Saturday, January 31, 2015

Amethyst - February's Birth Stone



Worn and adored for centuries, especially by the clergy and royalty, Amethyst is part of the Quartz family, related to Rose Quartz, Citrine, Smokey Quartz and forming part of the more unusual Ametrine. Amethyst is fairly abundant and therefore often overlooked and sadly not always given the praise and prestige it deserves.

Some of us however, recognize the beauty and elegance of its Purple, through to violetish purple colour, which is both feminine and almost mysterious.  Mainly found in Africa and Brazil the Amethyst gem can vary in its saturation, from a very pale almost clear purple to a very deep reddish purple adding to its versatility, making it so much more fun to work with from a design point of view and appealing to a wide range of clientele.

Once seen to be as precious as a Ruby, Amethyst was viewed in Greek Legend as being associated to Bacchus, the God of wine, due to its deep purple colour, it was seen to protect from the perils of drinking too much wine. Others viewed it as a stone which ensured its wearer was clear minded, sharp and wary of seduction, so ideal for those working in business, under a lot of pressure or trying to keep clarity while making important decisions. It is essentially a healing stone that looks after your head and mind, also seen as relieving insomnia and ensuring pleasant dreams.

On the Moh’s scale, which measure’s its hardness it is rated as a 7, meaning it is hard enough to wear often and can be used in rings and as a charm on a bracelet.

Gemme Couture love to use this stone, as it is beautiful, versatile, elegant but also it is a stone that can be afforded by both Royalty and those who love gem stones but perhaps have less to spend than a royal.

My favourite Gemme Couture piece, which uses Amethyst, is the Petite Friendship Bracelet, so delicate and pretty…. This bracelet is ideal as a gift to a friend or sister (who wouldn’t love to receive one of these). It is also perfect as a gift for oneself.

 http://www.gemmecouture.com/

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Antique Love Story...

One of the most beautiful things about antiques are the mysteries and stories that lye behind them. When I see antique engagement rings I wonder about the love story attached to them, who chose the piece and for who? What was their story?

I found this picture on pintrest: Vintage Engagement Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Surrounded by Unusual Macle Cut Diamonds

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Pink in Love

Everyone knows and loves blue sapphire's but their siblings are just as beautiful, especially pink sapphire's!!! their beautiful, deep, pastel purplish, pink colour is elegant and flirty... the perfect stone for love : )
 
I found these strands of pink sapphire's at the International Jewellery show in Dubai... so in love and wishing I could have bought some of them x

 

Monday, December 15, 2014

Ruby Drops

My newest little purchase... Little drops of ruby. Love.
 
 
Their deep pinkish purple colour and array of inclusions are so pretty and alluring. I think I'll put them with pearls?

Sunday, November 16, 2014

My Silver Jewellery Tray

I love this little silver jewellery tray. It is silver, it is engraved beautifully and it is perfect for holding my jewllery, when I take it off at the end of the day. The sight of my jewellery and gems placed in this little tray makes me smile..... pretty things in life x

Citrine, Turquoise and Labradorite nestled between Indian gold and silver.

Rubies and pearls this time... with some pretty coloured dyed beads



 Up close, to admire the design x

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Feeling Inspired by my Indian Gold

Sometimes just the sight of my Indian jewellery is enough to inspire my style and mood for the rest of the day... Love this combination x

 

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Pretty Crucifix

I love the Lebanese girls style, they always have a cool twist on tradition and femininity...






 

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Like a Star

Some times the prettiest things are the most simple, no?

 

Friday, June 6, 2014

Poppy Love

My new, favourite girl to follow, in terms of style, is Poppy Delenvigne. She is so sweet, fresh and individual. I love her boho/chic London style.

 This little style queen just got married and unsurprisingly I love her engagement ring. Vintage looking, beautiful use of colours and so classic xx


Saturday, March 22, 2014

Beyond Extravagance

This article in Arabian Knight, about a new book on a private jewellery collection was fascinating. Seems the Qatari Royals share my love and appreciation for Indian jewellery and jewellery design!  Amazing pieces!










 
Amazing craftsmanship and design !
 

Indian Design - My Love

Indian jewellery design is so pretty and intricate, it is with out a doubt my favourite!



 

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Rings on Her Fingers

Rings are really becoming the jewellery accessory of choice, all the super stylish girls are wearing a variety of pretty, fun and sexy rings. This jewellery loving girl certainly know how to express her style and love of jewellery, all her own designs too!

 

Opal Love

I never used to like opals but have recently started to appreciate their unique beauty and diversity. I love this ring, which the owner designed... very pretty!

 

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Indian Ruby and Diamond Ring

Indian jewellery design is my absolute love, when it comes to jewellery. The pretty, delicate and intricate designs and the use of colour are just so beautiful, exotic and always so original, they just captivate me, every time.

I met a girl last night, who inherited this beautiful ring from her late mother, who had received it as an anniversary gift from her husband. Not only are its diamonds and rubies arranged in such a beautiful way, in the intricately designed metal work, it has  so much meaning to its owner.... truly special.


 

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Exotic Jewel

This beautiful picture of Kate Moss, in a shoot for Vogue called cast away, is so beautiful. The pendant on this necklace is just so gorgeous and as exotic as the location.


