The Beauty of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is a precious gemstone adored by many. It is well known for its stunning deep blue colour and has been included in jewellery items, art, pottery, manuscripts, sculptures and more since ancient times.

In this article, we will be discussing the rare beauty of Lapis Lazuli as well as its many healing benefits.

Origin of the Name Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli gets its name from the Latin word lapis which means ‘stone’ and the Persian word lazhuward which means ‘blue’.

There are countless references to Lapis Lazuli made throughout history. However, the stone was often mistakenly named a Sapphire, due to its brilliant blue. In fact, historical references frequently made in the Old Testament and other ancient texts describe the stone as ‘sapphire’, a common mistake that would only be cleared up many years later. Historians have since concluded that most historical mentions of sapphire-like stones with gold flecks are likely references to Lapis Lazuli.

When Was Lapis Lazuli First Discovered?

It is believed that Lapis Lazuli was first discovered during a mining expedition around 6,000 years ago in what we now know to be Afghanistan. The land of Afghanistan is well-known for its mountainous landscape and mining there some 6,000 years ago would have been especially dangerous. However this danger did not deter miners from mining in search of these beautiful blue stones. Afghanistan remains the place where the very finest Lapis Lazuli can be found today.

Where Does Lapis Lazuli Get Its Colour?

Lapis Lazuli is formed by a combination of minerals such as Lazurite, Calcite, Pyrite, and Sodalite. This combination creates a beautifully rich blue with gold flecks (known as pyrites). Lower grade Lapis Lazuli tends to have a lighter blue (even green) colouring with flecks that are more white in colour.

The more lazurite there is in the stone, the deeper the blue colour will be. The more pyrite in the stone, the greener the stone will be.

Mankind’s Love of Lapis Lazuli

The deep blue of the Lapis Lazuli gemstone has earned the love and admiration of mankind since as early as the 7th millennium BCE. As a human race, we have always been drawn to the colour blue.

According to Color Psychology, “Blue, a hue cherished and celebrated throughout the annals of history, carried a significant importance due to its rarity and the expense associated with its production. The ancient Egyptians and Romans revered this color, incorporating it into their clothing and artwork to reflect their social and cultural values.”

Included within the stone’s beautiful blue hue are flecks of heavenly gold that are synonymous with royalty. Many people believe the gold freckles within the stone’s deep blue stone resemble the night sky. This belief holds a lot of meaning as the sky is often symbolic of limitless possibilities, providing mankind with a sense of awe and wonder. So, as you can see, the unique colouring of the Lapis Lazuli has held significance to humans for thousands of years.

Johannes Vermeer used lapis lazuli paint, in the Girl with a Pearl Earring painting.

Lapis Lazuli Throughout History

Since its discovery through to its many uses today, Lapis Lazuli has been revered and utilised throughout history. What follows is a quick summary of its journey so far.

Lapis Lazuli in Ancient Times

Lapis Lazuli brought a particular beauty to the dry, sandy lands of ancient Egypt. The deep blue colour was particularly striking, standing in distinct contrast to their deserts. It was believed to symbolise the beautiful expanse of the wide open ocean and the far-reaching heavens. The gold flecks found within the stone were thought to symbolise the stars in the sky, symbolising the supernatural forces at work in the lives of the ancient Egyptians.

The Ancient Egyptians used Lapis Lazuli for things such as dying fabrics, making eye shadow pigment, and creating new medicines. The Ancient Egyptians were especially fond of carving their famous scarab beetle amulets from Lapis Lazuli and they even incorporated the gemstone into funeral masks for their most famous pharaohs.

In ancient Persia, Lapis Lazuli symbolised the great expanse of the starry night. It was a much coveted stone as it was believed to offer protection from the evil eye. As we continue into Greek and Roman times, Lapis Lazuli had a more ornamental use. It was often used in the creation of ornaments and sculptures, and was included in many jewellery pieces.

In Mediaeval times, Lapis Lazuli was believed to resemble the deep blue of the heavens and was thought to offer support and favour in times of need.

The Many Healing Benefits of Lapis Lazuli

Ever since its first discovery, Lapis Lazuli has been revered for its many healing properties. Here are just some of the healing benefits Lapis Lazuli is thought to provide:

Enhancing Intellectual Ability

Lapis Lazuli is celebrated for its ability to enhance a person’s intellectual ability. Whether you’re feeling sluggish and tired or you’re struggling to concentrate, Lapis Lazuli is believed to help clear your mind so that you can make good decisions that aid in your success.

Improves the Body’s Healing Abilities

Lapis Lazuli helps to strengthen the body by speeding up physical healing. It is thought to do this by increasing circulation and improving the body’s cardiac rhythm. This means you heal faster after an accident or surgery and can return to your normal activities sooner as a result.

Relieves Symptoms of Infection

Since ancient times, Lapis Lazuli has been used to relieve symptoms of infection, providing much-needed relief from infections, a multitude of skin problems, and insect bites.

Removes Pain

Lapis Lazuli supports the nervous system, reducing pain in the body. It is thought to be especially beneficial against migraines and headaches. A person should either wear the stone on their body or press it gently to the area where they’re feeling pain.

Of course, there are many different benefits of Lapis Lazuli and it has been used for its numerous healing properties for thousands of years.

Lapis Lazuli and Its Uses Today

Lapis Lazuli continues to be a popular jewellery choice today and is also incorporated into watches and other luxury wearable items.

In addition to its use in jewellery, Lapis Lazuli is often included in modern home decor with the stone being included in decorative pieces such as vases, photo frames, figurines, statues, and more.

Buy Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is one of the most vibrant blue gemstones in the world. We hope this article has highlighted just how important this stone has been to so many civilisations throughout history. It is remarkable.

If you want to incorporate this beautiful stone into your life, purchasing it within a piece of jewellery is one of the best ways to receive all of the benefits throughout the day. Shop for Lapis Lazuli jewellery in our shop today and discover the many benefits of this stone for yourself.

Image sources:

By Hannes Grobe – CC BY-SA 2.5, Creative Commons
By Dimitri BECUE – CC BY-SA 4.0, Creative Commons
By Charles J. Sharp – CC BY-SA 4.0, Creative Commons
By Johannes Vermeer – Johannes Vermeer, Creative Commons

Something Blue Tradition

We’ve all heard the age-old rhyme; something borrowed, something blue. Something old, something new. It’s a sing-song rhyme that has been incorporated into weddings for centuries.

Whether you’re superstitious or not, it’s pretty much a given that you’re expected to incorporate something borrowed, blue, old, and new into your wedding day.

But what does any of it have to do with the wedding itself, let alone your future happiness?

Let’s take a look.

The Traditional Wedding Rhyme

Before we jump straight in, let’s pause for a moment to recall the well-known, traditional wedding rhyme. It goes like this:

  • Something old,
  • Something new,
  • Something borrowed,
  • Something blue,
  • And a sixpence in your shoe.

We’re all heard it. Perhaps you’ve seen many people including it in their own wedding celebrations. But what does it really symbolise and how can you include it in your special day without it feeling outdated or out of place?

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The History Behind the Rhyme

Weddings aren’t just a beautiful day of pretty dresses, padentry, and great food. They symbolically and legally bind the loved-up couple together. There are many elements within a wedding ceremony that are steeped in tradition and symbolism – none more so than the age-old rhyme.

So, let’s delve into the details to truly understand why we still incorporate these elements into wedding celebrations today. What does it all mean and why is the rhyme believed to hold such power over the success of a marriage?

Something Old

The ‘something old part’ of the rhyme represents the joining of families. As such, it means brides should include something old within the wedding, typically something old from someone special within her family.

How to Incorporate Something Old into Your Wedding Day

Incorporating ‘something old’ into your wedding day might include items such as:

  • Old jewellery pieces from a loved one
  • Old wedding rings
  • A picture of a beloved family member in a locket or sewn into the bride’s dress
  • A family heirloom
  • A repurposed wedding dress
  • A family veil

The ‘something old’ is often very personal and sentimental to the bride and/or groom and are a lovely way to honour family members, past and present.

Something New

This symbolises the start of a new chapter in the couple’s life and (hopefully) the happy future they will enjoy together. Traditionally, the ‘something new’ would be the bride’s wedding dress.

Today, more often than not, the ‘something new’ part of the wedding ceremony is the wedding rings themselves. It’s generally less common for couples to choose to wear their parents’ or grandparents’ wedding rings, with many couples keen to choose their own rings to tie the knot.

How to Incorporate Something New

For some people, the ‘something new’ provides a lovely opportunity for the groom to present a gift to the bride and/or her family. Many grooms choose to give the bride a piece of jewellery to mark their special day and some even purchase or make something special for the bridesmaids as a symbolic way of showing their appreciation for all the ways they’ve loved and supported the bride.

Other suggestions for incorporating something new into your wedding day include:

  • Your interests (particular entertainment or decor, for example)
  • Exchange gifts with your spouse before the ceremony
  • New jewellery items (tennis bracelet, diamond earrings, or a new charm)
  • A pretty hair piece
  • And a Sixpence in Your Shoe

Something Borrowed

The ‘something borrowed’ part of the traditional rhyme is arguably the most superstitious. It originated from the idea that borrowing an item from a happily married couple would transfer their luck to the new couple.

Today, ‘something borrowed’ is often a sentimental piece from a loved one, sometimes a loved one who is no longer with us. It’s a great way to honour and remember those special people in your life while incorporating some part of them into your special day.

How to Incorporate Something Borrowed

It’s a wonderful tradition to include something borrowed in your wedding day and there are many ways you can do this, including:

  • China and cutlery for the wedding reception
  • Jewellery pieces that are particularly meaningful to you
  • Wedding dress (perhaps your mum or your grandma’s wedding dress)
  • A first dance song

Something Blue

The colour blue represents purity, love and fidelity. In the Catholic religion, it is often the colour associated with Mother Mary and therefore many brides traditionally wore blue wedding dresses rather than white.

In fact, according to The National Museum of Women in the Arts, “Deeply rooted in Catholic symbolism, the blue of her (Mary’s) cloak has been interpreted to represent the Virgin’s purity, symbolise the skies, and label her as an empress, for blue was associated with Byzantine royalty.”

What’s more, the Old English considered purity, love and fidelity to be the cornerstones of a strong and long-lasting marriage. Therefore, when a bride incorporated blue into her wedding day she was revered for upholding these beliefs and taking her marriage seriously.

How to Incorporate ‘Something Blue’ into Your Wedding Day

In today’s modern world, incorporating ‘something blue’ into your wedding day is a little more fun and interesting. Women choose many creative ways to incorporate blue into their wedding day, including:

  • Bouquets
  • Garters
  • Shoes
  • Jewellery
  • Decor
  • Cufflinks
  • Napkin embroidery

Coloured gemstone engagement rings are also extremely popular and are a subtle yet beautiful way to incorporate this stunning colour on your special day.

The ‘and a sixpence in your shoe’ line was added to the rhyme in Victorian times when it was tradition for the father of the bride to place a sixpence into the bride’s shoe – her left shoe, to be precise. The sixpence symbolised good luck and prosperity and was meant to set the bride and groom in good stead for the start of their lives together.

Of course, this part of the famous rhyme has been fairly forgotten about, with many people having never heard it before. However, there are some people who choose to include it.

How to Incorporate a Sixpence

Today, the sixpence no longer exists so most people choose to use a penny instead. And rather than popping it into their shoe (because that seems pretty uncomfortable), they include a coin in the groom’s cufflinks or tie the coin to the ring bearer’s pillow. Coins are pretty small, so it’s easy to find creative ways to include them in your wedding day.

Final Words

We hope this article has given you a little more insight into the Something Blue rhyme and tradition. Although it’s an old rhyme, its symbolism still holds a lot of significance for weddings today and, as such, each element of the rhyme is often included in some way within the day.

Hopefully the ideas we’ve shared help inspire you with creative suggestions to include different parts of the rhyme into your special day so that you can have a long and happy marriage.

Different Types of Jade

Jade is one of the world’s most popular green gemstones. It has been carved into jewellery, sculptures, ornaments and many other objects since it was first discovered in the Majiabang culture in China around 5100-3900 BCE.

In this article we will be discussing the different types of Jade and looking at how this coveted gemstone has remained such a popular choice for so long.

The Two Types of Jade

Jade is one of the world’s toughest gemstones because it is made up of individual crystals that intergrow naturally and give the stone its strength. The gemstone Jade is notably present in two different varieties:

Jadeite: out of the two types of Jade, Jadeite is the most rare. This stunning gemstone is particularly precious and prized in China where Jade is beloved for its beauty and practical applications in carvings, ceremonial practices, art, and traditional medicine.

Jadeite comes in many colours, but is most commonly found in different shades of green and white. The name Jadeite, is derived from the Spanish phrase “piedra de ijada” which translated means, “stone of the side”. It is called this because it was believed to heal ailments, particularly those in the kidney, when applied to the side of the body.

Nephrite: the more common of the two types of Jade, Nephrite is composed of mainly green and grey colours and is an ornamental stone often incorporated into beads, carvings, tools, and art pieces. Nephrite is commonly sourced in Western Canada and means “kidney stone” because it was originally thought to cure kidney stones.

