Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Kiki's Diamonds

Sparkly, pretty, brilliant, eternal diamonds are the April birth stone, which is therefore my birth stone. Most girls would love this, (such an excuse for diamonds every year), I however would not chose diamonds as my favourite gemstone, controversial. 

No, I love all coloured stones, I love their inclusions, their variation in clarity, their completely diverse range in colours, luster, saturation and possible stunning phenomenons. Why stick to only the divine diamond when you can have a mystical moonstone, an exotic lapis lazuli, a pretty and peachy morgantite or an intense tourmaline, my gem buds are salivating. 

I much prefer to add colour to my life with natures gems and have people ask me about my pretty stone and what it is. When I finally learnt about Kiki McDonough, I was so excited to see that her collections are focussed on the wide variety of beautiful gemstones with diamonds as a stunning supporting act, the perfect mix of rich gemstones and diamonds. Have a look at her website and see why I love her designs so much: http://kiki.co.uk/index.php/

Kiki uses a mesmerising array of coloured stones and has a beautiful eye for putting them together, highlighting each stone's beauty and colour. I can imagine Kiki's pieces being worn to a gala dinner, a wedding, a romantic meal, or with jeans and a t-shirt, she has made sure that there is something for everyone at absolutely any age. My goodness, I want them all. 

Some of my favourites are....

The Candy Pink Tourmaline and Green Amethyst. Totally divine.
Peridot, Citrine and Green Amethyst Bombe Ring. Just such a show stopper.
 Lavender Amethyst and Diamond Drop Pendant. Every day glamour and beauty.



Saturday, June 6, 2015

June's Birth Stone - Pearls, Little Treasures From The Water.


Pearls, little treasures from the water.


Gemme Couture, Gemmes and the City Collection: Chocker with South Sea Pearl/ Tahiti Pearl on Diamond Beads; Earrings with South Sea Pearls and Diamonds
 
June’s birth stone, Pearls, are quite possibly the most versatile gem stone. With a beautiful array of colours, they possess the ability to suit every age and skin colour.
It is a gem that can be stunning and hold its own as a centerpiece of jewellery, or become subtle and give just a hint of demure beauty. I personally love how pearls can be adapted to all styles and fashions. They are preppy, bohemian, elegant, modern and of course, classic. Pearls are identified with many cultures, from London’s socialites to the Middle East; Japan and the Philippines, Indian royalty, American classic (Think Jackie Kennedy), the Arabian Gulf which prides itself on its pearls and Tahitian exoticism.
 
Gemme Couture, especially feel an affinity with Pearls, as they are, in a way, the national birth stone of Dubai, Gemme Couture's home. Dubai started its business life as a Pearl port and trading post. The beautiful and adored Pearl was an initial basis to Dubai’s economy, with a rich history in trading understanding them and trading in them.
Due to the world’s ardor of Pearls, natural wild Pearls are now very hard to find. Pearls originate in both fresh and saltwater and are now cultured in both. Their amazing formation and growth is so unique, beautiful and natural, continuously making them such special gemstones through the ages.
Gemme Couture’s pearl inspiration is Bridgitte Bardot

 

Boho pearls on our Pearl style icon, Bridgitte Bardot x
 Gemme Rocks Collection: Tahiti Pearl Bead Bracelets with Diamond Charms
 
Jackie Kennedy, classic pearls
 
As well as their magical conception of growing inside mollusks/shells, I think their beauty and uniqueness derives from the beautiful iridescent phenomenon called Orient, which they all possess, that very pretty almost metallic effect they demonstrate. Their extraordinary wide range of colour and mixed tones of green and rose etc are also so magical.
Natural Pearls form in the bodies, or mantle tissue, of certain mollusks/shells, usually around a microscopic irritant, for example a grain of sand or tiny chip of shell, and always without human help of any kind.

The growth of cultured pearls requires human intervention and care. Today, most of the mollusks used in the culturing process are raised specifically for that purpose, although some wild mollusks are still collected and used.
Cultured pearls consist of:
Akoya – Japan and China both produce saltwater Akoya cultured pearls. They come in a wide range of sizes, from 2mm to 11mm. In terms of their color, they can be white, cream, cream with slight color overtones.
Tahitian – Cultivated primarily around the islands of French Polynesia (the most familiar of these is Tahiti), these saltwater cultured pearls usually range in size from 8mm – 14mm and come in a wide range of shapes from spherical to unusual baroque.  They are famous for their silvery grey to black color but variations exist from silver, cream, grey, black, brown, green, yellowish green, purple with green, blue or rose overtones.
South Sea – Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines are leading sources of these saltwater cultured pearls. Usually 10mm to 15mm in size, usually spherical shapes but can also be semi- baroque, they come in a range of colours from neutral and white, to orange, to purple, with all the array of wonderful overtones.
Freshwater – These are usually cultured in freshwater lakes and ponds. They’re produced in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors. China and the US are the leading sources. A wide range of sizes are available from 1mm to 13mm. They have a huge range of shapes from spherical to heavily baroque. Color wise, they range from white to grey and blue, but are often dyed and so have the widest range on the color spectrum.
Taking their lead from Brigitte Bardot and Jackie Kennedy, Gemme Couture work a lot with pearls and have a beautiful collection.
 
