Remember your special moments with something to treasure

BY PAUL HENDERSON

In life there are happy moments that we remember forever – it could be a special anniversary, a milestone birthday – maybe a proposal or a wonderful wedding day. These moments are so magical we often want something to remember them by, and jewellery is a lovely way to do just that.

These sentiments have carried across centuries, with jewellery worn for lots of different reasons, from simple bands to more elaborate expressions of love. Today, jewellery still has the power to capture a moment special to us and hold it close. It's not about the value of a piece in material terms, but rather the priceless memories and emotions evoked when you wear and enjoy your treasured jewellery. We are often moved by significant jewellery, such as Princess Diana's sapphire engagement ring – and who can forget the wonderful diamond jewellery Richard Burton gave to Elizabeth Taylor. Today, celebrity engagements are still focused on the ring, everyone loves to see 'the ring' - and particularly inspiring designs are often recreated more affordably.

Special moments to celebrate also include proposals, weddings and births. Traditionally, these are celebrated most with diamond jewellery, from solitaire engagement rings to matching wedding bands and later perhaps, eternity rings to mark the birth of a child. Look to your local jeweller for help with choosing these important rings, there's a lot to consider, from different gold colours to choosing the right diamonds for you.

Whatever the reason for choosing or gifting jewellery, it's worth considering a few important points. Firstly, choose a reputable local jeweller who can help and advise, and importantly listen to you.

It's always worthwhile seeing and touching jewellery first hand, trying it on too - something you can't do online. Gems are best chosen in person, no photograph can replace seeing something with your own eyes. And while we're touching on gems, these can hold special significance too – from rubies that represent love, energy and passion – that deep red strikes a chord whenever we see it – to sapphires in beautiful blues that symbolise purity and trust.

Tourmalines, citrines and peridots, with their varied greens evoke springtime and nature with many hues to choose from, or how about tanzanite - less well known perhaps but with a deep purplish colour all its own. Australian opals too have unique qualities, and often, a brilliant fire unlike any other gem to completely capture your heart. Nature's treasures mean you really are spoilt for choice.

Bairnsdale based jewellers Curtis Australia have been designing and hand crafting jewellery for many years. Owner and Master Jeweller, Glenn Curtis has over 50 years experience, and was the only expert from outside the USA to be invited by Rio Tinto Diamonds to judge their Global Jewellery Competition, so you know you're in good hands. You can browse their private showroom, sit down for a chat in relaxed surroundings and even see the adjacent studio – one of the largest self contained jewellery facilities in Australia.

Clients often say how important it is to have their jewellery made somewhere they can actually visit and always appreciate everything staying in house.

So, when you're thinking of choosing jewellery for your special moment or 'just because' why not pop into your local jeweller. Or, if you're near the Curtis Australia studio in Macleod Street, Bairnsdale, call in and see lots of wonderful ready to wear rings, pendants and earrings. You can even commission your own special jewellery, choose your diamonds and remember your own magical moment in your own, unique way.

The Curtis Australia studio is just behind the Shire Offices in Macleod Street, Bairnsdale. You'll find beautifully coordinated jewellery collections, hand crafted sterling silver and colourful resin pens, as well as solid gold Curtis Australia watches, each individually crafted in house, with both ladies and men's styles to choose from.