Ben Moss Jewellers, a Canadian jewellery chain with a history stretching back to 1910, has consistently offered a diverse selection of gemstone rings, particularly within the estate and vintage jewellery market. While not exclusively focused on birthstones, the available records showcase a notable offering of rings featuring gemstones associated with various months, alongside a strong emphasis on Canadian diamonds. This article will explore the range of gemstones featured in Ben Moss rings as documented in available sales records, focusing on their characteristics and the context of their availability through this Canadian jeweller.
A History Rooted in Canadian Craftsmanship
Ben Moss Jewellers has established itself as one of the few remaining purely Canadian jewellery chains. The company’s longevity and continued presence, even after facing challenges and subsequent resurrection by Charm Diamond Centers, demonstrate a commitment to the Canadian market. The available records highlight a focus on Canadian diamonds, often certified and laser-inscribed to verify their origin. This emphasis on provenance is a recurring theme, suggesting a brand identity tied to ethical sourcing and supporting the Canadian diamond industry. The company’s history, spanning over a century, positions it as a significant player in the Canadian jewellery landscape, offering both traditional and contemporary designs.
Diamonds: The Cornerstone of Ben Moss Rings
Diamonds are, unsurprisingly, the most frequently featured gemstone in the documented Ben Moss ring collection. These range from classic solitaire engagement rings to more elaborate designs incorporating channel settings, swirling bezels, and halo arrangements. The diamonds themselves vary in carat weight, clarity, and colour, catering to a range of budgets and preferences.
One example showcases a 0.57-carat Canadian princess-cut diamond, SI2-I quality (H colour), set in a 14-karat white gold bar setting. Another features a 0.30-carat round brilliant cut diamond in a channel setting, accompanied by 0.425 carats of smaller diamonds. A more substantial piece includes a 0.51-carat centre diamond surrounded by 16 graduated round brilliants, totaling 0.91 carats in the engagement and wedding ring set.
The consistent inclusion of Canadian diamonds underscores a commitment to supporting the local industry. The documentation often includes certificates and valuation reports, providing customers with assurance regarding the diamond’s quality and value. The range of cuts, from princess to round brilliant, demonstrates a willingness to offer diverse styles to appeal to a broad customer base.
Beyond Diamonds: A Palette of Gemstone Choices
While diamonds dominate, Ben Moss also offered rings featuring other gemstones, albeit less frequently documented in the available records. These include:
Opal: The October Birthstone
A striking 18-karat yellow gold ring featuring a 0.90-carat opal cabochon stands out as a particularly noteworthy example. The opal’s play-of-colour, shifting between greenish-blue, yellow, and orangish-pink, is highlighted by the surrounding arrangement of baguette and round brilliant cut diamonds. This ring is specifically identified as a potential birthstone option for those born in October. The description emphasizes the uniqueness of each opal, noting that no two are alike.
Tourmaline: Another October Option
Tourmaline, also recognized as an October birthstone, is represented by a ring featuring a 1.90-carat oval faceted tourmaline of intense, slightly purplish pink hue. This gem is accented by a halo of round single-cut diamonds. A matching pair of earrings, featuring softer pink tourmalines totaling 2.26 carats, were also available. The documentation highlights the broad range of colours available within the tourmaline family, with pink tones being particularly sought after.
Tanzanite: A Violet Accent
A unique ring combines the cool purple of tanzanite with the warmth of yellow diamonds. The ring features a 0.80-carat oval tanzanite, contrasted by yellow and white diamonds set in 18-karat yellow gold vermeil. The design incorporates intricate bead setting and milgrain detailing, showcasing the craftsmanship involved in its creation.
Ring Styles and Design Elements
The documented Ben Moss rings showcase a variety of styles and design elements. Traditional designs, such as channel settings and prong settings, are common, alongside more contemporary approaches like swirling bezels and asymmetrical arrangements. The use of contrasting metals, such as yellow gold and white gold, is also prevalent, creating visual interest and highlighting the gemstones.
Anniversary rings, like a piece containing 22 round brilliant cut diamonds, are also featured, offering a classic and versatile option. The emphasis on comfort and wearability is evident in details like decorative wire lattices on the ring shanks. The availability of rings from different eras, including a retro design from the 1980s, demonstrates a commitment to offering a diverse selection to cater to different tastes.
Gemstone Properties and Care (Based on Featured Gems)
While detailed gemological data is limited within the provided records, some inferences can be made regarding the properties and care of the featured gemstones:
| Gemstone | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Care Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond | 10 | Durable; clean with soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals. |
| Opal | 5.5-6.5 | Relatively soft; avoid impacts and harsh chemicals. Clean with a soft cloth. |
| Tourmaline | 7-7.5 | Good durability; clean with soap and water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners. |
| Tanzanite | 6-7 | Moderate durability; avoid sudden temperature changes and harsh chemicals. Clean with a soft cloth. |
These recommendations are general guidelines and should be supplemented with specific advice from a professional gemologist.
Market Value and Estate Pricing
The available records provide insight into the pricing of these rings as estate pieces. The prices vary significantly depending on the gemstone, carat weight, clarity, colour, and metal type. The documentation often compares the estate price to the original retail price or a manufacturer’s suggested replacement value, highlighting the potential savings offered by purchasing pre-owned jewellery. For example, a diamond engagement and wedding ring set originally valued at $3,109.38 CAD was offered for $1,890.00 CAD as a pre-owned piece. Similarly, an opal and diamond ring with a manufacturer’s suggested replacement value was priced at $840.00 CAD.
Conclusion
The available records from Ben Moss Jewellers demonstrate a consistent offering of gemstone rings, with a strong emphasis on diamonds, particularly Canadian diamonds. While diamonds form the cornerstone of their collection, the inclusion of other gemstones like opal, tourmaline, and tanzanite showcases a willingness to cater to diverse preferences and birthstone requirements. The company’s long history and commitment to Canadian craftsmanship position it as a significant player in the Canadian jewellery market, offering both traditional and contemporary designs at competitive prices, especially within the estate jewellery sector. The documentation highlights the importance of provenance, quality, and value, appealing to discerning customers seeking both beauty and ethical sourcing.