| arth yields up a rich variety of gemstones that | | | | as cabochons, meaning that the stone can be |
| can be used in jewellery making, with every hue | | | | used in necklaces or as a setting for a ring, for |
| and colour imaginable available to incorporate into | | | | example. Kunzite is another alternative that has a |
| stunning pieces that will compliment any outfit. | | | | violet tint and is a relatively cheap alternative to |
| The choice of which gemstone to include in a | | | | precious gemstones such as sapphires. |
| piece is purely down to the individual and is | | | | Not strictly a gemstone but still valued highly in |
| subject to all kinds of influences including birthdate, | | | | jewellery making, amber is a perennial favourite. |
| fashion or even superstition. | | | | Its warm, golden tone compliments silver findings |
| Birthstones are a good place to start. Each zodiac | | | | perfectly and it has a honey-like lustre that is hard |
| sign has a particular gemstone associated with it, | | | | to resist. It can be a difficult gem to work with as |
| and giving someone a piece of jewellery that | | | | it is very soft, but the results it produces are well |
| incorporates that stone shows the recipient that | | | | worth the effort. Baltic amber is the most highly |
| much more thought has gone into the piece. The | | | | prized, but Middle Eastern amber can range in |
| gemstones range from the lavish such as | | | | tone from a golden yellow to a deep red. |
| sapphires, emeralds and rubies, to the more | | | | The most obvious green gemstone to go for is |
| subtle like moonstone and lapis lazuli. Because of | | | | emerald, and surprisingly these can be far less |
| the sheer range of gemstones available, you can | | | | expensive than you first think. Again, quality |
| spend as little or as much as you like and still | | | | stones will cost more, but if you’re willing |
| have a beautiful piece of jewellery with a hidden | | | | and capable of doing a little work to refine a lower |
| meaning, which will be cherished by the recipient. | | | | quality stone the effects can still be beautiful. |
| Breaking down gemstones by colour is also an | | | | Peridot is a cheaper alternative and is a much |
| alternative. If you like red but can’t afford | | | | paler green with a translucency that is extremely |
| to buy a high quality ruby, then you could look at | | | | delicate and effective for use with small findings. |
| cheaper alternatives such as garnets or spinel. | | | | The opal carries a great deal of superstition with |
| Spinel can range in colour to a delicate pink | | | | it, but is probably one of the most beautiful |
| through to a deep red and can look every bit as | | | | gemstones to work with. It ranges from a milky |
| stunning as a ruby. Garnets offer a deeper shade | | | | white to deep blue or even the rare ‘fire |
| of red with hints of violet and purple in them. | | | | opal’, which is like a small firework |
| They’re popular in eastern jewellery and | | | | captured in stone. Its ability to catch the light and |
| can be used to produce exotic looking jewellery | | | | produce a rainbow of colours is dazzling, and opal |
| at a fraction of the cost of most rubies. | | | | retains its popularity even today. |
| For blue stones, sapphires are the first choice, but | | | | There are thousands of gemstones to choose |
| even though these range in colour, quality and | | | | from, and a good supplier will carry a full selection, |
| price, there are other alternatives. A particular | | | | ranging from top-quality emeralds and rubies right |
| favourite is the deep royal blue of lapis lazuli, | | | | through to cheaper but no less beautiful |
| which is often flecked with gold within the stone. | | | | alternatives. Don’t be afraid of including |
| This can produce a stunning effect with gold | | | | gemstones in your jewellery making – the |
| findings. Lapis can also be bought as beads as well | | | | results can be inspiring. |