Jewel School Archives - Rogue Piercing

Posted on 09/08/202405/08/2024 by Jorjie Abell — Leave a comment

Birthstones – August

Spinel, Sardonyx and Peridot. A various array of different stones to represent the summer month of August, which is one of three months that have three different birthstones. (the others being December and August). With a variety of options, August definitely brings a solid group of choices to suit everyone’s style and budget. However, for this blog we will mainly be focusing on Spinel and Peridot!

The months that are lucky enough to have more than a singular birthstone, these are separated into two lists: Modern and Traditional. The more common of the two is the modern birthstones, which were defined in 1912 by the Jewelers of America in an attempt to standardise (and commercialise) birthstones. This was further updated in the 1950s, to include gemstones such as Citrine for November, or Alexandrite for June. Modern stones are based on what’s easier to sell in large quantities (making it the more affordable choice).

Peridot

Peridot is the Modern gemstone for August, rather than the the Traditional, and is also known as the “Sun-Gem”. Peridot is the yellowish-green to greenish-yellow gem variety of the mineral olivine. Alongside Olivine, it also is made up of Magnesium and Iron. The amount of iron present in peridot is what gives it its brilliant shine, the more the iron, the more the green glow. The origin of the name Peridot is unclear, but we do know that it is infamous for its lime green glow. It has quite often been mistaken for other green stones, such as Emerald and Topaz. It even earned itself the nickname as the ‘Evening Emerald’ because of it’s unique capability to sparkle under both natural and artificial light. But don’t be fooled, this gemstone is absolutely gorgeous evening or day.

Despite its unknown origin, many scholars have agreed that the word “peridot” is derived from the Arabic “Faridat”, which means “gem” and “unique”. However, some believe that it’s rooted in the Greek word “Peridona”, meaning “giving plenty.” This is maybe that’s why peridot was, according to lore, associated with prosperity and good fortune. Some historians even speculate that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection may have been comprised of peridot! Now, Peridot is used to celebrate 16th wedding anniversaries.

This August birthstone has an amazing history behind it. The oldest recorded source of this stone is the Egyptian island of Zabargad (the name now given to Topazios), and it is theorised that mining of Peridot may have been as early as 340–279 BCE. Peridot sourced from Zabargad is highly desirable, and has been prized for centuries. It has even been displayed in various prestigious museums around the world. Another incredibly important source for peridot is Myanmar (formerly Burma) which has produced some of the finest quality peridot, with deep colour and superb transparency. In modern times, most peridot on the market is sourced from China, Tanzania, Vietnam and the United States, some have even journeyed to Earth on meteorites!

Peridot scores a 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning it is softer than most gems. It is also damaged by some acids, making the cleaning process a delicate one. Neither a steamer, or ultrasonic should be used to clean this stone. The safest method is a soft bristled toothbrush, and a mild soapy water!

Spinel

Spinel is the other modern birthstone for August, often mistaken for a ruby or pink sapphire due to it strong resemblance to both. It is also often found in the same locations! The main difference between them is chemical, but despite their differences, some of histories well known “ruby” gems have turned out to be spinel, which is often known for its wide variety of colours, such as orange, pink, purple, and even black! Pink spinel has became a perfect choice for those seeking hot pink or even bubble gum pink tones. For any colour choice of spinel, the price point is dependant on the saturation of those colours, meaning the richer, brighter and deeper those colours, the more expensive it will be. In rare instances, Spinel can also be colour-changing under iridescent lighting.

It is believed that the word Spinel is derived from the Latin word “Spina” – translated to thorn, in reference to the shape that spinel crystals form in. Unfortunately, due to its long history of confusion with the Ruby, Spinel does not have some of the great traditions ands beliefs as most birthstones. Despite its lack of history, it is often associated with joy and is believed to bring great energy to its wearer. Today, Spinel is now creating its own history by being set into the Great Britains Imperial State Crown, just above a diamond! Alongside Spinel setting its own history it is now given as the 22nd wedding anniversary!

The August birthstone is now set with more than 3000 diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. It can now be seen in the tower of London.

Today, Spinel can be found in several locations across the world. The most common sources for this stone are Tajikistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania and Pakistan. Myanmar is very well known for producing some of the most striking spinel gems, such as hot pinks and the infamous ruby red. These are more rarer than a diamond, and thus the price is severely influenced. The Spinel gems that have been sourced there are so shiny that the locals call them “spirit polished”.

Spinel is typically a durable stone, scoring an 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it a perfect choice for every day wear. Steam cleaners and ultrasonics can be used to clean this stone, but any fractures may cause a problem. As for any stone, warm soapy water is the safest way to clean your jewellery!

We stock jewellery from brands from across the world, and can source items in all birthstones imaginable! If you would like to treat yourself to some meaningful pieces, just get in contact with us.

Make sure to follow us on social media for regular updates, and keep an eye out as we post new blogs every single Friday!

Posted on 05/07/202404/06/2024 by Jorjie Abell — Leave a comment

Birthstones – July

July’s birthstone is the fiery red ruby, known for its incredibly deep rich red, and perfect for the blazing hot warmth that typically comes with the summer month of July, but not to be mistaken for Januarys warm and cosy red garnet!

