zigzag blog

Citrine for November

2011-10-29T17:17:00.000+01:00

Citrine is a birthstone for the month of November. The name is from the French 'citron' meaning lemon. Natural Citrine is very rare and is usually a pale yellow colour. Amethysts can be heat treated to produce the yellow colour and this is widely accepted. Citrine has a hardness of 7 on the Moh's scale.Citrine occurs in igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, and is found in Brazil, Spain, France, Russia, Scotland and the USA.
For a very long time Citrine has been thought to have magical powers. it was thought to protect against the plague, snake and spider bites and evil people. It was also thought to improve the functioning of some organs such as the liver, heart, kidneys and digestive system. Given as a present Citrine is a symbol of hope and strength.
If you want to give Citrine to somebody special this November take a look at our mixed stone Iris pendant (above). Available on the website, it combines Citrine with a collection of other semi-precious beauties-a perfect pendant for the party season. Citrine is an increasingly popular stone...the Duchess of Cambridge is a fan.

One For the Boys....

2011-10-04T15:19:00.000+01:00

How to Pick an Engagement Ring.

Once you have decided to pop the question the next big question is how to choose a ring.This can seem a bit daunting so here's our handy guide on where to start!

If you are confident you know her style you can go ahead and pick one

These are the things you definitely need to know before you go shopping…

· Her ring size

· Does she want a diamond (people are becoming increasingly conscious about diamonds being mined in less than satisfactory conditions and their sale funding the arms trade so trends are moving toward other coloured stones such as sapphires or aquamarines. She may prefer a diamond from an ethically secure source. We use diamonds from Canada which as well as being recognised as some of the purest diamonds in the world are competitively priced and entirely conflict free.

· Then there is style.

Does she prefer

Simple

Traditonal

Modern

Asymmetric

Super Sparkly

Geometric

Neat

Coloured Stones

· What colour metal does she prefer Yellow Gold or Platinum

Once you are armed with the above info you can pick a design prêt-à-porter from our website

If she is the kind of lady who has very specific tastes or likes to be unique (and most of us are!) you might want to choose one of our proposal rings to ask the big question and book her in for a bespoke engagement design experience. You can choose her a diamond in advance and present her with its certification and we can base her design around the stone you have chosen for her. We can also incorporate heirloom stones into a design, so the ring can be infused with family history.

So no excuses! pop in and see us or give one of our engagement advisers a call in Farnham on 01252 724825. We will me more than happy to help...and girls forward this blog on to any boys who you think may need a nudge in the right direction! We are ALWAYS happy to help, advise with no bias and no pushiness We will even produce a no obligation bespoke design and email it to you so you can see what we can do just for you.

A Special Earlybird Offer

2011-09-23T13:37:00.003+01:00

We know its a little too early to be mentioning the 'C' word but with less than 100 shopping days to go till the big day and lots of our customers looking to spread the cost of their festive shopping we thought you might like a tempting little offer to tickle those little grey cells.

Our exclusive handmade sterling silver charm beads have been popular as gifts all year so why not get in early for some fab stocking fillers or winter birthday gifts and grab a boxed coordinating Charm Trio. With lots of colour combos to choose from we guarantee to have the perfect selection for everyone, but only while stocks last. So if you want to grab a bargain get in quick. Offer in store only!

Giftwrapped, Boxed Charm Trio Set Only £29!

Autumn Winter Fashion Trends

2011-09-20T13:59:00.005+01:00

It's that time of year when the sun is low in the sky, the leaves are turning beautiful shades of red and gold and we inevitably start thinking ahead to our autumn/winter wardrobe choices.
There are several trend colours around this year, with the shops crammed full of key pieces you're certainly spoiled for choice! But how often do you unpack your purchases and realise you haven't got the right accessories to match?
At zigzag we have a huge choice of jewellery in a dazzling array of colours and styles to suit all budgets. Below are three key trend colours of the season with suggestions of stones and styles to match.

Camel is bang on trend this year, as it was last autumn/winter. Natural coloured accessories are key to complimenting this look, browns (smokey quartz), golds (citrine) and oranges (carnelian) are perfect. Hobbs have a great selection in camel like the Austin jacket which
goes perfectly with our range of citrine jewellery

Jewel Colours are huge and make a welcome change to the usual blacks and greys of the season. Of course, as the name suggests almost any gemstone would be a suitable match, depending on how brave you want to be with colour! Purples (amethyst), blues (turquoise) and greens (labradorite) are all suitable. Reiss is leading the way in beautifully structured pieces in jewel colours like the Harmony ruched dress in magenta perfect with our amethyst and vermeil madrid earrings and our statement ring Tilda, also in amethyst.

Prints carry on from spring/summer but are seen in more muted feminine colours like pale pinks (rose quartz), pale blues (aqua chalcedony) and white, cream and nudes (moonstone). French Connection has a stunning collection of prints including the whimsically named morning song peter pan top, understated and elegant, just like our lacey earrings.

Sapphires for September

2011-08-28T06:03:00.005+01:00

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

2011-08-27T16:42:00.003+01:00

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...

2011-08-27T03:37:00.002+01:00

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

Peridot For August....

2011-07-27T13:37:00.002+01:00

A Little Bit of Information on Peridot. Peridot is our favourite birthstone for August.

Peridot is a gem form of the mineral 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 best peridots are found on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The name comes from the Greek ‘peridona’ meaning ‘to give richness’-particularly suitable for special birthdays!

Used as a gemstone for thousands of years, it has been found in Egyptian jewellery. 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.

More detailed information is on our website.

pictures:

1. Peridot 18ct Gold and Sterling Silver Ring £595

2. Peridot Solitaire Set, Earrings £20 Pendant £35

Onyx is an alternative birthstone for the month-ideal for those who don't like green! For more info have a look on www.zigzagjewels.com

Lovely pretty new things...

2011-07-21T12:26:00.004+01:00

We have been working out socks off and are now ready to show some extra EXTRA special pieces in stock and online now so I thought I'd like to give you a bit of a preview to our new designs.

we have worked extra hard to ensure the finishes are better, stones are shinier and the designs our best yet to keep you at the head of the jewellery style pack. So have little look and tell us what you think!

Staff Picks!

2011-06-04T09:58:00.002+01:00

Everyone is feeling a little more summery at zigzag hq and all our lovely customers are popping in to revamp those summer clothes...So, this week I have been asking the gorgeous zigzag ladies to pick their favourite pieces of zigzag jewellery to inspire you.

Jemma-St Albans Manager: I love the pringle bangle, so much so I actually had one bought for me recently as a gift, and it's never off my wrist. It's so stylish and versatile not to mention comfortable. I have no doubt I'll be wearing it for years to come. jem

Hannah-Product Manager: Statement Earrings are really THE THING for this season, I love the Sterling Curls, they are a really striking modern design-perfect if you like things that are a bit different from the usual. (and they are mega comfortable too-being on trend doesn't always have to be a chore!) Hannah

Lucy-Farnham Manager and our Gemmologist: My absolute favourite piece is the Eugenie necklace – pearls are so flattering on the skin – and the heart is detachable so it can be worn two ways plus the necklace has the same name as my daughter – what could be better! Lucy

Tell us what your pick for this season would be?

Why We Can't Get Enough of Silver...

2011-04-08T10:20:00.004+01:00

Its no secret that the silver market is RED HOT at the moment. The official silver 1oz bullion coin of the USA the 'American Eagle' has been sold out at its mint as has the Canadian equivalent the 'Maple Leaf'.

