New colour gemstone initiative launching in Adelaide

At the upcoming Australian Jewellery Fair in Adelaide, an example of innovation and ingenuity will be on display from a local industry supplier.

In the lead-up to the fair, colour gemstone specialists O’Neil’s are busy putting the finishing touches on OCIRT, a new identification and provenance initiative.

Each OCIRT card accompanies an individual gemstone, permanently recording its specifications, test results, and stated origin in solid brass, which is engraved to endure as long as the gemstone itself. The weight and finish of the design are intentional, as it represents a lasting record of the provenance of a colour gemstone.

“We’re aiming to give jewellers and their customers long-lasting assurance and confidence about the colour of gemstone jewellery they purchase."
Brendan McCreesh, O'Neil's Affiliated

Designed as a premium alternative to the more common paper or plastic certificates, the cards are intended to reduce consumer concern about colour gemstone jewellery shopping while also adding a sense of prestige and luxury to the purchasing experience. O’Neil’s owner, Brendan McCreesh, said the cards are a physical assurance that what has been represented is documented with care and accountability.

“I’ve been working on this concept for two years, and we’ve experimented with many different prototypes, trying to find the right design for this project,” he told Jeweller.

“We’re aiming to give jewellers and their customers long-lasting assurance and confidence about the colour of gemstone jewellery they purchase.

“The reaction we’ve had, talking to retailers about this concept, has really been astounding. Everyone we’ve spoken to has said that it sounds like a great opportunity, and that consumers will be very excited.”

McCreesh said OCIRT cards are intended to complement higher-value O’Neil’s colour gemstones, with the exact value threshold kept flexible.

“Along with the card itself is a QR code that will provide images and videos of the gemstone, along with any other relevant documentation as far as provenance and testing are concerned,” he explained.

“It’s everything you could possibly need to know about a gemstone in one place.”

The Australian Jewellery Fair is scheduled for April 19-20 at the Adelaide Convention Centre.