Entries from January 2007 ↓

This pretty silver butterfly brooch isn’t done justice by the picture but it’s a fine example of a marcasite and mother of pearl brooch set in sterling silver.  The centres of the wings are mother of pearl (often lighter in colour than the picture shows but as it’s a natural material the colour can vary slightly).  The wings are edged with marcasite stones which catch the light extremely well.  The body is silver and is hallmarked to prove that.

The butterfly weighs in at approx 13 1/2 grams and the size is 37mm from head to bottom of wing and 53mm approx from left to right.

The back of the butterfly brooch has a fairly substantial pin so will be extremely hard to get it lost.

See more of the marcasite and mother of pearl butterfly brooch here or go straight to our marcasite brooches. 

Because of their popularity, we have another butterfly brooch here.

Martin

Technorati Tags: butterfly brooch, marcasite brooch, butterfly jewellery, mother of pearl brooch, mother of pearl butterfly

This is a pretty gift to give your valentine and it is an ornate silver heart pendant.  It is inlaid with Mother of Pearl and the front is convex with cutout flowers and vines.  The back of this silver pendant is flat and is of Mother of Pearl.

The size of this pendant is approx 20mm x 25mm and weighs in at 5.1 grams.  It is from the popular designer, Kit Heath, and comes in deluxe packaging as standard.

The pendant to the left shows a silver chain but the price doesn’t include one (many people like to use their own chains) but you can choose one if you wish on the product page.

With the big day coming up, this is a perfect piece of Valentine jewellery.

Martin.

Technorati Tags: valentine jewellery, kit heath, pendant, silver jewellery, mother of pearl

Shown here is a pair of 9ct gold drop earrings.  Made in the Celtic style with flowing lines, they hold an oval of amethyst, the birthstone of february, at the end.

Relatively small and stylish, these gold drop earrings are perfect as a gift for someone born in february and is sure to be well received.

See more of these gold drop earrings here or see our catagory of gold earrings.  For more birthstone jewellery click here.

Martin

Technorati Tags: amethyst, february birthstone, birthstone jewellery, drop earrings, gold

More commonly women are aware of their birthstone then man, simply because women tend to wear more jewellery with their birthstone it in. Even if you do know what your birthstone is it is still unlikely that you will know that the significance of your stone is.

Aquamarine is also known for being the anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage. You can find the majority of this stone in Brazil, Nigeria, and Zambia.

The name aquamarine is made by combining the Latin words water (aqua) and sea (mare). Aquamarine is obviously named for resembling the blue dark seawater. Aquamarine is made up of a variety of minerals that crystallize within the earth’s crust.

Aquamarine can vary is colour from a blue-green to a light blue. For a while the stones that contained green were often heat-treated to get rid of the unsightly colour. Generally aquamarine gemstones are flawless.

It is said that if you dream of aquamarine that this signifies the making of new friends. Wearing aquamarine brings you love and affection. Giving this gemstone offers the gift of knowledge, foresight, and individual inspiration. It also symbolizes youth, fidelity, hope, and health.

When purchasing this precious stone be sure to buy it from a reputable source. This gem can fade upon prolonged exposure to light.

There are many people who believe that aquamarine can help on the dependence of drugs, as an aid in digestion, and can be used as a remedy for swollen glands. Aquamarine is also believed to release anger and negativity and replacing it with mental peace and clarity. It is widely used as an aid in meditation and to help assist in self-expression.

It is believed that the connection with water led to the thought that aquamarine was particularly powerful if immersed in water.

We have more aquamarine birthstone jewellery pieces here.

Martin

Technorati Tags: aquamarine jewellery, birthstone jewellery, march birthstone

The signature February birthstone is amethyst which is characterized by its many variations of purple. When amethyst is subjected to extreme heat it changes colour to a yellow coloured amethyst referred to as burnt amethyst.

Amethyst is made up of several different varieties of quartz mineral. Amethyst comes from the Greek word amethystos which means sober. It is common belief that the name was made after the colour of wine.

You are able to mine amethyst is South American countries that include Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Argentina. You are also able to mine it in African countries such as Zambia, Argentina, and Namibia.

There are a few key locations you can find certain amethyst. In Guerrero, Mexico you can find dark deep purple amethysts, known to be one of the most precious in the world. Also in Vera Cruz, Mexico you can find pale crystallized amethysts that have grown in light coloured rocks.

