Category: Gemstones

When you’re shopping for diamond jewellery; whether for an engagement ring, an anniversary present, or a simple yet elegant piece to express your love, it is common to come across the term ‘Old Cut Diamond’.

Now, if you’re not part of the jewellery world and you’re not used to the various words we use to describe different types of jewellery, stones, and cuts, then you won’t be familiar with this term or what it means. That’s why we’re covering the topic of Old Cut Diamonds in today’s blog post.

In this article, we will be discussing Old Cut Diamonds, what they are and why they’re valuable. We hope we can teach you a little bit more about these beautiful stones and their history.

Diamond Jewellery From just £450

What is an Old Cut Diamond?

First thing’s first; what is an Old Cut Diamond? It’s very common to come across this term when shopping for diamond jewellery. The term refers to diamonds that were cut before diamond cutting technology became the advanced and highly accurate technology it is today.

To be considered an old cut diamond a diamond must have been cut before the 1890s. You will typically find Old Cut diamonds in the vintage jewellery section of jewellery stores or even (if you’re lucky) in some high-end secondhand shops.

Common Characteristics of Old Cut Diamonds

Old Cut Diamonds were typically handcrafted, compared to the machine-cut diamonds you buy today. This means that Old Cut Diamonds hold many common characteristics, including:

Cut by Hand: old cut diamonds were cut by hand. This means no two diamonds were ever cut exactly the same, adding a sense of authenticity and charm to each finished stone.

Imperfections: because old cut diamonds were cut by hand they were imperfect. It is almost impossible to hand-cut a diamond to be fully symmetrical. Each hand-cut diamond will have its own unique imperfections but these just add to their charm.

Thickness: old cut diamonds look bigger and thicker than modern diamonds. This is perhaps due to having been cut by hand, making it difficult to create the intricate cuts that modern technology can now achieve.

Sparkle: old cut diamonds are not typically as sparkly as modern diamonds because they are not as symmetrical. This means they don’t typically catch light in quite the same way. However, old cut diamonds are known to be particularly eye-catching in low lighting.

Old Cut Diamond Shapes

There are two main types of old cut diamond shapes:

Old Mine Cut: old mine cut diamonds were cut by hand before the 1890s and are well-known for having a cushion-shaped outline.

Old European Cut: the old European cut diamonds have a rounder shape than Old Mine Cut diamonds and were especially popular in the late 19th, early 20th centuries.

Hand Crafting Diamonds

Before technology advanced to what it is today, diamonds were handcrafted by expert craftsmen who were responsible for the creation of unique diamond pieces. They would cut, polish, and finish the diamonds as they saw fit and it took a great deal of skill being able to cut with such fine detail.

While many people love the perfect finish of a modern cut diamond, there is something about the hand-finished look of an Old Cut Diamond that makes it so appealing.

No two Old Cut Diamonds are the same and many people buying Old Cut Diamonds like to think of the craftsman who spent hours working at a bench cutting and finishing the diamond. That’s something machine-cut diamonds can never quite conjure up. It’s kind of like handwritten letters as opposed to emails; there’s something that just feels more personal about it.

Image Source: Cape Town Diamond Musem

The Different Types of Old Cut Diamonds

There are many different styles of old cut diamonds. Let’s take a look at each of them below.

Old Mine Cut

Old Mine Cut diamonds tend to endure rougher craftsmanship and are therefore quite non-symmetrical. However, this asymmetry adds to their unique, beautiful feel.

Many old cut diamonds would have been cut by candlelight, adding significant character to each piece. They display the originality and character of the craftsman and are typically much larger and irregular in shape compared to other diamond cuts.

Old European Cut

Old European Cut diamonds are round in shape, featuring 58 large facets (find out more about diamond facets) and a higher crown. They tend to have a different weight distribution when compared to modern diamond shapes and most Old European Cut diamonds were cut by hand between 1890 and 1930.

