Thursday 30 January 2014

Amethyst - February Birthstone

FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE AMETHYST
February is the month of amethyst, a precious stone that is available in pale lilac right through to a deep rich purple colour and whose symbolism is concerned with maintaining a clear (and sober) mind. In fact the word Amethyst comes from the Greek word “amethystos” meaning “not drunk”.
Amethyst Heart Stackable Silver Crossover Ring
£40
"The February born shall find Sincerity and peace of mind, Freedom from passion and from care, If they, the amethyst will wear." – anon
1.14ct Amethyst Heart Bezel Set Earrings
£60
Due to its ability to bring clarity of thought the Amethyst has featured strongly in religious and royal history, as has the colour purple. The original meaning of the colour purple was for mourning but it gradually became linked to wealth and power, as purple dyes, like those worn by royals, were expensive and difficult to produce.
Cleopatra was said to have worn a amethyst signet ring and it’s also said to be the stone of Saint Valentine’s, which is appropriate given that Valentine’s day also falls in February. Amethyst is also known as the “wisdom stone” and is still worn, today, by Catholic priests.
In terms of health properties the early Egyptians believed that the amethyst possessed “good” powers and placed them in tombs of pharaohs.  During the middle ages amethyst was believed to dispel sleep and sharpen intellect.  While in Arabian mythology the amethyst was supposed to protect from bad dreams, as well as gout.
While birthstones are often worn by those who celebrate their birthday in the corresponding month, an exception can be made with amethyst. This is because it falls in February, the month of Valentine’s day, and was particularly favoured by St Valentine’s himself, who carried a small sculptured amethyst in the shape of his helper, Cupid. So if you seek out a unique Valentine’s Day gift, with true significance, do shop from our wonderful amethyst collection, which offers something special for both the modern and traditional amethyst lover.
BIRTHSTONES
Throughout history it is believed that each Georgian calendar month can be marked by a particular gemstone that is befittingly known as a “birthstone gem”.  In essence if you born in a particular month you should wear the corresponding stone. Years ago astrologers attributed supernatural powers to certain gemstones, whereas, nowadays we wear our birthstone gem in the hope that is brings us good luck. Even today giving a piece of jewellery containing a birthstone gem is said to bring the recipient protection so it can make a very special statement gift.
Amethyst Heart Silver Crossover Earrings
£50
2.5ct Stardust Amethyst Sapphire Dome Silver Ring
£95
Amethyst Heart Crossover Silver Pendant and Chain
£50
1ct Amethyst and Diamond Gold Halo Ring
£75
3.5ct Amethyst checkerboard Heart Bezel Set Pendant and Chain
£95
2.3ct Amethyst Round Northern Lights Pendant
£115

Tuesday 7 January 2014

Garnet - January Birthstone



January Birthstone – Garnet
Garnet can make a wonderful gift for all ages because of it’s fresh, yet classic, colour. It’s also a very romantic stone so lends itself to being a gift of love and we have some special heart shaped pieces befitting of this message.

Garnet Heart Stackable Silver Crossover Ring
£40
1.14ct Garnet Heart Bezel Set Earrings
£60

Garnet Heart Silver Crossover Earrings
£50

1.55ct Garnet Heart Bezel Set Stacking Ring
£95


Even today many celebrities and fashionistas, such as Kate Beckinsale, believe strongly in the powers of birthstones when it comes to both protection and healing but they demand a collection that is well designed and fashionable which is why we are delighted to introduce you to our garnet collection.

“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”.
(Tiffany & Co. published these poems "of unknown author" for the first time in a pamphlet in 1870)
Garnet Heart Crossover Silver Pendant and Chain
£50
5.5ct Garnet Square Northern Lights Ring
£250

Throughout history it is believed that each Georgian calendar month can be marked by a particular gemstone that is befittingly known as a “birthstone gem”.  In essence if you born in a particular month you should wear the corresponding stone. Years ago astrologers attributed supernatural powers to certain gemstones, whereas, nowadays we wear our birthstone gem in the hope that is brings us good luck. Even today giving a piece of jewellery containing a birthstone gem is said to bring the recipient protection so it can make a very special statement gift.
January is the month of garnet, a gemstone most common in red, not unlike a ruby, whose colour, symbolism and significance is all based round keeping the wearer safe during travel.
January is the month of garnet, a gemstone most common in red, not unlike a ruby, whose colour, symbolism and significance is all based round keeping the wearer safe during travel.
In fact garnet is also associated with purity, truth, faithfulness and friendship and is believed to have traditional metaphysical properties befitting of a new year such as awareness, commitment, regeneration, insight and removing of negativity.
The healing properties of this January birthstone are related to the blood, heart and lungs and as a deep red gemstone it’s said to enhance sensuality and sexuality.
In it’s most common form of red, garnet represents the colour of fire and was historically associated with power and importance.  However, garnet is not just confined to red and exists in orange, yellow, green, purple, brown, black and even clear and colourless. During the Victorian era castles and cathedrals were adorned with garnets, as they were strongly believed to keep ghosts and ghouls at bay.