When you try to picture an impressive engagement ring, the solitaire engagement ring is what often comes to mind. A single, large stone uncluttered by added embellishments. It’s straight forward. It’s direct. There are no distractions. A solitaire engagement ring is defined by the incorporation of a sole- or solitary- diamond shaped into whichever cut you please. Add a clean, polished band to compliment the main diamond and nothing else. The elegance in its simplicity has made the solitaire engagement ring the most consistently popular style for decades. In fact, the brilliant round cut solitaire engagement ring has dominated the market ever since the diamond engagement ring was commoditized. For good reason, at that. This style of ring creates a vivid contrast. Observing eyes are drawn to one thing and one thing only: a big, beautiful diamond. In the 1950s, an alternative to the round cut solitaire was introduced into the market. The oval cut solitaire was meant to create a variation of the round cut, with an elongated shape and more curvature all the while maintaining a similar sparkle to the round cut. Its unique shape is more flattering to slender fingers and small, dainty hands.

In the 1980s, emerald cuts and square princess cuts were introduced in order to reduce diamond waste and allow buyers to get more sparkle relative to the diamond’s price. The straight edges of a princess cut were meant to combine the sparkle of an oval cut with the clean look of a square cut diamond. A princess cut solitaire combines sharp, uncut corners while maintaining maximum brilliance. The emerald cut is similar in that its shape is also rectangular. The corners are cropped and the diamond face is cut in steps, originally meant to maximize clarity and inner light of shaded gemstones. This cut allows for a deeper appreciation of diamonds with higher color and clarity grades. Ample light passes through and is reflected in abundance.

Each of these cuts can be complimented with a delicate prong setting, gripping the center stone tightly while providing gentle contrast to its luster. They elevate the diamond and secure it in place while adding a slight shine from the smooth metal texture. The shape of these prongs vary and impact the overall look of the diamond differently. Rounded prongs are smoother, subtle, and look seamless on a round cut diamond. Flat or pointed prongs come off sharper, working perfectly with the straight cuts of rectangular diamonds. If your goal is to add a modest detail to set your solitaire engagement ring apart from the rest, a lovely four-prong setting can provide the accent you are looking for.

The main allure of solitaire engagement rings lies within the beauty of quality and simplicity. An honest truth exists within the saying less is more. Clutter is often times unnecessary. Although a ring graced with a sparkling pave of diamonds on the band is dazzling, it might not be what suits her style best. Sometimes, it pays to let the center stone’s beauty be the uninterrupted center of attention. Recent fashion trends have shown that there is a definitely a desirable elegance in simplicity. Her ring should, after all, suit her style. The solitaire engagement ring offers a clean and unparalleled form of awe-striking beauty. This style is perfect for those seeking to communicate their powerfully unassuming sentiments of commitment in a way that’s deeply personal.

By the way, you should check out the most outstanding diamond engagement rings our jewelry store in Montreal has to offer, you won’t regret it!

The diamond industry has been heavily dependent on the limitations of technology since its inception hundreds of years ago. Mining, cutting and polishing of diamonds cannot be accomplished without the use of very complex machinery. The optics employed to observe and then grade diamond quality is also an undeniable feat of precise science. In recent years, chemistry has even opened an avenue for synthetic diamonds – better known as Cubic zirconia- to enter the market and offer some buyers a cost effective diamond replica. Modern technology has allowed us to accomplish extraordinary things. Today, it’s possible to not only replicate many naturally occurring phenomena in labs but essentially duplicate them under certain circumstances. Scientists have recently adapted techniques that mimic the same conditions under which diamonds are formed in nature, allowing us to manufacture lab-grown diamonds that appear and behave pretty much identically to the diamonds which occur naturally. The comparative cost of production versus mining offers buyers yet another budget-friendly option for their lab grown diamond engagement rings. We’ll take you through the process of making lab grown diamonds, analyze how they compare to natural diamonds aesthetically, and finally look at the cost of purchasing engagement rings with lab grown diamonds as their centerpiece.

