Many people find amber compelling as it carries so much history. Amber is one of the most popular – and oldest – gemstones. Originally discovered in fossilised tree resin, amber is an organic substance known for its beauty and healing properties.

How is Amber Formed?

Unlike other gemstones that are formed in water or fire, amber is formed in the resin of trees. Resin works like a plaster for trees’ wounds. When a tree becomes injured, resin oozes out of the exposed area to fill the gap. As the resin is exposed to the air and sunlight, it begins to harden. This forms a protective layer that protects the tree from fungi, infection, and some deadly diseases.

Often, insects and plant debris become caught in the resin as it hardens over time. This causes it to fall to the ground or into the water. Over time, the hardened resin gets buried and then over many millennia it succumbs to pressure and heat. This, according to The National Geographic means the following:

“The deeper the resin gets buried over many millennia, the more pressure and heat the resin will end up feeling. Over an extended period, these conditions cause the resin’s compounds to polymerize, or chemically react with each other to form a thicket of molecular linkages. This process yields the hard, glassy material that we know as amber.” Many people are drawn to Amber because of its historical origin and the fact it has bared witness to so many years on the earth.

The Healing Properties of Amber

The name ‘Amber’ in ancient Greek means ‘beaming sun’ and pays homage to the way light pours down from the sky to warm the earth. Much like the healing power of the sun, amber has healing properties of its own that make it a popular gemstone choice.

Absorbs Negative and Stagnant Energy

Nobody wants negative, stagnant energy in their life. Amber is believed to align the body, spirit, and mind to encourage inner healing. This gemstone has a powerful ability to absorb all negative energy that comes your way to ensure you are surrounded by positive, life-giving energy that brings happiness and encourages an optimistic outlook on life.

Because of its ability to absorb negative energy, many people choose to incorporate amber into their bespoke jewellery pieces to ensure they receive the full benefit of this powerful gemstone. Wearing amber in jewellery is a great way to harness all of the stone’s benefits and enjoy the warmth and peace the stone offers.

Reduces Pain in Adults and Children

In addition to absorbing negative energy, amber is well-known for reducing pain in adults and children. In particular, amber has become a popular choice for the treatment of teething pain in babies.

Amber has a wonderful ability to cut through pain in the body and provide a comforting warmth that supports those suffering from physical ailments, headaches, coughs and colds, as well as chronic ailments such as arthritis. Although, the gemstone itself isn’t the healer in this instance; instead it is the analgesic properties of the stone that take the edge off physical pain. Most Amber contains around 3-8% of Succinic Acid and this has been used to alleviate pain for hundreds of years.

The power of Amber allows you to heal from physical ailments more rapidly. Amber allows the body to re-balance during times of sickness and provides much-needed relief for many experiencing discomfort.

Naturally Purifies

Amber is esteemed for its ability to draw pain and disease from a person’s body, as well as absorb negative energies from the mind, spirit, and physical environment. By naturally purifying in this way Amber can stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms and provide the space and environmental reset needed to remove any toxicity from your life so that you can start afresh.

According to Crystalyze, “As a powerful cleanser, Amber purifies the aura by detaching emotional blockages and re-balancing the chakras. Its soothing vibration nurtures self-healing by removing disease and restoring wellness.”

Attracts Healthier Energy

Amber is ideal to wear or carry when you are recovering from a physical illness or injury. This is because Amber attracts healthy energies by drawing on your desire for wellness and strengthening this energy through natural vibrations before sending it back into your system.

Certain to energise you, Amber embodies millions of years worth of energy and wisdom. This can be drawn on to achieve longevity and a renewed energy in your life. Whether you’re feeling sluggish, depressed, or generally weighed down, Amber can help revitalise you and put a spring back in your step.

Deflects Energy from Others

According to Elle Kaplan, “Scientific research indicates that negativity is contagious, akin to a cold. […] Quite simply, no matter how positive of a person you are, negative people can affect your life, unless you take the right precautions. […] Even a small amount of negative brain activity can lead to a weakened immune system, making you more prone to illness, and even lead to a heart attack or stroke.”

If you are struggling to fight off the negative energy of those around you, Amber could be the solution you’re looking for. This powerful gemstone is an exceptional rubbing stone that can be used for deflecting bad energy from other people and relieving feelings of stress and anxiety.

The more Amber is touched, the more it warms. This uplifting current of energy generates a positive aura that strengthens your immune system and helps you deflect against the negative influences in your life.

Associates with the Colour Gold

The colour gold is often associated with the sun, kings, and riches. It conjures up images of abundance and offers a sense of power, security, and happiness.

Amber is a gemstone often associated with gold – and not just because of its colour. Amber is said to reflect many of gold’s attributes, offering a similar radiance as well as the ability to banish darkness. Amber emanates warmth and strength and offers these qualities to the wearer.

Final Words

Amber is a beautiful and powerful gemstone that can add strength and wellness to your life. Incorporated into jewellery pieces, Amber is a popular gemstone choice for many people.

The idea of gemstones bringing good luck has existed for a very long time. People throughout history have believed that different stones release different types of energy via vibrations. These vibrations or ‘energy signatures’ energise the specific role of the gemstone (for example, to bring luck) and allow for it to manifest and become a reality in your daily life.

Wearing gemstones in the form of bespoke jewellery pieces can be a great way of carrying that luck with you wherever you go.

Let’s dive into the 10 gemstones that bring you good luck.

1. Green Jade

Green Jade has been synonymous with good luck for centuries. Considered a highly protective stone, Green Jade has been incorporated into weapons and jewellery and used by many to promote healing. Today, it is incorporated most commonly into jewellery items and is thought to bring the wearer good luck and fortune.

Helps shield you from bad investments
As well as bringing good luck, Green Jade is thought to attract money to your door and protect you from making bad investments. That’s why it can often be found in places of business. Many people also wear Green Jade to job interviews and performance reviews.

Promotes Abundance
Known as the ‘stone of abundance’, Green Jade can help attract wealth, success, and even love to your life. No matter what you’re trying to achieve, Green Jade helps turn your dreams into reality.

2. Tiger Eye

Tiger Eye is a popular metamorphic gemstone that ranges in deep shades of brown, orange and yellow. As the name suggests, it resembles a tigers eye. It is well-known for its ability to ignite a flame of bravery within people.

Gives Strength and Bravery
In Roman times, warriors were thought to have worn Tigers Eye during battle because it helped give them the strength to face difficult situations. It also gave them bravery to fight long and hard in battle.

Experience Positive Transformation
By wearing this gemstone, you may attract good luck and prosperity into your life. Many people believe this is through the gemstone empowering you to be bold and brave in your decisions, thereby opening the door to new and existing opportunities.

