As you all know women are all about the diamonds and I am no exception to this rule. I absolutely die for anything with a diamond in it. I have wanted diamond studs for as long as I can remember, which is why I will always treasure the moment in which my now husband’s brother walked in an hour before we were to get married with a little gift from Marc. When I opened the gift I almost fell over with joy. He had gotten my diamond studs – as if a wedding day weren’t enough! Diamonds for me are the ultimate luxury gift, the gift that is truly forever and the one thing that can carry the most weight when it comes to being sentimental. But what I find most important about diamond jewellery is the craftsmanship. That is why I am so happy to have had the opportunity to ask Jackie Zulich, owner of Princess Diamonds a few questions on her latest collection - The Classic Princess Diamonds Collection
Tell us a little bit about Princess Diamonds?
Princess Diamonds is a boutique supplier of loose stones as well as unique quality pieces. We specialise in sourcing certified South African diamonds, offering them at a fraction of the normal retail price due to our close, long-standing relationships with suppliers and manufacturers. We are dedicated to providing our customers with a one-on-one personalised service, helping you find your perfect piece from our handpicked range of bespoke jewellery or to design your own one-of-a-kind piece, at a price that suits your budget.
What did you do before Princess Diamonds?
After finishing travelling and finishing my undergraduate degree here in Cape Town – I then went on to do my Masters at the Regents College of Business in London. After returning home I decided I was ready to start Princess Diamonds – a venture I have always felt passionately about.
How did you decide to go into the Diamond Industry?
I guess some would say it runs in my veins – my father was involved in the industry and growing up I was always involved and being taught directly and indirectly about these mystifying and magical stones! When I finished my Masters I felt ready to take the “leap” and with my business knowledge and diamond grading course behind me I felt “what better time to start?”
What is your philosophy behind your Engagement Ring Collection?
The “Classic Princess Diamonds Collection” is: Elegant, simple, timeless and classic but each ring is unique. I feel that all engagement rings should have these qualities and that is why I decided to design this range. The emphasis should always be about the DIAMOND and therefore the setting should complement this main centre stone without detracting from its natural beauty. It is also very important not to choose something that is too “fashionable” for an engagement ring as you want to be able to wear it forever and look at it on your 50th wedding anniversary and love it as much as you did the day you put it on.
What materials do you use?
We specialise in fine diamond jewellery (ONLY DIAMONDS no other gems). Not only are diamonds the most valuable of all gem stones but they are also the hardest substance on earth – therefore the most durable. This is extremely important with an engagement ring as you want your ring to stand the test of time (and most gem stones are too weak/soft and chip easily). We use only the highest quality Platinum, 18crt White, Yellow and Rose Gold.
What inspires you?
The men/clients that I work with on a day-to-day basis inspired me to develop my range. My range is designed to cater towards a “simple” solution for choosing a beautiful, elegant & timeless engagement ring (I found that men/guys were being overwhelmed when it came to choosing as there are so many designs out there to choose from and it can be daunting and confusing to even know where to begin!)
For the styles of the rings – these came from:
Past – antique styles that are still and will be popular forever (the classic solitaire)
I find this inspiration all around me and especially from travelling to international trade shows – I recently attended the biggest Diamond & Jewellery Trade Show in Las Vegas (JCK) and will be going to one in September in Italy!
What are the latest bridal jewellery trends?
COLOUR is huge at the moment in fashion as well as in jewellery and bridal jewellery (engagement rings). Different coloured Diamonds (such as Yellow & Champagne Diamonds) are really popular and forecast to even be more popular for the year ahead) and alterative metals such as Rose Gold and Yellow gold are being widely used.
Where can we find Princess Diamonds?
Currently I run an exclusive appointment- only showroom in the V&A Marina. But later this year I will be developing our luxury on-line showroom (you will be able to purchase directly from us and we will be able to send you via secure hand to hand delivery).Having the BEST prices in the industry is what gives us our competitive advantage and we will stay away from retail for as long as possible to keep it that way.
Thank you Jackie for your time and insight and I am sure my readers will be happy to know who the lady is behind this amazing collection.
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