Let’s start with understanding how diamonds occur in nature. The process isn’t complicated, just painstakingly slow. Most of the diamonds on the market today have taken several billion years to form deep within the surface of the Earth in beds of rock called kimberlite. A diamond is purely made up of carbon molecules, forced together by extreme heat and pressure throughout all these years. At times, tiny molecules of nitrogen or other substances do end up within the diamond, creating the imperfections we call inclusions that in turn impact the way light passes through them. Therefore, the most expensive diamonds on the market are the big chunks of almost pure carbon which have very few, very small inclusions. Lab-grown gemstones simply mimic these conditions, compressing carbon under similar heat and pressure, only in much less time. Compared to the billions of years it takes a diamond to form naturally, labs accomplish it in less than a month.

The industry for lab-grown diamonds in Montreal is fairly thin, therefore we tend to look towards the United States for the best examples of those stones. The Gem Certification and Assurance Lab (GCAL) is the organization with the most precise grading system as it analyzes all lab-grown diamonds under specialized machinery in order to provide a guarantee of quality comparable to what is produced by the GIA. The best specimens of both lab-grown and naturally occurring diamonds are impossible to tell apart with the naked eye, even under most optics. It’s only with these very specialized machines that one can actually tell the difference. Consequently, they tend to behave the same as far as light reflection and long-term durability. The noticeable differences, according to gemologists, occur in the lower grades of lab-grown diamonds. These show more color and inclusions than the lower grades of those which occur in nature. Otherwise, they are pretty much the same. We would expect to see little difference since they are made from the same materials under the same circumstances. That’s what’s so revolutionary about these diamonds. You can buy a diamond engagement ring with a lab-grown stone as its centerpiece and it will look just as magnificent. Unlike cubic zirconia (CZ), which is made by combining zirconium and oxygen, these lab grown diamonds are duplicates and not replicas! CZ is much less durable and does not reflect light in nearly the same ways, whereas lab-grown diamonds are in fact real diamonds.

Considering the amount of time involved in producing our own diamonds, it’s only natural that they will sell for less. This new industry is actually not only efficient but comparatively sustainable when you dig a bit and learn that it takes about 100 000 tons of displaced rock to mine a single 1.00 carat D/flawless grade diamond from beneath the Earth’s surface. So how does all this apply to engagement rings? Up front, you’re looking at paying about 30% less for the stone itself. Since the diamonds are the most expensive component of engagement rings, you could see how this significantly cuts your cost. Although natural diamonds follow a relatively stable market, the future of lab-grown diamonds is still unknown. However, since the quantity of diamonds we can produce is essentially unlimited it would be safe to assume that the purchase price would decrease as the technology to produce them becomes more available. Insuring diamond engagement rings costs the same amount, regardless of whether the diamonds are man-made or naturally occurring.

At this point, you can probably conclude that it comes down to a question of budget and personal preference. If your engagement ring is a symbol of something precious, built through the patience of nature and limited in abundance, then go all natural. If you’re more practical, environmentally conscious and want to respect tradition but don’t whole-heartedly believe that it’s the most important thing in the world.. Well then, a lab-made diamond will be most likely meet all of your needs. Whether you choose the rare and mysterious natural diamond or the impressive man-made duplicate, nobody else will know the difference. Not unless they’re carrying a diamond lab in their back pocket.

After all the thought and effort exhausted into choosing the right engagement ring, most people would like to feel as if the daunting task is over. Plot twist, my friend. You have yet to purchase the wedding bands! Purchasing wedding rings in Montreal doesn’t have to be such a daunting task. If you think and plan ahead, this can be done quite efficiently. Perhaps even seamlessly. You might have actually considered this before splurging on your engagement ring, but usually, you want the wedding rings to compliment the engagement piece. Therefore, they will likely be chosen after you’ve committed to the big rock. The good news is that you’ve already built a relationship with your jeweler and he knows what your fiancé likes. Now you just need to let him know what you like. Hopefully there’s a little overlap between his preference and hers. Often times, though, this thought leads to a very relevant question: Should my wedding band match my partner’s? Although that is the norm, the honest answer is subjective. Yes, traditionally, weddings bands were meant to be worn as matching sets for her and him. But no, the contemporary social pressures are not so strong as to force your hand in any particular direction.

We no longer live in Ancient Times, therefore ancient traditions do not carry equal weight. If you’re attached to your Egyptian ancestry and want to honor their customs, then by all means get yourself identical wedding bands like the Egyptians did long ago. This symbolism evokes unity and shows that you are both on the same page, share similar taste and place importance on long-lasting tradition. For practical purposes, however, you may want to consider some slight variations when it comes to wedding rings for him and her.