In Maraba, Brazil the crystal is generally medium or pale colours. These amethysts are commonly cut. In Rio Grande de Sul, Brazil you can find amethyst stones from large volcanic rocks and is generally big.

North Carolina, USA offers some beautiful blue-violet coloured amethysts. Maine, USA used to hold amethysts but they aren’t for distribution any more.

Amethyst is thought to have powerful calming effects on the owner. It is believed to enhance a person’s ability to learn new ideas quicker. It is can help you stabilize you mind and balance of emotional, mental, and physical states.

Amethyst is commonly known for being the gemstone for those who are the zodiac signs Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius, and Capricorn. It also symbolizes the gemstone for the 17th wedding anniversary.

These stones are beautiful and colourful, and for that reason usually pretty expensive. Amethyst has been cherished for quite some time, dating back as far as 25,000 years ago.

Take a look at our amethyst birthstone jewellery pieces here.

Martin.

Technorati Tags: amethyst birthstone, february birthstone, birthstone jewellery

Emerald is the birthstone for May and is known for being the 20th and 35th wedding anniversary stone. Many believe wearing emerald brings you wisdom and growth. This is commonly given as a gift for an anniversary or as a symbol of love and fidelity.

At one point in time emeralds were prescribed for eye diseases because the beautiful colour of green was thought to be quite soothing to the eyes. In fact early stone cutters kept emeralds at their working tables to look at as a way of giving their eyes a break.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR RANGE OF EMERALD BIRTHSTONE JEWELLERY

The ancient Egyptians mined emeralds in the eastern region. In more recent times North Carolina is where the new source of quality emeralds can be found. You can find more emeralds in other areas of America, Colombia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Russia.

Egyptians engraved emeralds with the symbols of spring foliage to represent eternal youth and buried the stones with the dead. The ancient Romans thought emeralds were associated with fertility and rebirth.

The Incas worshiped these beautiful emeralds. In the 1500’s they were invaded by the Spanish Conquistadors who savagely stole their precious gemstones and even raided the mines. Now many of the world’s greatest emeralds are lost at the bottom of the ocean inside Spanish ships.

• Examples of emerald jewellery: emerald earrings, emerald pendant, emerald heart pendant.  All from the May birthstone jewellery range.

Emerald is made up of the Greek word smaragdos which means green stone. Emeralds can vary from a deep blue-green to green hues and some have are a yellowish green. If the colour is too yellow or blue then it loses its emerald title and becomes a different type of beryl.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR EMERALD JEWELLERY

The most beautiful emeralds are most commonly found in Colombia. They are known to have a deep grass green colouring with a highlighting of blue. Emeralds are sure to please anyone as a gift.

Have a look at the full category of our emerald – birthstone of may jewellery here.

Martin.

Technorati Tags: emerald jewellery, may birthstone, birthstone jewellery

By far the most precious and coveted of the birthstones, diamonds are formed deep within the earth where there is enough intense heat and pressure for carbon to crystallize. Diamonds are the main choice for engagement rings. The diamond also symbolizes the 10th and 60th years of marriage.

Diamonds are so beautiful that ancient Greeks believed they were splinters of stars that had fallen to earth. Some even believed that there were tears of the Gods. The exact origin of diamonds is a mystery to scientists and geologists.

See our April birthstone jewellery here

India is thought of as having the first large source of diamond mining. Ancient Hindus called the diamond Vajra, meaning lightening because of the sparks of light that it emits as well as its incredible strength. By far the most beautiful stone on the planet, it is also known as the hardest substance in the world.

Diamonds are found today in Australia, Botswana, Russia, and South Africa.

For quite some time diamonds have been known for having certain medicinal properties. In the middle ages gemstones were thought to heal illness if the person took the diamond in their bed with them.

It is believed that Cupid’s arrows were tipped in diamonds so it makes sense that over the years this beautiful stone has gotten a reputation as being the gift of love.

Diamonds used to be reserved for only royalty and others who were entitled to their symbolism of strength and courage. In 1477 Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy and set a tradition of diamond engagement rings.

Interestingly enough early Egyptians believed that the vena amoris also known as the vein of love ran directly from the heart to the third finger on the left hand.

Giving a diamond for any reason is sure to be appreciated.

Have a look at more of our diamond jewellery.

 Martin.

Technorati Tags: diamond jewellery, april birthstone, april birthstone jewellery, birthstone jewellery

Valentine’s Day dates back to the Roman period when King Claudius was ruler. This day was celebrated in a festival as honor to the queen of Roman gods. This queen is known as the goddess of the female sex and matrimony.

