As the nights draw in and Halloween approaches, we look at one of the more macabre aspects of antique jewellery. In the beginning From ancient times jewellery has been used as an amuletic device to protect the wearer from the ever-present threat of death, disease,...
Opal is the October birthstone and is the focus of the next article in our series looking at birthstones for each month. Opals have a long history and at various times have been considered to bring both good and bad luck. From making a person invisible to having...
What is the history of Diamonds? Prized for millennia and imbued with history and drama, diamonds are so much more than just a ‘Girl’s best friend.’ How much do you know about these beguiling gems? Diamond Formation Formed deep within the Earth...
Those fortunate enough to be born in the month of July have ruby as their birthstone. The red form of corundum, ruby’s name comes from the Latin ruber meaning red. The ancient Indians called ruby ratnaraja, ‘king of the gemstones’, for its rarity,...
‘The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens’ – Grace Kelly The birthstone of June is a unique and timeless gem: pearl. Pearls are exclusive among gems as they are found in their alluring natural state, gifts of nature that require no fashioning...
With the whole countryside blooming it stands to reason that May’s birthstone is green emerald. Also the gemstone associated with the Roman goddess Venus and the Taurus zodiac sign, emerald has long been associated with beauty, hope, life, luck and nature. Little...