The first difference is simply anatomical. Men almost always have thicker fingers than their female counterparts, therefore requiring a wider wedding band than she does. When you go wider, you usually go thicker as well in order to increase durability. This serves a dual purpose. Men who work with their hands can now easily wear their wedding rings daily without worrying so much about them breaking. Thus, the difference in size is both aesthetic and functional. You could see how it pays to also consider individual lifestyles when contemplating the ideal designs for both of you.

There’s also the simple question of taste. Some couples just don’t agree on everything but the biggest asset to a fulfilling marriage is the joined ability to find compromise. If your tastes are entirely different, consider matching engravings on the inside instead! This maintains a unique shared element to the marriage rings which can be heart-warmingly original. If your tastes only vary slightly, your rings can still complement each other in several ways. You can use the same alloy for both rings, such as 18K white gold, yet shape them to your specific likings. The inverse is also true, where you can decide on a similar design but choose different materials for each respective band. You can choose to incorporate a similar gemstone on either band, or wear a similar ring to hers without any stones on your version at all.

As you can probably begin to understand, the possibilities are pretty vast as far as maintaining some sort of similarity between the two without compromising your individuality. Wedding rings can be as simple or as extravagant as each of you wants them to be. One final consideration might be to buy two sets of wedding bands. This way, you have a matching set for pictures and special occasions. Otherwise, you have the option to slip into the version that you’re more comfortable with wearing on a daily basis. This way, you get the best of both worlds. Be sure to mention all these options to your trusted jeweler when shopping for your wedding rings in Montreal!

So far, 2020 has been a wild ride. Tumultuous and unpredictable to say the least. We’ve seen how quickly our financial security can be taken from us if we rely on our employment as our only stream of income. If 2020 has taught us anything thus far, it should be that diversifying your investment portfolio is the best way to ensure long-term financial security with or without a global crisis. As a major player in Montreal jewelry, we deal with a lot of gold and have been asked about investing in gold, whether that means buying stocks, gold jewelry or coins. Before talking asking questions like is gold worth investing in or is gold a safe investment, we should look at a few reasons to own gold and then decide if it’s best for you.

Why invest in gold? Every investment you make will have the potential to create profit or loss on your end. However, rare metals have shown a trend of consistent growth over the long term. Gold increased in over 18% value within the span of 2019 alone. Not only is gold currently riding an incredible positive wave in the market, but it also consistently retains value or appreciates during economic recessions. This is especially true today, as the U.S. stock market – which is inversely correlated to the price of gold- seems unstable with a very real risk of falling out over the next few years. If what economist are predicting becomes reality, gold will serve as an anchor to balance out your portfolio.

But what about the fear of you missing the train and or being too late for the party? Could gold prices be inflated right now, or could we be catching it at an all time high? If you only ask yourself “what is gold worth today” and take that number without context, it’s likely to come off as an expensive buy. Market analytics say this is unlikely, although not impossible. The price of gold is high right now, but as people continue to buy it we are almost guaranteed to see a rise in prices over the long term. People will continue to buy gold jewelry. We can’t predict the price of gold in X years vs. today, but most people who have owned gold long-term and continue to watch its value will tell you that they probably intend to keep buying it as long as they can afford to.

There are a few things to know before buying gold. We should evaluate the pros and cons of investing in gold. Gold is a commodity that will always hold value in human civilization, so it can be easily bought or sold. We’ve witnessed the presence of gold jewelry for generations. It is a finite resource, so there’s virtually no risk of its value collapsing. There is a long-standing market history with a track record that proves how it performs through a variety of circumstances, which means that there is a certain degree of predictability as to how it will perform in the future. The greatest pro in our opinion is that gold jewelry is an accessory that you can enjoy all the while appreciating as an asset. So your gold Rolex that you wore for 5 years will actually be worth more when you sell it (assuming you keep it in good condition) and you will still have had the experience of enjoying it for that amount of time. For the same reason, many people are buying gold jewelry in the form of Miami Cuban links, which can be heavier and more valuable than Rolexes. Plus, it’s entirely raw material. So it can be melted down and sold very easily. On the flip side, gold is an expensive commodity. You usually have to buy a large amount of it for it to be worth the investment. Finally, it’s something you probably want to hold in the long term, so it’s not a quick buck.

