Jewellery is such a great way to add to your summer style and gemstones give the perfect pop of colour for cool beach vibes. From the cool tropical blues of turquoise to the vivid pink shades of topaz and sapphire, there is something for everyones style this summer.
Aquamarine
The obvious choice for ocean lovers is this beautiful pale blue stone, named after the Latin name for seawater is said to calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. Also the birthstone for March, aquamarine was also thought to enhance the happiness of marriages.
Aquamarine, along with Emerald is a colour variety of the mineral Beryl and is between 7.5 & 8 on the MOHS hardness scale making it suitable for everyday wear.
Turquoise
The epitome of summer has to be the Caribbean hues of turquoise. Paired with silver this gorgeous gem gives off the ultimate summer vibes.
Despite it’s ocean colours Turquoise is actually only found in dry and barren regions where acidic, copper-rich groundwater seeps downward and reacts with minerals that contain phosphorus and aluminum creating the iconic blue stones we know and love. It is one of the world’s most ancient gems. Archaeological excavations revealed that the rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with turquoise jewellery, and Chinese artisans were carving it more than 3,000 years ago.
Turquoise is also the birthstone of December and although a relatively soft stone at only 5.5-6 on the MOHS scale it is a very versatile and popular gemstone.
Topaz
With its variety of colours, Topaz is the perfect stone to add a kaleidoscope of colour to your jewellery. From the pale sky blue and deeper ocean hues of London Blue to the bright pinks, yellows and oranges, topaz is such a versatile and relatively inexpensive gemstone.
For centuries, many people in India have believed that topaz worn above the heart assures long life, beauty, and intelligence.
Topaz is the birthstone for November and measures 8 on the MOHS hardness scale making it perfect for withstanding everyday wear.
Larimar
You don’t get a more appropriate stone than Larimar to symbolise long sunny summer days on the beach. It is also known as "Caribbean gemstone" for its waves of ocean-blue color reminiscent of the waters near the Dominican Republic beach where it was discovered.
Larimar is a rare blue variety of pectolite, the serene blue color results from the substitution of cobalt for calcium in the stone and varies from white and light-blue to green-blue and deep blue or "volcanic blue." With swirling bands of white, larimar mimics the wave crests of crystal blue Caribbean waters.
It is commonly believed to be a calming stone and is said to promote relaxation in the wearer.
Peridot
The bright zesty green of peridot makes it a perfect summer colour giving leafy jungle vibes to your jewellery.
The word “peridot” comes from the Arabic faridat, meaning gem. Also the birthstone for August, peridot was valued in many ancient and medieval cultures and has also been used for centuries as a protective talisman, shielding the
owner from evil spirits and “terrors of the night”.
The ancient Egyptians mined peridot on the Red Sea island of Zabargad, the source of many large fine peridots in the world’s museums. The Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun”. Today this gem is still prized for its restful yellowish green hues and long history.
Aqua Chalcedony
Although Chalcedony is quite commonly opaque pale blue colour, it does come in a variety of colours with our favourite being the
azure colours of aqua blue Chalcedony. The palest of green-blues, this stone is the ocean gemstones.
Originally discovered in Turkey, Chalcedony is said used to be associated with air and water deities in ancient history, this stone is believed to be beneficial to the ‘throat’ chakra. It is thought to be of help with communicating ideas, feelings and beliefs while restoring emotional balance throughout the body.
Pink Sapphire
When you think of sapphires you immediately think of the traditional deep blue of Princess Diana and Kate Middleton’s show stopping engagement ring. Sapphires however come in a variety of colours with pink being one of the rarest (and one of our favourites!)
Paparadscha is the rarest and most valuable pinkish-orange sapphire, named from the Sinhalese for lotus blossom.
Throughout history pink sapphires have been symbols of love and have become more popular for engagement rings in recent years.