Nephrite is particularly prized by the Māori culture in New Zealand where it is revered as a treasure and protected under the famous Treaty of Waitangi. According to 100% New Zealand, “found in colours ranging from cloudy light green to deep emerald with different markings, pounamu was considered so significant by Māori that the South Island was named after it, Te-Wai-Pounamu meaning “The Waters of Greenstone”.”

Nephrite Jade is extremely tough – the toughest natural mineral known by man, to be precise. In fact, Nephrite is even tougher than steel which explains why it has been used to make tools and weapons for centuries.

The Properties of Jade

Jade is composed of silicon and oxygen atoms that are bonded together, giving it a Mohs hardness of 6-7. Jade’s hardness means it is capable of scratching glass but not steel.

Due to its extra strong structure, the gemstone Jade naturally works out any impurities, resulting in a stunning gemstone with an attractive green or icy green colouring.

How Jade is Formed

The formation of Jade occurs in metamorphic rocks, where it is formed under high pressure. Most known deposits of Jade can be found along or near faults in serpentinites (areas where zones or fractures allow for rocks to move relative to each other). As a result, Jade is often found in places such as:

  • Myanmar
  • New Zealand
  • Taiwan
  • Canada
  • Guyana
  • Russia
  • China

Jade forms deep within the earth where pressure and heat are plenty. As water is squeezed through the earth’s rocks, due to high pressure, it rises up through the cracks carrying dissolved minerals along with it. Jade is what’s left behind to fill the cracks.

What is Jade Used for?

Jade holds a lot of significance for many people and cultures around the world. This tough yet beautiful gemstone has multiple applications and has been used in many ways throughout history. Here are some of the popular uses of Jade today:

Jewellery

Of course, the most popular use for Jade is in jewellery, particularly antique jewellery pieces. The stunning green of the Jade gemstone draws the eye and certainly compliments many outfits and occasions.

Many people incorporate Jade into necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. Some people believe that wearing Jade jewellery close to the heart can have physical and emotional benefits.

Feng Shui

Jade is often incorporated into a home’s Feng Shui as the gemstone is believed to bring good fortune and wealth to the homeowner. Many people include Jade in their decor choices, making sure to place the Jade in the southeast corner of their home for plenty of good luck.

Meditation

Many people use Jade to increase their focus and clarity when meditating. This is because Jade is believed by some to help clear the mind, making it the ideal gemstone for effective meditation.

Ceremonial Significance

Jade is also used in religious ceremonies around the world as many cultures believe it symbolises Heaven. Therefore, it is often found incorporated into carvings and sculptures within places of worship where it adds significance and reverence to religious ceremonies.

The Healing Properties of Jade

Jade has a long history as a protective talisman. In other words, it is believed that Jade brings good luck to the wearer. As such, many people throughout history have coveted the gemstone, being sure to wear and celebrate it in order to receive its healing, protective properties.

Here are some of the ways Jade is believed to bring physical and emotional healing to people:

Physical Healing

While Jade is believed to be a powerfully spiritual stone, it is also thought to heal physical ailments within the body. Throughout history, people have believed Jade has the power to heal problems with the kidney and bladder by balancing fluids in the body.

The cooling touch of Jade is also thought to reduce fevers, supporting fast and effective physical healing throughout the body.

Emotional Healing

Jade is thought to play an important role in a person’s emotional healing. The gemstone is believed to get rid of negative thoughts and fill the body with wisdom and balanced thinking.

Being able to think clearly is a huge benefit of Jade and often leads to feelings of increased confidence and self-esteem. This allows people to move through the world feeling more self-assured in their actions and life decisions.

Final Words

Jade is a versatile and popular gemstone. As you can see, there are two different types of Jade and many different uses for it. The combination of the stones beauty and strength make it one of the most well-known and frequently-purchased gemstones available.

Image sources:

By w:User:John Hill – Transferred from English Wikipedia

The History of Gemstone Mining

Gemstones have been valuable to humans for centuries. Loved for their beauty, durability, and rarity, gemstones are widely treasured and sought after.

Of course, the passing of time and technological advancements have helped to shape and improve the gemstone mining process from simple techniques such as panning for gold to the detailed mining techniques used for gemstone extraction today.

In this article, we will be discussing the history of gemstone mining so that you can understand a little more about this process and what it takes to extract these beautiful stones from the earth.

Mining in Prehistoric Times

During prehistoric times, historians discovered that people dug 330 feet deep into soft rock deposits to mine materials such as flint to be used in the making of scrapers, knives, and arrowheads.

The oldest known mine in the world dates back to around 4100 BC in Swaziland. It contained ochre which was frequently used as body paint for the dead during burial ceremonies.

Gemstone Mining in Ancient Times

In Ancient Times, gemstones were most commonly found along riverbeds and mined from the surface using simple tools such as shovels, picks, and baskets.

Ancient Egyptian history gives us a good insight into the gemstone mining process as historians have an abundance of information on the subject of mining expeditions during this time.

Mining was carried out typically in response to the pharaohs orders. When the pharaoh wanted a particular gemstone, he appointed what was known as a High Official to gather a team. This team would include hundreds (sometimes thousands) of strong men who were up to the task of heavy manual labour.

The team would trek into the desert where the gemstones were found. Once they found a good spot for mining, the groups would be supplied with deliveries of food and water so they could live out in the desert for extended periods of time. The expeditions would typically last a couple of months.

Egyptian miners dug gigantic holes in the ground, following a vein of ore that was visible from the surface. They would then break apart the rock using granite hammerstones. This would free gemstones like amethyst which would be transported back to the pharaoh’s craftsmen to be refined into items of jewellery.

Gemstone Mining During the Middle Ages

The economic stagnation that came after the Roman Empire had a significant impact on any technological progress. This meant the output of metal and precious gems was at a steady decline.

To mine gemstones, miners adopted methods for extraction such as digging in formerly abandoned mines. Soft rock and ore was mined by hand with picks, whereas harder rocks were mined with hammers or wedges.

Heat was also used in mining during the Middle Ages. Logs were piled against the rock face and set on fire. The extensive heat created would cause the rocks to crack, allowing access for miners to begin digging.

Mining in the 1800s

Mining methods remained relatively the same until the 1800s when mechanical drills were introduced into the process. These drills were powered by compressed air. The holes they drilled were loaded with dynamite which, when exploded, provided a wealth of mining opportunities.

During this time, other types of mining equipment were invented such as drills and stream-powered pumps. This drastically increased production and sped up mining processes. As coal, copper, and other metals increased in demand the world began moving into the Industrial Revolution.

Mining During the Industrial Revolution

During the 19th century, coal mining was the primary form of mining and coal mines were at their peak. Coal was mined to power steam trains, ships, locomotive engines, and was also used to generate heat and light in the form of coal gas and later electricity.

According to the BBC, “Britain had large reserves of good quality coal and it was mined in great quantities in the coalfields of Central Scotland, South Wales, and the Midlands and north east of England. In 1881 alone, nearly 54,000 coal miners cut 20 million tonnes of coal from Scottish pits.”

Of course, coal was mined underground. Workers often mined in unsafe conditions and were typically paid for the amount of coal they could dig out of the mine, rather than the number of hours they worked.

Many gemstones were also mined underground during this time, with drills performing a lot of the heavy lifting so that miners could use pickaxes and finer tools to help extract the gems from the rock itself.

Gemstone Mining Today

Today, mining is predominantly achieved using three different methods:

1. Underground Mining: this is where tunnels, block caving, and chambers are dug into the rock in order to extract gemstones using a pickaxe.

Open Cast Mining: this involves collecting gemstones from the earth’s surface by digging downwards. Open cast mining creates large, wide pits that are dug at an angle to avoid rock falls and falling debris. Once the mines have been exhausted, they are often converted into wetlands, housing communities, or parks to stabilise the land and re-use it responsibly.

Sea Mining: many gemstones are still found on beaches and coastlines around the world. Sea mining involves sending divers into the ocean to retrieve pearls and gemstones. The process takes place on the ocean floor and gemstones are often extracted using a hydraulic suction system.

River Digging: many gemstones and precious metals can still be found using a process known as river digging. This is where methods such as panning (wet digging) are used to sift out precious gemstones from the riverbanks and dry digging where miners block off the flow of water at both ends of the river to create a dry area that can be mined.

Final Words

As you can see, the history of gemstone mining is very interesting. It starts with simple processes and tools and evolves into the use of advanced machinery and techniques. Mining today is far more precise, organised, and safe than it ever used to be.

Today, if you are looking to purchase quality gemstone jewellery it’s important to ask about the mining process of the gem itself. There are now many sustainable and eco-friendly mines round the world prioritising the wellbeing of their workers, championing good working conditions and respectable pay and extracting gemstones from the earth that you feel proud wearing.

Image sources:

Peter van der Sluijs, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Indy beetle, via Wikimedia Commons
Encyclopædia Britannica, Volume 8, Slice 4, via Wikimedia Commons
Matti&Keti; Lorenz.King at JLU Giessen.de, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Wonderful World of Yellow

Yellow is making a comeback in the jewellery world. Often associated with sunshine, feelings of happiness, and springtime, yellow sapphires and diamonds are a great way to brighten up any outfit and celebrate the joy life brings.

Canary yellow diamonds and sapphires have been making a big impact in the jewellery world recently. Many celebrities have been spotted wearing gorgeous yellow jewellery pieces, from diamonds to sapphires and the trend is taking hold.

In this article, we will dive into the wonderful world of yellow, discussing the differences between yellow sapphires and yellow diamonds and how to make the right choice for you.

What’s the Difference Between Yellow Sapphires and Yellow Diamonds?

To truly understand the beauty of yellow sapphires and diamonds, it’s important to understand what the difference is between the two.

Sapphire

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Yellow Sapphires

When most people think of sapphires, they think of deep blue gemstones. However, sapphire is a gemstone that can actually be found in numerous colours, including yellow. Yellow sapphires range in hues of pastel, lemon, golden, and vibrant canary.

Yellow sapphire is one of the most precious and sought after gemstone colours. People love to own and wear it because it is believed to bring happiness and well-being to the wearer’s life.

Yellow sapphire is becoming increasingly popular as a stunning alternative to traditional diamond rings, with many people opting for yellow sapphire engagement and wedding rings.

Spiritual Meaning

For those interested in the spiritual meanings of jewellery, yellow sapphire is well-known for its ability to bring good luck into your life. By wearing yellow sapphire, it is believed you will start noticing more good things happening – and who doesn’t want that?

Yellow sapphire also has numerous protective properties, keeping the wearer safe from evil spirits and warding off negative energies. Yellow sapphire is also popular for bringing stability and financial security into your life. Whether you run your own business, want a raise at your job, or need a little extra cash, yellow sapphire can help.

Wellness Meaning

Yellow sapphire has been used for centuries to fight diseases and heal the body. The gemstone can help fight off fevers in the body and support you in recovering from physical ailments such as a sore throat, ear infection, or skin problems like eczema. It does this by preventing the build-up of toxins in your body. So, no matter what health issue you have, it can be helpful to wear sapphire to support your body in its natural healing processes.

Diamonds

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Yellow Diamonds

When people think of diamonds, they picture crystal clear diamonds commonly housed in silver, platinum, or gold ring settings. However, diamonds can be found in many other colours – including yellow.

Yellow diamonds are commonly referred to as canary diamonds and can be found in many different types of yellow from pale right through to vibrant yellow.

Nitrogen present in the stone’s formation is what makes a diamond yellow. The vibrancy of the colour depends on the amount of nitrogen present in the stone. White diamonds have very little to no nitrogen and therefore are typically crystal clear in colour. Yellow diamonds are becoming increasingly popular due to their beauty and rarity.

Spiritual Meaning

Yellow diamonds are well-known for their ability to provide clarity and bring positive energy into the body. The wearer of yellow diamonds will be able to clearly see any situation and overcome problems in their life.

Yellow diamonds can also support healing in the body, keeping you at your strongest and healthiest so that you can chase your dreams and achieve what you set out to achieve.

Wellness Meaning

Yellow diamonds are a unique gemstone possessing many health benefits. They have been used for centuries to assist physical healing in the body. The energetic properties of the stone are believed to deliver positive and strengthening energy into the body. This makes them a popular choice for many people. Worn daily you can enjoy many of the benefits for yourself.

Which Yellow Stone is Better?

Value: At first glance, many people assume yellow diamonds and yellow sapphires are the same because they look so similar. However, they are really very different. For one, yellow sapphires are not as expensive or valuable as yellow diamonds. This means they’re a more cost-effective option for those who can’t afford a yellow diamond but wish to achieve the same look.

Strength: Diamonds are well-known for their strength and durability. On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, diamonds are rated a perfect 10. Whereas, sapphires are rated slightly less at 9 out of 10. Although closely competing for the top spot, diamonds definitely win this one and are the better choice for people wanting maximum durability in their jewellery.

Colour: Yellow diamonds tend to keep their colour for longer in comparison to sapphires which can fade in vibrancy over time. To avoid the problem of fading opt for yellow diamonds or purchase yellow sapphires that have not been artificially coloured.

Choosing the right option for you will depend on what you want to gain from the jewellery and your budget. The good news is that both sapphires and diamonds look very similar so whether you’re restricted by budget or not, you can achieve the same beautiful aesthetic.

