Stephen Sutton, Author at Cry For The Moon

Guide to Buying Antique Jewellery

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Stephen Sutton

There’s huge demand for buying antique jewellery, whether it’s at auction, online or in person. But new collectors can be hesitant to get started out of fear of buying the wrong item or parting with too much cash for a piece. The purchase of antique jewellery is incredibly personal – you’re not just purchasing an item of jewellery, but also a part of history, so you want to be sure you’re getting it right. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a guide to help you get started.

Know the historical period you’re interested in

Knowing your personal style and the periods in history that most appeal to you can help you to narrow down your search.

Georgian and Regency

If you’re a fan of Jane Austin and love the style of characters from films and books such as Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion, look for a piece of Georgian or Regency jewellery. Jewellery from this period in history is delicate, refined and elegant, often with floral themes such as flowers, wreaths and vines. You’ll also find that Georgian and Regency jewellery has rope decorations and engravings, as well as gem-set crosses. It’s perfect for people who enjoy feminine pieces and want something delicate and sentimental. An item of jewellery from this period will date from 1714-1830.

Victorian

If you’re passionate about all things Victorian, 19th century jewellery will be ideal for you. This period ranges from the Romantic to the Revivalist, and it draws many influences from Renaissance style necklaces to bracelets with Assyrian decoration or Japanese-inspired pieces. Victorian jewellery often has nature themes, such as birds and insects, or flowers. You’ll also find pieces in darker colours with large gems set within it, such as pendants with garnet, black onyx or amethysts. Victorian pieces can be very dramatic and certainly make an impact, from brooches and pendants to engagement rings and bracelets.

Art Deco

Jewellery from the 1920s will have an Art Deco design and feature influences from the French rococo. If you’re a fan of the Downton Abbey TV series, or The Great Gatsby, you’ll no doubt be familiar with this style of jewellery. The new ‘Jazz Age’ featured a lot of drama and colour, with clean geometric patterns and stone-set jewellery, and have a contemporary feel since many Art Deco designs served as the foundation for modern pieces that we wear today. With this style of jewellery, you’re likely to find carved gemstones, sunburst motifs, architectural-style jewels and items inspired by Egyptian, Persian and Chinese jewellery and art.

Consider wearability

While there are many people who collect antique jewellery purely to build a beautiful collection of historic pieces, for the most part, people buy antique jewellery to wear it and because it brings them immense joy. So when you’re searching for an item, consider how you’ll wear it and the outfits that you will want to wear it with. Maybe you want a piece that will be worn occasionally for special events, or maybe you want to be able to wear it every day in which case you’ll want a durable item that can withstand wear and tear. A vintage engagement ring, for example, needs to be long-lasting and hardworking for you to be able to wear it every day in your busy life.

Check your sources

It’s all too easy for people to pass off an old item of jewellery as an antique or to sell a reproduction, but you want to be sure you’re buying something that’s authentic and genuinely from the period it’s being sold as. It can take a long time to build up the knowledge you need to be able to spot an authentic antique, so unless you’ve done that research yourself and feel confident that you know what to look for, it can save you a lot of time and wasted money by working with a trusted source.

Question what you find

There are so many details that make up an item of jewellery, from the metals used to the purity of the gold, the quality and clarity of the gemstones, and the measurements – not to mention the age and size of the piece. It’s important to ask questions about all of these details when you’re buying a piece, so you can be sure that it’s not only what you’re looking for but that it’s worth the price being asked for it. You’re likely to have a budget in mind when you’re shopping for antique jewellery, so asking questions will help you get the best value for an item, and will help you build a collection you’re proud of.

Only buy what you love

The last tip may seem obvious, but it’s easy to lose sight of it when you’re faced with myriad options. It can be overwhelming to shop for antique pieces, as they’re often much more of an investment than modern, off the shelf jewellery and fast fashion items. But keep in mind that this jewellery collection is for you and that you’ll be the person wearing it and staring at it every day, so make sure you’re investing in the items that you truly love and that work with your style and tastes.

Final thoughts

Antique jewellery and vintage pieces are an enjoyable way to enhance your jewellery collection and build something that’s really unique and personal to you. Whether you’re buying for yourself or a loved one, antique jewellery has a story to tell and is a literal piece of history that you get to wear. It’s a safe investment that typically holds its value when you choose wisely, and it is something that many of us will have a personal connection to.

At Cry for the Moon, we always have a beautiful selection of authentic antique and vintage jewellery in stock. Browse our collection online or visit us in store. If you have any questions, please contact us and a member of the team will be happy to help.

Guide to Brooches

Posted on September 14, 2022 by Stephen Sutton

A brooch is always fashionable and stylish, and they’ve long been used as a way to bring elegance and personality to an outfit. Brooches and pins are such versatile accessories that can be as elegant and intricate or bold and colourful as you want them to be, and they always serve as wonderful conversation starters.

Brooches

From just £250

From modern pins to antique and vintage designs, brooches with gems and ornate patterns to contemporary abstract pieces, brooches come in a wide range of styles. In this guide, we’ll explore the beauty of a brooch, from their history to the different ways you can incorporate them into your outfits.

A brief history of pins and brooches

Although we wear pins and brooches as decorative accessories now, they weren’t actually created to be worn as jewellery. They were originally used as functional items, made out of flint or thorns to secure clothing in place, such as loincloths. Metal pins became popular during the Bronze Age and were used by the Celts as cloak fasteners. During the Viking period, brooches were used on a daily basis by men and women and often had intricate details and ornate designs.

Today, we wear pins and brooches as fashion pieces, and they’re enjoying something of a fashion revival. Even luxury designers such as Chanel and Boucheron have been known to include them in their collections. TV shows such as Mad Men and The Crown have also reignited our interest in vintage pieces and antique pins.


2.00ct Old Cut Diamond Star Brooch	7.00ct Diamond Set Bow Brooch	2.40ct Diamond Bow Brooch
£4,550	£8,500	£6,250

How do pins and brooches differ?

We use the terms pin and brooch interchangeably, but are they different? The truth is that there isn’t much of a difference between them – antique sellers and collectors are likely to refer to this accessory as a brooch, while many other people will call them pins. Brooch is the more traditional term, and while both are decorative pieces, pins tend to refer to the general category for this type of jewellery while brooches are a specific type of pin. So all brooches are pins, but not all pins will be brooches.

How to wear a brooch or pin

Brooches aren’t limited to just wearing on a coat or jacket, though that’s a beautiful way to wear them. You can get creative and wear them in a variety of ways. Why not wear a sparkly, gem-studded brooch in your hair to add an elegant touch to a classic ponytail or chignon? Or you could use your brooch to secure a lightweight silk scarf around your neck or waist as a belt.

Brooches are a great way to create a more personalised look, so you may want to consider mixing modern and vintage or sentimental heirloom items for a unique look. Combining a few smaller brooches together in a cluster on a dress or top can work well to add interest to an otherwise plain outfit – keep the metals or colours the same to tie everything together. They can also be an effective way to liven up a formal outfit, such as a business suit or a blazer.


15ct Yellow Gold Seed Pearl Crescent Brooch	15ct Yellow Gold Cameo Diamond Brooch	0.30ct Diamond Set Horseshoe Stock Pin
£950	£995	£1,080

What to consider when buying brooches

When shopping for a new brooch to add to your jewellery collection, consider your personal style and the type of outfits you tend to wear most often. If you wear a more traditional wardrobe, keeping your brooches in a classic style will ensure they complement your clothing. Similarly, if you prefer modern, contemporary pieces, look for brooches that will work well with the items in your wardrobe and other jewellery pieces already owned.

It’s best to avoid trends when it comes to brooches – you want your jewellery to be timeless, and the best way to achieve that is to look for pieces you love and that work with the outfits you wear most often. When adding a brooch to an outfit, look for a contrasting colour that will help the piece stand out, such as adding a colourful gemstone-studded brooch on a neutral jacket or dress.

Be careful when it comes to adding brooches to certain materials, as if it’s more fragile you don’t want to run the risk of the pin damaging the fabric. You don’t need to limit yourself to a single brooch every time, and curating small collections on an outfit can be a fun way to add personality and flair to what you’re wearing.

If you’re buying a brooch for a loved one, choosing a theme or motif that will add a memorable touch can be a wonderful way to show you care. For example, if it’s for a birthday, why not choose a brooch that features their birthstone? Or the gem that commemorates the month of an anniversary?

Perhaps you can search for a brooch that features their favourite animal or colour. Take your time to find a brooch that really suits the occasion and will remain a treasured piece in their collection.

Final thoughts

Brooches are a playful way to brighten up an outfit, allowing you to have fun with what you’re wearing while still looking chic and stylish. Whether you’re adding a vibrant beetle brooch to a jacket, a classic floral piece to the top of a dress or a sparkly celestial item to a blazer, brooches are fun and personal to your own interests and tastes.

They can be as simple or intricate as you like, from contemporary minimalist designs to antique pieces that have incredible detail and colourful gemstones throughout. Whichever style you choose, you can guarantee that they will add personality to your outfit and serve as an interesting addition to your jewellery collection.

Cry for the Moon hold a beautiful collection of brooches in a range of styles. Browse our selection online, visit our store in person, or contact us if you have any further questions.

Sapphire: A guide to Colours & Varieties

Posted on August 23, 2022 by Stephen Sutton

When you think of a sapphire, you think of a richly coloured blue gemstone. But, what many people don’t realise is that September’s birthstone gemstone (also used for the 45th wedding anniversary) are available in a wide selection of colours – from pink and yellow to white and that classic royal blue that we know and love. In this blog, we’ll explore the rainbow of colour options that sapphires come in, along with the types of jewellery that sapphires are well suited to and the rarity of each hue.

Sapphire Jewellery

From just £565

What are sapphires?

Sapphires are one of the ‘Big Three’ gemstones, along with emeralds and rubies, and they’re naturally formed from a mineral known as corundum. Sapphires are popular for their rich colour and have been used for centuries by royalty and the wealthy, making them one of the most sought-after gemstones. These gems almost always have some form of inclusion or flaw, and if you have a completely unmarked, flawless sapphire, chances are it is synthetic. A key feature of sapphires is their colour saturation, as it’s banded it can leave colour striations – whereas in synthetic stones these are often evenly curved, from the grown crystal.

While sapphires can be found in blue, pink, green and other colours, the only colour you won’t find them in is red. This is because gemstones formed from red corundum are what we know as rubies. The trace elements in corundum crystals are what change the colour of a sapphire, changing how the light reflects and refracts. These trace minerals are naturally found in sapphires formed under the earth’s crust millions of years ago.