You are probably aware that the silver and gold prices have been steadily rising, but even we were surprised when we sat down and worked out just how much. When the first zigzag shop opened on 2004 silver bullion was around £119 per kg, its now tipping £778 per kg! Quite the rise, but perhaps even more shocking is the more recent rise over only the last 8 months it has doubled.

At this point you may be wondering how this may be affecting you. Well. you will be pleased to hear all those silver bits of jewellery are suddenly worth a LOT more. Silver can no longer be seen as a cheap metal, it really is super precious now, so we thought you might like to see out top tips for keeping it in fab condition:

Always rub your jewellery over with a polishing cloth before you put it away.

Greasy build ups all sit on the surface of jewellery and cause it to tarnish quickly, particularly when its sat in a drawer for a while so it is really worth giving it a rub over with a polishing cloth before you put it away. This should mean its always super sparkly.

Store jewels away from direct sunlight.

Keeping jewellery out is another quick way to speed up the oxidisation process on silver. Remember to put it away, either in your jewellery box, wrapped in acid free tissue or in one of our jewellery pouches. It’s definitely worth it!

Love your stones…

Soapy residues build up behind stones making them look dull, because it happens slowly, over time you often don’t notice. Luckily the solution to this one is easy giving the back a good scrub under warm running water with a soft toothbrush and some fairy liquid will amaze you.

Like cats, jewellery hates swimming!

If you are a regular swimmer, well done you for getting enough exercise! But, did you know that gold, silver, and gemstones can all be damaged by the chemicals in salt or chlorinated water? It is easy to forget to take your jewellery before bathing, but do try, it will definitely thank you for it!

Don’t get caught wearing nothing but pearls…

As pearls are an organic gem, some care is needed to keep the beauties in optimum condition. The surface of a pearl can be damaged and dulled by perfume, hairspray, cosmetics, hand and face creams, and a person’s natural skin oil. To minimize contact with any potential irritant, pearls should be the last accessory you put on and the first one to be taken off. As pearls like a little moisture, being worn regularly is good for them as it gives them a chance to breathe.

Occasionally, your pearls can be buffed with a silk cloth to enhance their lustre.

AND AN EXTRA ONE...did you know that we offer a cleaning service. Bring any of your zigzag jewellery back to us and we will polish it up, clean it up, restring it, refresh it whatever it needs. Pop it into a shop and let us surprise you with how fab it can look again.

Inevitably there will be a rise in our silver prices...we have tried to keep these to a minimum but the best thing about zigzag jewellery is that we will not compromise on the quality. We will always have well made, beautiful design led pieces, fairly priced based on the intrinsic precious value. We want to reassure you that we will continue to have a range of reasonably priced pieces for little gifts and thank yous. zigzag jewellery is built to last, its stylish, well made and always uses the best quality gemstones and designs. Its special enough to wear again and again....unfortunately we cant promise all your friends wont be pestering you to borrow it!

The ULTIMATE Easter Egg!

2011-03-26T14:03:00.002Z

Open publication - Free publishing - More carl faberge

New Arrivals!

2011-03-16T09:10:00.003Z

We have had something very exciting arriving in Farnham today....a very special batch of beautiful enameled Carl Faberge design pendants.

From the Alfa workshop in St Petersberg and exclusively featuring designs based on Carl Faberge drawings from the Russian archives these exquisite little eggs come in sterling silver or 18ct Gold set with white zircon or diamonds for something extra special.

The finish on the enamelling is beautiful and they are the perfect easter gift. pop in the shop today and have a look at them hanging on a spectacular minature tree! And for those of you not near our farnham shop click on the website and get one delivered free directly to you, or giftwapped and sent to your very favorite person.

This one is a particular favourite as the design was based on the Tsarina Alexandria's bedroom wallpaper.

an invite just for you!

2011-03-09T18:12:00.002Z

Read our Catalogue Here!

2011-03-03T16:56:00.002Z

Open publication - Free publishing - More gemstones

Have you seen this....

2011-03-02T14:27:00.007Z

Have you seen our first ever mini catalogue? 12 gorgeous pages packed with covetable beauties, stylish silver pieces, a selection of delicious gemstones, gift ideas and our very very special exclusive red carpet collection.

Have a flick through, print it out, email it to a friend, share it on facebook and introduce your friends to some proper hand made, unique and original REAL jewellery from zigzag.

Shhh an extra treat for you!

2011-02-24T10:33:00.003Z

With grey skys and incessant drizzle this time of year can be a little bit gloomy....but we have spotted crocuses coming up and are feeling more than a bit of spring in our step. So, if you haven't quite cheered up after what feel like AGES of freezing weather and dark mornings here's an extra treat to brighten up you day:

While Stocks last pick up a pretty pair of Freshwater Pearl Sterling Silver Studs free with ANY purchase over £55 instore or online (just mention where you found the offer in your order notes)

but its just while stocks last so pop anything you fancy in your shopping basket now and make sure bag an extra treat for you.

Amethyst-February's Birthstone

2011-02-02T11:30:00.008Z

Amethyst is the highest valued gemstone of the quartz family.

The name comes from Greek ‘amethystos’ or not intoxicated. According to Greek myth Bacchus, god of wine poured wine over clear crystal, giving it its purple colour. This connection led to the belief that drinking wine from an amethyst cup would prevent drunkenness. We can't vouch for this but I can promise Amethyst is always one of our most popular stones, it suits just about everyone, here are some of our favourite pieces:

Have a look at the selection of Amethysts available online. The rich, deep violet colour has made amethyst a stone for royalty over thousands of years. Fine amethysts are in the British Crown Jewels.

Did you Know?

St. Valentine wore an amethyst signet ring engraved with the figure of cupid.

Valentine’s Day is still observed in February and aptly amethyst is the birthstone. Amethyst symbolises sincerity and is reported to soothe and calm, absorbing negativity.

Amethyst is also the stone for the zodiac sign, Pisces, for birthdays from 19^th February until March 20^th.

Valentines Day!

2011-02-02T11:01:00.005Z

Its that time of year again! Love it or hate it, there is something to be said for letting someone know you care, so give a little love with some beautiful, handmade jewellery. Here are our suggestions:

just a taster of some Valentines specials available in store or online today. Have a little look at the website for more.

Also this year we a proud to announce that if you book a Valentines table at the very highly reccomended Blue Bell in Farnham there will be a goody bag from us worth at least £35 to make your evening even more special, as well as one lucky table winning one of our limited edition valentines bracelets.

...but you'll have to be quick as I know the tables are booking up quickly.

Persepone's Stone

2011-01-20T15:54:00.003Z

Some of Our Beautiful Garnet Pieces

Prices from Left: Solitaire Pendant £29, Garnet Slice (one off) £75, Ophelia £35, Astra Garnet and Carnelian £25

Garnet- Birthstone for January

2011-01-17T10:14:00.003Z

Garnet is the birthstone for the month of January and the Capricorn zodiac sign (December 22 to January 21). It is also the traditional wedding anniversary stone given to celebrate two years of marriage.

Garnets have been used as gemstones throughout history. It was said that Noah used a lantern of garnet to guide his ark in the night so brighten up dull January with this rich stone.