Where Can I Find Yellow Sapphire Jewellery?

Are you looking for yellow sapphire or yellow diamond jewellery? Then you’ve come to the right place. Here at Cry for the Moon we sell a wide range of jewellery items and we have a selection of yellow jewellery pieces for you to choose from. We’re confident you’ll find something that you love.

Shop with us

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From just £105

Final Words

There is no question that yellow diamonds and yellow sapphires are both popular jewellery choices. They are equally striking and most people can’t tell the difference between them.

Therefore, if you are looking for eye-catching yellow jewellery pieces that look beautiful without the scary price tag, yellow sapphires are a great choice. And if budget isn’t a problem and you’re able (and willing) to splash out on a beautiful yellow piece of jewellery, yellow diamonds are a popular choice.

The 5 Different Types of Gold

Gold is one of the world’s four most precious metals (gold, silver, platinum and palladium). It is used in everything from jewellery and electronics to aerospace and even the food we eat. Gold is incredibly valuable, so it’s not surprising that everyone wants to ensure they’re investing in the right type of gold.

In this article, we will be discussing the various types of gold in order to understand more about this precious metal, the forms it takes, and the colours it’s available in.

The 5 Different Types of Gold

When people think about gold they typically picture a few different things; most people think of the heavy gold bars shown in heist movies or they conjure images of pirate ships laden with chests of gold coins. However, there are many different types of gold and many forms it can take. There are even different colours to choose from.

Let’s take a closer look at the different types of gold so you can see how extensive and widely used this precious metal really is.

Gold Bars

When most people picture gold, they picture gold bars. This is because gold bars are one of the world’s most recognisable forms of gold. According to Gold Core, “A gold bar is a uniform block of gold with a minimum purity of 99.5%. Also known as gold bullion, they come in a variety of weights and sizes, each with its own set of pros and cons, to fit the preferences of any investor.”

Often represented in the movies and typically sought after for their gold content and weight, gold bars remain a valuable type of gold and are a popular investment choice for many people.

Gold Jewellery Pieces

Perhaps the most common type of gold is gold jewellery. Vintage jewellery most notably focuses on gold pieces such as signet rings, pocket watches, broaches, rings, and more. Today, gold jewellery pieces are most commonly purchased in the form of wedding rings.

Gold lends itself beautifully to jewellery. Gold jewellery can range from earrings and necklaces to bracelets and watches. Gold has an attractive colour and versatility that allows it to be made into just about anything.

Gold Coins

This form of gold has been around for millennials to represent monetary value around the world. Today, gold is not as widely used as an everyday currency due to its cost and the convenience of the digital age we live in. As a result, some gold coins are used as legal tender while others are no longer in circulation and are instead sought after by enthusiastic collectors.

Gold Dust and Gold Leaf

Gold dust and gold leaf are both made from particles of pure gold. While they sound extravagant and unique, they are more widespread than you may think. For example, many restaurants add gold leaf as a garnish to their meals, others add gold dust to their drinks.

Both forms of gold are also widely used in interior design to decorate surfaces, adorn book jackets, and elevate furnishings. In addition, gold dust is frequently mixed into paints and inks, adding a sparkling touch to artwork that helps to beautifully capture the light.

The weightlessness of both these gold forms makes them a popular choice for adding a unique finish to ordinary things and also a cost-effective one. Gold leaf and gold dust are popular ways to make the ordinary extraordinary.

Gold Nuggets

If you’ve ever been panning for gold, you know what gold nuggets are. But for those of you who haven’t panned for gold, gold nuggets are (often very little) naturally occurring pieces of gold in its unrefined form.

Geology In explains, “That means it exists in its pure metallic form, uncombined with other elements, within rock or sediment. Unlike gold flakes or dust, nuggets are relatively large and solid, weighing anywhere from a fraction of a gram to several kilograms.”

Although rare they can be found in gold bearing rivers and the aftermath of previous mining operations. Due to their rarity, gold nuggets are highly coveted by many collectors keen to sell them for a high value.

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The Different Types of Gold Colours

Now you know a little more about the forms gold takes, let’s discuss the different types of gold colours available because most gold forms (when mixed with other metals) are available in different colours.

The most popular gold colours include:

Yellow Gold

This is the traditional gold colour everyone knows about. Growing in popularity since its conception, yellow gold remains a popular choice for jewellery items, interior design artwork, and more. The rich yellow is a classic and timeless look that many people love.

Top tip: For an especially deep yellow gold colour, opt for 24 karat gold as this is when the depth of the yellow colour will be at its greatest.

White Gold

White gold is currently the most popular metal choice when it comes to jewellery pieces – engagement rings in particular. The colour of white gold is achieved by combining yellow gold with white metals such as silver and platinum to achieve a bright and beautiful finish.

Many white gold pieces are strengthened using a rhodium plating. This ensures the jewellery is properly hardened and able to withstand the wear and tear of daily life.

Rose Gold

Rose gold is a pretty pink-coloured gold that is achieved by adding copper to yellow gold and silver. The hue achieved is often referred to as a reddish pink and although not as popular as traditional and white gold, rose gold has a lovely vintage look that remains a firm favourite for many people.

Final Words

As you can see, there are many types of gold and it is available in a variety of colours. This precious metal has been widely used for millennia and its popularity is yet to diminish.

We hope this article has given you a little more insight into gold in all its forms and colours. You can visit our shop for quality gold jewellery pieces or browse our blog for more informative articles like this one.

Gemstones You Might Not Have Heard of

There are many different types of gemstones and as knowledgeable as you may be about these beautiful stones, there are some gems you might not have heard of.

Here at Cry for the Moon we sell a variety of beautiful gemstone jewellery pieces that are sure to catch the eye and compliment any outfit. But the gems in this article are certainly harder to find.

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Let’s take a look at some of the world’s lesser-known gemstones.

Black Opal

Black opals are a lesser known gemstone. They have unique darkness to them due to the carbon and iron oxide present within the stone. Some black opals have a particular pattern that causes rainbows to shimmer within the gem itself.

Black opal gets its dark colouration from the fine particles in its composition. Carbon and iron sulphides formed during the gemstone’s solidification process are considered to be responsible for the gemstone’s attractive dark colour. Many black opals range in colour from purple-ly blacks to dark greys and chocolate browns. Each gem’s exact colouring depends on the environment it was formed in.

The most precious black opals display a full spectrum of different colours, from red to violet as if they were multiple gemstones rolled into one. This is referred to as ‘play-of-colour’.

This beautiful gemstone has been referred to as the ‘queen of gemstones’ since the Middle Ages and has inspired writers like William Sharespeare, who in his play Twelfth Night referred to Duke Orsino’s changing mind to that of a black opal.

The beauty and rarity of black opal was summed up well by Gem A when they said: “this most beautiful of gems combines the fire of the ruby, the brilliant purple of amethyst, and the sea-green of emerald; all shining together in glorious and incredible union.”

Alexandrite

This rare gem comes from the chrysoberyl family. Originating from Russia, it was named after Alexander II (a famous Czar). According to The Gemstone Society, “Alexandrite was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s. Noted mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskold was the first to realise this unusual green, colour-changing gemstone was something new. In 1834, Count Lev Alekseevich Perovskii named the stone in honour of the then future Czar of Russia, Alexander II.”

It was this connection to the Czars that helped alexandrite gain quick popularity and prestige. Although a rare gemstone that few people have ever seen in its natural form, alexandrite was surrounded by the mystique of public imagination because of its celebrity, rarity, and beauty. It soon became one of the world’s most coveted gemstones.

The gem’s colouring is striking, creating a phenomenon called ‘the alexandrite effect’. The gem displays some of the most eye-catching and remarkable colours in the gemstone world. The gemstones colours range from deep greens and browns to purples and reds as the gemstone absorbs sunlight. Because of its changing colours, alexandrite is often called an Emerald by day and a ruby by night.

Benitoite

Benitoite is the official state gemstone of California. An extremely rare mineral, the gemstone is mostly found in California. However, it has been known to appear in other locations such as Arkansas, Montana, Japan, and Australia.

Benitoite is a vibrant, transparent sapphire blue often reserved for collectors. While the crystal is generally transparent, it has a deep-blue or violet tint that gives it a unique aesthetic. According to Geology, “the intensity of the blue diminishes as the light ray penetrates the crystal at other angles until perpendicular to the base, when the crystal is colourless. Care is necessary, therefore, in cutting the gem so as to secure the best effects.” Because of how rare it is and its unique beauty, Benitoite is extremely expensive.

Red Beryl

Red Beryl is one of the world’s rarest gemstones – 1,000 times rarer than gold. First discovered in Utah in 1904, Red Beryl requires a unique geochemical environment in order to crystallise. In fact, it’s so rare that The Utah Geological Society estimated that one red beryl is found for every 150,000 gem-quality diamonds. That’s so rare it’s no wonder that many people do not realise this gemstone exists.

The red colour of this beautiful gemstone comes from manganese irons that are embedded within the crystal itself. The gemstone comes in various tints of red, ranging from strawberry and bright ruby to cherry and orange.

Although red beryl is very rare, rubies are a beautiful alternative and allow you to achieve that deep red colour and beauty.

Grandidierite

Grandidierite was first discovered in Madagascar in 1902 and named after the French explorer, Alfred Grandidiera, who was famous for exploring Madagascar. The gemstone has a distinctive bluish green colour caused by the traces of iron found inside the material. Fully transparent Grandidierites can also be found but these specimens are so rare they are considered one of the rarest gemstones on Earth.

The more iron found inside a Grandidierite, the bluer the stone’s colouring appears. Grandidierite is also known for its ability to reflect three different colours (dark green, very light yellow, and dark blue-green), depending on which angle it’s viewed from. The light yellow colour is so light that it is often assumed to be colourless.

Grandidierite is a completely natural and unenhanced gemstone, whereas many other gemstones available today have been enhanced in processes such as heating at extremely high temperatures in order to improve the stones colour and appearance. The fact that Grandidierite remains in its natural state gives it an extra rare beauty.

Compared to the other rare gemstones we’ve mentioned in this list, grandidierite is one of the more recent gemstone discoveries. However, it is still very rare and this causes its price to be quite high. So, it’s not typically available to purchase.

Final Words

Did you recognise any of the rare gemstones we listed in this article? These are just some of the gems you might not have heard of. We hope this list has inspired you to check out these gemstones and find out more about them.

Gemstones that Help with Anxiety

According to The World Health Organisation, anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide, affecting 301 million people, with approximately 1 in 4 people seeking professional help or treatment for the condition.

The NHS describes anxiety as “a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe.” We all feel anxious sometimes. Whether you’re nervous about an upcoming event or you’re worried about a job interview, feelings of nervousness are a normal part of being human. However, those suffering from anxiety can experience excessive feelings of fear and worry that are often accompanied by physical symptoms and behaviours.

Anxiety such as this can cause a lot of distress and impair a person’s family, social, and working life. This is why it’s vital to address anxiety and do what you can to ease any symptoms you are experiencing.

Gemstones and Anxiety

Gemstones have been used for centuries as a way to ease anxiety and heal the body both physically and emotionally. Today, gemstones are often worn in pieces of antique jewellery to provide the wearer with a quiet reassurance throughout the day. Depending on the type of anxiety you suffer from and how much it is affecting your day-to-day life, incorporating gemstones into your daily routine could make the difference you are looking for.

Types of Anxiety

Anxiety comes in many forms. Below we summarise the types of anxiety to give you a greater understanding of the various conditions so that you can be more aware of them and make changes as you see the signs appearing.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Generalised anxiety disorder affects most people at some point in their lives. It can range from mild/manageable to severe. Generalised anxiety order is defined by an ongoing worry that may be accompanied by physical symptoms such as; digestive discomfort, restlessness, muscle tension, trouble sleeping, and fatigue (to name a few).

Panic Disorder

Unfortunately, for some people anxiety can come in the form of a panic disorder. This is where the sufferer experiences recurrent panic attacks. During a panic attack a person can experience anything from heart racing, shaking, sweating, and shortness of breath to tingling, fear of dying, hot/cold flashes, and even the inability to breathe. Many people who experience panic attacks think they are dying or having a heart attack and will go to the emergency department to seek immediate medical attention.

Phobias

Some people with anxiety will develop a specific phobia. This is an excessive but unrelenting fear of an object, situation, activity, or living thing. Typically, patients are aware their phobia is ill-founded, and yet they can’t seem to overcome it. For those whose phobias are particularly distressing, it is not uncommon for them to go to extreme lengths to avoid what they fear (aeroplanes, public speaking, boat rides, spiders, etc).

Social Anxiety

Individuals with social anxiety feel immense discomfort at the thought of being humiliated, rejected, looked down on, or embarrassed in social situations. For those with social anxiety it is common to fear public speaking, meeting new people, or eating and drinking in public.

Selective Mutism

People with selective mutism do not speak in select situations. They may be happy speaking at home or around friends and family, but choose not to speak at school, for example. Most people with selective mutism are children, with the condition typically starting around the age of 5.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

A person with separation anxiety disorder feels extremely anxious about being separated from a person they feel attached to. People often talk about separation anxiety in regards to young children, however this is something that typically goes away as a child gets older. Unfortunately, for some people separation anxiety is a feeling that persists into adulthood (usually as the result of prolonged exposure to distress as a child).