3. Citrine

Citrine is a sunny and bright gemstone that is well-known for its good luck properties. A yellow variety of quartz, Citrine famously received its name from the Old French word for lemon. Its warm yellow colour is said to be a gift from the sun itself, making this gemstone the perfect choice for brightening up your day.

Lean into Your Dreams
Citrine is said to encourage fresh beginnings, new dreams, and prosperity. It encourages you to chase your desires and make your dreams a reality. The stone is associated with fortune and wealth, so many wearers hold the hope that by wearing the stone while they pursue their goals they will attract good fortune.

Good Vibrations and Luck
Citrine emits powerful vibrations that help manifest good luck in your life. We all need a little help sometimes and Citrine is a beautiful gemstone that provides the support you need. Named ‘the Lucky Merchant Stone’, this pretty little gemstone helps you to feel optimistic and full of hope about the future.

4. Green Aventurine

Another member of the quartz family, green aventurine, was named after the Italian word ‘a Ventura’ which means ‘by chance’. It is often incorporated into jewellery and is popular among many gemstone wearers and collectors for both its beauty and good luck charms.

Adventure
Green Aventurine is here to take you on an adventure. Everyone wants that sense of adventure and the bravery to try new things. So, if that resonates with you this could be the gemstone you need.

Calm and Good Luck
Although trying new things can be uncomfortable at first, Green Aventurine ensures that all the new things you step out in bring you good luck and prosperity.

5. Clear Quartz

A well-known gemstone and a beautiful addition to jewellery pieces, clear quartz is a popular choice for many. The master healer and a brilliant amplifier of your dreams and desires, this gemstone is a must.

Healing
Often referred to as the ‘Master Healer’, clear quartz is known for its ability to clear the mind of negative thoughts and the body of negative energy. It is thought to enhance higher spiritual receptiveness, support the immune system, and balance the body.

Good Luck
As well as dispelling negativity, clear quartz is thought to attract good luck to the wearer. By clearing your mind and removing negative energies from your body, clear quartz can get to work bringing good luck into every aspect of your life.

6. Garnet

Garnet is a deep red gemstone known for its beauty and ability to bring good luck to its owner. The gemstone can be tracked back at least 5,000 years where it has been celebrated by cultures around the world.

Protection
Garnet is well-known for its ability to offer protection against negative energy. It has been used in crystal healing for generations and is associated with having a protective, calming energy that supports the wearer and encourages the transformation of negative energy to a positive state.

Luck
For those who feel pretty short-changed when it comes to good luck, the garnet gemstone could be the answer. Garnet is synonymous with luck in riches, love, and passion. It helps put you on the path to success and can send positive energy into the universe that entices good luck to return to you.

7. Malachite

Nearly every civilisation in history has been fascinated in some way by the Malachite gemstone. This beautiful gemstone with its green swirls signifies transformation and positive change. It’s a popular gemstone for many as it brings the wearer a promise of new growth.

Luck
Malachite is thought to have good luck properties. Whatever you want to achieve, wearing the malachite gemstone can help you achieve it.

Courage
We all need to be more courageous at times. But that can be difficult. This stone brings courage to the wearer, giving you the confidence you need to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.

8. Peridot

Peridot is known as the money stone. It brings good fortune to all those who possess it and is highly popular among those searching for good luck. A lime green colour, Peridot makes for beautiful jewellery and is one of the few gemstones that is only one colour.

Helps You Think Differently
If you want to find success in your life, it’s important to think differently. Peridot helps to clear away obstacles in your thought life and fine-tune your mind to focus on achieving what you really want.

Brings Good Fortune and Money
We could all do with good fortune and money. Gemstones like Peridot attract these positive things and dispel negative energies so that you can stay on the right track.

9. Rose Quartz

This beautiful and famous gemstone is well-known all over the world for its stunning cotton candy colour and dates back as far as 7,000 B.C. It was often used by women to clear their complexions. Today, rose quartz is popular in jewellery or as decoration in homes and offices.

Opens Your Heart to New Possibilities
Often, we miss out on good things in our lives because we’re not open to receiving them. Rose Quartz helps open your heart to radiant energies, reminding you to be brave and open up your life to new and exciting possibilities.

Achieve Success
When your heart is open and you are willing and ready to accept good things into your life, you will achieve success. Rose Quartz makes you ready to receive abundance and in doing so prepares you for the waterfall of good luck and fortune to come.

10. Amazonite

Known as the harmonizer gemstone, Amazonite is considered one of the best crystals for good luck – particularly in the area of relationships.

Good Luck in Relationships
Amazonite serves as a good luck charm when it comes to relationships. It helps open your heart and mind to new possibilities and attract the right people into your life.

Good Luck
If you want to succeed in business, Amazonite can serve as your good luck charm. This precious gemstone attracts new business and financial ventures that can help further your success.

Final Words

There you have it; the top 10 gemstones that bring you good luck. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or you want to hone your gemstone skills, we hope our list helps you attract more luck into your life.

When you think of a sapphire, you think of a richly coloured blue gemstone. But, what many people don’t realise is that September’s birthstone gemstone (also used for the 45th wedding anniversary) are available in a wide selection of colours – from pink and yellow to white and that classic royal blue that we know and love. In this blog, we’ll explore the rainbow of colour options that sapphires come in, along with the types of jewellery that sapphires are well suited to and the rarity of each hue.

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What are sapphires?

Sapphires are one of the ‘Big Three’ gemstones, along with emeralds and rubies, and they’re naturally formed from a mineral known as corundum. Sapphires are popular for their rich colour and have been used for centuries by royalty and the wealthy, making them one of the most sought-after gemstones. These gems almost always have some form of inclusion or flaw, and if you have a completely unmarked, flawless sapphire, chances are it is synthetic. A key feature of sapphires is their colour saturation, as it’s banded it can leave colour striations – whereas in synthetic stones these are often evenly curved, from the grown crystal.

While sapphires can be found in blue, pink, green and other colours, the only colour you won’t find them in is red. This is because gemstones formed from red corundum are what we know as rubies. The trace elements in corundum crystals are what change the colour of a sapphire, changing how the light reflects and refracts. These trace minerals are naturally found in sapphires formed under the earth’s crust millions of years ago.

How are sapphires assessed for quality?

Each sapphire is evaluated in its own right, because there’s currently no global standard for assessing sapphires. In a similar way to diamonds, sapphires need to have good clarity, meaning a lack of flaws or cloudiness, and the colour must be rich, bright and vivid.
Sapphire colours

Besides the classic blue, you’ll find sapphires in a wide range of different colours. Some are commercially sold while others are rarer and as such tend to be collectable.