With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs' scale thay are very durable for use in jewellery. Garnets come from India, Central and South America, Sri Lanka, Russian and African countries.The name ‘garnet’ comes from the Latin ‘granatus’. When garnet was first found as grains in rock, it was likened to the rich, red seeds of the pomegranate. A Greek myth tells the story of Persephone, the goddess of sunshine, who was abducted by Hades, god of the underworld. Persephone was eventually released by Hades, when he offered her some pomegranate seeds, which made sure she would return to him. It is from this legend that garnet is the protective gemstone for travellers.

A gift of the stone symbolises the desire for a loved one’s safe journey and speedy return home. Garnets were widely used in jewellery in Egyptian, Greek and Roman times.

For a stylish elegant gift we recommend the Solitaire pendant above, simple chic and only £29

What to get if you don't know her that well

2010-12-20T11:11:00.004Z

We all have those difficult presents to get for aunts, nieces, his best friend's wife....people you just don't see that often. Not often enough to be able to walk into a shop and say ''yes, that's very her'', but you want to get something lovely nonetheless

In those cases you by all means go for something simple, but it really doesn't have to be plain.

our new Solitaire pendants come in a range of beautiful gemstones (some of them birthstones, all of them lovely)

and we have earrings to match in studs and hooks-just remember to check whether she has pierced ears!

To Say I Love You

2010-12-17T15:59:00.004Z

There may just be that special someone that you have not quite got round to saying those three little words to...well here is a selection of heart shaped lovelies that will do it all for you.

'Sealed with a Wish' (my personal favourite) a sterling silver filigree heart with a freshwater heart locked inside. Perfect for the girliest girl. -£45

'Amanda' A sterling silver heart with a hammered finished, these come in a variety of sizes, and the beaten finish adds subtle sparkle-sure to melt even the toughest chick - from £39

or for every princess carved rose quartz on sheer organza. - £35

Unlock Her Heart with a Bracelet... -£65

Or treat her to a pretty stacking ring- £25

Go on Surprise her!

What if she never wears any jewellery?

2010-12-16T18:07:00.005Z

Sometimes we are just too busy to be fussing over what goes with what, and sometimes we really really do not have ANYTHING to wear.

What with all the multi-tasking women have to get up to, there is often very little time left to pamper oneself, and feel special enough to take the time to put on a bit of sparkle.

Thats where Christmas (or rather you) step in. Picking out something that is actually practical, will go with anything and will withstand everyday wear, whilst still looking gorgeous is a tricky art to pull off. When you want to say ''feel gorgeous every day'' (without piling on the pressure to glam up). Something, neutral, simple and chic is the way to go.

I strongly recommend you put one of our lisa necklaces into your shopping basket online (also available in any of our shops) and let us giftwrap it for you and send it to you too....well I said it was tricky to pull off, but we have done all the hard work for you!

Those Invaluable People..

2010-12-15T10:07:00.003Z

If you have that special someone that deserves an extra thank you this year...for picking up your children, for knowing exactly when you need a cup of tea at the office, for spell checking your reports, for picking up the stuff you have dropped before hoovering under your desk, for taking your post, for feeding the cat while you were on holiday, for always bringing your bin back in as well as theirs, for signing for your parcel when you were out... for cheering you up and for going that extra mile

Give them an extra treat this year (and something that shows a bit more thought than a box of chocolates). Go for a classic wishbone bangle. Classic, beautiful and even more importantly open at the back so it fits ALL wrists. And only £35

Pearls As Sweet As She Is.

2010-12-14T16:37:00.004Z

I find some of the trickiest presents to buy are for Nieces and Nephews. Particluarly or if you don't have children yourself. I have had a chat with our gemmologist Lucy (who has two very beautiful girls) and we think the ideal gift is something they will love (and Mum will too), and something that will make them feel like a lady without them looking too grown up! We have a range of gorgeous freshwater pearl and silver elasticated bracelets. They fit little ladies from ages 4 to about 13, and they come in a range of candy colours to please the girliest of girls and turquoise for tomboys.

Freshwater Pearl Bracelets are just £12.For older girls or just that something extra we can add a charm for £15. And these also come on chains so they can have a pretty pendant to match.

For That Extra Special Surprise!

2010-12-10T14:01:00.004Z

We have one regular customer who comes in on Christmas Eve pretty much every year. He has such a good idea that I had to share it with you. He always buys three pairs of our gemstone stud earrings (one for his wife and one each for his two daughters.) We put them into our pouches and off he goes.

When the table is set for Christmas lunch he secretly slips in the dining room and undoes one side of their Christmas Crackers, pops the pouches inside and does them back up so no one knows.

After the first time I'm sure the element of surprise had gone really but its such a simple lovely thoughtful touch to Chirstmas I had to pass it on . Gemstone Studs £15

For YOUR Mum...

2010-12-09T16:12:00.003Z

If your Mother is anything like mine when you ask her what she wants for Christmas you get the same old reply of 'Oh, don't spend anything on me, I don't need anything...'

Presents are not about what you need, you always want to buy something she'll love. So for my Mum I know the best thing to do is make her a necklace. All of our zigzag beaded necklaces are handmade by one of our talented designers, so for an extra special treat this year why not let us make one especially for your mum.

like this:

Bespoke necklaces are a great way of showing you have put a bit of extra thought into her present, and she will definately appreciate that extra special-ness of wearing something that no one else has. We can help you through the design process, if you want a lot of guidance, some samples or if you know exactly what you want we always have time to get it just right. And, what's even better, making yourself her favorite child is not as expensive as you might think. Prices for bespoke beaded bracelets start at just £45 and necklaces from £65. Drop in to any of the Shops or give Lucy a call on 01252 724815 and let us show you what we can do.

For his mum...

2010-12-07T10:27:00.003Z

We all know most men are last minute shoppers, and very often its left to you to get that all important present for HIS Mum. We reccommend something simple, stylish and unfussy. Our favorite pick for this tricky Christmas gift is the Nadia Rose Pendant. Classy, elegant and a firm favorite with everyone you can't go wrong with this one. Available online, you don't even need to venture into the cold, just sit back and have it delivered directly to you free, and beautifully wrapped too. Sorted.

Check it out online here, matching earrings available too.

Nadia Rose Pendant £125

For the Woman Who Has Everything...

2010-12-02T09:19:00.004Z

We all know the feeling of wondering what to get that lovely lady who already seems to be on top of every trend and seems to have everything before you have even seen it in the shops...

well I guarantee she doesn't have one of these.

We have managed to get our hands on a limited collecting of Singing Pendants, they are absolutely brand new and not only are they really truly beautiful and on top of the trend for beautiful filigree, they make the most wonderful gentle ringing sound when you shake them. Sterling Silver holds either a Yellow Gold, Rose Gold or Silver coloured spherical bell.

Perfect Perfect Perfect presents for the woman who has everything (or me if you are feeling particularly generous!) The new zigzag Singing Pendant is £75 on your choice of Organza ribbon finished with silver ends..

...a partridge in a pear tree

2010-11-30T13:34:00.004Z

we thought you might like to see one of our beautiful Partridges made by Bryony of Pretty Scruffy. Looking all the more gorgeous in todays snowy weather.

and in honour of our 12 days of Christmas window display I'll be updating the blog and facebook page with my top twelve recommendations for your trickiest Christmas gifts.

so keep checking back.

and, if you haven't seen our Facebook page click here to add yourself as a fan...go on, you get extra competitions and giveaways so its well worth it!