How are sapphires assessed for quality?

Each sapphire is evaluated in its own right, because there’s currently no global standard for assessing sapphires. In a similar way to diamonds, sapphires need to have good clarity, meaning a lack of flaws or cloudiness, and the colour must be rich, bright and vivid.
Sapphire colours

Besides the classic blue, you’ll find sapphires in a wide range of different colours. Some are commercially sold while others are rarer and as such tend to be collectable.


0.60ct Pear Shape Sapphire & Diamond Solitaire Ring	0.72ct Sapphire & Diamond Flower Cluster Ring	1.00ct Oval Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Ring
£1,195	£1,885	£3,650

Blue sapphires

Blue is the classic colour that most people think of when they picture a sapphire, and it’s naturally the most common. Blue sapphires can range from light blue to a more intense blue-black hue, and they’re a favourite for earrings, pendant necklaces and alternative engagement rings.


0.90ct Pink Sapphire & Diamond Solitaire Ring	1.25ct Oval Pink Sapphire & Diamond Trilogy Ring	0.80ct Oval Pink Sapphire & Diamond Trilogy Ring
£1,250	£1,950	£2,250

Pink sapphires

Pink sapphires may be light pink all the way to deep fuchsia, and providing that the colour is clear and bright, all of these shades are accepted as genuine sapphire. But bear in mind that there’s a fine line when a pink sapphire crosses into red and becomes a ruby, a colour distinction that’s never been officially declared. With this in mind, if you’re buying a pink sapphire piece, it’s up to you to pick a shade you prefer. Pink sapphires are quite rare, so they can be more expensive.

Yellow sapphires

This gemstone can range from a pale lemon colour to intense tangerine. Experts tend to agree that the golden-orange-coloured sapphires are the best and more desirable, but customers often choose a lighter yellow because they can make for a more affordable alternative to yellow diamonds.

Green sapphires

From pale olive to deep bottle green, green sapphires can come in all shades, but most people who want green gemstone jewellery tend to prefer emeralds for the richer colour. Green sapphires do have an advantage over emeralds, however, as they’re harder and more durable, making them a great alternative if you want something more affordable and long-lasting.

White sapphires

Sapphires can also come in monochromatic tones too, and a colourless sapphire is referred to as a white sapphire. They’re one of the rarest colours of sapphire, and are often used as an accent stone in jewellery or as an alternative to diamonds.

Padparadscha sapphires

Padparadscha is one of the rarest hues of this particular gemstone, and as such it’s one of the most expensive – often seen on the hands of the rich and famous throughout history. They’re a peachy-orange colour and the name refers to a lotus flower. They’re often sold as collector’s items due to how rare and costly they are – in fact, one of the most famous uses of this stone was in Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring.

Star sapphires

If a sapphire isn’t blue, black or colourless, it’s referred to as a ‘fancy sapphire’ – and one of the most prominent fancy sapphires is the star sapphire. This is a unique gemstone that has a characteristic known as ‘asterism’ which is a star-light light reflection that can have a blue, black, grey, pink, white, purple or yellow body. These gems have an earthy, mysterious feel to them that suits all types of jewellery.


0.71ct Rainbow Coloured Sapphire & Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Bridge Style Ring	1.24ct Square Cut Rainbow Sapphire & Brilliant Cut Diamond Hoop Earrings	14ct White Gold Multi-Sapphire Necklace
£2,175	£2,430	£1,425

What makes sapphires the perfect choice for jewellery?

Sapphires are incredibly hardy, durable gemstones that are second only to diamonds. For this reason, it’s a wonderful choice for jewellery you want to last, such as memorable pieces, engagement rings and wedding bands. The beauty of sapphires is that, because they come in such a beautiful spectrum of colours, you’re guaranteed to find one that you love. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so whether rich blues are your preference, a pale lemon sapphire or a rich olive green, you can find a sapphire that is flattering to your tastes. Green and yellow sapphires are a unique choice that stands out, or you might want something uniquely feminine and elegant such as padparadscha sapphire.

Final thoughts

Sapphires are elegant, luxurious and sure to stand out in any jewellery piece you choose. From sophisticated drop earrings and colourful pendants to rings, bracelets or unique cufflinks, sapphires make a wonderful addition to any piece of jewellery. This graceful gemstone adds colour and vibrancy to any outfit and looks great on all ages.

For beautiful, high quality gemstone jewellery, please do not hesitate to browse our selection online or visit our store. If you have any questions, you can contact us, and we’d be happy to help.

A Guide to Men’s Wedding Bands

Posted on August 1, 2022 by Stephen Sutton

As the most important item of jewellery you’re likely to ever wear, it pays to put some thought into your wedding ring. It’s an accessory that needs to work with every outfit and every occasion, whether you’re dining at a fancy restaurant with your partner, giving a presentation at work or going for drinks with your friends. But it also needs to be high quality, hardwearing and made to last a lifetime.

There are many factors that go into choosing a wedding band, from materials and thicknesses to engraving, unique styles and whether you want something traditional or contemporary. In this blog, we’ll go through each consideration in detail to help you choose the right men’s wedding ring for your special day.

Wedding Bands

From just £360

Invest in precious metals

When you’re buying a piece of jewellery that you’re going to wear every day for the rest of your life, quality matters. Precious metals will ensure your jewellery will last, without deteriorating in quality or showing signs of wear and tear. When it comes to men’s jewellery, there are several options to consider.

Yellow gold – yellow gold is the most traditional choice for a wedding band. It’s timeless, versatile and will complement any outfit. Provided you take good care of it, yellow gold will stand the test of time and will remain looking as good as the day you say “I do”. However, gold isn’t as robust as other metals, such as silver or platinum, so you need to take care of it to avoid scratches or dents.

White gold – If you’re looking for a modern alternative, white gold is an increasingly popular choice. It’s a mix of gold and white metals such as silver, nickel and palladium. This gives it a cooler toned appearance and also makes it more hardwearing than yellow gold. However, it might need to be re-plated every so often to maintain its shine.

Rose gold – Want something more unique? A rose gold wedding band is perfect. This warm-toned metal has a coppery appearance and is more durable than yellow gold. It’s also a less traditional choice, which may be what you’re looking for.

Sterling silver – A popular choice that’s classic yet contemporary, sterling silver is also more affordable than other precious metals. However, when choosing a sterling silver wedding band, choose the highest quality you can to make sure your jewellery lasts.

Platinum – Platinum wedding bands are perfect for durability and robustness, which is precisely what you want for a wedding ring that you plan to wear forever. Platinum is modern, stylish and works for every occasion. However, this is usually reflected in the price and platinum rings are much more expensive than other metals.

Choose your wedding ring profile and finish

Wedding bands may all look very similar at first glance, but there are subtle differences that can set your wedding ring apart. The ring profile is the shape of the band – the most popular style is a D-ring profile, which is round and thin on the outside but flat on the inside for a closer fit.

But you may also choose a court style, which is round inside and out, or a flat design which is comfortable to wear. Each style will not only look different but also feel different when you’re wearing it, so it’s worth trying on each style before buying so you can see for yourself how they look and feel on your hand.

There are also various finishes to choose from. A high polish finish provides you with a glimmering, shinier finish that really showcases the metal you’ve chosen, while a matte finish is more modern and gives off less reflection. A combination finish falls somewhere between the two, while a hammered finish is more distinctive and provides more texture. It can be a good choice if you want a more rustic, characterful finish to your wedding band.

The finish you choose depends on the style you’re going for and whether you want to stick with tradition or break from it. You’ll know your own tastes best, so think about the type of jewellery you ordinarily enjoy wearing to inspire you.


Platinum Heavy Court Wedding Band	Platinum Medium Court Wedding Ring With Millegrain Edge	Yellow Gold Low Dome Court Wedding Ring
£595	£525	£360

Ring widths

Rings come in various widths, and wedding rings are no exception. A slim-width band will measure approximately 4mm, with medium widths around 6mm and wide bands around 8mm. Wider bands cost more but are also more flattering for men with larger or longer fingers, while a slimmer width might be a better fit for men with smaller or slimmer hands. Ultimately, it’s up to you which style you choose based on what you think works well for your hand, but again, it’s worth trying on a few different styles to see the difference in person.

Engraving and personal styles

Lastly, there may be ways you want to personalise your wedding band even further to make it truly unique to you and your marriage. You may want to choose a vintage band and have it engraved with your partner’s name or the date of your wedding day. Or maybe you want to include a gemstone on the band, or a pattern. There are so many ways to make your wedding band something you enjoy wearing every day and that’s well-suited to your personal style.

Final thoughts

Just as with any aspect of your wedding, your wedding ring needs to be carefully considered. It’s surely one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make, so taking the time to think about what you want from this significant piece of jewellery is the key to finding a ring that will work with your style and age well throughout your lifetime.

At Cry for the Moon, we offer a broad selection of men’s jewellery, including wedding bands. Browse our jewellery online or contact us if you have any further questions.

Birthstone Peridot: A Guide to Peridot

Posted on July 29, 2022 by Stephen Sutton

Peridot jewellery is striking and makes a statement, but it’s also more affordable than other gemstone jewellery. This particular gemstone has been used for centuries in jewellery, as it’s an eye-catching stone that boasts a bright lime-green colour. If you’re considering a peridot piece for your own jewellery collection, or to gift to someone else, read on for our guide on how to buy and what to look for.

Peridot Jewellery

From just £740

The history of peridot

This green gem has been used in jewellery for thousands of years, with evidence that it was used as far back as the Ancient Egyptian period where holy men would embed peridot into goblets due to the belief that the stone possessed the power of nature. It was also believed that the gemstone could protect against nightmares and evil. Peridot has a history as a healing stone and was believed to promote peace and calmness, warding off negative emotions.

Where is peridot found?

Peridot is mined in several countries, including most commonly in Arizona on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. It can also be found in China, Vietnam, Finland, Myanmar, Pakistan and the Zabargad group of islands in Egypt. It’s not an especially rare stone, but gem-quality stones that demand a higher price are relatively rare. Similarly, pure green peridot is very rare and is almost always mined in Pakistan and Myanmar. Just as with any other gemstone, it can vary in colour and clarity, and this affects the price you pay.

How to buy peridot jewellery

The first step to buying high quality peridot jewellery is to look at the cut quality. Peridot is a truly spectacular stone when it has been cut to a high standard, so look for a well-cut stone that is in a shape you like – there is no ‘best shape’ for this stone, so it’s all down to preference. It’s most commonly cut in an oval or cabochon cut, but you may also see it in round, cushion, baguette or princess cuts.

