News

Cut is the most important factor in selecting diamonds at Carolyn Codd's and we have found that it is the least understood as it is so so complex and technically difficult to analyse. Truly excellently cut diamonds are cut with high precision and exceptional craftsmanship and are not only valuable and truly beautiful but extremely rare.

Not to be confused with shape (heart, oval, round, pear, etc), a diamonds cut grade is in essence an evaluation of how well the facets and proportions of the diamond returns light to the observer. But of course it doesn't stop there. Light return is one huge factor but there is also Fire and Brilliance to consider and that you cannot fully appreciate from reading a diamond report (or "certificate") alone.

Triple Excellent Diamonds

"Triple Excellent" refers to the modern round brilliant shape. Here the cut grade is evaluated in three areas: Overall cut grade, symmetry and polish.

There are, in truth, many modern round brilliant diamonds that are graded Triple Excellent by the GIA but why do some shine brighter than others? 

We have found throughout the years of examining diamonds ourselves that Triple Excellent diamonds do vary massively and the only way you can truly ensure that the diamond you are looking at is truly excellent is by directly comparing them in person.

To find out more please book an appointment with our diamond experts who offer a free, no obligation talk on diamonds where you can learn more about the intrinsic details of diamond cutting and its effect on the level of light return, fire and scintillation. We will also be able to provide a range of GIA Triple Excellent Diamonds and you will be able to see the differences for yourself.

"Every day is different as no two jobs are the ever the same...

Recently a lady came in with a stunning AAA Grade Tanzanite. She had it wrapped in a piece of cotton and said that her brother had given it to her some years ago and she wasn't sure what to do with it. I was extremely excited as this stone was not only very special and high quality but also incredibly rare. I had plenty of ideas so Carolyn and I set to work. There was so much you could do with this beautiful Tanzanite...

"The lady wanted a piece that could be worn everyday and preferred a white metal and so chose Platinum for both durability and the high polished white finish. Platinum is far superior than any other metal and the particular alloy we use is incredibly tough. The pendant and the strong Platinum Spiga chain will truly stand the test of time and will be most suited to everyday wear.

The cut of the Tanzanite was a trillion shape but it was decided that the design was not to enhance the triangular aspect of the cut, but to add smooth sculpted lines and a touch of femininity. Fine diamonds added just the right contrast to the deep violet and blue hues present in the stone.  

Setting any Tanzanite takes the up most concentration. This stone was particularly challenging due to the shape and it did present quite a thin girdle; not exactly ideal with a delicate Tanzanite.  The setting for this piece was specifically designed not only to make the most out of this stunning Tanzanite, but to keep it safe and secure while wearing. By unifying the latest laser technology with other making techniques and tooling used for centuries enables us to make some of the most wonderful and technically difficult pieces.

Making this pendant was a joy to do, even at it's most challenging stages. At the end of  the day I can honestly say that myself and our team at Carolyn Codd Jewellery love what we do.

A piece isn't truly finished until it is being worn by the person it was designed for. When the lady came to pick up her piece it was the absolute finishing touch. I know I say this many, many times but it really is the best job in the world!"

Bring your jewellery back to life at Carolyn Codd's....

Summer is almost over and I know that a lot of us have fallen prey to sunscreen coating our lovely diamonds. I appreciate that many of our lovely customers are not able to visit us during the week when we offer our free check and clean service so I've had a little idea...

On Saturday 2nd September, we invite you to bring your jewellery, old or new, purchased form Carolyn Codd's or not,  for a complimentary professional clean by the team at Carolyn Codd.

Danny, Carl and Cheryl will be in our workshop to bring your jewellery back to life through specialist cleaning. They will also check your jewellery for signs of wear and tear and give advice before problems develop.

If you are like me and you want to maintain your ring’s mesmerising sparkle then regular cleaning is an essential part of jewellery maintenance. Why not make the most of your visit and peruse our newest collections while enjoying a glass of complimentary prosecco and delicious homemade cake.

We will be offering this service from 11am to 3pm. We look forward to seeing you and hearing about all your summer adventures!

Kind regards,

Rhianna 

At Carolyn Codd we are see many many sources of inspiration. One of our favourite commissions was inspired by one of our clients love of Peacock colours and if you happen upon our workshop and boutique store in Nottingham you will have seen the above design on our A-board. This ring was hand carved out of a single piece of Platinum. Each setting was precisely measured for each one of the fine Opals, Sapphires, Diamonds, Amethysts, Emeralds and Topaz's selected for the perfect colour way that the lady was after.