November Birthstone

2010-10-27T15:23:00.005+01:00

Its November again, and beautiful crisp weather perfect for long walks in the Autumn sunshine....and a golden birthstone to match those turning leaves.

Citrine is a member of the macro-crystalline quartz group of minerals and and ranges in colour from light yellow to golden brown. Names such as Brandy or Madeira Citrine are used for the darker varieties.The name 'Citrine' is derived from the French 'citron' meaning lemon. From the middle of the 18th Century, many Amethyst and Smoky Quartz were subject to heat treatment as it was found that the purple and brown would disappear and be replaced by yellow. Today heat treatment of these stones is completely accepted in the trade and most Citrines on the market are heat treated. Natural Citrine is very rare and is usually a pale yellow colour. Citrine has a hardness of 7 on the Moh's scale.

Citrine occurs in igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, and is found in Brazil, Spain, France, Russia, Scotland and the USA.

For a very long time Citrine has been considered to have magical powers. it was thought to protect against the plague, snake and spider bites and evil people. It was also thought to improve the functioning of some organs sunch as the liver, heart, kidneys and digestive system. Given as a present Citrine is a symbol of hope and strength.

We have a limited collection of some really beautiful faceted citrine pendants in the new stock ranging between £45-75, give us a call on 01373 745588 quoting your nearest shop to reserve one. Or for something a little more different check out the stunning unique Maharani rings online. Although if you are buying something for me the I think the juicy Francesca earrings (above) are really beautiful.

Brand New Beauties

2010-09-02T10:12:00.002+01:00

Take a look at a sneek preview of some of the new collection:

Beautiful faceted Hooks in Citrine, Amethyst and Labradorite VERY LIMITED COLLECTION (just one of each) let us know if you want to reserve a pair

These are really beautiful Ruby and Sapphire Corundum necklaces. Again just one of each. We have a few bracelets to go with these also.
These bangles are one of my favourite things, yummy carnival coloured stones (Amethysts, Moonstones, Turquoise, Ruby, Tigers Eye, Garnet, Carnelian, Labradorite and Lapiz Lazuli)
And for more delicate wrists these fine bangles are lovely, In polished sterling silver and a Ruthenium plated finsh they have pretty faceted stones in Gold Vermeil settings tofinish them off. Lovely on their own, even lovlier stacked together.

...and finally some stunning limited edition rings-Emerald Corundum, Pearl and Turquoise. You just have to pick your favorite.

Buying Beautiful Beads

2010-08-25T18:29:00.003+01:00

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...

2010-08-24T14:27:00.006+01:00

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

2010-08-24T06:27:00.004+01:00

Birds of Paradise

2010-08-23T16:09:00.003+01:00

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

2010-08-23T05:08:00.003+01:00

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

2010-08-21T18:25:00.003+01:00

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!!

2010-08-17T12:54:00.004+01:00

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!

2010-08-13T10:00:00.006+01:00

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.

2010-08-03T15:32:00.005+01:00

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.

Two Prize Winners!!

2010-07-09T15:41:00.003+01:00

We had beautiful weather for Farnham Carnival and Independents Day in Epsom...AND a prize draw for both. I am delighted to announce the winners of gorgeous Charm Tree Bracelets are Claire Christmas and Catherine Banfield.

they both won a sterling silver bracelet and their choice of beads to go on it. A little bit like this one:

If you want one too just check out TheCharmTree.com or Pop in to one of the shops to design your own.

Independent's Day in Epsom

2010-07-03T20:28:00.003+01:00

It's been a great day! Thanks to Diana at the Ashley Centre. Fantastic weather and lots of fun had by all. We'll be announcing the winner of our Prize Draw on Monday. Thank you to everyone who has left a testimonial for us on theBestofEpsomandEwell. We hope that one of you wins the £100 of vouchers. If you'd like to enter the competition just leave your comments on http://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/epsom-and-ewell/business-guide/feature/zigzag-jewels/81657/review.

June Birthstones Moonstone and Pearl

2010-06-08T12:59:00.005+01:00

Some of us get all the luck-not only do June babies get the start of nice warm barbecue weather for their birthday parties they also get the choice of two stones as birthstones. And what lovely ones they are too...Moonstones AND Pearls.

so here is a little bit of info on both.

Pearl

Pearls are an organic gemstone, the only gem created from a living creature

The name comes from the Latin word ‘perula’ which means small pear. Natural Pearls are one of the oldest known gems and have been adored by people for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks thought that Pearls were the hardened tears of joy of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, as she was born from the foam of the sea. The Romans were particularly fond of Pearls, which were favoured by the rich. Women would wear their Pearls to bed to remind them of their wealth as soon as they woke up. A Roman General is said to have financed a whole military campaign by selling one of his mother’s Pearl earrings. In ancient China, Pearls were swallowed to cure eye diseases and fever. They were also thought to bring wealth, power and longevity.

Pearl is the birthstone for June and for the zodiac sign of Gemini (May 21 – June 21). It is also given for the 3^rd and 30^th (Pearl Jubilee) wedding anniversaries

Moonstone

Moonstone is an opalescent stone. The intensity of the body colour depends on the amount of iron present within the stone. The iridescent sheen is known as ‘schiller’ which means a colourful play of light. ‘Rainbow Moonstone’ is Labradorite Feldspar and its sheen has a variety of rainbow colours. This particular variety has become very popular and is now becoming very scarce.

Moonstone is an historically important gemstone, valued for centuries, particularly by royalty. It was popular with the Romans who thought that Moonstone was formed out of moonlight, hence its name. In the Middle Ages, people believed that you could look into a Moonstone and fall into a deep sleep that would predict the future. Folklore says that Moonstone could awaken tender passions, if placed beneath the tongues of lovers at full moon. Even today, in Arabic countries, women still sew a Moonstone, out of sight, into their dresses, as a symbol of fertility. Moonstone is a sacred gemstone in India, regarded as ‘dream stones’ bringing the wearer beautiful visions at night. In East Indian tradition, Moonstone represents the ‘Third Eye’, clarifying spiritual understanding.

Moonstone is a birthstone for June and the Zodiac sign Cancer (June 21-July 22).

Clouds & Silver (and Gold) Linings.

2010-05-26T14:11:00.004+01:00

The Euro may be in freefall, the £ sterling may have lost 25% of it’s value against the Indian Rupee in less than 8 months, and the price of silver may have skyrocketed! But hey, it’s a great time to go to the UK and Europe for your hols if you are Indian! Having come all the way over to Jaipur, I was highly amused to discover that one of my suppliers is, at the same time, in London on holiday!

You can read that India's economy is booming – but seeing it REALLY is booming is another thing altogether . Major roads and flyovers are appearing from nowhere, skyscrapers, huge shopping malls and blocks of flats are popping up like Jack's beanstalk, almost overnight.

Real estate prices in Jaipur rival those in London, and there is a skilled labour shortage of English proportions. There is also massive unskilled unemployment, and poverty on a scale unimaginable in the UK, and, sadly, little sign of much change there, however much the face of the cities alter.

But change to the world order IS happening on a grand scale, and very, very fast. It is simply more visible here than in Britain. Coming to India and stepping outside the UK really does give a fresh perspective on the truly radical shake up taking place in the accepted 'normal order of things'. And while change is not always welcome, we will certainly embrace the positive.

So … over the next couple of months until our BIG shopping trip here, we will be working on creating new designs to excite and inspire you, which you can still afford, in spite of exchange rate woes and skyrocketing silver prices.

