Journal

Understanding the 4C's of Diamonds, Handcrafted Jewellery

Understanding the 4C's: A guide to diamond grading

The 4 C’s, established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), has become the globally recognized grading system for rating a diamond’s quality. Each diamond, just like each person, has a unique combination of characteristics that make it what it is (and unlike people, play a significant role in determining the diamond's value). The 4 C’s are: Colour Clarity Cut Carat These are important factors to...

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The Seed Collection

The Seed Collection

For a company so routed in the idea that origins matter, our Seed Collection is intrinsic to who we are as a brand and what we want to put out into the world. Pieces meticulously crafted in eco-friendly gold and silver, and inspired by the humble forms of the nasturtium seed and poppy pod. This collection of everyday jewellery is a symbol of new beginnings,...

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In the Shadow of the Mountain

In the Shadow of the Mountain

We handcraft all our jewellery in Cape Town (no really, all of it! No imports, no dubious authenticity), in our studio witha view of the beautiful mountain that is synonymous with this city's skyline. What better spot for a moody sunset lookbook shoot than in the shadow of that same majestic mountain? Thank you to the wonderful woman who made these beautiful images possible.  Model: Andrea Nunezt ...

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Hand Engraved Oval Signet Ring with Leaf Inspired Font

Personalised Poetry Remastered

Sometimes you just need a little bit of a fresh start! The Personalised Poetry collection, initially designed in isolation and without the ability to fully protype during lockdown has been given an overhaul. This remastered collection of pieces are ready to carry your stories; heirloom treasures for this generation and the next. Signet rings have long been something I wanted to add to the collection,...

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Hand Engraved and Laser Engraved Eco Friendly Silver Rings

Personalising your jewellery, laser vs. hand engraving

Engraving is an enduring love note, a way to mark keepsakes with stories of people, places and moments of connection. At AuTerra we offer two distinct engraving options, the traditional craftsmanship of hand engraving and the modern precision of laser engraving. Each one suited to creating a specific style and feeling. Tinsley James Jewellery HAND ENGRAVING Hand engraving’s allure lies in the intricacies of the...

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AuTerra Couples, Engela and Cameron's custom ecofriendly wedding bands

Engela and Cameron's Handmade Wedding

I first met Engela and Cameron when they approached us to craft Engela’s engagement ring; a customised take on our Dawn Ring set with three well-loved gems, a diamond and two emeralds from Cameron’s grandmother’s ring. Just less than a year later we gathered around our consultation table again to chat about their wedding rings! A Lord of the Rings band for Cameron and two...

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Goldsmith holding a pile of electronic waste

How e-waste is recycled

From electronic waste to golden nugget, a step by step overview of our e-waste recycling process. E-waste collection and sorting E-waste must be manually dismantled and sorted. This is a labour-intensive process. The components which do not contain precious metals (primarily plastics and aluminium) are sent to specialised recyclers. The precious metal containing e-waste is fully processed at our facility. Depending on volume this is...

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A small business owners journey

2024, e-waste and it's challenges

I have been pretty quiet of late, here on this journal, on our socials and honestly in person too; but I am (and we are) most assuredly still here. 2024 so far has been AuTerra Jewellery’s wintering. It has been a time of great purpose, despite the fact that most of the growth has been invisible, happening beneath the surface. It is becoming more and...

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