Yesterday morning, our small group was whisked away by Ritz Limos to West Vancouver’s Stittgen Fine Jewelry, to be joined by other local writers for a media breakfast reception and to learn about Stittgen’s unique collection of jewels.
[Stittgen Gemologist Vanoula Steinberg]
Selina Ladak has owned and operated Stittgen since 2003, working together with some amazingly talented, award-winning goldsmiths, including Karin Bunzeit, and gemologist Vanoula Steinberg, all on hand to explain some of the process and history behind diamonds and working with precious metals.
Over coffee and delectable bites, we learned about diamond cutting, pearl cultivation, and the difference between cubic zircona and a real diamond, the strongest natural mineral on Earth.
“Look at the stone that sparkles the best.”
Back in the day, it was only possible to cut a diamond with another diamond; with laser cutting, there’s way more variety – and precision – in cuts. Diamonds can be cut so precisely as to fit several into one other. A diamond’s clarity (or lack thereof) affects its price and colour is but one factor in choosing a diamond. Flawless diamonds are more expensive because they are rarer. The bottom line: a good cut is very important when choosing a stone.
Some of these pieces are one-of-a-kind, designed to mark one of life’s biggest milestones. Stittgen only works with certified diamonds and sources the most ethical stones, gems, and precious metals on today’s market.
Here are some of the gorgeous creations to choose from (except for that beautiful fleur-de-lys diamond ring above — sold!).
[Gold clasp ring photo courtesy of Stittgen Fine Jewels]
Stittgen Fine Jewelry is located at 1457 Bellevue Avenue in West Vancouver. Visit their website for more information.