A McKinney’s diamond engagement ring represents the very best of our skills as master jewellers, embodying all the experience, intuition and expertise we have developed over the 141 years since our business was founded. It also represents the finest of materialsfrom the world’s best and rarest diamonds to the most exquisite gemstones and precious metals - sourced by us from a close network of master artisans nurtured over five generations of our family business.
Most importantly however, a McKinney’s engagement ring represents you and the love you share with your partner…
a breathtaking symbol of your own unique hopes and joys.
The McKinney's story
McKinney’s is a family business, founded in 1884 by John McKinney in his first store in Toowoomba, Queensland. Still owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the family since its founding, McKinney’s has a long and distinguished history of working closely with couples to mark the milestone moments in their lives by crafting the very finest engagement rings.
“If you don’t know your jewellery, then know your jeweller.”
~ John McKinney
Let us be your guide
McKinney’s family history spans five generations of master jewellers, and over that time we have assisted countless couples – each with their own special desires - to create their perfect engagement rings. We know that this occasion is a major milestone in your lives together and that your unique ring is an enduring symbol of the love, hopes and aspirations you share for each other and for a lifetime to come.
We also understand that while this is a magical time for you, it can be a daunting one coming to terms with the many engagement ring options available to you. We have created this brief guide to help you understand the basics involved to make the perfect choice, and to build your knowledge of the technical subtleties and nuances to enable you to make an informed - and ultimately highly rewardingdecision.
It is our commitment to work extremely closely with you throughout the process, to listen carefully to your needs and ideas, and to guide and advise you gently as your trusted partner towards one of life’s most memorable occasions.
The McKinney’s difference one.
Our Promise
At McKinney’s, our aim has always been to guide couples to help them to create their perfect engagement rings. It is your engagement, and so the ring must symbolise all your own unique desires, aspirations and love for your partner. As a family business, we understand the emotional importance of this momentous occasion and the lifelong significance of this precious piece of jewellery.
We also know that all of our technical expertise and experience is one thing, but the most crucial thing in our business is the ability to listen…to your wants, needs, and hopes for this landmark point in your lives. So the most important promise we will make to you is that you have our full and personal attention, and that we see ourselves as your trusted guide through your engagement ring’s creation.
Our Expertise
As master jewellers with more than 141 years of experience we have amassed a great deal of expertise in the creation of rings for important occasions. Our history and reputation also means that we have access to the finest diamonds and gemstones, and the world’s best master craftspeople to hone them into works of timeless and enduring beauty.
Our Diamonds Diamonds by Nature. Jewels by McKinney’s.
McKinney’s diamonds are, quite simply, the very best available. Each and every one of them is certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the foremost authority in the grading of diamonds in the world. Not all diamonds are created equal, and ours are able to achieve the coveted GIA certification because they are what is known as ‘Triple Excellent Cut’ – the highest cut-grade in the industry, and guaranteeing an eternal sparkle beyond compare.
Our People
Any business is only as good as its people, and we are proud to have the very best in the industry working with us to make the finest jewellery. From our supremely talented gem-cutters to our client service team, we have the most passionate and proficient people to help bring your perfect engagement ring to life.
Andrew McKinney Welch
Andrew represents the fifth generation of the McKinney family business since its founding back in 1884, and successfully combines a fresh and dynamic approach with traditional McKinney values of great patience, attention to detail and the utmost client care. A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, Andrew started working in the family business with his grandfather John McKinney and aunt Margot McKinney shortly after leaving school. His experience in the McKinney’s business has seen him working with world-class retail outlets
Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman in New York, sourcing gemstones at international trade shows, and working alongside his family to coordinate high-end client experiences.
Hugh McKinney Welch
Hugh is Andrew’s younger brother, and therefore also a fifth-generation member of the McKinney’s team. Born in Hong Kong, he returned with his family to finish his schooling in Brisbane before completing a university degree in Finance & Property Economics. Entering the McKinney’s business soon after completing his degree, Hugh has amassed considerable expertise from attaining a number of GIA (Gemological Institute of America) diamond qualifications and is also studying remotely for his AJP (Applied Jewellery Professional) qualification from the same esteemed organisation. He is energised by the quest to help match people with their perfect piece, in the true McKinney family tradition.
Peter Gordon
Peter is our Master Jeweller at McKinney’s, and brings over 35 years of experience in designing and hand-crafting the finest jewellery. A dedicated family man and father of five, Peter is particularly passionate about engagement rings and their symbolism of love and commitment. He is as much a talented designer as he is a highly proficient technician, having created his own unique collections and winning an International Design Award in the process. A member of the Gold & Silversmiths Guild of Australia, he crafts our engagement rings on-site at McKinney’s and is very happy to make himself available to discuss your own ring as he artfully transforms your vision to finished reality.
The Triple Excellent Cut two.
At McKinney’s, our established reputation enables us to source the world’s finest diamonds. Their premium quality is evidenced by the fact that they have achieved certification from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) for their ‘Triple Excellent Cut’ – a grading awarded only to the very best gems, and indicating that they have met the standard of excellence in three critical parameters: precision of the cut, superior polish and flawless symmetry.
The Four Cs three.
