The Magic of Granulation

The Magic of Granulation

There is an ongoing debate as to whether the ancient art of granulation was actually lost and rediscovered in the early 1900’s, or whether it simply fell out of fashion...
October 16, 2024 — Ronan Campbell
Tags: blog
Diagrams of a variety diamond cuts in top and side view. Cover photo for designyard blogpost A Diamond's  Cut - Part I

A Diamond's Cut - Part I

Following our recent post about diamond clarity, let’s have a look at another important diamond grading factor: the diamond cut.Diamond cut refers both to the overall shape of the diamond...
October 04, 2024 — Ronan Campbell
Photo for post A Diamond's Cut - Part 2

A Diamond's Cut - Part 2

Diamonds are unique in their mirror-like reflections - the technical term is adamantine lustre (and yes, hence the name diamond!). No other gem reflects back as much light as a...
October 03, 2024 — Nicole van der Wolf
Tags: tips
Photo for post Diamond carat explained

Diamond carat explained

Often people think that "carat" refers to a diamond’s size, and certainly the bigger the carat the larger the diamond. But it is actually the weight of the gem that...
October 02, 2024 — Nicole van der Wolf
Tags: tips
Photo for post What is it with water and diamonds?

What is it with water and diamonds?

Diamonds have often been compared to water or ice as people try to describe the clarity of the fabulous gem. The Ancient Greeks thought diamonds were the tears of gods...
October 01, 2024 — Nicole van der Wolf
Tags: tips
Photo for post Spotlight On: Manu

Spotlight On: Manu

Manu’s journey started back in 1987 with husband and wife team Ilse Ebert and her husband Horst. He, the businessman – she, the artist. Ilse was always on the lookout...
September 27, 2024 — Nicole van der Wolf
Photo for post Spotlight on: Jean Scott-Moncrieff

Spotlight on: Jean Scott-Moncrieff

We’re delighted to introduce Jean Scott-Moncrieff - the latest addition to the DesignYard selection of makers. Jean’s work is characterised by simple restrained forms, rich gold alloys she makes herself,...
August 06, 2024 — Nicole van der Wolf
A minefield of definitions muddy the waters of sustainable gold.

A minefield of definitions muddy the waters of sustainable gold.

Industry efforts to reduce the ecological and social impact of gold mining have given rise to initiatives like Fairtrade and Fairmined gold. More recent developments see the introduction of recycled...
July 16, 2024 — Ronan Campbell
Photo for post Best summer wristwear

Best summer wristwear

Warm summer weather brings short sleeves and sun-kissed skin. It is the perfect time to accessorize your wrist. Like a perfume, a lovely bracelet or bangle makes an impression -...
June 17, 2024 — Nicole van der Wolf
Steel Yourself for the Exam Season with Designyard's Tactile pieces

Steel Yourself for the Exam Season with Designyard's Tactile pieces

May sees many students put their heads down and hit the books in preparation for the upcoming exam season in June. The nature of exams is that they are only...
May 27, 2024 — Ronan Campbell
Elevate Your Style: The Ultimate Guide to Men's Rings

Elevate Your Style: The Ultimate Guide to Men's Rings

Are you ready to add a touch of sophistication and flair to your appearance? Then it's time to embrace the power of the timeless symbol of masculinity and elegance -...
March 16, 2024 — Ronan Campbell
Leap year brings us Bachelor's Day

Leap year brings us Bachelor's Day

A lesser known tradition is Bachelor's day which is February 29th - so it falls only in a leap year.  The day is also known as Ladies Privilege - the day...
February 20, 2024 — Ronan Campbell