Ruby The name Ruby is derived from the Latin word ruber which means "Red", ruber was used to describe all vibrant red gemstones. The ancient Romans also used the word carbunculus which means "little coal" to describe all red gemstones, including Rubies, Red Spinels and Red Garnets. During the Middle-Ages the name ruber evolved into the old French word rubeus and then [...]
Emerald The name Emerald is derived from the ancient Greek word smaragdos which translates to "green gem" or "green stone". This word smaragdos itself is likely to have derived from the Persian word zamarat meaning "heart of stone" or it could have derived from the Sanskrit word marakata meaning "the green of growing things". The Greek word smaragdos [...]
Amethyst The name Amethyst is derived from the ancient Greek word "Amethystos" which is a combination of the Greek prefix"a-" meaning "not" and the word "Methysko" meaning "intoxicate". So the name literally translates to "not intoxicate" or "not drunk". This name came from the long-held belief the ancient Greeks had, that this gemstone could [...]
Cleaning and Care of Antique Jewellery Antique jewellery is a beautiful and timeless investment, but it is important to take care of it properly to ensure that it lasts for generations to come. Gold Jewellery Gold jewellery is relatively easy to take care of. To clean gold jewellery, simply allow it to soak in [...]
Sustainability in Jewellery Sustainability in Jewellery is an interconnected process of modern development in order to balance the environmental impact of the world while maintaining the viability of our planet and sustaining the world's population in an ethical manner. Sustainability is a difficult concept to fully understand and is changing daily at present, It [...]
The History of Murano Glass Jewellery Murano glass jewellery has been produced since the 13th century. Originally produced in Venice but due to a fear of fire in Venice, the Hierarchy decided to move the factories to the island of Murano. Murano glass jewellery is also commonly known as Venetian glass Jewellery. The skills [...]
Diamonds Explained: The Antique & Vintage Buyer's Guide The most common types of antique diamonds which you will find on the market today are Old European cuts, Old Mine cuts, Briolettes, and Rose cuts. Old Asscher cuts are available, but they are rare. When looking at antique diamonds, they are assessed using the same [...]
Ring Size Guide Firstly make sure that your finger is at normal temperature, before measuring it. If your finger is cold then it will shrink or if your finger is hot it will expand, giving you an incorrect measurement. To measure accurately you will need a ruler or measuring tape, a pen and a [...]
Modern Jewellery - The 1960`s onwards The Modern Jewellery era, or Vintage Jewellery as it is commonly referred to began in the sixties, which saw a huge sea change in the social norms. There was a widespread rejection of the establishment by a new generation, who ushered in an era of change. There was [...]
Mid-Century Jewellery The term Mid-Century Jewellery generally covers the design style of the 1950s. It received its name in 1984 from a book called "Mid-Century Modern : furniture of the 1950s". Suburban California in the 1950s pretty accurately sums up architectural and interior design of the time. Low flat roofs with lots of large [...]