0.60ct Pear Shape Sapphire & Diamond Solitaire Ring	0.72ct Sapphire & Diamond Flower Cluster Ring	1.00ct Oval Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Ring
£1,195	£1,885	£3,650

 

Blue sapphires

Blue is the classic colour that most people think of when they picture a sapphire, and it’s naturally the most common. Blue sapphires can range from light blue to a more intense blue-black hue, and they’re a favourite for earrings, pendant necklaces and alternative engagement rings.

0.90ct Pink Sapphire & Diamond Solitaire Ring	1.25ct Oval Pink Sapphire & Diamond Trilogy Ring	0.80ct Oval Pink Sapphire & Diamond Trilogy Ring
£1,250	£1,950	£2,250

 

Pink sapphires

Pink sapphires may be light pink all the way to deep fuchsia, and providing that the colour is clear and bright, all of these shades are accepted as genuine sapphire. But bear in mind that there’s a fine line when a pink sapphire crosses into red and becomes a ruby, a colour distinction that’s never been officially declared. With this in mind, if you’re buying a pink sapphire piece, it’s up to you to pick a shade you prefer. Pink sapphires are quite rare, so they can be more expensive.

Yellow sapphires

This gemstone can range from a pale lemon colour to intense tangerine. Experts tend to agree that the golden-orange-coloured sapphires are the best and more desirable, but customers often choose a lighter yellow because they can make for a more affordable alternative to yellow diamonds.

Green sapphires

From pale olive to deep bottle green, green sapphires can come in all shades, but most people who want green gemstone jewellery tend to prefer emeralds for the richer colour. Green sapphires do have an advantage over emeralds, however, as they’re harder and more durable, making them a great alternative if you want something more affordable and long-lasting.

White sapphires

Sapphires can also come in monochromatic tones too, and a colourless sapphire is referred to as a white sapphire. They’re one of the rarest colours of sapphire, and are often used as an accent stone in jewellery or as an alternative to diamonds.

Padparadscha sapphires

Padparadscha is one of the rarest hues of this particular gemstone, and as such it’s one of the most expensive – often seen on the hands of the rich and famous throughout history. They’re a peachy-orange colour and the name refers to a lotus flower. They’re often sold as collector’s items due to how rare and costly they are – in fact, one of the most famous uses of this stone was in Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring.

Star sapphires

If a sapphire isn’t blue, black or colourless, it’s referred to as a ‘fancy sapphire’ – and one of the most prominent fancy sapphires is the star sapphire. This is a unique gemstone that has a characteristic known as ‘asterism’ which is a star-light light reflection that can have a blue, black, grey, pink, white, purple or yellow body. These gems have an earthy, mysterious feel to them that suits all types of jewellery.

0.71ct Rainbow Coloured Sapphire & Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Bridge Style Ring	1.24ct Square Cut Rainbow Sapphire & Brilliant Cut Diamond Hoop Earrings	14ct White Gold Multi-Sapphire Necklace
£2,175	£2,430	£1,425

 

What makes sapphires the perfect choice for jewellery?

Sapphires are incredibly hardy, durable gemstones that are second only to diamonds. For this reason, it’s a wonderful choice for jewellery you want to last, such as memorable pieces, engagement rings and wedding bands. The beauty of sapphires is that, because they come in such a beautiful spectrum of colours, you’re guaranteed to find one that you love. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so whether rich blues are your preference, a pale lemon sapphire or a rich olive green, you can find a sapphire that is flattering to your tastes. Green and yellow sapphires are a unique choice that stands out, or you might want something uniquely feminine and elegant such as padparadscha sapphire.

Final thoughts

Sapphires are elegant, luxurious and sure to stand out in any jewellery piece you choose. From sophisticated drop earrings and colourful pendants to rings, bracelets or unique cufflinks, sapphires make a wonderful addition to any piece of jewellery. This graceful gemstone adds colour and vibrancy to any outfit and looks great on all ages.

For beautiful, high quality gemstone jewellery, please do not hesitate to browse our selection online or visit our store. If you have any questions, you can contact us, and we’d be happy to help.

Peridot jewellery is striking and makes a statement, but it’s also more affordable than other gemstone jewellery. This particular gemstone has been used for centuries in jewellery, as it’s an eye-catching stone that boasts a bright lime-green colour. If you’re considering a peridot piece for your own jewellery collection, or to gift to someone else, read on for our guide on how to buy and what to look for.

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The history of peridot

This green gem has been used in jewellery for thousands of years, with evidence that it was used as far back as the Ancient Egyptian period where holy men would embed peridot into goblets due to the belief that the stone possessed the power of nature. It was also believed that the gemstone could protect against nightmares and evil. Peridot has a history as a healing stone and was believed to promote peace and calmness, warding off negative emotions.

Where is peridot found?

Peridot is mined in several countries, including most commonly in Arizona on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. It can also be found in China, Vietnam, Finland, Myanmar, Pakistan and the Zabargad group of islands in Egypt. It’s not an especially rare stone, but gem-quality stones that demand a higher price are relatively rare. Similarly, pure green peridot is very rare and is almost always mined in Pakistan and Myanmar. Just as with any other gemstone, it can vary in colour and clarity, and this affects the price you pay.

How to buy peridot jewellery

The first step to buying high quality peridot jewellery is to look at the cut quality. Peridot is a truly spectacular stone when it has been cut to a high standard, so look for a well-cut stone that is in a shape you like – there is no ‘best shape’ for this stone, so it’s all down to preference. It’s most commonly cut in an oval or cabochon cut, but you may also see it in round, cushion, baguette or princess cuts.

You’ll also want to look for an eye-clean stone, since this gem often has inclusions. An eye-clean stone will not have inclusions or blemishes that can be seen with the naked eye. Some common inclusions you might spot on the stones are disc-shaped impurities, often referred to as ‘lily pads’, so named because of the shape, or foreign mineral crystals which can appear black within the stone. Always make sure that you buy from a reputable business who will assess the clarity of the peridot before you buy to make sure there are no visible inclusions and that it appears to be of a high standard of stone.

Look for a gemstone with a pure yellow-green colour that’s bright and clear. Peridot works particularly well with yellow gold over white metals, as this brings out the colour of the stone and makes it shine. Depending on the type of jewellery, you may also want an item that is paired with another stone, such as pave or halo diamonds on a ring that can enhance the brilliance of the peridot and create a more eye-catching look.

How to know if a stone is real

Just as with any other gemstone, peridot can often be faked – imitation peridots are made with glass, but luckily, it’s easy enough to work out if you’re looking at a real gemstone or a fake one. To check for an authentic peridot, first check the colour – real peridot has a pure green colour with hints of either yellow or brown. If there are any other colours, it’s likely to be an imitation.

