know what to look for to make sure your prongs are in good order? When inspecting your prongs you’ll want to make sure that there is a good amount of metal still in place on the top of the prong. If the amount of metal has worn down to near the table of your stone you’ll want to consider retipping your prongs.

Retipping just means adding metal to your prongs to reinforce them and provide strength to keep your stone in place. Sometimes you’ll only need to retip one prong or sometimes multiple prongs. Ensuring your prongs are in good shape will give you worry free wear for years to come but it is still highly recommended to come in for an inspection every couple of years.

The other thing to consider with respect to prongs is that, from time to time, they need to be tightened. Over the course of the years your gemstone may become slightly dislodged from the seats in the prongs. Or the prongs themselves may have lifted a bit and need to be tamped down again. Another reason to come in for an inspection every couple of years!

Repolishing

Of course any of your pieces that you bring in for repair will be repolished again to new-like condition. Sometimes people don’t realize that the surface of their jewellery pieces can be repolished back to a high polish.

I’ve spoken to some clients who thought their old pieces were just “old” and that the metal in them could never shine again. Not true! We can refinish and polish your heirloom pieces and have them shining like new.

If you’re perfectly happy with your item of jewellery except it just doesn’t fit, seems fragile, broken or dull then maybe all it needs is a make-over to make it perfect. For the majority of jewellery, a repair cost will be much less than purchasing a new piece.

Refine to Maximize your Custom Jewellery Budget

I don’t know if you’ve been paying attention to the gold market but gold is at an all time high these days. This means that if you choose to refine your gold now you will receive a cash credit larger than in years past. What does refining mean and why would you choose to do it?

Refining is the process of taking your gold to a smelter where they determine the percentages of the different types of metal contained in your piece then give you a cash credit for the pure gold or platinum content only.

If a client chooses to work with me I offer the service of taking in their gold to refine for a credit that they can use toward their new piece. I have to stress here that taking in gold or platinum for refining is not my business. I only offer it as an option to my clients in order to maximize their budgets.

But why, you might ask, would you want to refine your gold if you can reuse it? Well, in some cases, reusing gold doesn’t work. For example, if you would like to have a white gold ring but only have yellow gold to reuse then we can’t actually change the colour of the gold. In this case we can refine the yellow gold and apply it as a credit toward to the new white gold project.

In the final analysis reusing your actual gold will always provide you with more value than refining your gold for credit. But refining is a good option when either reusing your metal isn’t possible or when you have more gold than you need for your project and would like to apply the excess as a credit toward your project.

Each of these methods, recycling your jewellery, repairing your jewellery or refining your jewellery will help to stretch your custom jewellery budget. In most cases you will only be paying for labour costs and not materials costs. And with the price of gold these days that’s going to save you a lot!

You know, when I was little my grandparents had an old fridge from the 1930’s in their basement that they used to keep extra food. When they passed away that old fridge was still going 80 years later. I grew up with the idea, as many of us did, that things should be built to last and when they failed they were worth repairing.

Somewhere along the way our culture shifted to this idea that newer is better. But now I’m encourage by the resurgence in craft and skilled workers emphasizing quality materials and products that are worth the cost of the labour involved in producing them.

While reusing your jewellery or repairing your jewellery does involve labour costs, those costs are worth it to preserve your pieces for the next generation. Whether they are in their original form and repaired or in a new form by being recycled.

The post Tips on Maximizing Your Custom Jewellery Budget first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

]]> Lab Grown Gemstone Guide https://suzannecrudden.com/lab-grown-gemstone-guide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lab-grown-gemstone-guide Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:47:27 +0000 https://suzannecrudden.com/?p=10591

In recent years the popularity of lab grown gemstones has sky rocketed as the general public learns more about them. We have developed this lab grown gemstone guide to provide more information about these beautiful options.

Lab Grown Gemstone Guide

At first it might not be so obvious but synthetic gemstones and imitation gemstones are two entirely different things.

A synthetic gemstone is chemically identical to a natural mineral from the earth but made in a lab environment. An imitation gemstone is a material that is similar in appearance to another mineral or gemstone but chemically different.

More and more I have clients who are interested in using synthetic gemstones but the terminology can get confusing. Let’s explore the distinction between these two terms a bit more.

SYNTHETIC OR LAB CREATED GEMSTONES

Synthetic gemstones may also be known as ‘lab grown stones’, ‘lab made stones’, ‘lab “gemstone name”, lab sapphire or man-made gemstones. They are all the same thing. A synthetic gemstone is created by humans in a lab to be chemically identical to a natural mineral.

There are many different processes to create these gemstones, the first of which was developed in the late 1800’s. Since there can be confusion between these synthetic stones and natural stones because they share chemical and optical characteristics, there are strict disclosure guide lines for the marketplace.

WHAT KINDS OF LAB CREATED OR SYNTHETIC STONES ARE AVAILABLE?

Synthetic stones are most often available in gemstones for which there is a high demand. So, for example, synthetic ruby is readily available while synthetic peridot is not. The most common synthetic gemstones are sapphire (blue, yellow, pink, purple, green and padparadscha), ruby, emerald, spinel and alexandrite.

There are also synthetic diamonds and they are pure carbon, just as natural diamonds. They may be referred to by the process by which they were created, for example HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature) diamonds.