You’ll also want to look for an eye-clean stone, since this gem often has inclusions. An eye-clean stone will not have inclusions or blemishes that can be seen with the naked eye. Some common inclusions you might spot on the stones are disc-shaped impurities, often referred to as ‘lily pads’, so named because of the shape, or foreign mineral crystals which can appear black within the stone. Always make sure that you buy from a reputable business who will assess the clarity of the peridot before you buy to make sure there are no visible inclusions and that it appears to be of a high standard of stone.

Look for a gemstone with a pure yellow-green colour that’s bright and clear. Peridot works particularly well with yellow gold over white metals, as this brings out the colour of the stone and makes it shine. Depending on the type of jewellery, you may also want an item that is paired with another stone, such as pave or halo diamonds on a ring that can enhance the brilliance of the peridot and create a more eye-catching look.

How to know if a stone is real

Just as with any other gemstone, peridot can often be faked – imitation peridots are made with glass, but luckily, it’s easy enough to work out if you’re looking at a real gemstone or a fake one. To check for an authentic peridot, first check the colour – real peridot has a pure green colour with hints of either yellow or brown. If there are any other colours, it’s likely to be an imitation.

You should also check for a double refraction. Peridot has a very high double refraction, so you’ll see two of each pavilion facet when you look at it closely against the light. Look for inclusions, as a natural stone will almost always include some inclusions. If there are bubbles, it’s likely that the stone has been made from glass and is a fake. Ultimately, if it looks too perfect, it might be a fake.


0.96ct Oval Peridot & Diamond Cluster Ring	Peridot and Diamond Drop Earrings	Victorian Peridot Set Gate Bracelet
£1,375	£740	£1,885

Types of peridot jewellery

As the birthstone for August, this gem is a wonderful birthday gift for people born in this month. It can be made into a wide range of jewellery, from earrings and pendants to rings. It’s often associated with purity and calmness, and it was once believed that peridot jewellery had the power to purify the heart of the wearer. Why not choose a pair of pear-shaped earrings encased in white gold that will look timeless and elegant, no matter the occasion. Or maybe you want something unique, like a colourful bracelet paired with pink tourmaline stones.

It’s also becoming an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings, as an affordable alternative to emeralds. The bright colour makes them a great choice for couple’s looking for a change to the classic diamond ring, especially for couples getting married or celebrating an anniversary in August.

How much does it cost?

Peridot is a fairly affordable gemstone, and tends to cost significantly less than rubies, sapphires or diamonds. Often, the price will reflect whether you’re buying jewellery with just peridot gems included or if it is paired with another gemstone such as diamonds, which will make the piece more expensive. You can often find beautiful peridot jewellery for below £500, or in the £1,500 range for items with diamonds included.

Generally speaking, it can be much more affordable, even for jewellery with larger stones, so purchasing statement pieces that look striking and beautiful is more accessible than it may be with other rarer gemstones. Peridot gems that are under 5 carats are usually more reasonably priced, since smaller stones are more easily mined compared to larger, rarer stones which are usually more expensive.

Get in touch

At Cry for the Moon, we provide a wide range of jewellery, including peridot jewellery and stunning vintage pieces. Browse online, visit us in store or contact us if you have any further questions.

A Guide to Women’s Wedding Bands

Posted on July 12, 2022 by Stephen Sutton

Engagement rings may get a lot of attention, but your wedding band is an item of jewellery you’re going to wear for the rest of your life and they’re a steadfast symbol of your devotion to your partner. From deciding which metal you want the ring to be made from to engravings, gemstones and embellishments, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to picking a wedding band before your big day.

Most women choose to wear both their engagement ring and their wedding band together in what’s known as a bridal set in the jewellery industry. But building a bridal set takes some consideration. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different factors to think about and the design options you can choose from.

Wedding Bands

From just £360

Wedding band styles

Wedding bands for women come in a broad array of styles and designs, so no matter what style you like, there are options to choose from. Most bands are either straight or curved, but the features can vary considerably.


Yellow Gold Medium Court Wedding Ring With Millegrain Edge	Platinum Medium Court Wedding Ring With Millegrain Edge	Christian Bauer Princess Cut Diamond Wedding Band
£470	£525	£1,925

Straight bands

Straight bands are so named for the symmetrical, circular shape they have. They’re typically worn alone but they can also be paired with an engagement ring, depending on the style of engagement ring you have.


0.20ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Wishbone Shaped Half Eternity Ring	0.15ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Curved Half Eternity Ring
£1,225	£1,095

Curved wedding bands

Also known as ‘shaped to fit’ bands, these are curved to contour around the shape of your engagement ring and are worn tightly next to your engagement jewellery. Some curved bands are designed to have multiple curves and points, while others may have a subtler curve for a perfect fit. Curved wedding bands can be as simple or elaborate as you want, from multi-metal and gemstone rings to a simple metal band.


0.40ct Diamond Vine Design Full Eternity Ring	0.97ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Full Eternity Ring	2.21ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Full Eternity Ring
£1,850	£1,975	£4,650

Eternity bands

Eternity wedding bands are also sometimes called infinity bands and they get their name from the endless circle of stones or the pattern design of the ring. It’s believed to be a representation of endless love and can be crafted with a contour or a straight shape, depending on your style of engagement ring.


0.10ct Square Cut Amethyst & Round Diamond Half Eternity Ring	0.33ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Half Eternity Ring	0.75ct Castle Set Diamond Half Eternity Ring
£650	£1,650	£2,825

Half eternity bands

Half eternity bands offer a similar look to a classic eternity band but they’re more affordable as there are fewer stones included. The other half of the ring is metal or can be inlaid with another material.

	Round Brilliant From just £685
	Princess From just £1,875
	Cushion From just £1,950
	Oval From just £1,150
	Pear From just £1,265
	Heart From just £1,265
	Marquise From just £2,250
	Emerald From just £1,265

Stone cuts and settings

The style of your wedding band can be impacted considerably by the shape or setting of gemstones, whether you go classic with diamonds or something more colourful such as rubies.

Marquise cut stones have a pointed oval shape and are often bezel set, with the metal of your wedding band surrounding it.

Baguette cut stones are rectangular in shape, and they can be used to create a single stone with a simple metal band or multiple stones used for a modern eternity band.

Pave is a style of smaller stones which are set into the ring with a prong setting. They’re typically round cut and often used for multi-stone eternity bands.

Channel set stones are secured with a channel of metal, in which small stones are set. They’re kept in place by the lip of the metal channel.

When it comes to choosing the stones, if you want your wedding band to have gemstones included, make sure you stick to durable, hard-wearing stones such as diamonds, sapphires or rubies. Consider your lifestyle when choosing how many stones you have in your wedding band and the style – pave styles add a lot of glamour and sparkle, but they run the risk of coming loose over time if you have a more active lifestyle. If you don’t want to run the risk of this but still want the flair of multiple stones, a channel setting may be a better fit.

Wedding band width

The width of the band is another design choice that’s personal to each bride. Many brides choose to match the width of their engagement ring, which is typically between 2mm and 4mm, but mixing widths can also create a unique look so don’t feel that you have to match them – choosing a narrower or wider design can still look beautiful and helps create something personal to you.

Engraving and etching

Engravings can be a wonderful way to personalise your wedding jewellery and make it even more special. You may want to include a message or a word that has personal meaning, the name of your partner or the date of your wedding, for example. Patterns and designs can also be etched into the band of the ring to enhance the design of a simple metal band. Here at Cry for the Moon we offer a free engraving service for wedding bands, so make sure to enquire about that when choosing yours.

What is the wedding ring profile?

The ring profile of your wedding band refers to the shape of the exterior of the ring and it’s one of the most important design elements of your band. The most common styles are round or flat, and you may choose your band to match the profile of your engagement ring for a complementary, uniform look.

How to wear your wedding band

Whether you choose to wear your wedding band on its own or with your engagement ring is entirely up to you, but traditionally the wedding band is worn on the inside of your engagement ring. It’s believed this is so that it’s closer to your heart, but you may prefer to wear it on the outside of your engagement instead if that’s more comfortable for you.

Final thoughts

We hope this guide has helped you decide what you want from your wedding band – as you can see, there are many options to choose from and various ways to make your wedding jewellery unique to you and your tastes. At Cry for the Moon, we offer a great selection of wedding bands, bridal sets and engagement rings with various metals and stones to choose from. Browse our jewellery online, visit our store or get in touch with us if you have any queries.

Birthstone Ruby: A Guide to Ruby

Posted on July 7, 2022 by Stephen Sutton

The deep, rich red of a beautiful ruby is a sight few can resist, so it’s no wonder that we’ve been creating jewellery from this particular gem for centuries. Rubies have a vibrant colour that demands attention and it’s also the birthstone for people with birthdays in July. As the “King of Precious Gems”, it’s a stone that has a keen following around the world for its breath-taking beauty and elegance.

Rubies have a specific crystal structure that means that oval and cushion cuts, in particular, show it off to its full potential. But they can also be cut beautifully in other shapes, such as round, antique square, emerald, marquise, heart and pear-shaped rubies. It’s a gem that works in a variety of ways for stunning ruby jewellery.

Ruby Jewellery

From just £390

Where are rubies found?

Rubies were originally found in Myanmar, and it’s one of the main sources for rubies to this day. But they are also mined elsewhere around the world, including Thailand, Cambodia, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and Mozambique. Rubies from Myanmar, previously known as Burma, are considered to be the highest standard of rubies, in part because this area is historically the main producer of rubies. Mozambique rubies have a different appearance and tend to be darker and clearer. Other sources can produce gems that have overlapping colour and quality, and more inclusions, though there are region-specific characteristics among them.

A symbol for love, courage and devotion

The striking ruby is the perfect gemstone for a gift for your partner, as it’s long been a symbol of love, courage and devotion, as well as power and passion. Wealthy people throughout the ages have used rubies for their rarity and prestige, and admired for their beauty. Ancient warriors would set rubies beneath their skin with the belief that it would impart invincibility and courage, while others believed it to bestow safety and integrity, and even cure illnesses. Today, we use rubies as a way of symbolising love and romance, and it’s commonly used as an alternative for engagement rings for this reason.

The perfect hue

The first rubies were mined around 3000BCE in an ancient region around Mogok, where the finest rubies had a deep, vibrant red colour with purple hues that were referred to as ‘pigeon’s blood’. These purple elements to the ruby are very important – set in gold because of its intense yellow colour, the surrounding metal cancelled out the purple hue in the ruby to produce a purely red gemstone.

