I once read that every business needs a mantra - Something that will guide and steer that business through troubled times and act as a reminder of what’s most important. Even more so, if the mantra is effective, it will also help that business have laser-like focus when it really hits its stride.
I’ve previously stated that the quality of our jewellery rises and sets by the quality of the gemstones we select. The design side of the jewellery does not even begin until we have and hold the final cut gemstone, faceted and finished to perfection. But to get to the design stage there are several preceding steps. Some of those steps are for another conversation but what is first and foremost important and what is at the forefront of our mind is our mantra – NOT ALL GEMS ARE CREATED EQUAL!
This mantra is etched into our brains. It acts as both wheel and rudder of our ship as we steer the course of setting out to find the most fabulous jewels for our customers.
Gems are one of nature’s true gifts. Formed over millennia, under intense pressure, heat, rock formation movements and everything nature has to throw at them, these wondrous crystals have captured our imaginations and our hearts since time began. There is something almost ethereal and magical about staring into the face of a gem and seeing the play of light dancing and shimmering in our gaze while filling our eyes with the most playful of vivid colours. History has proven that the delight & pleasure that gemstones bring are not about to fade.
However, not every actor is born to play the leading role. Likewise not every gem is created to steal the limelight. Many gemstones occur in great abundance. The vast majority are destined to play the part of the pleasing extras forming the backdrop. They are pretty enough to look at but upon scrutiny, do not hold the talent to lead the cast into the blockbuster territory. These “extras” are the types of gems that make it into the mass-market jewellery. They have pretty colours, some appealing features but in truth no great value. These are not Tivon gems.
For us, each and every gem has to have the potential and the talent to capture one’s attention and then to forever capture one’s heart. This starts with finding the right rough material. From there slowly and surely, the imperfections are whittled away. Using master craftsmanship honed over years and passed down through generations, the gem cutters polish the rough gems - first giving them shape, then adding one facet at a time, each one a necessary dimension in creating the perfect gem. Each one a window or mirror which will allow light into the gem and then reflect it back to reveal the inner life of the gem. As if this act didn’t have enough juggling, we have to ensure that the perfect proportions and symmetry are maintained in the cutting process so as to maximise the life of the stone every time.
Of course, let us not forget that vividness of colour is all-important. Intensity of colour is key but not just intensity but also evenness. How disappointing when a gem’s amazing life is short-lived by the fact that some of its sections are less intense or even lifeless.
We are often asked what sets our jewellery apart. The answer always comes back to this simple mantra. As long as we remember and maintain a sense that not all gems are created equal, our efforts to weed out the mediocre and seek out the true stars in each and every category, our jewellery will continue to look fabulous and our customers will continue to enjoy their jewellery which stands apart for all the right reasons.
