The Peridot - an Evening Emerald

Peridot from the Past

The peridot originates from­ Zabargad Island, a small volcanic island in the Red Sea. From the early 2nd millennium B.C. this ancient stone was found to have been used in Egyptian jewellery.

  Zabargad Island in the Red Sea

The Other Side of Peridot

Peridot has been thought to emit a warm and friendly energy; to inspire happiness in the self, and delight in the nature of one’s life. I continue to be interested in stories that have travelled with gemstones, stories that have survived history. Whilst there’s no scientific evidence to support the notes, the associated folklore still intrigues me.

Peridot as Emerald

Peridot is often referred to as the evening emerald as it holds its colour in twilight more tenderly than true emeralds. With its gentle glow, early lapidaries pronounced peridot a good talisman against terrors of the night.

To me, the Peridot Compass Necklace in the picture has something of an ancient feel to it, as if it belonged to a protector with a strong character and a kind heart.

  The Morgan Sweet Apple - Garnet 'pips' in Gold

Stone Fruits

At this time of year, stone fruits are all around with a particular abundance in peaches and nectarines. Living here in France means I get to see the blossom before the fruit, too ~ to witness the whole cycle of the seasons. For now, breakfast is a delicious fruit salad concoction that I want to last forever.

As I chopped up peaches and plums this morning, I remembered this Morgan Sweet Apple Pendant, a custom made pendant resembling an apple cut in half. When you cut one horizontally you can see a pentacle of pips and in this pendant, the garnets in gold are those pips.

Gemstones and Jewellery

Of course, gemstones often feature in jewellery and these pear-shaped garnets made perfect pips for the apple. They were also Baby Morgan’s birthstone for whom the pendant was made.

As an aside, a sliced peach in a warm croissant is mouthwateringly good, too! Don’t take my word for it, though, do try it…

  A Cluster of Coloured Gemstones

Colourful Gemstones

OK, I admit it – I have a weakness for gemstones. I find them irresistible.

Gemstones of various shapes, sizes, cuts and colours – they never fail to allure me. Whether it’s their shimmering surfaces, feathery depths or bursts of colour – certain stones are destined to belong in my gemstone gallery. Or at least, to pass through it before being cherished by their new owner.

Whether you’re thinking about commissioning a custom made jewellery creation or simply enchanted by gemstones, then my gallery of gemstones is a great place to pause for a few moments.

A World of Colour

There’s no need for rose tinted glasses to see just how beautiful these gemstones are.

They have such lovely names, too. The ones in the picture are

Delicious.

The Journey of Design

I really enjoy having gemstones for people to choose from. The idea of choosing the gemstone that will feature in your custom made jewellery is enchanting and fun.

For free updates showing when new gemstones are in the gallery you can Sign-Up Here.

  Denim Sapphire Libretto Collection

September Sapphire Birthstone

The Sapphire is a favourite gemstone for many of us … for so many reasons.

Well known as the birthstone for those born in September, the Sapphire is also the traditional stone of choice when celebrating the 5th and 45th wedding anniversary.

But what else draws us to the Sapphire?

Denim Blue Sapphire

The Denim Sapphire Libretto Ring and Denim Sapphire Libretto Pendant shown above have a fabulous denim blue colour and show off their inner structure beautifully. Whilst their appearance differs from a more typically recognisable sapphire such as in this Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring, they are still sapphires.

Set in the style of my Libretto jewellery collection, the pendant was selected and published in the The Best of WorldWide Jewellery Artists, an incredible visual art guide.

The Star Sapphire

Then there are Sapphires that have an asterism. That is, they have a six ray star that appears to float beneath the surface of the stone and move with the light source. You can see examples of these in this Blue Star Sapphire Ring in white gold – and this Black Star Sapphire necklace. I combined pink tourmalines with star sapphires in this Star Sapphire Bangle, too!

I love the Sapphire and have incorporated it in several of my hand made Sapphire Jewellery creations.

Is the Sapphire one of your favourite gemstones … ?