That’s the scoop on buying gold in 2020 from yours truly, Donj Jewellery. We will personally continue to buy gold, mostly in the form of cuban links, because we work with the stuff almost every day. Imagine sitting on inventory that almost constantly goes up in value! If you can afford to put some money into a braided chain and close your eyes for 10 years, it’s definitely something worth considering.

Interested in buying gold? Give us a call and let’s chat.

Although they have become a central part of family life today, very few people are familiar with the detailed history of engagement rings. The impactful meaning behind them is not one of pure materialism, but rather an elaborate cultural significance dating to the ancient Egyptians. There are a few similarities between the first rings ever created and the ones we see today, but these similarities are actually symbolic among the vast superficial differences. As proud players in the Montreal jewelry scene, we would like to offer you some perspective in regards to the history of engagement rings.

The first rings offered by Egyptians to their betrothed partners were actually made of braided hemp or reeds. The tradition didn’t place any importance on the material aspects of the ring, but rather it’s symbolism. The circle was symbolic of an undying commitment and eternal love – never ending, like the circumference of a circle. With time, they shifted to more durable materials such as leather, bone and ivory. Still, this change was not to place more value on the material aspect of proposal, but rather to ensure the object would last longer.

The ancient Greeks and Romans began using metal to construct the rings as a symbol of strength and permanence. They were also the first to engrave their rings. We love this concept and deeply believe that anyone involved in Montreal Jewelry should push their clients to consider customizing their tokens of appreciation in order to show how special their significant other is. The Romans also chose the ring finger to place the ring upon because they believed a specific vein -named the Vena amoris in Latin- ran from that finger directly to the heart. The tie between marriage and blood was clear to them. Marriage was not just the union of two individuals to the Romans, but also a very important union of two family names. This romantic tradition is still carried to this day.

It wasn’t until 1477 that Archduke Maximilian of Austria commissioned the first diamond engagement ring for his lady Mary of Burgundy. This completely altered the history of engagement rings, catalyzing the trend of incorporating diamonds among European aristocrats and nobility. This idea was further popularized during the Victorian era where they mixed diamonds with gemstones and the fanciest rare metals as a way to flaunt their wealth and exceptional beauty. More details about this here.

The De Beers mining company put forth the slogan “diamonds are forever” in 1947, using celebrities and diamond engagement rings as the poster for luxury and prosperity. This marketing campaign doubled the sales of diamonds in just a few years and has had a long-lasting impression on the western world to this day. Ever since, it has been common place to issue a diamond as the epicenter of the engagement ring to symbolize an American marriage that is everlasting.

The history of engagement rings shows that the symbolic value started as one of unity, endurance and commitment. As most things do as a result of a shift toward wealth in the general population, the center piece of the ring adopted a more materialistic meaning although it’s origin still comes from a place of love. With an understanding of the history of engagement rings, we can see that the size of a diamond doesn’t really matter as much as the commitment that it symbolizes. We recommend you to not stress the monetary value so much, but instead consider what your significant other appreciates when shopping for the right ring and showing her that you have deeply considered her deeper desires.

If you’re looking for an engagement ring online, look no further. Donj Jewellery has you covered.

Tough call. Both leathers used for our bracelets are exotic leathers that rank among the highest quality of animal leathers used in the wristwear industry.

So how to choose? Well, first – here’s a bit of info.

About stingray: You might be going out to the club, not to battle – but in medieval Japan, stingray leather was used by Samurais as armor due to its strength, durability and resistance to wear. It was always collected in abundance since most species of stingray are very common, and their meat has sustained the fisheries of coastal Asia for centuries, meaning that no part of the animal goes to waste.

Today, stingray leather is found in high-end boutiques in Milan, Paris and New York. This leather can easily last an entire lifetime if it’s well maintained. It emanates a pearly appearance due to the fine cluster of tightly-woven scales. This scaly shimmer is bold and noticeable (especially up close).

Overall, stingray leather wristwear works as a smooth and resilient accent to almost any outfit – but especially when the night draws to a close and you plan on getting up close and personal.

