European Professional Women and the Diamond Geezer.

Last Thursday evening was a night to remember. In the heart of London’s famous Soho district, in a swanky cocktail bar called Archer’s, there was an event going on like no other. Previously unattended by men, Lewis Malka, the Diamond Geezer from Joseph Sterling Bespoke Jewellers, was giving a talk on diamonds to members and guests of the European Professional Women’s Network.  

Billed as an evening of networking, sparkles and bubbles, the event lived up to it’s name. 

For the first time in their event history, the EPWN were sold out!! Entrepreneurs who I had the pleasure of meeting had come from all different countries, including Italy, Spain, France, and Germany to mention but a few. What was meant to be a 20 minute educational slot by me, turned into an hour of interactive Q&A’s which was delivered with humour and fact in a way that  made the time fly. Topics included the 4C’s, Conflict Diamonds, Re-Modeling antique Jewellery and always a controversial one, Should a woman buy her own engagement ring!!

On show last night was a range of diamonds which attendees were allowed to get up close and personal with :)

“This was my first time at an EPWN event and if they are all this good I am definatley joining up” said one lady I spoke with after the talk. Another said “I have never been as interest in diamonds as I am now. There is no way I am going to wait for my husband to buy me diamonds. I am going to buy my own from now on”. 

“What the evening did was allow lots of people to come together in a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy some champagne and time with one of natures natural wonders. It’s not everyday we all get so close to these beauties and with some much to learn and know, it was a pleasure to have Lewis come and speak to our members and guests of the EPWN”. That was a quote from event organiser Laurence Rose.

Would you like me to speak at your event? Drop me an email. It would be a pleasure. 

Lewis Malka is a recognized expert in making diamond rings as well as being a famous jeweller to the stars. All his blogs are his own opinions. He is a member of the London Diamond Bourse (LDB). You can follow him daily on Facebook and Twitter. 
If you would like any bespoke jewellery made, then please visit his website.

Things to know about your jewellery when getting divorced

“When two people decide to get a divorce, it isn’t a sign that they “don’t understand” one another, but a sign that they have, at last, begun to.” HELEN ROWLAND

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) found 45% of marriages will end in divorce before a couple’s 50th anniversary if rates continue, with almost half of these splits occurring before couples reach 10 years of marriage.

After the first decade, fewer than 31% of marriages will end in divorce, and after 20 years the proportion falls to about 15%

With these numbers in mind, one can imagine how many engagement rings end up on the market for sale.

In an effort to help divorcees understand their jewellery (and what they can do with it in the time of a divorce), I have put together the following list:

1. Know who is entitled to the jewellery
The rightful owner is determined by several factors including how it was given, local jurisdiction and reason for marital dissolution. A first good step is to consult a family lawyer to determine ownership.

2. Be emotionally ready
Whether you decide to sell it, redesign it or keep it, make sure you are emotionally ready to go through the process. It is not always a walk in the park. If you decide to sell it, it can be the most difficult (or most easy) step depending on the situation.

3. Keep it in a safe place
Keep it safe (in a safe). Whether you put it in your safe at home or at the bank, don’t be a victim of a sock-drawer disappearance.

4. Know what it’s worth
Most jewellery shops or buyers will be able to give you a rough estimate of what your jewellery is worth. Make sure to shop with a jeweller who has been recommended so they will give you a realistic and worthwhile estimate.

5. Know how to get the top price for it if you decide to sell it
Getting the maximum value for your jewellery requires understanding its worth and finding the best buyer for it. Chose a reputable buyer who comes recommended. This can be a very confidential endeavor so consider choosing a jewellery buyer in a private setting, and make sure you shop around.

All in all, the good news is that the owner of a jewellery asset has the choice to do with it what he or she wishes. If one were to ask Shakespeare what to do, he might say, “To sell, or not to sell, that is the question.”

Lewis Malka is a recognized expert in making diamond rings as well as being a famous jeweller to the stars. All his blogs are his own opinions. He is a member of the London Diamond Bourse (LDB). You can follow him daily on Facebook and Twitter. 
If you would like any bespoke jewellery made, then please visit his website.

www.joseph-sterling.com | lewis@Joseph-sterling.com

Kim Kardashian’s ‘Perfect’ 20.5 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring!

Kim Kardashian had long dreamed of the perfect man—and the perfect ring to come from him. This week her dream came true. 

Her new 20-plus-carat gem was designed by jeweller Lorraine Schwartz, who has not only decked Kim in her gorgeous jewels for events like the Emmy Awards but has also created engagement rings for stars like Beyoncé.

 “It’s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen,” says Kim of the ring. “It’s perfect.” The 16.5-carat emerald cut center stone is flanked by a pair of 2-carat trapezoids, for a total weight of 20.5 carats! Together with it’s platinum setting, this ring is truly a one of a kind. Congratulations!

Lewis Malka is a recognized expert in making diamond rings as well as being famous for being a jeweller to the stars. All his blogs are his own opinions. You can follow him daily on Facebook and Twitter. 
If you would like any bespoke jewellery made, then please visit his website.

www.joseph-sterling.com | lewis@Joseph-sterling.com