Are you looking for Mother's day gift ideas? Your mum is special to you. And even though she’s insisting that you ‘don’t need to spend too much’ or that she ‘doesn’t need anything,’ you want to spoil her anyway, right? If you have been searching for mothers day gifts on Google, you’re in the right place.
Is your mum your go-to person? She’s there to listen when you need to celebrate, whinge, listen, help with stain removal, or clean your kitchen even though you’re a grown adult. She buys your favourite snacks, and she sends you cute text messages with too many emojis, but you wouldn’t have her any other way. Does she make the best lasagne, cakes or cheesy biscuits? Perhaps your relationship is complicated, or perhaps not. Nevertheless, you want to recognise the wonderful mum she is on this day.
]]>Are you looking for Mother's day gift ideas? Your mum is special to you. And even though she’s insisting that you ‘don’t need to spend too much’ or that she ‘doesn’t need anything,’ you want to spoil her anyway, right? If you have been searching for mothers day gifts on Google, you’re in the right place.
Is your mum your go-to person? She’s there to listen when you need to celebrate, whinge, listen, help with stain removal, or clean your kitchen even though you’re a grown adult. She buys your favourite snacks, and she sends you cute text messages with too many emojis, but you wouldn’t have her any other way. Does she make the best lasagne, cakes or cheesy biscuits? Perhaps your relationship is complicated, or perhaps not. Nevertheless, you want to recognise the wonderful mum she is on this day.
Mums do a lot for us. She’s been there your whole life and doesn’t ask for much. She always puts everyone first before herself. The older you get the more you value and appreciate her (even if she drives you nuts sometimes). And if your mum is a grandmother, she likely does a lot for your kids too. Perhaps she minds them so you can work, or babysits when you go out for dinner. Or sends lavish gifts or buys them too much chocolate at Easter — whatever it is, most grandmas love to spoil their grandkids.
So now it’s time to spoil mum.
So if you want a special Mother's Day gift idea to say thank you and absolutely delight her, you’re in the right place. We’ve got lots of ideas, and of course, our own amazing jewellery range is perfect too!
Treat mum with a classic silver bangle, the perfect Mother's Day gift idea
Contempo sterling silver bangle, from $325 | Beaten bangle 5mm $99 | Double linked silver bangle, $65 |
We’re all in a rush, so make life easier for yourself and shop online. We love:
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Blue Pearl Earrings
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Pearl Chain Necklace | Emerald Classic Trio Ring |
Don’t want to shop online? There’s much more you can find locally, and it’s great to support small business owners in your community.
How about:
We are female owned, family run and independent, based in Thirroul on the NSW south coast. Check out some of these beautiful mothers day gift ideas from Desiderate:
Citrine Mahtava Earrings | Tivaali Ruby and Emerald Necklace | Citrine Mahtava Ring |
How can you spend time with mum on mothers day?
Try one of these ideas:
Mums love a classic silver bangle or bracelet for Mother’s Day. From classic, simple and chic Mother’s day jewellery, to boho sparkle featuring beautiful gemstones, Desiderate has all the gift ideas you need.
Invest in a classic collectable sterling silver chunky bangle that mum will cherish for years to come. Or if you’d prefer a gift under $100, we have plenty of budget-friendly gift ideas for mum.
Pro online shopping tip: when searching on our website, you can order your products to appear from ‘Price: low to high’ with a single click on the filter menu on the right hand side.
Diamant Garnet Bracelet $150 | Rainbow Gemstone Bracelet |
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Contempo Beaten Bangle | Magic Turquoise Bracelet | Baroque Beauty Volere Bracelet | |
For Mothers Day 2024, your gift purchase will come with a free gift from Desiderate. While stocks last, you’ll get a free gorgeous Larimar Serenity ring valued at $150.00 with orders over $100.00. Each ring is completely unique with the natural colouring and shape of the stone.
*Valid from March 25
These beauties bring a touch of boho glam to your look. And if you decide to keep them for yourself, mum will never know! #ourlittlesecret
These mother’s day gifts are not within everyone’s budget. But they are utterly divine showstoppers—gifts that mum will treasure for a lifetime.
So if you want to give mum something truly lavish and memorable, we have the perfect Mother’s day jewellery gift ideas.
Divinity Necklace | Double Link Bracelet | Luxor Bracelet |
Luminata earrings | Moonlit earrings | Pink Tourmaline Mahtava earrings |
Cleo obsidian and pearl necklace | Baroque beauty necklace | Vivid Earrings |
Because we are local, you don’t have to worry about ordering eight weeks before Mother’s Day.
But if it’s too late for postage, treat mum to a Mother’s Day gift card from Desiderate. She can browse our range to choose her favourites. She can use the virtual try on tool to see how her selection will look with her skin, hair and complexion.
Choose your own gift card amount, from $10, $50, $100 and many more, up to $1000 (that would be SO generous of you)!
Can they get a gift card emailed — Or we can post a glossy card.
If you are after a Mother’s Day necklace for mum and you aren’t sure what to choose, you can’t go wrong with one of our best sellers. If most of our thousands of customers like it, there’s a better chance mum will be happy with her gift on Sunday, 12th May.
floating pearl necklace | Fleeting moments pearl necklace | Rainbow Gemstone Pendant |
Do all mums love a new ring for Mother’s Day? We reckon so! Some of our best sellers are sure to delight your mum. And don’t worry if you don’t know her ring size, check out our guide to choosing the right ring size. It includes tips for purchasing rings as gifts.
You can’t go wrong with a best-seller: classic, chic and effortlessly boho.
White topaz trilogy ring set | Under the sun mabe pearl ring - white | Baroque beauty ring |
Want to get mum a gift with a personal connection? A birthstone ring for Mother’s Day is perfect.
Each month of the year has a corresponding birthstone and we have rings for all twelve months. You’re bound to be the favourite child on Mother’s Day if you show up to lunch with one of these.
January, garnet Shop our garnet range |
February, amethyst Shop our amethyst range |
March, aquamarine Shop our aquamarine range |
April, diamond or white topaz Shop our herkimer diamond range Shop our white topaz range |
May, emerald Shop our emerald range |
June, moonstone or pearl |
July, ruby Shop our ruby range |
August, peridot Shop our peridot range |
September, sapphire Shop our sapphire range |
October, opal Shop our opal range |
November, citrine Shop our citrine range |
December, turquoise or blue topaz Shop our turquoise range Shop our blue topaz range |
With more than 1000 items in store, we have a gorgeous piece of jewellery to suit her style and your budget. Plus, when you shop with Desiderate you enjoy:
The more you shop with us, the more generous loyalty gifts and offers you’ll receive.
Sign up to our newsletter to get 10% off your first purchase.
Happy shopping and Happy Mother’s Day
Janine and the Desiderate team
]]>And at the Emmys, stars like Aubrey Plaza, Taraji P Henderson were sporting chunky silver rings on the red carpet
At the Golden Globes, Aussie actress Elizabeth Debicki (of the Crown fame) sported lovely silver necklaces, as did Dame Helen Mirren.
]]>We know: chunky silver jewellery is always in fashion. It’s timeless, classic and elegant. But trends do come and go and silver jewellery seems to be in vogue for 2024.
At the Grammys, Taylor Swift wore a stack of chunky silver necklaces alongside a rather curious watch-like black choker.
Taylor Swift in chunky silver jewellery at the 2024 Grammys. Picture: Facebook.
And at the Emmys, stars like Aubrey Plaza, Taraji P Henderson were sporting chunky silver rings on the red carpet.
At the Golden Globes, Aussie actress Elizabeth Debicki (of the Crown fame) sported lovely silver necklaces, as did Dame Helen Mirren.
As one of Australia’s most awarded silver jewellery retailers, we know exactly what Aussie women are buying (or telling someone else to buy). And all our top sellers? They’re all chunky silver jewellery, of course.
Our top sellers are:
The Contempo Sterling Silver Bangle
The Contempo Beaten Bangle
The Bold Ring (in various gemstones)
The Entwined Bangle
The Mahtava Ring (also in various gemstones)
And we know that many customers want the inside knowledge on our best sellers, because they
Click the ‘bestsellers’ tab when shopping in each category—so you’re not alone if you’re curious about what everyone else is choosing from our collection.
Firstly, add one or two statement pieces. You can never go wrong with a sleek, gleaming sterling silver bangle. Or two, or three, or four!
Silver hoop earrings are another classic investment item that you can wear for years to come.
We have many affordable pieces that make great everyday fashion items, like our Zodiac range, so you can build your silver jewellery collection without breaking the bank.
Another great way to start your collection is to choose your favourite gemstone and select pieces featuring that stone. Then, you’ll always have matching jewellery in your collection.
Start by choosing a gemstone that flatters your complexion (and if you know your seasonal colour, you’ll know that particular shades flatter your colouring:
Got a wedding, conference or special party? Silver jewellery can elevate your look and give you a sophisticated charm or an edgy, on-fashion vibe.
A glamorous touch is a chunky silver necklace, like our double link necklace with matching double link earrings.
Or you can create an elegant impact with matching pendant, earrings and ring, such as the striking emerald quartz mahtava collection. Stunning, chic and perfect for evening wear.
Like the classic little black dress, simple white sneakers or leather handbag, silver jewellery is a fashion staple that lasts for generations. Silver is affordable, yet timelessly sophisticated.
It looks great on all skin tones, and has endless variations in style, shape and ways to wear it. Silver jewellery pieces look wonderful alone for a simple style statement as well as stacking together to create a spectacular wow factor. Some of us just don’t feel ‘done’ without our signature silver jewellery, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
]]>by Janine Leghissa
Desiderate founder
I’ve been a fan of gemstone rings since—forever! As a child, I’d raid my mother’s jewellery box and play with her rings of amber, opal, pearl and moonstone, just wishing they would fit on my little-girl fingers. I guess that’s how my lifelong love of jewellery, especially gemstone rings, began.Perhaps healing isn’t the right word, because I’ve yet to find a gemstone that can cure my lupus, make childbirth painless or reduce my blood pressure. Gemstones can’t cure medical conditions. But I do believe that gemstones can harness and accentuate the qualities you want to embody in your life. By wearing a gemstone ring you can easily enjoy its natural beauty, as well as tap into its spiritual powers whenever you need a boost.
I love to mix up my gemstone rings daily, choosing the rings that suit my mood and will best support me during whatever challenges I have for the day ahead. So, in the morning, I’ll ask myself:
And if I have time, I will journal about the answers that come to me. But usually, I’m in a rush so I think about this while I’m getting ready in the morning. After dressing, I’ll choose a gemstone ring or two (or three, or four) to draw out the essences I’m hoping to embody for the day.
When my lupus is flaring, and I am in pain, I like to wear aquamarine for its protective and light qualities. There is something symbolic in me sliding on an aquamarine gemstone ring when I’m in pain—it feels like I’m doing something positive for myself. It doesn’t always ease the pain, but it helps my mindset and gives me a positive outlook.
I love tigers eye when I’m around a variety of people. I tend to wear it when I’m going to be in a crowd or an event. I swear I am more likely to win the door prize when I wear a tigers eye gemstone ring, as it attracts abundance. I always feel protected and positive when I wear it so it’s great for big group gatherings like family dinners, birthday parties, business award nights or conferences.
When I am meditating, I wear larimar for calmness, serenity and relaxation. Sometimes I pass my fingertips over the smooth stone, and I visualise myself at the beach, imagining the larimar blues in the reflection of the waves. I love the soft blue tones of larimar, and that feeling of calmness and tranquillity hits me from just looking at the gemstones. Stacking up larimar on each finger not only looks perfectly boho but amplifies its healing gemstone energy.
When my team or my family are stressing, I wear moonstone (and make them wear it too) for emotional balance. I try to be someone others can rely on for support, and moonstone really helps me show empathy and understanding. As a Leo, I can be tempted to rush into fixit mode, and moonstone reminds me that I don’t have to solve everything for others—often just listening is the best way to help.
When I am flying, I wear amethyst to quell my anxiety (I’m not a good flyer). I get so nervous on a plane, so I stack on my amethyst gemstone rings and when we land or takeoff, I rub the stones in my palms and try to keep calm! The amethyst helps to quiet my mind and help me feel grounded. I like to visualise myself getting off the plane successfully and amethyst helps with the manifestation process.
When I’m seeing friends I choose rhodochrosite for connection and femininity. I always make it my go-to on a girls night, as the pretty pinks are so feminine and pretty. I love a good, deep chat with my friends and rhodochrosite helps facilitate those insightful conversations.
When I am planning my business content, I wear citrine for that creative spark. I write emails, blogs, newsletters, and make reels for Instagram and TikToks so I am constantly looking for ideas for content that my audience will love. Citrine is the stone of inspiration, action and creativity, so it’s the perfect gemstone to accompany me when I need an active boost of ideas.
When I am feeling stressed, I wear garnet to calm worry and opal for a self-esteem boost. II find garnet good for easing clarity, and often when I am stressed my mind is running a million miles an hour and I can’t think clearly. Garnet helps me immensely. And opal bings me stability and helps protect me from (my own) negative energy.
When I am tired, I wear morganite for elevated spirit, and onyx for focus. Morganite elevates my spirit, and helps me push through when I am feeling depleted of energy. Deep black onyx gives me power and rejuvenation when I need it most. (Plus they look great together on my fingers.)
When I want an easy breezy day, I wear a peridot gemstone ring for good performance and soothed anxiety. Peridot is the gemstone of success, luck and peace, so who doesn’t want a daily dose of that in their lives?
If I think conflict or a difficult conversation is ahead, I wear turquoise to keep calm. As a small business owner there are sometimes the need for difficult conversations and turquoise helps me communicate clearly, and keep my bombastic Leo fierceness calm and controlled.
Here’s some popular stones and the gemstone meanings they can embody:
qualities: contentment, purity, manifestation
wear it to: still your mind, stem negative energy, reach a higher frequency, ease stress
qualities: healing, calming, youth
wear it to: feel young, spark joy, protect your wellbeing, feel lightness
qualities: warmth, creativity, positivity
wear it to: awaken inspiration, clear negativity, inspire action towards your goals
qualities: presence, recovery, clarity
wear it to: calm worry, see the truth, boost energy, attract luck, aid mindfulness
qualities: calmness, serenity, relaxation
wear it to: go with the flow, cool your temper, relieve stress, bring wisdom to decisions
qualities: new beginnings, intuition, balance, understanding
wear it to: sleep peacefully, enhance compassion, release feminine power, gain emotional balance
qualities: divinity, unconditional love, elevated spirit
wear it to: feel dynamic, harness confidence, have fun at a party, feel unique, break boundaries
qualities: security, protection, confidence, happiness
wear it to: protect yourself from negative energy, increase self-esteem, boost spontaneity
qualities: power, rejuvenation, protection
wear it to: tap into strength, stabilise emotions, bring focus and confidence
qualities: friendship, faithfulness, happiness
wear it to: harness joy, celebrate femininity, acknowledge love, deepen spiritual practice
qualities: success, luck, peace
wear it to: soothe nerves, dispel anxiety, improve sleep, perform well
qualities: feminine, friendship and self-love
wear it to: take care of yourself, strengthen friendships, nurture others and yourself
qualities: love, compassion, friendship
wear it to: heal emotional wounds, soothe a troubled soul, gain comfort, enjoy friends
qualities: protection, resolve, balance
wear it to: boost courage, shield yourself from negativity, gain strength, attract abundance
qualities: empowerment, protection, success
wear it to: boost creativity, evoke happiness, remain calm in tense situations
Here are some of our most popular cabochon gemstone rings from our Magic Collection. They are sleek, smooth and natural.
With the variation in shading, some rhodochrosite is in greater demand than others — with the rose pink shaded gemstones proving most popular. Even though it is found across several continents, it is not always easy to mine and cut, which causes it to be in high demand.