MOISSANITE

Moissanite is another synthetic gemstone created in a lab. Natural moissanite was discovered over a century ago but it is very rare and the sample was extremely small. The properties of this gem proved so alluring that in the proceeding years many tried to recreate the mineral in a lab. Finally the company Charles & Colvard succeeded and an alternative to diamond became a reality.

At first the moissanite gemstones produced had a yellow0ish undertone (now referred to ‘Moissanite Classic’) but in recent years new, colourless moissanite have been developed such as the ‘Forever Brilliant’ and the ‘Forever One’ lines.

LAB CREATED DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE ENGAGEMENT RINGS

As the title implies, lab created diamond or sapphire are most suitable for engagement rings. This is due to their hardness. The toughness and durability of natural diamonds and sapphires are what have always made them best suited for the everyday wear of engagement rings. The same applies for their lab created versions, as they have identical chemical compositions, they have identical hardnesses.

IMITATION GEMSTONES

Also known as simulants, imitation gemstones are stones that are essentially trying to mimic another gemstone. So, for example, a cubic zirconia in place of a diamond. Imitation stones are not chemically, optically or physically similar to the gemstone they are imitating in any way.

COMMON IMITATION STONES

Most of us are familiar with cubic zirconia that is used to imitate diamond but there are many more stones both natural and synthetic that are used to imitate higher cost natural stones. Here are just a few:

  • Synthetic spinel is used to imitate all birthstones
  • Dyed quartz can be used to imitate almost any gemstone
  • Dyed howlite is used to imitate turquoise
  • Plastic and glass can be used to imitate opal and pearl

If you’re interested in learning more about imitation gemstones I highly recommend checking out the GIA website where they have a lot of great information.

If you are planning to make a piece of jewellery that will be worn everyday then you’ll want to make sure you select a synthetic or lab made gemstone, not an imitation stone.

The post Lab Grown Gemstone Guide first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

]]> What to Expect When Creating a Custom Ring https://suzannecrudden.com/what-to-expect-when-creating-a-custom-ring/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-to-expect-when-creating-a-custom-ring Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:53:56 +0000 https://suzannecrudden.com/?p=10447

Thinking of creating a custom ring? Where do you start? I know it might seem intimidating if you have no experience in this area. Even worse if you have had an experience and that experience was bad.

This is going to be a significant purchase and it’s important that you feel comfortable each step of the way. Don’t worry, making a ring can be easy and fun.

How we will create your custom ring together

Types of Rings

Not every custom ring is going to be an engagement ring or a wedding ring. While the majority of the rings I create are custom engagement rings or custom wedding bands, I’ve also had the opportunity to custom design: right hand rings, signet rings, family rings, cocktail rings, stacking rings, promise rings and reuse heirloom jewellery to create new rings. You want a custom ring? I’ve got you covered.

Involvement

Just starting your mission and trying to find out options and costs? No problem. I’d be happy to chat anytime whether you’re ready to make your piece of jewellery or not.

If you’re local and are looking for a custom made ring in Toronto feel free to pop into my studio. Or if you have specific questions about the logistics please check out my custom process page.

I’m not a salesperson so at no point will I try to convince you into something you don’t want.

Remember, there are no stupid questions. I will provide honest answers to all of them, promise.

No Pressure

You will be a part of the process from initial concept to choosing your own gemstones to completion.

Creating a custom ring is an experience. Together we will refine the design until it’s perfect. Think of me as your personal jewellery designer.

Or, if you’re creating this ring for someone other than yourself, I’m happy to have the recipient of the ring involved or not. For example, if it’s an engagement ring design I’ve had many clients choose to have their partner there for the initial consultation and then continue the project on their own.

If you choose to have it a surprise, you will be able to tell your partner the story of their ring from initial mocks up to CAD design to wax model to finished piece.

I will give you regular status updates so you’re confident each step of the way.

Respect

I respect your preferences. Perhaps you want to look into alternative metals or lab made stones. I’m open to everything as long as the result is a ring that is functional, comfortable and beautiful.

I respect your wishes to explore ethical choices. This is really important to me too. In fact one of the most common projects I work on is re-using old jewellery to create something new. I’m also committed to finding ethically sourced materials.

I respect your budget. It’s ok, you can tell me if you have a number in mind that you don’t want to go beyond. I’ve worked with every kind of budget and made sure my clients got the best possible bling for their buck.

Materials

I am able to work with all kinds of precious metals including, sterling silver, white gold, palladium white gold, palladium, yellow gold, rose gold, green gold and platinum. Unfortunately my studio is not set up to work with alternative metals such as titanium and tungsten. If you would like a ring in one of these metals I can source different options from some of my suppliers.

I’m also able to work with pretty much any gemstone. I say “pretty much” because I will only work with conflict-free gemstones and no banned materials such as ivory or coral. As I noted above I work a lot with lab grown gemstones and diamonds and I highly recommend them as an alternative to earth-mined stones.

What I’ve tried to do here is talk about certain ideas that people have about custom jewellery. If you’d like to learn more about the actual process and logistics I do encourage you to check out my custom process page and my reuse old jewellery page. Or if you’d like to see some of custom rings I’ve made with my clients you can head on over to my custom rings, custom engagement rings or custom wedding rings portfolios.

Please do get in touch if you have any other questions. I’m here to help.

The post What to Expect When Creating a Custom Ring first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

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