Agoraphobia

This is a type of anxiety where a person fears being in a situation where they cannot easily escape. Most often, people with agoraphobia struggle to use public transport, spend time in open or enclosed spaces, stand in line or in a crowd, or even be outside of the home by themselves. When left untreated, agoraphobia can result in a person feeling they are unable to leave their house.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Whatever type of anxiety you suffer from, anxiety as a condition may cause some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Digestive discomfort
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Heart palpitations
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • A sense of impending doom
  • Trembling or shaking
  • General restlessness
  • Suicidal thoughts

How to Ease Symptoms of Anxiety: Do Gemstones Work?

For those suffering from anxiety, it can feel like you’ll never be free from the constant worry. However, it is possible to rid yourself of anxiety and live a healthy and happy life, free from as much worry as possible.

The way to achieve this is by taking one small step at a time. Making changes to your daily routine and prioritising self-care can go a long way towards easing your symptoms and making your anxiety more manageable.

Gemstones have been used as healing tools by people of all cultures for centuries. While scientific evidence of the healing properties of gemstones is fairly limited, many people find comfort and reassurance from incorporating gemstones into their wellness routines.

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The 4 Best Gemstones for Anxiety

Whether you believe in the healing power of gemstones or you’re pretty sure it’s all placebo, there is no denying that gemstones can be a meaningful tool for those suffering from anxiety. Let’s take a look at the best gemstones for easing anxious minds.

Aquamarine

Even the name makes you feel more relaxed, doesn’t it? Aquamarine is a gorgeous blue-green colour. This gemstone is celebrated for its ability to connect people with the tranquillity of the ocean. Let the calming and cleansing properties of this gemstone wash over you and drag you away from your anxious thoughts.

Rose Quartz

Many people who struggle with anxiety also suffer with a low self-worth and an inability to give themselves grace. Rose Quartz, while not well-known specifically for its anti-anxiety properties, is the gemstone most commonly used for love and emotional healing. As such, it’s a lovely gemstone to use for those who are struggling to love themselves and struggling with anxiety more as a result.

Amethyst

Amethyst is one of the most well-known gemstones. With its striking purple colour and sharp edges, Amethyst brings a stunning combination of clarity and calm to a person’s life. It is a lovely gemstone for reducing stress and anxiety and is often used to quieten the mind during times of stress.

Black Tourmaline

This gemstone is well-known for its grounding properties and is a popular choice for anxiety sufferers as it is said to place a protective shield around an individual. This can be especially comforting for those feeling particularly stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious and is a popular choice for individuals suffering from social anxiety and agoraphobia.

How to Use Gemstones for Anxiety

Once you’ve chosen your gemstones, it’s important to know how to use them. Here’s how you can incorporate gemstones into your daily routine and wellness practices:

Take them Everywhere You Go

Wherever you go, take your chosen gemstone with you. This is one of the reasons why so many people purchase gemstone jewellery because it’s a stylish and fun way to carry meaningful gemstones with you and is a great way to feel reassured throughout your day.

Meditate with Gemstones

You can also include your chosen gemstone in your meditation routine. Whether you practise mindfulness every day or you only meditate a few times a week, incorporating gemstones is a great way to root yourself in the present and feel those symptoms of anxiety float away.

Place Gemstones Under Your Pillow

One of the biggest ways anxiety affects your life is through upsetting your sleep routine. Whether you wake frequently throughout the night, are plagued by nightmares, or have terrible insomnia, placing a gemstone under your pillow can be a great way to chase away those sleepless nights.

Be Proactive

As soon as you feel symptoms of anxiety rearing their ugly heads, it’s important to take action. Many people find that incorporating gemstones into their daily routines is a great way to attract calmness and level-headedness. However, if you feel that your anxiety is getting out of control it is important to reach out to your doctor and seek medical advice.

We hope the tips in this article will help you manage your anxious days with confidence, wherever you are and whatever you’re doing.

The Most Flattering Pendant Styles

Today, jewellery is worn to show your personal style. From little girls wearing clip-on earrings and beaded bracelets to women wearing hooped earrings or nose rings, jewellery is a wonderful way to stand out and express yourself.

In this blog we will be exploring the most flattering pendant styles.

What is a Pendant?

If you don’t know what a pendant is, it’s a loose-hanging item of jewellery that is worn around the neck. It usually has a long chain at the end of which is a pendant. Attached to the chain by a small loop, the pendant can be anything from a gemstone or pearl to a crystal or metal.

Pendants are worn by men and women around the world. They are a great way to incorporate a point of interest into your outfit and draw the eye. Many people receive pendants as gifts, however they are just as special when purchased for yourself (and that way you can choose exactly what you want to wear).

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Types of Pendant Necklace

From antique jewellery to contemporary pieces, there are many types and styles of pendant necklaces. Below we have listed our favourites. Check them out:

The Locket Pendant

Perhaps the most traditional form of pendant necklace is the locket. This item of jewellery is both functional and beautiful. Women may choose to wear a locket around their neck with a picture of a loved one inside or perhaps even a lock of hair. For others, the locket is left empty. Whether it has meaning to you or not, the locket pendant is a beautiful jewellery piece that rests against your heart.

The Gemstone Pendant

Many people believe in the healing power of gemstones. Incorporating gemstones into a pendant allows them to rest against your heart and bring beauty to your day.

Whether you’re hoping to ease your anxiety, build your confidence, or inspire a little romance in your life, wearing your chosen gemstone in a pendant necklace is a great way to sway the fates. It can also add the right colour detail to your outfit and create a fun talking point at parties.

The Simple Gold/Silver Pendant Necklace

It can be difficult trying to keep up with the changing fashions. However, over the years we’ve come to realise that simplicity is the key. Whatever the fashions are doing, you can’t go wrong with a simple gold or silver pendant.

Gold and silver pendants are both timeless and delicate. They add a touch of sophistication to any outfit and are a lovely way to dress up for those special occasions.

Pearl Drop Pendant

Pearls have long been a popular jewellery choice. Traditionally passed down from mothers to daughters on their wedding day, pearls are a symbol of purity and wisdom.

Pendant necklaces can be made particularly striking with a pearl drop at the end. The effect is very beautiful and a great way to add a quiet touch that helps set you apart from the crowd.

Cluster Pendants

When you’re looking for that little bit more, cluster pendants are a great option. These unique but gorgeous necklaces feature a cluster of pendants at the end of a chain. They can be worn day-to-day as you trek to and from the office or for special occasions (the choice is yours).

Cluster pendants are a great way to add some movement into your jewellery choices. They are typically understated but add a lovely touch of sparkle, moving and dancing as you move around the room.

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Explore the Different Pendant Styles

Pendant necklaces are available in many different styles. Choosing the right style for you will depend on your personal taste and the look you are hoping to achieve. Here are some of the most popular pendant necklace styles:

Solitaire Pendant

This pendant style looks just like the name suggests; it is a solitaire pendant (usually a diamond, pearl, or gemstone) hanging from a chain. The solitaire pendant is particularly elegant and a go-to for many people, whether you’re headed out for a big event or are having a quiet evening in with friends.

Geometric

Geometric jewellery has been a popular choice over the last few decades because of its contemporary look and modern feel. Geometric pendants are a great way to draw the eye and add a point of interest to any outfit.

Charm

Many people choose to wear pendant necklaces because of the meaning behind the pendant itself. Charm pendants typically hold specific meaning to the individual. Charms can represent anything from your personal beliefs and interests to the special people in your life and the moments or events you want to remember.

Personalised

Personalised pendants are necklaces that have been personalised in some way – whether through the carving of initials, the engraving of a special message, or the sentimental value of the item itself. Personalised pendants make for a thoughtful gift and are a popular choice for a romantic gesture.

How to Choose the Best Pendant Style for You
So, now that you know which pendant styles are the most flattering, how do you choose the best pendant necklace style for you?

Pendant necklaces are timeless. They are a wonderful accessory that can enhance the look of your outfit, build your confidence, and reflect your personality. However, with so many options available it can be hard to decipher which is the best style for you. Don’t worry though, we’re here to help.

Let’s take a look at how to choose the best pendant styles for you.

Consider Your Personal Style

How would you describe your personal style? Are you smart casual? Do you love understated designs? Are you all about eye-popping colour and big graphic tees? Or do you prefer elegant and sophisticated?

Taking the time to determine your personal style is an important first step and will greatly inform your pendant necklace selection.

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Choose the Perfect Chain Length

Everyone suits a different chain length. A pendant necklace will sit differently on you as it would on your friend – particularly if you differ significantly in height. That’s why it’s important to choose the ideal chain length for you. Some of the most popular chain lengths include:

Choker: this chain sits against your neck.
Princess: this chain sits just below your collarbone.
Opera: this chain length falls below the bust.
Rope: this chain can be wrapped in various ways to create different styles and chain lengths, depending on the look you are hoping to achieve.

Choose the Metal

Does silver jewellery really suit you or is gold more flattering on your complexion? Do you prefer gemstones or crystals? Choosing the metal of your pendant will be influenced by your current jewellery favourites and what looks good on you.

Final Words

As you can see, there are many different pendant necklace types and many ways to style them. We hope this article has answered some of your questions and provided you with some styling inspiration.

Metal Detecting for Jewellery

Jewellery is one of the most common items found by metal detectors. From lost rings and necklaces to bracelets and engagement rings, there is so much out there waiting to be discovered.

Whether you enjoy metal detecting as a hobby or you’re searching for a lost item of jewellery that is special to you, metal detecting for jewellery is extremely effective and can help you uncover some beautiful and even historical pieces.

What is Metal Detecting?

Metal detecting is the practice of uncovering hidden, lost, or buried objects with a machine called a metal detector. According to Wikipedia, “metal detectors are useful for finding metal objects on the surface, underground, and under water.”

How Do Metal Detectors Work?

Have you ever wondered how metal detectors work? Metal detectors work by signalling the presence of metal with a tone, needle movement, or light. This signal will usually increase in urgency the closer the metal detector is to the object.

Although metal detectors can be used by professionals to find things like landmines and weapons, they are also used to locate steel reinforcing bars in construction and foreign objects in airport security.

Metal Detection Today

Today, metal detectors are widely used by enthusiasts searching for their next big find. Many people use metal detectors to find coins and other objects that can be valued by and even sold to museums.

However, metal detectors are also very effective at finding jewellery. Lost jewellery can be detected in many places – from your own property to the beach or park. Even if the jewellery you uncover is decades old, it may still be worth something. Alternatively, rather than selling it on you could start your very own collection of antique jewellery pieces.

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What Kind of Jewellery Can Metal Detectors Find?

You may be wondering what kind of jewellery metal detecting uncovers. Almost all metal detectors are built to find gold, platinum, silver, and bronze – the key materials found in many items of jewellery.

Of course, the type of jewellery you can find depends on the type of metal detector you use. While all metal detectors will help you find gold (for example), there are different types of detectors that are sensitive to specific types of metal. So, if you are only interested in locating a particular type of gold jewellery, for instance, you may want to buy a metal detector able to offer that function.

For most people, multi-purpose detectors are very effective at locating jewellery, even on difficult terrain. Anyone interested in metal detecting will tell you to do your research first before buying the technology that’s right for you.

Metal Detecting for Jewellery: How to Start Your Search

Whether you are new to metal detecting or you’d like a few tips to improve your strategy, here are a few of our suggestions:

Start with a Plan

You should always start with a solid plan. You can waste precious time wandering randomly around fields and beaches. If you want to get the most out of your metal detecting trip, it’s important to choose your location and equipment carefully.

Do your research to find the best areas for jewellery hunting. There are many places where lost jewellery is more common than others, such as the beach, rivers, under bridges, and around old house sites. So, do some research and write down your top choices before heading out on your trip.

Be Aware of Permits

If the locations you choose are on private land, it’s important to request the permission you need to safely trespass. Getting all the permits organised in advance will save you a lot of time and will help you avoid a fine and/or angry landowners.

Pack Accessories

Many people new to metal detecting rush out the door with their metal detector only to get stuck when they actually find something.

In addition to your detecting equipment, it’s important to pack several accessories that will enhance your productivity and boost the success of your jewellery search. These include:

Good Digging Equipment: you’ll want to pack a shovel and hand trowel. These will help you dig through soil and sand to reach any jewellery items you find. Be sure to buy high-quality as cheap versions tend to break easily.

A Quality Backpack: you will have a lot to carry – from your equipment to the jewellery you find along the way. So, it’s important to purchase a high-quality backpack. We recommend bags with plenty of pockets as this makes it easy to separate your jewellery finds while leaving plenty of space for your accessories and food supplies.

Headphones: no, not the kind you listen to music through. You need metal detecting headphones. These clever gadgets help block out distracting noises and amplify faint signals, so that you can find what you’re looking for more easily. This is especially helpful if you are searching for jewellery in busy areas such as the beach.

Please note: if you are searching for items in the woods, it’s best to avoid wearing headphones as you are generally more isolated and therefore, you need to be more aware of your surroundings.

Extra Batteries: the worst thing about metal detecting (besides not finding anything) is running out of battery. That’s why we always recommend you pack extra batteries for all your equipment – especially if you are taking a longer trip. While some metal detectors have rechargeable batteries, other models require back-up supplies. So, be sure you pack all the batteries and chargers you need to get the most out of your jewellery search.

