Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica with a hardness rating of 5.5-6.5 on the Moh’s scale of hardness. Opals are found in many places around the world. Some of these locations include Ethiopia, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Indonesia and right here in Australia....
The term ‘Tourmaline’ is the name given to a large group of boron silicate minerals. Tourmaline has a hardness rating of 7-7.5. This gemstone can be found in a wide variety of colours such as green, pink, blue, yellow, red, orange and colour-zoned/bi-coloured...
The name itself is derived from the Greek word ‘smaragdus’ meaning, “green gem”. The ancient Egyptians mined Emeralds nearly 3,000 years ago, and Cleopatra was an avid emerald collector. In the 16th Century Spanish explorers found large Emeralds in the possession of...
Synthetic diamonds have become more prevalent in the jewellery industry, and it is more important than ever for customers to be aware of the facts around diamonds (natural or synthetic), and for jewellers and valuers to know how to distinguish between the two. I sat...
I write this on the day that restrictions inVictoria have been eased. Finally, we can get back to work. This is a day that we should celebrate – that Victorians have looked after one another (as opposed to other places in the world where self-interest reigns, and the...
We are both thrilled and delighted to hear of the easing in restrictions in the retail sector by the Victorian Government and that, as of Wednesday 28th October we will reopen our door and welcome back our clients.To support a COVID safe environment, the showroom will...
Another of our couples who haven't let COVID-19 dampen their spirits is Henry and Felicity. Like our last feature couple Henry and Felicity also got engaged before stage 3 restrictions.At Abrecht Bird we love making new items of jewellery but we find it so special...
One of our clients recently visited us with a very well loved and worn out three stone ring (one stone missing due to multiple damaged claws). This ring is a family heirloom and has been passed down through three generations, a beautiful sentimental piece that is...
Susan's Ring Remake The jewellery design process - remodelling your jewellery Jewellery doesn't have to look a certain way for a lifetime, in fact gemstones and gold can often be reused or added to, to modernise and change a design completely. At Abrecht Bird we hand...
Still here for you during the second lock down! We think it is important to keep up the communication with our valued clients during this difficult time. Due to the Corona Virus we did not issue our normal June newsletter (the first we have missed in 25 years!). We...