AND, if you would like something really special, but still affordable, in gold and precious stones - one of our most prestigious suppliers [a jeweller to the Royal Family of Jaipur since the 19th century] has offered me a service to pass on to you: to make his designs in earrings, rings and pendants, to your own specifications and budget. An exciting proposal because the workmanship, design and materials are wonderful, AND they knock spots off the prices of traditional High Street jewellers. But I'll save the details for later …..

This example of a pair of Ruby, Emerald and Diamond earrings in 18ct gold would only cost around £400, at curent gold prices and exchange rates, AND they are unique. Pretty amazing for something so extra special. If you might like to take advantage of this service, do get in touch with me at our Head Office to make a personal appointment to discuss

Whirlwind Buying Trip

2010-05-23T13:45:00.004+01:00

Finally. I'm sitting on the verandah, overlooking the green lawns and flower garden of my hotel, enjoying a lovely scalding-hot pot of fresh darjeeling and a slice of home made chocolate cake - Bliss!

It's been a bit of a trek to get here, mostly because of awful roadworks on the highway from Delhi to Jaipur, but, I left London at 9pm on Saturday and here I am at barely 5pm (local time) Sunday, well and truly ensconced.

Rather lucky I didn't risk a BA flight this time. We come here 2 or 3 times a year and always fly BA, but this time I decided to try Jet Airways, and it was wonderful. I shall be saying goodbye to my BA executive club card and airmiles, the service on JA is fantastic, the plane was a 777, the newest around with state of the art in flight media (and this was in economy!). The food was really good - vegetarian Indian to a very acceptable standard, good fresh fruit salads ...... I could go on, but you get the idea. BA has, sadly, definitely lost our custom.

At least the road trip to Jaipur gave me a chance to submerge myself in the latest Vogue, Marie Claire, Red and Elle - something I NEVER get time to do - to see what the Summer trends might be and, I hope, use this trip to bring a flavour of these to you. There are lots of long chains about, silver bangles piled up tanned arms, and strings of large, brightly coloured beads, as well as tons of black & white - the perennial classsic for summer. So, fingers crossed, I'll let you know what I find in the few days I am here. Watch this space!

Anyway, I also bought a little 'flip' camera before flying, so I'm hoping to be able to take some interesting short videos which we will post online for you all to see.

spring prize draw winner

2010-04-28T15:10:00.002+01:00

This is one of our spring prize draw winners looking gorgeous in her new bespoke necklace.

If you want to be in with a chance of winning our next prize draw come in to one of the shops and pop your name and email address on one of our cards, its as easy as that, and no purchase necessary.

SUPER SPRING SAMPLE SALE!

2010-04-22T17:54:00.003+01:00

COME TO FARNHAM, WE HAVE A SUPER SHORT SALE!!

(JUST UNTIL 1ST MAY)

lovelies like these reduced form £350 to £125

We've cleared out our cupboards to bring you unbelievable bargains

the BigRingThing at Epsom

2010-04-06T21:34:00.012+01:00

All these rings, and more, in our massive ring clearance, only at our Epsom store NOW!
http://www.zigzagjewels.com/Contact-Us.aspx

Beautiful Bridal Jewellery

2010-04-06T10:43:00.014+01:00

With spring settling in we are getting the first flurry of glowing brides-to-be popping in looking for those perfect finishing touches. Wedding gowns can be a tricky thing to pair something with. Often with lots of beading, sequins and layers you don't want to over do it. Equally they usually need something to complete the perfect look or you will look a bit unfinished. A simple dress needs something to draw attention, add some detail and soften.

So to give you a place to start here are some ideas of jewellery to complement and complete many of the more popular dress styles.

Simple: a simple clean uncluttered gown is becoming one of the most popular choices for the modern bride. An unfussy gown can look elegant, stylish and timeless but it needs jewellery as a finishing touch to stop it becoming too plain austere and severe. With a very plain dress you can get away with more striking bold jewellery, one of my favourite pieces would be the Gigi set below:

gigi sterling silver necklace £395 earrings £65 (also available in gold vermeil)

Traditional: Pearls are always the thing to go with a traditional dress, they brighten up the complexion and flatter all skin tones. You can go for a simple and elegant strand or be a bit more adventurous and opt for some really stunning earrings or a more elaborate necklace.

lucie sterling silver and white freshwater pearl necklace £295 bracelet £125

Modern: a very modern dress often calls for a modern interesting piece of jewellery, I would recommend a Jacqui pendant as its an interesting contemporary take on traditional pearls.

jacqui sterling silver and white pearl pendant £95 earrings £45

Sparkle: Lots of the new dresses at the moment are very heavy on beautiful embellishment and beading. With a dress that already has a bit of sparkle you need jewellery that is light and simple yet substantial enough to hold its own against the dress. That's why the Deborah faux diamond pendant is an excellent choice, and with the simple shape it wont compete with the detail but there is enough of a stone to catch the light beautifully and make quite a statement.

deborah sterling silver and faux diamond pendant £55 earrings £55

Colour: Lots of gowns will have a flash of colour so something to pick up on this can be a really lovely way to go. The Carnival Iris pendant comes in a selection of different stone colours so there must be one to match your dress.

iris sterling silver and gemstone pendants from £125

Simple, Uncluttered Lovely: There are some dresses that call for simple jewellery, something unfussy, delicate just to sit there and let you shine. Here are some pieces that will let you do just that:

poppy freshwater pearl and faux diamond set £50

ophelia sterling silver and faux diamond pendant £35 (available in a range of gemstones)

lucia sterling silver and faux diamond hooks £35

Finally, your bridesmaids will need a bit of attention. How about something simple, ageless and pretty to pick up on the colours of their dresses...

sweetie sterling silver and gemstone pendant £39

however, nothing can beat coming in to one of the showrooms, relaxing, having a try on, discussing what you want, having a chat to our experienced team about our bespoke service and letting us make you feel really special and under no pressure...pop in we might just surprise you.

Getting The Perfect Present

2010-03-23T10:41:00.008Z

Choosing that perfect present can be difficult, particularly when all those birthdays seem to come round at once, and so quickly.

Follow our advice and make it that bit less painful.

The best thing to remember a bit of preparation. If you can answer the following questions, you are well on the way to success!

Does she wear plain silver jewellery or stones?

Does she go for big or small jewellery?

Does she wear clothes in a favourite colour?

Does she prefer stud or drop earrings AND very importantly, does she have pierced ears? (you would be surprised at the amount of husbands that have no idea)

If you are thinking of a ring as a gift remember to find out her ring size first-if you don't want to ruin the surprise ''borrow'' one and bring it in and we can always measure it for you.

What is her style? – modern, traditional, pretty, bold, abstract ……

Think about the jewellery she chooses to wear most, and what she buys for herself, that is always the best guide to her taste. And for your peace of mind our jewellery (excluding pierced earrings) can be exchanged if its not quite right.

zigzag’s top 5 tips for keeping your jewellery looking perfect

2010-03-16T12:10:00.002Z

People often ask us how they should care for their jewellery…

So here are zigzag’s top 5 tips for keeping your jewellery looking perfect.

Always rub your jewellery over with a polishing cloth before you put it away.

Build up of sweat, moisturiser, perfume, food and grease etc all sit on the surface of jewellery and cause it to tarnish quickly, particularly when its sat in a drawer for a while so it is really worth giving it a rub over with a polishing cloth before you put it away. This should mean its as sparkly when you come to wear it next as you remembered.