Carre Cut Diamond

A Carre cut diamond was originally developed to maximise the use of the diamond’s rough stone appearance. Typically shaped like a square, the Carre cut diamond has 90 degree corners and step-cuts that highlight the individual flaws within the stone. Highlighting these flaws emphasises the sparkle and beauty of each unique diamond, creating an aesthetic elegance that is particularly unique.

Old Victorian Cut Diamond

Victorian Cut diamonds have a very classical shape. They’re arguably the cut of diamond that people are most familiar with. Featuring a multifaceted top crown and 73 facets, Old Cut Victorian diamonds appear brilliantly reflective and were extremely popular (still are!)

Are Old Cut Diamonds Considered More Valuable?

Many people shopping for diamonds will come across the term Old Cut Diamonds and wonder which is the better investment; old cut or modern. However, the monetary value of the diamond isn’t usually how it’s cut, it’s the combination of quality, colour, carat, and weight.

Of course, value isn’t just monetary and there are many people who consider Old Cut Diamonds more valuable than modern diamonds because of the hours of hands-on craftsmanship that went into perfecting them. Ultimately, the true value of a diamond is in the eye of the beholder and the sentimental value it holds to them.

Vintage Diamonds From just £995

Where to Buy Old Cut Diamonds

Old Cut diamonds are often found in the antique section of jewellery stores. You can shop for antique jewellery on our website to discover beautiful pieces handcrafted many years ago.

Final Words

As you can see, handcrafted Old Cut diamonds are incredibly impressive. They are unique and beautiful and often hold a lot of sentimental value to the wearer. We hope this article has told you a little more about these beautiful pieces and that the information we’ve shared helps you choose the right diamond for someone special. Come into our store to see our collection of diamond jewellery, or make an enquiry online and our friendly team would be very happy to assist you.

Gemstones are some of the most sought after jewellery stones. Loved for their bright and eye-catching colours, these beautiful stones can be found in all kinds of modern and antique jewellery, adding splashes of colour to any outfit choice and catching the eye as the light passes over them just so.

However, for all their beauty, the formation of gemstones is something most people don’t know much about. We’d go so far as to argue that understanding how gemstones are formed adds a whole new dimension to their beauty and rareness, helping people appreciate them more than ever.

If you’re curious about the gemstones in your jewellery pieces and where they might have originated from, this article is for you.

Let’s get started.

What are Gemstones and Where are They Found?

Before we dive into the article, let’s quickly discuss what gemstones are and where they are found.

Gemstones are mineral crystals which form below the surface of the Earth. In fact, because of where and how they form they can sometimes show traces of other minerals.

Most gemstones contain physical traces of minerals. These might be in the form of tiny crystals that became caught within the stone as it grew or they might be internal fractures to the stone’s structure that only partially healed. These mineral traces are called inclusions.

Fun Fact: Inclusions are an effective way to prove (under a microscope) whether a gemstone is natural or synthetic.

4 Ways Gemstones Form

Gemstones are essentially rocks. We know that doesn’t sound very pretty or appealing, but they are. These rocks join together, or bond, to form crystalline structures depending on the conditions within the Earth.

For gemstones to form, the environment has to be just right. Most gemstones are formed in the Earth’s top layer, otherwise known as the crust. When they are formed in the Earth’s crust, gemstones can be dug out of the earth through a process called gemstone mining.

Let’s take a look at what’s going on underneath our feet, deep in the Earth. Here are 4 ways that rocks are formed into gemstones:

Igneous

The most valuable rocks and gemstones form under intense heat and pressure. The Igneous process is when gemstones are formed as a result of magma solidifying.

Essentially, when magma rises, through volcanic pipes under the ground, to the surface of the Earth, it solidifies into its lava form. As it cools, it crystallises to form minerals. With an increase in pressure, this fluid is able to get into nearby rocks, creating chemical changes that form gemstones including:

• All types of Quartz
• Chrysoberyl
• Beryl (emeralds, morganites, and aquamarines)
• Garnet
• Moonstone
• Diamond
• Tanzanite
• Apatite
• Spinel
• Topaz
• Tourmaline
• Zircon

Hydrothermal

The process of hydrothermal gemstone formation occurs when water rich in minerals is forced up into the cracks within the Earth’s crust while, at the same time, boiling hot magma rises through the crevices in the Earth.