]]>by Janine Leghissa, Desiderate founder
Rhodochrosite is a gorgeous pink gemstone that is named after the Greek terms ‘rhodos’ meaning rose, and ‘kros’ meaning colour. It is usually a classic pink colour, but can vary in shades of pale pink to deep blood-red.
What I love about rhodochrosite is the gorgeous pink colour. The shades are not uniform, making each gemstone unique. Desiderate rhodochrosite is a pretty pink with shades of lighter pink and pinky-greys that make it so gorgeous. If you ever want a touch of feminine glamour, rhodochrosite is the gemstone to wear.
Don't confuse rhodochrosite with rose quartz. The latter is a paler pink shade compared to rhodochrosite. And while pink tourmaline is closer in shade to rhodochrosite, it is uniform in colour, whereas rhodochrosite has those gorgeous flecks of different pinky hues. These natural inclusions make it a captivating focal point in any piece.
Rhodochrosite is found in South Africa, South America, the United States and China. It’s common in Argentina, where it is the national stone. So if you have Argentinian connections — or want to remember a great holiday to Argentina — wear rhodochrosite jewellery!
In the 12-13th century the Inca people (in what is now modern Colombia and Chile in South America) believed the stones were the blood of their former kings and queens, hardened into a stone to show strength, power and endurance.
Records show that it was discovered by Europeans in Romania, by JFL Haussmann who named it in the early 1800s. In Colorado, United States, in the late `1800s, a silver mine discovered rhodochrosite and would treat it as an unwanted byproduct (how unenlightened). Nowadays rhodochrosite is its main output.
More recently it was a favourite gemstone during the art deco period of the 1920s and 1930s. And lately it’s becoming popular again due to the gorgeous pink shades and its comparative rarity — we all want what we can’t have, right?
It depends. Larger stones are quite rare as they are difficult to cut into bezels. Argentinian mined rhodochrosite is more plentiful and thus more affordable. With the variation in shading, some rhodochrosite is in greater demand than others — with the rose pink shaded gemstones proving most popular. Even though it is found across several continents, it is not always easy to mine and cut, which causes it to be in high demand.
Rhodochrosite is associated with love, compassion and emotional healing. Wear it to invite positivity and balance into your life. Thanks to its pretty pink shade, rhodochrosite is considered a feminine gemstone, associated with intuition, caring and calmness, so it can also be very soothing if you suffer from stress and anxiety.
On a healing level, rhodochrosite is known to assist with breathing issues, making it a great gemstone for sufferers of asthma or respiratory issues. It is also felt to be good for purifying the circulatory system, kidneys and help with high blood pressure. Some say it’s quite good to get the blood pumping downstairs too ;).
Rhodochrosite is not officially connected to any star signs, but many say it’s the stone for Leo and Scorpio, But I like to associate the rosy pinks with the planet Venus, ruler of Libra and Taurus.
With its stunning rosy hue, rhodochrosite is most aligned to the heart chakra while also supporting the solar plexus chakra. Rhodochrosite facilitates all kinds of love, including friendship, family and romance, helping us to be our true selves and open our hearts to the possibility of forming deeper connections. With its clarifying properties, Rhodochrosite can also help clear the energy distribution centre and help fight imbalance, either spiritually or physically.
As with any precious gemstone, rhodochrosite needs careful care to maintain its lustre and beauty. Keep your rhodochrosite jewellery safe by removing it while playing sports or any other physical activity where it might be knocked or scratched. When storing your rhodochrosite, keep it in a soft pouch to ensure it isn’t scratched by other jewellery. Avoid extreme temperatures or long periods in bright sunlight which can cause the gemstone to fade. Don’t wear your rhodochrosite swimming as salt water, sea water or chlorinated water can cause damage to the natural stone.
To clean your rhodochrosite, rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh cleaning agents and scrubbing brushes which can cause scuffs and scratches.
Shop our rhodochrosite collection
]]>Christmas is a time of parties, end of year celebrations, office get-togethers and graduations — so you’re certain to be out and about. It’s nice to celebrate with a festive look — but if you prefer to keep it subtle, we have the Christmas jewellery you’re looking for.
]]>Bold Emerald Ring | Ruby bold ring |
Ruby Mahtava Ring | Emerald Mahtava Ring |
Emerald Trilogy Ring | Ruby Trilogy Ring |
This gorgeous necklace features three natural emeralds and three natural rubies/garnets, set in a gleaming sterling silver chain.
Each stone glimmers brightly, contrasting beautifully with the crisp sheen of sterling silver.
Tivaali means festive and this necklace adds festivity to any outfit!
The classic Y-shape of the chain is deeply flattering and highly eye-catching, so prepare to be complimented.
Keep the red and green feeling going with stunning pendants that combine to create a yuletide fashion statement.
Ruby Trilogy Pendant | Emerald Mahtava Pendant |
Bold Emerald Pendant | Bold Ruby Pendant |
Bold emerald earrings | Ruby soul drops |
Ruby Mahtava earrings |
Carnelian enchanted waterfall earrings | Natural emerald tear drop earrings | Ruby Trilogy Earrings |
Check out our stunning gemstone earrings designed to add extra glamour for special occasions.
Vivid glam earrings - morganite, citrine and london blue topaz | Vivid glam earrings - rose quartz, blue topaz and ruby |
Moonlit love drops | Luminata earrings |
Vivid earrings | Moonlit earrings |
If you invest in a gorgeous piece of Christmas jewellery, you can wear it every December for years to come. Each year you’ll enjoy the magical moment of bringing out the Christmas jewellery and wearing it again. If you have daughters, cousins or nieces, you can pass the jewellery on to them (or gift it to them) for the future generations to enjoy. Wouldn’t that be a lovely Christmas tradition you will enjoy for many years? We certainly think so.
Sure, novelty jewellery is a lot of fun, but it tends to be low quality. Costume jewellery tends to be made of base metals like nickel, tin, and aluminium, which can cause sensitive skin reactions and can even leave temporary marks on your skin. This kind of fast fashion tends to be thrown out quickly because it's so cheap, ending up in landfills. Whereas if you invest in high-quality Christmas jewellery made with sterling silver, you’ll be more comfortable and reduce waste — so it’s a more sustainable and long-lasting choice.
Your gift for reading this blog till the end
Thanks for reading! As a thank you, use the CODE: 20XMAS at the checkout for $20 off your next purchase! The code expires on January 31 2024
*Not valid with other offers
Welcome to the fabulous month of December – where the feelings are high, and the stars are throwing a celestial party just for you.
So, here's the cosmic lowdown with a touch of glam: We're still riding the wave of Sagittarius season, urging us to explore, learn, and sprinkle a bit of creativity in our lives. It's like an open invitation to bring in artsy, cultural vibes into your space and let those creative juices flow.
]]>Welcome to the fabulous month of December – where the feelings are high, and the stars are throwing a celestial party just for you.
So, here's the cosmic lowdown with a touch of glam: We're still riding the wave of Sagittarius season, urging us to explore, learn, and sprinkle a bit of creativity in our lives. It's like an open invitation to bring in artsy, cultural vibes into your space and let those creative juices flow.
Now, mark your calendars because Mercury, the planet of chat, tech, and travel, waltzes into Capricorn on the first day of the month. It's like a cosmic nudge to focus on your to-do list and conquer those goals. Get ready for some grounding energy – think about organising, planning, and adulting like a pro. Capricorn's also the finances boss, so you might get cozy with someone or share financial duties.
Now is the time to treat yourself to a jade bangle to help with your organisational prowess.
Fast forward to the 4th – Venus, the love-and-beauty guru, struts into Scorpio, turning your life into a sensual adventure. Embrace those vibes, heighten your senses, and turn every moment into an exciting experience.
And speaking of excitement, why not throw on some statement earrings to add a dash of drama to your sensory journey?
Hold onto your cosmic hats because, on December 12th, a new moon in Sagittarius will swing by, letting you set some epic intentions for the future. On the 13th, Mercury retrograde kicks in (cue the collective gasp), slowing things down until January 1st, 2024. Don't panic – it's a chance to hit pause, chill, and set healthier boundaries.
Now, about those intentions – why not seal the deal with some gorgeous jewellery that symbolises your dreams and aspirations? Some of the best gems for manifesting include citrine, rose quartz, amethyst, moonstone, blue topaz, tigers eye and peridot. As we roll into the holiday season, the sun struts into Capricorn on the 21st, making us ponder long-term goals and the habits we need to reach them. Less quantity, more quality!
What better way to remind yourself of those quality goals than with a meaningful bangle that captures the essence of your journey? I suggest the Divinity Bracelet or a Contempo Bangle.
Fast forward to December 26th – a luminous Full Moon in Cancer offers a chance to ditch old patterns and step into a more grounded, emotionally savvy you.
Try smoky quartz to help with the grounding and to accentuate that emotional glow, why not wear rose quartz - the stone of love that resonates with your newfound vibes?
Don't miss Venus stepping into fiery Sagittarius on the 29th. It's like an invitation to bring in colours, textures, and things that scream 'inspiration' into your home. Think swiss blue topaz, pink tourmaline and ruby.
And to complete this cosmic ensemble, as Jupiter ends its retrograde in Taurus on the 29th, signalling it's time to level up your look, your life, and your habits, why not celebrate with a new emerald piece - emerald is the stone of growth, emerald represents patience, brings good luck and happiness.
Let's make this December a stellar one! 🌠💖
]]>Being such a rare stone and only being available from one location means that quantities of Larimar availble are diminishing. As it becomes harder to get hold of the value increases. Once it’s gone … it’s gone.
]]>
The feminine energy helps with pregnancy, childbirth and post partum and for those of you interested … It help minimise hot flushes!
Now there’s a good reason for you to buy that Larimar Pendant!
Larimar helps to keep the mind and body calm and stress free during pregnancy when the changes can be stressful. Physically said to lower blood pressure and relieve congestion which is often a problem during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding can benefit from wearing Larimar as the calming qualities help you to relax and makes it easier for the body to produce milk and for the baby to feed easily and happily.
In addition to the peaceful soothing blue tones, mottled with white and sometimes flecked with deeper green and sandy variations, the scarcity of Larimar makes it an extremely rare gemstone.
It's only found in a tiny one square kilometre area of relatively inaccessible land high in the mountains above the sea in the Dominican Republic of the Caribbean.
When was Larimar discovered?
The legend is that pieces of Larimar were first discovered washed up on the beach in 1916 and then forgotten about until the source was discovered in 1974 by a local Dominican who named it after his daughter Larissa. He combined the first three letters of her name ‘LAR’ with ‘MAR’ which is the Spanish word for ‘sea’.
What else is Larimar called?
With the colours of Larimar resembling the tranquil sea it’s not surprising that that it’s also dubbed Dolphin Stone and Atlantis Stone. Larimar is also called Stefilia’s Stone which is a Spanish name meaning intuition, generosity, romance, wisdom and creativity.
How to look after your Larimar Jewellery
Being a soft stone, Larimar can scratch so take care when wearing it. Bright sunlight can fade the colours in Larimar, so tuck your pendant under your clothes if you’re in bright sunshine for a long time and store it in a cool shady place (like the pouch your Desiderate Jewellery comes in).
Don't wear it in salt water or in chlorine pools and take your Larimar jewellery off before doing your housework or gardening, also don't directly expose it to perfume or body lotions. Clean the stone with a little warm water and a soft brush and use a silver polishing cloth on the silver part of your Larimar Jewellery.
What is Lovely Larimar? The charming crystal with the soul of the sea is something every woman wants in her collection.
Not only a piece to buy for yourself, it is a perfect gift for any woman, from a teenager who is developing her self-esteem to a loved one who’s pregnant or has children or going through menopause.
Being such a rare stone and only being available from one location means that quantities of Larimar available are diminishing. As it becomes harder to get hold of the value increases. Once it’s gone … it’s gone.
If you’d like to see Desiderate Jewellery’s limited edition Larimar Jewellery tap on any of the images or
Click here - https://desiderate.com.au/collections/larimar
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Are you looking for Christmas gifts for her? We have you covered. And please, don’t leave it till Christmas Eve this year! Show her you care by getting ahead of the last-minute rush.
Christmas gifts for her: what women want
Most of the women in your life find Christmas difficult. Women tend to be the social planners of the household and in their community. Most women you know are in charge of gift shopping, menu planning, catering, cooking, community events, gifts for teachers, arranging end-of-year celebrations and much more! It’s not like men force us to do these things, we take on these burdens ourselves, but then we find ourselves stressed out and frantic. Christmas is a magical time and often it's the women who want to create that magic for our families. We can be our own worst enemies at this time, taking on all the Christmas responsibility. And we keep doing it every year, so everyone else assumes we can handle it. But it’s a lot! And we do it all only because we want everything to be perfect.
So if that’s the woman in your life and you want a special Christmas gift for her to say thank you, it will absolutely delight her on Christmas morning. Women want to feel SEEN.
Show her that you acknowledge all the effort she’s making. Plus, a fantastic Desiderate bauble wouldn’t hurt either.
So it’s time to pamper her with a gift she’ll love. Top Christmas gifts include:
Mums can be difficult to buy for! They are so busy shopping for everyone else they forget about themselves. And if you ask around, you may struggle to get Christmas gift ideas for mum out of Dad, or anyone else in the family.
So what are some Christmas gift ideas for mum? Do any of these ideas fit the bill?
Christmas gifts under $100
$100 can go very far these days and get a Christmas gift for her that she’ll treasure for years to come.
Christmas gifts under $100: bangles If she loves boho jewellery, then an affordable bangle is a wonderful Christmas gift, and we have plenty of options in stock for Christmas:
Mermaid Whisper Bracelet $55 |
Silver Stacking Bangle $95 |
Christmas gifts under $100: bracelets Bracelets are a pretty and timeless Christmas gift, and we have plenty of gorgeous options that won’t break the Christmas budget ranging from $45.00-$95.00.
Mermaid Tribe Tahitian Bracelet $50 |
Simplicity pearl bracelet $99 |
Gifts under $100: earrings Our online jewellery store is positively brimming with earrings under $100, and plenty under $50 too.
Paua Sea Life Earrings $75 |
Silver Cross earrings $50 |
Lapis Lazuli Cabochon $99 |
Pear Teardrop Earrings $85 |
Turquoise Drops $50 |
Gifts under $100: rings A pretty, delicate ring or a chunky statement piece — you can get a bit of boho bling in a ring for under $100. Not sure what her ring size is? Use our ring sizer tool to measure.
Tiny amethyst ring $49 |
Christmas gifts under $100: necklaces A pretty necklace is just the thing to pop under the Christmas tree for a delightful surprise.
Bijou pendant in peridot, citrine, aquamarine, amethyst or garnet $75 |
Christmas statement jewellery Why not treat yourself this Christmas and grab something gorgeous to wear on Christmas day?
Dressing up on Christmas day is always fun, so why not make it an excuse to grab yourself something sparkly? You can wear it on the day, and then year-round afterwards. Bold statement jewellery will add that festive bling you are looking for. It’s not shy retiring jewellery - it’s bright, colourful and attention grabbing!
Classic Christmas Gifts:
When it comes to jewellery gifts for her this Christmas, you can’t go past the absolute classics. These timeless pieces will never go out of style and she can wear them for years or even decades to come.
Not sure what to get her for Christmas? You can always choose a Desiderate gift card.
We have got the Christmas gift for her you’re looking for With more than 1000 items in store, we have a gorgeous piece of jewellery to suit her style and your budget. Plus, when you shop with Desiderate you enjoy:
The more you shop with us, the more generous loyalty gifts and offers you’ll receive. Sign up to our newsletter to get $10 off your first purchase.
Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!
Janine and the Desiderate team x
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On Pinterest, if you search ‘boho jewellery’, what stone features regularly in the results? Turquoise jewellery, of course. The gorgeous bright blue stones are slightly imperfect, making them the perfect representation of the boho aesthetic.