July is a single birthstone month allowing Ruby to take centre stage. For the months that are lucky enough to have more than a singular birthstone, these are separated into two lists: Modern and Traditional. The more common of the two is the modern birthstones, which were defined in 1912 by the Jewelers of America in an attempt to standardise (and commercialise) birthstones. This was further updated in the 1950s, to include gemstones such as Citrine for November, or Alexandrite for June. Modern stones are based on what’s easier to sell in large quantities (making it the more affordable choice).

BVLA – Heart of Paul – Yellow gold + Ruby
Photo courtesy of Chloe Victoria

Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum (a crystalline form of aluminium oxide which typically contains traces of iron, titanium, chromium, and vanadium), coloured by the element chromium. All other colours of gem-quality corundum are called sapphire! Ruby gets its red colour from chromium, which also caused fluorescence, making rubies glow deep and fiery. Rubies dominant hue is definitely the red we all know and love, however you can find rubies with undertones of orange and pink! Ironically, despite chromium given rubies it’s most important feature (the colour) it is also what makes it so rare as it can cause cracks in fissures. This makes it incredibly hard for rubies to grow large enough to become quality gems.

Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) is one of the oldest recorded sources of Rubies. For more then 500 years, Myanmar has produced the most wanted rubies. These are exceptionally known for providing a vibrant red, with a glowing fluorescence, and softened by light-scattering inclusions. Since the latter part of the 20th century, Vietnam has also been a major player in the mining of Rubies, producing this gem in a variety of red to purplish-red tones. The newest but still important source for this wonderful crystal is Mozambique in Africa, which is home to the prolific mines at Montepuez.

For many years in the very late 1900’s, the major source of rubies were sourced along the border between Thailand and Cambodia. Now, other important sources of Ruby include Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania and Madagascar.

In addition to being the July birthstone, ruby is traditionally given for the 15^th and 40^th wedding anniversaries!
Dating back a little to ancient India, Ruby was called the “King of Precious Stones” due to its rarity, hardness and beauty. It’s also been known for it’s “mystical powers” and has long been seen as a symbol of power and youthful energy in Indian jewellery. In previous centuries, it has been believed to predict danger and misfortune, as well curing inflammatory diseases.

Following straight after Diamond, Ruby falls at a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it the second hardest natural stone. This means you should store this stone separately to others so it doesn’t cause any damage. Rubies are often heat treated to remove purplish colouration to improve it’s redness, some treatments can make a ruby more vulnerable to every day wear and tear. As usual, the best way to clean this stone is with warm and mild soapy water and a soft toothbrush! If your stone is untreated, heat treated or lattice-diffusion stones, then ultrasonics and steam cleaners are generally safe to use. However, glass filled and dyed stones should only be cleaned with a damp cloth.

Bvla – Live to Tell, Afghan, Muse
Yellow Gold + Ruby
Photo courtesy of Jess Farrar

We stock jewellery from brands from across the world, and can source items in all birthstones imaginable! If you would like to treat yourself to some meaningful pieces, just get in contact with us.

Make sure to follow us on social media for regular updates, and keep an eye out as we post new blogs every single Friday!

Posted on 07/06/202421/05/2024 by Jorjie Abell — Leave a comment

Birthstones – June

Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite. A cute array of white, rainbow, and purples, June is one of only three months (the others being December and August). with three birthstones, creating a beautiful array of choice for every June babies style and budget. The months that are lucky enough to have more than a singular birthstone, these are separated into two lists: Modern and Traditional. The more common of the two is the modern birthstones, which were defined in 1912 by the Jewelers of America in an attempt to standardise (and commercialise) birthstones. This was further updated in the 1950s, to include gemstones such as Citrine for November, or Alexandrite for June. Modern stones are based on what’s easier to sell in large quantities (making it the more affordable choice).

Pearl!

Pearl is the only birthstone that is organic, which means it is formed by a living organism instead of long periods over time in the earth. Pearls come from shelled Molluscs , where they deposit layers of calcium carbonate around microscopic irritants – typically believed to be a grain of sand – that get lodged in their shells. Each species produces distinctive looking gems that are characterised by very specific ranges of colour and size. Technically, any shelled mollusc can make a pearl, only two groups of bivalve molluscs (or clams) use mother-of-pearl to create the iridescent “nacreous” pearls that are valued in jewellery. These rare gemstones don’t require any polishing to reveal their natural lustre. Mother-of-pearl is also known as Nacre, and is is an organic–inorganic composite material produced by some molluscs as an inner shell layer. The same material of which pearls are composed. It is strong, resilient, and iridescent.

Pearls were once an incredibly rare gemstone and were accidentally discovered by divers foraging for food. These pearl-bearing molluscs live in salt-water or freshwater environments. They do not thrive in polluted environments. In 1893, the Japanese innovator ‘Kokichi Mikimoto’ discovered the process of growing pearls through ‘culturing’. The new ability to increase pearls instantly made them accessible across the market at a much more reasonable price. Salt-water cultured pearls are now being grown across the world. These farms are typically found away from socialisation and very breath-taking scenery, such as the southern coats of Japan and China. As a result of culturing, the rarest and most expensive pearls are natural pearls that have grown without any human interference.