The scales of the python leather are noticeably larger, thus, they capture and reflect more light in their radiant demeanor. Python leather offers a bold contrast of texture to your look, as each individual scale glistens noticeably from afar and immediately draws attention to the unique, diplomatic arrangement of the natural snake skin.

Though it is more delicate than stingray leather, python leather exemplifies power and authority while also maintaining a subtle finesse and attention to detail.  

Summed up, python leather is chosen to accentuate a bold outfit or to electrify an otherwise demure one. Prepare to stand out.


You really can’t go wrong with either choice of leather. Try your hand at customizing the perfect bracelet for you or choose from our pre-designed models here.

Out of the clamor of unimaginable heat and earthly pressure, natural diamonds were formed. So what makes one diamond different from another? What are the features that determine a diamond beauty and a diamond quality? Curious about the cut, colour, clarity and carat? This blog aims to answer all your questions so you can make an informed purchase. This is essentially what are the 4 Cs of Diamonds.

Prices between different types of diamond vary, and it is important that the buyer understands exactly what they are paying for. Ultimately, knowledgeable clients are happy clients. A higher quality diamond will cost more – the quality being determined according to cut, colour, clarity and carats. It’s an agreed-upon standard in the industry.

What are The 4 Cs of Diamonds?

The 1st C – Understanding Diamond Cut

The diamond cut is known to have the greatest impact on a diamond sparkle. The ideal cut is not too deep, nor too shallow, causing the light to radiate from the top of the diamond and not get lost in the bottom or sides. The Ideal cut, representing 3% of all diamonds, is the highest quality which reflects almost all of the light that enters, followed by very good, good, and fair cuts.

The 2nd C – Understanding Diamond Color

The second most important factor that influences a diamond’s appearance, noticed immediately after the sparkle, is the colour, or rather, the absence of colour. A diamond is graded based on the lack of colour, marking its transparency. The color range (also called color grade) scales from letters D to Z, as follows:

• D; Absolutely colorless. The perfect diamond.
• E-F; Colorless (minute traces of colour can be detected by an expert gemologist).
• G-H; Near colorless (colour is difficult to detect unless compared side by side to higher grades).
• I-J; Near colorless diamonds. Slightly detectable warm colour tone.
• J-Z; Noticeable color. Yellowish, yellow tint, appearance, even to the naked eye.

The 3rd C – Understanding Diamond Clarity

A reference to the imperfections, called inclusions, within the diamond that are usually only visible under a microscope. Although they are not easily visible, the inclusions still impact the way light is transmitted and reflected through the body of the diamond. The fewer and less visible the inclusions are, the higher the grade of the diamond you are purchasing. Therefore, you want to avoid visible inclusions. The scale (also called diamond clarity grade or diamond clarity chart) goes as follows:

The 4th C – Understanding Diamond Carat

Diamond carat weight is how the weight of the diamond is expressed. Keep in mind that a similar sized diamond with a lower quality cut and clarity will appear smaller even with the same number of carats. The price of diamond stones increases exponentially as carats do, since the rarity of diamonds is correlated to the carat size. It’s very difficult to find a large diamond with few imperfections and transparency all the way through.

This is where it all comes together. Finding your preferred balance between the type of cut, number of imperfections and size of the diamond will allow you to select your piece based on the desired appearance and your particular budget.

In any case, be sure to purchase from an experienced jeweler who has a thorough understanding of the impact of the 4 C’s. The same diamond can be elevated or degraded based on how it is handled and the amount of light it receives or even its color (blue light, regular lighting, white light, combination lighting…). Donj makes sure to establish an understanding with all of our clients, finding the correct balance of characteristics that will shape the diamond to match the user’s intentions as precisely as possible.

Other things to know about diamonds

Is a Diamond Shape Always the Same?

Not really. Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes. As there is a brilliant diamond for someone or a larger diamond for someone else, its shape varies slightly thanks to the use of diamond cutters. With this tool, the diamond professional can give the piece any shape they want. Whether it’s the iconic round brilliant cut (for maximum sparkle), the very romantic heart shape or the very rare Lily cut, the possibilities are endless.

Which are the Most Popular Shapes And Cutting Styles?

There are mainly ten types of rough diamond shapes that they’re polished into.