First Aid Kit: you never know what you might come across while you’re out metal detecting. If you are in an area where there are abandoned buildings, unstable structures, ruins, or even wells it’s vital you stay alert and aware of your surroundings. It’s easy to trip and fall, causing yourself an injury. That’s why we recommend packing a first aid kit to ensure you have everything you need in the event of an accident.

Final Words

Whether you are searching for an old piece of jewellery you’ve lost or you’re keen to discover hidden treasures, we hope our tips help. Metal detecting for jewellery can be very exciting and you might find yourself uncovering some long-forgotten history.

Elizabeth Taylor’s Jewellery Collection

Elizabeth Taylor’s jewellery collection recently went to auction at $150 million. The auction collection showcased some of her most famous jewellery pieces, as well as some of her clothing, art, and personal memorabilia. It was a wonderful opportunity for Elizabeth Taylor’s fans and admirers to appreciate her jewellery collection and celebrate her life and legacy.

About Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was one of film’s most celebrated movie stars. She enjoyed a sparkling career spanning more than six decades, starring in classic films such as Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Giant, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

With her undeniable beauty and impressive talent, Elizabeth Taylor quickly became an audience favourite. From a confident child actor to an unforgettable leading lady, Taylor was committed to playing strong and unapologetic women on screen. For her work she earned five Oscar nominations and two Best Actress awards.

Off-screen, after the tragic death of her close friend Rock Hudson from HIV, Elizabeth Taylor began focusing her efforts on philanthropy and trying to find a cure for the disease. It was in 1991 that she launched the Elizabeth Taylor HIV/AIDS Foundation in an effort to provide much needed support for those who were sick, as well as funding essential research to help uncover more advanced treatments.

In addition to her film career and philanthropic work, Elizabeth Taylor also made headlines with her scandalous love life. She was married eight times and details of her private life were often printed all over the papers. However, despite the many challenges of living in the limelight, she found the most joy and love in her family. She had four children, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth Taylor passed away at 79 years of age. Her son Michael released a statement after her death saying: “My mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great passion, humour, and love…We will always be inspired by her enduring contribution to our world.”

Elizabeth Taylor’s Impressive Jewellery Collection

Over the course of her life, Elizabeth Taylor built one of the world’s most beautiful, sentimental, and valuable jewellery collections. Her impressive jewellery collection included famous pieces from Tiffany, Bulgari, Cartier, and Boucheron.

Most of her iconic pieces were gifted to her from male admirers and nearly every item of jewellery had sentimental value. She had an eye for beauty and chose her jewellery carefully, being sure to admire the quality and unique history of each piece.

Taylor Believed Jewellery Should be Enjoyed

Elizabeth Taylor was well-known for incorporating her favourite pieces within her films and showcasing pieces on her famous red carpet walks. Unlike some superstars, she did not believe in purchasing jewellery only to lock it away in a vault, nor did she believe in wearing borrowed jewellery on the red carpet.

It was this commitment to only wearing her own pieces that made her jewellery so valuable. Elizabeth Taylor truly believed that jewellery should be worn, enjoyed, and admired.

A Record-breaking Jewellery Auction

Elizabeth Taylor recognised the true value of her jewellery and that’s why she planned, in the event of her death, for an auction to be held on her behalf by Christie’s.

This record-breaking auction was held after her death in 2011 and attracted some of the world’s most rich and famous, earning over $156 million in jewellery sales (including over $11.8m for a pearl necklace and $8.8m for a diamond ring gifted to her by Richard Burton) – setting the world record for the most valuable sale of jewellery pieces in auction history.

What Jewellery Meant to Elizabeth Taylor

According to Elizabeth Taylor herself in a note at the beginning of her book My Love Affair with Jewelry:

“Some of my pieces are newer than others, yet each has a profound meaning for me. Above all, the importance of the jewelry is emotional and psychological, and I knew that I wanted to share my collection with others so that they could get a glimpse of the joys, the thrills, and the pure happiness that these beautiful creations have given me. I hope their presence and their magic will be passed on to others, loved but not possessed, for we are all temporary custodians of beauty.”

Explore Beautiful Vintage Pieces

At Cry for the Moon, we have a stunning collection of vintage jewellery that we encourage you to explore. These pieces range from secondhand and vintage to Georgian, Edwardian, and Art Deco. And many embrace the sentimentality and history that drew Elizabeth Taylor herself to different jewellery pieces over the years.

We hope they inspire you.

Image sources:
Wiki Commons | Wiki Commons | Wiki Commons

How to Create the Perfect Jewellery Stack

Jewellery stacking is a popular way to add interest to any outfit. If you’re looking for a way to enhance your look but you need a little creative inspiration, you have come to the right place.

In this article, we will be sharing how to create the perfect jewellery stack. Our tips will help you get the most out of your jewellery pieces and have fun trying out different looks and styles.

Let’s get started.

What is Jewellery Stacking?

Jewellery stacking is all about layering jewellery to create a pleasing aesthetic. You can stack rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Jewellery stacking is a great way to express your individual style and show off your favourite bespoke jewellery pieces.

When stacking your jewellery, you can opt for similar pieces (such as the same colours, textures, or metals) or you can mix and match to create a texture of complimentary pieces that draw the eye and complete your outfit.

How to Stack Jewellery

Stacking or layering jewellery is all about choosing complimentary pieces that add texture, colour, and intricate details to your overall look. You may find that it takes a little practice to find what works best for you. However, below we share a few industry tips to help you stack your jewellery in an eye-catching way.

Necklaces

Necklaces

From just £510

Stacking Necklaces

Necklace stacking is a popular jewellery trend that allows jewellery lovers to get creative and wear multiple necklaces at once. The trend of necklace stacking dates back centuries. In fact, it has been visible throughout history that layering necklaces is a way to showcase wealth, status, and power – with Egyptian pharaohs and Roman emperors demonstrating their love of multiple necklaces.

While the reason for necklace stacking has changed over the years, this jewellery trend is a great form of self-expression and allows the details of each individual piece to shine in their own right.

How to Stack Necklaces

There is an art to stacking necklaces. A good rule to set yourself is less is more. When choosing to wear multiple necklaces at once, it’s important to avoid chunky chains and instead opt for more delicate pieces. This allows for the details of each necklace to be properly displayed and enjoyed.

You should always stack necklaces of varying lengths. This adds interest and also allows you to choose styles that compliment the neckline of your outfit.

In addition to the varying lengths, try to focus on different styles of necklace to curate a unique aesthetic.

Bracelets

Bracelets

From just £780

Stacking Bracelets

Bracelet stacking has been done for hundreds of years. Today, it is a popular jewellery trend and a great way to accessorise. From chunky colourful bangles to thin sparkly bracelets, there are almost endless options to choose from and several styles to try.

How to Stack Bracelets

There are several ways you can stack bracelets. However, if you’re new to this trend and you’re not feeling overly confident, it’s best to start small and select metals, colours, and textures that compliment each other. An easy way to do this is to gather all of your bracelets in one place and organise them by colour, texture, and style. You can then pair similar bracelets together depending on the look you are hoping to achieve.

Remember, it’s best to start small, experimenting with a couple of bracelets to begin with. Then, as your confidence grows, you can add more bracelets (in contrasting colours, styles and textures) to create a mix and match look that expresses your individual style.

Earrings

Earrings

From just £135

Stacking Earrings

The trend of getting multiple piercings and stacking earrings has surged in popularity in recent years due to its influence in popular culture. However, multiple piercings were once considered unconventional. It wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s when punk and rock musicians began wearing multiple earrings to showcase their right to self-expression that the trend began taking shape.

Today, stacking earrings is a popular trend. Maria Tash spoke to Net-a-Porter about the trend, commenting that “I think of curating an ear like choosing the perfect outfit: every component works together for a combination that is all the wearer’s own […] Great curation is imaginative and memorable, and there are many ways to achieve it.”

How to Stack Earrings

Stacking earrings is a versatile way to add points of interest to your outfit. It compliments multiple styles and is a great jewellery choice in both everyday and professional settings.

To stack earrings, most people need multiple piercings. However, you can also purchase clip-on earrings to achieve the same effect. We recommend starting with something simple; perhaps a single statement earring and then a couple of studs or small hoops to compliment it.

A simple rule for stacking earrings is to focus on the first earring. Whether you want to opt for large hoops, a dangling earring, or a stud, the first earring should act as your statement piece. Then you can decrease the earrings in size as you move up the ear. This is a simple but effective way to stack earrings and is a great place to start if you’re a beginner.

Rings

Rings

From just £360

Ring Stacking

Ring stacking is a fun way to draw attention to your hands and show off your latest manicure. The most well-known form of ring stacking is when married people pair engagement rings with wedding bands. This is a very traditional form of ring stacking, but is certainly the most well-known. Ring stacking for fashion reasons is becoming increasingly popular and is a great way to show off your ring jewellery.

How to Stack Rings

Stacking rings can be a tricky one. Too few and people don’t notice them. Too many and it’s overkill. You have to find a happy medium and this can be difficult when you’re just starting out. If you want to create an instant impact, opt for rings of different textures and details. These could range from vibrant gemstones to plain metal bands. Selecting a good variety is a great way to achieve a bold aesthetic that expresses your individual style.

If you like to wear multiple rings on each finger, a helpful tip is to choose rings that sit flush against each other. This creates a more seamless look and avoids your jewellery choices feeling clunky or unnatural. Most of all, it’s important to have fun with it.

Final Words

Jewellery stacking is all about creating a look that you love and feel comfortable wearing. So, get creative and try out a few different styles. You’ll be surprised what you learn about your jewellery tastes and personal style along the way.

The Healing Powers of Amber

Many people find amber compelling as it carries so much history. Amber is one of the most popular – and oldest – gemstones. Originally discovered in fossilised tree resin, amber is an organic substance known for its beauty and healing properties.

How is Amber Formed?

Unlike other gemstones that are formed in water or fire, amber is formed in the resin of trees. Resin works like a plaster for trees’ wounds. When a tree becomes injured, resin oozes out of the exposed area to fill the gap. As the resin is exposed to the air and sunlight, it begins to harden. This forms a protective layer that protects the tree from fungi, infection, and some deadly diseases.

Often, insects and plant debris become caught in the resin as it hardens over time. This causes it to fall to the ground or into the water. Over time, the hardened resin gets buried and then over many millennia it succumbs to pressure and heat. This, according to The National Geographic means the following:

“The deeper the resin gets buried over many millennia, the more pressure and heat the resin will end up feeling. Over an extended period, these conditions cause the resin’s compounds to polymerize, or chemically react with each other to form a thicket of molecular linkages. This process yields the hard, glassy material that we know as amber.” Many people are drawn to Amber because of its historical origin and the fact it has bared witness to so many years on the earth.

The Healing Properties of Amber

The name ‘Amber’ in ancient Greek means ‘beaming sun’ and pays homage to the way light pours down from the sky to warm the earth. Much like the healing power of the sun, amber has healing properties of its own that make it a popular gemstone choice.

Absorbs Negative and Stagnant Energy

Nobody wants negative, stagnant energy in their life. Amber is believed to align the body, spirit, and mind to encourage inner healing. This gemstone has a powerful ability to absorb all negative energy that comes your way to ensure you are surrounded by positive, life-giving energy that brings happiness and encourages an optimistic outlook on life.

Because of its ability to absorb negative energy, many people choose to incorporate amber into their bespoke jewellery pieces to ensure they receive the full benefit of this powerful gemstone. Wearing amber in jewellery is a great way to harness all of the stone’s benefits and enjoy the warmth and peace the stone offers.

Reduces Pain in Adults and Children

In addition to absorbing negative energy, amber is well-known for reducing pain in adults and children. In particular, amber has become a popular choice for the treatment of teething pain in babies.

Amber has a wonderful ability to cut through pain in the body and provide a comforting warmth that supports those suffering from physical ailments, headaches, coughs and colds, as well as chronic ailments such as arthritis. Although, the gemstone itself isn’t the healer in this instance; instead it is the analgesic properties of the stone that take the edge off physical pain. Most Amber contains around 3-8% of Succinic Acid and this has been used to alleviate pain for hundreds of years.

The power of Amber allows you to heal from physical ailments more rapidly. Amber allows the body to re-balance during times of sickness and provides much-needed relief for many experiencing discomfort.

Naturally Purifies

Amber is esteemed for its ability to draw pain and disease from a person’s body, as well as absorb negative energies from the mind, spirit, and physical environment. By naturally purifying in this way Amber can stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms and provide the space and environmental reset needed to remove any toxicity from your life so that you can start afresh.

According to Crystalyze, “As a powerful cleanser, Amber purifies the aura by detaching emotional blockages and re-balancing the chakras. Its soothing vibration nurtures self-healing by removing disease and restoring wellness.”

Attracts Healthier Energy

Amber is ideal to wear or carry when you are recovering from a physical illness or injury. This is because Amber attracts healthy energies by drawing on your desire for wellness and strengthening this energy through natural vibrations before sending it back into your system.