Because pearls are made of Nacre, their colour will be the same as the same colour displayed by the animal they grew in. Typically soft and inviting, Pearl is commonly white or cream coloured. However, due to breeding pearls can now be found in a variety of hues, such as pinks and oranges, to exciting blues and greens. You can also find black, gold silver and grey on the market as a common colour. These pearls are typically from cultured from freshwater and are dyed. Black pearls are incredibly rare in the wild and so are mostly cultured, but surprisingly they aren’t actually ‘black’, but rather green, purple, blue and silver!

These milky-white stones have long been associated with purity, humility, and innocence – traditionally being given as a wedding gift. They are still used to celebrate the third and thirteenth wedding anniversary! Due to their rarity, elegance, and colour, they have been a symbol of wealth and luxury throughout their history. People also thought pearls brought a range of health benefits, such as curing depression and improving poor eyesight. While we can’t necessarily agree now a days, it’s definitely food for thought!

On the Moh’s scale of hardness, pearls are incredibly lowing, ranging from 2.5-3. This makes them incredibly soft and fragile. They can become easily damaged, especially if stored in plastic bags or exposed to chemicals. If stored in bank vaults, the extra dry air can cause them to dry out over extended periods of time. There is a saying around pearl jewellery that it must be the last thing you put on (even after makeup and hair products) and the first thing you take off. The best way to clean pearl jewellery is very lightly, with a slightly damp cloth. after each wear.

Pearls are relatively rare in body jewellery – Currently only BVLA works with genuine White Pearls!
*Cosmic BVLA Pearl cabochons.*

Alexandrite!

Alexandrite is the second birthstone for June! Often described as ‘Emerald by day and Ruby by night’ because of it’s contrasting colours, Alexandrite is a rare variety of the mineral Chrysoberyl. The most prized stones show a deep dark green in fluorescent lighting and a sharp intense purple to red colour in incandescent lighting. The colour change is due to an uncommon chemical composition which includes traces of the same colouring agent found in Emerald – Chromium. It is the unlikelihood of the combination of these chemicals that makes this stone one of the rarest and most expensive gems on the earth. This isn’t the only thing interesting about Alexandrite, there is also another phenomenon with this stone. When long and thin inclusions (Inclusions are solids, liquids, or gases that are trapped in minerals) are parallel to each other, they can create the Cats-eye effect (also known as Chatoyancy). This is an optical reflection effect that makes the viewer see a band of light across the stone.

This mystical stone is relatively modern, but there is claims it was discovered in 1834 on the same day that future Russian Czar Alexander II came of age and therefore it was named in his honour, originally discovered and mined in Russian Emerald mines in the Ural mountains. These were eventually mined out, and now most Alexandrite is mined in Brazil, East Africa, and Sri Lanka. These newer deposits contain some high grade stones, but many display less-precise colour changes and duller tones than the 19^th century Russian alexandite’s. Because of its scarcity, especially in larger sizes, fine-quality alexandrite is one of the most expensive coloured gems on the market.

Chrysoberyl mining at Corrego do Fogo near Malacacheta, Brazil.
Courtesy: ICA

In contrast to its Opal counterpart, Alexandrite is relatively hard, scoring a 8.5on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness. With no cleavage (the weakest plane in a gemstone where it can split) it is an incredibly tough stone, making it a great stone for everyday wear and to gift. Despite ultrasonics and steam cleaners being a great way to clean this stone, it is still always best to use warm soapy water and a soft cloth.

Moonstone!

Moonstone, believed to bring great luck, is known for it’s vibrant, natural and optical effect similar to the bright appearance of the moon on a cloudless evening. This affect is known as adularescence. This happens because Moonstone is composed of microscopic layers of feldspar that scatter light. The best moonstones show a blue gleam over a transparent (colourless) background. The thinner layers of feldspar produce the blue while the thicker layers will look white. Despite this, this birthstone comes in a vast array of colours, including pinks, yellow, grey, peachy and greens. Sometimes, they can even produce a star or a cats eye!

Moonstone has associated with both Roman and Greek Lunar Deities (not surprising considering its long term history of comparison with the moon). This is again seen through Hindu mythology, which claims this stone is made of solid moonbeams! It is also known for it’s common associations with love, passion and fertility. During the Art Nouveau Movement between the 1890’s and 1910, many great artists and designers used moonstone in their fine jewellery, such as René Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany. Moonstone peaked interest in the market again during the 1960s “flower child” movement alongside the New Age designers of the 1990s.

The most common Moonstone on the jewellery market comes from the mineral adularia, named for an early mining site near Mt. Adular in Switzerland. Moonstone is now mined in a variety of, most commonly in places such as The United States, New Mexico and North Carolina. However, the most important ones are found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, India and Madagascar.

This birthstone falls in the middle of Alexandrite and Pearls, earning itself a 6-6.5 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness, making it prone to stress cracking . It has poor toughness, and can crack when exposed to high heat, therefore making ultrasonics and steam cleaners unsuitable methods to clean this stone. Instead, you should use mild soapy and warm water, and a very gentle toothbrushes. Baby toothbrushes are great due to their soft bristles. Care is always recommended with any stone.