Today, it’s this particular shade of red that is the most desirable and valuable. In fact, it’s so in demand that large transparent rubies command even higher prices per carat than the same weight of diamonds. Since large rubies are so rare, gem cutters aim to preserve as much of the weight as possible, which results in a broad array of innovative and artistic techniques to remove as little weight from the stone through strategic cutting that will still maximise the colour and sparkle.


0.25ct Round Cut Ruby & Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Half Eternity Ring	Ruby & Diamond Cluster Earrings	Ruby and Diamond bar Brooch
£1,225	£3,165	£475

The rarest ruby

The Pigeon Blood Sunrise Ruby is named after a poem by Rumi – a 13th century Sufi poet – and is an incredibly rare 25.596-carat gem which is of the highest possible purity. It set a record in 2015 for a coloured gemstone when it was sold to an anonymous buyer for $30m USD. This figure was three times the previous record for a ruby and remains the most expensive one sold to date.

The value of colour

In a similar way to sapphires, rubies are found in a wide range of red shades, from light rose pink all the way to deep reds that are almost burgundy. This is because of trace elements of chromium which change how rich the red tone is – the more chromium, the deeper the shade. In Asia, the lighter reds are still considered rubies, whereas in North America and Europe, they’re referred to as Pink Sapphires.

The reason for this change in label is that medium-red rubies are still the preferred colour and the most valuable, which resulted in lighter coloured rubies being less valuable. However, they’re still a very beautiful stone and by changing the name, jewellers are able to sell them on their own merit without them being compared to rubies.


Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring	18ct White Gold, Oval Shaped Ruby & Diamond Cluster Earrings	Petite Ruby & Diamond Cluster Earrings
£3,450	£4,035	£905

When to buy ruby jewellery

As the birthstone for July, it’s a wonderful gemstone for a gift during this month but it can also be bought for other special occasions. For example, it’s the gemstone associated with 40th wedding anniversaries, serving as a symbol for strength and happiness.

It makes for a memorable present for someone’s birthday during the month of July, whether you buy a unique christening gift to commemorate the birth of a July baby or as a special gift for a milestone birthday, such as a loved one’s 18th or 30th.

Rubies make for an elegant choice for a less traditional engagement ring or wedding band too. The bright colour is a lovely reminder of love and romance, and the durability of this gem makes it a great representation of commitment and devotion. Rubies pair beautifully with diamonds, and can be set in gold for a traditional look, or white gold or platinum for something more contemporary.

A sophisticated choice

Of all the coloured gemstones, rubies are certainly one of the most desirable and the most expensive when it comes to price-per-carat. The elegance and vibrancy they bring to any outfit makes them a wonderful choice for jewellery, whether you choose a traditional ruby ring, a pendant or earrings. It’s no wonder that rubies have been used in jewellery for so many years, and why their symbolism is something that remains to this day.

At Cry for the Moon, we stock the highest quality ruby jewellery, including engagement rings, wedding jewellery and vintage pieces. Browse online or stop by our store, or get in touch with us for more information.

Jewellery Trends for Summer 2022

Posted on July 4, 2022 by Stephen Sutton

After the drab work-from-home outfits of the last couple of years, people are ready to get dressed up once again and enjoy the process of adorning themselves with their finest jewellery. Jewellery has the ability to spark joy and add an element of playfulness to an outfit, and while there’s no denying that jewellery trends move more slowly than fashion, 2022 has seen a shift towards the more colourful and interesting pieces. These are the jewellery trends to take note of this summer.

Coloured Gemstones

From just £620

Bold colours

Vibrant colours with splashes of rich jewel tones add a splash of energy to your outfit and create interest and fun to whatever you’re wearing. Coined ‘dopamine dressing’, it’s the act of going bold and bright with your jewellery (and the rest of your outfit, if you so desire) without limitations.

Whether you’re adding bright enamels, gorgeous gemstones or powerful pendants that really make a statement, with dopamine dressing, you have full permission to get creative without holding back on the colour. It’s a trend that’s guaranteed to make you smile and one which brands such as Pascale Monvoisin and Sydney Evan have adopted for the upcoming season.

Vintage Jewellery

From just £445

Sustainable purchases

There’s no doubt that conscious consumerism is high on the priority list for so many shoppers now, whether it’s food, fashion or now jewellery. Consumers are feeling the pressure to make wiser decisions about their purchases, and their accessories are no exception. From ethical gemstones to sustainable engagement rings, customers want to know where their jewellery is coming from and have transparency for their purchases.

There’s also the option to go vintage with jewellery pieces, for items that not only have a more sustainable stance but also tell a story. It’s expected that by 2025, an estimated 20-30% of global fine jewellery sales will be influenced by sustainability, whether it’s ethical sourcing or the environmental impact of the item.

Pendants

From just £120

Statement pieces

If the ‘70s and ‘80s taught us anything about jewellery, it’s the bigger, the better. Saint Laurent’s spring/summer 2022 trends highlighted a desire for bold jewellery, rejecting the more delicate minimalist pieces in favour of unapologetic statement items. Big-ticket statement jewellery is something we’ll see a lot more of over the next season, from colourful earrings and sculptural rings to large pendant necklaces and chunky chains.

If you’re intimidated by the prospect of overdoing it, pick one item and go bold with it, such as a maximalist pair of earrings or a bright jewel-toned necklace, while keeping everything else in your outfit more subtle.

Vintage Rings

From just £785

Mixing metals

In 2022, there are no rules when it comes to mixing gold with silver, or rose gold with platinum – this season, you can go in whichever direction you like with your jewellery and still be on trend. The mixed metal trend is a popular one this year, whether that’s layering items on top of one another or wearing a single two-tone piece.

This more is more approach is great for people who can’t decide which metal they prefer to wear, as you can mix and match as many styles as you like without feeling like it’s over the top. Why not pair a simple gold chain with a pair of silver earrings, or layer up multiple bangles and bracelets in different tones?

Brooches

From just £250

Sentimental jewellery

Personalised jewellery is a wonderful gift and it’s something that you can treasure for a lifetime. From birthstones and zodiac signs to initials or names of loved ones, sentimental jewellery makes for a great conversation starter and, as a subtle item, it will go with any outfit. It’s about finding items that really resonate with you or have a story to tell, such as an item that was gifted to you for a special occasion or for a big birthday celebration, or maybe it’s an item that you picked up with someone you love and that reminds you of that day and the person.

Signet Rings

From just £485

Chic signet rings

The signet ring is a classic for a reason, and this season we’re likely to see many more of them adorning hands of men and women, whether it’s classic gold rings or personalised items that have been customised with zodiac signs, initials or birthstones. Signet rings are the ideal way to play around with a trend – they’re subtle enough to be discreet but still on trend if you want to add a touch of glamour and style to your outfit. Why not merge trends and choose a signet ring with a sentimental motif on it for an emotional item that captures two trends at once?

Final thoughts

Jewellery is such a wonderful way to enhance any outfit and make it unique, putting your own spin on the trends and creating something that’s truly special to you. This season, get creative with mixed metals, personalised pendants and rich jewel tones for a look that’s not only on trend but playful and packed with character.

The common thread between this summer’s trends is personalisation and fun – designers are reacting to the past couple of years and letting loose with colour, shape and layering. For customers, there’s the opportunity to really let the imagination run wild and enjoy experimenting with different items of jewellery, either with statement pieces that push you out of your comfort zone or with mixing different pieces for an original take on a trend.

If you’re looking for inspiration, why not browse our selection of vintage pieces, gemstone jewellery and one-off items? Or if you’re in need of some advice, contact our team and we’d be delighted to assist you.

Birthstone Pearl: A Guide to Pearls

Posted on May 27, 2022 by Stephen Sutton

As the start of the summer season, June is a special month in itself. But for those celebrating a birthday, it’s even more highly anticipated. There are many ways you can celebrate your birthday, but a common option is to wear jewellery featuring your birthstone. For those with birthdays in June, this is the beautiful pearl.

What are pearls?

Pearls are smooth, hard layers of nacre which have an elegant, lustrous appearance and are commonly used for jewellery. They’re made by a mollusc when an irritant, such as sand or a piece of food comes into contact with it within the oyster shell. The mollusc secretes nacre to protect itself and as these layers build up, a pearl is formed.

While we think of pearls as being round, they can actually form in a variety of shapes, from oval and pear to semi-round or drops. Pearls are also most commonly white and black, but some can have other colours within them such as green, lilac or pink. Pearls are a symbol of elegance and sophistication, and they’ve long been used to create stunning jewellery such as bracelets, pendants and earrings.

Pearls as a birthstone

Pearls are a time-honoured and classic birthstone, with a feminine and romantic feel that adds elegance to any outfit. In its mythological past, pearls were believed to be made from the tears of mermaids or even parts of the moon that had fallen into the sea. Pearls have always been associated with luxury and tradition, and they’ve retained their classic feel even in today’s modern world. A string of iridescent white pearls or a delicate pair of pearl earrings instantly elevates an outfit to make it look more refined.

Types of pearls

Pearls come in two varieties – natural and cultured. Both are stunning options for fine jewellery and it’s the way that they are produced that separates them. A natural pearl can be formed in saltwater or freshwater, and the mollusc that forms it comes from an organism in the water. This type of pearl is incredibly rare, as most natural pearls have already been harvested which makes them very expensive and hard to find. For this reason, most people buying pearl jewellery will be buying cultured pearls, unless they’re buying vintage jewellery.

To create cultured pearls, the irritant (usually a tiny bead) is inserted into the oyster shell manually by a pearl farmer. These, too, can be created in saltwater or freshwater – most freshwater pearls are created in China while saltwater pearls are produced in Asia and Australia. Generally, saltwater pearls are considered more valuable than freshwater pearls.

Varieties of cultured pearls

There are three types of saltwater pearls – Tahitian pearls, Akoya pearls and South Sea pearls.

Tahitian pearls aren’t actually exclusively cultivated in Tahiti but can be farmed in several French Polynesian islands and come from the Pinctada margaritifera oyster. They’re usually black or deep grey in colour and often have a secondary hue as well, such as blue or purple. Tahitian pearls can range from 8 to 18mm in size and are usually round although they can also be found in baroque or circle styles.

Akoya pearls are cultured in the Pinctada Fucata oyster and are primarily harvested off the coast of Japan. These pearls have a beautiful lustre and are smaller than South Seas or Tahitian pearls. Akoya pearls tend to range from 3 to 9mm in size, but they’re prized for their perfectly round shape and incredible colour, making them ideally suited to jewellery.

Lastly, South Seas pearls come from the Pinctada maxima oyster and are produced in the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia and Myanmar. They have a round shape and are larger than the average pearl, measuring from 10 to even 20mm in size. They are a high quality pearl that has a white or golden hue, and a higher level of lustre. Because of their incredible quality and larger size, they are the more expensive option when it comes to cultured pearls.