You should also check for a double refraction. Peridot has a very high double refraction, so you’ll see two of each pavilion facet when you look at it closely against the light. Look for inclusions, as a natural stone will almost always include some inclusions. If there are bubbles, it’s likely that the stone has been made from glass and is a fake. Ultimately, if it looks too perfect, it might be a fake.

0.96ct Oval Peridot & Diamond Cluster Ring	Peridot and Diamond Drop Earrings	Victorian Peridot Set Gate Bracelet
£1,375	£740	£1,885

 

Types of peridot jewellery

As the birthstone for August, this gem is a wonderful birthday gift for people born in this month. It can be made into a wide range of jewellery, from earrings and pendants to rings. It’s often associated with purity and calmness, and it was once believed that peridot jewellery had the power to purify the heart of the wearer. Why not choose a pair of pear-shaped earrings encased in white gold that will look timeless and elegant, no matter the occasion. Or maybe you want something unique, like a colourful bracelet paired with pink tourmaline stones.

It’s also becoming an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings, as an affordable alternative to emeralds. The bright colour makes them a great choice for couple’s looking for a change to the classic diamond ring, especially for couples getting married or celebrating an anniversary in August.

How much does it cost?

Peridot is a fairly affordable gemstone, and tends to cost significantly less than rubies, sapphires or diamonds. Often, the price will reflect whether you’re buying jewellery with just peridot gems included or if it is paired with another gemstone such as diamonds, which will make the piece more expensive. You can often find beautiful peridot jewellery for below £500, or in the £1,500 range for items with diamonds included.

Generally speaking, it can be much more affordable, even for jewellery with larger stones, so purchasing statement pieces that look striking and beautiful is more accessible than it may be with other rarer gemstones. Peridot gems that are under 5 carats are usually more reasonably priced, since smaller stones are more easily mined compared to larger, rarer stones which are usually more expensive.

Get in touch

At Cry for the Moon, we provide a wide range of jewellery, including peridot jewellery and stunning vintage pieces. Browse online, visit us in store or contact us if you have any further questions.

As the start of the summer season, June is a special month in itself. But for those celebrating a birthday, it’s even more highly anticipated. There are many ways you can celebrate your birthday, but a common option is to wear jewellery featuring your birthstone. For those with birthdays in June, this is the beautiful pearl.

What are pearls?

Pearls are smooth, hard layers of nacre which have an elegant, lustrous appearance and are commonly used for jewellery. They’re made by a mollusc when an irritant, such as sand or a piece of food comes into contact with it within the oyster shell. The mollusc secretes nacre to protect itself and as these layers build up, a pearl is formed.

While we think of pearls as being round, they can actually form in a variety of shapes, from oval and pear to semi-round or drops. Pearls are also most commonly white and black, but some can have other colours within them such as green, lilac or pink. Pearls are a symbol of elegance and sophistication, and they’ve long been used to create stunning jewellery such as bracelets, pendants and earrings.

Pearls as a birthstone

Pearls are a time-honoured and classic birthstone, with a feminine and romantic feel that adds elegance to any outfit. In its mythological past, pearls were believed to be made from the tears of mermaids or even parts of the moon that had fallen into the sea. Pearls have always been associated with luxury and tradition, and they’ve retained their classic feel even in today’s modern world. A string of iridescent white pearls or a delicate pair of pearl earrings instantly elevates an outfit to make it look more refined.

Types of pearls

Pearls come in two varieties – natural and cultured. Both are stunning options for fine jewellery and it’s the way that they are produced that separates them. A natural pearl can be formed in saltwater or freshwater, and the mollusc that forms it comes from an organism in the water. This type of pearl is incredibly rare, as most natural pearls have already been harvested which makes them very expensive and hard to find. For this reason, most people buying pearl jewellery will be buying cultured pearls, unless they’re buying vintage jewellery.

To create cultured pearls, the irritant (usually a tiny bead) is inserted into the oyster shell manually by a pearl farmer. These, too, can be created in saltwater or freshwater – most freshwater pearls are created in China while saltwater pearls are produced in Asia and Australia. Generally, saltwater pearls are considered more valuable than freshwater pearls.

Varieties of cultured pearls

There are three types of saltwater pearls – Tahitian pearls, Akoya pearls and South Sea pearls.

Tahitian pearls aren’t actually exclusively cultivated in Tahiti but can be farmed in several French Polynesian islands and come from the Pinctada margaritifera oyster. They’re usually black or deep grey in colour and often have a secondary hue as well, such as blue or purple. Tahitian pearls can range from 8 to 18mm in size and are usually round although they can also be found in baroque or circle styles.

Akoya pearls are cultured in the Pinctada Fucata oyster and are primarily harvested off the coast of Japan. These pearls have a beautiful lustre and are smaller than South Seas or Tahitian pearls. Akoya pearls tend to range from 3 to 9mm in size, but they’re prized for their perfectly round shape and incredible colour, making them ideally suited to jewellery.

Lastly, South Seas pearls come from the Pinctada maxima oyster and are produced in the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia and Myanmar. They have a round shape and are larger than the average pearl, measuring from 10 to even 20mm in size. They are a high quality pearl that has a white or golden hue, and a higher level of lustre. Because of their incredible quality and larger size, they are the more expensive option when it comes to cultured pearls.

Choosing pearl jewellery

When it comes to buying pearl jewellery, whether you’re buying a birthstone gift for a loved one to wear each year or it’s an item you’re buying for yourself, there are several options. A bracelet serves as a subtle nod to your birthstone and birth month, while earrings are ideal for everyday wear and will match to all types of outfits. If you want something more classic, why not choose a necklace that shows off the pearls in all their splendour and makes for a wonderful focal point to an outfit.

There are several factors to consider when buying pearl jewellery. Firstly, gauge the level of lustre or reflection the pearl has – the shinier the surface of the pearl, the more appealing it is but also this can mean it’s more expensive too. Secondly, look at the surface quality of the item.
Are there imperfections or blemishes to the surface? The clearer the complexion of the pearl, the more valuable and therefore more expensive it is. Shape and size also need to be taken into account. Pearls that are perfectly round are usually worth more than pearls with an oval or off-round shape. But a different shape may be something you’re looking for, such as in the case of baroque pearls.

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Final thoughts

The style of pearl you choose is up to you, based on the look you’re going for, the budget you have to work with and the type of jewellery you want to buy. You may want a smaller pearl in an oval shape, for example, for a subtler look, or you might want to splash out on a larger pearl pendant for something eye-catching and timeless. Whatever you choose, pearls are a beautiful way to celebrate your birth month and make for a wonderful, memorable birthday gift for someone special.