Store jewels away from direct sunlight.

Keeping jewellery out is another quick way to speed up the oxidisation process on silver, which will turn the surface of it yellow (and then brown if you leave it long enough) always, always, always try and remember to put it away, either in your jewellery box, wrapped in acid free tissue or in one of our jewellery pouches. It’s definitely worth it!

Love your stones…

If you have a ring with a stone in it have a look at your hand right now, is it as sparkly as you remember? Probably not. Take it off and have a look behind the stone, there is probably a bit of a nasty looking waxy film. Don’t worry you are not alone! Washing your hands, moisturising, cooking, and cleaning. In fact, all of the bits of everyday activity we all have to do tend to leave build up of residue, which gets trapped behind stone settings. Soaps are a big offender, settling behind stones making them look dull, faded and not nearly as nice as when you got them. And, because it happens slowly, over time you often don’t notice. After all, when do you have time to properly look at your hands? Luckily the solution to this one is easy, just find some bicarbonate of soda and some washing-up-liquid probably both in your kitchen. Make a paste on a soft toothbrush and give the ring, especially the back a good scrub under warm running water, then wash it all off and buff up with a soft polishing cloth. We are sure you will be amazed at the result.

Like cats, jewellery hates swimming!

Don’t get caught wearing nothing but pearls…

Occasionally, your pearls can be buffed with a silk cloth to enhance their lustre.

New Arrivals!

2010-02-26T14:58:00.002Z

We now have a fabulous new range of stacking rings in Sterling Silver and 9ct Gold in our St Albans shop.

Starting from just £15 so no excuses, drop in and start your collection today!

zigzag jewels - now on facebook!

2010-02-11T11:09:00.004Z

become a fan of zigzag jewels on facebook for regular offers, updates, competitions and vouchers.

click here to see our page.

Amethyst-February's Birthstone

2010-02-04T11:56:00.005Z

Amethyst was considered to be the stone of bishops. St. Valentine wore an amethyst signet ring, engraved with the figure of Cupid. Valentine’s Day is the 14^th of February and aptly, Amethyst is also the birthstone for this month. As a birthstone, amethyst symbolises sincerity and is reported to soothe and calm, absorbing negativity. Amethyst is also the stone for the zodiac sign Pisces.

Amethyst is the most highly valued gemstone of the quartz family. Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on Mohs' scale, which makes it a durable gemstone for jewellery.

According to Greek mythology Bacchus poured wine over clear crystal, giving it its purple colour, and created amethyst. This led to the belief that drinking wine from an amethyst cup would prevent drunkenness. The name comes from the Greek word ‘amethystos’ meaning ‘not intoxicated’.

The rich, deep violet colour of amethyst has made it a stone for royalty over many thousands of years. Fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels and were also favoured by Catherine the Great and Egyptian Pharoahs.

Amethyst was very important in the ornamentation of Catholic churches in the Middle Ages because it was thought to encourage celibacy and symbolize piety During this period of history, it was also used as a medication, believed to dispel sleep and sharpen intellect.

We have a wide range of amethyst jewellery for birthdays, valentines or treating yourself with. Come in and have a look or buy online at www.zigzagjewels.com. With free delivery and free gift wrapping it couldn’t be easier to get something special for that special someone!

Garnet-Birthstone for January

2010-01-06T11:58:00.005Z

We have beautiful Garnet jewellery starting from just £15 in our showrooms, drop in and take a look at our collection. Alternatively you can pick up something wonderful online-with free postage and beautiful complementary gift wrapping.

Garnets have been used as gemstones throughout history. It was said that Noah used a lantern of garnet to guide his ark in the night. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs' scale thay are very durable for use in jewellery. Garnets come from India, Central and South America, Sri Lanka, Russian and African countries.

The name ‘garnet’ comes from the Latin ‘granatus’. When garnet was first found as grains in rock, it was likened to the rich, red seeds of the pomegranate. A Greek myth tells the story of Persephone, the goddess of sunshine, who was abducted by Hades, god of the underworld. Persephone was eventually released by Hades, when he offered her some pomegranate seeds, which made sure she would return to him. It is from this legend that garnet is the protective gemstone for travellers. A gift of the stone symbolises the desire for a loved one’s safe journey and speedy return home. Garnets were widely used in jewellery in Egyptian, Greek and Roman times.

Turquoise for December...

2009-12-08T16:14:00.008Z

We have lots of stunning turquoise jewellery in the shops, including plenty of one off and unique pieces, as well as some beautiful simple classics on the website. This vibrant stone also has the added benefit of suiting almost all colourings so makes a great choice as a gift whether it is a birthstone or not.

Turquoise forms in a range of colours from sky blue to green grey. The brighter blue colour is due to a higher quantity of copper, while iron gives a deeper green hue. Brown and black veins in the stone can occur during its formation known as matrix. Turquoise is a valuable mineral, and possibly the most valuable opaque mineral in the jewellery trade, the best quality being a pure, sky blue, with or without its matrix.

Turquoise deposits can be found in Iran, from where the most beautiful turquoise comes, Kazakhstan, China, Australia, Tibet, China, Mexico, Brazil and Egypt. The states of Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and California are also producers of light coloured turquoise.

The name turquoise comes from the old French word turquoise meaning "Turkish Stone" as turquoise originally found its way to Europe from Persia (Iran) via Turkey. It is one of the world’s earliest used gemstones and has been revered for thousands of years. It was worn by Pharaohs of early Egypt. In Iran, turquoise was the national gemstone. The Incas crafted beads and figurines out of it, and the Aztecs in Mexico made pendants and decorated their ceremonial masks with the stone. Turquoise also has a rich history in the American southwest, with Native Americans using the stone to create stunning jewellery and ornaments for around 3000 years.

Turquoise is regarded as the protective stone of pilots, aircrews and any other people who have a high level of risk in their work. Turquoise is often given as a stone of friendship and affection, as it is said to be responsible for faithfulness and consistency in relationships.

Turquoise is the birthstone for December and for the zodiac sign of Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21). It is can also be given as a gift to celebrate the 5th and 11th wedding anniversary.

Citrine-This Month's Birthstone

2009-11-03T13:11:00.003Z

Bring some sunshine to a grey November day...

Citrine is a member of the macro-crystalline quartz group of minerals and and ranges in colour from light yellow to golden brown. Names such as Brandy or Madeira Citrine are used for the darker varieties.

The name 'Citrine' is derived from the French 'citron' meaning lemon. From the middle of the 18th Century, many Amethyst and Smoky Quartz were subject to heat treatment as it was found that the purple and brown would disappear and be replaced by yellow. Today heat treatment of these stones is completely accepted in the trade and most Citrines on the market are heat treated. Natural Citrine is very rare and is usually a pale yellow colour. Citrine has a hardness of 7 on the Moh's scale.

Citrine occurs in igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, and is found in Brazil, Spain, France, Russia, Scotland and the USA.

If you want to give Citrine to somebody special this November take a look at our mixed stone Iris pendant (above). Available on the website, it combines Citrine with a collection of other semi-precious beauties-a perfect pendant for the party season.

Calling all bargain hunters…

2009-10-13T13:10:00.002+01:00

Just a quick post to let you all know about our autumn sale. In our Epsom showroom only we have a sale on, the whole shop is full of lovely one off pieces, samples and some of our classic zigzag designs. It is well worth popping over to have a look, pick up some treats for yourself or lovely little gifts.