Choosing pearl jewellery

When it comes to buying pearl jewellery, whether you’re buying a birthstone gift for a loved one to wear each year or it’s an item you’re buying for yourself, there are several options. A bracelet serves as a subtle nod to your birthstone and birth month, while earrings are ideal for everyday wear and will match to all types of outfits. If you want something more classic, why not choose a necklace that shows off the pearls in all their splendour and makes for a wonderful focal point to an outfit.

There are several factors to consider when buying pearl jewellery. Firstly, gauge the level of lustre or reflection the pearl has – the shinier the surface of the pearl, the more appealing it is but also this can mean it’s more expensive too. Secondly, look at the surface quality of the item.
Are there imperfections or blemishes to the surface? The clearer the complexion of the pearl, the more valuable and therefore more expensive it is. Shape and size also need to be taken into account. Pearls that are perfectly round are usually worth more than pearls with an oval or off-round shape. But a different shape may be something you’re looking for, such as in the case of baroque pearls.

Pearls

From just £115

Final thoughts

The style of pearl you choose is up to you, based on the look you’re going for, the budget you have to work with and the type of jewellery you want to buy. You may want a smaller pearl in an oval shape, for example, for a subtler look, or you might want to splash out on a larger pearl pendant for something eye-catching and timeless. Whatever you choose, pearls are a beautiful way to celebrate your birth month and make for a wonderful, memorable birthday gift for someone special.

At Cry for the Moon, we offer a broad selection of beautiful pearl jewellery, from vintage pieces to bridal jewellery. Contact us today or browse our jewellery online.

Birthstone Emerald: A Guide to Emeralds

Posted on May 4, 2022 by Stephen Sutton

Emerald, the striking green gemstone that is not only the birthstone for May – but also the marker of a couple’s 55th wedding anniversary. A stunning addition to one’s jewellery collection, the intensely glamorous stone has a rich history dating back as far as the Egyptians, and remains a hugely popular choice to this day.

Emerald Origin

It’s believed that the oldest emeralds are circa 2.9 billion years old, with the earliest references to the stone originating from Egyptian times, where they were believed to be a symbol of eternal life. Cleopatra was a particular fan of emeralds and regularly wore jewellery including this stone.

During the Victorian era, emeralds received a royal endorsement when Prince Albert presented Queen Victoria with an 18-carat gold serpent engagement ring, which had rubies for eyes, diamonds for the mouth and a large emerald at the centre of the head. Snakes were a common motif during this time in jewellery and symbolised eternal love, much like emeralds, which are believed to represent a bridge between two people when given in love. Before this, engagement rings were a rarity, but they became a fashionable display of wealth for women.

Emeralds were also very popular during the art deco era, with socialites and famous entertainers wearing a variety of extravagant pieces which included emeralds, from rings and necklaces to decorative brooches. Emeralds increased in popularity even more when in 1942, Queen Elizabeth was given the striking Greville Kokoshnik tiara which was made from rose-cut diamonds and featured a large centrepiece emerald, with 12 more emeralds around the sides.

Where are emeralds found?

Emeralds are primarily mined in Columbia, although they can be found elsewhere in the world. Columbia produces around 95% of the world’s supply of emeralds, followed by Brazil, the USA, Pakistan and Zambia. In fact, it’s only in Columbia that one of the rarest types of emeralds can be found – the trapiche. These stones have darker impurities which create a hexagonal core to the gem, with lines that emanate from the centre to the outer edges, creating a wheel-like illusion.

Healing properties of emeralds

For millennia, emeralds have possessed strong symbolic power for the wearer and are thought to represent the prospect of renewal and hope. Emerald jewellery is believed to alleviate feelings of overwhelm, opening up the mind and releasing negative energy. It’s a stone that is said to leave you feeling calm and collected, as well as bringing about good fortune. The elite have long worn emeralds to achieve greater wisdom, but also to protect themselves from disease.

Emerald Qualities

Emeralds usually contain inclusions which are visible to the unaided eye, and as a result, “eye clean” emeralds are incredibly precious because they’re far rarer. The Sandawana mine in Zimbabwe is known for its vividly green stones which, while small, are intensely bright and clear. The stones from this mine average between 0.05 to 0.25 carats, and rarely weigh over 1.50 carats. 1 to 5-carat stones are usually used as centre stones and highly expensive, prestigious pieces can include emeralds of over 20 carats. In fact, since large emeralds are so rare, the price of a 10-carat gem can be as much as 50 times that of a one-carat stone.

Emeralds are relatively hard stones but because they’re prone to inclusions, they can be vulnerable to damage, so they require a lot of care. The ‘Emerald Cut’ is a particular shape used for emeralds, with rectangular step cuts with the corners cut off, as it protects the stones. Jewellery including emeralds is often surrounded by diamonds to protect the edges from damage and chipping.

The colour of an emerald gem is the most important aspect when choosing your jewellery, and it impacts the value of the stone considerably. Unlike diamonds, which have a recognised colour grading system, there’s no such grade for emeralds but instead, many sellers will categorise an emerald’s colour intensity from Deep to Light. Vivid stones are the most sought-after as they provide the perfect balance of tone and saturation. Emeralds can be classed as pure, bluish or yellowish-green. A stone with an intense green colour will be more valuable than one with strong yellow or blue overtones.

Gift inspiration

Emeralds make for beautiful pieces of jewellery that you can truly treasure, and if you’re looking for a unique alternative to the classic diamond, emeralds are a wonderful choice.

Emerald gemstones come in a wide range of shapes, from the rectangular Emerald Cut to Oval or Round. As an engagement ring, emeralds are a stunning option proving the perfect alternative for the bride-to-be who wants something striking, elegant and different from diamond.

As the birthstone for May, emerald necklaces and bracelets also make great birthday gifts for someone special. Or, perhaps a pair of sophisticated earrings are the perfect way to mark a special occasion? With the rich green hue and a variety of shapes to choose from, earrings are a wonderful way to enable the emeralds to catch the light and shine.

Final thoughts

Emeralds have such a rich history and are one of the most striking gems you can buy, making them a wonderful addition to a fine jewellery collection. Symbolising hope and renewal whilst evoking wealth and status, the emerald has long held its place as a prized possession among royalty and the elite.

From rings and wedding jewellery to necklaces, bracelets and statement earrings, we keep a wide range of emerald jewellery in our Guildford shop. Whether you’re looking for a unique engagement ring, a special birthday or anniversary gift or simply a beautiful item to mark a special occasion, please feel free to get in touch with us or come into the shop. Our friendly team would be glad to help you choose the perfect emerald for your collection.

Necklace Length Guide

Posted on April 28, 2022 by Stephen Sutton

Whether a beautiful set of pearls, a diamond necklace or a charming family heirloom, necklaces come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and styles.

While having plenty of choice is a wonderful thing, knowing which length to choose when purchasing a new necklace requires some careful consideration.

Popular necklace lengths

Collar

Collar necklaces measure between 13 and 15 inches in length and fit securely around the neck. They are a great choice when worn with scoop neck, V-neck or off-the-shoulder style tops, and they work well for people with longer, slimmer necks. Whether worn for a special occasion or with a casual look, collar necklaces are a versatile length.

Choker

This style of necklace measures between 15 and 17 inches long and is worn against the base of the throat. It is a length that complements long, thin necks and people with heart-shaped faces, and it’s a popular choice for chic, modern designs.

Princess

Princess necklaces are typically between 17 and 19 inches in length, sitting elegantly on the collarbone. It goes with virtually any type of outfit, from plunging necklines to high-neck tops, making it a versatile item to have in your jewellery collection.

Matinee

Measuring 20 to 24 inches in length, matinee necklaces sit between the collarbone and the bust, and work wonderfully for both formal and casual wear. They are elegant and are effective in elongating the neck, particularly when paired with a flattering pendant to draw the eye.

Opera

An opera necklace sits between 28 and 37 inches in length and is a graceful style that looks stunning when paired with a higher neckline or coupled with a shorter necklace. This style is flexible as it can be worn as a single strand necklace or doubled up for a choker style.

Rope

Sitting anywhere from 37 to 60 inches, rope necklaces are easy to wear single, double or even tripled for a unique look. Perfect for casual wear as well as business attire, long rope necklaces are an ideal choice if you want to achieve a vintage look, particularly if you’re purchasing a long string of pearls.

Measuring for a necklace

To measure for a necklace, the easiest way is to use a tape measure and an existing necklace which you like the length of, and which suits the outfit you’re planning to pair it with.

If you don’t already own a necklace in the length you’re considering, you can use a soft measuring tape or a length of string to work out the right length for you. Standing in front of a mirror, use the string or tape measure to see where different lengths will sit on your body so you can see which options are most flattering for your height and body type.

Bear in mind that if you’re choosing a necklace with a pendant, it will hang in a V shape while a simple chain will have a softer curve to it.


18ct Yellow Gold Necklace	White Gold Spectacle Set Diamond Necklace	9ct Gold Albert Chain With T bar	Graduated Diamond Riviere Necklace
£3,450	£5,950	£1,750	£26,575

Choosing the right necklace length for your body type

The right necklace is an effective way of pulling an outfit together and adding sparkle and colour to your attire. But it’s important to choose the right style and length of necklace to compliment your body type, from your features and height to your face shape.

Neck size

It’s worth measuring your neck before buying a new necklace to ensure that it will sit in the right place on your chest. This is particularly true of choker necklaces which can be uncomfortable if too tight. Using a soft measuring tape, wrap it closely against your neck without it being too tight to get the measurement then add two inches to this measurement for a comfortable length for chokers. Choker necklaces tend to work best on people with slim, long necks and can be less flattering on people with shorter necks.

Height

Height may not be something you think to consider when buying a necklace, but it can make all the difference to how flattering different styles appear. People below 5’4″ tend to look best in styles measuring between 16 and 20 inches, while those who fall between 5’4″ and 5’7″ have more flexibility and can carry off most lengths. Longer styles tend to look best on taller people as they accentuate their height beautifully.

Body type

Remember that people’s eyes will stop at the point where the necklace ends, so if you don’t want to draw attention to a particular area of your body, avoid necklaces which will stop there. You should also consider how a necklace will hang based on your body type and whether you have a slimmer or more full-figured frame, as this can alter not only where a necklace stops but also how it sits against your body.

Face shape

Another factor to consider is the shape of your face, as necklaces can help to frame your face and can accentuate your strongest facial features. If you have a rounder face, for example, shorter necklaces such as chokers can accentuate the roundness of your face, while people with long face shapes may want to choose a shorter necklace to soften and broaden the shape of their face. Heart-shaped faces can also look great with chokers or shorter necklaces as they can balance out a narrower chin and give the illusion of fullness.

