STONES

 

 

 

 
STARS

African garnet

Garnet has been used as a gemstone since the Bronze Age. It comes in a variety of colours, although deep red is the most popular. Some people believe the Latin name for garnet comes from the word for pomegranate. The pomegranate’s jewel-like seeds are thought to represent garnet, which is the birthstone for January.

Amethyst

Amethyst come in a variety of colours from pale lilac to deep purple. It has been popular since ancient times, when it was often used to make beads. Worn as an amulet, it was believed to offer protection during battles and sharpen the wits. In the past it was thought to protect against drunkenness. Amethyst is the birthstone for February.

CZ stone

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but fortunately there is a beautiful and much more affordable alternative! CZ stone (cubic zirconia) is a hard and optically flawless mineral that is widely used in jewellery. It looks so similar to diamond that only a trained eye can tell the two apart.
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Kingman turquoise

Turquoise has been used to make jewellery for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt 8,000 miners worked in turquoise mines on the Sinai peninsula. During the Middle Ages the Venetians called it ‘Turksea’, meaning ‘Turkey stone’, as turquoise was sourced through Turkey. This is where its name came from. Kingman turquoise comes from the Kingman mine in Arizona. Turquoise is traditionally regarded as a protector of virtue, and is the birthstone for December.

Mother-of-pearl

Mother-of-pearl comes from the shell of the pearl oyster, and has been used to make jewellery since Egyptian times. It is often dyed to give it different colours.

Paua shell or abalone

Paua shell or abalone is used extensively to make jewellery. The shells are found worldwide, but the larger kinds only grow in warmer waters, mainly around New Zealand and off Queensland, as well as in California and Florida.  Paua is the New Zealand name, while shells from along the American coast are known as abalone. They both have beautiful iridescent patterns in green, blue, pink and purple. The temperature of the water affects the colour of the shells.
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Onyx

Onyx is a form of quartz and often has intricately coloured bands, although plain black onyx is found too. It is said to banish grief and bring fortune to its owner. Along with amethyst, onyx is the birthstone for February.

Bangles

Bangles or bracelets are one of the oldest forms of jewellery, and appear in Egyptian paintings and sculptures. There were also important in Greek and Roman culture. Records dating back to 1530 show that King Henry the Eighth had seventeen bracelets, some of which were richly decorated with jewels.

Ruby

Rubies vary in colour from pale pink to deep red. They have been highly prized since early times, and the name for Ruby in Sanskrit translates as ‘king of gems’. The rich colour of rubies led people to a belief that they contained an inner heat which could cause water to boil. Ruby is the birthstone for July.
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Sapphire

Sapphire is the birthstone for September. The colour blue traditionally has a spiritual significance  and symbolises purity.

Dichroic glass

The beautiful colours of dichroic glass are created by incredibly thin layers of metal oxides which are sandwiched within the glass. Dichroic glass was originally developed by NASA, but is now widely used for decorative applications because of its beautiful and unique appearance.

Crystal

Crystal is formed by adding lead to glass, making it much more sparkly than traditional glass and perfect for cutting with facets. Lead crystal was discovered by George Ravenscroft in 1676, and there is a long-established tradition of fine jewellery-making using crystal from across the world.
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Thistle

The thistle has been an emblem of Scotland since at least 1687, when King James the Seventh of Scotland established the Order of the Thistle. This is an order of chivalry or very exclusive club for members of the nobility, and still exists today.

Scottie dog

Scottie dogs, or Scottish Terriers, date back at least 200 years. They have long been a symbol of Scotland and are popular worldwide.

Black cat

Black cats have had symbolic associations for centuries, and most people believe that they are lucky. In Scotland, if a black cat crosses your path, it is considered a definite sign of good things to come. Likewise a strange black cat that stops on your porch is believed to bring prosperity to the household.
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Sterling silver

Sterling silver, also known as 925 silver, is made up of 92.5% pure silver. Pure silver is usually too soft to work with, and adding small amounts of other metals provides strength without compromising silver’s rich lustre.

 
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Aries (21 March to 19 April)

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. Arians tend to take the lead and are outgoing and extrovert. They are self-reliant, adventurous and enthusiastic.

Taurus (20 April to 20 May)

Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac. Taureans are characterised by perseverance and concentration. They are hard-working, patient and reliable.

Gemini (21 May to 20 June)

Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac. Geminis are adaptable and have wide-ranging interests. They are versatile and outgoing.

Cancer (21 June to 22 July)

Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac. Cancerians tent to be sensitive and emotionally tuned-in. They can be cautious, but are also imaginative and resourceful.
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Leo (23 July to 22 August)

Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac. Leos are focused and persevering, as well as generous, gregarious and ambitious.

Virgo (23 August to 22 September)

Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac. Virgos are methodical and conscientious, with discerning tastes.

Libra (23 September to 22 October)

Libra is the seventh sign of the zodiac. Librans are relationship-builders who are co-operative and good communicators. They are optimistic, diplomatic and adaptable.

Scorpio (23 October to 21 November)

Scorpio is the eighth sign of the zodiac. Scorpios are deep thinkers with strongly held beliefs. They are inquisitive, hard-working and good at getting to the bottom of problems.

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Sagittarius (22 November to 21 December)

Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the zodiac. Sagittarians are explorers who are optimistic and enthusiastic. They are flexible and have widespread interests.

Capricorn (22 December to 19 January)

Capricorn is the tenth sign of the zodiac. Capricorns are determined and practical. They have the strength of character to persevere and achieve their goals.

Aquarius (20 January to 18 February)

Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac. Aquarians are innovators who are perceptive and imaginative. They are independent and intuitive.

Pisces (19 February to 20 March)

Pisces is the twelfth sign of the zodiac. Pisceans are compassionate and creative. They are easy-going, sociable and romantic.
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