FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE: AMETHYST

Amethyst is a type of quartz and is suitable for everyday wear. Available in a wide range of purples from the palest pastel lavender to the deepest seductive purple they are available in many sizes.

COLOUR: Pale lilac to deep purple.

GEMSTONE FAMILY: Quartz.

MOHS HARDNESS: 7

LOCATION: Mainly in Russia, Brazil and African countries such as Namibia and Zambia.

A BRIEF HISTORY: With its association with the god Bacchus amethyst has long been associated with drink and is believed to help prevent drunkenness.

FAMOUS GEMSTONES: Known as the purple sapphire, the amethyst below was looted during the Indian mutiny in 1855. Everyone who owned it since has suffered disaster and misfortune. When Edward Heron-Allen, owner of the stone from 1890, discovered its sinister history, he declared it 'cursed and stained with blood' and locked it in a bank vault with instructions that it not be opened until 33 years after his death. Heron-Allen's daughter donated the stone to the Museum with a letter he wrote warning anyone against handling it. (Source: The Natural History Museum).

CRYSTAL DICTIONARY: Amethyst is believed to calm the emotions, create clarity of thought and assist in attaining wisdom.

IMPORTANT: Be careful heating an amethyst - high temperatures can cause an irreversible change in the stone and can cause the colour to fade or change.

 www.catherinebuddjewellery.co.uk

DECEMBER BIRTHSTONE: TANZANITE

Tanzanite is a rich blue-violet stone, discovered in the 1960's in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.

A member of the Zoisite family of gemstones, this beautiful blue-violet stone is mined only in Tanzania and is often mistaken for a sapphire. Tanzanite is strongly 'pleochroic', which means this gemstone displays different colours - red, violet, blue, grey - when viewed from different angles. The blues appear more evident when subjected to fluorescent light and the violet hues can be seen readily when viewed under incandescent illumination.

With a hardness rating of 6.5 tanzanite is somewhat soft and fragile - most are set in earrings or pendants and care should be taken with tanzanite rings.

In its natural form, tanzanite is typically a brown colour, however most blue tanzanites for sale today owe their colour to heat treatment, which is what reveals its attractive pleochroic blues and violets. Simply richer in colour, heat-treated tanzanite is considered to be the same quality as non heat-treated tanzanite's, and as a rule, the larger the tanzanite, the deeper the colour.

Probably the most noteworthy tanzanite gemstone is the "Queen of Kilimanjaro", which is set into a white gold tiara along with 803 garnets and 913 diamonds. It is thought to be one of the world's largest faceted tanzanite gemstones, and weighs 242 carats.

www.catherinebuddjewellery.co.uk

LULWORTH CASTLE WEDDING FAIR: BESPOKE BRIDES

Thank you to everyone who came to see us at Lulworth Castle Wedding Fair in Dorset! The popular wedding show was buzzing with brides-and-grooms-to-be scouting for creative, stylish and original wedding ideas from a host of handpicked exhibitors.

I presented a selection of ideas for bespoke wedding rings and examples of previous commissions. Throughout the show I spoke to many people about the process involved in creating a piece of bespoke jewellery, from initial sketched ideas, CAD images to 3D wax printing and casting, along with pieces made entirely by hand.

I also showcased a selection of my 18ct gold vermeil and silver Clover collection which is inspired by the iconic quatrefoil shape and worn by celebrity fans such as Jodie Kidd and Eunice Olumide. An luxury, elegant and feminine collection, it is a perfect choice for weddings.

For more information visit www.catherinebuddjewellery.co.uk or to arrange an initial appointment contact info@catherinebuddjewellery.co.uk or 07701 080 615.




LULWORTH CASTLE, BUILT IN THE EARLY 17TH CENTURY AS A HUNTING LODE

THE CASTLE INTERIOR: ORIGINALLY USED FOR HUNTING PARTIES FOR THE KING AND COURT

CATHERINE BUDD JEWELLERY: BESPOKE

 

WHITE GOLD ENGAGEMENT RING SHOWN NEXT TO THE WAX MODEL USED IN CASTING

THE CLOVER CUFF IN 18CT ROSE GOLD VERMEIL AND STERLING SILVER

BEAUTIFUL PACKAGING WRAPPED WITH A SILK BOW

For information on our bespoke jewellery service visit www.catherinebuddjewellery.co.uk or to arrange an initial appointment contact info@catherinebuddjewellery.co.uk or 07701 080 615.

I *LOVE* MY JOB

I admit that I am one of those exceedingly annoying people who can hand on heart say "I love my job".  I mean love it.  Really love it.  Whilst I admit that getting out of a cosy warm bed is sometimes horrendous, I can honestly say that I am glad I do what I do, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to work in an industry as rewarding and as interesting as I find it.

I get to design and create the most beautiful pieces of fine jewellery.  I look at diamonds every day, and work with the most interesting of precious gemstones.  Being so passionate about jewellery, you can imagine what an absolute joy it is to see a design evolve on paper and ultimately become a wonderful creation for someone to treasure.

And it is not only this.  All the clients I talk to during my day, are happy.  The reason we are meeting is truly special - an engagement, marriage, anniversary, birth of a child, birthday, or just a well-deserved treat - and it is an honour to be involved in these precious moments and occasions. I have even been part of a heart-stoppingly wonderful proposal © (you know who you are) which was an amazing privilege and a memory I will treasure.

I admit I really do have to frequently stop myself from talking friends and family to death about all things fine jewellery related.  Imagine the excitement I have when I meet with my clients and we can chat about jewellery until my heart's content. It's is like a dream come true for me!  From discussing the technical aspects of the 4 C's to the fun bits of trying things on, I love nothing more than looking at diamonds and gemstones that make you go "oooooooh", and coming up with jewellery designs that make you go "aaaaaaah".

Pieces of jewellery are special. The reasons for which they are worn are special. And the people who wear them are special.  How could I not love what I do?

I hope this week is good to you all.

Much love

Cat ©

http://www.catherinebuddjewellery.co.uk/