Calleija – a New Boutique in London and a Real Treasure Trove of Pink Diamonds:

December 13, 2016

By Katerina Perez

3 min read

Not that long ago, a new boutique of the Australian jewellery brand Calleija, famous for its use of pink diamonds, opened in London. Calleija is one of the few ateliers that has been granted permission to work with the rarest of stones extracted from the Argyle mine in north western Australia.

Founder John Calleija first opened his boutique in Britain in 2008, a cosy little shop in the very centre of town in The Royal Arcade. It attracted the gaze of clients looking for something special, such as a ring with a pink or blue diamond, or a piece with Callija’s signature Glacier cut stone. Eight years have passed and John has seized the chance to move into a much bigger space: a building at No. 7, The Royal Arcade address, opposite of the original location. It’s an opportunity he simply couldn’t miss and so, only a few weeks ago, the doors to this new boutique were opened to the public.

Calleija

Calleija

At the opening night gala thrown to celebrate this event, British Royal Zara Phillips cut the pink ribbon with John Calleija. Thus, the official opening of the brand’s new four storey London home in a historic building and setting, was heralded. The showrooms and VIP salons with velvet-lined furniture, marble mantelpieces and silk on the walls occupy the first three floors. The top floor, meanwhile, is where the jewellery workshop can be found.

“Right now, we are the only Australian jeweller to have opened a boutique in London. We would not be where we are right now if we did not have an absolute passion for beautiful gems and jewellery. We search the world for these amazing gemstones to create extraordinary pieces and bespoke commissions with them,” said John Calleija during his inaugural speech, after which I decided to get better “acquainted” with the brand’s extraordinary creations.

Calleija

Calleija

The most valuable piece is the Queen of Diamonds ring, which includes a rare purplish-red oval cut diamond. The rough stone from which it was cut originates from the Argyle mine and was sold to Calleija as part of a 2007 Argyle Diamond Tender. The stone weighs 1.74 carats and is the second biggest red diamond to have ever been extracted from Argyle.

Another ring which is particularly worthy of mention is The Leading Lady, with its pear cut diamond, once owned by Sean Connery. The D colour internally flawless diamond weighs 5.18 carats. John Calleija concocted a symbolic entourage of 7 pink diamonds for the piece (hinting at Sean Connery’s role as James Bond, 007). The shank is encrusted with additional pink and blue Argyle diamonds. This ring and the company’s other work described above have turned out to be real finds for collectors.

These remarkable jewels aside, there are more accessible lines on display as well, including jewellery made in collaboration with Zara Phillips and a new collection  Kailis made with Australian pearls.

Calleija

Calleija

Les Merveilles: Boghossian Launched a Marvellous New Collection

continue reading

Pink City Style: The Best-Selling Reversible Jewels of Gyan Jaipur

I would like to tell you more about the brand, its origin story, design inspirations and its popular Jaipur and Yami collections

by Katerina Perez

Fabulous Futures: Le Vian Unveils its 2026 Jewellery Trends in Las Vegas

Here's a rundown of what was included this year…

by Sarah Jordan

Exceptional Splendour: Jaipur Gems Celebrates 50 Years with Abu Dhabi Opening and New High Jewels 

Let me take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Abu Dhabi boutique and share some of my sparkling highlights

by Katerina Perez

Radiating Confidence: The Mother-Daughter Energy Behind Growing Brand Aponine

As one of this year’s Couture show debutants, Turkish brand Aponine impressed me with its blend of colourful creativity, timeless elegance, and stylish femininity. Let’s take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Sensual Silhouettes: Jewels with Curves in All the Right Places

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? As jewellers swap sharp lines for shapely swirls, we look at new collections that are embracing the raw power of sensuality inspired by the female form

by Rachael Taylor

Artistic Realms: The Enchanting Natural World of Histoire D’Elle

I had the pleasure of speaking with Pascale Van Maele, the Brand Manager of Histoire d'Elle, which celebrates the deep-rooted connection between quiet femininity, elegance and natural forms. Let's explore together…

by Sarah Jordan

Spinel Stories: Celebrating the Special Allure of Spinels with the House of Gübelin 

I visited the Geneva boutique of the family-owned business to indulge my passion for this overlooked gemstone and explore some of its beautiful creations…

by Katerina Perez

Golden Hour: Cosmic Creations in the Chanel Reach for the Stars High Jewellery Collection

The Reach for the Stars collection bounces between cosmic constellations of diamonds, elaborate, almost mythological neckwear, and starbursts of coloured stones, all with the Maison’s Parisian flair

by Sarah Jordan

Ultimate Guide to Promise Rings: What They Mean, How to Wear One and Where to Buy

While the promise ring's meaning has evolved, its emotional weight remains, making it especially popular among Gen Z and millennial couples seeking the perfect, personal pre-engagement jewel

by Claire Roberts

Exquisite Escapes: The Idyllic Inspirations Behind the Diorexquis High Jewellery Collection

In early May 2025, Dior Joaillerie's Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane showcased an unprecedented high jewellery collection, Diorexquis, to more than 300 VIPs at the Château de la Colle Noire in the heart of Provence. Let's take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Millionaire Products: Celebrating the No-Expense-Spared Bvlgari Polychroma High Jewellery Collection

Bvlgari is opening a magnificent new chapter in the world of high jewellery, and high jewellery watches with the Polychroma collection. Here's what I have discovered so far…

by Katerina Perez

Sea of Wonder: Celebrating the Ocean’s Endless Bounty with the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2025

Here are some of the creations that became an integral part of the Tiffany & Co. underwater world, including starfish, crashing waves and sea turtles…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Epic Evolution:Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade

I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection, which was formally showcased to the jewellery world at Couture from June 4-8, 2025

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

In Conversation:Discussing Paraiba - The Legacy of a Color

with Vogue Singapore

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.