This ring was the start of our "Peacock rings"; our signature 'Sui Generis' design taken another step and each piece created uniquely for each individual client. See above for a ring that was to be an "explosion of colour". All natural fine sapphires were selected and again this ring was hand carved out of a single piece or Platinum. 

Of course there are many many other sources of inspiration. See below a beautiful Aquamarine ring inspired by another clients' mother. This lady remembers her mother wearing an Aquamarine and diamond ring purchased by her father, and as she was unable to have the actual ring itself, she was inspired to have a ring made in the exact form that she remembers.

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Sheila Fleet, our esteemed friend and colleague from Orkney in Scotland, is very talented at using the natural and extremely beautiful surroundings of her homeland be the inspiration for her collections. Her 'Pentland' collection is named after the notorious stretch of water separating the Orkney Islands from the British mainland.  The water surges through this narrow strait between the Atlantic and North Sea creating bombastic waves; Sheila wanted to capture the drama and movement of these waves - the constant rolling motion of some of the strongest tides in the world.

Pentland Necklet: £175	Pentland drop earrings: £85
Pentland Bracelet: £195	Pendant Studs: £80

Architecture has been inspiration for some of our commissioned pieces too. Danny once carved the skyline of the Peruvian city of Lima onto a wedding ring after a gentleman decided to be married there. Another lady commissioned her ring to have the actual pattern of the ironwork of her Parisian balcony where she spent a summer perfecting her clarinet skills for an up and coming tour. One of our favourites has to be our recent Art Deco inspired ring, originating from our clients love of the architecture of the time. 

Above: Hand carved in Platinum and set with fine diamonds and Burmese Rubies. 

What will be the inspiration for your next piece of jewellery? 

We love natural coloured diamonds here at Carolyn Codd's and Rose  Pink diamonds are one of our favourites. Subtle, delicate and feminine these Rosy hues are not only beautiful but timeless. 

Pink is one of the least common colours for diamonds. Formed under intense pressure and extreme temperatures beneath the earth's surface, the colouration of these gorgeous diamonds is actually caused by structural distortions to the diamonds crystal lattice. 

The natural pink diamonds can also present many variations of secondary colours like brown, orange or even purple. The natural pink diamonds with the secondary colour of brown seem "warmer" and rosier. A perfect tone for a romantic touch to an Engagement Ring. 

As there are many variations of different natural pinks, we do offer the opportunity to view a selection of stones during the design process. We do, however, have three unique beautiful rings in our window, designed and handmade in our Nottingham workshop that we would love for you to come and take a look at.

Can we tempt you? 

Inspired by the architecture of the 1920's, this very special ring was commissioned to celebrate a 40th Wedding Anniversary.

The pattern does not repeat therefore it looks like a completely different ring at different points.

Hand carved and hand engraved, this bespoke ring is truly original. The symbolic Burmese Rubies and Fine Diamonds add a little colour and sparkle.

Here at Carolyn we are proud to host a brilliant selection of Fine Engagement Rings. We have beautiful Sapphire Engagement Rings, Diamond Engagement Rings and even Ruby Engagement Rings but what really makes our day is when ladies and gents have inspiring and original ideas of their own.

As we can source a vast number of Fine Diamonds, Natural Coloured Diamonds, Sapphires, Opals, Rubies and many more precious stones, our customers are often spoilt for choice during the design stages.

Diamonds are the most popular precious stone choice for Engagement Rings and we love to teach our customers about how to choose the right Diamond for them. We often have a good selection of loose diamonds in store but if our customers are after a particular cut, carat weight and/or colour we usually have a selection of 6/10 stones sent to us direct from our reputable diamond merchants. 

GIA Certificated Pear shape Diamond Engagement Ring; Made in Nottingham

Here is one example of an Engagement Ring made to order after our customer chose the beautiful pear shape Diamond after an in depth "lesson" from one of our diamond experts. He knew his partner wanted a pear shape diamond and he wanted to give her something a little "different". He also wanted to see photos of the ring coming together. 

Bespoke Platinum Tension Set Engagement Ring with Fine Diamond chosen by our customer. This was then flown to Abu Dhabi where the surprise proposal took place.

