Inspiration on the Go

Posted on August 31, 2011 | 1 Comment

The Nordic people like having pretty things around them. ‘So do I’ you might exclaim, but look at this;

We posted this on Facebook as soon as we saw it! How fascinating that Kiasma, the Helsinki Museum of Contemporary Art organizes guided tours for infants of three to eleven months of age. We could hear the guide urging the parents to step closer to the artwork so that the babies could have a better look. With such a start, you would have to become aware of beauty in your surroundings, don’t you think?!

A power box in Helsinki has been transformed into a mini-gallery. There is an ‘Art Walk’ that you can follow through the city, with art pieces like this placed on otherwise unstimulating objects.

Over in Stockholm, we found this photo exhibition in a very ordinary setting. Subways are usually home to large poster ads. But the culture-loving Swedes would not have it! So apart from ad space, the walls of this subway have also been beautified by works of art – Inspiring culture rather than enticing the shopping gene. Waiting for a train has never been a more pleasant experience.

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Land of the Midnight Sun – and Beautiful Design

Posted on August 3, 2011 | 4 Comments

We will be going to Stockholm and Helsinki on an inspirational trip and will be away for the most of August. We hear that the sun will set at 10pm and rise at 5 am at this time of year, so we are looking forward to looong days exploring Scandinavian design, cool weather and good company…

Follow Chris & Sara for interesting updates from the counties that gave us Nokia phones, Marimekko textiles, Orrefors and Iittala glassware, Absolut Vodka, Efva Attling jewellery and a whole lot more.

TO BE CONTINUED….

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Our Wedding Rings

Posted on July 27, 2011 | Leave a comment

Since choosing your wedding rings can be a tricky yet important decision in your wedding planning, we’ll give you some insights into our own discussions.

Chris designed this engagement ring as a secret and threw it in the sea. Read more about the proposal on Wedding Guide Asia.

According to Swedish custom, both the lady – and the man – wear engagement rings from the time of engagement. So following the surprise proposal, we wanted Chris to wear a ring as well. The man will usually wear the same ring for the wedding, while the bride adds a second ring to the finger.

Since we designed Chris’ ring before considering wedding bands, his engagement/wedding ring matches Sara’s engagement ring – not the wedding ring.

When it came to Sara’s wedding ring, the choices were slightly limited because of the width of the engagement ring. The new ring needed to be slim to even fit the finger! Being a fan of 2-tone, Sara considered getting a very slim flat band in Yellow Gold to add to the first one, but did not want it to be too chunky and heavy looking.Checking the mockup to ensure that the size is right before setting the Diamonds

In the end, the result was a ring that was the total opposite of the engagement ring. A combination of a chunky, modern Engagement band and a vintage inspired delicate Eternity Ring.Two very different styles, yet somehow matching….

The Diamond Eternity Ring was made following the thickness of the engagement ring so that they would fit nicely together. Now, they fit so snug, that people often think that it is all one ring – and that must be a good sign that they are well matched…. :)

All three rings on display with Sara’s wedding shoes as ring pillows. 

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Posted in More than Diamonds

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Goldilocks™ for You & Me

Posted on July 21, 2011 | 1 Comment

I was designing a Goldilocks™ for myself, for my wedding and wanted something that is less direct than, let’s say, a heart or both our initials. To begin with, I was planning a bracelet saying mr & mrs, in the style of our yes/no bracelet (above) but the minimalist in me kicked in, and all that remained for the final piece was the &.


You & Me, Mr & Mrs; the ampersand (&)  is what binds the words together. Being an everyday symbol connecting words, it can stand for so much more. Goldilocks™ You & Me is made in 2-tone, as a symbol of the joining of two parts, words – or people.

What other symbols would you want to see in Goldilocks? What would they represent? x Sara

 

* Update: Goldilocks™ You & Me has been featured in the press!

Her World Singapore, February 2012. 

I-S Magazine, 3-16 Feb 2012. 5 design labels to look out for. 

See more on Goldilocksjewellery.com

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Posted in I Love Goldilocks, Newsflash!

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We have Moved

Posted on July 13, 2011 | 2 Comments

Some of you noticed that we weren’t updating the blog during April/May. That is because we were busy moving and setting up our new studio.

