The year so far (aka cripes, February already!!)

Where's the year going? 

January whipped by, and it looks like February is shaping up the same way; days going by in a blur.

As you know, life gets pretty busy around here in the run up to Christmas. I start planning for it in September, and people often begin their Christmas shopping in October, ( I know, I know) so the orders start picking up; it then gets properly crazy half way through November. So during these months I tend to put any new designs and experiments with new techniques on hold.

That was definitely the case this time around so there were a few things I added to my "new year  - new ideas " list. Its exciting to start the year with a big list of new things to try.

Number one on that list was gold!

Gold is probably the thing I get most requests to stock: and your wish is my command. I can now supply most of my stacking rings in both 9k and rolled gold. and will be adding new gold designs throughout the year.

Rolled gold is sometimes called gold-filled. And is basically a far better quality alternative to gold plated metal. Perfect when you want the look of gold  ( which will last) but not the expense!

The response to these goodies so far has been amazing (especially from the lovely folk on my facebook page). They aren't listed in my shop yet though so if there's something you particularly fancy please get in touch.

The other thing i'm currently working on is giving you a wider range of facetted stones to choose from; especially in my birthstone ranges. A lot of my existing range are set with cabochons, which I love working with, but for some gems facetted stones can offer a sparklier and more intense colour. 

Don't worry though, the cabochons aren't going anywhere; those beauties (especially the rose cuts) will always be a firm fave.

Most of my new designs make their first appearance on my facebook page as work in progress shots, so if you're interested in seeing how my jewellery is made do pop along
and don't forget to say hi!

Also, for those not already in the know I have a newsletter which I send out monthly. Every single person who subscribes gets entered into a free prize draw each and every month. The prize being an item from my shop or a voucher to spend ( it varies from
month to month).

If you'd like to be part of the fun, just sign up to the newsletter. I don't sell your contact info, or pester you with spam every other day...the deal is that i get to show you my new stuff and share any shop news with you once a month (and remind you that I am here if you need any new jewels!) and you get the chance to win some freebies, get 10% off your purchases and get the occasional extra special offer! Not bad eh? 

Peridot - the birthstone for August

Wear a Peridot or for thee, 

No conjugal fidelity, 

The August born without this stone, 

`Tis said, must live unloved; alone.

The birthstone for August - Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one colour; green. Although the intensity and tint of the green hue is dependent on how much iron it contains and individual peridot gems can vary from a sparkling pale yellowy green to deep olive. 

Whilst the most valuable peridots are usually the less common deep olive shades, I prefer that zingy fresh pale green and tend to go with that for my designs. And yes, it does help that it keeps the cost reasonable!

It looks perfect with sparkly sterling silver!

Peridot is the gem form of the mineral olivine, and it is formed by extreme heat and pressure in volcanoes and is then forced to the surface in the lava. It is also, (less frequently) found in meteors that land on the earth’s surface. It's amazing to wonder what that little shiny stone on your earrings has been through and how long it took to form. 

Peridot is also a great stone for weddings in August, and is the gemstone for 16th wedding anniversarys.

These gorgeous handmade calla lilies hold a teeny faceted peridot stone within.

I must get some more peridot designs up in the shop, as it really is a gorgeous gem! 

May Birthstone

Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet, flower month of May
And wears an Emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.

Emerald is the birthstone for May. It's a true gemstone, as opposed to a semi-precious stone. Emerald tends to have numerous inclusions and is graded by eye, rather than a loupe. These inclusions mean that it is not a particularly strong stone. It's such a special stone it even has a cut named after it. Which shows off the stone's colour to it's best, whilst maintaining a strong shape.

In 1953 Jacqueline Bouvier was presented a 2.88 carat diamond and emerald engagement ring by Senator John F. Kennedy. Apparently, John Kennedy's father, Joe Sr. picked out Jackie's emerald engagement ring. Not the most romantic, but still who wouldn't be thrilled with this beauty....

