The diamond bangle that graces Rita Williams’ wrist each day is much more than simply a stunning piece of jewellery.
As co-owner of Caloundra-based jewellery manufacturer Sunstate Group, Rita has had plenty of contact with such items.
But, she says, it is the story behind a piece of jewellery that makes it special, no matter what the size or cost.
For her, the diamond bangle was a surprise birthday gift last year from husband John, who wanted to find an eternity present to celebrate their marriage and the births of their daughters Astrid, now 4, and Zaida, now 21 months.
“Even though I work with jewellery every day my bangle is so special to me because John worked very hard to find something so beautiful to symbolise 10 years of marriage and our happy family,” Rita said.
“I wear it every single day and whenever I look at it I think of him and my girls. Both Astrid and Zaida love trying it on, pretending to be Mummy!”
Being able to capture such memories is what makes jewellery the perfect personalised gift. Yet this also puts the pressure on to get the choice just right – something the person receiving it will love.
As the jewellery industry approaches one of its biggest times of the year, there are sure to be plenty of people beginning the search for such a piece.
Rita said men looking to buy for their wives or girlfriends often viewed finding the right item as harder than it really was.
“Whatever you buy, she’s going to love it – just because you bought it for her,” she said reassuringly.
In terms of what will suit your loved one, it often comes down to the individual.
“Some can pull off big, bright pieces, because they’ve got the big, bright personality to carry it,” Rita said.
If you wanted to play it safe, though, she advised to go for classic, clean lines as “that’s the jewellery equivalent to the little black dress”, or diamond stud earrings with a basic solitaire.
Also popular at the moment are white gold and stones in the circular-shaped solitaire cuts, as Rita said square cuts were beginning to phase out.
“People are also tending to buy quality jewellery – one, two or three really nice pieces rather than half a dozen junky type things,” Rita said.
“I think it is worth spending a bit extra to get something really nice that you can proudly pass on. You can enjoy it and then others can enjoy it – it’s there to last.”
In its commitment to providing jewellers with such quality, Sunstate Group sources all of its materials from Australia, with the gems that aren’t a product of Australia purchased through local dealers.
In her position as co-owner of the company, which she took over in 2000 with business partner Rob Clark from their fathers Lester Smiley and Bob Clark, Rita has the pleasure of working with these materials to create new and unique pieces.
An innovative project the group has started involves developing partnerships with professionals such as fashion designers, who share ideas for jewellery ranges that can accompany their own lines.
Rita said while this was in its early stages, it was sure to provide interesting pieces and “put a different spin on precious jewellery”.
With jewellery constantly evolving, the choices when you step into the store can be seemingly endless.
But Rita remains confident that one thing will always be a certainty – a quality piece of jewellery is something the person receiving it will treasure.
“You look at it and it’s a pretty thing to capture all the memories.”
Source: APN News & Media Ltd
As co-owner of Caloundra-based jewellery manufacturer Sunstate Group, Rita has had plenty of contact with such items.
But, she says, it is the story behind a piece of jewellery that makes it special, no matter what the size or cost.
For her, the diamond bangle was a surprise birthday gift last year from husband John, who wanted to find an eternity present to celebrate their marriage and the births of their daughters Astrid, now 4, and Zaida, now 21 months.
“Even though I work with jewellery every day my bangle is so special to me because John worked very hard to find something so beautiful to symbolise 10 years of marriage and our happy family,” Rita said.
“I wear it every single day and whenever I look at it I think of him and my girls. Both Astrid and Zaida love trying it on, pretending to be Mummy!”
Being able to capture such memories is what makes jewellery the perfect personalised gift. Yet this also puts the pressure on to get the choice just right – something the person receiving it will love.
As the jewellery industry approaches one of its biggest times of the year, there are sure to be plenty of people beginning the search for such a piece.
Rita said men looking to buy for their wives or girlfriends often viewed finding the right item as harder than it really was.
“Whatever you buy, she’s going to love it – just because you bought it for her,” she said reassuringly.
In terms of what will suit your loved one, it often comes down to the individual.
“Some can pull off big, bright pieces, because they’ve got the big, bright personality to carry it,” Rita said.
If you wanted to play it safe, though, she advised to go for classic, clean lines as “that’s the jewellery equivalent to the little black dress”, or diamond stud earrings with a basic solitaire.
Also popular at the moment are white gold and stones in the circular-shaped solitaire cuts, as Rita said square cuts were beginning to phase out.
“People are also tending to buy quality jewellery – one, two or three really nice pieces rather than half a dozen junky type things,” Rita said.
“I think it is worth spending a bit extra to get something really nice that you can proudly pass on. You can enjoy it and then others can enjoy it – it’s there to last.”
In its commitment to providing jewellers with such quality, Sunstate Group sources all of its materials from Australia, with the gems that aren’t a product of Australia purchased through local dealers.
In her position as co-owner of the company, which she took over in 2000 with business partner Rob Clark from their fathers Lester Smiley and Bob Clark, Rita has the pleasure of working with these materials to create new and unique pieces.
An innovative project the group has started involves developing partnerships with professionals such as fashion designers, who share ideas for jewellery ranges that can accompany their own lines.
Rita said while this was in its early stages, it was sure to provide interesting pieces and “put a different spin on precious jewellery”.
With jewellery constantly evolving, the choices when you step into the store can be seemingly endless.
But Rita remains confident that one thing will always be a certainty – a quality piece of jewellery is something the person receiving it will treasure.
“You look at it and it’s a pretty thing to capture all the memories.”
Source: APN News & Media Ltd
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