Some have become more popular because they’ve changed with consumer tastes and fashions. Among the shapes, the most popular one is the full cut round brilliants (57 facets). Diamonds that are cut to their ideal proportions offer the best sparkle, color, and light performance compared to other types of shapes.

According to the most recent statistics, the cushion cut has surpassed the princess cut in terms of popularity among Canadian consumers. On the one hand, shapes like the triangular cut are considered as rare and seldom seen in the commercial market, but they may still appeal to people who want exquisite choices.

If you’re looking for something that combines some of the best features of both the emerald and oval cuts, you may want to consider taking a look at the Asschers or Radiants.

Why Do Diamonds Look Gray?

The main reason why a diamond stone appears brighter in daylight than it does at night is because it has high light performance. A better cut makes a diamond look brighter when viewed in direct sunlight. Viewing diamonds outside under direct sunlight is not recommended since they may be damaged by the heat. Instead, view them under a broad leaf tree where they won’t get too hot.

Why Do Diamonds Turn Yellow?

If your white diamond develops a yellowish tint, it may be due to dirt or other substances. Even a thin layer of dust or dirt makes a colorless diamond look slightly yellow. Other possible causes include hairspray, soaps, and makeup. Over time, these substances can build up, making them look stained and discoloured. But it can easily be cleaned at home or professionally at your jeweller.

How Can You Make Sure a Diamond Is What the Jeweler Say It Is?

Only buy diamonds that are graded by either the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS). Check the laser inscription on the diamond to make sure that it matches the information on the grading certificate. You should also look at the diamond’s color grade and its clarity grade.

What are Conflict Diamonds?

Conflict diamonds – or blood diamonds – are diamonds mined in warzones and sold in order to fund the ongoing conflicts in the region.

Today, most jewelry companies adopt transparent ethical sourcing policies and conflict-free diamonds are becoming a marketing tool for many jewelers.

Ethical sourcing practices are an important part of the fashion industry. They should be celebrated and encouraged. By boycotting the sale of blood diamonds, we show our disapproval of using diamonds for violent purposes.

What are Tension Set Rings?

Most traditional diamond rings usually have their feature stones set in prong settings. Typically, diamonds are set into jewelry using a special tool called a “setting saw.” The setting saw has two blades that cut through the sides of the diamond and bend the arms of the metal to hold the diamond in place. On the other hand: Tension set diamonds are held in place by pressure exerted by the ring onto the diamond’s girdle.

With tension settings, the feature diamond is shown with a minimal amount of coverage by metal. Such rings usually become the center-of-attention at social gatherings.

While a tension setting may be a wonderful alternative to Solitaire prong setting rings, they have their own limitations too. For example, if you can’t find a three-stone tension ring, then you may not be able to find one. If you can’t find a tension setting that can be resized, you won’t be able to resize it.

How Do I Clean a Diamond?

Diamonds are known to be dirt and oil magnets. And dirt, oil and dust can destroy a diamond’s ability to sparkle because light has no ability to pass in and out anymore. Every so often, possibly once every month, we recommend simply cleaning the stone with a soft bristled toothbrush as well as some soap with warm water.

It’s just that easy. It will restore the lustre and shine of the diamond, and look just as good as it did when it was brand new. Every year, ask your jewelry store to clean your diamond and ring. Their ultrasonic cleaner is the best one for cleaning your jewelry.

Interested in finding the perfect stone? We offer engagement rings, wedding rings, slim rings, and much more in terms of jewelry pieces!

More questions? Give us a shout through our contact us page or send us an email at [email protected]

Knowing yourself means knowing your roots, your culture, and your ancestry.

Leather wristwear recalls a time where man was living off the land, experiencing an unparalleled closeness to the world that can only come from a dependence for survival.

As early as the Stone Age, humans have been using animal hides as leather, forming it into instruments, shoes, bags and other accessories.  To early Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilizations, leather bracelets signified leadership. Native American tribes wore leather bracelets in order to connect more deeply with their animal spirits, acknowledging the bond that they have with the land that allowed them to sustain their people.

Leather bracelets reinforce the closeness we share with the natural world, reminding us that when we take, we must take responsibly, use what we need, and always make an effort to give back and protect. This relationship with nature must always be one of respect, understanding, and dignity, reflecting our values as human beings. In fashion, leather has become a minimalist’s expression of elegance and class, but also a symbol of the raw, primal and effortless passion that makes us so special.

