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Salt and pepper diamonds are as hard as white diamonds, but the 4Cs aren’t applied as strictly as that of white and coloured diamonds.
Clarity - While the traditional diamond industry has favoured diamonds with inclusions that aren’t visible to the naked eye, it is the inclusions of a salt and pepper diamond which make this stone so appealing. These inclusions may look like feathers, cracks, wisps or peppery speckles, and reflect the history of each stone’s gemmological formation deep within the Earth, and prove it as a naturally occurring gemstone. Colour - This will vary according to the amount and placement of inclusions in a stone and can range from colourless, to milky or icy white, to dark grey or black. They also range from translucent to opaque, with no two gems ever the same. Cut - The high number of inclusions mean salt and pepper diamonds lack the traditional brilliance of a white diamond, so many cutters will select fancy cuts such as rose cuts and unusual shapes including hexagons, kites, ovals, pears or triangles. These highlight the individual characteristics of this gemstone. Carat - Because salt and pepper diamonds are more widely available than the traditional white diamond, they’re easier to find in larger carat sizes.
As with all diamonds, salt and pepper diamonds were formed deep within the Earth around 3 billion years ago, however they have traditionally been viewed as an inferior gemstone due to their heavily included appearance. It is only in recent years that these gems have started to be appreciated for their unique qualities, and have been re-branded in a positive light using terms such as Celestial, Stormy, Galaxy, Hazy, Smoky or Earth diamonds. They are now favoured by many as celebrating the idea of being ‘perfectly imperfect’, much like humans and relationships themselves.
They are also viewed as a more eco-friendly diamond alternative. Traditional mining of white diamonds sees only a very small percentage of diamond material actually used for cut gemstones, with the rest either repurposed for industrial use or discarded as waste. With salt and pepper diamonds, all mined material is used, resulting in less waste.
We highly recommend diamonds for all types of jewellery but especially for rings as they are the most resistant to wear over time. A diamond is an excellent choice for longevity but be aware that the numerous inclusions in a salt and pepper diamond can make the stone more brittle and susceptible to fractures or chips, if they are hit hard enough. Wear all jewellery with care and avoid exposure to abrasive materials, harsh chemicals and extreme changes in heat.
To clean, soak your diamond piece in a dish of warm soapy water and use a soft toothbrush to gently brush away any built up residue. You can also use a jewellery cleaning cloth or professional jewellery cleaning products developed to be safe on diamonds. Professional jewellers like Pieces of Eight use an ultrasonic machine to clean your diamonds; bring them in for an annual clean and check.
Bespoke
Such an amazing experience. My bespoke ring is stunning. It is constantly admired and I have people comment on it weekly asking where I had it made. Thank you again Melanie for my beautiful ring ( and my other gorgeous jewellery as well).Fiona
Engagement
I’ve been fortunate to have followed Mel’s work for almost 20 years— and have appreciated the immense effort she has put into her own work, not to mention curating a wonderful group of artists through Po8.Over the years I’ve been able to purchase her work— and it was a no brainer to get my engagement and wedding bands made by her. Her staff are incredibly helpful and kind- and I always make an effort to swing by and see what is in store.Shawn
Sapphire
My partner proposed to me with a Melanie Katsilidis Australian blue sapphire diamond ring. We are absolutely floored by its beauty. The architectural design, the jewels, the cut, it’s just out of this world! Thank you so much to Melanie and her team for all the thought, care and class with which you created our forever treasure!Natalie
Pearls
Pieces of Eight is my go-to for timeless, wearable luxury. The curation is always on point and all the artists in this gallery are incredibly talented. However, Melanie Katsalidis' pieces are my absolute favourite—sculptural, stunning, and unique. I always get compliments when I wear her creations. I own several and wear them constantly. They're effortlessly special, every day. I am obsessed with this place!LTP
Excellent customer service. The staff were helpful from the moment I walked in, through to selecting, purchasing, and resizing a ring. When illness meant I couldn't come in to the boutique, they gladly reorganised. The ring itself is an absolute banger, for what it's worth -- my fiancée and I couldn't be happier! Highly recommended. David
The whole experience has been an unalloyed pleasure: a range of pieces that I enjoy choosing from, staff who are helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and helped make the whole process enjoyable. They handled the online enquiry as efficiently as they do in person. Anne
Pieces of Eight is an Aladdin’s Cave of treasures, show casing some of the most original and creative jewellery and objects to be found in Melbourne, let alone around the world. Over the years I have bought many different items from them and all, without fail, receive positive comments from family, friends and strangers when they see them. Dean
Always a wonderful experience working with the fabulous team at Pieces of Eight! First time working with them on a custom piece, by artist Belinda Esperson. A family member loved the style a brooch though found it a little large so she created a smaller version that was just perfect. Leonie