Tag Archives: birthstones

Malachite and Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet

Malachite and Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet

My dear friend Carmen asked me to create a malachite bracelet for her husband, Vaji.

Malachite and Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet

Malachite is believed to assist with success in business.

Malachite and Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet

Good luck, Vaji, and thank you, Carmen.

Malachite and Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet

If you’re in the market for a new mortgage, let me know – Vaji is your man!

Astrology signs - Zodiac

Birthstones – Zodiac Birthstones

I have blogged before about birthstones, both birthstones recognised since ancient times, and the more recent traditional list. I thought it was time to look at birthstones in another way: by Zodiac sign. The twelve signs of the zodiac are represented as follows:

Bloodstone 6mm Round Cabochon

Aries – Aries – 21 March – 20 April – Heliotrope (Bloodstone) (also Diamond)

Sapphire Cabochon (5mm Round Faceted)

 Taurus – Taurus21 April – 21 May – Sapphire  (also Aventurine, Amber, Coral, Emerald, Rose Quartz, Turquoise, Azurite)

Apricot Agate Cabochons (8mm Round)

Gemini – Gemini 22 May–21 June –  Agate (also Chrysoprase, Citrine, Moonstone, Pearl, White Sapphire)

White Moonstone Cabochons (6mm Round Rose Cut)

Cancer – Cancer 22 June–22 July – Moonstone (also Emerald, Pearl, Ruby)

Black Onyx Cabochons (6mm Round)

Leo – Leo 23 July–22 August – Onyx (also Carnelian, Sardonyx, Golden Topaz, Tourmaline)

Carnelian Cabochons (7mm Round)

Virgo – Virgo 23 August–23 September – Carnelian (also Jade, Jasper, Moss Agate, Blue Sapphire)

Peridot 6mm Cabochons

Libra – Libra 24 September–23 October – Peridot  (also Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Chrysolite)

Aquamarine Milky Rose Cut 4mm

Scorpio – Scorpio 24 October–22 November – Beryl (also Aquamarine, Coral, Obsidian, Topaz)

White Topaz Round Rose Cut 6mm Cabochons

Sagittarius – Sagittarius 23 November–21 December – Topaz (also Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise)

Small Light Ruby In Zoisite Cabochon

Capricorn – Capricornus 22 December–20 January – Ruby (also Agate, Garnet, Black Onyx)

Almandine Garnet Cabochons 6mm Round

Aquarius – Aquarius 21 January–19 February – Garnet  (also Amethyst, Moss Agate, Opal, Sugilite)

Amethyst Cabochons (8mm Round Rose Cut)

Pisces – Pisces 20 February–20 March – Amethyst  (also Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Jade, Rock Crystal, Sapphire)

So how about a fabulous surprise gift for someone you love, featuring their zodiac birthstone? I’m happy to source the stone of your choice for you. Just let me know!

Sterling Silver and Garnet Crown Set Ring

The very last piece that I made in my training course last year was this sterling silver and garnet crown set ring. It’s a bit of a departure from my normal style, but I like it!

Garnet Crown Set Sterling Silver Ring 2

I specifically chose a garnet because my lovely sister who lives on the other side of the world has just turned 50, and she likes garnets.

Garnet Crown Set Sterling Silver Ring 3

Happiest of birthdays, dearest Christina! xxx

Kasumi Style Pearl and Sterling Silver Ring

This pearl ring was a recent commission piece – a nice big Kasumi style pearl in a simple sterling silver setting.

Kasumi Pearl and Sterling Silver Ring

Jade provided the design, and was just lovely to work with!

Kasumi Pearl and Sterling Silver Ring 

I learned a lot about pearls while making this ring. The mussel that grows this particular kind of pearl makes pearls with a lot of texture and variations in color. I really like that idea, as I like the “grown by mother nature” feel provided by some bumps and imperfections. A bit like all of us, really!!

Sterling Silver and Aquamarine Earrings

Carmen commissioned me to make a pair of earrings for her good friend’s birthday.

Aquamarine and Sterling Silver Earrings

Aquamarine is the ancient birthstone for October, and these milky aquamarines are gorgeous specimens in my opinion!

Aquamarine and Sterling Silver Earrings 

I hope the birthday girl is pleased with them!

Birthstones – Ancient Times

As far back as the 15th century, we have been wearing birthstones.  A more traditional list by month:

January – Garnet

February – Hyacinth

March – Heliotrope

April – Diamond

May – Emerald

June – Chrysoberyl

July – Onyx

August – Carnelian

September – Chrysolite

October – Aquamarine

November – Topaz

December – Ruby

I love that we had gemstones called heliotrope and hyacinth!

Credit to my fellow Etsians KK Gemstones, rubytrail, gemsforjewels, jenniferlovebeads, gemsbynehaABeadConnectionand PureSpiritCrystals for their beautiful gemstone photos.  Be sure to check out their Etsy shops!

Birthstones – Britain’s National Association of Goldsmiths 1937

January – Garnet

February – Amethyst

March – Aquamarine

April – Diamond

May – Emerald

June – Pearl

  

July – Ruby

August – Peridot

September – Sapphire

October – Opal

November – Topaz

December – Turquoise

These are the traditional gem birthstones, by month, as listed by the Britain’s National Association of Goldsmiths in 1937, mostly shown here in their beautiful raw form.  Stay tuned for other birthstone posts! 

Credit to my fellow Etsians KK GemstonesCrystalSeen, AMDBeaditbeadstore, Little Crow Gems, FabbyDabby Stones , Coyote Rainbow and Allison Eastman Beads for their beautiful gemstone photos.  Be sure to check out their Etsy shops!