Sapphires for September

Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is a Gem Variety of the Mineral Corundum. It comes in a range of colours, not just blue. The most valuable is Kashmir Sapphire or Cornflower Blue Sapphire. Another extremely valuable form is the very rare, orange-pink Padparadschah. which displays a different color depending on its lighting. Yellow and pink Sapphire have recently become very popular, and are now often seen in jewellery. Sapphire is found in Kashmir, Madgascar, Australia, Ceylon and Brazil.

Sapphire often contains minor inclusions of tiny slender Rutile needles. When present, these inclusions decrease the transparency of a stone and are known as silk. When in dense, parallel groupings, these inclusions can actually enhance by allowing polished Sapphires to exhibit asterism. Sapphire gems displaying asterism are known as "Star Sapphire", and these can be highly prized. Star Sapphire exists in six ray stars, though twelve ray stars are also known.

Sapphire is a tough and durable gem, and the only natural gemstone harder than Sapphire is Diamond so it is ideal for jewellery. Despite this, care should still be taken to prevent fractures or chips from rough handling.

People once believed the core of the earth was a huge sapphire crystal, and along with fire the Ancient Greeks thought Prometheus stole a Sapphire from the Gods. It is said to promote forgiveness and a happy marriage so has traditionally been a popular choice for an engagement stone. I has been particularly fashionable since Prince Charles and Prince William used the same 18ct Sapphire for their proposals.

We have some extra special Sapphires for birthday presents this month. You can give a pair of lovely hand made 0.6 carat Sapphire studs for £49. We only have a limited range of stones so get in quickly. Only available instore.

As an alternative have a look at our lovely Iolite pendants too. Often mistaken for Sapphire, Iolite is a Clear fresh blue gemstone. Popular with the Vikings because of its clear colour at night it was often referred to as Water Sapphire because of its similarity with the Corundum.

Rises in Jewellery Theft and Avoiding the Gold Scrap Trap

Gold and Silver prices have reached record levels (Gold has risen by over 14% and Silver more than doubled in the last year), but unfortunately this has gone hand-in-hand with a rise in theft. and we felt it is important our customers are aware of this.

Statistics from the British Crime Survey 2010/11 show a rise in theft, ranging from railway line cables, to lead from church roofs. Police are also noticing an increase in robberies of gold and silver jewellery, and have highlighted several instances of women being targeted by thieves who are going stealing these items directly from ladies necks!

We want you to love wearing your jewellery, but you may want to have an extra think about covering it up when you are out and about.

It has been suggested that the ease with which thieves can offload your precious things for instant cash makes this type of crime all the more tempting. Currently, legislation surrounding the buying and selling of precious metals is limited to hallmarking, how to cost the items and consumer rights. There are no enforced regulations requiring gold retailers to register their business with the local authority, or to record details of the items being bought, or those selling them. As a result, thieves can steal jewellery and sell it to a retailer without having to produce much, if any, identification. Items are melted down for a profit. Within a matter of days, the items have disappeared without a trace.

So, if you are thinking about cashing in your gold, please be aware of unscrupulous traders. As well as being quite happy to exchange stolen goods, they are likely to give you way under the true value for your pieces.

A reputable retailer will ask for identification, keep a record of your items and be transparent about the amount they are charging for processing. Before you package your pieces up and take advantage of high metal prices think about whether you would prefer to keep the stones, especially ones you are sentimentally attached to. There is no point in hanging on to broken and outdated styles you will never wear but we can restyle your heirloom stones into fresh modern designs if you wish.

For more info on staying safe check out Metropolitan Police's personal safety tips here.

Making Gifts Easier...

Sometimes its hard thinking of something new to get that special person....and very often finding time to surf endless websites or spend afternoons browsing the high street is impossible. So, here is the zigzag top 10 Most Popular Gifts. They are all lovely, beautifully hand crafted, and individual-you can't fail to fall a little bit in love with something!

1. Your BFF

The Sylvia Bracelet is a perfect choice. A classic silver bracelet she will wear very day. You can also personalise with charms if you wish.

2. A 50th Brthday

You need to choose something special for a very special birthday, and traditionally nothing says 50th like gold. Our one of a kind Julie Peel Design Earrings are unique and stunning. She will definitely steal the show at her party in these.

3. An 18th Birthday

For an 18th you should choose something timeless that she will wear again and again. We like this Wishbone Bangle. Adjustable to fit any wrist size. Simple, Elegant and very pretty.

4. A Gift for the Host

Whether its a dinner party or a weekend visit a thoughtful gift for the host is always well received (and will ensure you get invited again!). The Lacey Earrings are the perfect token to recognise her hard work. The stones are lovely and the design really pretty and not too heavy to wear all day.

5. If She has Everything

We all have a friend who always has everything first. They can be the hardest to buy for, trying to think of something they don't have. This is where you need the Julie Peel collection. The pieces are all extra special one offs with the very best and most unusual gemstones. We love the Oslo Ring, and we know she doesn't have one already.

6. A Little Thank You

Perhaps your neighbour has kept your plants green while you have been on holiday or a friend has stepped in for a last minute babysitting nightmare. Whatever the reason is, it's just nice to be nice, and a little something will make her day. We all need a great pair of pearl earrings, and these Simple Studs are incredibly popular.

7. The Fashionista

The most stylish of our customers go mad for the Curl Earrings. They are a bit of a zigzag design classic and we always sell out when we have a new batch. We have a slightly smaller size which are so neat and lovely we wanted to tell you about them again.

8. A 21st Birthday

Give a piece of history with a Carl Faberge DesignPpendant. These enamel eggs are the real deal, made in St Petersberg and using the original designs you can have the eggs in Sterling Silver with Zircon or in Gold with Diamonds. All the designs are beautiful but I like the idea of this one based on the Tsarina's wallpaper.

9. When you need to impress

Sometimes you want a gift on a budget that exemplifies your good taste and judgement. Pick a pair of the Simple Pearl Drops. A modern, simple and elegant take on pearls. They will wow.

10. A VERY special anniversary.

For very special occasions for loved ones let them have a whole bespoke design experience. Choose their anniversary stone and we will design their perfect piece of jewellery, with them, in three dedicated design meetings. We then create the piece and set your stones. We can do something very modern or keep it simple. ANYTHING is possible. Ask us for a demo and we will be more than happy to show off our CAD skills....and, what's even better we can incorporate heirloom stones too. For more info on these give us a call on 01252 724815