 

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Jewellery for a Cause

Do you love my new sparkly purple bracelet? It is the height of fashion cool and it supports a very worth while cause in the UAE. I picked mine up in Tips and Toes (the salon), they have all sorts of beautiful and fun colours to try and match with any outfit, and the cost is any donation you would like to make... so fun and so lovely!

 
My pretty new bracelet supports the Dubai Centre for Special Needs x

 

Fabulous Jewellery Blogger - The Jewellery Editor

I have just come across an amazing blog called The Jewellery Editor!
 
Founded by Maria Doulton and her co-founder Christine Pasquier, the blog writes about and includes pictures of the most beautiful, exciting and intricate pieces of jewellery! I have been following the blog for about two weeks and I get so excited every time one of their stories pops up! One can learn so much about jewellery, just by reading this blog.
 
If you love jewellery, you simply must check it out:

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Pearly Queen - La môme bijou

Missed these for my Christmas list this year, but would be keen to get them on next years list... or my birthday list? x

 
 

Friday, December 27, 2013

Rings Galore

I love rings, they make our fingers look so pretty, at any age and there are rings out there for all of us! They say so much, love, glamour, fun, boho, sassy and heir loom.

My beautiful turquoise ring from Opium, my Zoughaib pearl and my newest addition.. my Indian designed 22kt Gold ring - Love x
 

Not my style, but I do love how the fashion for rings in evolving and changing - makes it so much more fun! 
 
 
Love this x

 
 

Monday, December 23, 2013

Perfect Friendship Rings - Zoughaib Rings

Friendship rings, so pretty and so special. I love my little pearl.

 
These rings by Zoughaib are so fun, stylish and dare I say it, cool. Have a look at their beautiful and fashion forward designs http://www.zoughaib.com/#products
 

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Vintage Beauty

I have a very chic French friend, who is very into her vintage style... look at the lovely preseant she received... A 1950's necklace and earrings set, in Turquoise and gold plated silver. Oh so lovely x


 

Monday, November 25, 2013

The Beauty of Nature at CoutureLab

Nature's beauty is captured by one of nature's other beauties, gem stones, in a breath taking exhibition at CoutureLab. Highly desirable and exquisite pieces by Lotus Arts de Vivre and Lydia Courteille have been delightfully put on display for us all to see. The pieces are so skillfully crafted depicting a true love of jewellery, gem stones and the art of jewellery design and craftsmanship.

The Daily Mail have written a piece on the exhibition, I especially love their honouring of Tsavorite. I agree with everything that is said about this precious garnet and it's mystical colour. How wonderful that a gem that is so vibrant with green is used to create these pieces inspired by nature. To me all gem stones are precious, none of them semi-precious. However, I do feel a tinge of jealousy when certain ones are marketed to the mass audience, I want to keep them and their beauty to myself, almost like a beautiful and secret holiday spot that has yet to be ruined and over priced by the mass market.

In all honesty, I had not heard of either designer before reading this article, however, I am now enthralled by them and want to learn more.

Here are some of the stunning pieces on show:






 
I know, simply spectacular. I love the travel and passion that seems to be behind each piece.
 
Here is the link to CoutureLab and the exhibition itself, http://www.couturelab.com/?gclid=CNnqydyR_7oCFfLHtAodRxoA5Q. I'm not in London, so can't visit but you must, if you are there!
 
 

Sunday, November 17, 2013

London's Enchanting Cheapside Hoard

So much has been written about the dazzling hoard of jewels and jewellery found in London's Cheapside, which was discovered during building work in 1912. The jewellery, from the 16th and 17th centuries were hidden in a wooden box, waiting to be rescued one day. The designs, level of craftsmanship and quality of the gemstones have amazed and enchanted so many.

Part of the enchantment, is the mystery surrounding the hoard, who buried it and why? It is thought that perhaps it was a goldsmith who supplied jewellery to wealthy merchants, Royals and Aristocrats. But no one knows why it was hidden? Was it the Civil war, the Plague or the Great Fire of London, what situation was the person who buried it going through?

The gems found are from all over the world from Columbia to Afghanistan and Burma... It is so exciting and gives such an insight into design and the history of London at the time. The designers themselves were also international and the fashion of the time demanded those, wealthy enough, to be draped in gem stones and jewellery - how wonderful!

Colour and design seem to be so important to the people of London in the 16th and 17th Centuries. You can see evidence of the silk route and the travels people were taking internationally. Londoners must have been so intrigued by these exotic and mysterious designs, stones, creatures and colours.

Just look at this Emerald, you could get lost in its depth and colour. Could this have come all teh way from the new world (Columbia or Brazil?)

This pendant is exquisite, so delicate and beautiful!


 
I love this piece, it is so pretty and delicate. The colour of the gems is just so mystical and full of depth. Who wore this, where did the gem come from and what journey did it make... I get butterflies thinking about it.
 


 
The timeless crucifix, perhaps worn by someone high up in the church?



This Scent bottle is so delicate and encapsulates so many jewellery crafts. I just simply adore its design.
 

 
This little parrot is my favourite piece, I'm not sure why, I think it is the colour and the exoticism of it. So cute and yet stunningly beautiful. Parrot's would not be known to many during those days. Again, I wonder where this precious little gem came from, what is its story and who loved it as much as me all those 100's of years ago?