Blog: buying jewellery online – insider guide

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.

When you are proposing on Valentine's Day, it's not a regular proposal. The location is usually somewhere you're very familiar with already, often somewhere fancy – or somewhere special to you both. There are other differences too – the biggest is often the element of surprise!

At Bloomsbury Manor, we think that there is a golden triangle of gifts that should make your Valentine's Day proposal go very smoothly indeed. Whether you've bought a Tiffany & Co. or Cartier Engagement ring from us – or anywhere else for that matter – we think there are two essential little extras...

1. Champagne

As you might expect, we're not in to generic; we know exactly which one is best, of course!  Rosé is just what is needed, and you cannot go wrong with Charles Heidsieck's 1999 Rosé Millésimé. Toasty, mellow, rich – just like you perhaps? Either way, it's a wonderful celebratory drink for you both to share.

2. Chocolates

Truffles no less, but not from your local supermarket! These truffles, made by distinguished chocolatier Michel Cluizel, are undoubtedly the finest we have found. Rich smooth ganache, with a dusting of cocoa powder.

3. The ring!

It has been 15yrs since Tiffany & Co. launched the Lucida diamond ring. After decades in development, a diamond cut to twinkle and shed light like the brightest star in a constellation was born. Now that the Lucida is no longer a newcomer but a seasoned member of the Tiffany & Co. engagement ring collection we have decided to cast a spotlight on this most distinct of Tiffany cuts and ponder on the characteristics of the Lucida woman.

The Lucida diamond was and is a trailblazer. A unique cut and revolutionary cut that paradoxically doesn't scream its virtues. It looks magnificent but in a quiet and refined way, shedding light like a flickering candle and quietly drawing in an audience. The Lucida is strong but feminine, dazzling but not showy.

We think that the two women who are most likely to be Lucida women are:

Amal Clooney (nee Alamuddin)

Besides being a Bloomsbury based barrister, Amal epitomises a discreet magnetism and an irresistible glow. She is a Lucida woman par excellence!

Jessica Ennis-Hill

Lovely Jessica is also a Lucida woman. Strong but not overpowering, Jessica brings attention to herself, not because she's a show off but because of her shining qualities. She's another Lucida woman.

Ever since Cecil Rhodes founded De Beers in 1888, London has been associated with diamond trading. But when we think of diamond cutting it's New York, Antwerp and Surat that come to mind. The recent resurgence of interest in older cut diamonds, with their unique charm and fire, has cast the spotlight back on a period of time before the ubiquitous modern Brilliant cut.

These days, 92% of the world's diamond are cut in Surat, India. And in an age of global knowledge, diamond cutters in India employ identical techniques to those used in Antwerp. One hundred years ago however, standardised cutting techniques had not yet evolved. A more artisan approach was in force, relying heavily on local knowledge.

London in the late 18th and early 19th centuries was at the vanguard of new technology and skills. Financed and powered by the nascent Industrial Revolution, diamond cutters in London became renowned for the fineness of their cut stones. In spite of this, for many years after the development of the modern brilliant cut stone, no-one paid much interest in the older cut stones, preferring instead to have them re-cut.

But now, discerning buyers seeking out something truly special are re-visiting older cut diamonds and falling in love with their unique beauty. In addition to the extra fire associated with older cut stones, there is an additional parameter of provenance which owes itself to the highly localised skills of cutters.

Today, the term Old English Brilliant is now reserved for a particularly fine Old European Cut, presumed to be cut in London. It is the perfect homage to the skill set of London's cutters.

We can think of the Old English Brilliant as a superior Old European Cut diamond. Just like we have "ideal" or "hearts and arrows" to describe the finest cut modern brilliant diamonds, buyers now have a term which gains them access to the top tier of antique stones.

At Bloomsbury Manor we're passionate about sustainability. We believe that by recycling diamonds we can create something more beautiful and more unique than can be found in any store.

Though not necessarily the first thing that springs to mind when thinking about recycling, diamonds are actually the perfect recyclable material.

Created around 3.3 billion years ago, our planet's hardest natural substance knows a thing or two about longevity!

Diamonds mined a hundred or so years ago, and cut by skilled artisans, exist in their thousands and millions, often unloved or unworn because their settings have become unfashionable.

We feel compelled to re-discover the beauty of these exquisite old cuts (Old Mine, Rose, Old European, Old Cushion) by bringing them out of hiding. Our experts examine each stone individually and decide how to set them to maximise their sparkle and fire. We'll take, fore example, a beautiful Old Cushion Cut with all its charm and individuality and place it centre stage in a new engagement ring setting.

The result is breathtaking! Imagine – a 3.3 billion year old diamond stops off in the Victorian era for a face-lift, and ultimately ends up in a stunning, 21st century creation. Proof of beauty in recycling...

Here are two of our Sustainable Diamonds collection. Ask about other sizes or cuts – we can make rings to order.

Do you have an old diamond you'd like to re-set? Ask about our re-setting service.

Old Mine 0.82ct diamond, 18k rose gold engagement ring

Old Mine 0.72ct diamond, 18k white gold engagement ring