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.

Two Prize Winners!!

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

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

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).