Turquoise jewellery is the prettiest shade of blue, with flecks of darker and paler shades, making each stone utterly unique.
]]>On Pinterest, if you search ‘boho jewellery’, what stone features regularly in the results? Turquoise jewellery, of course. The gorgeous bright blue stones are slightly imperfect, making them the perfect representation of the boho aesthetic.
Turquoise jewellery is the prettiest shade of blue, with flecks of darker and paler shades, making each stone utterly unique. It really does look like waves crashing on a beach, or flecks in a blue summer’s sky, so it’s no wonder that turquoise jewellery is considered the perfect style for summer.
Each piece of turquoise is truly one-of-a-kind. It can have unique inclusions known as two-phase and three-phase inclusions, made up of fluids, gases, and solids. These natural bubbles add character and charm to each stone, making every piece as individual as you are.
Over time, our beloved turquoise may fade to a beautiful green hue or develop a delicate white "bloom" on its surface. This happens due to exposure to sweat, chemicals, cosmetics, and environmental factors. Most turquoise jewellery is treated with a thin coating of oil or wax to preserve its colour and longevity.
Although turquoise can look like a beachy gem, it's important to remember that it doesn't get along well with water and humidity. This gemstone, native to dry environments, can absorb liquids and chemical products, potentially altering its colour.
The porous nature of this stone means you should keep it away from heat and chemicals like perfumes, cosmetics, and oils. Let's keep our gem shining bright by applying cosmetics, including sunscreen and hair spray, before putting on our turquoise jewellery and avoiding getting lotions or alcohol on it.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can take a toll on our vibrant turquoise, causing it to discolour or dehydrate.
Turquoise is known as the "friendship stone," symbolising loyalty and fostering strong bonds between friends. It's like a beautiful talisman that keeps friendships strong and enduring. And when it comes to travelling, turquoise is a true protector. Many cultures believe that wearing turquoise while travelling provides an extra layer of safety and guards against negative energies on the journey. It's like having a trusty guardian angel beside you.
🧭 Wisdom and protection: turquoise is believed to symbolise wisdom and protection, guiding us through life's journey and shielding us from negative energies.
💖 Heart-centred healing: with its connection to matters of the heart, turquoise promotes love, compassion, and emotional healing, bringing soothing energy to our souls.
🕊️ Balance and harmony: this gemstone helps to restore balance and harmony in our lives, aligning minds, bodies, and spirits for a sense of inner peace.
🔍 Intuition and communication: turquoise enhances our intuition and communication skills, encouraging honest expression and fostering deeper connections with ourselves and others.
In Australia, turquoise is the perfect birthstone for December birthdays, as it’s usually warm (or bloody hot) at this time of year, making it a gorgeous stone for a relaxed yet stylish look to enjoy in the balmy summer breeze.
Ambitious-driven Capricorns find turquoise helps protect them from outside influences and helps them focus. It can also help relax and chill, preventing burnout from all that goal-oriented action.
Impetuous Saggitarius may find that turquoise helps provide stability and peace, from that excitable, enthusiastic spontaneous nature that sometimes needs to rest, relax and think through hasty decisions.
If you want that relaxed boho look, take a ‘more is more’ approach. Think rings on every finger, bangles stacked on each wrist, multiple necklaces and lots of earrings too (if you have the piercings for it.)
Turquoise rings look great with several on each finger. Or you can add soft pink rose quartz rings alongside turquoise rings for a pretty combination. Avoid pairing sparkly gemstones with turquoise, as the contrast of the matte turquoise jewellery with the glittery sheen of bezel-cut stones doesn’t quite work together. You can add more blue shades with the softer-toned larimar jewellery, which looks wonderful!
Turquoise pendants look great, especially worn long and lower on the body. This is a great trick to elongate your frame, as the vertical line of the pendant makes you look narrower (which can be handy!)
As for fashion, go for floaty layers, loose t-shirts, leather accessories, boots, floaty scarves. Wear your hair natural and wavy (or cheat with styled curls) for a ‘just got back from the beach’ look. Tan is very subjective, but if you want to show off tanned skin, there’s plenty of great fake tan products on the market to give you a bronzed look. Or even a shimmery body lotion can do the trick too. We love bringing out the blues in turquoise jewellery with blue nails too, or white nail polish can give a great contrast with the pretty blue turquoise stones.
We have a large range of turquoise rings, turquoise pendants, turquoise earrings and more.
Some of our best-sellers are:
The gorgeous Desiderate Mahtava range now comes in turquoise too!
The smooth teardrop cut stone looks simply stunning in the popular Mahtava setting. The gleaming sterling silver contrasts perfectly with the soft cool blue turquoise stone.
See Desiderate's gorgeous turquoise pieces here: ]]>
But some of us are willing to forgo a touch of discomfort to look fabulous on special occasions and don’t mind a wonderful pair of heavy earrings. The style and elegance of stunning gemstones on your ears does look truly fantastic!
As a lifelong heavy earring wearer, you get used to it. Yes they are a touch heavy but not uncomfortable and it’s easy to ignore. But I know many customers love the look of glam earrings but find the extra weight difficult to withstand. No matter your preference for heavy earrings or light earrings, we have you covered with our huge range of gorgeous earrings.
So I’ve ranked our best selling earrings from heaviest to lightest. We’ve left out any stud earrings as they all tend to be quite light.
Each weight is for the individual earring. We class our earring weight into two categories:
Our heaviest earrings have up to three gorgeous gemstones in each pair, so it’s no wonder they have a bit of heft. But the sparkle and shimmer of these statement earrings is just magnificent. They’re definitely not for everyday wear. If you can handle a heavier earring for a special occasion, you’ll love them.
Vivid glam earrings - 14 grams
Luminata earrings - 14 grams
Red coral statement earrings - 11 grams
Moonlit earrings - 10 grams
Vivid earrings 9 grams
Chain weave earrings 8 grams
Celestia pink quartz earrings 7 grams
Bold earrings 7 grams
Moonlit love drops 6 grams
Trilogy earrings 6 grams
Mahtava earrings 5 grams
Statement silver tassel earrings - 4 grams
Inner tears moonstone earrings - 3.3 grams
Enchanted waterfall earrings - 3 grams
Geo diamonds 3 grams each
Dramatic drop earrings 3 grams
Peace within herkimer diamond drop earrings 3 grams
Gypsy flirt earrings 3 grams
Herkimer diamond allure earrings 3 grams
Pink opal earth dreamer 2 grams
Ocean dreamer rose quartz drops 2 grams
Elegant earrings 2 grams
Diamant drops 1 gram
Athena onyx/turquoise earrings 1 gram
Birthstone mini drops 0.5 grams
If you are concerned that our earrings might be too heavy for you, please find your heaviest earrings that you can withstand wearing and weigh them using your kitchen scales.
Once you know the weight you can comfortably wear, you’ll be able to choose with confidence. As due to health regulations there are no exchanges. See our returns policy for more information.
We haven’t listed all the weights of our earrings here, so contact us if you’d like to know the precise weight of a product before purchasing.
Happy shopping!
Janine
A birthstone necklace is a gorgeous personalised gift that she’ll love.
]]>A birthstone necklace is a gorgeous personalised gift that she’ll love.
January - garnet
February - amethyst
March - aquamarine
April - diamond or white topaz
May - emerald
June - Pearl
July Ruby
August - Peridot
September - Sapphire
October- Opal
November - Citrine
December - Turquoise
Garnet is an energising and revitalising stone, used to boost energy levels. (And who doesn’t need that?) It provides strength, vitality, motivation, making it useful when you’re exhausted after a long day of parenting, working or cleaning!
Wearing garnet as a birthstone necklace will help you feel more connected to the present moment and feel more mindful and balanced.
The deep red of the garnet is the colour of passion, so it can enhance feelings of love, desire and creative expression. So January baby, wear it if you want to get lucky!
It’s also a protective stone, helping safeguard you from negative energy and psychic attacks. So definitely wear it to work if you’re having a hard time with toxic colleagues for a dose of inner strength, courage and resilience.
Garnet is connected to the root chakra, at the base of the spine. This gives you a stronger connection to your body, promoting groundedness, stability and security.
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Famous women born in January with garnet as their birthstone
Diane Keaton, January 5
Catherine, Princess of Wales, January 9
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, January 13
Michelle Obama, January 17
Dolly Parton, January 19
Ellen Degeneres, January 26
Oprah Winfrey, January 29
The gorgeous purples of amethyst are associated with spirituality and so help enhance your spiritual awareness. If you are a fan of meditation, be sure to wear your amethyst birthstone necklace during practice.
Fear of flying? Our founder and jewellery designer Janine always wears amethyst when she files, for a calming energy, helping to reduce stress and ease anxiety. Or just wear it when you’re facing anxiety-inducing events or difficult conversations to help you stay calm and collected.
Many customers swear that amethyst can help with sleep — so try it for a restful and tranquil night. It’s also known to be protective, so it’s useful for giving you a protective shield, which can be handy for the next family gathering and warding off those difficult relatives who know how to push your buttons.
If you are ever feeling uncertain about the future or confused about how to gain direction in life, amethyst can help you find clarity. Keep your amethyst birthstone necklace by your heart and journal about the challenges you face and the potential actions you can take. The amethyst will give you the intuitive insights you’re seeking to find the right path.
We’re not saying you should skip medical advice, but many turn to amethyst to help overcome addictions, giving you help in releasing unhealthy patterns, promoting strength and supporting your healing process.
Amethyst is linked to the crown chakra, at the top of the head. The stunning purple hues bring stimulation and balance, facilitating spiritual connection and a sense of higher consciousness.
Purple is the colour of royalty so wear your amethyst when you want to feel like a queen!
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Famous women born in February with amethyst as their birthstone
Christie Brinkley, February 2
Natalie Imbruglia, February 4
Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark, February 6
Jennifer Aniston, February 11
Jane Seymour, February 15
Drew Barrymore, February 22
The calm soft blue hues of aquamarine are known for its ability to soothe and calm your emotions. It can help reduce your stress, fear or anxiety, and promote peace and tranquillity.
And if you’re trying to give up old bad habits, wear your aquamarine daily while you’re building positive new neural pathways. If you’re facing a difficult conversation or writing a tricky report, email or proposal, aquamarine will help you harness your creative flair and clear communication skills.
Being too hard on yourself? Aquamarine can help you promote self compassion and forgiveness and help calm imposter syndrome or that negative voice in your head. If you’re facing challenging times, aquamarine can help bring you support, composedness, inner courage and resilience.
Aquamarine is associated with the throat chakra, making it representative of communication and self expression. It aids in clear and authentic communication and conversations, so keep it around your neck when you need to speak your truth.
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Famous women born in March with aquamarine as their birthstone
Rebel Wilson, March 2
Sharon Stone, March 10
Reese Witherspoon, March 22
Lady Gaga, March 28
Sarah Jessica Parker, March 29
Elle Macpherson, March 29
Celine Dion, March 30
April birthday and on a budget? White topaz is a lovely alternative to diamond birthstone necklaces as they are much more affordable. White topaz is a lovely investment piece because it matches many other gemstones with its clear, bright sparkle.
Just like the clear translucence of the stone, white topaz gives you clarity, and frees you from illusions. If you suspect someone is not trustworthy, wearing white topaz as your birthstone necklace is said to help the truth reveal itself. It’s also known to foster peace, serenity and calm when you need to make important decisions.
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Herkimer diamonds are your ideal gemstone for healing, energising and increased psychic power. Given the name ‘diamond’ because of their natural faceting and clarity, they’re found in and around Herkimer County, New York. Known to the indigenous nations of the USA, these dazzling stones are actually double-terminated quartz crystals. They formed this way over 500 million years due to very little contact with their host rock. The rough and natural appearance of the Herkimer diamond is modern, edgy and beautiful. They soared in population in 2018 when Meghan Markle was spotted wearing Herkimer diamond jewellery.
Herkimer diamonds help bring your true inner self to the fore, letting your natural strengths shine, and helping you crack any polished veneer you might have worn previously.
If you want to increase your spiritual connection or insight, Herkimer diamonds are a great choice. They’ll give you clarity or help aid psychic visions—or even daydreams. Wearing them as a birthstone necklace while you journal on your goals will help the manifestation process. Some say they help you experience more vivid dreams too—give it a try.
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Famous women born in June with diamond or white topaz as their birthstone
Emma Thompson, April 15
Emma Watson April 15
Jennifer Garner, April 17
Jessica Lange, April 20
Ash Barty, April 24
Shirley MacLaine, April 24
Barbra Streisand, April 24
Michelle Pfeiffer, April 29
Ah the lady luck birthstone of Ireland is the beautiful green emerald! Not only is emerald a lovely birthstone necklace if you are born in May, it can also be a nod to your Irish heritage (if you have it - and 2 million Aussies do.)
The lush green tones of emeralds are said to bring vitality and growth, and it is also known for bringing you down from a slump. So if you are feeling a little blue, green emeralds are the answer. Wear your emerald birthstone necklace when you need a little pick-me-up (for the Desiderate team, that’s pretty much every day).
Emerald is also the stone of commitment, so if you want to build a stronger connection with someone and show them they care, then an emerald birthstone necklace will show your faith and fidelity. Many believe that emeralds can help bring you luck, so wear it while getting your tattslotto numbers, and be sure to tell us if you win the jackpot! We know just the place to spend your winnings, too. ;)
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Famous women born in May with emerald as their birthstone
Adele, May 5
Candice Bergen, May 9
Janet Jackson, May 15
Cher, May 20
Cate Blanchett, May 14
Helena Bonham Carter, May 26
Stevie Nicks, May 26
Kylie Minogue, May 28
The beautiful sheen of a pearl is reminiscent of the moon, the planet ruling Cancer, which mostly falls in June, so it makes sense that the pearl is also the birthstone for June.
Pearls are a classic symbol of elegance, so if you are lucky to be born in June then you can enjoy the timeless style of the pearl birthstone necklace. Wearing pearls close to your heart is said to bring joy, peace and calm. It’s also the stone of royalty, and both Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth were often seen wearing glamorous pearls. Nowadays Princess Cathering is often seen wearing a strand of pearls too, so wear yours to embrace your inner royalty!
Pearls symbolise friendship, faithfulness and happiness and are the ultimate symbol of femininity. Wear your pearl birthstone necklace to embrace your feminine powers of intuition, build your connections with loved friends and bring more happiness into your everyday life. (We’d argue that all jewellery makes you happy, not just pearls!)
Pearls are also known to deepen spiritual practice so they are lovely to wear in prayer, meditation, yoga, breathwook and journaling, to give you more insight and illumination on the best path to take.
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Famous women born in June with pearl as their birthstone
Heidi Klum, June 1
Angelina Jolie, June 4
Natalie Portman, June 9
Kathleen Turner, June 19
Nicole Kidman, June 20
Meryl Streep, June 22
Mindy Kaling, June 24
The bold tones of the classic red is a magnificent, look-at-me type of gemstone. Who can resist that gorgeous red glow? If you’re born in July, you’re lucky to have ruby as your birthstone, and wearing a ruby birthstone necklace will celebrate your passions, help foster prosperity and ward off negativity.
If your mind is chattering away with unwanted thoughts and negative energies, wearing a ruby birthstone necklace may help bring you more inner peace and positive thinking. So if you ever get ‘stuck in your head’ let ruby sit by your heart to still foolish, unhelpful thoughts.
Of course that glittering, sexy red colour cannot help but be associated with love, energy, ambition and passion! So if you have lost track of your ambitions or goals in life, ruby will help fire you up and bring a pep back into your step. Just like its colour red, it represents motivation, action, power, prosperity and achievement. Of course, we actually have to take action to manifest these things into reality for our life, but ruby might just give us the kickstart we need.