Your leather bracelet is the detail that brings your outfit together, but it will also be patiently reminding you of your roots, keeping you grounded and in tune with who you really are.

Shop python leather bracelets.

Shop stingray leather bracelets.

Interested in knowing the difference between python and stingray leather?

Gold

A timeless symbol of wealth, success and prestige, Gold has been historically sought after due to its beauty and malleability. It is, without a doubt, one of the first metals used ornamentally by man, known to be present in many primitive civilizations. Egyptians viewed it as the flesh of the sun God, Ra, believing that it brought eternal life. Today, it is often gifted as a statement of achievement, commitment, and growth. Very few elements have held as much value over time with so much consistency. This is surprising, considering that its extraction process is quite tedious, requiring many complex steps involving very specialized machinery and chemistry. Regardless of the effort necessary to acquire this rare metal, it has proven to be worth it. The status attributed to gold is unparalleled, so much so that we even use it in conversation when referencing absolute value and purity. It is now widely regarded as treasure.

Despite its dominant presence, most people are unaware of the properties of this rare metal. It is the most malleable of all the precious metals, making it very easy to work with in its purest form. Unlike other metals, it is possible to flatten it into extremely thin sheets. This “Gold Leaf” is sometimes used as a decorative element for a painting or sculpture in the fine arts, and this flattened sheet of gold can be up to 400 times thinner than a human hair (!). Even though it is so delicate and moldable, it is actually one of the most resistant metals when it comes to wear. It is well-preserved, and will not tarnish via exposure to air, making it extremely resistant to rust and corrosion. Therefore, although this metal preserves very well over time, pure gold is prone to flaking because it is so soft and delicate. For this reason, in order to create jewellery that remains extraordinarily beautiful but also durable, pure gold is mixed with small amount of other metals referred to as alloys. The ratio of gold to other metals is what defines its caratage.

24 carat gold is pure, 100 % Gold. We work with a variety of compositions, offering options that suit everybody’s budget and needs. For daily wear, we carry three versions of gold. Our base tier, 10K,  is 41.7% gold and 58.3% alloys. Our middle tier, 14K, is 58.3% gold and 41.7% alloys, and our highest grade, the 18K, is composed of 75% gold and only 25% alloy metals. Donj uses only top of the line Italian alloys to create the perfect balance of colour for our yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold pieces. In every case, the fine mixtures of earth metals that we incorporate in our pieces allows us to maximize the equilibrium between beauty and durability.

Silver

Silver is known as the element of brilliance, as it was given Hebrew and Greek names describing its unique paleness and shine in its early use. Like gold, silver is married to other alloys in order to strengthen its physical properties and maximize its durability, shine and texture. Like gold, pure silver is very soft, but it is actually too soft to even work with in its purest form and can only be used in jewellery once blended. The standard for silver pieces is .925 sterling silver, which is the perfect blend of shine, strength, and durability. Since the 1300’s, this has been the standard for quality silver, named after the British Sterling coin that was manufactured and valued as currency once they learned that it was dependable to use over long periods of time. This concentration is extremely durable and resistant to corrosion, and actually enhances the reflective and luminescent properties of pure silver. The number .925 represents a percentage of silver versus other alloys, much like we describe gold, only instead of caratage we use the percentage of silver directly. Therefore, .925 out of 1 gram of sterling silver is pure silver, in other words, 92.5% silver and 7.5% alloys! When purchasing sterling silver pieces from a trusted jewellery designer such as Donj, you are guaranteed to receive a metal that will not corrode, or irritate sensitive skin. The way that the metal is handled is very important, and we take the time to finish it smoothly, with an even thickness all around and a classy polish that keeps it looking brilliant for years after its purchase.  Our metals are certified, authentic and are always imported from top-tier reliable sources.

Be careful not to buy from untrustworthy craftsmen who pass off lower purities as .925! Take care when selecting your jeweller, choosing the materials for your custom pieces, and caring for your new accessories. Use a cleaner tailored to your specific metal blend when necessary. Wiping the precious metal with a soft white cloth and storing it with care will keep it looking brand new.

On a side note, check out this gold cuban link ring for men. What do you think?