Final thoughts

Knowing which necklace lengths suit you best, and which work well with different outfits, can really help to elevate your ability to play with different styles of jewellery. From sophisticated princess necklaces to long rope chains that are a great way to try your hand at vintage looks, there are many styles to experiment with for different scenarios and outfits.

At Cry for the Moon, we offer a broad range of beautiful necklaces, pendants and other jewellery items. Browse our collection online, come into the shop to see for yourself or feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Diamond: Cut, Clarity, Carat & Colour

Posted on April 4, 2022 by Stephen Sutton

When choosing a diamond, which of the four C’s should you focus on? With so many diamonds to choose from, finding the right one can be a daunting task. Cut, Clarity, Carat & Colour are all incredibly important to choosing a diamond, so you should have an in-depth understanding of the role they play in this special stone before committing to your new best friend.

Cut

The Cut of a diamond is arguably the most important factor since it’s the most visible feature to the naked eye. Cut refers to the range of proportion sets the stone has, which provide the best return of light and sparkle.

Brilliant, step or antique?

A brilliant cut diamond has many facets which impart an exceptionally beautiful appearance, while step cut has square or rectangular features, so the facets are larger and parallel to one another. Brilliant cut diamonds include round, which are commonly used for solitaire diamond rings, as well as princess, cushion, oval and marquise-shaped diamonds, while step cuts include emerald and Asscher.

Antique cut diamonds refer to the techniques which precede modern-day processes, when diamond cutters would hand-cut diamonds into the desired shape and dimensions. Vintage diamonds are therefore less brilliant but emit a more romantic glow compared to a modern cut diamond, evoking the charm of the era in which they were created. This means that a vintage diamond will be held to a different standard to a modern cut.

The importance of Cut

The higher the quality of Cut, the more a diamond will sparkle and reflect light. Regardless of other factors, such as clarity and colour, if a diamond has been cut poorly it could appear dull. But a well-cut diamond, even one of slightly lower clarity, will still sparkle and scatter beautiful light patterns.

An ideal Cut diamond will interact with light in exceptional ways to create incredible visual effects, including fire, which is the scattering of white light into a rainbow of colours, and scintillation – the pattern of light and dark caused by reflections in the diamond. When choosing a diamond engagement ring, the right Cut can make all the difference to the jewellery’s appearance.

Cut grades

The Cut grades for diamonds range from Poor, Fair and Good to Very Good, Excellent and Ideal, and it’s recommended that when choosing diamond jewellery, you opt for either Very Good or higher for the best appearance and superior brilliance. Diamond Cut incorporates several factors, including symmetrical facets, angles, proportions and finishing details, which contribute to its overall aesthetic quality.

Clarity

The Clarity of a diamond is a metric which grades the visual appearance of the stone. A diamond with fewer inclusions and blemishes will have a higher clarity grade, and this naturally increases the price. However, it should be noted that not all of the imperfections which influence a diamond’s Clarity grade are visible to an unaided eye, and inclusions aren’t always significant enough to impact how a diamond looks to the casual observer.

Clarity grades

The larger the diamond is, the easier those imperfections will be to spot, which is where Clarity becomes more important. Grading for Clarity ranges from Flawless to I3, and the grade a stone is assigned will determine whether the inclusions can be seen easily or with some effort, or whether magnification is required to see them.

We recommend choosing a VS2 or SI1 grade for a brilliant cut diamond, or VVS2 to VS1 for a step cut diamond. Brilliant cut diamonds tend to hide inclusions more effectively, so if you’re opting for a step cut diamond, you may want to move up one clarity grade.

Carat

Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, rather than its size. When combined with the Cut, it can determine how large the diamond appears because of how much it will sparkle – a higher cut yet lower carat diamond will appear larger because the sparkle and light reflection will be so much more prominent.

While there may be imperceptible differences between some carat sizes, the price differences can be significant, so this should be factored in when choosing a diamond. Carat should be the last consideration when you’ve chosen the Cut and Clarity, as these two elements can alter how a particular carat appears.

Colour

Last, but by no means least, one of the most important and most visible to the naked eye is the colour of the diamond. Coloured diamonds are a separate category, but for white (or colourless) the jewellery industry adopted an alphabetical scale that ranges from D-Z – with D at the top. The further down the alphabet the grading, the further away from white or colourless the diamond becomes, as it develops a yellow or brown tint.

Colourless

Near Colourless

Slightly Tinted

Whilst comparisons between diamonds far apart in the scale could be more obvious the the naked eye, it is not quite so easy when they are more closely separated. For instance, to determine the difference between D & G is very difficult. With that in mind, and the fact that D are so rare, it’s worth bearing in mind that a G diamond could save you up to 40% compared to a D.

Unless compared side by side, the majority of the scale will appear white under most lights. H grade diamonds are considered to be in between colourless and near colourless, and can again be a good value option when weighed up with the other considerations, as any slight tint would only be visible side by side a higher grade.

The impact of the wearer and setting

Another consideration to make when looking at carat size is the finger size of the wearer. For someone with a smaller finger size, a smaller carat diamond can still appear relatively large. Setting also affects which carat to choose, since larger carat diamonds, such as 2 carat or above, may require a particular style. For diamonds graded J,K or L, it would be advisable to have them set in rose or yellow gold to better disguise any slight colouration.

Choosing the perfect diamond

Do your research when choosing a diamond, based on your available budget, the shape and colour you or the wearer prefer, and the setting of the jewellery. Lighting is also a valuable tool in helping you decide which diamond you would like. Since a diamond has a highly reflective surface, light can impact how it appears, so it’s recommended that you view the diamond in three types of light – diffused, spot lighting and a combination of the two.

Diffused lighting, common in commercial settings, shows the pattern of light and scintillation of the diamond more clearly as there are fewer flashes of colour. Under spot lighting, LED lights or even direct sunlight, you’ll see much more fire, so this is an effective way of seeing how the diamond performs under bright lights. Finally, a combination will deliver the most pleasing visual outcome as you’ll see the pattern of the diamond more clearly along with the sparkle and fire of the stone.

Cut should be the priority when choosing a diamond, followed by the clarity & colour – and finally the carat, since the latter is impacted by the former. Together, these three elements will produce a beautiful diamond that delivers incredible appeal.

	Round Brilliant From just £685
	Princess From just £1,875
	Cushion From just £1,950
	Oval From just £1,150
	Pear From just £1,265
	Heart From just £1,265
	Marquise From just £2,250
	Emerald From just £1,265

View our extensive diamond collection

To see the collection of diamonds Cry for the Moon have available, please don’t hesitate to contact us or visit us in store. Our friendly team will be on hand to show you the beautiful pieces we have in our collection and answer any questions you may have.

Aquamarine Jewellery and its Rise in Popularity

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Stephen Sutton

With its beautiful blue colour and dazzling shine, it’s little wonder that Aquamarine has long been a popular choice for gemstone jewellery. Surrounded by myth and legend, with a long and winding history encompassing healing powers and romance, aquamarine is a timeless addition to any collection. And, as the birthstone for March, it’s not only Aquarians and Pisceans who are attracted to this stone…

Aquamarine Origin

A naturally occurring gemstone, aquamarine’s main mining locations are South America, Africa and some parts of Asia. It is most common in Brazil, but can also be found in Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan and Zambia.

Belonging to the Beryl family of gemstones, it is closely related to emeralds and morganite, though remains distinct for its clear blue colour.

History of Aquamarine

Taking its name from the latin ‘aqua’, meaning water, and ‘marina’, meaning of the sea, it’s easy to understand where its reputation as the gem of the sea originates.

Ancient Aquamarine

Dating back as far back as the Ancient Romans and Greeks, Aquamarine has held its place throughout the centuries as a much admired stone. Unofficially dating back even further still, it’s also been aligned with the ancient Gods – with stories claiming that the God of the sea himself, Poseidon, is made from it!

It is said that the Romans looked to aquamarine to help foretell the future, and turn enemies into friends. Later, in the Middle Ages, aquamarine was rumoured to protect from poisonings, which was a common concern of the time.

Gigantic gemstones

The largest aquamarine ever weighed in at a staggering 110kg, or 243lbs, and was found in Brazil in 1910. When this was cut down to smaller, faceted (or many sided) stones, they collectively weighed over 100,000 carats – that’s a lot of rings!

In the 1980s, the world’s biggest faceted aquamarine was found. Known as ‘Dom Pedro’, it is over 10,000 carats (10,363 to be precise) and is held at the Smithsonian National History Museum in Washington D.C..

Aquamarine in jewellery

Records date that aquamarine has been used in jewellery since around 500 BC. Its affiliation with the sea, aside from the aforementioned reputation and name, also comes from the fact it was worn by sailors, travellers and Naval officers as a talisman for safe seafaring, to protect against being shipwrecked and to ward off sea sickness.

Source: The Court Jeweller Pinterest

Aquamarine and Royals

Alongside its beauty, aquamarine’s protective qualities mean it’s a stone that’s been favoured by rulers and Royals for centuries. Many of those in positions of power have purchased aquamarine jewellery over the years.

It’s included in the Czech crown jewels, and even Queen Elizabeth II has an aquamarine parure, or set of matching jewellery. Given to her by the Brazilian government, as a stone so associated with the country, as a coronation present in 1953. So fond of the colour and clarity, HRH later had more aquamarine pieces added, including a tiara.

The Lover’s Stone

Aquamarine is often considered to be a lover’s stone. In Buddhism and Christianity, aquamarine is believed to promote a happy marriage. And, those of you who have been married for 20 years or more will recognise that it is the official listing of the 19th wedding anniversary.

Keeping tradition alive, Prince Harry gave his new bride Meghan Markle his mother’s emerald cut aquamarine gold ring on the day of their wedding.

Aquamarine is a perfect ‘something blue’ for your Big Day, and we are seeing more couples are opting for it as a unique engagement ring, and an alternative to clear diamonds.

Healing Qualities of Aquamarine

Throughout history, aquamarine has been favoured for its healing properties. In modern crystal healing practices, this stone is still widely used.

Due to its clarity, aquamarine has been used to clarify perceptions, sharpen the intellect and clear any confusion. Its relationship with the sea means it has long been associated with relaxation and soothing fears.

Aquamarine is linked to the throat Chakra, so it can help to encourage communication and is believed to help to soothe sore throats.


