Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family of gemstones and the tradition birthstone for March its name is derived from the Latin “water of the sea”. Aquamarine in its natural untreated state has blue green colour, however today the purer blue colour is the preferred colour. This is achieved by gentle heating which removes the green hues leaving a permanent stable blue colour. Aquamarine is available in all sizes and shapes from small faceted stones to large stones suitable for beautiful and stunning jewellery creations. See other November Birthstones
Read MoreAmethyst is probably the most highly valued and best know of the quartz varieties of gemstones. It ranges in colour from the softest pinkish- purple to deep rich purples which display hints of red or blue. It has been used in jewellery for many thousands of years, adored royalty and worn as a stone to ward off drunkenness. It is moderately affordable gemstone, however large stones can be highly priced if of exceptional quality. Amethyst is cut into various forms including faceted gems of all shapes, cabochons, beads and is carved into many shapes. Large natural crystals and geodes are often sold as ornamental and display pieces. See other November...
Read MoreThis group of coloured gemstones is best known for its red varieties but has other exciting colours in the family that are equally beautiful and worthy gemstones for fine pieces of jewellery. The red garnets found in most jewellery usually consist of the Pyrope and Almandine varieties, these range in colour from the darker reddish brown and brownish orange tones. The purplish red Rhodolite type has become more popular in recent years. Other colours include the bright crisp orange to orange red Spessartite garnet also known as “mandarin garnets” which make a fine choice for someone wanting a gemstone that is a little different from the rest of the crowd. One of the...
Read MoreWhen it comes to a girl’s wedding day, they say that every girl dreams of being swept off her feet by a handsome prince. Arthur Yianoulakis is no prince, but he is a romantic at heart and he did sweep Rachel off her feet. “We had been going out for many years and I know she thought I was going to propose on a few occasions, so when I decided to pop the question, I knew I had to make it something really special for her.” Arthur traveled all over the place looking for the perfect engagement ring and eventually found a really nice diamond ring at a jewellery shop in Sydney. His beloved Rachel loves pink so he wanted pink diamonds but unfortunately they wouldn’t...
Read MoreOne of the world’s natural wonders The Great Barrier Reef off the north east coast of Australia is the world’s largest reef system and home to thousands of species of marine life. These include whales, sharks, dolphins, birds and fish. The reef is made up of more than 400 different species of coral and covers 2600km. Over the years, pollution and fishing have led to the destruction of the Great Barrier Reef and have endangered the lives of many species that live there. A large part of the reef is now protected by a national park. The Australian Marine conservation Society (AMCS) has a long history of working to protect the reef. Since it was established in 1965, AMCS...
Read MoreOris has a strong emotional connection with music ever since it sponsored the 1996 London Jazz Festival. The first watch was dedicated to the British saxophonist Andy Sheppard in the same year. Since then a long line of watches dedicated to the greats of jazz has been launched, drawing on the unique style and culture of the music and the synergies between the two great art forms. Timing, technical brilliance and precision are essential in watchmaking and also characteristics of the jazz greats who have inspired the limited editions Oris has produced. 2010 saw a new tribute to jazz great Oscar Peterson. The legendary pianist won eight Gammy Awards during his illustrious...
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