All Things Desiderate ... Blog

Meet our Dayna, member of our dispatch and customer service team (and occasional Desiderate model)

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.

 

How to Have A Good Year in 2023

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. 

Introducing Taleeta, Our New Sister Fashion Label

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

What Is Ametrine?

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. 

Helen Vaughan - A Tribute To Our Loyal Customer

Sharing the story of Helen Vaughan, a lovely Desiderate customer, with permission from her four daughters. 

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.

What Is Gold Vermeil?

What is gold vermeil? 

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: 

  • a sterling silver base material with 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other materials such as brass or copper 
  • be plated in gold that is at least 10 carats - which is 41.7% gold content 
  • have gold plating that is at least 1 micron thick 
  • a perfect parallel parking record 

(Okay, the last one is sketchy, but the top three criteria are very strict.)

Virtual Jewellery Try On | Win a $100 Gift Card

Check out our new jewellery virtual try-on tool and enter the draw to win a $100 gift voucher! 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.

Why We Don't Make Many Adjustable Size Rings

Our customers often ask us ‘Why don’t you make adjustable rings?’ 

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

How Jewellery Makes You Feel
It’s so much more than gemstones and metal — it’s a symbol of who you are. When we buy jewellery we're saying 'I'm here, I matter & 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.
Meet The Team - Dannielle

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, beautiful and it makes me happy.

How to clean Jewellery

Cleaning your jewellery! 5 things you need to know

Don't dull your own sparkle – clean those gems!

Maybe you racked up an Afterpay account that makes you bank account shriek, just a little, maybe you've collected a treasure trove of jewellery beauties over a series of birthdays – your pieces are your bling and you love them. Keep them shiny and safe by cleaning them, the right way.

Every girl needs to know how to shine her jewels because nobody got time for dull gems.

Desiderate - What is the Virtual Try-On System?

Desiderate's ground breaking new Virtual Try On system will change the way you shop! You can actually see how it looks, on you, just like trying it on in a shop, amazing, right?

Our new Virtual Try-On system uses the camera technology on your device to capture a real-time image of how a product will suit you when it’s being worn. This is a game changer and I'm super excited to be one of the first to offer it to you. Why buy jewellery from another online store when you can virtually try our pieces on?

Why Jewellery is Better Than Chocolate
It’s Almost Easter!

Sure, chocolate tastes delicious… but once it’s gone, it’s gone.

When you gift jewellery to your loved ones this Easter, you’re giving a gift that will last well past the long weekend. It’s not just enjoyed for a day or two - it’s a gift that will last a lifetime.

Looking for gift ideas this Easter that don’t include chocolate? We’ve got you covered! We have compiled a list of reasons why jewellery is better than chocolate.

April Birthstone - Diamond - Why White Topaz is a perfect substitute!

Individuals with April birthdays are said to be work-oriented, passionate, hard working and loyal folks, which makes them a handy friend to have.

If
you're lucky enough to be born in April, you will likely already know that the April Birthstone is none other than the Diamond. This stone is known for its durability and healing powers, with the Diamond birthstone being a beacon for longevity, strength, beauty and happiness. What a stone!

The downside to this beautiful stone? Diamonds are extremely rare and as such, are extremely expensive.

The 6 Most Powerful Gemstones for Women
Gemstone energy can help amplify your personal power and support you in achieving your goals. Have you ever thought about which gemstones are the most powerful for women? International Women's Day got me thinking about it and I’ve put together a list of the top 6 crystals for women’s spiritual, emotional, mental and physical health.
Is It OK To Buy My Own Valentines Gift?

This Valentines Day celebrate your own love for you. Buy your own Valentines gift. Forget the cheesy card though. That's not right. Don't buy yourself one of those.

You ARE allowed to think of yourself you know? You can buy your own Valentines present. Really. I give you permission. 

Don't be secretly disappointed when you don't receive something you deserve, take the pressure off and buy it for yourself.

Are Zodiac Pendants Popular?
As an Astrology student (and Customer Service Support Extraordinaire at Desiderate) I am, of course quite biased when answering this question. Knowing Astrology as well as I do and using it in my everyday personal and professional life I would wholeheartedly agree. With the increase of Facebook and Instagram ads it’s no surprise that the algorithm that seeks out my searches usually spits out numerous advertisements selling anything from astrology tea towels to astrology bed linen and of course astrology jewellery. 
Why Shop Online?

You can do it anytime, any day of the week.  How fun is it when you can’t sleep so you turn on your phone and you start seeing fashion or jewellery ads pop up and next thing it’s 2 am and you are the proud new owner of three rings, 2 x pairs of shoes and an Air Fryer!

Just takes your mind off the insomnia for a brief moment in time, helps balance out that serotonin to help engage back to sleep.

Why does sterling silver tarnish?
All Sterling Silver will eventually tarnish, due to the chemical reactions caused by regular exposure to sulphur in the environment.

Tarnish is a thin layer that forms on the top of the piece, which actually keeps the inner layers protected. The reactions that occur on the outer layer which is exposed to chemicals in the air and environmental elements, are what results in changes to your jewellery.

Pieces may tarnish more quickly in humid climates or if worn in areas with higher levels of air pollution.
Citrine the Birthstone for November
Citrine is a popular type of crystal that is known for her properties of abundance, prosperity, and positivity. The name comes from from the French word citron, which means lemon. Like these citrus fruits, citrine comes in many different shades of yellow and orange. As it's a natural stone, colour and inclusions may vary from piece to piece – but this will make your citrine crystal all the more unique and special, which is why it’s loved by so many!
All About Opals
Although opals come from all over the world, including Mexico, Brazil, Hondura and the USA, 95% of all opals are Australian Opals. The glistening gems come in colours from blue and green, white, pink and black.

People born in October are lucky enough to have the opulent opal as their birthstone, the spectacular stone has endless colour combinations and a beautiful gem to commemorate their birthday.