At Cry for the Moon, we offer a broad selection of beautiful pearl jewellery, from vintage pieces to bridal jewellery. Contact us today or browse our jewellery online.

When choosing a diamond, which of the four C’s should you focus on? With so many diamonds to choose from, finding the right one can be a daunting task. Cut, Clarity, Carat & Colour are all incredibly important to choosing a diamond, so you should have an in-depth understanding of the role they play in this special stone before committing to your new best friend.

Cut

The Cut of a diamond is arguably the most important factor since it’s the most visible feature to the naked eye. Cut refers to the range of proportion sets the stone has, which provide the best return of light and sparkle.

Brilliant, step or antique?

A brilliant cut diamond has many facets which impart an exceptionally beautiful appearance, while step cut has square or rectangular features, so the facets are larger and parallel to one another. Brilliant cut diamonds include round, which are commonly used for solitaire diamond rings, as well as princess, cushion, oval and marquise-shaped diamonds, while step cuts include emerald and Asscher.

Antique cut diamonds refer to the techniques which precede modern-day processes, when diamond cutters would hand-cut diamonds into the desired shape and dimensions. Vintage diamonds are therefore less brilliant but emit a more romantic glow compared to a modern cut diamond, evoking the charm of the era in which they were created. This means that a vintage diamond will be held to a different standard to a modern cut.

The importance of Cut

The higher the quality of Cut, the more a diamond will sparkle and reflect light. Regardless of other factors, such as clarity and colour, if a diamond has been cut poorly it could appear dull. But a well-cut diamond, even one of slightly lower clarity, will still sparkle and scatter beautiful light patterns.

An ideal Cut diamond will interact with light in exceptional ways to create incredible visual effects, including fire, which is the scattering of white light into a rainbow of colours, and scintillation – the pattern of light and dark caused by reflections in the diamond. When choosing a diamond engagement ring, the right Cut can make all the difference to the jewellery’s appearance.

Cut grades

The Cut grades for diamonds range from Poor, Fair and Good to Very Good, Excellent and Ideal, and it’s recommended that when choosing diamond jewellery, you opt for either Very Good or higher for the best appearance and superior brilliance. Diamond Cut incorporates several factors, including symmetrical facets, angles, proportions and finishing details, which contribute to its overall aesthetic quality.

Clarity

The Clarity of a diamond is a metric which grades the visual appearance of the stone. A diamond with fewer inclusions and blemishes will have a higher clarity grade, and this naturally increases the price. However, it should be noted that not all of the imperfections which influence a diamond’s Clarity grade are visible to an unaided eye, and inclusions aren’t always significant enough to impact how a diamond looks to the casual observer.

Clarity grades

The larger the diamond is, the easier those imperfections will be to spot, which is where Clarity becomes more important. Grading for Clarity ranges from Flawless to I3, and the grade a stone is assigned will determine whether the inclusions can be seen easily or with some effort, or whether magnification is required to see them.

We recommend choosing a VS2 or SI1 grade for a brilliant cut diamond, or VVS2 to VS1 for a step cut diamond. Brilliant cut diamonds tend to hide inclusions more effectively, so if you’re opting for a step cut diamond, you may want to move up one clarity grade.

Carat

Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, rather than its size. When combined with the Cut, it can determine how large the diamond appears because of how much it will sparkle – a higher cut yet lower carat diamond will appear larger because the sparkle and light reflection will be so much more prominent.

While there may be imperceptible differences between some carat sizes, the price differences can be significant, so this should be factored in when choosing a diamond. Carat should be the last consideration when you’ve chosen the Cut and Clarity, as these two elements can alter how a particular carat appears.

Colour

Last, but by no means least, one of the most important and most visible to the naked eye is the colour of the diamond. Coloured diamonds are a separate category, but for white (or colourless) the jewellery industry adopted an alphabetical scale that ranges from D-Z – with D at the top. The further down the alphabet the grading, the further away from white or colourless the diamond becomes, as it develops a yellow or brown tint.

Colourless

• D
• E
• F

Near Colourless

• G
• H
• I

Slightly Tinted

• J
• K
• L

Whilst comparisons between diamonds far apart in the scale could be more obvious the the naked eye, it is not quite so easy when they are more closely separated. For instance, to determine the difference between D & G is very difficult. With that in mind, and the fact that D are so rare, it’s worth bearing in mind that a G diamond could save you up to 40% compared to a D.

Unless compared side by side, the majority of the scale will appear white under most lights. H grade diamonds are considered to be in between colourless and near colourless, and can again be a good value option when weighed up with the other considerations, as any slight tint would only be visible side by side a higher grade.

The impact of the wearer and setting

Another consideration to make when looking at carat size is the finger size of the wearer. For someone with a smaller finger size, a smaller carat diamond can still appear relatively large. Setting also affects which carat to choose, since larger carat diamonds, such as 2 carat or above, may require a particular style. For diamonds graded J,K or L, it would be advisable to have them set in rose or yellow gold to better disguise any slight colouration.

Choosing the perfect diamond

Do your research when choosing a diamond, based on your available budget, the shape and colour you or the wearer prefer, and the setting of the jewellery. Lighting is also a valuable tool in helping you decide which diamond you would like. Since a diamond has a highly reflective surface, light can impact how it appears, so it’s recommended that you view the diamond in three types of light – diffused, spot lighting and a combination of the two.

Diffused lighting, common in commercial settings, shows the pattern of light and scintillation of the diamond more clearly as there are fewer flashes of colour. Under spot lighting, LED lights or even direct sunlight, you’ll see much more fire, so this is an effective way of seeing how the diamond performs under bright lights. Finally, a combination will deliver the most pleasing visual outcome as you’ll see the pattern of the diamond more clearly along with the sparkle and fire of the stone.

Cut should be the priority when choosing a diamond, followed by the clarity & colour – and finally the carat, since the latter is impacted by the former. Together, these three elements will produce a beautiful diamond that delivers incredible appeal.

	Round Brilliant From just £685
	Princess From just £1,875
	Cushion From just £1,950
	Oval From just £1,150
	Pear From just £1,265
	Heart From just £1,265
	Marquise From just £2,250
	Emerald From just £1,265

View our extensive diamond collection

To see the collection of diamonds Cry for the Moon have available, please don’t hesitate to contact us or visit us in store. Our friendly team will be on hand to show you the beautiful pieces we have in our collection and answer any questions you may have.

