| Suppliers of gemstones recognise that their | | | | your designs, you can even make |
| products can be used in any form of jewellery, | | | | birthstone-specific jewellery for a particularly |
| from rings to broaches, necklaces to earrings. The | | | | individual gift. Each zodiac sign has corresponding |
| possibilities are only limited by the creator’s | | | | gemstones, most of which are relatively common |
| imagination. There are so many shapes and sizes | | | | and fairly cheap. Even the more expensive |
| to choose from, it may be a little daunting at first | | | | stones, such as emeralds and sapphires, can be |
| glance, but if you plan your piece of jewellery | | | | cheaper than you expected, especially if you |
| carefully, there is bound to be a gemstone to fit. | | | | choose a stone that is perhaps of a lower quality, |
| The first thing to do is to decide exactly what | | | | but has its own raw beauty. |
| kind of piece you want to create. Once you have | | | | The important thing to remember when venturing |
| decided on that, you can then narrow your field | | | | into the world of gemstones for the first time is |
| of choice down regarding shape and size. If you | | | | to shop around. There are plenty of suppliers in |
| are making a broach with an inlay gemstone | | | | the market, and there are bargains to be had, |
| setting, a cabochon of any precious or | | | | particularly if you are willing to do a little work on |
| semi-precious gemstone can easily be fitted into a | | | | the stone yourself. Don’t be afraid to |
| corresponding blank mounting. A popular | | | | experiment – if you’re not happy with the |
| combination is silver and turquoise, giving a | | | | results, you can always dismantle the piece and |
| beautiful finish for a budget price. | | | | incorporate the gem into a different setting or |
| Most silver and gold findings can be bought from | | | | even a completely different design. |
| jewellery suppliers. Good suppliers will also carry a | | | | Gemstones never go out of fashion, so take a |
| range of gemstones that are designed to fit their | | | | look around jewellery fairs to pick up inspiration |
| selection of mountings. To use gemstones in your | | | | and ideas for your own work, and in no time |
| jewellery making, you need only a few simple | | | | you’ll be adding your own, unique gemstone |
| tools and a lot of imagination. If you’re really | | | | designs into your jewellery making. |
| serious about gemstones, you can purchase the | | | | Adam Hunter – E-commerce Marketing |
| uncut stones and build up your workshop to | | | | Manager of Cookson Precious Metals offer a |
| include tumblers, polishers, diamond-tipped drills and | | | | choice of jewellery making supplies from over |
| other jeweller’s tools to create your own, | | | | 10,000 products including gemstones, gold and |
| unique results. If you are intending to produce a | | | | silver wire, jewellery findings, tools, precious metal |
| quantity of gemstone jewellery, the initial outlay | | | | clay and gold and silver sheet - gold, silver, |
| of equipment will soon pay dividends, as the uncut | | | | platinum and palladium plus technical information |
| gemstones are far cheaper than the cut ones. | | | | for jewellers, jobbers, designer, craftsmen, |
| Semi-precious gemstones can also be bought as | | | | artisans and students. |
| beads, combined with delicate silver spacers and | | | | For interviews, quotes, images or comments |
| created into beautiful, elegant jewellery. A | | | | contact: |
| particular favourite is the deep blue azure of Lapis | | | | Adam Hunter |
| Lazuli with its golden flecks and shimmering | | | | E-commerce Marketing Manager |
| iridescence. | | | | Tel(DDI): +44 (0) 121 212 6491 |
| Creating stylish and unique jewellery is far easier | | | | E-mail: adam. |
| than you think. By incorporating gemstones into | | | | |