Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Ammolite Collection at 18Karat


Last year we wrote about a sweet gemstone haul we purchased from a local gemstone dealer - you can read about it here.

Some of my favorite pieces to come out of that purchase was an assortment of bright and sparkling ammolites - fossilized shells found almost exclusively in Canada. Many of those stones have been set (although we are setting some aside for some exciting future custom pieces, *hint *hint) and are now available for purchase.

An oval-shaped ammolite cabochon is set in a minimalist 14k white gold setting. Due to the iridescent properties of this amazing gemstone, it is impossible to capture how dynamic this jewellery really is!

Featuring golden-orange-red sparkling tones, this oval cabochon is also set in a 14k white gold setting.


This necklace is inarguably a one-of-a-kind super dazzler - featuring an ammolite with a spectrum of colour play that totals almost 50.00 cts and is set in a handmade sterling silver setting.


For more information on this beautiful ammolite collection, visit www.18karat.ca.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

It's that time of year - LOVE LETTERS


For the third year, 18Karat is again running our LOVE LETTERS CONTEST!
Send us your love letters and love poems telling us why your sweetheart deserves a diamond and.... they might just get one!
We are giving away a loose Canadian Diamond valued at over $400 to the best entry - contest ends February 13th!

To submit your letter - click here.

Check out some of our best past entries by clicking here.


Thursday, February 2, 2012

Golden Glow - a new collection by Kathryn Rebecca


We are thrilled to present the latest collection by local artist Kathryn Rebecca - The Golden Glow Collection.

We are also pleased to announce that throughout the month of February, the entire Golden Glow Collection is 25% off - only at 18Karat!

Inspired by the song 'Build Me Up Buttercup' this collection is a sweet reminder that we all need someone to, build us up.

The collection includes:

Sterling Silver Golden Glow Studs (available in both small and large sizes)
Originally : $60 - $100
Now On Sale : $45 - $75
Sterling Silver and Gold-Plated Golden Glow Studs (available in both small and large sizes)
Originally : $70 - $110
Now On Sale : $52.50 - $82.50
Sterling Silver and Gold-Plated Golden Glow Necklace with Yellow Sapphire and Pearl Accents
Originally : $140
Now On Sale : $105

Sterling Silver and Gold-Filled Golden Glow Necklace with Citrine and Pearl Accents
Originally : $160
Now On Sale : $120

Sterling Silver and Gold-Plated Golden Glow Necklace with Yellow Sapphire and Pearl Accents
Originally : $220
Now On Sale : $165

This Valentine's Day, why not give locally made and handcrafted jewellery!?

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Love Letters - A Valentine's Day Giveaway


Every year we race to and then through the holiday season, only to be confronted with yet another cause célèbre - Valentine's Day, the day we all love to hate.

Yes it is contrived, superficial, and corporately sponsored. Yes it is filled with garish colours and textures; frills and bows and velvets. Valentine's day, some could argue, is a box of chocolates filled with questionable and indistinguishable cream fillings.

But it is also the day that forces us to pause and to think about those people most treasured in our lives, those people who keep us happy and for the most part sane. It is a day above all others to remember those we sometimes take for granted.
And while we may all cringe at the mention of the notorious V-day, it is for that reason that we all dive into Valentine's Day head first.

So when was the last time you wrote a love letter to the apple of your eye? A little note, poem, or sentence that says all those things we are often to busy to mention as often as we should. If making your love swoon isn't enough of an incentive, perhaps we can sweeten the pink and red pot.

From today until midnight February 11th, send us your love letters telling us why your loved one deserves a diamond, and they just might get one. The winning entry will be announced February 13th, 2012.

Submit letters to www.18karat.ca/loveletters.html

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Weekend Workshops - NOW at 18Karat

Over the last couple of years I think we have all come to notice the rise in interest in crafting of all kinds - be it knitting, pottery and winemaking. People want to use their hands to create the things they love.

Whether this is a way for us to push against our technology obsessed culture or a desire to reach back to a time when all things where crafted by hand by local artisans, more and more people want to take the time to learn how to do things themselves.

Well jewellery lovers, we have just the thing for you - weekend jewellery workshops.

Over the course of a single Saturday you will learn how to cut, saw, solder, print, and polish your very own sterling silver pendant, earring, band, or all three!

Classes are small, with a maximum of 5 people, and are run by our Master Goldsmith Dino Giannetti - a goldsmith who at one time (many moons ago) apprenticed in some of the most renowned Italian workshops. He has since been creating fine jewellery in our downtown shop for over 40 years.

What better way to learn!?

Classes begin January 21st, from 11 - 4pm.
Cost: $150 + HST and include all tools and materials necessary.

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From now until February 6th 18Karat is GIVING AWAY 2 places in an upcoming workshop.
Visit our Facebook page to enter!