The Journal | ADEL Jewellery NZ

The Hardest Part About Building ADEL Was Learning to Say No
When people ask how long it took to build ADEL, I usually smile and say, "Longer than I expected." What most people don't see is that building a jewellery brand isn't really about choosing beautiful pieces. It's about rejecting them. Over and over again. When I first started looking for suppliers, I assumed the difficult part would be choosing between hundreds of beautiful designs. Instead, I found myself asking a completely different question. "Would I actually be happy if this arrived on my own doorstep?" Sometimes the answer was yes.... Read more...
PVD Plating Explained | Why Some Gold Jewellery Lasts Longer
If you've been shopping for jewellery recently, you've probably seen the phrase PVD plated everywhere. It's a trendy buzzterm, much as "waterproof" and "tarnish free". But those terms are for a post another day... It's become one of those terms that sounds reassuring ... almost like a quality guarantee. But here's the truth. Not all PVD plated jewellery is created equally. Shock horror! Two necklaces can both be described as PVD plated, yet one may stay beautiful for years while another begins wearing away surprisingly quickly. Understanding why comes down... Read more...
Why I Started ADEL | The Story Behind Our New Zealand Jewellery Brand
It Started Long Before ADEL Existed It all starts somewhere, somewhere deep in our childhood maybe… that love of trying things on, experimenting with styles, colours, shapes. A gift from a loved one, a treasured grandparent. It’s a beginning. For me, I still have some jewellery my Great Aunt gave me at age 9, the ring my Nana gave me at age 11 which I bent furiously to try and fit my small fingers, and the engagement ring passed down from my other Nana at age 15, which I still... Read more...
18ct Gold Plated vs 14ct Gold Plated: What's the Difference?
When shopping for jewellery, you've probably noticed pieces described as either 14ct gold plated or 18ct gold plated. While it might seem that one is automatically "better" than the other, the reality is a little more nuanced. The biggest difference isn't quality...it's colour. What Does 14ct or 18ct Mean? The "carat" refers to the purity of the gold used in the plating. 14ct gold contains approximately 58.5% pure gold. 18ct gold contains approximately 75% pure gold. Because 18ct contains a higher percentage of pure gold, it naturally has a richer, warmer... Read more...
Gold Plated Sterling Silver vs Stainless Steel: What's the Difference? | ADEL Jewellery NZ
If you've spent time researching jewellery, you've likely come across both gold plated sterling silver and stainless steel. Both materials are widely used in modern jewellery collections, but they offer different benefits depending on what you're looking for. Understanding the differences can help you choose pieces that suit your lifestyle, preferences, and everyday wear habits. What is Gold Plated Sterling Silver? Gold plated sterling silver begins with a base of sterling silver, which contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy metals for strength. A layer of gold is then applied... Read more...
Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia: What's the Difference? | ADEL Jewellery NZ
If you've been researching jewellery, you've likely come across both moissanite and cubic zirconia. At first glance, they can appear quite similar — both are colourless stones that offer sparkle without the price tag of a diamond. However, while they may look alike initially, moissanite and cubic zirconia are very different gemstones when it comes to durability, brilliance, and long-term wear. If you're deciding between the two, here's what you need to know. What is Cubic Zirconia? Cubic zirconia (often abbreviated to CZ) is a lab-created gemstone developed as an... Read more...
Moissanite vs Diamond: What's the Difference? | ADEL Jewellery NZ
If you've been researching jewellery recently, you've probably come across moissanite. At first glance, moissanite and diamonds can look remarkably similar, but there are some important differences worth understanding before making a decision. The good news? Neither is necessarily "better" than the other. The right choice comes down to your priorities, budget, and what matters most to you. What is a Diamond? Diamonds are formed naturally over millions of years beneath the Earth's surface and are prized for their durability, rarity, and history. Diamonds are graded according to the well-known... Read more...