The following day was celebrated as the Lupercalia Feasts. The night of the festival was only for the youth and the rest of the time they were kept separate. This is the idea of Valentines Day.

A different common theory of the history of Valentine’s Day is the sacrifices that the Christian named Valentine did for love. There was a certain requirement of members of the army and the emperor was unable to make it. Most didn’t want to go and be involved in a war because they had a family. He came up with an idea to stop people from becoming married. He went so far as to ban marriages all together.

Of course many people were against this law, and refused to listen. So a priest by the name of Valentine secretly held weddings. Then became the tradition of Saint Valentine’s Day which is celebrated on the day the brave man died. This tradition is celebrated around the world.

In earlier times Valentine’s Day was a time of giving love notes and expressions. Many people would send anonymous letters and cards to others as secret admirers. In modern times gifts have dominated this celebration. Some may think this is materialistic but in fact many big gifts are given with love and emotion.

Even if you know your love is true you can still find a great way to express it in a Valentine’s Day gift. In fact gift giving on Valentine’s Day is such a big industry that there are endless amounts of gifts that are especially made for this day.

We at Milton Gems have a great range of jewellery that are designed for romance and Valentines Day jewellery.  We have categories for valentine earrings, bracelets, necklace and pendants.

Technorati Tags: valentine jewellery, valentines day, valentine

This pretty little silver pendant set with marcasite and mother of pearl is a perfect example of vintage style jewellery.  The silver set pendant is shaped like a 5 petal flower with a circular centre that’s studded with marcasite.  The petals are mother of pearl and edged with marcasite all set in sterling silver.

The size is 23mm on the widest point and it weighs 4.3 grams approx. and is hallmarked.  Buy it for use with your own chain or you can buy one here, if you wish.

Click here to see some more marcasite pendants or click here to see the marcasite flower pendant.

M.

Technorati Tags: marcasite pendant, flower pendant, mother of pearl, silver jewellery, pendant

It must be said that I like marcasite brooches.  I made a post in november about our most popular brooch (the dragonfly brooch) and it’s still selling well.  Another brooch I really like is our marcasite feather brooch (picture to the left) and we have just received a new batch.

Shaped like a curved, dark feather the brooch is made of multiple cone shaped pieces of marcasite set in sterling silver.  It is approx 82mm from point to point and about 36mm wide so it’s a fair size.  It weighs in at 15 1/2 grams so all in all it’s a fairly substantial size and large enough to not be hidden if worn on a coat.

When moved, the dark grey marcasite stones catch the light and glisten impressively.  All in all, a very nice piece and the picture, unfortunately, doesn’t do it justice.  You can see more marcasite / vintage style jewellery in its category.

Martin.

Technorati Tags: brooch, marcasite brooch, marcasite jewellery, feather jewellery, feather brooch

The designing team at Kit Heath are famous for making beautiful silver pendants and this example of amethyst jewellery (amethyst is also the february birthstone) certainly shows their skill at making simple and elegant pieces of jewellery.

The twisted silver pendant drops approx 45mm and has an eye at the top for your chain to go through (chain not included, as always).  At the bottom, it has 4 amethyst stones getting progressively smaller the higher they go.

Made of sterling silver and includes a designer presentation box you can also have it giftwrapped for a present.

This is where you can find more of our silver pendants.

M.

Technorati Tags: kit heath, silver pendant, amethyst jewellery, february birthstone

When a child gets Christened they are often given a lot of christening jewellery which is, of course, great.  But some people want to give the youngster something a little different and this happened this morning.  I have just spoken to a lady on the ‘phone and she asked my advice.  Christening bangles, Christening bracelets, Christening pendant – she had thought of these, of course.  But I then suggested a child’s tooth pot (this is literally a silver container for keeping the childs first tooth).  The lady agreed and all is well – she promised to let me know how it was received by the babies parents.

The tooth pot is only small – 22mm x 15mm – but then…what more do you need?  It is a D for Diamond piece so has a diamond.

Prefer something more traditional?  Try a Christening bangle!

We have two types of pot.  As you can see above, we have one with a pink flower on it and the diamond in the centre.  The other has a fairy on the pot and star on the lid – the diamond is in the centre of the star.

Both are in sterling silver and includes a lilac presentation box so they’re ready to be given as a gift.

So – if you want to be a little different and give something that’s going to be remembered for years to come, try a tooth pot.

Martin.