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Famous women born in July with ruby as their birthstone
Pamela Anderson, July 1
Margot Robbie, July 2
Sofia Vergara, July 10
Selena Gomez, July 22
Jennifer Lopez, July 24
Sandra Bullock, July 26
Helen Mirren, July 26
The delicate soft green of peridot is utterly lush! Peridot is known for its qualities of success, luck and peace. So really—you need it every day! If you have any kind of anxiety, especially for an important event, peridot can help soothe your nerves. It’s also great if you are feeling a bit troubled, so if you’re recovering from a tough time or a big change in life, peridot can give you a dose of positivity and harmony. And it’s a good stone for a darn good time, so wear it to make time with friends extra special. Plus it’s said that the olive green peridot, because it mimics the colour of healthy leafy greens, can help us in the digestion of nutrients from our foods (not sure how, but we’ll take it.)
Egyptian queen Cleopatra was known for adorning herself with peridot, so if it’s good enough for the one of the most iconic female leaders of all time, it's enough for us too! Peridot is connected to the heart chakra, helping you open yourself to the divine love of the universe. And if that is not enough, peridot is also known as the ‘study stone’ because of its reputation for helping with focus, memory and concentration.
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Famous women born in August with peridot as their birthstone
Charlize Theron, August 7
Melanie Griffith, August 9
Halle Berry, August 14
Madonna, August 16
Kim Cattrall, August 21
Blake Lively, August 25
Jennifer Coolidge, August 28
The classic royal blue shades of sapphires are unmatched in elegance, style and sophistication. So it makes sense that our two September babies, charming Libras and understated Virgos should have sapphire as their lovely birthstone.
Sapphire packs a punch, as it embodies the qualities of strength, healing, truth and integrity. Wear it if you need to deal with toxic people, to help you see clearly, give you strength to assert boundaries and speak your truth. It’s also great for recovering from illness, getting over the blues or when you need a dose of tranquillity.
Sapphire is the stone of wisdom, so it’s perfect to wear when studying, attending exams, going for a job interview, presenting at work or facing a tricky meeting with colleagues who have their own secret or even harmful agendas. You can even use an affirmation to give you extra positivity. Touch the sapphire birthstone necklace you’re wearing and say (or think) “Sapphire, help protect me from negative comments or behaviour today.” And whenever you need a dose of extra power, touch your sapphire jewellery and allow the strength to flow through you.
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Famous women born in September with sapphire as their birthstone
Beyonce, September 4
Michelle Williams, September 9
Catherine Zeta Jones September 25
Gwenyth Paltro, September 27
Naomi Watts, September 28
Julia Gillard, September 29
Pretty, glittery, iridescent opals seem to hold a multitude of mysteries in their sparkly depths. And they are varied in colours, from dark hues, brilliant whites, bright blues, deep greens and pretty pinks - there are many opals for every occasion. Most of the world's opals come from Australia, so it’s a lovely birthstone necklace to celebrate your Australian heritage or connection.
If you want to amplify or call in anything to your life, opal is the gemstone of manifestation and abundance. It also helps give you security—over your thoughts, your feelings and your safety around others, harnessing your gut instinct that just tells you when someone’s not being real with you. If you need an extra dose of confidence, opals can help. Opals are known to absorb your positive feelings and magnify them back to you, so they help with the law of attraction.
Different coloured opals have varying qualities:
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Famous women born in October with opal as their birthstone
Julie Andrews, October 1
Gwen Stefani, October 3
Susan Sarandon, October 4
Kim Kardashian, October 21
Kate Winslet, October 5
Julia Roberts, October 28
Winona Ryder, October 29
Citrine’s yellow sparkle in a pendant is like wearing a ray of sunshine around your neck. The pretty, happy, jubilant yellow shades are simply beautiful. The sparkly golden shimmer of citrine is certain to give you a dose of positivity.
It's believed all those happy vibes deliver healing qualities too. If you’re feeling a bit glum, turn to your citrine birthstone necklace for a dose of joy and optimism. We all know that positive thinking is the key to a positive life, and citrine can help if
Also known as the stone of creative inspiration, citrine is your go-to gem for any creative or artistic project. And it's the go-for-it stone—ideal for activating action and helping you achieve your goals.
Citrine is associated with solar plexus chakra and the sacral chakra, helping us stay grounded while owning our power, standing strong and setting boundaries, despite what life throws at us.
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Famous women born in November with citrine as their birthstone
Toni Colette, November 1
Sally Field, November 6
Emma Stone, November 6
Delta Goodrem, November 9
Whoopi Goldberg, November 13
Meg Ryan, November 19
Goldie Hawn, November 21
Jamie Lee Curtis, November 22
The bright blue turquoise has a summery, beachy feel, making it ideal for December birthstones in the southern hemisphere, when it’s summer, and Christmas. It’s a time for hot weather, lots of end of year and festive parties and hot days on the beach, followed by balmy winter nights. And for the ultimate boho beachy look, look no further than a turquoise birthstone pendant.
Turquoise is the stone of empowerment, so wear your birthstone necklace when you need to be your biggest, baddest self—it’s perfect for high conflict situations, like stressful business meetings, or even dinner with dramatic family members. There’s one troublemaker in every family, right? Wear your turquoise to protect you from their negative energy and arm you with a sense of inner calm and tranquillity. It’s also good for protection if you are nervous about flying in planes!
It’s also a great creativity booster, so use it to tap into inner wisdom and get those good ideas flowing. Turquoise is the stone of friendship, so if you have a December BFF, get her a turquoise birthstone necklace to represent your connection.
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Famous women born in December with turquoise as their birthstone
Britney Spears December 2
Lucy Liu, December 2
Julianne Moore, December 3
Judi Dench, December 9
Taylor Swift, December 13
Jane Fonda, December 21
Maggie Smith, December 28
]]>Living in a small beachside town, I am always touched by the level of support I get from the local community. The people of Thirroul have supported my business from the very start — when it was me working alone doing everything from sourcing products, taking photos, managing the website, and walking to the post office every day to dispatch orders.
David from the local Australia Post Office has always been supportive. When there were plenty of packages to drop off he’d comment that I’d had ‘a good day today.’ And when I had only one, he’d encourage me to keep pushing ahead. And he was thrilled when I was able to hire a team and he saw them dropping off the orders—sometimes hundreds a day.
Many friends gave me encouragement and support in those early years and many of them live locally in Thirroul. There really is something special about the community nature and support that people give each other in small towns.
When businesses are successful in regional areas, it means we can hire local people as staff, consultants and freelancers. We also invest in property, renting business space. And we spend our business purchases locally, buying technology products from local retailers, visiting local restaurants for team events and attending local networking events. I spend money locally on everything from accountants, lawyers, florists, events, catering, printing and more.
I always support local fundraising with donations of products for raffles and vouchers for goodie bags. I’ve donated more than $30,000 in product value to local not-for-profit, charity and other groups. We support fundraisers for local schools, sports clubs and community charities.
We are so grateful to them for shopping local and supporting a small family business. I once saw a women in the local shopping centre with Desiderate bangles stacked high on each wrist, it was quite a thrill! And now I have a fashion label, Taleeta—I love seeing the women of Thirroul wearing my range, especially seeing my dresses at the beach or dining on the main street.
We have quite a few people in the local area who have bought from us more than 20 times, which means they qualify for their own permanent discount code.
We make it easy for locals to reduce postage costs by making our products available to collect from Thirroul collective, which also helps drive foot traffic to the Collective.
I was very lucky to be featured as the Local Business Heros Program with Australia Post
Local employees nominated their favourite businesses and I was selected as the winner for the Wollongong region! I won a selection of prizes valued at more than $5000 which was so helpful to a small business. I also was featured on local posters which was a surreal and crazy experience. If someone told me when I started my business in 2017 that I would be featured in post offices signage around Thirroul and Wollongong I would have laughed.
Another thing I notice about local friends and supporters is they all follow my social media accounts and give me support by commenting and engaging on my content. This costs people nothing but time but it helps amplify my social media posts as every comment and like gives it broader reach. It’s a really helpful way to support a small business that costs nothing. I like to do the same for local businesses too.
I always enter local business awards as they help boost awareness of Desiderate in the local community. And it’s always special when I win. I was thrilled to be named as one of the most popular service providers in the Wollongong region by Mumspages. I was a winner in the local business awards for the jewellery store category for the Illawarra and South Coast NSW 2022. And a finalist in the Local Illawarra Business Awards for many years. And In 2022 I was named a finalist in the regional business of the year category in the AusMumpreneur awards. Where I can, I like to buy a table at local business awards and events and take the team so we can have a fun night out and meet other local small business owners.
Thanks to everyone in Thirroul who has supported this small but mighty local business!
Janine.
SHOP NOW ]]>Many customers tell us they invest in memorial jewellery for this reason. We asked a few to share their stories. Here’s what they said:
]]>Coping with the loss of someone you love is one of the hardest things to go through in life.
It takes time to adjust to a new way of living without them. And the closer you were, the harder it can be. Memorial jewellery is a heartfelt way to keep them in your mind as time moves on.
If you have ever lost someone dear to your heart, you might like to find ways to remember them. And memorial jewellery is a great way to do that. Every time you wear and enjoy your jewellery, you’ll be reminded of the good times you shared together.
Many customers tell us they invest in memorial jewellery for this reason. We asked a few to share their stories. Here’s what they said:
Suzie, 59
‘My Dad passed away a few years ago and I inherited a small amount of money from his estate. It wasn’t enough to put on the mortgage or save so I bought a ring to remember him by. His favourite colour was deep blue so I got a sapphire blue ring. I don’t always wear it but when I do I think fondly of Dad. The blue colours remind me of the ocean and his love of fishing. He would take me and my brother fishing as a child. It’s been a nice way to remember Dad.’
Jo, 37
Giving birth to a stillborn baby was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. When you lose a baby people feel awkward and don’t like to talk about it. I wanted something to remember her by and not let her existence be forgotten. So I got a silver bangle that I wear every day to honour her memory
Chantel, 58
“My cousin Belinda was more like my sister, as our mothers are identical twins. We grew up together because both our mothers got divorced. As teenagers we were so close even though she is four years older than me. Belinda was a girly girl who loved pink. Sadly she died from breast cancer last year. So I bought a pink pendant to remember her. I’ll always keep it and think of her when I wear it.”
Emily, 32
“When my grandmother died my three sisters and I looked into getting jewellery custom made from her ashes. But it was quite expensive and outside our budget. So we did the next best thing and bought matching rings to wear in her memory. We all wear the trilogy white topaz ring as memorial jewellery in honour of our beloved grandma. I love that we all wear the same ring and seeing my sisters with the ring on makes me smile.”
Jess, 44
“When my mother died I was devastated. One of the hardest things was knowing that my young daughter won’t have a relationship with her grandma. So I bought a pair of earrings to remember my mother and I plan to share it with my daughter. She always admires the earrings when I wear them. It gives me a chance to say it’s the ‘grandma earrings’ and talk to her about her grandmother. When she’s older I’ll give them to her, to keep the memory alive.”
Some customers purchase our musings charms to have engraved with the names of their missing loved one. You can get a name, number or word stamped on the charm and wear it on a bracelet or necklace to remember your special people. One customer got the initials ‘MM’ and ‘RM’ on two charms as memory jewellery for her parents. She wears it on our musings charm bracelet as a way to keep mum and dad close to her every day.
A lovely way to keep a memento of your favourite person is by choosing a gemstone for their month of birth. This creates a symbolic connection to you and the person you’ve lost, honouring your relationship and keeping it alive in your heart from years to come.
We have a large range of birthstone memorial jewellery that is a perfect way to remember someone special.
When you wear the jewellery, you’ll cherish the memory of someone you’ve lost but also harness the power of each gemstone in your life.
January birthstone - Garnet
qualities: presence, recovery, clarity
wear it to: calm worry, see the truth, boost energy, attract luck, aid mindfulness
February birthstone - Amethyst
qualities: contentment, purity, manifestation
wear it to: still your mind, stem negative energy, reach a higher frequency, ease stress
March birthstone - Aquamarine
qualities: healing, calming, youth
wear it to: feel young, spark joy, protect your wellbeing, feel lightness
April birthstone - Diamond (we stock white topaz)
qualities: peace, hope and inspiration
wear it to: boost self-confidence, think more clearly, foster ideas, improve your memory
May birthstone - Emerald
qualities: renewal, enthusiasm, commitment, luck
wear it to: bring balance, perform in competition, build friendship and fun, strengthen memory
June birthstone - Pearl
qualities: friendship, faithfulness, happiness
wear it to: harness joy, celebrate femininity, acknowledge love, deepen spiritual practice
July birthstone - Ruby
qualities: passion, love, intensity
wear it to: summon willpower, attract good luck, demonstrate power, encourage romance
August birthstone - Peridot
qualities: success, luck, peace
wear it to: soothe nerves, dispel anxiety, improve sleep, perform well
September birthstone - Sapphire
qualities: strength, healing, truth, integrity
wear it to: banish evil spirits, recover from illness, maintain self-discipline, focus the mind
October birthstone - Opal
qualities: security, protection, confidence, happiness
wear it to: protect yourself from negative energy, increase self-esteem, boost spontaneity
November birthstone - Citrine
qualities: warmth, creativity, positivity
wear it to: awaken inspiration, clear negativity, inspire action towards your goals
December birthstone - Blue Topaz
qualities: empowerment, protection, success
wear it to: boost creativity, evoke happiness, remain calm in tense situations
Back in 2017, I started selling jewellery online to make ends meet.
I can’t believe what’s happened since then. I went from selling jewellery online to realising this could be a business, to building a business that hires a team of seven people, with thousands of loyal customers.
I’ve even won some business awards. I’m not sharing this to brag, but I do think women aren’t great at celebrating themselves or their achievements, so I’d love to share my highlights over the six years.
Birthday special now on: get up to 25% off
Back in 2017 I started selling jewellery online to make ends meet. I was in a tough financial spot, and had no thoughts of starting a business. It was just to get a few dollars in the door, so I could pay the bills. And as a single mother of three children, I was always scraping by to make ends meet.
Fast forward to 2023 and I am celebrating six years in business! I can’t believe what’s happened since then. I went from selling jewellery online to realising this could be a business, to building a business that hires a team of seven people, with thousands of loyal customers. I’ve even won some business awards. I’m not sharing this to brag, but I do think women aren’t great at celebrating themselves or their achievements, so I’d love to share my highlights over the six years.
Think of this blog as a love letter to my customers. I feel so grateful for everyone who’s supported me. So I’d like to share the secrets of Desiderate’s success.
From the start, I always wanted my customers to feel like I am their friend. And I treat them like my friends too. With online shopping, it can feel a bit impersonal. So I always showed up on social media, shared my story over email and gave my customers my personal attention. I’ve been open about my struggles with lupus and how it affects me and my working life. I like to think my customers see me as a real person, and Desiderate is not a faceless jewellery brand.
This has helped me connect with customers in a more personal way. If you email me, I’ll reply. If you call Desiderate, in the early days, you’d be speaking to me. Now the customer care team takes care of these things for me, but I’m still kept informed of customer feedback, comments and complaints. I think if you stop listening to customers and leave it to others you risk getting out of touch.
Of course you can’t let friends walk all over you, so I strive to be friendly and helpful without being a pushover. Some customers like to push their luck. Having clear policies helps customers understand their rights. Whenever a customer is unhappy we do our best to listen, empathise and put ourselves in their position, and do our best to fix things.
The way I started my business taught me this lesson from the start, which has served me well. Because I was selling my jewellery and word spread, people began asking me for particular styles. So I started sourcing products to meet the requests. This meant I was quite confident I was creating products that people want.
Listening to customers is so important. Now I have a good feel of the styles and I know my audience very well, because I am part of that audience too. I love jewellery and gemstones and that love shines through in the brand.
