Ring Bandits is thrilled to announce our partnership with Larose Diamonds.

If you are located in Europe, Ring Bandits are now available to be shipped throughout Europe by LaroseDiamonds.com! Marie is an extremely creative individual who is passionate for creating and protecting beautiful jewelry for all and we are beyond excited for this introduction. Read on to meet Maire and receive valuable information on how to care for your precious jewelry. 

Who are you & how did you get into the jewelry business? 

Hello, I am Marie-Pier Larose and I am the founder of Larose Diamond. Jewellery has always been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. I was captivated by the beauty and allure of gemstones, and anything that would shine really! After completing my business studies in Montreal, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the jewellery industry. I took a leap of faith and moved to New York City to receive formal education about diamonds & coloured stone grading from the renowned Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Becoming a graduate gemologist from GIA opened doors for me, where I had the opportunity to work at prestigious institutions such as Maison Birks and Christie’s Paris. Eventually my journey led me to Antwerp, where I worked for one of the largest wholesale diamond companies. These experiences shaped my knowledge, expertise and deepened my love for jewellery. As a result, I embarked on the journey of starting up my own jewellery business, Larose Diamonds, in 2020.

What do you love about it? 

There are so many things I love about jewellery! The artistry, craftsmanship that goes into creating each piece. The intricate details and the way gemstones interact with light fascinates me. Jewellery has the power to evoke emotions, tell stories, and express someone’s style and personality. It’s a form of wearable art meant to make a statement or hold sentimental value. I love the fact that it can be passed down through generations, becoming heirlooms that carry precious memories. The combination of aesthetic beauty, lasting value, and personal significance is what makes jewellery so special to me. 

Who is your ideal customer? Why? 

My ideal customer is someone who seeks a personalised and trustworthy buying experience, who wants to learn and be actively part of the process. I cater to customers who desire to create unique designs, valuing my expertise and guidance in selecting the perfect diamonds and gemstones, always keeping in mind their style and preferences. 

I believe in transparency and ensuring that my customers receive the actual value for their investment. I work closely with a curated network of diamond suppliers and goldsmiths, allowing me to offer exceptional quality. Trust and customer satisfaction are paramount to me, and I strive to make each moment special. 

When/what situations/activities do you suggest a ring be taken off?

While jewellery is designed to be durable, there are certain situations and activities where I would advise to remove your rings to ensure their longevity. Activities such as heavy lifting, exercising, sports, gardening, or any tasks that involve chemicals can subject your rings to excessive wear, potential damage and can alter their appearance. 

I would also recommend removing your jewellery when applying lotions or any beauty products to avoid buildup and maintain the lustre of the precious metal and gemstones. Taking off your jewellery before going to bed, showering or swimming can prevent accidental damage or loss. 

What chemical is most dangerous for a diamond? Silver? Gold? 

Diamonds are remarkably durable and resistant, making them perfectly suitable for everyday wear. On the other hand, both silver and gold  are very malleable, making it easy to shape and work with. However, it is important to know that chlorine, commonly found in household cleaning products, swimming pools, hot tubs, can damage the lustre of your silver or gold jewellery. Always exercise caution and avoid unnecessary exposure. Should that happen, make sure to immediately rinse your jewellery. 

How often should I clean my rings? What cleaning solution do you recommend? 

Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the brilliance and sparkle of your rings. I recommend cleaning them every two to three months, or more frequently if they are exposed to everyday elements such as dirt, oils and lotions. A simple and effective solution can be made at home, using clean water, a mild dish soap and a soft brush. For more intricate designs or delicate gemstones, it is best to consult with a professional jeweller who can recommend appropriate cleaning methods tailored to your specific jewellery.

How often should I be taking my ring in to get checked? 

It is recommended to have your rings checked every year or two. During this check, we can assess the condition of your rings, including the prongs, settings, and any potential signs of wear. These check-ups ensure that your rings remain secure and prevent potential loss of gemstones or damage. 

Why buy fine jewelry?

Fine jewellery offers a multitude of reasons to invest in its timeless beauty and lasting value. By selecting high-quality pieces, fine jewellery holds inherent value, with its gemstones and precious metals. It can be cherished for a lifetime and passed down through generations as treasured heirlooms. I see fine jewellery as wearable art that becomes an extension of your personal story and enhances your individuality. 

What’s the process like when purchasing from you? How long does it take? Is it affordable? 

I pride myself on providing a personalised and transparent purchasing experience. When you choose to work with me on a bespoke project, we embark on a collaborative journey to create your ideal design and select the best gemstones to compliment it. 

For bespoke jewellery, we start with an initial video call consultation to understand your vision, style, budget and timeline. We will then brainstorm and prepare a moodboard. Once I understand your requirements, I will prepare a few design options so that we can slowly narrow down the design until it is just right. Once the design is clear, I will start sourcing the gemstones through my curated network of suppliers here in Antwerp, diamond capital of the world. I will create a selection which I will present for you to choose. Once the selection is made, all the requirements are listed and given to the finest goldsmiths who wil craft your unique piece. Throughout the process, I provide regular updates, allowing you to witness each step of the creation of your jewellery. 

The timeframe for each project may vary, but on average I would count two to three months. 

Finally, I try to create jewellery designs that will optimise the value you get for your budget. Prices depend a lot on complexity of the design and selected gemstones. For example, a bespoke engagement ring project can start as little as $2.000 US dollars.

How is jewelry a good investment? 

Fine jewellery can be seen as an investment. Unlike many other investments that may depreciate or become obsolete, gold and natural gemstones have been used as currency for thousands of years. Fine jewellery can be passed down through generations, carrying both sentimental and monetary value. It serves as a tangible and portable asset that can be enjoyed and admired while also preserving its inherent worth.  

Larose Diamond has curated a selection of timeless ready-to-wear diamond jewellery and accessories that every jewellery lover should have. For more info, check out Marie's website and follow her instagram account!