Issue No.21 - Polo De’Marco Magazine Issue No.21 - International Edition | Page 72

Q1. Neil Duttson, you are the Co-Founder of
Duttson Rocks, a well known London-based
jeweller. When did you and Spencer start Eden
Rocks?
ND: We started in Freeport, a no man’s land for
diamonds. No one is allowed in the room. We were
discussing diamonds for Spencer’s engagement ring
about 18 to 19 months ago and we decided to form
this company since we got on so well. We had known
each other for a while already and we looked at a
lot of diamonds over that 2-3 month period, so we
thought, ‘Why don’t we start working together?’ and
go into doing business together. So, with Spencer’s
contacts and my expertise, it has worked out very
well.
Q2. You both love semi-precious and precious
stones. Can you both tell me which stones and/
or cuts you love and why they are so important
to you?
ND: My birth stone is diamond because I was born
in April, so I love diamonds. The square emerald cut
which my lovely wife wears is called an Asscher cut,
which I call the “square emerald cut”. It comes from
the 1920’s, early 30’s, and is very chic.
SM: I grew up in Paris when I was kid and we would
walk past these stalls full of gold and semi-precious
stones. I was always attracted to aquamarine. I don’t
know why. Probably because it is a beautiful colour.
Obviously, I like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires,
although I don’t wear them myself. I have also always
enjoyed tanzanite. I find tanzanite to be the most
beautiful stone. It is a thousand times rarer than
a diamond and is far more affordably priced. It’s
found in remote places in Tanzania where I spent
time building schools for the Michael Matthews
Foundation. I find tanzanite to be more beautiful
than a sapphire. Tanzanite is often mistaken for a
sapphire with its rich purple nature. So, with Neil’s
stones and my stones, Eden Rocks is a winner.
‘fire’ which is the brilliance or ‘bling’ factor.
Therefore, the actual colour and clarity aren’t really
needed so much by you for the budget. For example,
someone can have budget of 3,000 £ or 30,000 £. The
size of the stone might be exactly the same, but the
colour and clarity will be different. I’m big believer of
compromising on clarity.
SM: I honestly find that each stone has its own
character. It helps to really see a stone before you
buy it. I’ve often found that the clearer the stone is,
the better the stone will be reflected in the price.
Stones can sometimes have a strong character, at
least at times. For the normal person who is looking
to buy something special for their other half, most
stones are unaffordable for them, so you find there
is a lot to be said for lesser quality stones nowadays.
I personally find that you get beautiful or slightly
yellowish colours from marginally less quality stones,
which I find attractive.
ND: It’s like champagne diamonds which are much
cheaper, but pretty and affordable. You know, if
you set a champagne diamond in rose gold people
will see a white diamond rather that a champagne
diamond.
Q3. According to you both, “Diamonds are a
girl’s best friend.” In your opinion, what are the
specific qualities of a diamond that customers
SM: You must not think that my diamond is worse
should be looking for?
ND: Basically, the quality of the diamond itself - the
cut, the polish, and the symmetry of the stone. These
characteristics are really important for the diamond’s
than yours. A diamond is a diamond! They have been
marked for so many years, and in so many ways. You
are led to believe a diamond ring is a diamond ring.
You should pick whatever suits you.