How To Choose The Right Gemstone For Your Jewellery

The joy of jewellery. As well as being lovely to wear, it can secure fond memories of a loved one who gifted it, or a milestone event it was bought to mark. Whether you’re looking for beauty or meaning or both in your selection of jewellery, it’s great to research which precious or semi-precious stones bring the right sentiments for the occasion. And if you’re shopping for someone else, which gem will bring years of happiness to the gem in your life? I’ve seen a huge increase in requests for birthstone jewellery, so saw that as my cue to give some background and traditions around the gemstones I use in my designs…

Amethyst

Amethyst, a popular semi-precious stone, is a purple variety of Quartz. It is February’s birthstone – so a great gift for late Aquarians or early Pisceans. The name is derived from the Ancient Greek word methustos, which means “not intoxicated” and historically was thought to protect the wearer from drunkenness. Nowadays the Amethyst is known for being a natural tranquilizer. It relieves stress, balances and harmonises.

Shop purple amethyst jewellery

Blue Druse or Druzy

Blue Druse or Druzy is an aggregate cluster of crystals on a crystalline body. The tiny crystals offer a high amount of sparkle. Druse Crystals are believed to enhance the wearer’s imagination and creativity.

Shop Titanium Blue Druse Gemstone jewellery

Citrine gemstone

November’s birthstone is warming, energising and is thought to aid the wearer to have openness to new experiences. It’s also a traditional 13th wedding anniversary gift.

Shop handmade Citrine necklaces

Diamond

Diamond, the birthstone for April is the most precious of all gemstones, and the hardest, hence the saying “diamonds are forever”. It takes its name from the Greek adjective adamas, a word used to describe the hardest substance known to men. Diamonds have historically been worn to help the wearer achieve power and invincibility.

Shop Blue Diamond with Opal Doublet Earrings set in Sterling Silver

Emerald

Surely one of the most admired precious stones, the emerald is thought to gift positive feelings to the wearer. It’s the birthstone of the month of May and also a traditional gift for a 20th wedding anniversary.

Shop handmade silver ring with rubies & emeralds

Labradorite

Labradorite, a member of the Feldspar family, is a beautiful mix of grey, iridescent blue and green. It’s known for its reflective trick of light called Labradorescence. This beautiful stone is thought to offer protection and to ease anxiety.

Shop Cubed Labradorite and Silver necklace

Mimbres Picture Jasper

Mimbres Picture Jasper is a maroon and dusty pink gemstone, named after the area it is found in in New Mexico in the US. This is fitting because the cactus-like figures and rolling hills featured in the stone seem to depict the deserts of the legendary old west.

Shop Mimbres Picture Jasper and Silver Pendant Necklace

Opal

The opal is October’s birthstone. It’s name comes from the Latin word “opalus” which means “precious stone”. It’s beauty is enhanced by the quality of reflecting light and changing colour. Opal’s often look very different depending on the angle viewed from and what light is in its environment. Opal’s are thought to promote emotional balance, creativity and passion, as well as helping to release inhibitions.

Shop Blue Diamond with Opal Doublet Earrings set in Sterling Silver

Pearl

One of the birthstones of June babies and a traditional gift for a 30th wedding anniversary. This beautiful gemstone is also popular for bridal wear, and thought to be beneficial for the heart, lungs and kidneys.

I often use freshwater pearls, formed from mussels in rivers, lakes, and ponds rather than from oysters in the ocean. They offer a wider variety of colors, shapes, textures and sizes which is ideal for contemporary jewellery design.

Shop handmade pearl jewellery

White Quartz

White Quartz, also called Milky Quartz, is one of the most abundant minerals on the Earth’s surface. So it’s not a precious stone, but then the fact it is plentiful helps its sustainability factor. It is believed to purify negative energy, and is one of the birthstones for April babies, along with diamonds.

Shop White Quartz necklace with Blue Hematite Beads

Red Amber

Did you know, amber is not actually a gemstone? It is fossilised tree resin found in ancient evergreen trees that are often millions of years old. Perhaps this is what gives them their qualities of offering the wearer strength and a survival instinct. It is also one of the traditional birthstones for those born in November.

Shop handmade Red Amber drop earrings

Ruby

The beautiful red Ruby has lots of heart – it is known as the stone of courage. It’s a traditional gift for 15th and 40th anniversary and July’s birthstone.

Shop handmade silver ring with rubies & emeralds

Sonora Sunset

Sonora Sunset, also known as Sonoran Sunrise, is a Chrysocolla Cuprite stone. Chrysocolla is revered as a healing stone in Native American Indian cultures. It is believed to help strengthen the body’s resistance and bring about calm feelings and balance.

Ring coming soon…

Coral

I know coral isn’t a precious stone, but it is a natural form I love working with, and for good reason. Coral is thought to have healing qualities and to symbolise wisdom and immortality. It is also a traditional 35 year anniversary gift. A great excuse to treat your wife or husband to a piece from my handmade coral jewellery collections.