Buying Beautiful Beads

Every piece we choose is carefully checked, we only buy what we love and what we think is original, exquisite and beautiful.

Julie selecting pearls from one of our designers.

this one is five graduated strands of really top quality pearls with onyx and silver details either side making it really striking. You can't see it in this picture but it also has really lovely detailed handmade silver catch.

Keeping Busy...

Today is the festival of Rakhi-(Raksha Bandhan) a giving of gifts between brothers and sisters, particularly a bracelet from a sister to her brother as a symbolic 'bond of protection'. Its an important festival and duly everything is shut-we have been keeping busy though.

Working out on the lawn...

and preparing gemstone combinations for setting

A Short Video on Selecting Amethysts

Birds of Paradise

We picked up a limited edition of Just 10 of these really striking rings today. They are just stunning and reminded us of birds of paradise, they are tiny pieces of stones such as turquoise and lapis all set in resin and silver- just like a mosaic.

...tell us what you think

Choosing Stones

Spent the morning looking at Precious stones for earrings, Rubies and Sapphires here-

In the afternoon we chose some really lovely Amethysts for pendants

then we looked at putting together out own combinations of stones for some really interesting pendants. Can't wait to see the finished pieces...

Arrival in Jaipur

Last year the monsoon rains had not come. This year as we leave Delhi the rain is falling and the 5 hour drive takes us along a very bumpy washed away highway. Looking out of the lovely old Ambassador the dry and dusty brown landscape has been transformed into a verdant oasis.

We pass herds of beautiful long horned cattle being driven down the road and goats grazing alongside, and of course the odd camel pulling its load.

We have arrived at our hotel having studied all of the fashion magazines on the way. Long multicoloured strands of beads lift camel, nude and beige outfits and 50s style dresses are finished of with pearls or glittering earrings. And of course there are plenty of statement necklaces-lots of Art Deco inspired things, so much to look out for. Keeping coming back to the blog over the next two weeks as we give you sneek previews of new discoveries, invite your feedback and show you the beautiful city of Jaipur.

Summer Spectaculars from zigzag!!

check out our VERY limited special offer...Turquoise Studs and Hooks reduced from £45 to £27...instore and online, but only while stocks last!

get them online

...and if one spectacular offer isn't enough, grab a Sterling Torque was £65 now just £45 online and instore

Countdown to India!! Get your Bespoke requests in NOW!

We are in countdown mode now - just 6 days to go before Hannah and Julie fly off on the latest buying trip to Jaipur. We'll be buying up luscious jewels for Christmas, and Hannah has created some new pendant designs which we will be commissioning from our wonderful craftsmen jewellers. We have already been asked to see if we can source Sapphires and Diamonds for engagement rings for 2 customers [Congratulations! - you know who you are] So .... if you have any special requests or ideas for your Bespoke Necklace - you will need to get them in to us SOON! email Hannah on hannah@zigzagjewels.com

The Birthstone Feature-August.

As it’s the start of August already you might be wondering what the birthstone might be for those summer birthdays.There are actually two to choose from.

The concept of identifying stones with zodiac signs, birthdays and other occasions is an ancient one, but the details vary widely across cultures, traditions and time. But, the most commonly used for the month of August are Peridot and Onyx.

Peridot is a gem form of olivine and ranges in colour from bright lime to olive green. The Romans had a particular liking for peridot calling it ‘evening emerald’ as the colour remained bright and light at night-perfect for summer garden parties and evenings out! The name comes from the Greek ‘peridona’ meaning ‘to give richness’-particularly suitable for special birthdays!

Used as a gemstone for thousands of years, legend has it that it was Cleopatra’s favourite stone. Very large peridots are set in a shrine in Cologne Cathedral. It is also particularly sacred in Hawaii as it is believed to be the goddess Pele’s tears.

.…and Onyx

For the chic Audery Hepburn types Black Onyx might suit a little better.Onyx is a black or banded variety of chalcedony. The name onyx comes from the Greek ‘onux’ meaning nail. Legend says that Cupid cut the fingernails of Venus while she was asleep. Ssince no part of a heavenly body can die, the fates turned them into stone, known as chalcedony. Hence, onyx was believed to encourage the growth of fingernails, hair and skin.