Look Book No.1

Daruda Trading Co. A celebration of nature's imperfections, and human ingenuity. A collaboration between billions of years of earth's raw creativity, and mankinds passion to engineer those same complex elements. We explore the beauty in earth mined gems, man made gems, and an overview of our setting techniques.

$Stones forged by our hand Man made gemstones share the same elements of earth mined gems yet command a fraction of the price. This opens an opportunity to offer exceptional pieces of jewellery at a cost more suitable for our varying clientele. Being molecularly identical allows man-made alexandrite to change colour under varying light just as the natural gemstone. Transforming from soft indigo blue into vivid purple, these gems' structural complexity matches their depth in unwavering beauty. Pictured; Top: Man made Alexandrite set on a twisted band in sterling silver, Man made Alexandrite set into our five prong necklace setting. Bottom: Man made Alexandrite set into our five prong necklace setting.$

Perfectly imperfect We select natural gemstones based on their unique qualities. Inclusions, colour striations, and dendritic formations to name a few. Formed over billions of years deep within the earth, during formation impurities become mixed within the carbon, corondom, beryl, or quartz substrate of the gemstone. These impurities create a range of unique markings throughout the stone. We firmly believe these stones are beautiful from their imperfections, not one gemstone is completely identical. They are perfectly imperfect. Pictured; Above: Monocle set Purple Sapphire in 14ky gold. Below: Monocle set Purple Amethyst in 14ky gold.

Hidden gems Our classic open bezel setting also known as a “monocle setting” complements the gem with rich 14 karat gold, highlighting as much of the gemstone as possible in a minimal, aesthetically pleasing design. Minimal only in design Despite the simplicity in design, monocle settings require exceptional attention to detail and care in order to fabricate. Bezels must be measured to precisely fit its specific gemstone. With only a few millimeters of forgiveness, once the gold band is just right we solder, quality checked, polish the inner edge, and finally prepare the piece to be set. Pictured; Above: Natural Aquamarine set in 14ky gold. Below: Rhodolite Garnet set in 14ky gold.

Basket settings Basket settings, or “collet” settings are an ever classic. Gemstones sit snug on a semi open style backing held in place by firmly set claws. This setting allows light to pass through the gemstone while also providing us options to design the piece as either a ring, pendant, or earring. These basket settings are originally made in house, after which have been moulded and cast as solid pieces. Pictured; Above: Man-made Alexandrite in a five claw basket setting mounted on a silver ring. Below: Man-made Ruby in a four claw basket setting pendant.