Even today, I release new ranges in limited quantities to make sure customers actually want it, before I stock up big! I can’t tell you the joy I feel seeing orders come in for new styles, it’s very satisfying. Recently I launched the Rani ring range and that was so exciting because I was just tinkering around in Indonesia with my artisans, and it turned into a new creation which is now available in four gemstone varieties.
Jewellery trends come and go, and I’ve been tempted to chase every current style. But instead I’ve stuck to my core style qualities: chunky, boho-inspired sterling silver and gorgeous gemstones. This means I don’t stock every single style of jewellery, but my customers know what they can get from Desiderate.
I learned early on that we all like different styles — thick chunky bangles or slimline; bright bold gemstones or muted tones. So by having lots of choices for customers I feel confident that absolutely everyone can find a product they love with Desiderate. Once I have a popular style I love to add more gemstone ranges. The Mahtava and Bold collections now come in several different gemstones, allowing customers to build collections with the stones they love.
And matching sets are favourites with customers too. There’s something so elegant about pairing the same gemstone in earrings, pendant and a ring. It’s a classic look that will never go out of style.
I always loved the look of a classic chunky silver bangle. Maybe it’s a relic from my heyday in the 80s? Regardless, I knew that many women love that look too. Some customers tell me they don’t feel dressed unless they have their bangle on.
So I’ve made sure to have a variety of silver bangles in stock and worked hard to make Desiderate the go-to brand for a classic silver bangle in a variety of styles and thicknesses. Many customers tell us they struggle to find quality silver bangles so I’m delighted to be able to give them what they want. You can see our bangles here: Bangles
Imagine investing in a lovely piece of jewellery only for it to arrive and it’s not as nice as it looks online. Or it breaks, or gemstones fall loose. I’ve certainly had that disappointing experience, and I keep it in mind for my customers. I never want them to experience it from Desiderate.
So I keep a firm eye on the quality of Desiderate jewellery. I check over every shipment of designs to make sure they’re meeting our standards. If there’s any question mark about imperfections in stones, settings or structure, I refuse to sell it. This means that customers know they can trust that the products they buy are made well. That has helped Desiderate’s reputation for quality tremendously.
In the early days of my business, I didn’t have the money to spend on large quantities of gemstones and jewellery. I was ordering absolute minimum quantities. Now I am proud to be the biggest customer for many of my artisans and silversmiths. Finding the right suppliers is utterly crucial. Because I work with providers across the world, I make it a point to visit them often and tour their workshops myself. It’s important to be culturally sensitive and build relationships. I look after them and they look after me.
I love that my suppliers are just as committed to sustainability as I am. Because they handcraft their products, they are equally committed to efficiency and waste management. I don’t manufacture in China as I am not satisfied that the production is ethical. So my customers can trust that the jewellery they wear is ethically made.
We only have one world, and climate change is undoubtedly very real. So I strive to operate as sustainably as possible. I use recycled products and carbon offsets in manufacturing my packaging.
Our gemstones are natural, not manmade and our designs are handcrafted in small batches, rather than in large factories. I feel by using a natural product we limit the impact of the manufacturing process. Artificial products made in a lab and we ensure our gemstones are sourced sustainably. Gemstones are rare by nature and due to that quality they aren’t thrown away, unlike cheaper artificial products that are more disposable and wasteful.
We visibly share what we do and don’t pretend to be perfect. We tell our customers where the jewellery is made and don’t pretend to be anything we are not. We never overstate the claims about our products. Each product description is detailed and accurate.
Thanks again for supporting a small Aussie, women-led business.
And to celebrate Desiderate’s birthday, customers get the gifts — up to 25% off
]]>Say farewell to the days of uploading photos or struggling to envision how a ring, earrings, or bangle would look on you. Desiderate's virtual try-on system is an Australian first, immersing you in a captivating world of their stunning jewellery collection. With just a few taps, witness the magic as the jewellery seamlessly adorns your virtual self. It's like having a personal stylist by your side, ensuring you radiate confidence without breaking the bank.
]]>In today's fast-paced world, convenience and innovation are the driving forces behind a remarkable shopping experience. Desiderate Jewellery has emerged as a game-changer, reshaping the way we shop for exquisite accessories. Leading the pack in the Australian market, Desiderate introduces an extraordinary virtual try-on system that bridges the gap between in-store and online shopping. By combining comprehensive descriptions, detailed measurements, a vast selection of photos and videos, and the groundbreaking virtual try-on feature, Desiderate empowers you to find the perfect jewellery pieces from the comfort of your own home.
Say farewell to the days of uploading photos or struggling to envision how a ring, earrings, or bangle would look on you. Desiderate's virtual try-on system is an Australian first, immersing you in a captivating world of their stunning jewellery collection. With just a few taps, witness the magic as the jewellery seamlessly adorns your virtual self. It's like having a personal stylist by your side, ensuring you radiate confidence without breaking the bank.
At Desiderate, we believe that jewellery is all about the details. That's why we provide comprehensive descriptions for each piece, unveiling the unique features, materials, and exquisite craftsmanship behind our collection. Additionally, we offer precise measurements, ensuring you have all the vital information needed to select the perfect fit for your personal style.
Bid farewell to squinting at a single photo from a limited angle, desperately trying to envision how a piece of jewellery might come to life. We've taken the guesswork out of your online shopping experience by offering a vast array of high-resolution photos, showcasing each piece from various angles and on models. This allows you to inspect the intricate details, appreciate the craftsmanship, and revel in the brilliance of each creation. Moreover, our 360-degree videos provide a dynamic and immersive view, replicating the in-store experience right at your fingertips.
Now, brace yourself for the pièce de résistance of Desiderate's online shopping experience—the virtual try-on feature. Utilising advanced technology, this innovative tool allows you to visualise how the jewellery pieces will complement your unique style. With a simple click, envision rings gracefully adorning your fingers, earrings elegantly accentuating your ears, and bangles adding a touch of allure to your wrists. It's an unparalleled experience that effortlessly brings the joy of trying on jewellery to your screen, eliminating the need for physical store visits. Prepare to be captivated as you curate your perfect ensemble effortlessly.
Finding the perfect fit has never been easier, thanks to Desiderate's size guides. Gone are the days of uncertain measurements or guessing your ideal size. These trusty sidekicks will be your guide on the quest for the perfect fit. With clear instructions and visual references, you can confidently choose the size that suits you best. Think of it as having a GPS for your jewellery journey, guiding you towards the land of perfect fit and fabulous fashion.
Desiderate has reimagined the online shopping experience, seamlessly blending comprehensive descriptions, detailed measurements, stunning visuals, and the innovative virtual try-on system. With this groundbreaking technology, Desiderate has brought the in-store experience directly to your living room, making it easier than ever to discover and embrace the perfect jewellery pieces that reflect your unique style. Embark on a dazzling journey by visiting our website today. Your jewellery dreams are just a virtual try-on away!
Try for yourself here:
When you’re shopping for rings online, do you hear that voice of inner doubt worrying about how to measure your ring size? It’s a tricky one.
If you get it wrong, you’re stuck with processing the return and exchange. Plus, if stock is limited and sold out in the meantime, you may not be able to get the ring you wanted.
It’s a common problem. Here at Desiderate, about one in twenty or 5% of ring orders are returned for exchange because they are the wrong size.
Wouldn’t it be much easier to get the right ring size to start with?
Today we will show you how to avoid being that five percent person who gets the wrong size. We will explore:
This is a tried-and-true way to find the right ring size.
Step one
Get a ring that fits you.
Step two
Get a pencil or pen (with a fine-tip if possible).
Step three
Trace around the inner edge of the ring’s perimeter.
Step four
Using a ruler, measure the diameter of the circle you’ve drawn.
You can then find your ring size using the measurement.
Most of the time, this technique is effective. However, we’ve had people send us drawings of measurements that just don’t correlate to the actual ring size. So, what has gone wrong?
The key mistakes to avoid with this technique are:
We strongly recommend taking a few measurements from different circle drawings to get the most accurate result. Millimeters make a big difference in ring size, so it helps to be accurate.
This is nifty, if we do say so ourselves! The ring sizer tool will take the guesswork out of finding your ring size, and it reduces the risk of pesky problems arising from the pen-and-trace technique mentioned above.
Instead of tracing an existing ring, it uses a cable tie to measure the width of your finger.
Step one
Make the sizer into a loop using the buckle.
Step two
Place it over your finger and gently pull until it fits snugly—keep it firm.
Step three
Read the corresponding size indicated by the arrow.
We find the ring sizer to be more accurate than the pen and tracing ring size technique. Plus once you have one of these in your jewellery drawer you can use it any time you want to buy new rings—which is often, right? ;)
Sadly there are a few common mistakes you can make with this sizer tool. So keep these in mind when measuring:
If you’ve ever had a ring resized, you may have seen the conical-shape tool that measures ring sizes. Many jewellers use this, but we find the measuring of the finger preferable to measuring the ring, so we don’t recommend bother purchasing one.
We use the international numeric ring sizes standard. Most people fit between a size 6 and size 10, but we offer sizing from 5 up to size 13. (This is great for those who like wearing thumb rings or if you have extra tiny or large fingers)
Most retailers use international number size system which originated in the USA. However, some may follow the UK-based letter system. Our ring chart shows the measurements according to both types.
When in doubt: choose the larger ring size
It’s better to have a slightly loose ring than too tight. Rings with wider bands need to be upsized too, because they are covering a larger surface area of your finger.
It sounds obvious to say this, but the ring needs to make it over the knuckle! As you age, the knuckle size can change with arthritis, injury or even pregnancy.
If you follow the paper-tracing method, don’t use a wobbly ruler from your kid’s pencil case or a flexible tape from your sewing kit. A fine-edged ruler with sharp lines is more likely to give you a more accurate result.
If you prefer the experience of trying on rings, then you can always stop by your local jeweller to try on a few rings. Choose a ring similar to what you like online and ask the jeweller what size it is. Give the jeweller a generous online review in return for letting you try on rings!
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Your finger on your dominant hand is likely to be a touch bigger than the finger on your non-dominant hand. Most people are right-handed and so their left fingers are slightly smaller. For left-handed people the fingers on the right hand are slightly smaller. So don’t make the mistake of measuring the finger on the opposite hand thinking they'll be the same size.
Many people are moving to adjustable rings to avoid the problems with measuring ring size. But we find that these rings may pinch, or leave a large gap, so they can be a little less comfortable to wear. Adjustable rings are great, but if you master the art of measuring ring size well, you can enjoy both kinds of rings!
Of course, if you’ve purchased a ring you can go to a jeweller to have it resized. But this comes at extra cost, and there may be a visible seam where the ring has been adjusted. Of course, choosing the right ring size is the preference. But, if it’s your only choice, do your research. Find a jeweller with good reputation and strong online reviews. If the ring has a stone, resizing can compromise the stone and cause it to crack when resizing, so it’s worth investing in a high-quality ring resizing service.
Ready to get sneaky? If you are buying a ring for a friend or special person, here’s some ways to get their ring size.
Now, time to do some shopping?
Check out our online ring collection, you’re sure to find something you like and you’ll have no trouble finding the right size!
]]>by Janine Leghissa, founder and head jewellery designer, Desiderate
Like Mark Darcy tells Bridget Jones: we like you “just as you are.” Not all fifty-year-old women look like Gwyneth Paltrow or Jennifer Aniston. Just because your ring size is a little bigger doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy gorgeous sparkly gemstones. And some of us are just naturally born with bigger hands, fingers and knuckles. So if you are Googling ‘plus size rings Australia’ looking for top-quality, lush designs and rings for big fingers? You are in the right place.
Our guide for choosing plus size rings covers:
We love to get feedback from customers, so we asked a select few VIP customers to share their views on larger ring sizes. Here’s what they told us about plus size rings and why they wear them:
Most people are between a size six and a size ten ring. So a ring is plus size when it’s above size ten. Desiderate’s size range is size five to size thirteen.
The challenging thing about shopping for plus size rings online is always the size. The last thing you want is having a lovely ring arrive in the mail, only to find that it’s not the right size. Disappointing! And while we make returns as easy and hassle-free as possible, it does take time. So it’s really better to get the size right upfront, first time.
But we have the solution: our ring sizer tool takes the guesswork out of choosing your ring size.
Every fan of online jewellery shopping should have one of these in their jewellery box. Just make the ring sizer into a loop, and fit it over your finger. The numbers will indicate your ring size—easy!
Larger fingers tend to suit larger rings, as smaller delicate pieces can get ‘lost’ and place emphasis on your finger size. Whereas chunkier rings create more balance, so there’s more ring to see and less finger surface area visible. Sparkly statement rings also work well because they draw the eye to the glitter, where as bare hands will show an expanse of skin. Thicker bands help add more balance as well.
If you have chubby or thick fingers and you want to disguise the width, look for both a thick band and a larger stone. A lengthening cut of stone like an emerald cut will help add dimension. Our bold collection features large emerald cut stones on thick bands and are ideal for chubby thick fingers.
If you have short or stubby fingers, search for bands that are larger and show less skin, particularly on the sides of the stone. A snug fit will cause a bulge on the finger which doesn’t look great. Our wide-cut utopia collection are perfect for shorter or stubbier fingers.
If you have large hands or knuckles you want to use your rings to add proportion, and yet again, a chunkier look is more balanced for you. The pear-shaped Mahtava rings are brilliant for this, with the wider base and narrower peak giving an elongated teardrop shape.
And any kind of larger fingers will look great with mix-matched stones and ring stacks that draw the eye. The rainbow tutti ring, the stacked trilogy rings and the keshi pearl rings are great for this. Rings with multiple stones do the trick too, like the herkimer diamond trio cluster ring the elizabeth pearl ring and the red coral pebbles ring will look amazing on larger fingers.
Are you a fan of thumb rings? As your shortest and stockiest finger, your thumb might be overpowered by huge chunks. A rounder elongated shape is best, such as the eclipse rings.
You might logically think that adjustable ring sizers are helpful because you can change the size to fit your bigger fingers. But most adjustable rings are made to accommodate only a few sizes. And few adjustable rings can accommodate being stretched out to larger sizes. While we do sell some adjustable rings, they really should only be used to change between half-sizes or so. The more you adjust the ring, the weaker it becomes, so adjustable rings are prone to breaking and having stones fall out.
Because they have no continual band, adjustable rings tend to dig into larger fingers and are more likely to be uncomfortable to wear. Check out our blog on adjustable rings for more information.
The best way to see how a ring will look on plus size fingers? Try it on virtually! Our new tool helps you try on rings at home before you buy. This is ideal if you have bigger fingers. You’ll be able to see how the ring will sit on your finger and assess the proportions accurately.
Plus it’s super fun to use!
Check out our virtual try on tool page for more information on how to get started.
Shop now for plus size rings Australia
We’ve got an amazing collection of rings for bigger fingers waiting for you to explore.
Seriously.
You're all excited to get your new bangle, or gift it to a friend and then... it doesn't fit.
Sure, first word problems and we know there are much worse things that can happen...but still.
You'll have to return it.
We don't mind processing returns, we're fast and super nice to deal with. But, like with any exchange with an online retailer, you need to pay return postage and you'll have to wait while the replacement is posted to you.
And if you're anything like us, you don't like paying extra costs unnecessarily, and you don't like waiting for shiny pretty things. You want those silver bangles on your wrist where they belong. Not in postage back to the retailer.
Plus, it's doubly important when it's a gift. It's such a letdown when your giftee-recipient-person loves your bangle but it's too big or too small.
Is this you?
Yes? Then, you want to know how to get your bangle size right, first time.
Here, once and for all, is the way it's done.
Yes, it's simple, but believe us when we say: it's the best and only way to do it.
We know, it can be a bit time consuming. Even more so if you're gifting a bangle for someone else. But, if you don't like the hassle of measuring the diameter of a bangle you really are not going to like the inconvenience of sorting out a return at the post office.
