How Nicki Found Her Way to Gillian’s Jewellery

Nicki first found Gillian’s Jewellery through a combination of Google and social media. Like many of our clients, she took the time to explore our reviews and stories on the website. That tells me she was looking for more than a jewellery shop—she was searching for a trusted jeweller she could feel comfortable with.

From the moment she walked in, I could sense she was cautious but curious. She held a ring she’d bought around 20 years ago during a trip to the United States. It was a large single stone – man made diamond – in a claw setting. The setting was too high, making it impractical and uncomfortable.

The Design Idea That Sparked the Visit

Nicki showed me a photo she found online that had sparked her interest in remodelling the ring. The design was elegant and modern—a design that would enable her to wear it regularly. She asked if something like that could be done using her existing stone. That’s when I took a closer look at the ring.

The stone was large, and at first glance, quite impressive. But when I examined it under magnification, I noticed fine scratches on its surface. That was unusual. Diamonds are the hardest known gemstone. They can chip, but scratching? That usually points to something else.

A Closer Look, and Some Honest Questions

I asked Nicki again if she recalled exactly the description of the stone. She knew it wasn’t a natural diamond, but given the time that had passed, couldn’t remember what it was.

I didn’t want to jump to conclusions so I used our diamond tester, which can even distinguish between natural and lab-grown diamonds. To my surprise, the result came back indicating it was indeed a diamond. But my instincts, shaped over years of handling gemstones, told me otherwise. And we were both curious about exactly what type of stone it was!

Honesty Over Certainty

At that point, I decided to be completely upfront. I shared my doubts with Nicki and explained that, despite what the machine said, I couldn’t confidently say it was a diamond. I also added that perhaps there had been some technique 20 years ago that allowed the creation of stones resembling diamonds—ones that never became widely used.

To get a definitive answer, I suggested we involve our professional valuer. They specialise in examining gemstones daily and would be able to provide a final, trusted assessment.

Moving Forward Without Pressure

While we waited for the valuer’s report, I offered to start designing the ring based on Nicki’s idea. I made it clear she wasn’t committing to anything yet—this was just to save some time and give her something to consider once she had all the information.

The decision to proceed was always hers. I simply provided the options.

Nicki appreciated that. She told me it made the process easier and that I wasn’t pushing her into anything. She valued the communication and transparency throughout our conversation. To her, it felt like the intent was always about helping her make the right decision for herself, not making a sale.

The Final Reveal

When the valuer’s report came back, it confirmed that the stone wasn’t a natural diamond.

Nicki was grateful for the effort we had gone to and reassured with our assessment. She said, “It’s not about what it’s worth, it’s about what it means to me.”

The ring had sentimental value. It was bought during a special time in her life. That memory was priceless.

To my surprise, Nicki decided to go ahead with the remodelling.

A Relationship Built on Communication

We chatted casually for a while longer after everything was settled. The pressure was off, the decisions were hers, and the atmosphere was relaxed. It was one of those moments where you realise that trust doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from honesty.

Nicki appreciated the time I took to explain everything clearly. She valued the patience and the fact that I was open about finding out the truth for her, rather than pretending to have all the answers. That, to her, confirmed that Gillian’s Jewellery is a trusted jeweller.

It was a reminder to me as well. As jewellers, we come across a wide variety of products and materials. It’s impossible to be 100% sure about every single one with merely a simple examination.  However, as an experienced jeweller, we could often tell by little details if something does look suspicious.  This is when we would suggest to have multiple steps of examination to ensure our customers know what material they have on hand before making important decisions.  Especially when dealing with pieces that come from all corners of the world. But what matters most is transparent, respectful communication.

Why This Story Matters

Nicki’s story isn’t just about one ring. It’s about what happens when customers are treated as people first. It’s about building customer relationships that are based on respect, not just transactions.

When people walk into Gillian’s Jewellery, I want them to feel safe asking questions, sharing stories, and making decisions at their own pace. Whether or not they go ahead with a design or repair, they should leave with clarity, confidence, and a smile.

Because in the end, that’s what matters most.

Let’s Talk About Your Jewellery—No Pressure, Just Honest Advice

Whether you’ve got a piece you’re curious about, a ring that needs redesigning, or just a story you’d like to share—come in for a chat. At Gillian’s Jewellery, we’re not here to sell you something. We’re here to help you make informed decisions about the pieces that matter to you.

We’ll give you time, space, and our honest thoughts. The rest is up to you.