With its beautiful blue colour and dazzling shine, it’s little wonder that Aquamarine has long been a popular choice for gemstone jewellery. Surrounded by myth and legend, with a long and winding history encompassing healing powers and romance, aquamarine is a timeless addition to any collection. And, as the birthstone for March, it’s not only Aquarians and Pisceans who are attracted to this stone…

Aquamarine Origin

A naturally occurring gemstone, aquamarine’s main mining locations are South America, Africa and some parts of Asia. It is most common in Brazil, but can also be found in Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan and Zambia.

Belonging to the Beryl family of gemstones, it is closely related to emeralds and morganite, though remains distinct for its clear blue colour.

History of Aquamarine

Taking its name from the latin ‘aqua’, meaning water, and ‘marina’, meaning of the sea, it’s easy to understand where its reputation as the gem of the sea originates.

Ancient Aquamarine

Dating back as far back as the Ancient Romans and Greeks, Aquamarine has held its place throughout the centuries as a much admired stone. Unofficially dating back even further still, it’s also been aligned with the ancient Gods – with stories claiming that the God of the sea himself, Poseidon, is made from it!

It is said that the Romans looked to aquamarine to help foretell the future, and turn enemies into friends. Later, in the Middle Ages, aquamarine was rumoured to protect from poisonings, which was a common concern of the time.

Gigantic gemstones

The largest aquamarine ever weighed in at a staggering 110kg, or 243lbs, and was found in Brazil in 1910. When this was cut down to smaller, faceted (or many sided) stones, they collectively weighed over 100,000 carats – that’s a lot of rings!

In the 1980s, the world’s biggest faceted aquamarine was found. Known as ‘Dom Pedro’, it is over 10,000 carats (10,363 to be precise) and is held at the Smithsonian National History Museum in Washington D.C..

Aquamarine in jewellery

Records date that aquamarine has been used in jewellery since around 500 BC. Its affiliation with the sea, aside from the aforementioned reputation and name, also comes from the fact it was worn by sailors, travellers and Naval officers as a talisman for safe seafaring, to protect against being shipwrecked and to ward off sea sickness.

Source: The Court Jeweller Pinterest

Aquamarine and Royals

Alongside its beauty, aquamarine’s protective qualities mean it’s a stone that’s been favoured by rulers and Royals for centuries. Many of those in positions of power have purchased aquamarine jewellery over the years.

It’s included in the Czech crown jewels, and even Queen Elizabeth II has an aquamarine parure, or set of matching jewellery. Given to her by the Brazilian government, as a stone so associated with the country, as a coronation present in 1953. So fond of the colour and clarity, HRH later had more aquamarine pieces added, including a tiara.

The Lover’s Stone

Aquamarine is often considered to be a lover’s stone. In Buddhism and Christianity, aquamarine is believed to promote a happy marriage. And, those of you who have been married for 20 years or more will recognise that it is the official listing of the 19th wedding anniversary.

Keeping tradition alive, Prince Harry gave his new bride Meghan Markle his mother’s emerald cut aquamarine gold ring on the day of their wedding.

Aquamarine is a perfect ‘something blue’ for your Big Day, and we are seeing more couples are opting for it as a unique engagement ring, and an alternative to clear diamonds.

Healing Qualities of Aquamarine

Throughout history, aquamarine has been favoured for its healing properties. In modern crystal healing practices, this stone is still widely used.

Due to its clarity, aquamarine has been used to clarify perceptions, sharpen the intellect and clear any confusion. Its relationship with the sea means it has long been associated with relaxation and soothing fears.

Aquamarine is linked to the throat Chakra, so it can help to encourage communication and is believed to help to soothe sore throats.

Aquamarine & Diamond Tennis Bracelet	Aquamarine & Diamond Three Stone Ring	Emerald Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Stud Earrings	Briolette Aquamarine & Diamond Pendant
£2,895	£3,300	£1,050	£9,850

Why choose Aquamarine for your jewellery?

Is aquamarine right for you? Well, as a stone steeped in history and healing properties, it’s also a pretty good investment too. Based on a 2019 study, it is estimated that some £15bn worth of aquamarines are sold commercially each year, with a 75% female share of the market female, though there has been a recent rise in male wearers.

Although not classed as precious officially (only Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds and Sapphires are technically classified as precious), it is a semi-precious stone. Unlike its precious cousin, the Emerald, this means that aquamarine can be a more affordable option that doesn’t compromise on style or size.

As with any gemstone, it is important to consider the four Cs – colour, clarity, cut and carat – when choosing your aquamarine jewellery. For cut and carat, look for the shiniest and the biggest you can afford. With colours ranging from deep blue to greenish-blue, the deeper the blue, the better the quality of the stone.

Cry for the Moon Aquamarine Jewellery

With such a vast history and striking colour, we’re big fans of aquamarine jewellery at Cry for the Moon. From engagement rings, and wedding jewellery to cocktail rings and statement earrings.

If you’re looking for a March birthday gift, ‘something blue’ for a bride-to-be or just a new piece for your own collection, please feel free to get in touch or visit us in our Guildford shop.

We are often asked “what is the best or most popular shape of diamond?”

Through longevity, this has to be a modern round brilliant cut. Ever since Marcel Tolkowsky originally developed the modern round brilliant diamond, it has been modified and perfected over time. However, the diamond industry still uses Tolkowsky’s model as a guide of for the “ideal cut”.

Diamond Cuts

Round Brilliant Cut By far and away the most popular cut, accounting for more than half of all diamonds sold.A timeless classic, with sparkling brilliance showcasing the life and beauty of the world’s favourite gemstone.

Other cuts include:

Princess Asscher Pear Radiant Marquise Old Cut

Emerald Heart Oval Baguette Cushion Trillion

Of these cuts, Ovals & Pears are currently the in vogue and on trend. However, Princess, Asscher, Radiant and Cushion are also up there amongst the most popular choices. The square cut diamonds use more of the rough diamond, whilst a round cut can waste around 50% of the original material. In contrast, a square uses around 80% and also will weigh more than a round cut that has the same dimensions.