Aquamarine & Diamond Tennis Bracelet	Aquamarine & Diamond Three Stone Ring	Emerald Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Stud Earrings	Briolette Aquamarine & Diamond Pendant
£2,895	£3,300	£1,050	£9,850

Why choose Aquamarine for your jewellery?

Is aquamarine right for you? Well, as a stone steeped in history and healing properties, it’s also a pretty good investment too. Based on a 2019 study, it is estimated that some £15bn worth of aquamarines are sold commercially each year, with a 75% female share of the market female, though there has been a recent rise in male wearers.

Although not classed as precious officially (only Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds and Sapphires are technically classified as precious), it is a semi-precious stone. Unlike its precious cousin, the Emerald, this means that aquamarine can be a more affordable option that doesn’t compromise on style or size.

As with any gemstone, it is important to consider the four Cs – colour, clarity, cut and carat – when choosing your aquamarine jewellery. For cut and carat, look for the shiniest and the biggest you can afford. With colours ranging from deep blue to greenish-blue, the deeper the blue, the better the quality of the stone.

Cry for the Moon Aquamarine Jewellery

With such a vast history and striking colour, we’re big fans of aquamarine jewellery at Cry for the Moon. From engagement rings, and wedding jewellery to cocktail rings and statement earrings.

If you’re looking for a March birthday gift, ‘something blue’ for a bride-to-be or just a new piece for your own collection, please feel free to get in touch or visit us in our Guildford shop.

A Guide to Ring Sizing

Posted on March 3, 2022 by Stephen Sutton

Ring Sizing

For something as precious, personal and valuable as a ring – it’s absolutely imperative the sizing is correct.

Whether a brand new purchase in-store, a gift or heirloom or even just that piece in your jewellery box that has never quite fit, we can help.

Almost every ring we sell in-store is sized bespoke to the client, and if the ring to be sized is gold or platinum. is a relatively straightforward process for our in-house master jewellers. For new sales, we aim to complete resizing within a two-hour window, allowing you to proudly show off your beautiful new ring on the way home.

Naturally, all of the jewellery in-store has its own size – and to make it the perfect fit for you, we use a standard ring gauge that ranges from A-Z. Although less frequently used, we can measure larger if required – and the largest we ever sized was in fact Z+8!

Ring Sizing Gauge Print-Out

If you’re interested to know your size before coming into the shop, please see our handy printable chart here.

The majority of rings can be sized 5 or 6 sizes up or down with ease, but the design and shoulders can restrict this if stone set. Due to the design, full eternity rings and mixed metal rings generally can’t be resized and should be ordered in the correct size. If we don’t have your size in-store, we would advise allowing 5-6 weeks for delivery, so keep this in mind if it ordering for a special occasion.

International Sizing Chart

Below is an international sizing chart as not every country uses the same scale.

Whilst your ring is being adjusted or repaired, our master jewellers will check stones and their setting for security, and will clean & polish the ring too – restoring it to its glorious best.

Please note: Although newly purchased items can be sized within a two-hour window, we advise allowing between 7-10 days for items not purchased on the day. This is also the case for adjustments outside of resizing.

Contact Us Today

Come into our shop to discuss your repairs or resizing requirements or indeed to see our full range of rings. We would be glad to show you the stunning items we have in store and help with making sure your cherished items are a perfect fit. Please feel free to come in to the shop, or make an enquiry beforehand.

Diamond Shapes

Posted on February 16, 2022 by Stephen Sutton

We are often asked “what is the best or most popular shape of diamond?”

Through longevity, this has to be a modern round brilliant cut. Ever since Marcel Tolkowsky originally developed the modern round brilliant diamond, it has been modified and perfected over time. However, the diamond industry still uses Tolkowsky’s model as a guide of for the “ideal cut”.

Diamond Cuts

Round Brilliant Cut

By far and away the most popular cut, accounting for more than half of all diamonds sold.A timeless classic, with sparkling brilliance showcasing the life and beauty of the world’s favourite gemstone.

Other cuts include:

Princess
Asscher
Pear
Radiant
Marquise
Old Cut

Emerald
Heart
Oval
Baguette
Cushion
Trillion

Of these cuts, Ovals & Pears are currently the in vogue and on trend. However, Princess, Asscher, Radiant and Cushion are also up there amongst the most popular choices. The square cut diamonds use more of the rough diamond, whilst a round cut can waste around 50% of the original material. In contrast, a square uses around 80% and also will weigh more than a round cut that has the same dimensions.

	Oval Cut Oval cut diamonds have the same makeup as round brilliant cut diamond with the same number of facets, and from side view appear almost the same. One big difference, referred to as ‘the bow tie effect’, where the cutting of the oval shaped is too shallow. This can display a small dark area in the center, which looks like a bow tie. Better cut ovals will not show this feature.
	Pear Cut Pear cut diamonds have become extremely desirable, and with a fine halo surround they particularly lend themselves to drops on earrings and pendants. These have been one of the most popular and highest selling products for at Cry for the Moon over the past few years. Originally developed some 700 years ago by Diamond cutter Lodewyk van Berquem, this unique cut of stone often causes much debate on which way it should be worn on the finger.
	Heart Cut Heart cut diamonds. A timeless symbol of love, a heart shaped diamond is a unique, special alternative to the more common diamond cuts. Heart shaped diamonds make up only a tiny fraction of the total number of diamonds sold every year, making a heart shaped diamond a unique, rare and special choice.
	Marquise Cut Marquise cut diamond is an elegant, elongated cut, and has the appearance of a larger stone when compared to other cuts. The wearer’s finger can appear longer and more slender with this cut, which is based largely upon the cut and facets of a round brilliant cut diamond.
	Emerald Cut The emerald cut was typically used to cut emerald stones, but is now a very popular cut for diamonds too. Consisting of 57 facets and boasting an elongated rectangular shape, the cut-off corners is said to display a calm beauty, instead of the brilliance and sparkle of round and cushion diamonds. You’ll see flashes of light in the emerald cut due to its linear, straight facets. A ‘Hall of Mirrors’ due to the flat open window. Only very clear and white diamonds are used for emerald cuts.

Other cuts and diamond shapes not listed include: baguette, tapering baguette, kite, bullets, trillions lozenge, bullets, eight cut, trapezoid and half-moons. These cuts are often used as side stones to accent a central larger diamond and not often seen alone. Each of these are generally purchased as pairs of stones, and the cost of cutting them is higher than many larger stones.

Old European Cut

Old European cut diamonds and transitional cut diamonds can still be cut today, but most are found in jewellery dating back from 1940s or earlier. The old European cut was starting to be uniformed, with new technology and modern polishing developed from the early 1930s. These cuts can appear like modern rounds, but with perhaps less finesse than one cut with today’s methods. We personally love this cut as each diamond has a unique characteristic and an individual feel.

A selection of our diamond cut engagement rings

	Round Brilliant From just £685
	Princess From just £1,875
	Cushion From just £1,950
	Oval From just £1,150
	Pear From just £1,265
	Heart From just £1,265
	Marquise From just £2,250
	Emerald From just £1,265

View all of our diamond range

If you’d like to see more of our collection than we currently have on the website, please don’t hesitate to contact us today or come and see us in the shop. Our friendly team would love to help, and show the other pieces in our stunning diamond jewellery collection.

Amethyst The Purple Gemstone

Posted on January 25, 2022 by Stephen Sutton

A gemstone steeped in history.

Amethyst: the birthstone for February and the 33rd wedding anniversary. An intoxicatingly rich, purple gemstone that has long been a favourite of Royals & the Church.

The name Amethyst comes from the Greek – méthystos (“intoxicated”), and have long been the subject of legend and myth, including perhaps the most famous – concerning mental health.

In Greek mythology, a titan named Rhea gave the god of wine, Dionysus, an amethyst to help preserve his sanity. In fact, this myth led the ancient Romans to believe that amethysts could keep them from getting drunk.

A variety of quartz

Amethyst was as expensive as Emerald or Ruby until the 19th Century when large deposits of it were discovered in Brazil and is now found in numerous countries, most notably Siberia, Sri Lanka and Brazil. Of all examples of amethyst the Deep Siberian is the most coveted and as such valuable. What sets the Deep Siberian variant apart is its rich purple hue, coupled with secondary blue and red hues.

The gemstone is a purple variety of quartz that is found in many locations around the world and forms as terminated crystals of all sizes inside geodes, clusters and as long single terminations.

Famous artefacts

The Delhi ‘Sapphire’ – is actually an Amethyst. It was incorrectly identified in the nineteenth century. It is said to be cursed since it was looted from a temple in Kanpur, India, during the bloody Indian Mutiny of 1857. It is now in the collection of the Natural History Museum in London.

The Tiffany Amethyst Necklace. A 56 carat square cushion cut Amethyst delicately surrounded by vines, leaves and grapes, designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, circa 1915. Procured by George F. Kunz, chief gemologist at Tiffany’s at the time. It is a much larger and of higher gem quality than any others in the National Gem Collection from this Russian locality. It was then generously donated to the Smithsonian in 2007.

View our collection

The famous gemstone has been used in jewellery for centuries, and being a durable gemstone it can be used to form all types of jewellery. Ranging in colour from a subtle pale pastel to a gorgeous, rich velvety deep purple they can be easily set in all types of metal.

View more earrings, rings and pendants in our Amethyst collection. including:

Victorian Amethyst & Seed Pearl Necklace

Victorian 15ct gold amethyst and seed pearl necklace. Four Amethyst 2 smaller squares, 1 pear shape and larger rectangular measuring 12mm x 7mm with 24 seed pearls surround.

Price: £1,950

3.18ct Amethyst & Diamond Ring

Or alternatively this modern rectangular cushion shape, with chequerboard facets, 4 claw set in 18ct white gold, with 10 small round brilliant cut diamonds set on stepped shoulders 0.19ct total weight.

Price: £1,325

Contact us today

Why aren’t all diamonds certified?

Posted on May 28, 2021 by Stephen Sutton

When choosing a diamond, should you ever buy without a certificate?

Well, we could argue both yes and no.

Are all certified diamonds better quality than those not certified? No. Many lower-quality diamonds can be independently sold with a certificate, whilst others (for many reasons) will not. These aren’t necessarily inferior to those that are certified, just that they don’t have a laboratory’s printed out statement of their opinion.

We at Cry for the Moon have both, and we happily buy new and pre-owned certified and non certified diamonds.

It’s a much discussed subject, and as such, there are many different opinions surrounding it. The majority consensus is that you should purchase diamonds with a certificate, and that it should be GIA or HRD. It’s also often stated that certain laboratories should be avoided as they aren’t terribly accurate at best, and misleading at worst. Many jewellers provide and/or produce their own in-house variations, including none other than Tiffany’s… so it must be correct, right?

