Make your outfit stand out from the crowd

The must have gemstone This month I am writing about the one gem that you cannot live without in my opinion. This is going to be a blog series that will continue on different gems that I feel are a must for your jewellery collection. This first blog is about the fabulous gemstone Opal. I […]

History Thursday

The Regent Diamond Jewels can be re-purposed and cut to fit different styles. From crowns to wedding rings. The Regent diamond was discovered in Golconda India 1698 and weighed 426 carats before it was shipped to England to be cut. This process took 2 years and many little stones were produced from the off cuts, […]

November Gemstones short but sweet

Poetry writer I am not I am going to have a go at writing some poetry for the gemstones of November. I will also include some examples from our Etsy shop – SalamanderGemsDesign CITRINE The sun gave you the gift of citrine, Radiant, magnificent, Known as the healing Queen, Darkness will never lay, Intention will […]

Return To Sender ramblings I need to explain what prompted me to write this article. During the month of September, I don’t know what happened to my Ebay account (not Etsy I might add) but every bit of jewellery was sent back to me, which as a seller of mostly antique jewellery is frustrating, especially […]

Etsy Tempting Turquoise

Treasure seekers; its time for some Etsy findings. This time Turquoise jewellery is making its appearance, antique, modern and Native American. Luxyferjewellery Antique Victorian 18k rolled gold & turquoise padlock bracelet c1890, Keepsake, Heirloom, Statement, Jewelry, Jewellery, Boho, Gift, Love £160 Colesvintagejeweller Magnificent Antique Etruscan Style Vintage Edwardian Circa.1900 Turquoise & Seed Pearl Floral Hinged […]

Halloween is coming ………..

Hope Diamond Dimensions Weight: 45.52 carats Dimensions: Length 25.60 mm, Width 21.78 mm, Depth 12.00 mm Cut: Cushion antique brilliant with a faceted girdle and extra facets on the pavilion Clartity: VS1. Whitish graining is present Color: Fancy dark grayish-blue In the pendant surrounding the Hope diamond are 16 white diamonds, both pear-shapes and cushion cuts. The necklace chain contains 45 white diamonds. […]

Symbolism hidden in Victorian Jewellery 1839 – 1901 Part One

Introduction This is just a small introduction to the Victorians and their jewellery as I haven’t included; mourning jewellery, insects and I expect a lot more. So eventually these will have their own posts. If you can think of anymore please feel free to add to the blog, it’s a massive subject and one of my favourite jewellery […]

Octobers 2nd Gemstone – Tourmaline

As you may or may not know I am learning gemology, Tish has been teaching me while I wait for my gemology course, which starts 18/01/18. So I am writing about tourmaline from a complete newbie perspective. So any comments, advice or any mistakes please feel free to point out. I am writing about tourmaline […]

Etsy’s Bowlfull of Opals; one of the gems that is associated with October

Its that time of the week again for an Etsy’s treasury list. Our top ten favourite Opal gem jewellery. We hope through this list you will be able to see the rich varieties of opals and how it used in vintage to modern jewellery. Number 10 KellyKreationsNC Australian Boulder Opal Pendant; Boulder Opal Necklace Wire […]

LAPIDARY KEN HARRINGTON INTERVIEWS – Mystery of the red stones; the beginnings

lapidary ˈlapɪd(ə)ri/ adjective 1.relating to the engraving, cutting, or polishing of stones and gems. noun 1.a person who cuts, polishes, or engraves gems. PART ONE Ken and Tish have known one another for many years, he is the lapidary that owns the Physical shop; Salamander Gems located in Ipswich. He has been in the business […]