Guesswork
You don't have a bangle, or you can't be bothered finding a bangle, so you guess. Risky move. You could get it right, and you'd be lucky.
One in five people get the bangle size wrong. That's twenty percent of people who buy a bangle who did not choose the right size. Not good odds.
Use a bracelet instead
Wrong! Bracelets are flexible and can move over your wrist. Chunky bangles can't. So, don't use a bracelet to measure diameter when you are buying a bangle. Why-oh-why don't they teach this stuff in school? *shakes fist at sky*
Measure around your wrist
No. No. No. No...The bangle has to fit over your knuckles, see? Your wrist may be slender but your career as a kickboxer may have given you knuckles like Mike Tyson. You want a bangle that fits over your knuckles.
Trace around your fist
Uh-oh, this is a one way ticket to the return form. This will create a much larger (and not circular) shape than you need. Nope to that. Even if you take off a few centimetres off your measurement, it's well and truly guesswork, and we've already explained why that's wrong.
Focus on the size, not the number
Unfortunately, not all bangle sizes are the same measurements. Sizes vary due to the cut of the bangle, so the small from a different retailer may be a different size in Desiderate. If you know the measurement you can't go wrong.
It's true. There are people in the world who don't own a single bangle. We were shocked when we learned this. It's like the day you found out that Axl Rose (from the band Guns 'N Roses) created his stage name using an anagram of oral sex. Shocking huh?
Anyway, if you don't have a bangle to measure, here are your options:
1. Scrunch your hand up like you're about to put a bangle on, all of your fingertips and thumb together.
2. Measure around the widest part of your hand with a tape, string or strip of paper. Make sure you get this very snug or it will be too big.
3. Use this guide to get an idea of the circumference of your hand and make sure to choose a bangle with a diameter at least 5mm larger diameter size.
This is a tricky one, we're not going to lie. You have a few options...
If you don't have time because her party is next week, you'll just have to go for the medium size and take a guess.
Take a look at her wrist and knuckles. Do they seem smaller, or the same size as yours? Again, it's guesswork and not ideal.
Rope in a husband or partner for some sneaky measuring. Get him or her to get you the measurements.
Steal or borrow a bangle of hers and measure it yourself. Yes, more work is required, especially if you don't see her that often. Also, it could be awkward if she spots you slipping her favourite silver bangle into your purse. So be careful!
Follow our steps, choose the right bangle size, enjoy your chunky bangle and congratulate yourself on your wisdom.
]]>
Recently a customer asked me about rings on finger meanings — does wearing a ring on a specific finger mean anything? And should you put certain gemstones on different fingers to amplify their power? And I confess, ring on finger meanings was not something I knew much about. So I decided to check it out. And I found quite a lot of information, based on the ancient practice of palmistry.
So read on if you want to learn more about:
It’s all very imprecise and unproven: but it’s fun! Let’s dive in.
We all know that the left ring finger is the place for an engagement or wedding ring—but there’s a lot more rings on finger meanings to explore. And for men, wearing a ring on the pinky finger can symbolise wealth and status (or even a connection to the mafia in some cultures).
In traditional western palmistry, each finger is ruled by a different planet or Roman god.
I also found that each finger has connections to star signs.
Index finger:
Middle finger:
Ring finger
Little/pinky finger:
Now we don’t tend to wear rings at the tip or middle of our fingers, so the signs that get the gemstone power are Gemini, Pisces, Virgo and Sagittarius.
So if you are one of those signs, you might want to wear your corresponding birthstone on the finger to enhance its power:
Confusingly, each finger also has connection to elements
Index finger: water signs
Water signs are emotional, sensitive and intuitive. They make very loving partners and loyal friends. Water signs are passive and reflective with powerful instincts, creative imaginations and strong memories. But they can suffer from stress and worry. Gemstones for water signs can enhance their instincts and provide protection for sensitive souls.
So if you’re a water sign, wear your gemstones on your index finger to magnify your strengths and protect your vulnerability to your weaknesses.
Middle finger: earth signs
Earth signs are practical, fixed, patient, practical and realistic. They are reliable, get-things-done types you can always depend upon. Earth signs are also stylish, sensual and a bit materialistic because they have expensive tastes. Gemstones for earth signs should enhance their powers of persistence, patience and determination and help them lighten up, as they can be too serious.
So if you are an earth sign, wear these stones on your middle finger to enhance the desired qualities you wish to evoke.
Ring finger: fire signs
Fire signs are exuberant, passionate, adventurous and plenty of fun. If you want to party, you need fire signs to bring the fun, but they are easily distracted and irritated. They can be a bit bossy and intense so they need gemstones to cool their idealistic spirit. Gemstones for fire signs can elevate their positive, can-do attitude and enhance their communication skills.
So if you are a fire sign, you might like to match these stones to your ring finger to capture the qualities you wish to manifest.
Pinky/little finger: air signs
Air signs are intellectual, expressive, social and active. Air signs are able to see situations rationally without being clouded by emotions. They make excellent analysts because they are deep thinkers with a love for ideas, data and creativity. Air signs are excellent at reading others and exude a cool and calm aura. Gemstones can help ground daydreamy air signs and enhance their intellectual sharpness.
Air signs wanting to boost these qualities should be wearing the relevant gemstones on their little fingers for maximum effectiveness.
Do hands have a difference in ring finger meanings?
My research found that the left hand is about receiving energy, thinking and creation, whereas the right hand is about giving energy and physical action. So if you are not sure which hand to choose, this might help influence your decision.
I also found that your dominant hand matters, and it’s a bit like the right brain/left brain duality. So your dominant hand is about action, logic, analysis and methodical approach. Whereas your non-dominant hand is about creation, artistry, intuition and emotion. So whichever quality you want to enhance will influence your placement on the appropriate ring finger meaning.
What do you think?
Is it all a bit too complicated or is there some meaning to this ancient wisdom that has been passed down over centuries?
Will you give it a try to see if there’s anything to it?
Bring on the bling: How statement earrings make you feel
Make a simple outfit extraordinary with statement earrings. When you want to feel extra glamorous, make statement earrings your go-to choice!
A simple outfit can get a style upgrade with a large pair of statement earrings, don’t you agree?
]]>A simple outfit can get a style upgrade with a large pair of statement earrings, don’t you agree?
Jeans, t-shirt and flats can suddenly be transformed into boho chic with the addition of a pair of oversize hoops or gemstone dangly earrings.
But it’s more than just adding style, it adds confidence. When you take just a moment to adorn yourself with something beautiful, you show the world that you’ve made an extra effort. And when you sense those lovely earrings hanging from your lobes, it can give you a confidence boost like no other.
There’s something in the ritual of donning a pair of statement earrings. Like you’re preparing yourself for the day and ready to face the world. No matter what your day might bring, hard work, human connection, difficult conversations, you feel like those statement earrings protect you in some small way.
For weddings, parties and celebrations, the statement earrings are ideal. A special day needs a special look. And popping on a pair of statement earrings (or even mismatching them) shows you’ve made an effort to look your best. Unlike fabulous shoes, which are hidden beneath the table most of the night, or far from eyes' sight, earrings frame your face beautifully. Nothing makes a more memorable and sophisticated impression. You can keep your outfit relatively simple and add special statement earrings and you’ll always appear dressed up (without spending a fortune on a new dress you won’t wear again).
Have you heard that you should always wear strong colours to conferences so you stand out? Wearing statement earrings is the same — because it creates something to talk to you about. Your earrings are noticeable, giving someone the chance to admire them and ask where you found them. (Make sure to send them our way, please!)
So if you’re attending a party or event and don’t know anyone, it’s enough to make even a loud extrovert nervous and apprehensive. Pop on your statement earrings and be confident that conversations will start easily.
If your hair refuses to behave itself, then statement earrings can’t make it suddenly lucious and smooth, but they can help disguise the problem. Simply fasten your hair into a tight bun or braid and pop on a pair of amazing gemstone earrings, mixed-stone danglers or oversize hoops. Everyone’s eyes will be drawn to the earrings, and they’ll fail to notice that your hair needs a wash or is extra frizzy today. Crisis averted — quickly and easily!
Are you loving the multiple ear piercing look that’s so hot at the moment? The stacks of earrings look perfect together and oh-so-boho. And a statement earring pairs perfectly with a curated collection of multiple piercings. Go for a matching stack using similar stones or mix it up completely with contrasting colours and styles. There’s no rules, so do what looks and feels good to you.
Statement earrings are made to be noticed. So it really elevates your style when you take a simple look and embellish it with bold earrings. The contrast of the high-glam earrings and low-key casual dress or jeans/t-shirt combination makes it all so delightfully unique and eye-catching.
If you love bold bright colours but aren’t keen on hot pink jackets or turquoise silk pants, then statement earrings give you the pop of colour and adventure you’re seeking in your wardrobe. Unlike an expensive winter coat or shocking colour of hair dye, you can have a bit of fun with statement earrings, and update your wardrobe without parting with a fortune or making a style decision you’ll regret.
Your statement earrings look fabulous with a power suit, casual dress, pants and shirt, cocktail dress or evening gown. Has there ever been an accessory so versatile?
Dressing up on Christmas day is very much a thing. So if you love to make an effort on 25 December, statement earrings are ideal. And with approximately 137 Christmas gatherings and get togethers happening this year, you’ll love having a few sparkly somethings to throw on at the last minute to look extra special this silly season.
One thing about statement earrings? The power of the gemstones within. If you need an extra dose of femininity, power or focus, these crystals can make the difference (and have you looking fabulous too.
I was looking for a job that could accommodate school hours. So when I saw the post on Facebook I knew I was very keen. I decided to email my application immediately in line with the application procedure requested. Janine only had the post online for 2-3 hours, so I gathered there were an overwhelming number of applications! I received a reply, and I went for the interview within a few days.
Thirroul is a small town, so I have the luxury of being a seven-minute drive away from work. Desiderate does a lot to support the town by providing employment and donating to local charities and community groups.
I love being part of a successful local business.
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I worked in a corporate background before joining Desiderate.
The company had more than 8000 employees in Australia, so I felt like just one of the crowd. Corporate life has good employee benefits but there’s stress too. As a mum, I didn’t find they were good at offering flexibility and accommodating my family life. I didn’t have much work/life balance working in a busy office.
In the corporate world, the executives didn’t know my name or even recognise my face. But at Desiderate the owner Janine is here with us every day. She knows what it’s like to juggle work and kids so she’s very accommodating. I have someone I can approach and ask questions and get support if I need it. There is less bureaucracy - if I want to talk to Janine, I just chat to her. I don’t have to fill out a form and speak with HR beforehand, then wait two weeks for an appointment.
We all know each other and we work closely together and we are all women (except Aaron) who loves to help people and solve problems. Oh and John who is Janine's Virtual Assistant, We’ll talk about the products and chat while we deal with orders and manage customer enquiries. I like that we have an impact on the business, if we have an idea for a better way to do things Janine is ready to listen.
Janine loves to enter Desiderate in awards and we often win. It’s so exciting. I used to go to conferences in the property industry and they were so boring. But the awards nights are fun. As a working mum, I don't get a chance to dress up often and have a night out with the team. The events are always about engaging the audience and empowering people which I find inspiring. I love to see all the winners and business owners of all kinds enjoying success on their own terms.
Janine asked me to model some of the products because she wants to show the products on women who represent her demographic. I’m more of a behind the scenes person, but I did enjoy having my hair and make up done and being a fashion model for the day. I’m not sure when Vogue will come calling for my cover shoot, but I’m here if they want me!
So when I finish work, it’s off to be Uber for my kids, driving them to after school activities and doing household errands like all busy mums do. So work is my peaceful time, then it’s chaos after that.
I was looking for a job that could accommodate school hours. So when I saw the post on Facebook I knew I was very keen. I decided to email my application immediately inline with the application procedure requested. Janine only had the post online for 2-3 hours, so I gathered there were an overwhelming number of applications! I received a reply and I went for the interview within a few days. The interview was on a public holiday, but I didn’t care, apparently it was the last day that Janine was available to complete the final interviews before she was heading overseas on business and the human resources manager said that they were keen to fill the role ASAP and start training. It was the fastest decision making process for a job I’d ever had. That’s what I love about Desiderate, we decide to do something and we take fast action. In the corporate world there was always a billion hoops to jump through before anything got done.
Thirroul is a small town so I have the luxury of being a seven minute drive away from work. Desiderate does a lot to support the town by providing employment and donating to local charities and community groups.
I will say hi to everyone, then get ready to start picking and packing. Once all the orders are picked and packed we drop them off at the post office. Mondays are busiest because we have the orders that have come through over the weekend. Then for the rest of the day I take care of customer service. Customers might have questions, or they might need to return or exchange. I take care of calling any customers who need help and do my best to give them what they’re looking for. In my old job I was calling customers with bad news and getting yelled at a lot, so to chat with customers about ring sizes, stones and exchanges is always much nicer. I do get the occasional angry customer but nothing compared to my old job so I can handle them quite well, (I like to think so). We are all about delighting customers, and because we have a broad range of products we are usually able to offer a different option if what they want is not in stock.
It’s great to see the new products because Janine shows us the designs and samples and asks for our feedback so I feel I have helped bring it to life. So the arrival of the stock is exciting, we will prepare it for photography and our copywriter will prepare the product descriptions and then we list it on the website. Then an email will go to our VIP subscribers so they get first dibs. Sometimes when stock is limited that will be enough for it to sell out. If there’s still stock it will go on our social listings and we will keep promoting the new release. And a few days later I find myself preparing those orders for customers, which is really satisfying.
We have a lot of new releases and loyal customers, so I’m always curious to see who will buy what. I recognise the names on the orders and I see their style. Someone’s into boho earrings, while someone else is into more delicate stuff. I am getting very good at predicting which customers will snap up new releases. One customer is working her way through the Mahtava collection in every colour, she just bought the ametrine set of earrings pendant and necklace. I think she only needs the pink tourmaline ring to complete the entire set.
It’s like wrapping presents every day. I like to imagine the customer getting the order and the happiness they’ll feel when they see the lovely jewellery inside. Crystals definitely have a calming energy and with an office full of gemstones there’s a lovely atmosphere at work. Sometimes we prepare social media content of our pick and pack process, take a video of ourselves packing the order, polishing the gemstones and putting it all together. That's fun to put together.
She just knows what will sell. She’s very observational about what our customers like. And she tends to ignore trends, and just focus on the classics. So many customers love the chunky silver bangles. One was saying recently she’s been looking for four years for something ultra chunky.
I love the herkimer diamonds because they are rough and raw and a bit different and I love every piece made with them.
]]>Are you the New Year resolution type? Some people love to set a goal for the year. Others think it’s just an arbitrary date that passes like any other.
But if you do want to set yourself up for success, so by New Year’s Eve in 2024 you’re looking back on a great year, try some of these tips.
]]>Are you the New Year resolution type? Some people love to set a goal for the year. Others think it’s just an arbitrary date that passes like any other.
But if you do want to set yourself up for success, so by New Year’s Eve in 2024 you’re looking back on a great year, try some of these tips.
Having a theme word for the year helps give you clarity and focus on what’s important to you for the year. You could try words like:
Instead of resolutions, how about a list of 23 things you’ll do in 2023? Inspired by happiness and habits author Gretchen Rubin, this idea helps you make a bucket list for the year. But don’t make too many lofty goals — it will be unachievable. Keep things simple—a few big-picture goals as well more small targets.
Your list could include things like:
Focusing on a mix of fun, one-off activities as well as loftier goals will make your 23 for 23 a fun challenge for the year!
The way we start the day impacts the kind of day we have. So if you take charge of the morning, you take charge of your day. You could try getting up to meditate, exercise, journal or just enjoy a gorgeous coffee.
The best way to get your morning to a great start is to work on your evening routine too. Reduce your screen time at night, don’t eat too close to bed time and getting to bed early will help you wake up rejuvenated and ready the next day.