I had a quick look round and picked out some of my favourite bits that you simply shouldn’t miss out on, but be warned some of these are one offs so you better get in quickly if you want to snap them up.

Firstly there is this lovely Lapis and Gold Vermeil Necklace, it’s a real wow piece and the Lapis beads are truly beautiful. It was £895 and had been cut to £450. It’s also a great colour for the party season with all the rich peacock tones in the shops it’s a good wardrobe staple as well as being right on trend at the moment.

I also spotted some of these ‘Nathalie’ bracelets lighting up a shelf. These were originally £130 and are now £75. These are a great buy because they are a true classic.

I couldn’t count all of the earrings I fell in love with but I can tell you there were various beautiful pearl studs and hooks and some stunning gold vermeil chandelier styles with pretty, glittery Cubic Zirconia nestling inside that made me want to take them dancing immediately.

I can only urge you to have a look for yourself before its all snapped up.

October's Birthstone

2009-10-09T13:56:00.004+01:00

We can hardly believe its October already but it here so you might like to know a little bit about Aquamarine-the birthstone for the month.

Aquamarine is the pale blue variety of the mineral beryl, with a wonderful shine and is almost completely free of inclusions. Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 – 8.0 on Moh's scale, which makes it extremely durable for jewellery. The intensity of the blue colour depends on the quantity of iron within the mineral. The most valuable aquamarines are those with an intense blue colour. Some aquamarines can even have a light green hue.
The most predominant deposits of Aquamarine crystals are found in Brazil but can also be found in Namibia, Kenya, Madagascar, Burma, the Ural mountains in Russia, Sri-Lanka, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin ‘aqua’ for water and ‘mare’ for sea, due to the colour. Since ancient times, aquamarine has been seen as a gemstone of vision and aquamarine crystals were often used for eyes in statues, to symbolize power and wisdom. According to legend, any person that looked at the statues became wise and gained the ability to see into the future. These statues were often placed in strategic positions on the coast where they could calm the wrath of Poseidon, thus ensuring the safe return of ships. It is perhaps from this myth that aquamarine has been regarded as the sailors’ lucky stone. With its association with the ocean, aquamarine is considered to be a gemstone of purification that cleanses the mind with fresh and positive thoughts and is used by those who meditate, due it its calming effect. It is also believed to eradicate fears and phobias. Additionally, wearing an aquamarine is said to ensure a good marriage and to bring the wearer happiness and good fortune.

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and October. It can also be given to celebrate nineteen years of marriage. We have some very pretty Aquamarine pendants in the shops, starting from £19 and beautiful beaded necklaces in a variety lengths and styles, we can also make bespoke pieces especially for you if you would like us to.

However, Aquamarine can be a very expensive stone so we also have our 'Solitaire' pendant in Blue Topaz as an alternative. The Pendant is £25 and the studs are £15 so at just £40 for the whole set it makes a really lovely gift.

Taste of Epsom

2009-09-16T10:27:00.003+01:00

Come and see us in action..
As part of Taste of Epsom today Wednesday the 16th of September we will be demonstrating beading in Epsom’s Town Square from 11am-3pm.

Join Lucy Ellor FGA our stone expert and Jeweller Hannah Goodall for an informal jewellery demo. Come along to see what we do, what we are making, get some stone info, and if you have a difficult outfit you need a piece of jewellery to match come and have a chat to see if we could make a unique bespoke piece especially for you.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Modern Times

2009-09-12T11:54:00.010+01:00

I like to keep myself up to date with all the current fashion trends and was looking through Vogue when I came across a piece by Lauren Milligan. She was commenting on all of the frivolity in fashion at the moment-big shoulders, big hair, fabulous platform shoes, she used the phrase ‘Laissez-faire jewellery excess’ and it struck a bit of a chord. Elaborate exciting confident looks are really appealing, particularly after a lot of heavy and depressing news a chance to wear large pieces, bright colours, cheer yourself up and have a bit of fun with fashion seems brilliant to me!

I have always been a believer that if you are wearing jewellery it should be fab, it should be bold, and most importantly it should make you feel great. We are still all being a bit careful with how we spend our money, beautifully designed, quality, timeless pieces have always been our speciality so I have picked out some of my favourite one offs and limited pieces that could update a simple black dress or work suit in a very current and very wearable way.

These beauties are all available on the website…and I defy you not to look and feel great in them!

The Birthstone Feature - September Sapphires

2009-09-04T15:18:00.021+01:00

For all those with a September birthday lucky you! Pretty Blue Sapphire is your birthstone.

Here is the science bit; Sapphire is a variety of the mineral Corundum and is an aluminium oxide. Sapphires range in colour from pale blue to a deep indigo, the intensity of the colour depends on the amount of titanium and iron within the crystal.

Sapphire also forms in a range of other colours, including colourless, pink, orange, green, yellow, violet and brown, these are called ‘fancy sapphires’. The different colour forms are due to some impurities within the mineral. Sapphire, having a hardness of 9 on the Moh's scale, is a very durable gemstone for jewellery.

Sapphires are mainly mined in Australia, particularly New South Wales and Queensland, occurring in alluvial deposits. The most desirable cornflower blue sapphires are found in Kashmir, in India. Sapphires are also found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Tanzania and Kenya.

According to legend, Sapphires were said to protect against snakes - if a Sapphire was placed in a jar with serpents, they would die at once. During the Middle Ages, priests wore sapphires as protection from impure thoughts and warriors gave their young wives sapphire necklaces to ensure fidelity. In the 13th Century, the French thought that sapphire transformed stupidity to wisdom and irritability to good temper.

One of the most well known sapphires is in the Imperial State Crown, worn by Queen Victoria in 1838, and is now housed in the Tower of London. The gem is called the St Edward’s Sapphire, as it belonged to Edward the Confessor, who wore the stone in a ring during his coronation in 1042.

SPECIAL OFFER OF SEPTEMBER SAPPHIRES

If you want one for yourself or know someone with a birthday head down to one of our shops. We currently have a very limited number of these Sapphire pendants from £25 (that’s upto 50% off) They are a really nice casual way to wear real Sapphire, and look just as lovely with jeans as they do with a dress in the evening.

CONGRATULATIONS!

2009-08-27T06:37:00.005+01:00

Well done to Sally who was Monday's winner, Nathalie our winner on Tuesday and Bron - Wednesday's girl. One of our brand new designs will be making its way to each of you very soon!

New Limited Edition Bangles

2009-08-25T12:55:00.006+01:00

We have been able to get our hands on five of these lovely chunky Gold Vermeil Sterling Silver handmade bangles, we are rather pleased with them and we wanted to give you a first look! They are going to be £350 each and as there are only five and we can't get any more, just email customercare@zigzagjewels.com if you would like to reserve one of the beauties.

From Design to Finished Piece

2009-08-24T07:04:00.007+01:00

We thought you would like to see one of our talented designers in action, so here is a series showing a design from initial idea to a finished piece.

Here is the man in action; drawing book, bits of silver, tools and a lot of imagination result in a beautiful new earring design.

so off to the workshop where component parts are soldered together

cleaned up and polished

stones can be set

the silver earrings are stripped, dipped and plated

then we get to have a look.

the only problem is they are so lovely we want them all for ourselves!