Certain to energise you, Amber embodies millions of years worth of energy and wisdom. This can be drawn on to achieve longevity and a renewed energy in your life. Whether you’re feeling sluggish, depressed, or generally weighed down, Amber can help revitalise you and put a spring back in your step.

Deflects Energy from Others

According to Elle Kaplan, “Scientific research indicates that negativity is contagious, akin to a cold. […] Quite simply, no matter how positive of a person you are, negative people can affect your life, unless you take the right precautions. […] Even a small amount of negative brain activity can lead to a weakened immune system, making you more prone to illness, and even lead to a heart attack or stroke.”

If you are struggling to fight off the negative energy of those around you, Amber could be the solution you’re looking for. This powerful gemstone is an exceptional rubbing stone that can be used for deflecting bad energy from other people and relieving feelings of stress and anxiety.

The more Amber is touched, the more it warms. This uplifting current of energy generates a positive aura that strengthens your immune system and helps you deflect against the negative influences in your life.

Associates with the Colour Gold

The colour gold is often associated with the sun, kings, and riches. It conjures up images of abundance and offers a sense of power, security, and happiness.

Amber is a gemstone often associated with gold – and not just because of its colour. Amber is said to reflect many of gold’s attributes, offering a similar radiance as well as the ability to banish darkness. Amber emanates warmth and strength and offers these qualities to the wearer.

Final Words

Amber is a beautiful and powerful gemstone that can add strength and wellness to your life. Incorporated into jewellery pieces, Amber is a popular gemstone choice for many people.

Tips and Tricks for Photographing Jewellery

As a jewellery seller, it is vital you know how to take eye-catching, professional photographs of your jewellery products.

However, jewellery is notoriously difficult to photograph. Whether silver, gold, diamond, or crystal, jewellery is well known for being shiny and reflective. This means it can be difficult to capture the perfect image – and to a professional standard.

Not to worry though, we’re here to help. In this article, we will share our top tips and tricks for photographing jewellery, so that you can advertise your products professionally.

Let’s get started.

Photography Equipment You Need

When it comes to taking great photos the first thing you need is to invest in some quality photography equipment. Of course, how much you invest will depend on your budget. However, a high-quality camera is vital as the quality of your pictures will be vastly superior to those taken from your phone.

A few other pieces of equipment worth buying include:

  • Tripod
  • Lighting
  • Jewellery displays
  • Backgrounds
  • Foam boards
  • Clamps or tape
  • Blackout blinds

It is important to note that lighting and weather conditions can have a big impact on picture quality. And you want to be able to work whether it’s raining outside or not. That’s why you should invest in photography gear that can achieve great results no matter the light levels.

Indoor lighting set-ups are a great solution, as well as plain backgrounds and blackout blinds. All these things can help you achieve a certain look/mood that elevates your products and helps you sell more effectively.

Tips and Tricks: How to Photograph Jewellery Like a Pro

Once you’ve got the gear and you’ve had a bit of practice with your new camera, it’s time to get started. The following photography tips will help you showcase your jewellery in the best light (quite literally) so that you can sell more than ever before.

Create the Scene

Do you have a theme for your jewellery? Are you promoting Christmas products or perhaps jewellery pieces for a glamorous night out with the girls? Working within a theme is a fun and easy way to showcase your jewellery so that it stands out.

Start by creating a scene. You can use your display table, chosen background, and jewellery stands for this, as well as any accessories you’d like to help enhance the image. Creating a scene inline with your chosen theme is a great way to draw the eye, add points of interest, and help your jewellery stand out from the competition.

Find the Right Light

Finding the right light is vital for achieving a great photograph. According to expert photographers Adobe, “all photos have a balance of light and shadow that contribute to how we each see and perceive an image […] Light makes an image seem brighter while shadow can draw drama to a certain part of an image’s composition.”

Depending on the look and feel you’re trying to achieve, there are two main ways you can position your jewellery display to achieve the best effect:

Near the Window: the closer you display your jewellery to the window, the softer the light will be – this is ideal for photoshoots of engagement rings and other bridal jewellery as it will help capture a sense of beauty and elegance. Think of old movies. Directors would often use ‘soft light’ when focussing on the heroine as it would soften her features, making her look even more beautiful. The same can be applied to photographing jewellery. The softer the light, the more beautiful it looks.

Artificial Lighting: if it is a dull day and the natural lighting simply isn’t working for you, consider utilising the benefits of artificial lighting. Artificial lighting can create stunning and dramatic images, depending on what you’re hoping to achieve.

To create a softer light, position your camera directly in front of the item with one artificial light source at a 45-degree angle. This will soften the picture beautifully.

To achieve a more dramatic effect, place the item further away from your light source. This will create shadow and allow you to manipulate the light levels more dramatically. Play with different angles to add some drama to the final image and achieve the effect you’re looking for.

Invest in a Professional Hand Model

If you want to take your jewellery photography to the next level, consider investing in a hand model. A professional hand model will elevate your image and help your marketing efforts come across as more authentic. This is important for the development of trust between your customers and your brand and is a great way to stand apart from the competition.

Using hand models is a great way to show your audience what your jewellery looks like on a real person. It helps your customers see and understand each piece more clearly and have a better understanding of an item’s size, texture, colour, and functionality.

While investing in a professional hand model isn’t necessarily cheap, it is definitely a worthwhile investment. Hiring a professional demonstrates to your audience that you offer a higher quality than your competitors, that you care about their user experience, and that you put time and effort into every aspect of your brand. And it definitely pays off in more sales. So, it’s worth a try.

Thoroughly Clean Jewellery

This might seem like an obvious point, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to clean and prepare jewellery for photographing.

Your jewellery should be thoroughly cleaned and polished before photographing. Any high quality photograph will capture marks, smudges, and imperfections that could ruin the final image.

So, be sure to thoroughly clean your jewellery and wipe it down every time you touch it. Many professionals opt to wear cotton or silk gloves during photoshoots as this saves time cleaning items between takes.

Retouch and Edit Your Final Pictures

Once you have taken your photographs, it’s important to prepare them for displaying in your online store. After all of your hard work setting up the photoshoots, preparing the jewellery, and snapping the pictures, it’s important to make the images look as high-quality and professional as possible.

We recommend either hiring a professional editor or retouching the final images yourself in Photoshop or similar. Even the most basic photo editing techniques can be enough to enhance your photos and make them pop.

Final Words

So, there you have it – our tips and tricks for photographing jewellery. Remember, you don’t need to be a professional. As long as you have the right equipment, plenty of patience, and an eye for detail, you can achieve professional images that enhance your online efforts and sell your jewellery faster.

10 Gemstones That Bring You Good Luck

The idea of gemstones bringing good luck has existed for a very long time. People throughout history have believed that different stones release different types of energy via vibrations. These vibrations or ‘energy signatures’ energise the specific role of the gemstone (for example, to bring luck) and allow for it to manifest and become a reality in your daily life.

Wearing gemstones in the form of bespoke jewellery pieces can be a great way of carrying that luck with you wherever you go.

Let’s dive into the 10 gemstones that bring you good luck.

1. Green Jade

Green Jade has been synonymous with good luck for centuries. Considered a highly protective stone, Green Jade has been incorporated into weapons and jewellery and used by many to promote healing. Today, it is incorporated most commonly into jewellery items and is thought to bring the wearer good luck and fortune.

Helps shield you from bad investments
As well as bringing good luck, Green Jade is thought to attract money to your door and protect you from making bad investments. That’s why it can often be found in places of business. Many people also wear Green Jade to job interviews and performance reviews.

Promotes Abundance
Known as the ‘stone of abundance’, Green Jade can help attract wealth, success, and even love to your life. No matter what you’re trying to achieve, Green Jade helps turn your dreams into reality.

2. Tiger Eye

Tiger Eye is a popular metamorphic gemstone that ranges in deep shades of brown, orange and yellow. As the name suggests, it resembles a tigers eye. It is well-known for its ability to ignite a flame of bravery within people.

Gives Strength and Bravery
In Roman times, warriors were thought to have worn Tigers Eye during battle because it helped give them the strength to face difficult situations. It also gave them bravery to fight long and hard in battle.

Experience Positive Transformation
By wearing this gemstone, you may attract good luck and prosperity into your life. Many people believe this is through the gemstone empowering you to be bold and brave in your decisions, thereby opening the door to new and existing opportunities.

3. Citrine

Citrine is a sunny and bright gemstone that is well-known for its good luck properties. A yellow variety of quartz, Citrine famously received its name from the Old French word for lemon. Its warm yellow colour is said to be a gift from the sun itself, making this gemstone the perfect choice for brightening up your day.

Lean into Your Dreams
Citrine is said to encourage fresh beginnings, new dreams, and prosperity. It encourages you to chase your desires and make your dreams a reality. The stone is associated with fortune and wealth, so many wearers hold the hope that by wearing the stone while they pursue their goals they will attract good fortune.

Good Vibrations and Luck
Citrine emits powerful vibrations that help manifest good luck in your life. We all need a little help sometimes and Citrine is a beautiful gemstone that provides the support you need. Named ‘the Lucky Merchant Stone’, this pretty little gemstone helps you to feel optimistic and full of hope about the future.

4. Green Aventurine

Another member of the quartz family, green aventurine, was named after the Italian word ‘a Ventura’ which means ‘by chance’. It is often incorporated into jewellery and is popular among many gemstone wearers and collectors for both its beauty and good luck charms.

Adventure
Green Aventurine is here to take you on an adventure. Everyone wants that sense of adventure and the bravery to try new things. So, if that resonates with you this could be the gemstone you need.

Calm and Good Luck
Although trying new things can be uncomfortable at first, Green Aventurine ensures that all the new things you step out in bring you good luck and prosperity.

5. Clear Quartz

A well-known gemstone and a beautiful addition to jewellery pieces, clear quartz is a popular choice for many. The master healer and a brilliant amplifier of your dreams and desires, this gemstone is a must.

Healing
Often referred to as the ‘Master Healer’, clear quartz is known for its ability to clear the mind of negative thoughts and the body of negative energy. It is thought to enhance higher spiritual receptiveness, support the immune system, and balance the body.

Good Luck
As well as dispelling negativity, clear quartz is thought to attract good luck to the wearer. By clearing your mind and removing negative energies from your body, clear quartz can get to work bringing good luck into every aspect of your life.

6. Garnet

Garnet is a deep red gemstone known for its beauty and ability to bring good luck to its owner. The gemstone can be tracked back at least 5,000 years where it has been celebrated by cultures around the world.

Protection
Garnet is well-known for its ability to offer protection against negative energy. It has been used in crystal healing for generations and is associated with having a protective, calming energy that supports the wearer and encourages the transformation of negative energy to a positive state.

Luck
For those who feel pretty short-changed when it comes to good luck, the garnet gemstone could be the answer. Garnet is synonymous with luck in riches, love, and passion. It helps put you on the path to success and can send positive energy into the universe that entices good luck to return to you.

7. Malachite

Nearly every civilisation in history has been fascinated in some way by the Malachite gemstone. This beautiful gemstone with its green swirls signifies transformation and positive change. It’s a popular gemstone for many as it brings the wearer a promise of new growth.

Luck
Malachite is thought to have good luck properties. Whatever you want to achieve, wearing the malachite gemstone can help you achieve it.

Courage
We all need to be more courageous at times. But that can be difficult. This stone brings courage to the wearer, giving you the confidence you need to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.

8. Peridot

Peridot is known as the money stone. It brings good fortune to all those who possess it and is highly popular among those searching for good luck. A lime green colour, Peridot makes for beautiful jewellery and is one of the few gemstones that is only one colour.

Helps You Think Differently
If you want to find success in your life, it’s important to think differently. Peridot helps to clear away obstacles in your thought life and fine-tune your mind to focus on achieving what you really want.

Brings Good Fortune and Money
We could all do with good fortune and money. Gemstones like Peridot attract these positive things and dispel negative energies so that you can stay on the right track.

9. Rose Quartz

This beautiful and famous gemstone is well-known all over the world for its stunning cotton candy colour and dates back as far as 7,000 B.C. It was often used by women to clear their complexions. Today, rose quartz is popular in jewellery or as decoration in homes and offices.

Opens Your Heart to New Possibilities
Often, we miss out on good things in our lives because we’re not open to receiving them. Rose Quartz helps open your heart to radiant energies, reminding you to be brave and open up your life to new and exciting possibilities.

Achieve Success
When your heart is open and you are willing and ready to accept good things into your life, you will achieve success. Rose Quartz makes you ready to receive abundance and in doing so prepares you for the waterfall of good luck and fortune to come.

10. Amazonite

Known as the harmonizer gemstone, Amazonite is considered one of the best crystals for good luck – particularly in the area of relationships.

Good Luck in Relationships
Amazonite serves as a good luck charm when it comes to relationships. It helps open your heart and mind to new possibilities and attract the right people into your life.

Good Luck
If you want to succeed in business, Amazonite can serve as your good luck charm. This precious gemstone attracts new business and financial ventures that can help further your success.

Final Words

There you have it; the top 10 gemstones that bring you good luck. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or you want to hone your gemstone skills, we hope our list helps you attract more luck into your life.

Surprising Facts About the Jewellery Industry

Jewellery originated as a concept from as far back as prehistoric times, when shells and bones were used as personal adornments. Ancient Egyptians also took to wearing live beetles and cockroaches, in an effort to ward off evil; a practice which was remarkably resurrected in Victorian times.