We stock jewellery from brands from across the world such as the December Birthstone, and can source items in all birthstones imaginable! If you would like to treat yourself to some meaningful pieces, just get in contact with us.

Make sure to follow us on social media for regular updates, and keep an eye out as we post new blogs every single Friday!

Posted on 03/05/202426/04/2024 by Jorjie Abell — Leave a comment

Birthstones – May

Emerald, that gorgeous glossy green that has been a fan favourite since the dawn of time, and the perfect stone to ease us into the warmer spring season.

May only has one birthstone, and it’s definitely hard to compete again that grassy-green. However, for the months that are lucky enough to have more than a singular birthstone, these are separated into two lists: Modern and Traditional. The more common of the two is the modern birthstones, which were defined in 1912 by the Jewelers of America in an attempt to standardise (and commercialise) birthstones. This was further updated in the 1950s, to include gemstones such as Citrine for November, or Alexandrite for June. Modern stones are based on what’s easier to sell in large quantities (making it the more affordable choice).

A massive thank you to Becky at Inkhaus for the above photo!

Just like Aquamarine, Emerald is a form of Beryl – a mineral which can grow up to a foot in length, and with six sides. Typically Emeralds can range from light green to that typical deep and rich green associated with Emeralds. However, there are arguments whether or not these lighter forms are beryl’s are true emeralds! The deeper the green, the more valuable the stone, the rarest emerald gemstone is an intense green-blue colour. And yet again, just like aquamarine, the way the colour presents depends on how well its cut by a skilled gemmologist.

Mining of Emerald dates back to as early as 330BC in Egypt, but some estimate that the oldest emeralds are 2.97 (nearly 3!) billion years old! However old they are though, they have been a long time royal favourite. Cleopatra is one of the most famous historical figures to have an affair with emeralds. During her reign shed actually claimed ownership over all Emerald mines in Egypt.

The green gemstone is now mined all over the world. It has mainly been mined in Colombia for over 500 years, and has actually set the standard at which all other emeralds are now measured at. The Muzo mine in Colombia is actually one of the most noteworthy! They had such hidden and prized mines that it took the Spanish conquistadors nearly 20 years to actually find them.

The May gemstone is also found in Brazil, and one of the most productive emerald mines is the sophisticated Belmont mine. They can also be found in Africa, Pakistan and Afghanistan!

David at Talisman tattoo came through with this photo!

Wildly considered the definition of Green, emerald has been loved for thousands of years. It is seen as the perfect stone to welcome spring, and along with that brings the belief that it invokes rebirth and renewal and new beginnings. It is believed that it brings loyalty, wit and intelligence to the wearer! It was also once believed to cure cholera, malaria and other diseases (although I’d still highly recommend checking with a doctor for these before self medicating with a stone). Now a days however, it is used as the stone given for the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries!

Unlike last months birthstone (Diamond), Emerald only falls at a 7.5-8 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness, making it more susceptible to scratching. Quite often the stone is treated with methods such as dyeing paler stones, or filling fractured stones with oils/waxes/resins. This is to help improve colour and clarity of the stone.

Emeralds require special care. They should be avoiding exposure to heat and harsh chemicals. They should also never be placed in an ultrasonic. This can cause any filler in the gem to ‘sweat’ out from any fractures. Filled emeralds can also be damaged by hot water. They should only be cleaned with mild and lukewarm soapy water, and a soft bristled brush (a tooth brush designed for babies would be perfect).

Thank you to Jess at The Luna Collective for a photo of this end!

We stock jewellery from brands from across the world, and can source items in all birthstones imaginable! If you would like to treat yourself to some meaningful pieces, just get in contact with us.

Make sure to follow us on social media for regular updates, and keep an eye out as we post new blogs every single Friday!

Posted on 12/04/202412/04/2024 by Jorjie Abell — Leave a comment

Birthstones – April

Some say that diamond’s are a girl’s best friend, and we’re definitely a fan of them over here at Rogue. As April begins, and we’re starting the embrace Spring once again, let’s take a look at one of the most well-known gemstones in history! Those born in Aprils, definitely have an exciting celebratory stone.

Seasons handmade ‘Installation 2’ 14k Yellow Gold – 2xVS White Diamond

April only has one birthstone, which we can completely understand why! It’d be very hard to compete against the famous diamond. For the months that are lucky enough to have more than a singular birthstone, these are separated into two lists: Modern and Traditional. The more common of the two is the modern birthstones, which were defined in 1912 by the Jewelers of America in an attempt to standardise (and commercialise) birthstones. This was further updated in the 1950s, to include gemstones such as Citrine for November, or Alexandrite for June. Modern stones are based on what’s easier to sell in large quantities (making it the more affordable choice).