Gemmes and the City Collection: Fresh Water Pearl Necklace and Earrings set with Gold Flower Applications and Diamonds
Pearls are said to aid in inner vision and help improve self-worth. It is believed that the wearer of Pearls is able to see the love of the person from whom the gift was given. Once believed by some cultures to be the tears of God, the Pearl is sometimes referred to as the "Queen Gem" (Diamond being the "King Gem"). The Ancient Hindus included Pearls among the five precious gems in the magical necklace of Vishnu. Traditionally, the Pearl is an emblem of chastity and purity, symbolizing love, success and happiness. These gems were once credited with possessing the ability to reproduce themselves. This quality was attributed to every ninth Pearl, each of which would be placed in a bottle with two grains of rice and left to breed. In very early medical treatments, Pearls were crushed and taken internally in honey or wine to cure a variety of ailments. They were also sometimes dissolved in acid and swallowed to honor a famous personage...Cleopatra did this to honor Marc Antony and Sir Thomas Gresham to honor Queen Elizabeth I of England. Pearls were considered a powerful protective amulet and particularly treasured by divers and fishermen who wore them as protection from the perils of the sea
 Gemmes and the City Collection: Baroque Pearl Necklace and Earrings with Multi-Color Tourmalines
 
Bardot Collection: Necklace and Bracelet with South Sea Pearls and Gold Balls
Enjoy June with Pearls, whatever your style, taste or age.
 
 
 
 
 


Saturday, May 23, 2015

Majestic and Mystical Emerald - May's Birthstone


With its striking bluish green colour Emerald, a variety of Beryl, is both magical and alluring. A Beryl becomes an Emerald depending on how much chromium it contains (its trace elements are both vanadium and chromium). The Emerald colour is so special that specialists and dealers often argue over whether the depth of colour a green Beryl has ,actually allows it to be given the prestige of being called an Emerald.
Adored for Centuries by royalty and clergy, Emerald has adorned crowns and exquisite pieces of jewellery that could only be afforded by the very elite.

The name Emerald originates from the ancient Greek word for green, “smaragdus.” For centuries it has been viewed as the most royal of greens, the greenest of the green, lush and soothing. It is used to describe the beauty of green and the most beautiful of green landscapes, such as Ireland, the Emerald Isle or Seattle being named the Emerald City.

It’s history is truly ancient, having first being recorded as being mined in Egypt as early as 330 BC into the 1700s. Of course the renowned Egyptian beauty and Queen Cleopatra is said to have adorned herself in them. The Incas also prized Emeralds and used them both in jewellery as well as in religious ceremonies. Colombian Emeralds are now known for their unique and precious beauty, often fetching the highest prices. It was the Spanish explorers who initially took Emeralds back to Europe and Asia, which then captured the attention of royalty. Zambia is now the largest producer of Emeralds.

Historically Emerald was seen as so precious that it contained such powers that would allow the wearer to see into the future, protect from evil and reveal an unfaithful lover.

Emerald is the birthstone for May, which is very apt considering its link to lush green and lushness.

For those of you who are romantic, it is the gemstone for twentieth and thirty-fifth wedding anniversaries.

The most famous cut for an Emerald is of course the Emerald cut which demonstrates its colour perfectly. It can however be cut into a cabochon or any other faceted cut.

Gemme Couture, a Dubai based jewellers,  works with all gem stones and sees the exquisite beauty in each one. They highlight and use the colour and individual beauty of each stone they work with, so perfectly.

Some of my favorite Gemme Couture Emerald pieces are the rose cut Emerald earrings, which are delicately surrounded by Brown Diamonds and set in 18K Gold.  These stunning Emerald earrings are designed to be worn with either a ball gown or jeans and a t-shirt. They are just intoxicatingly beautiful and would look absolutely stunning on any woman lucky enough to wear them. If you like a white diamonds and a smaller Emerald, their delicate and pretty Candy Earrings with Emeralds set in Diamonds on 18K Gold are ideal. Just enough Emerald to pop out and more than enough bling to sparkle.
 

 

 
The Gemme Couture Candy Ring with Emerald and Diamonds, which are set in 18K Gold, is so wearable and would be ideal for a beautiful birthday or anniversary gift.



If you are a lady who loves high design and is not afraid to be bold with your jewellery, this Necklace with an exquisitely carved Emerald pendant and Ruby tassels floating out of beautiful little white Diamonds on a long 18K, delicate gold chain is just perfect. I imagine this with a fashionable low cut dress or plain silk top.



For Emeralds which are more fun and flirty, less dramatic, I adore the Gemme Couture necklace with Emeralds, Sapphires and Fresh Water Pearls, which are clustered together beautifully and delicately on and 18K Gold Wire.



 

Monday, May 11, 2015

Paraiba Tourmaline - Exotic Beauty

One of THE supermodels, her style and body are magnificent. So I'll let Naomi and the stunning Paraiba tourmaline's do the talking... Wow!





