Bill Hicks Summer 2009 Newsletter
IAs is usual at this time of year life is extremely hectic, but I wouldn't have it any other way!
Ideal Christmas Gifts
It is now under two weeks to Christmas and if you are considering giving, or hoping to receive, a festive gift of jewellery then you will be interested to hear that I have increased the number of pieces of "ready to wear" jewellery that I have on display in the studio.
The items include an elegant range of earrings and pendants in 18ct white gold featuring pave or bead set white diamonds that are competitively priced from $980. These pieces would make an ideal gift at anytime of the year and also make ideal wedding jewellery.
I also have a selection of pearl pendants and earrings on display, plus a number of pieces featuring coloured gemstones. We will be open up until 6pm on Christmas Eve so feel free to call in any time that suits you, or call me on 0419 484 287 if you would like to arrange an appointment.
Diamonds - The Most Romantic Gift
A recent survey in the United States found that "seven out of ten women see diamond jewellery as the most romantic gift that a man can give a woman." I would like to think that there would be a similar result if the same research were to be carried out in Australia. I would be interested to hear your thoughts?
Engagement & Wedding Rings
Certainly diamond engagement and wedding rings continue to be the corner stone of my business and I am pleased to say that the last 12 months have seen a substantial increase in sales. A survey from the publishers of Modern Wedding shows that over 90% of Australian brides want a diamond engagement ring and are unwilling to sacrifice the "ring of their dreams" despite the challenges faced by the local and world economies over the last 18 months or so. In addition 80% of brides purchase additional jewellery for their wedding day.
In terms of design trends coloured diamonds, particularly pinks, continue to be popular, especially when used in combination with white diamonds, and "vintage" style designs have attracted a growing amount of interest over the last year or so.
Infinity Men's Wedding Bands
In order to provide my clients with an increased choice of top quality wedding bands I have now started stocking the Infinity brand. The range comes in yellow, white and rose gold, a combination of different golds and platinum. All are beautifully crafted and complement my own bespoke hand made wedding rings for men and women.
The McGrath Foundation
I was recently approached by the McGrath Foundation to donate a piece of jewellery to be auctioned at their 2009 Gala Dinner attended by over 800 people at the Horden Pavilion on Friday 4th December. Despite the relatively short lead time I felt it important to offer my support so we made and donated a pendant featuring an oval cabochon (rounded) cut pink tourmaline, surrounded by white diamonds and set in 18ct white gold with an 18ct pink gold stylised bow, which you can see on this page. For further information on this charity, which supports women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and their families, log on to www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au
Christmas & New Year Holidays
As I mentioned earlier we will be open up to 6pm on Christmas Eve, Thursday 24th December. The studio will then re-open for business at 9.30 on Tuesday 29th December. We will also be closed on New Years Day, Friday 1st January.
Finally, on behalf of Colin, Emma, Kia, Shirley and myself, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Kind Regards,
Bill Hicks
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