The vast majority of diamonds are colourless and transparent. They show an amazing display of colours and flashes of white under the light. However, they can rarely come in a rainbow array of colours, including green, yellow, black, blue and so on. The colour of a diamond stone is dependant on the impurities present in the stone. Chemical elements such as Nitrogen, Sulphur, and Boron can cause the colour changes (for example yellow diamonds have traces of nitrogen.) Colourless diamonds (that have less amounts of colour) are much rarer, thus much more valuable. The precise levels of colours present (if any) have such a drastic effect on the price-per-carat value. The standardized scale describing the exact amount of colour in a stone (the D-Z colour scale) was developed by the GIA and is now accepted globally. Diamonds with a colour of ‘D’ have absolutely no colour in them, while gems graded ‘Z’ have the most colour allowed to still be considered colourless.

BVLA ‘Oasis’ – 14k Rose Gold – 6x VS Ocean Blue Diamond

It is speculated that Diamonds have been around since the biblical times, when the breastplate of a high priest (also known as Adams’ Breastplate) was decorated with 12 stones. As time continued moving forward, these stones became connected to Zodiac symbols and then birthstones.

April’s birthstone is now mined all over the world. By the early 2000s, South Africa had been joined by other African nations (such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Botswana) as major producers of rough diamonds. Diamonds mined in Botswana are typically found in the hot and dry eastern region of the country. The mines have brought a massive increase to the economy, which has resulted in creating a growing middle class society.

Russia is also now one of the biggest producers, opening its first major mine in the 1960’s, and the opening of the Argyle mine in Australia (1983) expanded the mining of diamonds massively, and are the primary source for the rare red and pink diamonds.

However, one of the original sources for diamonds, was India! They were credited for being the ones to introducing diamond mining into the world, and was the only major source of diamond mining until the 18th century. Now a days, most diamonds you come across on the market will not be from India, but instead one of the many major sources globally, but there is an estimate that 90% of these diamonds are processed there!

The current Diamond collection at Rogue!

Those who are April born are lucky to have this gem as their birthstone! Often seen as a symbol of clarity and strength! Diamond is actually so strong and durable, it’s name actually comes from the Greek word “Adamas” which means invincible or unbreakable. They have been a representation of love and life across many religions and centuries. It is also the gift of choice for 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries! Alongside being a symbol of love, Diamonds have been thought to be an antidote to poison (although we wouldn’t recommend any self treatment with a doctor, if you think you have been poisoned please see doctor!).

Diamond is a 10 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness, making it incredibly durable! You do not want to store a diamond amongst others as they can scratch each other. We also wouldn’t recommend storing them with other gemstones as Diamonds can scratch and damage those too. They can be placed in an ultrasonic to be cleaned, however if it has any inclusions or has been treated it is best to clean with a lint-free cloth and some mild soapy warm water. You can also choose to use a soft bristled toothbrush and a commercial jewellery cleaner!

BVLA ‘Afghan’ + 2x ‘Prongs’ – White Diamond

We stock jewellery from brands from across the world, and can source items in all birthstones imaginable! If you would like to treat yourself to some meaningful pieces, just get in contact with us.

Make sure to follow us on social media for regular updates, and keep an eye out as we post new blogs every single Friday!

Posted on 06/04/202406/04/2024 by Kat — Leave a comment

Blue Gemstones

Today we’re moving onto a favourite colour at Rogue – Blue gemstones! Your choices for blue gemstones are wide, varied, and in a huge array of tones. From the palest sky blues, to the richest oceanic colours. There’s a blue for every season!

Ocean Blue Diamond

Ocean Blue Diamonds are hard-wearing, rich in colour, and truly beautiful. These are available in the widest range of cuts and sizes, so are the most versatile when it comes to designs.

They are a really lovely option for a blue gemstone!

Ice Blue Diamond

Ice Blue Diamonds are hard-wearing, lighter in colour, and are a really gorgeous aqua tone. Diamonds are available in the widest range of cuts and sizes, so are the most versatile when it comes to designs. They are also guaranteed to be the sparkliest genuine gemstones on the market!

They are a really lovely option for a blue gemstone!

London Blue Topaz

We work with a tonne of London Blue Topaz. We love it for it’s rich colour and versatility! This is a more affordable alternative to Ocean Blue Diamonds. It looks amazing in Yellow, White, and Rose Gold too! London Blue Topaz is a rich, deep, sea blue colour. It is a really good option if you want to branch out into colour if you generally wear a lot of black.

Swiss Blue Topaz

Swiss Blue Topaz is the light, breezy cousin of London Blue Topaz. With a slight grey-blue hint, this super pale blue is a really nice choice if you’re struggling to break away from White gemstones but still want something a little bit different! It also looks brilliant when it is sandblasted, but we will talk about that process in a different video.

Turquoise

A Nose piercing close-up wearing an opaque blue gemstone.

Turquoise is a vibrant, opaque gemstone that works best in Yellow Gold – This is where it truly shines! Turquoise is available as both a genuine and synthetic gemstone. The synthetic option is generally the better choice, as it is much more hardwearing and can be used in both fresh and healed piercings.

Polar Sapphire

Septum ring set with a set of lilac blue gemstones.

Polar Sapphire is practically lilac-blue, and is definitely on the lavender side of things. This is a really gorgeous gemstone, whose tone works really well in all colours of Gold. We love pairing Polar Sapphire with bright pinks for a pastel, spring-time look that is a little bit unexpected!