  Iolite Lentille Necklace with Rose Gold, a Viking's Compass

Spinnakers on the Solent

As the longest-running regular regatta in the world, Cowes Week promises a sensational experience in the world of sailing. Thousands of competitors with their various yachts and boats will provide an exciting race and a fantastic display of spinnakers on the Solent.

Festival Atmosphere

If you are visiting for this wonderful yachting event for an onshore experience, then you’re in for a treat. With its festival atmosphere, Cowes week brings live music and cocktail parties amidst the yacht clubs and marinas. For the week of 6 – 13 August 2011, the small town of Cowes will be transformed into a hive of activity with a fantastic line up of shore-side entertainment day and night.

Navigating the Solent

The relatively narrow strip of the Solent will need to be navigated carefully by the yachtsmen involved; the tides and weather respected.

Centuries ago, the Vikings were said to navigate using a slice of iolite as a compass. The Vikings could locate the position of the sun by looking through a slice of iolite because the stone acted as a light polarizer and cancelled out haze and mist on cloudy days. For this reason iolite has been referred to as “The Viking’s Compass”.

I imagine more up to date navigational equipment will be used for Cowes Week!!

  Hand Made Jewellery: Fire Opal & Garnets

The Thought that Counts

When it comes to birthday gifts, they say it’s the thought that counts; and in my experience, there are some very thoughtful gentlemen out there.

As a designer-maker of custom made jewellery, it’s a pleasure being a part of creating so much more than simply a piece of jewellery. It’s an honour to be involved in creating custom jewellery of such personal significance.

Still In Love

Based on the idea that life is an ocean and love is a boat, this custom made necklace with Fire Opal was especially commissioned by a gentleman for his wife. It has a wonderful story that goes with it.

It’s clear this gentleman is still so very much in love.

Jewellery with Meaning

The idea behind the necklace revolves around a song written by a friend of the family. The story of how a couple’s relationship evolves, how they navigate the shores of the heart and how “Now gathered round us, we have our own crew”.

I’m told the lady wears it every day.

  Lilac in the Garden

Lilacs and Violet

I recently added an Amethyst Waterdrop Bracelet to my gallery; a bracelet that comes with a story of how it came to be made, the love and thoughtfulness that went into its creation.

As a designer-maker of jewellery, creating custom made jewellery is especially satisfying. Looking through a window onto another person’s world and capturing the essence of a precious moment in a piece of jewellery.

Lilacs in the Garden

This special birthday gift was for a lady whose birthstone is Amethyst, the birthstone for February. Another personal element that was woven into the design.

Enchanted by the way that amethyst has been described as an extravagance in violet, I couldn’t help thinking of about the Lilacs in our garden in the same way. They are beautiful, and yes, they are extravagant.

Extravagant Lilacs

Apparently, the word extravagant is derived from medieval Latin with “extra” meaning outside and “vagari” meaning wander. To wander outside, to diverge greatly or perhaps to do something unusually exceptional.

How lovely that this idea has now become a part of the bracelet, too.

  Smoky Quartz Pendant with Rose Gold

Quartz from Antiquity

People have been fascinated by gemstones for thousands of years and I’m no exception. They both intrigue and enchant me.

Quartz may be the oldest gemstone known to man and supernatural powers have been associated with gemstones in the quartz family throughout history.

Smoky Quartz

Smoky Quartz is one such gemstone and has been said to activate survival instincts and intuition in challenging situations. When worn or carried it has been thought to enhance and protect the aura, boost energy and maintain patience. Keeping calm and seeing the way ahead more clearly is what this is about.

Whether or not you choose to believe in such supernatural powers is up to you. To me, even if these words are just part of a story about this gemstone that’s been retold over the centuries, they seem both wise and reassuring.

When I’ve been choosing, changing or re-discovering my direction, it has certainly required perseverance and patience. Taking care of myself whilst navigating my way has been an important part of the adventure.

Clarity of Quartz

We all face challenging situations in one way or another. I like the idea that good energy and having the clarity to see what is needed can be wrapped up in a gemstone.

I’m also rather partial to the smoky quartz…!