	Oval Cut Oval cut diamonds have the same makeup as round brilliant cut diamond with the same number of facets, and from side view appear almost the same. One big difference, referred to as ‘the bow tie effect’, where the cutting of the oval shaped is too shallow. This can display a small dark area in the center, which looks like a bow tie. Better cut ovals will not show this feature.
	Pear Cut Pear cut diamonds have become extremely desirable, and with a fine halo surround they particularly lend themselves to drops on earrings and pendants. These have been one of the most popular and highest selling products for at Cry for the Moon over the past few years. Originally developed some 700 years ago by Diamond cutter Lodewyk van Berquem, this unique cut of stone often causes much debate on which way it should be worn on the finger.
	Heart Cut Heart cut diamonds. A timeless symbol of love, a heart shaped diamond is a unique, special alternative to the more common diamond cuts. Heart shaped diamonds make up only a tiny fraction of the total number of diamonds sold every year, making a heart shaped diamond a unique, rare and special choice.
	Marquise Cut Marquise cut diamond is an elegant, elongated cut, and has the appearance of a larger stone when compared to other cuts. The wearer’s finger can appear longer and more slender with this cut, which is based largely upon the cut and facets of a round brilliant cut diamond.
	Emerald Cut The emerald cut was typically used to cut emerald stones, but is now a very popular cut for diamonds too. Consisting of 57 facets and boasting an elongated rectangular shape, the cut-off corners is said to display a calm beauty, instead of the brilliance and sparkle of round and cushion diamonds. You’ll see flashes of light in the emerald cut due to its linear, straight facets. A ‘Hall of Mirrors’ due to the flat open window. Only very clear and white diamonds are used for emerald cuts.

Other cuts and diamond shapes not listed include: baguette, tapering baguette, kite, bullets, trillions lozenge, bullets, eight cut, trapezoid and half-moons. These cuts are often used as side stones to accent a central larger diamond and not often seen alone. Each of these are generally purchased as pairs of stones, and the cost of cutting them is higher than many larger stones.

Old European Cut Old European cut diamonds and transitional cut diamonds can still be cut today, but most are found in jewellery dating back from 1940s or earlier. The old European cut was starting to be uniformed, with new technology and modern polishing developed from the early 1930s. These cuts can appear like modern rounds, but with perhaps less finesse than one cut with today’s methods. We personally love this cut as each diamond has a unique characteristic and an individual feel.

A selection of our diamond cut engagement rings

	Round Brilliant From just £685
	Princess From just £1,875
	Cushion From just £1,950
	Oval From just £1,150
	Pear From just £1,265
	Heart From just £1,265
	Marquise From just £2,250
	Emerald From just £1,265

View all of our diamond range

If you’d like to see more of our collection than we currently have on the website, please don’t hesitate to contact us today or come and see us in the shop. Our friendly team would love to help, and show the other pieces in our stunning diamond jewellery collection.

A gemstone steeped in history.

Amethyst: the birthstone for February and the 33rd wedding anniversary. An intoxicatingly rich, purple gemstone that has long been a favourite of Royals & the Church.

The name Amethyst comes from the Greek – méthystos (“intoxicated”), and have long been the subject of legend and myth, including perhaps the most famous – concerning mental health.

In Greek mythology, a titan named Rhea gave the god of wine, Dionysus, an amethyst to help preserve his sanity. In fact, this myth led the ancient Romans to believe that amethysts could keep them from getting drunk.

A variety of quartz

Amethyst was as expensive as Emerald or Ruby until the 19th Century when large deposits of it were discovered in Brazil and is now found in numerous countries, most notably Siberia, Sri Lanka and Brazil. Of all examples of amethyst the Deep Siberian is the most coveted and as such valuable. What sets the Deep Siberian variant apart is its rich purple hue, coupled with secondary blue and red hues.

The gemstone is a purple variety of quartz that is found in many locations around the world and forms as terminated crystals of all sizes inside geodes, clusters and as long single terminations.

Famous artefacts

The Delhi ‘Sapphire’ – is actually an Amethyst. It was incorrectly identified in the nineteenth century. It is said to be cursed since it was looted from a temple in Kanpur, India, during the bloody Indian Mutiny of 1857. It is now in the collection of the Natural History Museum in London.

The Tiffany Amethyst Necklace. A 56 carat square cushion cut Amethyst delicately surrounded by vines, leaves and grapes, designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, circa 1915. Procured by George F. Kunz, chief gemologist at Tiffany’s at the time. It is a much larger and of higher gem quality than any others in the National Gem Collection from this Russian locality. It was then generously donated to the Smithsonian in 2007.

View our collection

The famous gemstone has been used in jewellery for centuries, and being a durable gemstone it can be used to form all types of jewellery. Ranging in colour from a subtle pale pastel to a gorgeous, rich velvety deep purple they can be easily set in all types of metal.

View more earrings, rings and pendants in our Amethyst collection. including:

Victorian Amethyst & Seed Pearl Necklace

Victorian 15ct gold amethyst and seed pearl necklace. Four Amethyst 2 smaller squares, 1 pear shape and larger rectangular measuring 12mm x 7mm with 24 seed pearls surround.

Price: £1,950

3.18ct Amethyst & Diamond Ring

Or alternatively this modern rectangular cushion shape, with chequerboard facets, 4 claw set in 18ct white gold, with 10 small round brilliant cut diamonds set on stepped shoulders 0.19ct total weight.

Price: £1,325

Contact us today

If you’d like to see more of our collection than we currently have on the website, please don’t hesitate to contact us today or come and see us in the shop. Our friendly team would love to help, and show the other pieces in our stunning gemstone jewellery collection.

When choosing a diamond, should you ever buy without a certificate?

Well, we could argue both yes and no.

Are all certified diamonds better quality than those not certified? No. Many lower-quality diamonds can be independently sold with a certificate, whilst others (for many reasons) will not. These aren’t necessarily inferior to those that are certified, just that they don’t have a laboratory’s printed out statement of their opinion.

We at Cry for the Moon have both, and we happily buy new and pre-owned certified and non certified diamonds.

It’s a much discussed subject, and as such, there are many different opinions surrounding it. The majority consensus is that you should purchase diamonds with a certificate, and that it should be GIA or HRD. It’s also often stated that certain laboratories should be avoided as they aren’t terribly accurate at best, and misleading at worst. Many jewellers provide and/or produce their own in-house variations, including none other than Tiffany’s… so it must be correct, right?

What is the standard?

Well, there is in fact no internationally recognised standard – and more importantly – no one body that regulates the independent labs for verification of grading quality. We aren’t suggesting that the laboratories are wrong, but a study published in July 2013 (page 74-75), by the NAG (National Association of Goldsmiths) and Gem-A (Gemology Association of Great Britain) (page 74-75) found great variations in the grading. Seven previously graded GIA diamonds were sent to six independent UK labs for certification, and the results were quite alarming. In many cases, both the colour and clarity results varied by a number of grades – which would likely alter the price by 20-25% at retail.

Perhaps GIA had graded some of the diamonds to a better standard now than they had 20 years ago, suggesting a softening in the required standard, or perhaps it is that the grading is slightly subjective, with the human factor not allowing 100% accuracy. Let’s face it, diamonds tend to speak for themselves – you don’t walk around with a piece of paper around your neck or in your handbag to show off the colour… and as soon as it’s worn it becomes dirty, affecting the colour and clarity anyway.