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is the green-blue to true blue variety of the mineral beryl. Its colour is usually a light pastel greenish blue, but in smaller cuts used in body jewellery tends to be quite a pretty sky-blue.

We find that Aquamarine works best in a cabochon cut, where it can truly shine in all of its soap-bubble glory! Yellow Gold tends to bring out the best in Aquamarine, allowing its pale blue to really pop.

Blue Sapphire

If you are looking for a classic ‘true blue,’ then Blue Sapphire is definitely the one for you! This rich, primary blue is definitely up there amongst our favourites.

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Posted on 22/03/202405/03/2024 by Kat — Leave a comment

Black and Grey Gemstones

Happy Friday! Today we’ll give you an overview of our favourite part of the rainbow: Black and grey gemstones! The black gemstone is a classic option, and can work well as a standalone or as part of a wider curation. If in doubt, order it in black…

Black Diamonds

Black Gemstones set in White Gold, on a white paper background. — Triple Flat inspiration using BVLA – White Gold, Black Diamonds. From left to right: Afghan, Mini Kandy, and Tiny Quadbead.

Black Diamonds are the eponymous black gemstone. Hard-wearing, intensely sparkly, and richly dark, Black Diamonds are by far our favourite black gemstone to use in our curations.

Black Diamonds are available in a huge amount of sizes and cuts, making them a versatile option for pretty much any jewellery design and placement. They are one of the only black gemstones available in super-tiny 1mm and 0.8mm cuts, which means they can be used in a lot of different ways.

Onyx

Black Gemstones set in Yellow Gold on a mirrored background. — Yellow Gold and Onyx setup from BVLA.

Onyx is another classic black gemstone option. It is Black Diamonds more affordable cousin! It is not available in as many sizes and cuts, but it can look really really cool! We love how inky black it is.

Onyx is also available as a Cabochon cut, which means it can look really smooth. It can also be sandblasted for a matt finish!

Pyrite

Pyrite is an incredible gemstone, with lots of natural variation. It is available in a limited range of cuts, but is available in unique shapes like the Kite cut you see in the photo above!

We like Pyrite as a masculine, industrial-looking option. Its glossy matte finish makes it the perfect choice for a dark and understated look.

Grey Diamond

Septum piercing set with grey gemstones. A second ring is visible in the background, with a chain welded to it. — BVLA ‘Oaktier’ Ring

Not sure whether to go with White or Black Diamonds? Grey Diamonds might just be the answer. These are the sparkliest truly grey gemstones! Hard-wearing, you will be able to enjoy their understated look for a lifetime.

Grey Sapphire

Grey-blue gemstone set into a beaded white gold marquise setting. Placed in a healed helix piercing, with the scar of a tight ring visible. — BVLA ‘Beaded Marquise’ End.

Grey Sapphire is a good way to add some monochrome colour to your curation. The sibling of Grey Diamond, Grey Sapphires are a slightly softer, slightly less sparkly option. The main think to keep in mind with Grey Sapphire, which you can see in the photo above if you have an artists eye for colour, is that Grey Sapphires are not perfectly grey. They have a very slight blue tint, which gets more obvious as the gemstone gets larger. If that is actually an attractive choice for you, then amazing!

Grey Sapphires are available in a lot of different cuts, which makes them quite a versatile and affordable gemstone option.

Marcasite

Marcasite is a really fun option for a grey gemstone! It is a very metallic, almost mercury coloured natural gemstone. We love using it in more masculine, edgy curations for its not-sparkly sparkle.

Tourmalinated Quartz

Vertical helix pierced with bullet-cut Tourmaline Quartz, set into a white gold setting shaped like a crown. — Anatometal ‘King Bullet’ End

Tourmalinated Quartz might be one of our favourite monochrome ‘Black and Grey’ gemstones. Naturally occurring, this type of quartz has rods of black tourmaline shooting through the gem, which gives it a very interesting and spiky look. We love this gem because it is often cabochon or bullet-cut, meaning that its smooth profile can work well alone or as a foil to super sparkly pieces within a larger curation.

Black Pearl

And finally, you have Black Pearls. They are not cursed, we promise! Black Pearls are incredibly unique, and there really isn’t anything like them.

Their only downside is, like all pearls, they are very soft and very delicate. Keep them for special occasions, like the goth wedding night of your dreams… And don’t let your hairdresser get bleach on them!

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Posted on 08/03/202403/03/2024 by Kat — Leave a comment

White Gemstones – So Much Choice!

Today we’re going to give an overview of some of the most popular gemstones within the most popular colour category. The White Gemstone, or Clear gemstones, are probably the most common choice from the whole rainbow. They are crisp, sparkly, and match any colour scheme. So what choices do you have within the White category?

If you see anything you like, or want to explore the infinite jewellery options available to you, then definitely look into custom ordering!

White Diamonds

Amazing BVLA Inside-Out Eden Pear set with Genuine Diamonds.