However, it wasn’t really until the 13th Century that metal jewellery started appearing in everyday use. It was used to show hierarchy and status in Medieval Europe. Copper and pewter were popular among the lower classes, where it was only royalty who wore the much more expensive gems, silver and gold.

Glass was also popularised at the same time, with Murano in Venice being the birthplace of glass beads used to make necklaces. Murano is still a hotspot for glass blowers and tourists flock there to pick up their own glass jewellery in various colours and styles.

Cultural and religious jewellery

You may be surprised to learn that gold is actually frowned upon in the Christian Bible, showing it as the fancies of prostitutes who dressed themselves in it to make them more attractive. Luckily, although the concept is still pretty similar, no one bats an eyelid nowadays!

Islam also disallows men wearing gold, with women only allowed to wear earrings. Conversely, in Africa, huge earrings are a sign of power and masculinity.

Jewellery for the modern man only really became a more acceptable proposition in the 1980s, when band The Smiths wore necklaces on stage, in a revival of the hippy movement of the 1960s.

24 carat gold is the purest you can get, but is thought by European and American jewellers to be too soft from which to make jewellery. However, it is still widely used as the chosen metal in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

The Chinese much prefer silver to gold when it comes to jewellery, often combining it with blue feathers and stones. Although it is jade which is most revered in China, ostensibly because it reflects the sought-after human qualities of beauty, hardness and durability.

Live like royalty

Discovered in 1905, the Cullinan Diamond is the biggest and heaviest example of a rough diamond ever found. It forms the centrepiece of the crown jewels and weighs over 620g or a massive 3,106.75 carats. Diamonds were first mined in India, and the British Raj took advantage of this by claiming the huge diamond for their country.

Princess Diana’s diamond and sapphire engagement ring is probably the most-recognised of all royal jewellery, with replica examples for sale all over the world. Kate Middleton was gifted the ring by Prince William on their engagement. We have some lovely diamond and sapphire rings in our collection too, if you want a touch of royalty in your life.

Engagement Rings

Engagement Rings

From just £685

Wedding and engagement rings

Wedding rings for men are a fairly new phenomenon in the jewellery world. They were actually used as a marketing ploy for jewellers to widen their audience, in the early 20th Century. By the 1940s, 85% of married American men wore wedding rings.

In Ancient Rome, only high-ranking people were allowed to wear rings of any sort, and wedding rings were given as part of the dowry. But, it was the Ancient Egyptians who started the tradition of wedding rings, and the placement on the fourth finger of the left hand was due to their belief that a vein of love ran directly from this finger to your heart.

Wedding rings are always a never-ending circle, to signify the union and everlasting love. But styles of wedding ring have changed a lot over the years. Starting as just braided reeds, they became more elaborate in the 15th Century when messages started being engraved onto the inside of the ring.

By medieval times, wedding rings encompassed two hands being clasped together. But, perhaps most elaborate of all, up until the 17th Century, the bride and groom would each wear a ring leading up to the wedding and these would then be given to the bride on the wedding day, with a third band, and it would provide an interlocking whole.

This gimmel ring is potentially the first example of the engagement ring as we know it today. Previously, engagement rings were just used as a sign of ownership, rather than romance. It was Maximillian I’s marriage to Mary of Burgundy in 1477 that brought engagement rings into popular culture.

Diamonds in engagement rings are also down to another marketing campaign. De Veers used the slogan ‘diamonds are forever’ in 1947 and it stuck in people’s consciousness when they were looking for rings to signify their forever love. Nowadays, diamonds are less popular in engagement rings, with many newly-engaged couples choosing more colourful jewels to suit their own styles and tastes.

Guide to Gemstones

Guide to Gemstones

Significance of stones

In fact, many gemstones have their own meaning, which is often a good way of choosing which one to have in your jewellery. We all know that birthstones exist, with one for each month of the year, but there is so much more to them than that.

Amber is the oldest gem you can get, with some of it being up to 120 million years old. Formed by fossilised pine tree sap and found in rocks and coastlines across the world. It is often worn by fiery passionate people who have a love of nature, with the transparent version most popular in jewellery.

Incredibly, although everyone thinks of diamonds as the most precious gemstone there is, a perfect ruby is worth much more than its diamond equivalent.

The richness of the red of a ruby makes it one of the recognised ‘jewel colours’.

Others include green emeralds, which were first mined by the Ancient Egyptians as far back as 3500BC, blue sapphires and purple amethysts. The latter of these is a type of quartz, but the beauty of its colour means it has been categorised as a semi-precious gem for jewellery.

Final thoughts

The word jewellery stems from the Latin for ‘plaything’, which also prompted the French word ‘jouel’. It started as something frivolous and only for the rich and powerful, but is now seen on everyone around the world in some form or another.

Well-designed jewellery will never go out of style and increases in value, making it a great investment. Check out our range of vintage jewellery online and see some of the fantastic Victorian and art deco styles for yourself. We might not have anything as old as 100,000 years, but we do have a fantastic selection of new and antique jewellery for you to choose from.

How to Wear Jewellery at Christmas

Christmas is the time of year when everything has that added glitz, glamour and sparkle that makes wearing jewellery a must. It is a great excuse for getting dressed up and accessorising yourself as much as the Christmas lights and decorations around your house.

Whether you want to go for style and sophistication or mixing and matching festive colours of reds, greens and gold, now is the time to think about adding to your Christmas jewellery selection. Or to start dropping heavy hints to your friends and family, if you prefer!

Ice cool silver tones

When it comes to winter, silver is in. This could be platinum or white gold too, if you prefer that to actual silver. But, whichever you choose, these cool silvery tones are ideal for reflecting snow and ice. It also looks great against paler skin, when your summer tan has faded.

Whatever your chosen style, we have a large selection of silver jewellery to browse, or we can create something platinum and completely bespoke to you, to your requirements, if you want to embrace the Christmas season with a design of your own imaginative conception.

Diamond Jewellery

Diamond Jewellery

From just £475

Diamonds for winter sparkle

For added sparkle to your winter tones, diamonds are a girl’s (or man’s) best friend. With a natural snowflake feel to them, the glistening clarity of white diamonds is the obvious choice for winter jewellery, and a sophisticated Christmas season.

Whether you want diamond earrings or a diamond necklace, or a diamond studded ring, the gem is a popular and much-used stone in jewellery design, whether it is on its own or combined with other stones. Blue sapphires and diamonds, such as those used in this ring in our collection, still fit the winter theme, but mean you can also add in a bit of colour.

Festive colours

Speaking of colour, Christmas is a riot of colours from the myriad lights around houses, shopping areas and city centres to tinsel, baubles and other decorations. So, why not get in on the act too and opt for a gold base to your jewellery and choose items studded with rubies and emeralds to give you those festive colours of gold, red and green to match the Christmas festivities?

Earrings are particularly popular and versatile when you want to add some colour to your outfit. Even if you would normally have quite plain and understated chain necklaces or bracelets, it is earrings where your personality can really shine through, and they can be worn and interchanged throughout the year. Colourful earrings, whether they are studs or drops, are not just for Christmas.

Go all out for the party season

More is more at Christmas. So, make the most of it, and wear as much jewellery as possible. Why should trees have all the fun and decoration? Layer your clothes and layer your bracelets and bangles, so you are as jingly as the bells.

Don’t feel you have to stick to one base metal; mix them up and wear lots of different colours and styles. Anything goes during the festive season, so take the opportunity to experiment with your jewellery and you may even discover a new way of wearing it.

Sophisticated understatements

If you are more of a sophisticated glamour girl during the Christmas party season, then some well-chosen pieces to complement your outfit will have just as much of an impact. A pendant necklace works well with a low cut dress, while a bracelet or glitzy watch with a short sleeved outfit will draw the eye.

Vintage jewellery is always a good alternative, as you can be sure that no one will turn up to the party wearing the same as you. Plus, it makes a great talking point if small talk is required, as it so often is in these situations.

Jewellery v clothing dilemmas

Of course, during Christmas and winter, you may well need to wrap up warm, with hats, coats, scarves and gloves being part of your regular daily wardrobe.

These don’t necessarily lend themselves to wearing jewellery. The last thing you need is an earring getting caught on a woolly hat, or a fancy ring being completely redundant under your gloves.

So, do bear this in mind when selecting which pieces of jewellery to wear when. You might decide that one of our brooches is the order of the day instead, as it can be worn on the lapel of a coat or given a practical use to pin a scarf into place.

Men's Jewellery

Men’s Jewellery

From just £105

Don’t forget the men

Cufflinks are always an easy solution as a present for men, and Christmas is also an ideal time to wear them. Everyone likes to get dressed up at Christmas, and suits with cufflinks are often the obvious choice for men when attending the office party, or going for dinner with friends or family over the festive period.

There is such a huge choice of shapes, styles and colours available in the world of cufflinks, so there is bound to be something which suits your suit.

These green and red enamelled gold cufflinks are particularly festive and will be the perfect finishing touch for any outfit.

Final thoughts

Christmas and sparkly jewellery go hand in hand. Exuberance and abundance are expected at this time of year, so it gives you the ideal excuse to bring out some items that you only ever wear for best. You may also want to add to your jewellery box with a present to yourself.

Check out our huge range online or come into our Guildford showroom and see what takes your fancy. You may want to make a Christmas list for Santa and hope that some of your choices end up in your stocking or under the tree on Christmas morning.

Christmas Trends 2023

Christmas is right around the corner once again and it’s time to start planning what you’re going to wear. From bracelets that add glamour to necklaces that draw the eye, Christmas jewellery trends are all about adding that extra sparkle!

Whether it’s for a big event or the yearly family get together, dressing up for Christmas is a great excuse to up the glam and wear a few jewellery pieces that are extra special. Whether you plan to spend the day in heels and a beautiful dress or track pants and your favourite hoodie, you can (and should!) always add a touch of sparkle to make the day extra special.

In this article, we will be sharing the top Christmas jewellery trends in 2023 so that you can gain some inspiration.

Colourful Gemstones

The great thing about jewellery at Christmas time is that it’s a wonderful excuse to wear more colourful jewellery pieces. As such, gemstones are a popular choice as there are so many colours to choose from – sapphire, emerald, ruby, for example – that add a pop of colour to your outfit.

Gemstones can be embraced in rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces and are a great way to colourfully accent your outfit. If you’re a little more traditional and prefer a diamond, consider coloured diamonds for Christmas. These unique diamonds come in colours like pink, yellow, and green and are a lovely way to add some colour to your outfit and celebrations.

Diamond Jewellery

Diamond Jewellery

From just £475

Add Glitz & Sparkle

From the lights on the trees to the tinsel decorating the mantlepiece, Christmas is all about sparkles. Which is why it’s a great opportunity to make some sparkling jewellery choices.

Crystals are a popular choice as they do a wonderful job of catching the light and drawing the eye. Shiny cocktail earrings, cube chains, and pendants are all excellent ways to incorporate crystals into your celebrations.

Whether you’re looking for a statement piece such as glitter drop earrings or you want to keep things simple with subtle studs, crystal jewellery adds a sparkle that is sure to get you noticed.

Pearl Jewellery

Pearl Jewellery

From just £170

Embrace Pearls

Christmas is often a frosty session here in the UK and a time for snuggling beside the fire with a cup of hot chocolate. It’s the perfect opportunity to embrace jewellery choices such as pearls. When worn as earrings or necklaces, pearls create a subtle brightening effect that emphasises the wearers face and highlights their beauty.

Pearls are also a popular choice for many as they are often passed down as family heirlooms, making them a classic and meaningful choice. These beautiful jewellery pieces last for a lifetime and are a lovely way to incorporate the memory of someone special into your Christmas celebrations.

According to Good Housekeeping, “There’s no denying that pearls are a classic jewellery piece which have endured decades of evolving styles. Loved by royalty and Hollywood stars alike, the coveted jewels are a timeless choice and evoke a unique air of glamour and sophistication.”

Necklaces

Coloured Gemstones

From just £650

Christmas-themed Jewellery

Christmas is a nostalgic time for many. Most of us think back on the year, what we have achieved and the good times we’ve had. Whatever nostalgia you find yourself giving in to this time of year, Christmas-themed jewellery is a great way to embrace the nostalgia.

Christmas-themed jewellery is a more grown-up version of what you wore as a child. These jewellery pieces can be funny and creative, bold and colourful and are a great way to embrace the Christmas spirit. You may even have some pieces in your old jewellery box from when you were young!

Whether you want to opt for subtle choices like star earrings or snowflake bracelets or you’re keen to get fully into the Christmas spirit with Santa clause earrings and reindeer necklaces, Christmas-themed jewellery is a great way to celebrate the fun of the festive season. These jewellery pieces also make great talking points and will put a smile on everyone’s face.

Necklaces

Necklaces

From just £510

Chunky Chain Necklaces

Chunky chain necklaces are a popular jewellery choice for the festive season and we’re confident they’re here to stay! These gorgeous jewellery pieces are a great option whether you’re dressing up or not as they work with every outfit. Whether you’re looking to turn heads, make a statement, or enjoy a quiet night in, opting for a chunky chain necklace is a must.