When the mineral-rich water meets with the hot magma, the resulting mixture percolates at extremely high temperatures. Finally, as the mixture cools it starts to crystallise, forming beautiful and unique gemstones such as:

• Rubies
• Quartz
• Emeralds
• Alexandrite

Metamorphic

Metamorphic gemstone formation involves intense heat and pressure that causes rocks to transform into new rocks. It is a process usually instigated by moving and/or colliding tectonic plates.

As a result of all the movement within the Earth’s surface, it is common for metamorphic gemstone formation to occur at the same time as hydrothermal activities which can further the gemstone creation process by circulating mineral-rich water through rocks and dissolving existing minerals to deposit them in other cavities.

Examples of metamorphic gemstones include:

• Tanzanite
• Rubies
• Garnet
• Sapphire
• Emerald
• Kyanite
• Spinel

Sedimentary

Sedimentary gemstones are the type of gemstone closest to your feet. Even though they are, technically, still very deep underground, sedimentary gemstones are formed when water rich in minerals settles into cracks within the Earth’s surface.

The minerals within the water sit under pressure for a long time and the length they sit for and the amount of pressure they sit under ultimately determine the type of gemstone that forms from it.

Here are some examples of sedimentary gemstones:

• Turquoise
• Opal
• Azurite
• Malachite

The Crystallisation of Minerals

Gemstones occur as a result of the crystallisation of minerals. But how exactly do minerals crystallise? Well, you can actually see the process for yourself by re-creating the crystallisation environment in your kitchen.

Method: Simply heat 3 cups of water and add 1 cup of sugar. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Add a second cup of sugar and continue stirring until the sugar melts.

Once both cups of sugar have completely dissolved, pour the contents into a jar and place a wooden stick into it, making sure the stick is tall enough to protrude out of the jar. As the mixture cools, crystals will appear on the stick. The slower your mixture cools, the larger these crystals will be. And for extra fun you could add food colouring!

This is a great illustration that perfectly highlights what is going on inside the Earth when minerals crystallise. Of course, in order to form from crystals into gemstones, there must be the addition of considerable pressure and heat and this must be maintained over a long period of time for the gemstones to form. Unfortunately, you can’t form gemstones in your kitchen. However, gemstones can be man-made under the right conditions.

Man Made Gemstones

Today, geologists and gemologists can recreate the natural conditions needed to create gemstones. They do so within industrial labs, using modern technology. Man–made gemstones do not have any imperfections such as inclusions, and do not hold anything like the value of naturally occurring gemstones.

In Summary

Gemstones are a beautiful result of changes happening with the Earth. They are mined and extracted to be included in stunning jewellery pieces for all to admire.

We hope this article has helped you pause and think about how long it takes to form a gemstone. When we take a moment to consider how many natural occurrences need to happen within the Earth for gemstones to form, we are amazed. It truly is a feat of nature and a wonderful thing to remember when you next wear your gemstone jewellery pieces.

Image source:

By Sheila Sund from Salem, United States: Amethyst
By Parent Géry – Own work Quartz
By Parent Géry – Own work Turquoise

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

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

Origin of the Name Lapis Lazuli

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

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

When Was Lapis Lazuli First Discovered?

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

Where Does Lapis Lazuli Get Its Colour?

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

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

Mankind’s Love of Lapis Lazuli

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

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

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

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

Lapis Lazuli Throughout History

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

Lapis Lazuli in Ancient Times

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

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

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

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

The Many Healing Benefits of Lapis Lazuli

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

Enhancing Intellectual Ability

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

Improves the Body’s Healing Abilities

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

Relieves Symptoms of Infection

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

Removes Pain

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

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

Lapis Lazuli and Its Uses Today

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

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

Buy Lapis Lazuli

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

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

Image sources:

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

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

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

The Two Types of Jade

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Properties of Jade

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

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

How Jade is Formed

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

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

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

What is Jade Used for?

