Journal

Here at illi, we’re celebrating September, because the birthstone for the month of September is stunning sapphire. And as we think our lab-grown sapphire jewellery is the perfect gift for a September birthday (or someone who just loves sapphires), we thought we’d answer some commonly asked questions about it. Lab-grown sapphires are chemically and physically identical to sapphires that are mined from the ground.

Let’s talk about conflict-free diamonds. Whether it's a family heirloom, a piece that memorises a special event or just a beloved accessory, diamond jewellery is something to treasure.

But how would you feel if you discovered your jewellery had helped fund brutal conflicts? Its beauty, marred by war and bloodshed.

Whether it’s a week by the beach or a month-long adventure to far-off lands, a change of scenery is always welcome. 

A love of travel and exploring the world around us inspired our founders to create illi, with each of our sustainably made pieces named for a place that is close to their hearts. 

Few things are tougher than a diamond. Practically indestructible, they can cut through other stones and metals. And a diamond can only be cut using another diamond. Pretty impressive. But that doesn’t mean diamonds are invincible. Even the most brilliant diamonds can, over time, lose their sparkle. The key to keeping your diamond jewellery looking as good as the day you first wore it is proper care and cleaning.

From food to fashion and everything in between. Shopping online is quick, convenient and the choice is, quite simply, staggering. 

But, without seeing something “IRL” (in real life) how do you know it’s good quality or true to its online description? And, with more people concerned with shopping sustainably and more brands claiming to be sustainable, how do you know which sites are legitimate? Are they truly ethical? Or are they just ‘greenwashing’?

Artist Mary Engelbreit once said:

“Don’t ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is the special occasion”. 

Gone are the days of saving your best jewellery for a ‘special occasion’. Life is short. It’s time to make the most of every day. No more waiting for the right moment to wear something that makes you smile.

Find gifts for everyone on your Christmas shopping list, with our curated selection of fine jewellery gift ideas. Shop our sustainable fine jewellery collection.

We all have someone who’s hard to buy for. It’s the same story every year. If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect present, we’re here to help out, with gift ideas for even the most difficult to buy for friend or relative. Prepare to be inspired...

The sprouts are on the shelves, the annual competition for the best ad has begun and Mariah is streaming through shopping centre sound systems. We think it’s finally safe to start talking about...Christmas. Christmas presents to be precise. If you’re through with giving gifts that end up shoved in the back of the wardrobe, this post is for you. Let’s shift the focus this year onto supporting independent brands who care about sustainability...

Searching for the perfect set of hoops to complete your look? Take at glance at our selection of sustainable hoop earrings. From wardrobe staples to night out sensations, we’ve got the pair for you.

Featuring an array of lab-grown diamonds set in solid recycled 14k gold in an elegant curl shape, these earrings are named after Lake Como in Italy, which is synonymous with luxury, glitz and charm.

The air’s a little cooler and the leaves are turning red. Autumn (or ‘fall’ if you’re in the U.S) is finally here, which means Libra season is upon us. 

Libras are born between 23rd September and 22nd October. They’re social butterflies who desire connection, beauty and fairness. Some of our favourite celebrity Libras include Serena Williams, Brie Larson and Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez.

A big part of our ethos is designing beautiful, sustainable fine jewellery that can be worn - not just on special occasions - but every day. We make certain that each piece in our range is of the highest quality, able to withstand daily wear, while retaining its beauty. All of our pieces can be effortlessly dressed up or down. From an afternoon coffee date to a fancy dinner. Or the office to the dancefloor. Or simply worn around the house, complete with slippers and a mug of tea in hand.

A question we hear a lot is - why are lab-grown diamonds cheaper than mined diamonds? And given that we’re all about transparency and helping educate our customers about sustainable diamonds, we’re going to get into it here and now. It’s true. Lab-grown diamonds (and other lab-grown gemstones) are less expensive than their mined counterparts. In fact, a lab-grown diamond costs around 30-40% less than a mined diamond...