Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

What are Gemstones?

November 3, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Birthstones, Fashion, Gem Stones, Hot Topics, Informational, Uncategorized 
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There are over 3000 different minerals, out of these only 50 are commonly used as gemstones. To be regarded as a gemstone the mineral must be beautiful particularly in colour and it must be rare because this increases the value. A gemstone must also be durable and hardwearing enough to survive constant use without becoming damaged. Gemstones [...]

Opal the Birthstone of October

September 22, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
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When light strikes an Opal and creates a brilliant colour display, the traditional mystic explanation has been that the colours signify a favourable response heralding success and good fortune. When the light creates a dull reflection of colour from the Opal, interpreters have usually taken that for an unfavourable response – failure and disappointment will [...]

Our 50 Year Celebrations!

September 20, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Hot Topics, Informational, News, Uncategorized 
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Thank you to everyone who came along on Saturday we had a wonderful day! So far we have raised almost £1000 for grove house so we are hoping to reach that major mark very soon! Our prize winners were picked on Saturday by our mayor, Councillor Aislinn Lee, who kindly came along to join in the celebrations. They should [...]

Sapphire the Birthstone of September

August 24, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
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The word Sapphire is derived from the Greek word for blue. In early history all blue gems were called sapphire, however with modern gemmological techniques, we can be more precise in categorising different gems. The blue stone we refer to as sapphire is corundum  (aluminium oxide) with impurities of iron and titanium, which give the [...]

Autumn/Winter Jewellery Trends

August 8, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Hot Topics, Informational, Jewellery Tips, Uncategorized 
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As ever  jewellery has played a large part on the Autumn/Winter catwalk, with many of the trends continuing on from the previous seasons.  However there is less bold statement jewellery and the more delicate jewellery has returned. This is being seen on the red carpet too as many celebrities are opting for smaller more elegant [...]

The Red Tape Challenge – Abolishing Hallmarking in the UK

April 13, 2011 by · 1 Comment
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On the 7th of April the government launched the Red Tape Challenge in a drive to reduce regulation in retail Britain. Part of the Red Tape Challenge involves the laws and regulations regarding hallmarking. Can we really afford to lose the British hallmark? For 700 years the British public have relied on the hallmark to [...]

Hallmarking of Precious Metals – Gold Silver and Platinum

March 24, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
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Hallmarking has such a long history and so many changes have been put into place that often it can be quite confusing and full of mixed messages. An excellent reference book for helping to determine an items hallmark is the Bradbury’s Book of Hallmarking.   The Purpose of Hallmarking In jewellery and tableware gold and [...]