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

Jewellery

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

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

Feng Shui

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

Meditation

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

Ceremonial Significance

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

The Healing Properties of Jade

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

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

Physical Healing

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

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

Emotional Healing

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

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

Final Words

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

Image sources:

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

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

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

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

Mining in Prehistoric Times

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

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

Gemstone Mining in Ancient Times

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

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

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

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

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

Gemstone Mining During the Middle Ages

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

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

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

Mining in the 1800s

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

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

Mining During the Industrial Revolution

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

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

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

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

Gemstone Mining Today

Today, mining is predominantly achieved using three different methods:

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

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

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

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

Final Words

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

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

Image sources:

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

Tsavorite is one of the world’s rarest gems. This beautiful deep green gemstone was discovered in 1967 and introduced to the jewellery industry in 1974.
While relatively new as a gemstone, Tsavorite has spent billions of years forming underground in the Mt. Kilimanjaro region of Africa and is named after
Tsavo National Park.

In this article we will be sharing all about Tsavorite and what makes this gemstone so rare and beautiful.

What Makes Tsavorite So Popular?

Tsavorite is one of the most sought after gemstones in the jewellery world. Here are a few reasons why this deep green gemstone is so popular:

• It encompasses the beauty of mother nature
• It signifies new life and regeneration
• It is the favourite birthstone of January and May
• It offers numerous emotional, spiritual, and wellness meanings
• It holds high value, making it a good investment
• It is highly durable and can withstand daily wear and tear.

Let’s find out more about Tsavorite.

Meanings and Associations of Tsavorite

Gemstones hold a lot of meaning and Tsavorite is no exception. Here are the various meanings Tsavorite holds and how they might benefit a person’s life:

Emotional Meaning

Tsavorite is believed to offer emotional strength and wellbeing to the wearer, giving individuals the confidence they need to seize the opportunities life brings their way. The green of the gem is believed to heighten the wearer’s compassion for others, encouraging them to be of service where they can and love other people well.

Tsavorite is also a popular gem for couples, making it a great choice for engagement rings, as it is thought to increase collaboration and trust in partners as they seek to strengthen their relationship and work together well.

Spiritual Meaning

Green has long been associated with life and growth. The lush green colour of Tsavorite has a spiritual significance to many. It is believed to bring enhanced fertility to the wearer, making it the perfect gemstone to gift to those trying to start a family.

Tsavorite is also believed to support regeneration and growth within the human body, helping boost cellular turnover and speed up physical healing.

Wellness Properties

Tsavorite is an excellent gemstone for wellness. It is believed to have a heart-based energy, meaning that it can support a person in their emotional healing (whether healing from heartbreak or past trauma).

Some people find that Tsavorite helps them feel more confident, enhancing their feelings of intuition about certain things in their life and promoting a higher level of awareness in general that benefits them as they go about their day.

Tsavorite on the Mohs Scale

Tsavorite is rated 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This means it is a considerably durable gemstone and is safe to wear on a daily basis if you want to, without suffering any major wear and tear. Of course, it is still important to be careful as, like all gemstones, Tsavorite can be damaged if it is not cared for properly.

Tsavorite Treatment

One of the great things about Tsavorite, and something that makes it such a popular gemstone choice, is that it lacks artificial treatment. This means it has not undergone any enhancing procedures to improve its appearance or colour, like other gemstones.

In fact, Tsavorite is so naturally beautiful with such a vivid green colour that it only needs to be cut and polished. Most Tsavorites available are left completely unenhanced and untreated.

It is also worth noting that there are no lab-made or artificial Tsavorite gemstones available.

Tsavorite Sizes

Tsavorite is very rare. As such, it is only typically found in small sizes and stones that are over 2.5 carats are extremely rare and therefore extremely valuable. The largest Tsavorite gemstone ever found was 325.14 carats and valued at over $2 million.

Tsavorite Prices

Because of its unique beauty and rarity, Tsavorite can be a very pricey gemstone choice. If you opt for light colour grading, you will find Tsavorite more easily available and it will typically be cheaper. However, the finest Tsavorite is far harder to come by and the price per carat does rise dramatically.