We all struggle with phone addiction! But the hours you spend on your phone could be better spent working on your goals. You don’t have to eliminate your phone entirely. But honestly, could you rely on it a little less? Perhaps charge it overnight in a different room so you don’t look at it last thing at night or first thing in the morning. Monitor your screen time and challenge yourself to keep it to a particular limit.
There are four major things in life that contribute to your well-being:
So if you truly intend to have a good year, these are the areas you can focus on. Improving your health means you will live a happier longer life. Taking charge of your financial situation will set you up to retire comfortably in future. And committing to relationships that are rich and fulfilling will give you the connection that all humans desire. And combatting stress will help you enjoy everyday life as well.
Rachel: I’ve got no goals this year! Instead, I like to choose a word for the new year. In 2023 my word is ENJOY.
Janine: I don’t do resolutions at all ever, but I do want to start some regular exercise again. It’s hard with lupus when it’s painful so I will go gently. I’d like to be in better shape for Charlotte’s wedding.
Charlotte: I want to surf more so I can build my skills for my surfing honeymoon in the Mentawais, it can be pretty big surf and challenging. I'd like to get my steps up too! Going to save up for an Apple watch so I can properly track my steps, 10K daily is the goal.
Kate: I want to break up with my phone, I am on it way too much. I will start by charging it overnight in another room so I don’t look at it before bed or when I wake up.
Dannielle Delaney: I want to look after myself better by snacking less and exercising daily.
Dayna: Every year, I have the intention to be fitter & healthier than the last. Not so much a resolution, just more so a desire. Giving it thought this year, I thought resolutions would be to try something new or like to give up. So I'd like to read more & I'd really like to give up swearing! Too honest?
Aaron: Listen more, talk less.
Jacqueline: I just want all my family and loved ones to be happy, safe, well and content.
Some great inspiration from the team.
Happy New Year to you and I hope that all of your dreams come true.
Kindest,
Janine.
I’m so excited to tell you about my secret project for the past year - Taleeta.
It’s my new fashion label, and it will bring you all the high quality and excellent customer service you’ve come to expect from Desiderate.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve struggled to find fashions that suit my figure, feel comfortable to wear and look great. I don’t want to dress like a dowdy Grandma (even though I am a Granny). I don't mind paying a bit extra for quality that will last, but I don’t want to pay a fortune for a designer label.
And I knew I was not alone.
Speaking to friends and potential customers, everyone said the same thing. ‘I want fashionable clothes that look great, fit well and don’t cost a fortune!’
And so Taleeta was born
]]>I’m so excited to tell you about my secret project for the past year - Taleeta.
It’s my new fashion label, and it will bring you all the high quality and excellent customer service you’ve come to expect from Desiderate.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve struggled to find fashions that suit my figure, feel comfortable to wear and look great. I don’t want to dress like a dowdy Grandma (even though I am a Granny). I don't mind paying a bit extra for quality that will last, but I don’t want to pay a fortune for a designer label.
And I knew I was not alone.
Speaking to friends and potential customers, everyone said the same thing. ‘I want fashionable clothes that look great, fit well and don’t cost a fortune!’
And so Taleeta was born.
You’re 40+ and you’re not as young, slim and fit as you once were. You want to look great and feel great at the same time.
You’re tired of finding a lovely outfit, only to realise the skirt is too short or the waistband is too tight, or the cut or colour is wrong. Or worse — the largest size is AU12. (When the average Aussie woman is size 14-16, that’s ridiculous! )
Taleeta will give you the right size range with cuts that don’t pinch, fabrics that don’t scratch and designs that flatter — no matter what your shape.
The launch capsule includes 10 classic pieces: pants, tops, dresses and a signature swimsuit. Each comes in a range of flattering soft colours to suit a variety of skin tones and colourings.
The fabrics are all-natural, breathable bamboo, linen and cotton. Because whether you're peri, in the midst or post the big M. We need all the natural fibres we can get, right? Nothing sweaty, clingy or stiff — ever!
The range features natural greens, earthy indigo, soft coral, regal purple and cool white. The colours all complement each other, allowing you to mix and match the entire range.
In this post-pandemic world, we need fashion that takes us from work to the beach, to dinner and beyond. So the Taleeta range will deliver a collection that is casual in nature but can also be dressed up or down according to your day. With heels and sparkly gems, your Taleeta dress will look great on the town. At the same time, you can throw on thongs and a sun hat and wear your Taleeta style at the beach. It’s a range that reflects the out-and-about lifestyle of the modern Aussie woman.
The origin of the word Taleeta comes from a Desiderate customer and friend of mine. My elderly friend had bought many pieces from Desiderate over the years. Knowing her as an ideal customer for a fashion label, I asked her, what should I call the sister brand?
She said Taleeta, as it means ‘beautiful new thing' in her native language.
Unfortunately she has since passed away, so I never got to ask her how to spell it or even what language she meant. I wish I’d been able to get more information from her, but it was only after she passed that I remembered our conversation and the name she suggested. The name is a tribute to our friendship.
In all honesty, I was hoping Taleeta would be ready to launch by now. But a few delays, like me getting covid earlier this year, have stalled production.
Plus, because I’m so finicky about quality, I’ve insisted on extra features, hand-dyed fabrics and other elements that take extra time. Plus, the rainy season in Indonesia has really slowed down manufacturing. 😢
But I’m confident that we can launch by Summer 2022. Watch this space!
Want to be the first to know?
Taleeta subscribers will get exclusive discounts, perks and special offers - so join the list.
Tap through on the link below to add your name and email and
JOIN THE VIP CREW
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Ametrine: Is it purple, is it yellow?
It's both at once! Ametrine is a rare natural-forming gemstone that's sourced in Bolivia.
We admit, we're surprised that this beauty isn't better known, because it's divine. Ametrine jewellery is quickly becoming more popular in Australia, thanks to its unique and evocative beauty.
We've recently added ametrine to our range and it took our founder Janine more than a year to source these gorgeous stones.
]]>We admit, we're surprised that this beauty isn't better known, because it's divine. Ametrine jewellery is quickly becoming more popular in Australia, thanks to it's unique and evocative beauty.
We've recently added ametrine to our range and it took our founder Janine more than a year to source these gorgeous stones.
Browse our range of ametrine jewellery
The unusual colour display of purple and yellow is created during shifts in temperature as the quartz forms. It's highly translucent and can be pale in colour, and the purple/yellow combination also throws captivating shades of smoky grey.
Ametrine is a type of quartz, a crystalline material composed of silica. The stone is a bicolour quartz, meaning that crystals of two different colours combine together to form stones with two colours. There are many different varieties of quartz that are classified as gemstones, including amethyst and citrine, which combine to form ametrine.
Natural ametrine is only sourced from Bolivia in South America. The Anahi mine is the only ametrine mine in the world, located in the remote southeast of the country. Travel is limited as it's only accessible by light aircraft. Which is why it's tricky to gain supply (it took us more than a year to secure our limited shipment). ametrine is only sourced from Bolivia in South America. The Anahi mine is the only ametrine mine in the world, located in the remote southeast of the country. Travel is limited as it's only accessible by light aircraft. Which is why it's tricky to gain supply (it took us more than a year to secure our limited shipment).
Legend tells us that the stone was first discovered by European explorers in the 1600s and the stones were brought back to Europe as a gift for the Spanish Queen. The story goes that a European married a local princess and received the mine as a dowry gift. The current mine, Anahi is named for the local princess and began commercially operating in the 1970s.
Yes, the supply is finite, meaning that once it's gone - it's gone. Unless we discover a new supply, it won't be further available. So invest while you have the chance! It's been around for centuries but mining techniques in Bolivia didn't improve enough to harvest it until the 1970's.
Beware photoshop! Online ametrine jewellery retailers may edit the colours of ametrine jewellery to make it appear more vibrant. (We never do this.) Synthetic, artificially formed ametrine tends to be stronger in colour, but we prefer the natural original, which tends to be paler and smokier.
It's not always easy to see the difference between natural ametrine jewellery and synthetic or fake ametrine. But here are some things that you can consider:
Yes, as a quartz, ametrine has a hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs scale (a scale of stone hardness with diamonds being the hardest at 10). This makes ametrine suitable for jewellery, as it's hard enough to withstand everyday wear. However, ametrine isn't indestructible and can still scratch, chip or break if not treated with care.
Ametrine combines the qualities of both amethyst and citrine, making it a highly powerful and potent crystal. Ametrine promotes inner strength and courage. It can restore balance, helping you to use your creativity and intuition to find solutions that work for you.
The amethyst promotes contentment, purity and manifestation, while the citrine stimulates warmth, creativity and positivity. Together the combined powers of the crystals promote harmony, energy and enthusiasm, like a breath of fresh air to the wearer.
Wear ametrine to put you in a good mood when:
Because of the dual nature of the stone, ametrine is not ideal for chakra work.
You can enhance the money-attracting qualities of ametrine by leaving it in the light of the full moon. Choose a full moon in your own zodiac sign, or Taurus for attracting wealth and abundance, or Capricorn for encouraging success, status and achieving your goals.
Ametrine can help you get what's on your mind, particularly to get rid of negativity and help your dreams come true, so visualise what you want, the life you want to live and feel the negativity release.
Keep your ametrine jewellery under your pillow or at the foot of your bed to promote deep, refreshing sleep.
If you're struggling with a decision, wear your ametrine ring on your writing hand and jot down notes about the choices and their potential outcomes, good and bad. You can work through your thoughts as they enter your mind without limiting yourself emotionally until a decision becomes clear.
Traditionally, the zodiac signs of ametrine are Pisces and Sagittarius. Although we feel that the dual nature of the stone benefits the zodiac signs with duality in its symbolism, such as:
Ametrine is traditionally aligned to the birth months of February and November.
Ready to shop Australian Ametrine Jewellery?
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It was only after her death that we discovered what we meant to Helen Vaughan. To us, she was a valued customer, who was clearly enjoying shopping with us. Our pick and pack team would spot her name and address on another order and say ‘Helen’s shopping up a storm again!’
The loyalty of our customers means the world to us, and Helen was nothing if not loyal!
But we had no idea of the full extent of the story. In June 2022, the orders stopped. And then we heard from Helen’s daughter Lisa. And she wanted to let us know how we brought her a lot of pleasure in the last months of her life.
]]>It was only after her death that we discovered what we meant to Helen Vaughan. To us, she was a valued customer, who was clearly enjoying shopping with us. Our pick and pack team would spot her name and address on another order and say ‘Helen’s shopping up a storm again!’
We always wrote a hand-written note in her order thanking her for supporting a small, female-owned, Australian family business. The loyalty of our customers means the world to us, and Helen was nothing if not loyal!
Every few weeks another order would arrive and we’d smile at the idea of Helen opening another package and enjoying her purchases.
But we had no idea of the full extent of the story. In June 2022, the orders stopped. And then we heard from Helen’s daughter Lisa. She told us that Helen had sadly died from motor neurone disease, MND. And she wanted to let us know how we brought her a lot of pleasure in the last months of her life.
We were so honoured to be invited to watch her funeral service online in June 2022 and there was not a dry eye in the Desiderate office.
Just knowing that we had made a small difference in this amazing person’s life was so rewarding to our entire team. We’re small, we’re dedicated and we’re hardworking. So it’s really touching to know that our products are enjoyed.
And we just have to share Lisa’s message about Helen because it makes our hearts so full:
‘We all miss her ridiculously. I know everyone is a little biased but she was beyond a doubt the best mother ever. She raised us four girls so gracefully and was literally the perfect mum. She also got to display her amazing granny skills in her last couple of years getting to meet her first two grandsons. The oldest will be turning three in a couple of months. We are all coping but extremely sad. She is just so missed! Knowing that she would not be with us long still didn’t prepare us for this feeling of loss.”
A few months after Helen’s death we decided to reach out to Lisa and ask: can we write an article about Helen? Share a little bit of her story? It was a way for us to acknowledge our gratitude.
We were delighted when Lisa said yes. Janine sent our writer, Kate, to speak to sister Victoria as she was still struggling with the loss of Helen. Lisa told us that Victoria would be the one, and so we got together for an interview.
Mum was one of four kids and she grew up in Dungog in the Hunter Valley. She was a talented musician and singer and when she was young she played and sang at weddings. She always loved to play and have everyone gather around the piano singing.
Helen was a Christian and her faith brought her much comfort over her life. We kids always admired her strength of faith and conviction in the grace of God. Even in the last years of her life when she was struggling with the symptoms of MND, her belief was unwavering. I was angry with God at that time but mum never faltered. I’m so proud of her for that. It helps me now to think that she’s with her maker, free from pain, eternally happy and hopefully watching down on us.
After Helen married she was very involved in the church, as a pianist and teaching scripture at Sunday school. She was an inspiration to so many people, and she was a very community-minded person. She knew the power of community coming together in good times and bad. If someone couldn’t drive to church she would arrange to drive them herself. That’s the kindness that I’ll remember.
I was one of four girls and she was such an amazing mum. With a 13 year age gap between eldest and youngest, Mum had her hands full. Dad was supportive after the separation, but looking back I can see that we didn’t have much money, although I never felt ‘poor.’ Mum did the majority of raising us on her own. She had limited Centrelink benefits, so she worked numerous jobs to provide for us. She was a cleaner and also sold Avon and Amway, and worked in aged care too. I remember mum had dermatitis on her hands from the cleaning chemicals. To me it was a symbol of her sacrifice for us. Everything went to our food, education, clothes and entertainment. There wasn’t much left over for herself; she always put us first. Mum would always drive us around to our friends' houses and make sure we had a fun social life. She made friends with our friends too and treated them like her own daughters.
When we got older Mum had more time to dedicate to herself. She was determined to go back to school and get her diploma of child care. We were so proud of her. She found study difficult, I won’t lie. The world of computers, email and essay writing did not come naturally to her. She would hand write her assignments and my sister Katrina would type them for her on the computer. But she worked so hard like she always did and got her degree. Working in child care was a delight for mum. She had a natural caring nature and was always fun with the little ones. Mum had a way of making everyone laugh. She enjoyed the silliness of life and kids could see that in her. She finally was creating something for herself and doing a job she loved. She also volunteered by tutoring underprivileged children in her spare time which she found very rewarding. Mum loved being a Granny to her grandchildren Jack 3 years and Milo, 11 months.
It was terribly sad for mum to give up that career — but she did it. Her own mother had dementia so Mum decided to quit her job and move back to Dungog to become Grandma’s full-time carer. Later, she moved back in with my sister and it wasn’t long till we noticed something was wrong.
It was not a disease I’d heard of but I now know that it touches many lives. Everyone uses the same word to describe it — cruel. Sadly for such a great communicator, mum lost her speech early on. Part of the cruelty is losing someone, bit by bit. Facebook became a lifeline because we could communicate via Messenger. Even as her condition worsened she always was determined to have fun, mostly by enjoying music, and her Spotify playlists kept her going in many dark moments. It must have been frustrating for Mum to suffer a physical decline, and she had a few brief ‘why me?’ moments. But her mindset soon changed to ‘why not me?’ and she was determined to enjoy life with holidays and family time. All the while she was accepting of her fate and was steadfast in her faith. Now we miss her terribly, and we feel robbed because she was so young and she should have enjoyed more time as a gran. I look at my young sons and it’s hard to accept they won’t be able to know the wonderful person she was.
One of the things that mum loved in her final years was shopping with Desiderate. She just loved the products and the packaging. She couldn’t unwrap her final purchases herself, but she loved the thrill of getting a new parcel in the mail. She thought all jewellers should ship products in the white Desidearte pouches. And part of her daily ritual was choosing her gemstone rings and jewellery with her nurses. It was a bright moment in her day and each item meant something to her. Now she’s gone, I’m glad she was able to spoil herself as she sacrificed so much when we kids were young. And we four daughters each have her jewellery to remember her by and they are so precious to us.
