Blog: buying jewellery online – insider guide

The molecular structure of Aquamarine, a type of beryl of which Emerald is another variety, is perhaps not as beautiful as the gemstone itself, but is nonetheless interesting. It seems amazing that a basic combination of Beryllium, Silicon, Aluminium and Oxygen can create such sensational stones.

In the flesh beryl presents in hexagonal crystals. Colours include red, green (Emerald), blue and yellow. Normally free from inclusions, aquamarines are cut into largish stones to emphasise the clear blue green hue. 

The birthstone for March is said to keep sailors safe at sea. Aquamarines certainly can transport you to a vision of oceanic serenity.

If you have a March birthday coming up, why not pick a mesmerising 4.26ct Tiffany & Co Oval Aquamarine ring with baguette cut diamonds? And be transported to the Caribbean or Maldives in the glint of an eye.

Here at Bloomsbury Manor we are very serious about authenticity. We use a variety of methods to ensure that all our jewellery meets our exacting requirements and yours. Our jewellery specialist will perform tests using specialist diamond testing equipment and microscopes. Pictured below is a laser inscription from a Tiffany & Co engagement ring.

We check laser inscriptions to make sure that they exist and tally with any certification.

In addition to the testing of precious stones we are also well versed in the workmanship of master jewellers such as Bulgari, Cartier and Tiffany & Co. It takes years to understand what to expect from their craftsmen. So many years in fact that it really does pay to deal with and expert.

A final round of verification involves pure experience. Does the item "add up" does it feel right? There is no blog or youtube video that can teach you this skill. Only experience can tell you.

If you have any questions about our verification process or authenticity in general please do not hesitate to contact us on 0207 692 5103 or via email info@bloomsburymanor.com

Which Investment? Shares, gold, pensions? The idea of an investment is not a complex one. We buy something and hopefully its value increases. But not necessarily.. when we buy shares or pensions even the small print tells us that the value of our investment can go up, as well as down. What if you could buy something now that would increase in value and you could wear it whilst you owned it?

Luxury pre-owned jewellery, can fit the brief and a growing number of savvy women are realising that they can have their cake and eat it by buying stylish pieces they know they can hold and sell on later on for profit. The price of new jewellery always rises. Labour, marketing and other overheads all contribute, as well as the fact that luxury items by definition cannot become cheaper. It does not make sense however, to invest in new items. It typically takes 30 years to recoup the value of a new item because so much of the RRP goes on the company’s overheads.

This is where pre-owned luxury jewellery comes into its own. The value of carefully chosen preowned designer high jewellery (platinum, gold) is often more than that of the metals and gemstones. But without the hefty overheads of the brand to pay for you are left with the items' real value. As the price of new designer jewellery rises so should that of the pre-owned. It can even weather the storms of the gold/platinum markets as it's value is propped up by the brand.

So, if luxury designer jewellery is such a good buy why don’t we hear more about it? The truth is that it’s an opaque market where 'value' isn’t clear. You need reliable dealers with a good instinct for what will make a good future investment. Brands such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Bulgari will always hold their value, but within those brands there are certain pieces, which carry more investment potential than others. You also need to know how to sell. If you hold for 5-10 yrs the original seller may buy your item back for more than you paid - can you imagine that happening anywhere else? If not high end auction houses are an option. If you buy new jewellery you might wait 30 years to recoup the original asking price. But with pre-owned branded jewellery you could be looking to making a substantial profit on the price paid after as little as 5 years. If you’re really lucky you could buy something that becomes the next super coveted piece. In the meantime you get to have a lot of fun wearing it.

If you would like to talk to us about jewellery for investment please call us on +44 207 692 5103 or email info@bloomsburymanor.com and we’ll be happy to give you our considered advice.

The Panther - a symbol of grace and power has been idolised and depicted by artists for millennia. From the early cave painting of Chauvet-Pont d'Arc, through ancient Egypt and French artist Henri Rousseau, the panther has been admired and feared in equal measure. 

During the early part of the twentieth century the house of Cartier began to take a special interest in the panther. Colonialists, bringing skins and adventure back to the old world were probably inadvertently responsible for the rise of Cartier Panthere.

It took Jeanne Toussaint, muse, creative director and sometime lover of Louis Cartier to really popularise the Panthere by producing highly desirable 3D Panthere jewellery. The first recognisable 3D panther jewellery item was a ring produced in 1935 with a two headed panther holding a star ruby. The iconic animal was truly put centre stage when the Duchess of Windsor (Wallis Simpson) ordered an incredible three dimensional Panthere brooch. She remained a devoted Panthere and Cartier fan all her life.

Throughout the 50s & 60s Cartier developed many of the pieces which would still be recognisable today, bangles, rings, necklaces. Clients for these pieces included The Aga Khan and Opera star Maria Callas. In addition, the Maison developed a unique technique called "serti pelage" which gives the impression of real fur. 

The Cartier Panthere collection tells the story of decades of innovation, refinement and craftsmanship. At Bloomsbury Manor we like to honour the most exceptional jewels. As such we have spent time building up a carefully curated collection of Cartier Panthere jewels so that we too can be known for the ultimate in refinement. 

We hope that you enjoy our beautiful range of Panthere by Cartier jewels.