What is the standard?

Well, there is in fact no internationally recognised standard – and more importantly – no one body that regulates the independent labs for verification of grading quality. We aren’t suggesting that the laboratories are wrong, but a study published in July 2013 (page 74-75), by the NAG (National Association of Goldsmiths) and Gem-A (Gemology Association of Great Britain) (page 74-75) found great variations in the grading. Seven previously graded GIA diamonds were sent to six independent UK labs for certification, and the results were quite alarming. In many cases, both the colour and clarity results varied by a number of grades – which would likely alter the price by 20-25% at retail.

Perhaps GIA had graded some of the diamonds to a better standard now than they had 20 years ago, suggesting a softening in the required standard, or perhaps it is that the grading is slightly subjective, with the human factor not allowing 100% accuracy. Let’s face it, diamonds tend to speak for themselves – you don’t walk around with a piece of paper around your neck or in your handbag to show off the colour… and as soon as it’s worn it becomes dirty, affecting the colour and clarity anyway.

Where do we buy our diamonds from?

We have, for many years, purchased diamonds direct from our supplier in Antwerp who have their own source of approved, traceable diamonds that have up-held the Kimberly process. Kathy, Stephen & Harry (who choose and buy all our loose diamonds) have over 100 years of experience between purchasing and grading stock. We are extremely confident in our process of assessing and grading both new and loose diamonds, and happily supply our own valuation stating an honest opinion of the diamond’s grading.

Another point to bear in mind is that diamonds are graded against other diamonds, so the cut and proportions will affect the stone as much as other factors, which is why it’s very important to physically see the diamond for yourself and make your own decision.Be it certified or not, we have a fabulous range in stock at all times – in many different styles and designs across rings, pendants and earrings.

If you would like to see for yourself, please pop into our shop and ask one of our sales team to show you our stunning collection. Any one of the team would be happy to share knowledge on anything you might like to know – to help you make up your own mind. Buying a diamond should always be an exciting, romantic and pleasurable experience. Contact us today to book your appointment, or simply come in to the shop.

Pearls: Nature’s Natural Gems

Posted on May 20, 2021 by Stephen Sutton

Almost all gemstones are crystal structures formed under huge pressure, but a select few are created by Mother Nature herself. These organic gemstones are coral, amber, jet, bone or mother of pearl – but the most popular and versatile would be pearls.

Throughout history pearls have been coveted by royalty and the rich and famous. Demonstrated by none other than ‘The Imperial State Crown’ (perhaps the most important item within the Crown Jewels) containing a stunning 269 pearls.

Dating further back, Cleopatra is said to have swallowed a pearl earring to win a bet with Marc Antony in order to host the most expensive dinner in history. According to historians she dropped one of her expensive pearl earrings (said to be worth ten million sesterces) into a cup of wine vinegar and crushed it until ‘melted’ – and then drank it. Not only winning the bet, but also Marc Antony’s heart in the process.

Fortunately, Marc Antony declined to swallow the second earring!

Pearls are formed in a mollusc of either oyster or freshwater mussels

The most popular cultured pearls, or Akoya as they are often referred to, are grown in farms. This process places a tiny bead of mother of pearl into a mollusc for between 10-15 months to protect the nacre from irritant, creating a fabulous gem of irradiance pearl.

These are then sorted for colour and shape, and polished to improve the lustre of the pearl. As a natural product, not all pearls grow perfectly round. The misshapen and irregular pearls are known as ‘baroque’ or ‘blister pearls’ but can have their own special beauty and character. The largest pearl ever found ‘The Pearl Of Allah’ weighs over 14lbs and was found in the Philippines in 1934.

The birthstone of June and the gem of 30th wedding anniversaries

Pearl Jewellery changes with fashion, but will always be a classic ‘must have’ to every jewellery collection. Necklace, Pendants, Earrings, Bracelets, Rings, Brooches & Tiaras.

Pearls

From just £115

Necklaces

At Cry for the Moon we have a large range of classic modern pearls, alongside traditional two and three row previously owned items. Large Southsea pearls of 12-16mm, Tahitian (Grey), Akoya and freshwater, set with diamonds or plain. Long lariats, short chokers feature design pendants and so much more starting from £510.

Earrings

Pearl earrings come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from a simple stud to a large southsea diamond set drops, ranging from £115-£7000+. With 70 different designs, we have a design for all tastes.

Pendants

Pendants are an ideal bridesmaid gift and set off any bridal dress, a simple sign of purity to bold strong contemporary features.

Bracelets

Bracelets that match necklace or Victorian seed pearl bangles are an ideal accompaniment for your special occasion.

Now, we’ve touched on several of the organic pearls, such as Southsea, Tahitian, freshwater and seed pearls. South Sea pearls are grown in the warm waters of South China and Japan, forming the great layers of nacre created by the oysters nucleated with a small bead. These are usually farmed for between 2-4 years allowing for longer growth – up to 20mm on some rare occasions.

Tahitian

Tahitian are natural grey or dark grey pearls grown in black lipped oyster’s. Many pearls that are dyed black or grey are called Tahitian, but mistakenly so.

Freshwater

Freshwater pearls have seen a huge boom over recent decades as they grow quicker, proving a more cost effective solution to their Akoya equivalent size. However, the lustre and irradiance may fade quicker with freshwater, and they do not appear as bright.

Seed

Seed pearls were extremely popular in the Victorian and Edwardian era, either small whole or half pearls of perhaps 1-3mm .

So, what is a natural pearl and how can you tell?

Honestly, looking at them with the naked eye it is impossible to tell. Perhaps the age and colouring could give you some indication, but unless you can spot a bead nucleus by looking down a drill hole, the only way to verify is by Xray.

If there is no bead, it is natural
If there is a visible bead, it is a Cultured Akoya

Are Mikimoto better than cultured pearls?

No, they are the same. Mikimoto is simply a brand that sells different qualities of pearls like many good jewellers… such as ourselves!

Please view our range here for your perfect pearl accessory.

Aquamarine March’s Birthstone

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Stephen Sutton

If you’re lucky enough to have been born in March, you’re lucky to have a birthstone as lovely as aquamarine. This beautifully clear, pale-blue to sky-blue stone has a magical appearance of a summer sky, or a clear blue sea. This, perhaps, is why it was a favourite with sailors, believing it would bring them calm seas and oceans.

Aquamarine is part of the beryl family, closely related to both the emerald (which is green), and morganite (a pink / rose gold coloured gem).The colour variations are from the small amounts of chromium in emeralds, manganese in morganite and small traces of iron in aquamarines.

The most sought after aquamarines are often referred to as Santa Maria, in reference to a specific mine in Brazil that produced rich green / blue coloured stone, which is now almost exhausted. Brazil remains the world’s leading source of gem-quality stones, and the stones are still referred to as Santa Maria, even if they are not from this mine.

Found in both pegmatites (within rock) and alluvial deposits, outside of Brazil the leading sources of aquamarines, are:

Afghanistan
Kenya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mozambique
Nigeria
Pakistan
Russia
Tanzania
Zambia

Similar to Emerald

Unlike emeralds, this gemstone is very often extremely clear and free from inclusion. It is also the same hardness on the Mohs scale (7.5 – 8), so it is a durable gemstone for jewellery… as long as it is treated with care, to protect against scratching and hard knocks.

HM Queen Elizabeth II has perhaps one of the most fantastic collections of Aquamarine jewellery. During her coronation trip in 1953 the people of Brazil gifted her a beautiful set of glistening diamonds and aquamarines in the form of a necklace with matching pendant earrings. This set has since been reworked into a tiara and necklace, now with a matching bracelet and earrings. Clearly a favourite, as seen worn in the link above – though perhaps a little too much for everyday wear!

Large emerald cut aquamarines remain popular today, with many celebrities proudly wearing them, including Kirstie Alsop and of course Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex – who has been photographed on many occasions wearing items from Diana’s collection.

At Cry for the Moon we have many beautiful items, including:

Engagement Rings


18ct White Gold Trilogy Aquamarine & Diamond Ring	Aquamarine & Diamond Three Stone Ring	Emerald Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Cluster Ring	Oval Aquamarine & Diamond Cluster Ring
£2,470	£3,300	£2,810	£3,680

Pendants


Aquamarine & Diamond 18ct White Gold Pendant	Aquamarine & Diamond Cluster Pendant	Aquamarine & Diamond Cushion Shaped Pendant	Briolette Aquamarine & Diamond Pendant
£1,650	£1,285	£975	£9,850

Earrings


18ct White Gold Aquamarine Stud Earring	Aquamarine & Diamond Cluster Earrings	Emerald Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Stud Earrings	18ct White Gold Pear Shaped Aquamarine & Diamond Drop Earrings
£375	£825	£1,050	£645

Book an appointment to visit our shop, or order online today.

Enduring Love – Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Posted on February 7, 2021 by Stephen Sutton

Whether it’s Paris & Helen, Mark Anthony & Cleopatra, Dante & Beatrice or Edward & Mrs Simpson, love bonds them all and their stories have lasted throughout history.

Was it Eros, Cupid or Valentine?

…we’ll never know-but their love affairs we can all agree endured.

That one true person who brings you heart felt joy, happiness, warmth, comfort, humour, strength that little spark first felt like never before.

Romeo & Juliette most definitely had it written about them, but since the 3rd Century St Valentine & his place in the Christian church dated the 14th February a special day for lovers everywhere to celebrate their love with one another.

In a simple single moment to share and appreciate their love, gifts will often be exchanged:

Flowers
Chocolate
Sharing a drink or a romantic home cooked meal
…and of course, jewellery!

If you’re planning a small trinket to your partner, jewellery is the perfect token to say I LOVE YOU.

We have many unique & beautiful jewellery ideas including:

Pendants

From just £105

Earrings

From just £115

Pearls

From just £115

Anything heart shaped is always a winner and popular, especially our ever popular diamond set initial pendants:

Or, perhaps a diamond cut heart:

Maybe this time of year is the perfect occasion to pop the big question to your forever partner, and we’re here to help. Your proposal ring, your forever gift, a true token of friendship & love to one another, could be one of the hardest gifts to ever choose, but here at Cry for the Moon we have been helping our clients choose that exquisite perfect of rings for over half a century.

From style and design to quality we have an amazing collection of fabulous new and antique rings for the perfect valentine proposal.

See our online stock of Engagement Rings

If you’re after something that is as individual and unique as your true love, why not have a specially bespoke item made in our in house workshop, we will guide you through the design process and you can pick the perfect gemstones and diamonds to a set budget a rare one of a kind original item as rare as you love.