Chunky chains are available in many different styles, however the most popular are silver and gold as these typically lend themselves to any type of look.

According to InStyle, “Chain necklaces pair well with everything, one reason they’re so popular – and hey, we love a versatile accessory when we see one.

You can just as easily wear them with a classic white tee as you can with a little black dress, and the effect is all the same: Your outfit is instantly infused with an air of glamour.”

Signet Rings

Signet Rings

From just £595

Signet Rings

Are you searching for that fashion jewellery piece that will help you stand out from the crowd? Signet rings are the way to go. This perfect jewellery choice is becoming increasingly popular and is the ultimate symbol of luxury. Originating in the hands of religious leaders and pharaohs, signet rings are a great way to up the ante.

According to The Gentleman’s Gazette, “For thousands of years, men of influence have been donning a wearable form of identification and communication known as the signet ring. Today, this remarkable ring is a common style accessory that can be worn by any gentleman […] The signet ring remains one of the most common types of rings in menswear.”

Whether passed down through generations or custom-made to express your individuality, signet rings add a unique touch to any outfit and are a great way to make a statement. Gold signet rings tend to be the most popular and they are a great way to add a sense of warmth to your Christmas celebrations.

In Summary

Christmas is the best time for getting creative with your jewellery pieces. From work parties and nights out drinking to family dinners and cosy nights in, there are plenty of opportunities for a little opulence.

We hope the jewellery picks we’ve shared provide some inspiration and help you add some sparkle to your Christmas celebrations in 2023.

Jewellery Inspired by the Seasons

Seasons change and so does fashion. Styling your jewellery choices to compliment the changing seasons is a lovely way to celebrate beauty and embrace the passing of time.

However, many people find seasonal styling a little intimidating. So, if the thought makes you nervous, you’re not the only one. Seasonal styling isn’t as easy as you think.

Thankfully, we’re here to help. This article will provide you with guidance and advice on how to style your jewellery appropriately for each season.

Through the advice in this article, we hope to help enhance your look and boost your confidence.

Seasonal Jewellery that Works All Year Round

The best part about choosing jewellery for each season is that you can compliment your outfits all year round. Whether you want to enhance your casual look or you want a statement piece to compliment your formal attire, seasonal bespoke jewellery pieces bring out the best in your outfit, helping you look and feel good all year round.

Here are a few ways you can make the most of your jewellery choices through every season:

Layer Jewellery Pieces

Jewellery layering has become particularly popular in recent years. Basic layering techniques such as multiple chains of different lengths pair beautifully with both casual and formal outfits. If you want to experiment with jewellery layers, try pieces with different lengths, shapes, and colours to add points of interest.

For example, pairing a choker with an extra long chain necklace can help draw attention by creating multiple points of interest. According to Willow Tree, “when layered, you create a range of visual interests based on the lengths, textures, and finishes. And later, when paired with a colourful gemstone pendant, you’ll start taking things to the next level!”

Layering can also be achieved if you have multiple ear piercings. You can combine stud earrings with hoops or longer drop earrings to create interest.

Basic layering is a popular year-round technique and a great way to show off your favourite jewellery pieces.

Statement Jewellery

It’s never too late to wear that statement piece you love. And the great thing about statement pieces is they can be worn all year round; simply match the jewellery’s colour with your seasonal colour palette.

Statement jewellery is a great way to add some personality to your outfit and helps you celebrate those special occasions in style.

All-round Jewellery Pieces

Do you have that go-to piece of jewellery you just love to wear? Perhaps it’s a simple necklace or a pair of stud earrings. Whatever it is, having a go-to item of jewellery is a must. They’re ideal if you’re rushing out the door and you just want something simple that goes with your outfit.

All-round jewellery pieces never go out of style. What’s more they’re a great way to take your outfit to the next level and are often suitable for any occasion. A win-win.

Jewellery for Each Season

If you love jewellery and you’re keen to follow the current trends, you know that every season has its signature jewellery to celebrate the changing tones and styles.

Let’s take a look at the best jewellery for every season and how you can celebrate the latest trends all year round.

0.72ct Sapphire & Diamond Flower Cluster Ring 1.01ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Flower Cluster Pendant 0.38ct Round Emerald & Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Cluster Earrings
Sapphire & Diamond Flower Cluster Ring 1.01ct Diamond Flower Cluster Pendant Emerald & Diamond Cluster Earrings
 £1,885  £2,750  £1,575


Spring

Spring is that glorious time of year where everything is new. According to Wikipedia, “Spring and ‘springtime’ refer to the season, and also to ideas of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection and regrowth.” Reflecting this in your jewellery choices is a lovely nod to this time of year and a great way to embrace the warmer weather on its way.

Spring jewellery celebrates nature-inspired designs. Everything from floral patterns and bright colours to chunky bracelets and earrings with vibrant designs and eye-catching patterns. Embrace all that spring has to offer by injecting a little colour into your jewellery choices.

18ct Yellow Gold Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings 8.5mm x 9mm 0.90ct Pear Shaped Aquamarine & Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Pendent 0.66ct Pear Shaped Fancy Yellow & Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Halo Ring
Gold & Pearl Stud Earrings Aquamarine & Diamond Pendant Yellow Diamond Halo Ring
 £465  £1,025  £4,950


Summer

If you live in a good climate, summer is the season of warmth. Summer-themed jewellery celebrates warmer temperatures with vibrant colours, funky light earrings, and pearl jewellery pieces that compliment the hot summer days with cooler vibes.

Summer is typically the season for floral dresses and t-shirts and shorts. It’s the perfect time to show a little extra skin and embrace sea-inspired jewellery pieces like shell necklaces and pearl earrings.

Whether you spend your summer sunbathing on the beach or at BBQ’s with friends, there’s always the opportunity to improve your outfit with a great jewellery choice.

9ct Yellow Gold Figaro Necklace 0.82ct Oval Emerald & Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Trilogy Ring 2.41ct Pear Shaped Peridot Stud Earrings
Yellow Gold Figaro Necklace Emerald & Diamond Trilogy Ring Peridot Stud Earrings
 £360  £4,075  £1,080


Autumn

Okay, it’s that time of year when the warmer weather is starting to disappear and be replaced by wintry winds and frosty mornings. However, despite the cooler days setting in, autumn is a great time to embrace layers – both in your wardrobe and your jewellery choices.

We spoke about layering above. But it’s basically about accessorising with jewellery of different colours, shapes, and lengths. For example, you can accessorise your turtleneck jumpers with long necklaces and your blazers with stud and hoop earrings.

For a more casual look, opt for a chunky chain necklace. Chunky chains compliment everything from sweaters and t-shirts to cocktail dresses making them the ideal go-to autumn jewellery piece.

Top tip: autumn is a favourite season for many as the changing colours transform the surrounding landscape. As a nod to this, opt for warmer shades in your jewellery choices like orange, maroon, and dark greens. These tones will bring out the best in your outfits and highlight the beautiful colours of the autumn season.

0.70ct Opal & Diamond Drop Earrings 0.32ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring 0.90ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Pendant
Opal & Diamond Drop Earrings Diamond Solitaire Ring Diamond Solitaire Pendant
 £835  £2,135  £7,360


Winter

Winter can be a challenging time of year. It’s cold and the days are so much shorter which can make you feel tired and sluggish. However, it also means the Christmas season is around the corner and celebrations are in order.

Winter is a great time of year to embrace earrings and bracelets. All those clothing layers can make it difficult to show off your favourite necklace. So, it’s best to opt for earrings and bracelets that add a little something to your outfit.

Popular choices in the winter months include sterling silver jewellery pieces, pearl earrings that add warmth to any skin tone, and crystal hanging earrings that add sparkle to your outfit. Winter is a great time of year to embrace a little sparkle as it helps brighten up the darker days and bring a sense of joy and excitement.

Final Thoughts

Jewellery inspired by the seasons is a beautiful thing. It helps you embrace the best each season has to offer, feel confident all year round, and brings out the best in your outfits.

We hope the suggestions in this article have provided you with some inspiration. There are many ways you can up your jewellery game and take your accessories to the next level.

Winter Wedding Accessories & Ideas

Winter weddings are the perfect opportunity to go all out with something sparkly. Fairylights abound in the venue and snow or rain adds an iridescent glow to the proceedings. Letting your jewellery reflect this glittery, and glittering, occasion is a must for any bride. And there are several different ways you can go about achieving the winter wedding of your dreams.

Choose the colours of winter, or Christmas if you are having a December wedding, and dress your wedding venue and your own accessories to suit. It’s your day, so you can do whatever you want. Hopefully this article will help you with some ideas and inspire you to get creative.

Silver Oval T Bar Cufflinks Sterling Silver Locket & Chain Silver Round Onyx & Diamond Cufflinks
Silver Oval T Bar Cufflinks Sterling Silver Locket & Chain Silver Round Onyx & Diamond Cufflinks
 £105  £135  £160


Silver to shine

Silver is always considered a winter colour, with its cool tones mimicking the cold outside. Think snow queen vibes. And, if you can’t be a queen on your wedding day, when can you? Of course, if you don’t want to go for actual silver, white gold and platinum will have the same effect.

Choose all your jewellery accessories in these silvery shades to complement each other and the season. Match it to your other wedding accessories, with silver candlesticks, platters and table decorations and choose lighting which will make the most of the added sparkle.

0.11ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Set Wedding Ring 18ct White Gold Cultured Pearl & Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Drop Earrings 0.22ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Leaf Design Half Eternity Ring
Diamond Set Wedding Ring White Gold Cultured Pearl & Round Diamond Drop Earrings Diamond Leaf Design Half Eternity Ring
 £1,885  £1,620  £1,640


Pearls and diamonds

Continuing the snow and ice theme, pearls and diamonds are the gems to use in your silver jewellery. Mix and match or choose just one and wear a necklace, earrings and a bracelet in your chosen style. You could even add a hair slide or brooch to affix your veil, and add strings of pearls to your bouquet.

The options are unlimited, and this is your chance to go big on your accessories for your big day. We have an excellent range of bridal jewellery sets to give you some inspiration. But do check out our full range of jewellery online if you want something specific.

0.30ct Round Ruby & Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Cluster Earrings 0.25ct Round Emerald & Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Pendant 0.76ct Pear Shape Ruby & Diamond Solitaire Ring
Ruby & Diamond Cluster Earrings Emerald & Diamond Pendant Ruby & Diamond Solitaire Ring
 £1,520  £2,675  £2,070


Rubies and emeralds

For a truly festive feel, gold jewellery set with rubies and emeralds is the way forward. You can really embrace the Christmas season as part of your wedding day, with colourful reds and greens incorporated into your wedding accessories, perhaps combined with some foliage such as holly and ivy or beautiful poinsettias.

The rich colours of rubies and emeralds will shine magnificently against the backdrop of a wedding dress, as well as giving you jewellery you can continue to wear every Christmas (or any other time you like!), bringing back the magic of your wedding day every year.

Be inspired by nature

Nature is abundant in winter, with evergreen plants, pine cones and stripped twigs easily available to forage and make up some marvellous table displays and decorations. If nature is something you are passionate about, then be inspired by the shapes and textures and opt for jewellery with leaf, flower or tree motifs.

We particularly love this white gold cut diamond dragonfly pendant which is perfect for a nature-themed wedding and also comes with matching earrings. Or for something more dramatic, these flower-inspired ruby earrings are ideal in December. Although we’d happily wear them at any time of year!

Table favours

Of course, wedding accessories aren’t just about accessorising what you are wearing, setting off your outfit with different types of jewellery. But, that doesn’t mean that precious metals and jewels can’t also be incorporated into other areas of the celebration.

Table favours are still traditionally provided for wedding guests, so having something silver to complement other areas of the wedding set-up makes a lot of sense. We aren’t suggesting you lavish expensive jewellery on your guests, unless you really want to, but there are ways of adding pearl beads and glass ‘diamonds’ to your gifts, to signify the overall theme of your wedding.

Table favours originated in the UK during the time of Queen Victoria, when sugar cubes were given to guests in fabric bags. This was at a time when sugar was an expensive commodity, but for a cheap alternative for your winter wedding, sugar cubes could be a great choice and very on point.

Cutting the cake

No need to forget the cake either. Strings of pearls around the tiers can look great on a wedding cake – again, faux pearls will be better than real ones, in this particularly sticky situation. Even the knife you use to cut the cake could have a pearl-encrusted handle. Dragees, or silver balls as they are more commonly known, can also be utilised to create a winter wonderland of icy colours in your cake decoration.

Or, add some holly with green leaves and red berries if you are opting for the festive colours in your wedding theme. Boiled sweets could also be used on the cake to replicate rubies and emeralds, if you want to tie everything together with your wedding jewellery.

Final thoughts

Winter weddings are the perfect excuse to really dial up the glamour and go all out on your accessories, to make everywhere sparkle as much as the happy bride. Jewellery is the ideal way to add that enchantment to the overall occasion, and reflecting your chosen jewellery in other areas of the wedding, such as the venue and the floral displays, is a great opportunity to tie everything together in a coherent combination.

We have some fantastic jewellery choices available for a winter wedding, whether you are going for sophisticated and modern or a more traditional and vintage feel. Have a look at our range online or contact us to see what else we could find to make your day even more special than it already is.