Colour Kaleidoscope – Singing the Blues again

Blue gemstones complement diamonds perfectly, especially when set against white metal so this gem combination continues to be a popular classic.   The Duchess of Cambridge wears a stunning a deep blue Ceylon sapphire engagement ring set in white gold which belonged to Princess Diana.

We have been using a gem stone supplier in London’s jewellery quarter for as long as I can remember and they consistently produce beautiful gemstone jewellery.   We feature two classically designed rings both of which are set with a fine blue sapphire.

Earlier this year, I talked about the lighter shade of blues including the gemstone, topaz. This gem’s beautiful colours can be found with various hues from sky blue, electric “Swiss” blue to the darker inky “London blue”. I particularly like the chequer board faceted cut of this “London Blue” cushion pendant.

We are always on the lookout for pre owned pieces to add to our collection.   This fabulous ‘Deco’ inspired ring’s centre piece is a lovely blue sapphire which is highlighted with baguette and round diamonds all set in 18ct white gold.  I am sure this ring will soon find a new home as sapphire is the birthstone for September.

Another gemstone treasured for its striking opaque blue body with flecks of golden coloured iron pyrites is the exquisite lapis lazuli. It is a relatively soft stone and has been used to make jewellery and precious objects since the earliest of civilisations. In ancient times, however, lapis lazuli was mistakenly referred to as sapphire, the name by which it still goes in some biblical texts.

In early jewellery, lapis was cut into cameos and used as seal stones. The Victorians would use lapis beads and drops in fringe necklaces whereas in the Art Deco period lapis lazuli  was cut into geometric shapes and used in brooches and bracelets.

Today, lapis lazuli feature in current designs and are made in silver as well as gold. British designer Kit Heath has created an interesting jewellery collection.   Inspired by the coast, he has used the simple smooth shape of lapis lazuli which work beautifully set in silver.

Cufflinks are now an important accessory to be suited and booted! They don’t have to be plain indeed those set with lapis, blue CZ or enamel all look very smart with a plain shirt.

Other interesting dark blue gemstones to look out for is iolite once known as ‘water sapphire’, sodalite often confused with lapis or indicolite a blue variety of tourmaline, often passed off as a sapphire.