Our jewellery reminds us of loved ones, places we visited or a milestone that was achieved. It can be an inherited piece that was handed down through generations. It could be a keepsake from a trip or just a “I did it!” piece. Whatever it may be, wearing jewellery keeps those memories alive. In uncertain...

Most of us know that each month has its own birthstones but the idea started with stones of the zodiac. As discussed in our previous newsletter, it is believed that there is a relationship between each planet and each sign of the zodiac. Many believe that the influence of the planets over human fortunes is...

Ever wondered where birthstones started? For the answer we have to go back in time, to the 13th century to be exact. Alfonso X the Learned (1221 – 1284 AD) composed the first major work on astrology and gemstones. His principal objective was to demonstrate the connection of gemstones to celestial bodies. He used astrological...

saves nine! It’s that sad time of the year again where we pack away our summer clothes and get the wardrobe ready for winter. While you sort through jackets, jerseys and sweaters, now is also the ideal time to sort through your jewellery box.  Yes, jewellery is also seasonal. Remember that pretty brooch? It can...

While we are all for “healthy body, healthy mind” it is good to remember that your jewellery does not like exercise. Imagine what your ring has to go through every time you hit the treadmill. Or the weights. First of all, perspiration can weaken the inlay of your ring. It is a sad fact that...

While 2020 will go down in history as the year that started with hope and hit a downward spiral before we were even out of the blocks it also forced us to take inventory of what is really important. Our smiles and tears are hidden behind masks but one thing we noticed is how much...

is something we hear often. If your birthday is in January, you cannot use this excuse. The garnet family, in our humble opinion, is the most fascinating of all gemstones. The deep red (also known as a “Cape Ruby”) has many cousins and not all of them are yet famous. The demantoid garnet is a...

In November we celebrate topaz in all its wonderful colours. From the gentle blue to hot pink, which reminds us of lazy summer days. If topaz is not yet in your jewellery collection, it is time to consider adding this to your repertoire....

My love affair with gemstones started a long time ago. The first ones I bought myself were garnets, set in a silver ring that, thirty years later, I still wear. Then I discovered topaz. The gentle blue and incredible luster caught my eye and claimed a piece of my heart. Now, in 2020, at the...

We are almost half way through March and it feels as if the optimism we had at the beginning of 2020 has taken a beating. The budget speech, Covid 19, loadshedding, the list just seems to grow longer every day! Elizabeth Taylor said: “Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together”....