The Paraiba tourmaline is one of my favourite stones because of its mesmerising colour and of course rarity. I hope one day I am lucky enough to have one.

The images are from Vogue Brazil

Monday, April 27, 2015

Gemme Candy - Gemme Couture

Gemme Couture, Dubai based designers are my gem candy crush!

Like a candy shop, take your pick. 

The Tourmaline, no the Peridot, no the Amethyst, no no the Turquoise. Oh, I want them allll!

@GemmeCouture



Thursday, April 23, 2015

Goddess in Gold

She is my all time favourite Super Model! The 90's models are my favourite, with their healthy and athletic figures, so feminine and strong at the same time.

I love these pictures of Helena Christensen in with a gold arm bangle - heaven sent, perfect beach style.



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3050775/Helena-Christensen-46-poses-topless-credits-supermodel-figure-good-metabolism.html

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Annoushka - Stars and Diamonds

Usually I prefer coloured stones to diamonds but then, while perusing Annoushka's website (a coloured stone lovers paradise), I saw stars! Beautiful Diamond stars no less... Diamond stars, I will be your best friend!

This little Diamond Starfish is so beautiful, elegant, sweet, pretty and with a little bit of funky. I am in love! Starry eyes x


If I was lucky enough to own this Diamond star pendant, I promise I would never take it off. So beautiful xx


http://www.annoushka-jewellery.com/fcp/product/buy-fine-gold-designer-jewellery-online/Love-Diamonds/Love-Diamonds-Star-Pendant/1997
 

Courtney's Yellow Sapphire

My dear friend Courtney is a gypsy soul Yogi, very spiritual and one of those people who, when she says she is going to do something, she does it!

So, when Courtney made a trip to North India and met a wise old Indian man, with spiritual powers, who advised her to buy a Yellow Sapphire ring, of a certain cut, carat and particular saturation, that is exactly what she did. 

Courtney knows I love wondering the back streets of Deira's gold souk, looking at gems, so she enlisted me to help her find a gem dealer and jewellery maker... I took her straight to Jaipur Gems in Deira's back streets. We had a beautiful day.


Fun, fun, fun, searching for Courtney's perfect Yellow Sapphire. Aren't they stunning?!


Beautiful Courtney, trying stones on for size.... learning about inclusions and the benefits of a Sapphire's hardness for every day wear. She designed her own ring.

And voila! Here it is in all it's yellow glory. Like a little ray of sunshine. Beautiful x

Brooke Gregson - I'm in Love

Oh wow! Thanks to Comptoir 102 in Dubai (my favourite place to eat, shop, relax, daydream and catch up with friends - I'm obssessed!), I have just discovered Brooke Gregson! Please go and check her site out.... if you love gemstones, you will love Brooke Gregson, I am sure of it.

 http://www.brookegregson.com/uk/about_brooke_gregson.php

For me, it is her focus on the gemstones and the colours she uses and combines. The designs really seem to enhance the beauty, mysticism and earthiness of gemstones. Brooke Also incorporates Astrology into her designs, which again, I find so beautiful.

It is so refreshing and fun to see a designer using stones such as Moonstone, Opal, Labradorite and Tsavorite, as well as Sapphire's, Diamonds an all the other goodies.


Imagine these beautiful Opal necklaces with jeans and a t-shirt, or a sassy little black dress.


These bracelets are like a little treasure chest of their own - I want them to be adorning my arm please!



Simple, eclectic, elegant and with a hint of Grecian Goddess. Stunning.


You know when you look at gemstones and think of candy/sweets!! I especially love the Labradorite ring here, so beautiful.

Brooke's eye for the colour is wonderful. Ahhhh, enjoy! 



Saturday, March 21, 2015

Cheeky Sparkle

I think I love these glitzy knickers as much as I love this superb ring.

Cheeky Sparkle x


Thursday, March 19, 2015

Jane Birkin - My Style Crush

My new style crush is Jane Birkin... maybe I'm a bit behind.

I love her easy going but tailored style, with its hint of whimsicle boho. I especially love this photo of her draped in jewellery.


Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Gem Candy



A new meaning to arm candy…. For me gemstones and gemstone jewellery are like candy… lots of delicious little sweets and I want them all!

Dubai’s Gemme Couture also have the sweet affect from gemstones and so created the Candy Collection. A collection which beautifully uses all of the Sapphire family, pink, green, pinkish purple, blue and yellow. I especially love the stacking rings.




How pretty are these beautiful sapphires, perfectly complimenting each other’s colour. The gold setting is also gorgeous, presenting them like little pieces of candy to me.

If rings aren't really your thing, the Candy Collection necklace is so gorgeous. I imagine wearing this with a nice shirt or a black top...


Sparkling rose cut Multi-Colour Sapphire Candy Necklace set in 18K gold... Divine! 
My favourite are the Small Candy Rings though. Oh the fun I could have with these.






Have a look at the rest of the Candy Collection at:
 http://www.gemmecouture.com/collections/candy-collection
Enjoy!