Technorati Tags: christening gift, tooth pot, child’s gift, christening present

We at Milton Gems jewellery have a number of children’s lockets – and here are two of them.  One is a silver locket and the other is a gold locket and they have a diamond in the centre of the heart.  Both come from our D for Diamonds range which means that a) quality is guaranteed and b) they’re presented well – they come in a nice lilac presentation box so they are ready to be given as a gift.

Complete with a 14″ chain, you have the option to have these children’s lockets hand giftwrapped to make them even more special.

See more of this children’s silver locket.  You can see more girls silver jewellery here.

They are easily opened and you can choose what you want to put in them – a small picture, for example, would be perfect.

All in all, these silver and gold children’s lockets make a great present for your little one.

See more of this children’s gold locket.  You can see the rest of our children’s gold jewellery here.

Martin.

Technorati Tags: children’s locket, gold locket, silver locket, locket, children’s jewellery, girls jewellery

It’s coming up to that time again – 14th February and Valentines day.  And what better way of showing your feelings to your loved one than by a beautiful piece of gold or silver jewellery?

We at Milton Gems have made a new category of jewellery – a Valentines / Romantic Jewellery category and inside there are 4 sub categories of jewellery – valentine earrings, bracelets / bangles, necklaces and pendants.  Put in those categories are pieces of silver and gold jewellery with a romantic theme – mainly hearts.

So, if you want to send a gift that will be treasured, choose a piece of jewellery.  For a small charge, we will even nicely gift wrap it and write your message!

Martin

Technorati Tags: valentine gift, valentine jewellery, valentine jewelry

Citrine jewellery is rapidly becoming more popular as a jewellery gemstone mainly due to its affordability, durability and attractivenes - three features that are sure to please anyone who likes beautiful jewellery!  The pendant to the left also includes smaller gemstones of peridot, blue topaz and pink tourmaline.

Named from the French word for lemon, citrine jewellery doesn’t have to be yellow – we have a pair of golden citrine stud earrings which are popular but the classical piece of citrine jewellery is, certainly, yellow.

Also being the birthstone for november, citrine gives light and beauty to the end of the year.

See more citrine jewellery here.

Martin

Technorati Tags: citrine jewellery, citrine jewelry, citrine gemstone

One thing that I’ve noticed recently is that there’s a lack of jewellery for little boys, especially Christening jewellery.  I’m looking around at suppliers to put that right because, after all, around 50% of people who get Christened are, in theory, boys!

One of the boys christening jewellery pieces that we have is shown here – a nice boys silver cross pendant with a diamond in the centre.  It comes with a 14 inch silver chain and it includes a blue presentation box.  The length of the pendant is approx 15mm and width 10mm.

Next I’m going to write about a boys christening bangle – it’s certainly ideal for a boys christening.

See more information on the boys christening pendant here.

Martin.

Technorati Tags: christening pendant, christening jewellery, boys christening

Today seems to be the day for gold jewellery!  You go for weeks without me putting anything up and in one day there’s a pair of gold earrings and a gold pendant!

Anyway, today we sent out a nice amethyst and diamond pendant for a customer – the picture is to the left.  If you know about birthstone jewellery, you may know that amethyst is the february birthstone and diamond is the april birthstone.  I would assume it was for a birthday in february but who knows – it could be that they just loved the pendant.

The size of the amethyst stone is around 0.47ct and there’s about 0.02ct of diamond.  The size of the piece is approx 5mm x 9mm.  Normally we don’t measure the bale but because that’s where the diamond is, we’ve taken that into account.

You can see even more amethyst jewellery here and diamond jewellery here.

All the best

Martin

Technorati Tags: amethyst pendant, diamond, amethyst, gold jewellery, gold, pendant

It only seems yesterday that I posted a message about the garnet earrings just like this.  In fact, it was the 27th December but that’s last year and time stands still for noone!

A customer purchased these gold and ruby stud earrings and I just feel that the image doesn’t do them justice – there’s so much more “life” to the real ones – the way the light sparkles off of the rubies.  Trouble is, you can’t really bring that to images but we do our best.  As most know, ruby is the july birthstone and were thought to guard against wicked thoughts, amorous desires and disputes.

They are 9ct yellow gold and have circular rubies which are approx 3mm x 3mm.  Click here to see more of these ruby stud earrings.

This is the gold earrings category and this is the ruby jewellery category.

Martin

Technorati Tags: ruby, gold, earrings, stud earrings, ruby jewellery, july birthstone, jewellery