In the pink: a truly unique engagement ring alternative for the Canberra bride

Posted on 9 September, 2014

In less than a month, it will be my 10th wedding anniversary…and even though I haven’t been in the engagement ring market for even longer than that, I love jewellery, and regularly pore through catalogues and peer in the window of boutiques to ogle the beautiful pieces.

Over the past decade, I’ve watched with interest as engagement rings trends swung from minimalist classic designs to a ‘more is more’ approach. But most recently, shopping in the iconic QVB Building when in Sydney for the City to Surf, a sea of sparkling pink caught my eye. I am human magpie…I’m attracted by anything shiny and sparkly…but this…this was something really quite spectacular. It was a sea of shimmering pink diamonds.

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Now you know that at HerCanberra we are huge advocates of buying local…but I also know that many Canberra brides venture farther afield because they are after something really unique when it comes to their dress, or shoes or their ring. And so I made it my mission to find out more about these pink beauties from General Manager of Mondial Pink Diamond Atelier, coloured diamond expert and gemologist, Michael Neuman.

Michael, firstly – why are pink diamonds so special?

Pink Diamonds are rare and precious – I like to say they’re the ultimate example of Nature’s ability to create a limited edition gemstone. While most coloured diamonds obtain their colour from trace elements, Pink Diamonds are said to be pure and coloured only by extreme pressure beneath the earth’s surface. For this reason, each and every Pink Diamond is an extraordinary and magnificent feat of creation.

Where do they come from? And how rare are they?

The Australian Argyle Mine unearths more Pink Diamonds than any other mine in the world and as yield from the mine gradually diminishes the international demand for Pink Diamonds significantly increases.

At Mondial Pink Diamond Atelier, we’re recognised for having one of Australia’s largest and most impressive collection of Pink Diamonds.

Are pink diamonds a new trend?

Not at all. Fred Neuman and the Neuman family, Founders of Mondial, have been in the business of fine jewellery for over 50 years and have specialised in pink diamonds for almost 20 years.

Fred Neuman has played a significant role in shaping the Australian jewellery industry as it is today and just last week was presented with the first ever Jewellery Association of Australia (JAA) Lifetime Achievement Award!

One thing I noticed about many of Mondial’s rings is their ‘restraint’. The classic designs really seem to let the unique nature of the pink diamonds speak for themselves, rather than being ‘over the top’.

Yes, having specialised in Pink diamonds for over a quarter of a century has allowed us to develop certain styles that work particularly well to showcase small and rare diamonds. The Cherish ring continues to be a favorite in our engagement ring collection as it enables clients to own a beautiful piece including rare and precious pink diamonds without being too far out of reach from an investment perspective.

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Could you tell me about your current collection, the vision you had for it and what it represents?

Mondial has on show a stunning collection of Pink Diamond jewellery including the majestic “Charisse” diamond that was recently exhibited at Kensington Palace. We have also recently launched “Paradiso”, an enchanting handcrafted creation inspired by feathers, featuring a rare Argyle Blue Tender diamond; what is so incredible about this piece is that it can be worn as a brooch, pendant and ring.

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How do you like to work with clients? Is it a matter of buying ‘off the rack’?

What sets Mondial apart is the way in which we personalise every piece we create so that it reflects the individuality and style of our clients; we call it Jewelature. We like to provide our clients with the opportunity to express themselves rather than to conform to preexisting styles. Therefore many of our pieces are truly one of a kind.

I was really excited to discover that Mondial have created a ring to support same sex marriage – can you tell me more?

Yes, Mondial is the first ever fine jewellery brand to actively promote and support same sex marriage, through our Australian Marriage Equality ring. Available in 18 carat rose, white or yellow gold, 9 carat gold or silver, we created the ring as a precious reminder to future generations of the road traveled to achieve marriage equality in Australia.

All profits made from the sale of the ring will be donated to Australian Marriage Equality and contribute toward continued lobbying and education of equal marriage rights in Australia.

If Canberra brides are interested in finding out more about Mondial Pink Diamond Atelier, what’s their first step?

Our website is a wonderful place to start, and gives brides a comprehensive look at our range of rings and other jewellery. And, of course, if they’re in Sydney we’d love to meet them at our Flagship Store in The Queen Victoria Building.

the essentials

What: Mondial Pink Diamond Atelier
Where: Shop G-17, Ground Floor, The Queen Victoria Building, 455 George Street, Sydney
Contact: 9267 7974
Email: enquire@mondial.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mondialpinkdiamond

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