For the first time, Melbourne-based fine jewellery brand, CUSHLA WHITING, opened their private archive of sapphires, emeralds, and natural diamonds to select media and key industry figures. Hosted at the CATINELLA showroom in Woollahra, this captivating gemmological experience offered all attendees a rare chance to delve into the intricate processes involved in gemmology and fine jewellery making. Hosted by CUSHLA WHITING’s Creative Director, Cushla Whiting, and General Manager, Anna Whiting, this experience allowed the co-founders to impart their insider knowledge about the industry, all while communicating the pillars that underpin the brand’s core ethos, from architectural design motifs to responsible business practices.
Cushla and Anna also delved into the intricate process of diamond sourcing, and the role their brother, Hamish, plays in the business as the in-house gemologist. Currently working from the Antwerp Diamond Bourse, the centre of old-world diamond trading, Hamish has spent over a decade building a global network of trusted and ethically responsible suppliers, enabling him to curate CUSHLA WHITING’s archive with some of the rarest of gemstones.
Guests were treated to an exclusive viewing of these gemstones, including various coloured sapphires sourced from Sri Lanka, known for their vibrant hues, as well as a range of antique and modern diamonds. Among the highlights was a remarkable 1.25 carat Peruzzi cut antique diamond dating back to the 1600s, highlighting a bygone era of craftsmanship and old-world diamond cutting, and a rare 1.42 carat cut Muzo emerald from the famed Muzo Mine in Colombia. CUSHLA WHITING’s High Jewellery pieces were also showcased on the day and received praise amongst attendees, such as the Muzo Emerald Pendant and Earrings as well as the Maya Antique Diamond Ring, which featured a 2.66 carat antique Old Mine Cut diamond.