White Diamonds are potentially the most well-known white gemstone. Crisp, intensely shiny and very long-wearing, Diamonds have a reputation as the perfect gemstone for body jewellery! Diamonds are composed of pure carbon – The fewer inclusions (dots of non-Diamond), the higher the quality. Diamonds are rated on Clarity and Size. Clarity is graded on a number and letter system (from Fl to I). Most smaller diamonds, such as those used in body jewellery, rate at VVS1 or VS1 which means that they contain very few inclusions. The less inclusions, the clearer and sparklier the gemstone is!

White Diamonds are available in body jewellery from a number of brands, however we love BVLA for our diamond collection.

White Sapphire

White Sapphires are another classic white gemstone – We use a lot of White Sapphire in our jewellery curations! The main benefit of White Sapphire is that it is a lot more affordable than White Diamonds whilst still being a genuine gemstone! When it comes to bespoke Gold jewellery, we always aim to use genuine gemstones to be in keeping with how special these pieces are to our clients. Interestingly, a White Sapphire is often only 5% more expensive than a White CZ – So why not, right?

Rainbow Moonstone

Rainbow Moonstone is a really fun alternative to traditional white gemstones, and is the perfect way to branch out whilst still ‘playing it safe,’ so to speak! Rainbow Moonstone has a really subtle blue flash to it – It can be hard to catch in photographs, but is really obvious in natural light!

Pearls

Pearls are relatively rare in body jewellery – Currently only BVLA works with genuine White Pearls! This is because they are a very fragile naturally occurring material which is not suited for permanent wear in many positions. We recommend White Pearl in special pieces, like wedding curations!

Despite being high maintenance, White Pearls are STUNNING when it comes to jewellery. There truly is nothing like it!

White Opals

White Opals are another classic option. These can be purchased in both Genuine and Synthetic options, however genuine White Opals are by far the more interesting and aesthetically pleasing of the two!

White Opals are again, relatively soft and fragile in comparison to other gemstones. You need to exercise common sense when wearing them – Don’t let your hairdresser douse them in peroxide, for example!

Mercury Mist Topaz

Mercury Mist Topaz is a treated gemstone with an opalescent, rainbow flash! It’s a really fun way to add a pop of colour whilst keeping with a natural gemstone.

The main thing to note with Mercury Mist is that it is a coating, which can wear away over time. Keep this in mind, however BVLA will replace worn gemstones!

So there you have it, some fabulous white gemstone options! What colour of the rainbow should we cover next?

Make sure to follow us on social media for more awesome jewellery and piercing content!

Posted on 01/03/202423/02/2024 by Jorjie Abell — Leave a comment

Birthstones – March

March is full to the brim this year with both a very early Easter weekend and mothers day happening. And what better way to celebrate than gifting a very beautiful shiny gemstone. This month we are specifically looking at the gemstone Aquamarine, which is March’s birthstone.

Now technically, March does have two birthstones: Aquamarine and Bloodstone, however bloodstone isn’t typically used in body jewellery so we wont be going into great depths this blog post. For the months that are lucky enough to have more than a singular birthstone, these are separated into two lists: Modern and Traditional. The more common of the two is the modern birthstones, which were defined in 1912 by the Jewelers of America in an attempt to standardise (and commercialise) birthstones. This was further updated in the 1950s, to include gemstones such as Citrine for November, or Alexandrite for June. Modern stones are based on what’s easier to sell in large quantities (making it the more affordable choice).

Aquamarine is a gorgeous light toned crystal, often seen in pale blues but can range between greenish-blues and blue/greens. It typically doesn’t achieve dark tones or deep saturations, but the few that do can be compared to that of Sapphire, but still being lighter. The intensity of the colour is determined by the size of the stone, typically being the larger the stone the deeper the tones and saturations.

It is a pale/lighter version of Beryl, and the colour can be changed through heat treatment. This actually means it is a close cousin of Emerald!

BVLA – Becky Crossan
Buddha – Becky Crossan

The Brazilian state of Minas Gerais has been a predominant root of sourcing aquamarine for the last two centuries. Aquamarine is found in hard rock and weathered pegmatite deposits in the eastern portion of the state. Pegmatite is the host rock for many rare mineral deposits. Often composed of quartz , mica and feldspar. More often than not, the mining processes is quite small with less than a dozen employees.

Aquamarine can also be found in the Karakorum foothills of Pakistan. To reach the deposits, miners must climb steep paths to elevations, around 3,000 to more than 4,000 meters, and work the sides of forbidding cliffs. Below this uninviting rocky world lay valleys, rivers and small towns. Aquamarine from this area has been described as “water clear” due to their incredibly pale colour.

There is also many other sources of Aquamarine though, including Kenya, Madagascar, Zambia and many more countries.

This ocean coloured stone has some beautiful history behind it. Often thought to protect sailors at sea and calm the waves for a smooth journey, the stones name is a direct reference to its colour. Originating from Latin, “Aqua” meaning water, and “Marina” meaning “of the sea”, there’s no question on why there is much ocean lore surrounding the beauty of a gem. This March birthstone was also believed to have brought happiness into marriage, which is no surprise that while also celebrating march births, it is the gem is also given as a present for the 19th year of marriage.