McKinney’s diamonds are chosen for their breathtaking beauty, a result of embodying the finest quality possible in the industry. Their grading is measured against the four Cs: Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat weight. These four parameters are the universal standard for grading diamonds, so let’s take a look at each of the Cs in a little more detail.
Our diamonds are selected for their Triple Excellent Cut, meaning the highest standard in three areas: precision of the cut, quality of the polishing, and flawlessness of the symmetry in its shape. The result is a diamond with the ability to refract light in such a way as to sparkle perfectly.
Expert Symmetry
Facets precisely matching in size, shape and alignment.
Excellent Proportion
Light reflects brightly.
Misaligned Facets
Asymmetry interrupts the movement of light from one facet to the next.
Too Shallow Light escapes at the bottom.
Too Deep Light escapes through the side.
Clarity
We measure the clarity of our diamonds by examining their structure for visible imperfections under 10-power magnification. These imperfections are categorised as either internal flaws (known as inclusions) or external flaws (blemishes on the surface). A diamond is graded as flawless if no imperfections are visible (either as inclusions or blemishes) under this exacting 10-power examination.
FL Flawless
VVS1, VVS2
Very, Very Slightly Included
IF Internally Flawless
Minor surface blemishes
VS1, VS2
Very, Slightly Included
Slightly Included Imperfect
Eye-visible inclusions
Colour
The colour grading of a diamond is determined by the tint within its structure, and assigned a letter alphabetically from D through to Z –with D being the highest (colourless) and Z being the lowest (light yellow).
At McKinney’s, we work only with diamonds that achieve a colourless or near-colourless grading (grades D to H), making them the rarest and most desirable of all.
G N S K E H O T Q W Y L F I P U R X Z J M Colourless Faint Yellow Light Yellow Near Colourless Very Light Yellow
Carat weight
The mass of a diamond or other precious gemstone is measured in carats, with each carat the equivalent of 200 milligrams. Whilst the carat weight of the diamond – and therefore its size – is clearly very important, McKinney’s does not prioritise it over the other three Cs. Two diamonds of equal carat weight can have vastly different values when cut, clarity and colour are taken into account.
Diamond Shapes four.
Round Brilliant
Exacting proportions reflect light and cast tiny rainbows in a dazzling display of sparkle and contrast.
Cushion
Rounded edges soften the traditional corners of a square or rectangular -cut diamond for a gently luminous effect.
Oval
An elegant, elongated adaptation of the round brilliant cut with facets that make the light dance.
Princess
The square shape and exacting series of angular facets create a distinctively modern look and feel.
Pear
Round brilliant and marquise-style cuts combine to form the teardrop shape with an extraordinary display of light.
Emerald
Parallel cuts showcase the diamond's pure colour and clarity.
Heart
A series of precise cuts form this classic symbol of love.
Marquise
Possesses an elongated elliptical shape with pointed ends, creating the illusion of greater size.
Asscher
The elegant step cut draws your eye into the centre of the stone, both captivating and mesmerising the beholder.
The McKinney’s Engagement Ring Collection five.
Nothing says ‘forever’ like a McKinney’s diamond engagement ring
1.25ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
1.50ct Pear Cut Diamond Ring with Diamond Halo & Shoulders
There is no better pairing for the beauty of a McKinney’s engagement ring than with a McKinney’s wedding band, hand-crafted by our master jewellers.
We offer a range of bands in different metals, with and without diamonds, to mark the next big moment in your lives following the engagement.
White Gold Diamond
Millgrain Pavé Wedding Band
White Gold Oval Cut Diamond Wedding Band
White Gold Diamond Wedding Band
White Gold Diamond Wedding Band
Yellow Gold Diamond Wedding Band
Rose & White Gold Diamond Wedding Band
Yellow Gold Diamond Wedding Band
Rose Gold ASHOKA ® Diamond Wedding Band
The promise of our Pink Box seven.
McKinney’s engagement rings are presented in our exclusive Pink Box, and it has become synonymous with the joy that lies ahead when the precious piece within is revealed.
The Pink Box is the finest way to present the ultimate expression of love for your partner…the engagement ring you have been integral in creating.
We pride ourselves on going above and beyond for our clients, and are delighted to be able to assist you before, during and after you have created your perfect engagement ring with us. Here are some of the additional services we are pleased to be able to offer for you.
Personalisation
Let us make your engagement ring or wedding band even more personal and symbolic of your love for each other by having it engraved with a special date, initials or even a message.
Complimentary check and clean
An engagement ring is a valuable asset, and represents both the financial and emotional investments you have made in your relationship. Bring your engagement ring back to us every six months and we will be pleased to have our master jewellers professionally clean and check it for you… at no cost.
We hope that this brief guide has provided you with some valuable background knowledge about the process of creating your perfect engagement ring. Naturally this is just the start, and there is no substitute for speaking directly with our helpful and expert team at McKinney’s.
As we said at the outset, our aim is to be your guide through this important milestone in your life and we can promise that you will always have our full attention. Please do not hesitate to make an appointment with us to discuss your very own engagement ring vision.
McKinney’s store address:
Shop 34, 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, QLD 4006 Australia
