November Birthstone

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

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

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

Julie selecting pearls from one of our designers.

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

Keeping Busy...

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

Working out on the lawn...

and preparing gemstone combinations for setting

A Short Video on Selecting Amethysts

Birds of Paradise

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

...tell us what you think

Choosing Stones

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

In the afternoon we chose some really lovely Amethysts for pendants

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