Where do we buy our diamonds from?

We have, for many years, purchased diamonds direct from our supplier in Antwerp who have their own source of approved, traceable diamonds that have up-held the Kimberly process. Kathy, Stephen & Harry (who choose and buy all our loose diamonds) have over 100 years of experience between purchasing and grading stock. We are extremely confident in our process of assessing and grading both new and loose diamonds, and happily supply our own valuation stating an honest opinion of the diamond’s grading.

Another point to bear in mind is that diamonds are graded against other diamonds, so the cut and proportions will affect the stone as much as other factors, which is why it’s very important to physically see the diamond for yourself and make your own decision.Be it certified or not, we have a fabulous range in stock at all times – in many different styles and designs across rings, pendants and earrings.

If you would like to see for yourself, please pop into our shop and ask one of our sales team to show you our stunning collection. Any one of the team would be happy to share knowledge on anything you might like to know – to help you make up your own mind. Buying a diamond should always be an exciting, romantic and pleasurable experience. Contact us today to book your appointment, or simply come in to the shop.

If you’re lucky enough to have been born in March, you’re lucky to have a birthstone as lovely as aquamarine. This beautifully clear, pale-blue to sky-blue stone has a magical appearance of a summer sky, or a clear blue sea. This, perhaps, is why it was a favourite with sailors, believing it would bring them calm seas and oceans.

Aquamarine is part of the beryl family, closely related to both the emerald (which is green), and morganite (a pink / rose gold coloured gem).The colour variations are from the small amounts of chromium in emeralds, manganese in morganite and small traces of iron in aquamarines.

The most sought after aquamarines are often referred to as Santa Maria, in reference to a specific mine in Brazil that produced rich green / blue coloured stone, which is now almost exhausted. Brazil remains the world’s leading source of gem-quality stones, and the stones are still referred to as Santa Maria, even if they are not from this mine.

Found in both pegmatites (within rock) and alluvial deposits, outside of Brazil the leading sources of aquamarines, are:

• Afghanistan
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mozambique
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Russia
• Tanzania
• Zambia

Similar to Emerald

Unlike emeralds, this gemstone is very often extremely clear and free from inclusion. It is also the same hardness on the Mohs scale (7.5 – 8), so it is a durable gemstone for jewellery… as long as it is treated with care, to protect against scratching and hard knocks.

HM Queen Elizabeth II has perhaps one of the most fantastic collections of Aquamarine jewellery. During her coronation trip in 1953 the people of Brazil gifted her a beautiful set of glistening diamonds and aquamarines in the form of a necklace with matching pendant earrings. This set has since been reworked into a tiara and necklace, now with a matching bracelet and earrings. Clearly a favourite, as seen worn in the link above – though perhaps a little too much for everyday wear!

Large emerald cut aquamarines remain popular today, with many celebrities proudly wearing them, including Kirstie Alsop and of course Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex – who has been photographed on many occasions wearing items from Diana’s collection.

At Cry for the Moon we have many beautiful items, including:

Engagement Rings

18ct White Gold Trilogy Aquamarine & Diamond Ring	Aquamarine & Diamond Three Stone Ring	Emerald Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Cluster Ring	Oval Aquamarine & Diamond Cluster Ring
£2,470	£3,300	£2,810	£3,680

Pendants

Aquamarine & Diamond 18ct White Gold Pendant	Aquamarine & Diamond Cluster Pendant	Aquamarine & Diamond Cushion Shaped Pendant	Briolette Aquamarine & Diamond Pendant
£1,650	£1,285	£975	£9,850

Earrings

18ct White Gold Aquamarine Stud Earring	Aquamarine & Diamond Cluster Earrings	Emerald Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Stud Earrings	18ct White Gold Pear Shaped Aquamarine & Diamond Drop Earrings
£375	£825	£1,050	£645

Book an appointment to visit our shop, or order online today.

November has nearly finished now, and as we see the golden brown leaves covering everywhere but the trees from which they fell – I always wonder if that is why the similarly coloured gemstones Topaz & Cirtine are the month’s birthstone. For those lucky enough to have these beautiful stones representing their birth, the bright yellow golden to orange shades perfectly represent the season.

Whilst Imperial Topaz is thought to bring about healing, Citrine is considered to be a gift from the sun.

Citrine

Citrine is so named after the french word Citrion meaning ‘lemon’ with its colours varying from a pale yellow to a rich wine colour. The most sought-after / prized are those described as Madeira Citrine, named after the colour of Madeira wine, and not the Atlantic island itself.

Citrine is found as many different gemstones in many different areas, but Brazil has perhaps the finest and most valuable. A member of the Quartz family and largely similar to Amethyst (they can sometimes be found in the same crystal structure, in the rare occurrence known as ‘Ametrine’ where half is yellow and half is purple), Citrine is also mined in France, Madagascar and the Ural mountains of Russia.

Citrine & Diamond Rubover Set Stud Earrings	Multi Gemstone Drop Earrings	Citrine & Diamond Three Stone Ring
£560	£350	£1485

Referred to as ‘The Merchants Stone’ or ‘Money Stone’, Citrine is thought to bring prosperity and wealth if placed on a table or till whilst making a deal. This, along with its bright orange colour representing the sun are some of the reasons that you see Citrine adorning many Scottish jewellery designs.

As well as representing November’s birthstone, Citrine is also the wedding anniversary gift for your 13th year of marriage.

Topaz

Topaz is a naturally hard gemstone measuring 8 on Mohs scales, in a family all of its own. Although most commonly found in jewellers in a sky-blue colour, this is very rarely its natural colour. Blue Topaz stones can be found naturally, but most are irradiated to add the colour to an otherwise colourless or slightly yellow stone.

The stone can also be found in many other colours, including:

• Colourless
• Yellow
• Blue
• Orange
• Green
• Reddish/Pink
• Golden Topaz
• Imperial Topaz

It is found in deposits around the world, including Topaz mountain in Utah USA, Ural mountains of Russia, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Germany, Czech Republic, Japan, Norway, Italy and Brazil… to name but a few.

Large crystals are not uncommon, and perhaps the largest is the American Gold Topaz weighting in at 4.5kg! It has a total carat weight of 22,892 – one of the largest ever cut gemstones in the world, Mined, in Brazil and took 2 years to cut from an 11.8kg crystal, by Leon Agee in the late 1980s.

Along with representing November’s birthstone, Topaz is also the 4th Wedding Anniversary gemstone.

Golden Topaz & Diamond Cluster Ring

£2,875

We at Cry for the Moon are proud to have some fabulous Imperial Topaz rings in stock, so please Get in touch if you’d like to book an appointment to try them on for yourself.