I've always loved that deep emerald green colour. I always look for clothes in this colour, but rarely find any. I once saw Mary Hansen, from Stereolab on stage in a gorgeous emerald green sequinned dress many, many (many) moons ago. I wanted that dress then, and I still want it 20 years later. One day I'll make it happen. I'll probably be in a nursing home by the time I get round to it, but I will make it happen dagnammit.

I'm working on a couple of emerald birthstone pieces for the shop - some gold wire wraps, a first foray into the world of gold!! Plus I have some lovely teeny cabs which I'm setting onto silver to make some pretty little earrings. I'll let you know when I have pictures!

January Birthstone - Garnet

By her who in this month (January) is born
No gem save garnets should be worn;
They will ensure her constancy,
True friendship, and fidelity.

Garnets are apparently found in a variety of colours - including orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, pink and colorless. The rarest of these is the blue garnet, discovered in the late 1990s. But the colour we usually expect to see is red, from a light bright crimson, to deep claret colour.

If you're into the theory of healing gemstones - the garnet is thought to assist the regulation of the heart and circulation as well as provide strength and protection.

The most popular colour amongst women is red, and I definitely have to go with the majority in this case. I'm a huge fan of red, and of these stones too. January needs a little brightness, don't you think, and these sparkly red gems are just the thing. Shining bright through the chilly gloom.

Click on the pictures to go through to the folksy shop and see more of the pieces!

Birthstones

This year I thought I'd get to grips with birthstones! These are the stones which traditionally symbolise the month of the wearers birth. Such a lovely idea, and I love jewellery with a some special meaning for the wearer.

I started with good intentions last year, with plenty of garnet (January), and amethyst (February) but a house move and the ensuing chaos meant that everything got put to one side, and I played catch up for the rest of the year. This year is going to be different .....oh ho ho, yes.

The above is a common chart, from the American Society of Jewelers (this seems to be the modern list). There are so many different charts and lists of birthstones. I always thought when I was younger that my birthstone was jasper, or bloodstone, but it turns out this is the traditional one, and I could also use aquamarine. 

Just in terms of planning I must admit I might not be able to stretch to much when it comes to April!! Traditionally it seems that the colour is the key, so a nice little cubic zirconia might just cut it.

In addition to the symbol of the month, some think that birthstones can bring luck or health to the wearer. This power is also supposed to be stronger if the stone is worn in the birthday month. I'm not sure I believe in the healing power of gemstones, but to each their own. And it can't do any harm and I can't think of a better excuse for those with an April birthday.

Do you have any jewellery in your birthstone? Have you swapped your birthstone for another symbolic stone that you liked better? Apparently lots of people do!

Look out for some gorgeous birthstone goodies listed in the shop!

More detailed information on the gorgeous January Birthstone (Garnet).
More information on the February Birthstone (Amethyst)

Gemstones

I love working with gemstones. I find it amazing that these gorgeous stones that shimmer and glow are actually real stones,  mined from the earth. They are part of the substance of our planet - nature at is most glamorous!

(Click on any of the pictures to find out more!!)

I have never really believed in the healing powers of crystal that some people subscribe to, but I do figure if it looks good - I'll go with it. I also think there is something a just a little bit special about wearing your birthstone. And I know if I was ever pregnant again, I might just wear some moonstone - it's like reading a horoscope, I hardly ever do it and don't believe it even when I do... but if you want to believe it enough.... any extra amulet, or good luck charm to help with some situation in particular can often feel really special.

The actual definition of what makes a gemstone is a bit hazy - gemstones certainly seem to be minerals or rocks - but what makes a mere rock a gemstone? Does it have to be rare? Nope - quartz is one of the most common gemstones around - in various forms and colours. Does it have to be clear and sparkly? No - I often use black onyx, or matt black agate. Does it have to be expensive - oh no - head over to my shop to buy some veeerrrry reasonably priced gemstone jewellery.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/42427921/matt-black-agate-and-sterling-silver

At the end of the day, it seems to be in the eye of the beholder - they have to be hard enough to be cut and polished, but mainly it's that they are nice looking enough for people to want to use them to make jewellery. And thats about it!