We were lucky to get a written review from Helen in 2022 which is very dear to us now:
‘I love, love, love all the beautiful rings I own, they look great on. I have both the blue and pink pearl rings and matching earrings. The pearls are stunning, as are all my other pieces. The Eclipse sapphire ring is a gorgeous deep blue, and the Amethyst Nouveau ring is a real eye-catcher. The beautiful Magic Turquoise looks fab on, and takes me to a beautiful beach day. I also wear a pretty anklet that makes me feel younger, and I have gorgeous chic silver onyx earrings. I am now anticipating my Bold Emerald ring which is on the way to my place. I could go on and on, but I’ll just say that you won’t be disappointed, so treat yourself.”
The Helen is a chunky gemstone ring that personifies Helen’s style and spirit. The earthy, natural deep orange tones evoke a sense of stability, calm and creativity.
Helen treated herself to some of our most popular products, including pearls, crystal rings, earrings and more. Now they’re lovely keepsakes for her four daughters, so we love that they’ll be enjoyed for years to come.
Sparkly Sapphire Quartz Eclipse Ring
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Gold vermeil is a popular metal used in jewellery. Gold vermeil features a sterling silver base material and plated with gold that is at least 10 carats. To be officially titled gold vermeil in Australia, the gold plating needs to be at least 1 micron thick.
To officially join the gold vermeil club, a piece must have:
(Okay, the last one is sketchy, but the top three criteria are very strict.)
]]>Gold vermeil is a popular metal used in jewellery. Gold vermeil features a sterling silver base material and plated with gold that is at least 10 carats. To be officially titled gold vermeil in Australia, the gold plating needs to be at least 1 micron thick.
A micron is 1/1000th of a millimetre, which doesn’t sound like much, but 1 micron ensures a sturdy coat of gold. So the sterling silver is essentially ‘hidden’ inside. This makes gold vermeil look just like typical gold jewellery, but without the price tag that comes with 24 carat or 18 carat gold.
To officially join the gold vermeil club, a piece must have:
(Okay, the last one is sketchy, but the top three criteria are very strict.)
Because it’s not 100% gold, it is cheaper to produce than solid gold. And due to the thickness of the micron, there is little chance of the outer layer rubbing off and fading to show the silver.
The sterling silver’s strength also ensures the reliability of the piece, making it sturdier, less bendable — meaning it’s more likely to last longer. Nothing is indestructible of course, but a stronger piece is more likely to last the distance and withstand bumps and knocks that come with everyday wear.
When it comes to price, gold-plated jewellery wins — it’s cheaper!
When it comes to quality, gold vermeil wins — it’s better!
When it comes to fanciness, gold vermeil also wins — it’s French, which is tres sophistiqué!
But what about solid gold jewellery — how does gold vermeil compare?
Gold comes in 24 carat (like Bruno Mars sings about) and lower grades. 24 carat is the most pure form, but is a bit orange. It is quite soft and therefore more scratchable. So, manufacturers combine gold with other alloys to create a more reliable, structurally sound jewellery.
So 24 carat gold has the highest amount of pure gold, 18 carat has a bit less and so on, down to about 10 carat which is just over 40% pure gold.
So the good thing about gold vermeil compared to gold is it’s a sturdier, more reliable piece to wear as jewellery, which is prone to bumps and scratches. Naturally, it’s also cheaper.
And due to the outer layer of gold, it looks just the same as the real thing, without the price tag.
If you love the rose gold look, you can also buy rose gold vermeil jewellery. It’s similar to gold vermeil in all aspects, except the outer layer tends to have 75% gold and 25% copper, which gives it that lovely, pretty, pinky gold colour.
Technically, it can tarnish, due to the base layer being sterling silver. The thick layer of gold tends to protect against tarnish, so it’s unlikely. However a polish with our cleaning cloth will help remove any tarnish that does occur.
As with any other jewellery, we recommend regular cleaning with a small amount of gentle dish soap and warm water. Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush and allow to completely dry on a tea towel.
When not wearing your gold vermeil jewellery, keep it in a dark, dry location, ideally in its own packaging.
It’s French, so you say it as ‘vehr-may’. Ooh la la!
Ready to buy gold vermeil jewellery in Australia?
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Just quietly, we think we are the first Australian jewellery retailer to feature this technology on our website. (We were never first in anything back in high school so it’s a big deal for us!)
In case you missed it, the virtual try on tool is the next best thing to trying on our jewellery in person.
And to celebrate the rollout of our technology across the Desiderate product range, we’re giving you the chance to win a $100 gift voucher every month.
]]>We are super excited about the rollout of our new jewellery virtual try on tool.
Just quietly, we think we are the first Australian jewellery retailer to feature this technology on our website. (We were never first in anything back in high school so it’s a big deal for us!)
In case you missed it, the virtual try on tool is the next best thing to trying on our jewellery in person.
And to celebrate the rollout of our technology
across the Desiderate product range,
we’re giving you the chance to win a $100 gift voucher every month.
It’s super easy and fun to enter.
How to be in the chance to win
Step one: Simply use our virtual try-on tool on your smartphone
Step two: Capture a picture of your favourite Desiderate pieces
Step three: Share your photos on Instagram or Facebook (as a story, or a post)
Step four: Tag us @desiderate_ on Instagram or @desiderate1 on Facebook and use the special hashtag #vto
Every time you share a photo and tag us, you’ll go into the monthly draw to win a $100 gift voucher. Enter as many times as you like to increase your chances of winning.
We will share selected entries on our Instagram stories to our army of followers, so it’s a good way to showcase your Insta or Facebook page to our audience too!
How the virtual-try on tool works
If you haven’t had a chance to play with our virtual try on tool, what are you waiting for?
All you need is a smartphone and a camera and you’re set.
No need to download extra apps - it’s all built into the website. So easy!
Top tip: the technology works best on smartphones or tablets - it's a bit tricker on a desktop.
Simply browse our range and look for the blue ‘Try Me On’ button.
Follow the prompts to take a photo of yourself featuring the jewellery.
We are rolling out the tool across our entire range
We’ve already added it to lots of products and our tech team (okay, it’s one person, Aaron) is busy getting more and more products added to the tool every week.
Ready to have a play and try on your favourite things?
Click this link to see all the products that have the virtual try-on ready to go.
Or search for the tag virtual try on in our search bar.
And have fun!
Check out the virtual try on tool page for more detailed descriptions on how it works.
]]>We know that you like the idea of adjustable rings, as it eliminates the problem of getting the wrong ring size. This is especially important if you are purchasing a gift — it’s not easy to buy someone a ring and get the sizing right!
Another reason people like adjustable rings is the flexibility. If your hands tend to swell with heat or exercise, you like the idea of being able to change your ring size accordingly. So yes, we understand completely why you like adjustable rings!
Unfortunately, adjustable rings are problematic because
]]>they are uncomfortable
the stone may fall out
it is more likely to break
Let us explain further.
We’ve spoken to hundreds of jewellery customers and the verdict is unanimous: adjustable rings dig and cause discomfort.
The metal edges of the ring tend to dig into your fingers and can be distracting. Customers tell us (and we know from personal experience) that they tend to constantly fiddle with adjustable rings to make them feel more comfortable. The constant pressure makes it even more likely that it will snap or the stone will fall out.
Because you are constantly moving the metal as you adjust the ring size, the setting can be compromised.
The movement of the metal in an adjustable ring means that the bevel or the glue can move too — meaning the fixing of the stone can crack, and oops! Goodbye to your lovely gemstone.
Rings with gemstones, especially larger stones, can be vulnerable to falling out. If you’ve invested a good amount of money into a beautiful ring that you intend to wear for years to come? You absolutely do not want the stone falling out.
Frankly, we don’t like taking the risk.
Adjustable rings are more likely to break
All that twisting and shaping, over and over, weakens the structural integrity of your ring. And if it happens too often, your ring will break.
After all, metal is not made to move — it’s solid and strong. So if you continually adjust the ring size, it will snap eventually.
This means that if you want to invest in a ring you want to wear for years to come, you are better off avoiding adjustable versions.
Our rings have different kinds of settings to hold the stone in place.
bezel rings: with an edge or rim that encompasses the entire stone
half bezel: a rim that partially encompasses the stone
claws: smaller talons set apart that grip the stone in place
Sometimes, the stone is also kept in place using glue. This acts as a secondary reinforcement, alongside the bezel or claw. However, with high-quality gemstones we don’t like to use glue, because you can see it through the translucence of the stone and it reduces the beautiful sparkling effect
So regardless of the setting, every time you adjust the ring size, the entire ring is moving and shifting. The bezel or the claw may break or give way, leading to a lost stone. In the case of glue, it may crack.
We have extensively tested this and we find that rings with smaller gemstones, with a higher metal-to-stone ratio can withstand adjustment.
This ring has a thick metal band and a comparatively smaller gemstone, making it suitable for adjustment.
Rings that have a band not directly attached to the stone setting can also be gently adjustable without compromising the setting.
The tip with adjustable rings is to remember - GENTLY!
We know that if you are spending hundreds on high-quality stones, we don’t want to take any risks!
But for cheaper stones, with the latest fashion designs, we can take the risk of replacing them if the stone falls out.
Quite simply, for a cheaper stone, there is less risk to our business if we have to send you a replacement if it breaks.
Opaque stones are better to use in adjustable rings because we can reinforce them with glue. The glue won’t impact the appearance of the stone like it does with translucent, sparkly stones.
This red coral adjustable ring features opaque gems, so we can use glue to hold them in place alongside the bezel — reducing the risk of stones falling out.
Janine and the Desiderate team
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Jewellery is so much more than a pretty bauble on a ring, or a chunky pendant or sparkly earrings. It’s personal and meaningful and special.
When we buy jewellery for ourselves, we’re saying, “I’m here, I matter and I deserve to treat myself.” Too often, women are told to sacrifice for others; put themselves last. Women are givers, and it’s easy to lose a little bit of ourselves with everything we do for family, friends, community and work. When we buy ourselves a little treat, we are telling ourselves that we matter too. That we deserve to feel good and look good.
When we need a pick-me-up, we find solace in putting on our jewellery, it’s part of our armour that we wear when we need strength to face the outside world. We slide on a bangle to add that extra bit of polish. Or we slip on a chunky ring after a hard day’s work for a night out with the girls. Or those dangly earrings that make a simple outfit extra special. It’s a way of giving ourselves much needed verve and feeling feminine.
When we are dressed up for a special night out, jewellery is that extra touch that takes your look to the next level. A black dress can be dull, but pair it with glittering stones at your neck and wrists, and you’re ready for a party.
When you’re heading into the unknown and meeting new people, your jewellery can a conversation starter too. Wear a statement piece and you find others complimenting you, and asking where you got it. Many business women wear striking jewellery to conferences, not only to stand out in a sea of male grey suits, but to give others an easy way to start a conversation.
Sometimes jewellery was a gift from someone special, and when we wear it, we are reminded of the people who love us. This matters even more when those special people are no longer with us. Some say that people never really die, because we carry them in our hearts. And jewellery is an extension of that. We might inherit a special piece from a loved one, or we wear something in their honour. It’s our way of reminding ourselves to keep the memories of that special person alive, always.
At other times, jewellery is a gift to ourselves. To say well done for getting that job, for working hard or making a great contribution. Or for no reason at all — you discovered something you love, and you couldn’t resist! Jewellery becomes part of your collection, your rocks and baubles and chains tell the story— of who you are, who you were, and who you wish to be.
As a girl, did you ever sneak into your mother’s jewellery box with wonder and awe? You inspected pearls and glittery stones and imagined the elegant parties filled with adults, and longed to be a part of that world. Now you’re an adult and perhaps you still wear some of those same jewels, and perhaps you’ll pass on your own collection to your family one day too.
Jewellery holds the memories of so many people in your heart. Now you have your own collection, do you delight in gathering a vast array of special pieces? Each one has a special meaning — some matter deeply, whereas some walk lightly on your heart.
Stones are known to have special qualities, so you can choose certain pieces for the energy you need in the moment. Crystal healing is a practice that comes from a long line of powerful women. Knowledge has been passed down over the ages from women who were healers, mystics and carers.
There is more than just beauty to these stones. Each has a unique energy field that gives them special properties, helping bring harmony to the body and balance to your soul, life and mind. Some of the traditional meanings for crystals and gemstones include:
We have strong feelings and preferences for jewellery. Some feel they aren’t quite dressed for the day without a chunky bangle on one wrist. Whereas others only wear jewellery for special occasions. You might like one signature ring. Or perhaps you wear one on every finger — or more! With so many different ways to express yourself with jewellery, you can define your own style — and change it whenever you want.
We’ve seen women who’ve dressed simply and professionally all their lives have a sudden and total transformation and adopt the boho look. (And vice versa.)
Women can use jewellery to try on a new persona, to see how that fits with the way she feels inside.
Jewellery can make you feel confident, it can make you remember someone you love. It can help you celebrate yourself, or prepare yourself. It can heighten your femininity or it can bring you the energy you need and you, in turn, can infuse it with your essence.
Have a browse of our pretties and treat yourself now!
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Rose Quartz is definitely my favourite gemstone, I love that it represents love, all kinds of love. Family love, romantic love and importantly love for yourself and looking after ourselves. The colour is gentle, beautiful and it makes me happy.
]]>I love the gem jewellery and the position worked perfectly to fit in with my family life, it's close to home and my hours are flexible which allows me to not miss special events like my children getting awards at school assemblies.
I try to do things the best way that I can, and love delighting our customers and chatting and hearing their stories.
It's been challenging learning new skills after being mostly a stay-at-home mum for a while, and I've found that I love learning new things, putting my brain to work and developing computer skills. Also, I love looking at the beautiful gems all day, being part of a team and getting to know our customers.
Rose Quartz is definitely my favourite gemstone, I love that it represents love, all kinds of love. Family love, romantic love and, importantly love for yourself and looking after ourselves. The colour is gentle, and beautiful and it makes me happy.
“Communication is important, customers understand that repairs and replacements take time, as long as you communicate with them. By responding quickly to issues, I give our customers the confidence to buy again, because they know if there’s any kind of problem, I will give it my personal attention to fix it for them as quickly as I can.
“For example, recently a customer purchased a ring that was low in stock and I realised the last item was damaged. So I contacted the customer to offer alternatives, like a refund or a similar product as an alternative. It’s that kind of personal attention that customers love. I always try to contact customers via as many avenues as possible, so email, call and text — because we all know how easy it is to miss messages.
“I am very fussy when picking products, I want customers to have the absolute best. I always put myself in the customer's mind and think, ‘If it was me buying, would I want to get that?’
“So I check each stone to ensure it’s cut properly and has no scratches, blemishes and imperfections. I check the claws to ensure the stone is well set, otherwise, it’ll fall out later, and we’ll have to deal with a return, repair or replacement. I give them a good polish so they look amazing when the customer opens their order.
“With pick and pack, I always want three things. First, to be fast, so I can get through the orders for the day. Second, to have each order looking beautiful for the customers. And third, to be accurate. I've made very few mistakes in my time here and I don’t intend to change that —I am very proud of my long streak of accurate packing.
“I love getting to know customers and always enjoy chatting with them. One customer spoke to me about the meaning of gemstones, particularly onyx, and I learned a lot from that conversation! I know our regulars and their taste. Some buy all the bangles, others love to collect gemstones. One customer Giselle bought so many bangles Janine named a new product after her. When we release new products I predict which customers will buy them, and then I’ll see their name on an order a few days later and know I was right!
“With customer service, it’s important to be very friendly but still assert boundaries. Customers do push their luck and I have perfected the art of saying no in a nice way. I worked in a fish and chip shop previously, which gave me plenty of experience in dealing with difficult customers! I love that I don’t come home smelling of hot chips after working at Desiderate too!”