Win New Jewels

2009-08-24T06:10:00.007+01:00

We would really like to hear from you, get some feedback on new ideas, jewellery, our pictures, and find out from you what you want to see. So...every day his week we will be giving away a piece of jewellery from our brand new selection (before it hits our shops) for our favorite comment.

Just click on 'comments' below any picture and drop us a line.

A Trip Around City Palace

2009-08-24T05:38:00.005+01:00

We had a day of exploring the city, this is City Palace. The two flags you can see flying at the top of the picture originate from Raja Jai Singh II. He was given the title of "Sawai" meaning "The One-and-a-Quarter" by Emperor Aurangzeb for his above average intelligence. Since then the rulers of Jaipur have flown two flags, one full and one quarter-sized to symbolize this title.

For anyone who has ever tried to raise a silver bowl...

2009-08-24T05:23:00.004+01:00

This is one of a pair of silver urns at the City Palace, it was made from melting silver coins into a sheet and it took two men two years to form it, there are no solder joins they are just silver sheet hammered into shape. They were made to carry water from the Gangees 1902 when Maharaja Madho Singh II went to England for King Edward's coronation, he had them made so he could carry enough sacred Ganges water with him to bathe every day for four months! The urns measure five feet high and are considered to be the largest silver objects in the world

The Making Process

2009-08-23T10:24:00.019+01:00

We went to see some of our makers' workshops today, we thought you might be interested to see how lovely and clean everything was, and the journey your jewellery goes through from pure silver to beautiful finished pieces.
so here is the casting process...

First a handmade master copy of the finished ring is used to make a latex mould. The mould is filled with pink wax then the wax pieces are individually touched up by hand to make sure they are perfect.

The wax pieces are then set like little branches on wax tree and placed in a metal tube over which plaster is poured.

The wax is melted out in a kiln and the plaster gets completely dry and throughly hot. It is removed from the kiln then very quickly molten silver is poured into the hot mould.

The silver starts off as pure silver and an alloy is added so it is hard enough for jewellery. The alloy makes it 925 or Sterling Silver.

The trees come out of the plaster and the component jewellery parts are all ready to be snipped off, soldered together and polished up.

Then they go off to the highly skilled setters and with the beautiful gemstones all in place they get a final polish and are ready to go to new homes!

Getting from A to B

2009-08-21T05:45:00.004+01:00

These colourful little vehicles will take you wherever you need to go.

nothing is wasted

2009-08-21T05:29:00.004+01:00

Here, if it is possible to mend something, it is repaired and not thrown away.

outdoor living.

2009-08-21T05:23:00.004+01:00

Everything is done outside.You can have you ironing done on the street by a very cheerful man with a beautiful old iron..

Choosing Stones

2009-08-21T05:19:00.007+01:00

We spent much of today choosing lovely new stones to be made into pendants - here is Julie checking out the Amethysts. This lovely rich colour and quality comes from Africa in the rough, and is cut and polished in Jaipur.

We’ve arrived...

2009-08-19T05:30:00.009+01:00

We have arrived in a hot, dry Jaipur. Here is a flavour of the varied and colourful city:

busy roads, beautiful patterns.
and moments of peace and calm.The gardener is keeping the hotel plants lush and beautiful, but there has been very little rain here - the monsoon has not yet arrived and the surrounding city is looking dusty and dry We have fitted in some work on the lawn too and visited a few of our makers. We have found some really wonderful pieces. It’s all very exciting, Jaipur is an amazing place, very difficult to take in, a little overwhelming. Full of warm and welcoming people and a constant murmur of life and a buzz of activity. We will get some pictures up of new jewellery very soon and will be running a daily competition for you to get your hands on some new pieces so keep checking back and please keep in touch by leaving a comment.

Trips, Promotions and Generally Very Exciting Things..

2009-08-12T12:36:00.013+01:00

We are very excited to be off on a buying trip to India in less than a week so you might like to see what promotions and special things we have in the shops whilst we are away.

In Barnes its Sale time and we have some lovely bargains there for you if you are heading that way.
We have some very beautiful things for summer in our other showrooms too. We have offers on our Charm Candy, which is happily compatible with most of the other brands including Troll and Pandora. These sets of three coordinating charms are just £25 (individually £45) so pop in and snap one up.

If you are heading off on holiday or seeking out some sunshine at home the heart charm necklaces are an ideal way of taking a bit of summer fun with you. In your choice of cord colours and glass beads you really can match up with anything and they make lovely pretty presents too. Take a look, I am sure you’ll love them.

Or if a simple silver ‘wear me everywhere’ pendant is what you are after pick up one of these pretty treats, reduced from £45 to £25
...and take it on holiday with you!

That should keep you in jewels whilst we are away but if there is something specific you would really like to see us do please comment with any suggestions of jewellery you would like us to look out for and any requests you have. We welcome ideas on colours you want to see, and jewellery you have in mind but just can’t seem to find-we will try our best to source it for you. So comment and let us know what you like and what you don’t and we will see if we can make our jewellery even better for you.

And keep checking back as we will be uploading pictures while we are away.

The Birthstone Feature-August.

2009-08-06T16:04:00.007+01:00

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.

A Little Bit of Information on Peridot

Peridot is a gem form of the mineral 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 best peridots are found on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The name comes from the Greek ‘peridona’ meaning ‘to give richness’-particularly suitable for special birthdays!

Used as a gemstone for thousands of years, it has been found in Egyptian jewellery. 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.

More detailed information is on our website.

…and Onyx
For the chic Audery Hepburn types Black Onyx might suit a little better.

Onyx is a black or banded variety of chalcedony, found in Mexico, India, Brazil, Madagascar, Algeria and Pakistan.

The name onyx comes from the Greek ‘onux’ meaning nail. Legend says that Cupid cut the fingernails of Venus while she was asleep. He left the clippings on the beaches but since 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. For those choosing onyx as a gift I would recommend emphasising the link between the stone and Cupid and Venus-maybe not so much the fingernail part!

Crystal healers believe onyx promotes happiness and improves concentration.
Again, we have a bit more info on the website if you would care to take a look.

There are also lots of lovely pieces in the birthstones for you to choose from, and they all come beautifully wrapped.

If you are finding it difficult to choose may we recommend you take a look at our exclusive Ophelia Range, these pretty little pendants really do seem to suit everyone.

First of Many

2009-07-30T11:49:00.031+01:00

Hello, and welcome to our shiny new zigzag blog.

If you haven’t visited us yet, in Barnes, Epsom, Farnham or St Albans or explored zigzagjewels.com you will be new to our unique pieces, and that extra special service we always endeavour to provide…and now here we are in blog form especially for you.

So, hello, and it’s a pleasure to have you.

Why blog?
Here on our blog we want to give you an insight into our inner workings-what we are making and how we do it. We want to show you what is inspiring us, what our favourite things are at the moment and what we discover on our travels. AND, most importantly, we would like to hear from you – what you think of our product, our service and any requests or suggestions you have for making it all even better.

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You
We will attempt to fascinate and inspire with gemstone stories and exciting gemstone facts, as well as keeping you up to date with key colours and trends. We think zigzag jewellery is a bit lovely, and our passion is to find or make the perfect pieces for you. We will be off to Jaipur very soon, so do keep in touch for postings about our buying trip and all things Indian and if you have a friend who you think would like to join the blog do let them know. We have an infectious enthusiasm for what we make and do and we want to pass it on to you - with some lovely prizes and giveaways we hope that you will be tempted to read on, and join our exclusive zigzag followers club.