It also has some famous history as well! In 1963, the First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt received a deep blue, rectangular cut piece of Aquamarine that weighed in at 1’298 Carats. This was gifted by the government of Brazil when both the president and the first lady stopped in Rio De Janeiro where they met Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas. The gift was actually the larger of two pieces that had been faceted from a much larger piece of aquamarine rough that and weighed 1.3kg! The stone is now held at the ‘Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum’ in Hyde Park, New York.

This sea tone stone scores a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Moh’s Hardness scale, meaning it is durable for everyday wear. The cleaning of this stone is easy too, with mild and warm soapy water, and a toothbrush. This will also help clean out dirt from those tricky to reach places. And as long as there isn’t any fractures in the gem, both ultrasonic and steam cleaners are absolutely fine to be used!

We stock jewellery from brands from across the world, and can source items in all birthstones imaginable! If you would like to treat yourself to some meaningful pieces, just get in contact with us.

Make sure to follow us on social media for regular updates, and keep an eye out as we post new blogs every single Friday!

Posted on 02/02/202402/02/2024 by Jorjie Abell — Leave a comment

Birthstones – February

Love is in the air this month with Valentines day quickly and surely approaching. We’re also celebrating another birthday at Rogue (Hi Gemma!). And what better way to show off your birth month than with the February birthstone: Amethyst! (Possibly the studio’s favourite genuine gemstone).

Following on from January and Garnet, February is one of the few months that only has one birthstone, rather than two or three. For the months that are lucky enough to have more than a singular birthstone, these are separated into two lists: Modern and Traditional. The more common of the two is the modern birthstones, which were defined in 1912 by the Jewelers of America in an attempt to standardise (and commercialise) birthstones. This was further updated in the 1950s, to include gemstones such as Citrine for November, or Alexandrite for June. Modern stones are based on what’s easier to sell in large quantities (making it the more affordable choice). So what about the February birthstone?

BVLA – ‘Beaded Baguette’
BVLA – ‘Marquise Fan’
BVLA – ‘Honeycomb’
BVLA – ‘Janna’

With a great contrast to the colder and short lived month of February, the February birthstone Amethyst is a gorgeous and rich-coloured gemstone that should be enjoyed for an eternity. Being a purple variety of Quartz, it comes in all sorts of hues including lilac to deep purples. For Amethyst to get its colour, the quartz needs to have trace amounts of iron. This iron has tiny impurities which are then exposed to natural radiation (irradiation) which results in oxidation of the impurities. This process changes the absorption spectrum of the Quartz, resulting in the beautiful purple shades we see.

Russia was the main source of Amethyst until the 19th century, when large deposits were found in Brazil. Originally being super rare, this new found discovery led amethyst to suddenly become quite common . Today, the most important sources of amethyst are in Africa and South America however Brazil is still a major supplier, especially in Rio Grande do Sul, although the amethyst mined there tends to have a lighter colour than most found in other countries. .

In Africa, Zambia’s Kariba mine is one of the largest amethyst producers in the world. The Amethyst that is mined here typically tends to have excellent quality with richly saturated colours. There is also the ‘Four Peaks Amethyst Mine’ located just outside of Phoenix is the United States. This mine is is in a remote location, with extremely challenging conditions for Amethyst to form, yet somehow forms some of the deepest purple, and purplish red crystals.

BVLA – ‘Tiny Reema’
BVLA – ‘Mini Kandy’
BVLA – ‘Sunray’
BVLA – ‘Round Prong’

This purple stone also has a great history behind it, often being found in collections of royal families across Europe and Asia. Because of the original rarity of Amethyst, it was held as high as a diamond, and was incredibly favoured royalty, or the Clergy as a symbol for the deity of Christ. It wasn’t until the discovery in Brazil that made Amethyst more available to a wide range of wearers.

Amethyst lore is just as great as its history. The lore includes many claims of bringing personal empowerment or inner strength if worn, as well as it’s claims to mystical powers. Leonardi Da Vinci once wrote that this stone has the power to protect against evil thoughts and quicken intelligence. Apparently he was well known for making use of this stone. Throughout time Amethyst has been ground down and ingested for medicine, or been used to make drinking goblets due to the reports of preventing intoxication. Although Amethyst is not toxic, it is no longer recommended to ingest through eating or drinking. So please do not try this at home!

In the modern day, Amethyst is the stone that is traditionally given to celebrate the 6th year of a marriage!

This purple quartz scored a 7 on the Moh’s scale of hardness, making it appropriate for daily wear in jewellery, although over time may show wear and need a repolish. As it is more susceptible to damage than harder stones (such as rubies and diamonds), it should be stored away safely from anything harder to avoid it being scratched or damaged. As always, the safest way to clean this stone is with a soft toothbrush and some mild soap, but it is also safe in an ultrasonic. However, steam cleaning should be avoided. This is because extreme treat (or some heat treatments) can change the shades of purple , or make it more brittle.

BVLA TRIO
Afghan, Mini Kandy, Mini Reema.

We stock jewellery from brands from across the world, and can source items in all birthstones imaginable! If you would like to treat yourself to some meaningful pieces, just get in contact with us.

Make sure to follow us on social media for regular updates, and keep an eye out as we post new blogs every single Friday!