Sapphires are probably the next in line in popularity to Diamonds, mainly due to the hardness and durability of the crystal, but Sapphires are a real favourite at Carolyn Codd's because or the beautiful colours available. 

Many people believe that Sapphires are just dark blue but Sapphires are available in White, Black and every colour in between. Ruby is actually the same crystal as Sapphire, but is known as Ruby when it displays Red. 

Beautiful Blush Pink Sapphire with three fine round white diamonds on either side - Feminine but not too "girly"; exactly what this customer wanted.

Gorgeous Purply Pink Sapphire with grain set fine diamonds and romantic rose gold. 

Platinum and Fine Diamond Engagement ring with a "pop" of vivid pink sapphires. 

Royal Blue Sapphires surround this Stunning Princess Cut Diamond, with a "before and after" montage for the customer. 

We always try to encourage our customers to be creative with their ideas and we try to put their personality into the pieces but we do always recommend pieces to be not only beautiful and a joy to wear but practical. Opals are a wonderful stones, full of colour and are so unique but need care when wearing.  

Opal and Fine Diamond Engagement Ring

This beautiful vintage inspired Engagement Ring was commissioned by a gentleman who knew his lovely lady adored opals. With a handmade collet setting, we made sure that the opal would be safe be everyday wear.

We hope you've enjoyed reading our little blog, we'll see you next time!

At Carolyn Codd Jewellery we love making wedding rings that are designed just for the couple having them.

Whether a couple decide to have a complimenting set or have each ring designed to each individual; at Carolyn Codd wedding rings are made to reflect the unique personalities and style of our customers rather than the trends of the time.

Because we make all our of precious jewellery on site, couples can really be in control of how their wedding rings will be made and at an excellent price.  Fitted wedding rings are one of our specialities. Each of our fitted wedding rings is made to fit the actual engagement ring.

We look forward to inspiring many more brides and grooms and creating unique and beautiful wedding rings just for them!

This particular lady did have sleepless nights as different design ideas came to her in her dreams... After choosing a beautiful GIA Certified Princess Cut diamond from a selection provided Carolyn painted the design to her exact requirements... And work began...

The separate design features were individually hand made in Platinum...

Once the components were put together, the settings for the diamonds were cut out...

Then the outer diamonds were grain-set...

Once the Princess Cut was set and the mill grain detail was hand carved to give the true vintage look...

'I honestly can't find words to express how incredible the service is at Carolyn Codd. The bespoke engagement ring they made for me is absolutely beautiful! Rhianna and the whole team were so patient with me even though I changed my mind almost every week of the design process. We will never buy jewellery anywhere else again. The experience has been perfect from start to finish! Thank you so much x'

This ring is one of Danny's dream come true.... Art Deco is one of his absolute favourite era's of design and he loves single cut Rubies... 

After a consultation Carolyn did what she does brilliantly and hand painted the design. This technique is one of the oldest ways to develop a design and it still by far the best.

The design was simple and elegant and made the most of the stunning Ruby...

Once the metal work was put together then the tricky and very difficult task of setting the ruby could begin...

And Voila! 

Every piece we make at Carolyn Codd goes through this design and making process in our Nottingham workshop. Please see our Bespoke Gallery for other pieces we have made.

Hello everyone and welcome to the first blog by Rhianna at Carolyn Codd Jewellery!

As most of my lovely customers know I have recently just got married and I thought it would be a fitting subject for my first post... Firstly thank you for the cards and well wishes... Our day was absolutely perfect; below is a photo from our reception's photo booth (great fun and highly recommended!!!)

Of course many of our clients that come to us are also embarking on married life and recently we've had some lovely couple email us with their "ring shots" and other gorgeous photo's of their special days...

To have these beautiful images sent to us really brings home to us that not only do we make jewellery to the best of our ability and love doing that but we become part of something really special... Our customers lives.

 To think that they wear jewellery that is handcrafted here in our Nottingham workshop for the rest of their married lives is wonderful. My Dad often says this and today I've realised that it is true: We simply have the best jobs in the world.  

Special thanks to Mrs and Mrs Owen and Mr and Mrs Parkin for sharing their beautiful photo's. I look forward to receiving more of these photo's throughout my time at Carolyn Codd Jewellery from future clients. Words cannot describe the warm and fuzzy feeling I get when I open emails containing these beautiful pictures!!!