We use antique (or ‘Old Cut’) diamonds throughout our collections. Not only because we love the history that these stones carry, but because we adore their gentle sparkle and unique character. Our antique diamonds are ‘rescued’ from historical jewels by our suppliers who are based in London, Antwerp and Italy. There is no way of knowing their exact provenance, but identifiable markers in their shape and facets point to the timeframe in which they were cut. They pre-date the commercial certification categories of the 4C’s, and were rather valued for their unique beauty.

Before the mass production of stones cut to precise specifications, diamonds were all cut individually by hand, making each one completely unique. Cut to show-off their beauty under candlelight, they emit a delicate and understated sparkle. Our diamonds date back to the Georgian and Victorian eras; each carrying a unique history, while showcasing the diamond cutter’s skill and craftsmanship. They are the perfect choice for those who appreciate craft and heritage.

A raw, or rough, diamond is the precious mineral in its most natural state - uncut, in its pure form as created by the environmental forces of nature. By leaving the stone uncut, we are leaving it as a true expression of itself. These pure, untouched treasures of nature are our first source of inspiration and inspired Ruth's first expressions in fine jewellery when she started developing the Lustre Collection at the beginning of her career. Perfect for those seeking an understated jewel.

Several years ago, Ruth dreamed up a design for a ring with a very unique diamond: she wanted to retain the integrity of the stone's natural form, combined with the skillful artistry of the dying craft of cutting diamonds by hand. She worked with master diamond cutters in Antwerp to create a unique cut that imparts the natural shape of the diamond in its raw state, while adding facets that compliment it and add sparkle.

Each RT Hand Cut Diamond is unique and we use them in one-of-a-kind designs that showcase their individual beauty. They are individually cut from our selection of raw diamonds.

Our approach to coloured stones is discerning. We lean to a  colour palette that resonates best with our organic designs whereby consistency can be challenging, given that colour is a result of trace elements present during the formation of the stones. This completely natural and unpredictable process is, for us, a celebration of the wonder of nature, and we seek out stones that stand out for their uniqueness.

For our diamonds we favour a tonal palette on the spectrum of yellow through to brown, and pale to deep grey. For sapphires we generally opt for colours that give a sense of being viewed under water – pale, gentle tones in a palette of blues, greens, greys, and pinks. Our rubies tend toward pinkish red, and our aquamarines are pale and clear.