Located next to Tanglin Mall (Taxi stand), we are perched on the second floor of this cute cottage looking Shopping Gallery called Tudor Court. Being smaller, we have a more intimate setting for discussing your custom jewellery ideas.

Us at Work; From left to right-  Sara Ooi, Chris Lim

Our DIY artwork; made from Marimekko fabric; Finnish design with leaves of the typically Chinese plant Ginko. Almost as mixed as Sara :)

We look forward to seeing you here soon! See More than Diamonds website for directions and more information.

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Posted in I Love Goldilocks, More than Diamonds, Newsflash!

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The Power of Gemstones

Posted on July 7, 2011 | Leave a comment

Whether you are a believer of Feng Shui, the power of crystals, colour therapy or just happen to be a lover of pretty things, precious gemstones can be of great meaning and relevance to you. Apart from everyone having their special stone — the birthstone — each gemstone is also believed to have different characteristics and healing properties.

We recently found out that a dear friend was ill, and since we work with gemstones, we designed a pendant with healing powers.

Now, we cannot guarantee that the Pink Tourmaline that we made for her has stronger powers than other gemstones, but we are firm believers of sending love and happy vibes – and happiness is known to have amazing healing power.

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Signet Rings – Make Your Mark

Posted on June 30, 2011 | 6 Comments

Signet rings are most commonly seen in Europe, originally used by royalty and aristocrats. A signet ring will have a family crest or initials engraved on the top. The engraving is meant to leave a mark on hot wax like a stamp and was traditionally used as a seal to sign and seal documents, instead of a signature.Chris wearing his father’s ring with engraved initials.

Nowadays, used more for commemorative purposes, signet rings are still passed down through generations. Some schools and clubs have their own seal for members to wear. Often used on the pinky, signet rings are mainly worn by men, although they can also be seen on fashion-forward women.

So, how would you leave your mark?

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Posted in More than Diamonds

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What shape are you?

Posted on June 16, 2011 | 1 Comment

Do you love Diamonds but  are not sure that you want a Round one? Fancy Cut Diamonds might not be as common as the Round Brilliant ones, but they are definitely just as striking.

You probably already know the Round Diamond. Now, let’s take a look at some fancy shapes. We took a few snap shots of loose Diamonds to show what they look like before they are set. This way, we can really see the different properties of the different cuts.

The technical term for Princess Cut is Square Modified Brilliant, which means that it is a Brilliant Cut Stone, like the round one, but with the top part cut into a square shape. Because of its brilliance, yet unusual shape, the Princess Cut has many fans…

A Cushion Cut Diamond has larger facets than a Round Brilliant Diamond, which means that it sparkles in a different manner. This cut makes the light reflect back in all directions, which makes it a mesmerizing choice.

The Emerald cut Diamond is a step cut stone, with fewer facets,
which means that it does not reflect light in the same way as a Round Diamond. With focus on the shape and clarity, the Emerald Cut is a less sparkly option, but still a classy choice that mainly attracts the vintage lover.

There are several other Fancy shapes and colours of Diamond, but the above pieces are the most commonly found ones. Which one is your favourite?

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Posted in Bling Bling, More than Diamonds

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A Classic Never Goes Out Of Style

Posted on June 2, 2011 | Leave a comment

If you have ever tried finding a plain yet well-cut shirt you will know how difficult it can be. The plain ones are often of poor quality that are not built to last and the rest will have some funny print or detail spoiling the clean look.

People have their own personal definition of what a classic design is. We like this one: [Simple; elegant, lasting].

Lasting is a factor especially relevant when it comes to wedding rings. Made to be worn often and for many years, wedding rings should reflect who you are, but do not necessarily need to be statement pieces. When designing wedding bands, it can be good to choose a design that you will not have to ‘match’ your other jewellery or clothes with. Although trends do not come and go as frequently in jewellery as they do in fashion, it can be risky to choose a design based on trends, as it can become outdated. A white shirt never goes our of style – shoulder pads do.

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Closed for Easter Holidays

Posted on April 21, 2011 | Leave a comment

Our showroom will be closed for the Easter Weekend. Welcome back on Tuesday 26th April. In the meantime, browse our website for ideas or email us your enquiries. Enjoy your weekend! (We know we will…;)

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Posted in Newsflash!