We know that purchasing gemstones can be confusing, especially if you’ve done so before. So, you should know that the Tsavorite gemstones with the deepest green colours often attract the highest prices.

If you want a Tsavorite with a deep green colour, ask the seller for the concentration of Vanadium within the stone. The higher the concentration, the darker and more intense the green colour will be. It may mean it’s more expensive, but the visual appeal will be greater.

Adding Tsavorite to Your Jewellery Collection

Tsavorite makes for a beautiful addition to your jewellery collection. The stunning green of the gemstone is often set with Diamonds to accentuate its colour and draw the eye. Tsavorite also looks beautiful set within platinum, white gold, or yellow gold jewellery pieces and is a unique and special engagement ring choice.

If you are a jewellery enthusiast or you’re searching for the perfect purchase for a loved one, Tsavorite is a favourite.

How to Care for Tsavorite Jewellery

Although Tsavorite gemstones are not enhanced in any way, it is important to take care when cleaning them. Tsavorite should not be cleaned via exposure to extreme heat. You should also avoid cleaning the gemstone using mechanical systems.

To clean your Tsavorite jewellery, it is best to use warm water and jewellery-specific detergent. Gently scrub the Tsavorite clean with a soft brush and pat dry.

Of course, the most effective way to clean Tsavorite (and any other jewellery you own) is to book a professional jewellery cleaning service . This will ensure the right products are used and will prevent the gemstone from becoming accidentally damaged or clouded through poor care.

Final Words

As you can see, Tsavorite is a unique and beautiful gemstone that holds many different meanings that add value to your life. Whether you’re looking to bring some beauty into your life or you’re hoping to purchase Tsavorite to give to someone you love, this gemstone is the perfect choice.

Image sources:
Lech Darski, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

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

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

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

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

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

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Yellow Sapphires

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

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

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

Spiritual Meaning

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

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

Wellness Meaning

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

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Yellow Diamonds

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

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

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

Spiritual Meaning

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

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

Wellness Meaning

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

Which Yellow Stone is Better?

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

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

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

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

Where Can I Find Yellow Sapphire Jewellery?

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

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Final Words

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

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

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

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

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

Black Opal

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

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

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

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

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

Alexandrite

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

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

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

Benitoite

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

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

Red Beryl

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

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

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

Grandidierite

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

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

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

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

Final Words

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

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

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

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

Gemstones and Anxiety

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

Types of Anxiety

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

Generalised Anxiety Disorder

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

Panic Disorder

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

Phobias

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

Social Anxiety

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

Selective Mutism

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

Separation Anxiety Disorder

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

Agoraphobia

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

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

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

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

How to Ease Symptoms of Anxiety: Do Gemstones Work?

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

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

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

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The 4 Best Gemstones for Anxiety

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

Aquamarine

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

Rose Quartz

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

Amethyst

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

Black Tourmaline

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

How to Use Gemstones for Anxiety

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

Take them Everywhere You Go

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

Meditate with Gemstones

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

Place Gemstones Under Your Pillow

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

Be Proactive

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

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

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

How is Amber Formed?

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

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

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

The Healing Properties of Amber

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

Absorbs Negative and Stagnant Energy

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

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

Reduces Pain in Adults and Children

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

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

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

Naturally Purifies

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

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

Attracts Healthier Energy

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

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

Deflects Energy from Others

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

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

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

Associates with the Colour Gold

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

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

Final Words

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

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

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

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

1. Green Jade

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

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

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

2. Tiger Eye

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

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

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

3. Citrine

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

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

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

4. Green Aventurine

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

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

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

5. Clear Quartz

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

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

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

6. Garnet

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

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

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

7. Malachite

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

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

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

8. Peridot

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

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

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

9. Rose Quartz

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

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

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

10. Amazonite

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

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

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

Final Words

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

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.

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.

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.

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

• D
• E
• F

Near Colourless

• G
• H
• I

Slightly Tinted

• J
• K
• L

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.