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The Eloise Jewellery Blog

Common Questions and Unique Stories

Ceylon sapphire and diamond 18ct yellow gold cluster ring
Sapphires come in every colour except red: the shocking truth about the 'blue' gem
Sapphire is far more than blue: it comes in nearly every colour, and one of the world's most famous engagement rings wears a Ceylon sapphire. Discover the royal gem's best-kept... Read more...
Antique Edwardian lady portrait cameo brooch
Why did the Victorians pin tiny carved faces to their coats? The strange truth about cameos
A cameo is a miniature sculpture carved from layered shell or stone, and the art goes back to ancient Greece and Rome. Discover how it works, why Victorians adored it,... Read more...
Vintage pear shaped blue tanzanite and diamond 18ct yellow gold necklace
This gem exists in only ONE place on Earth, and nobody had even seen it before 1967
Tanzanite was only discovered in 1967 and is mined in just one small area of Tanzania. Find out why this violet-blue gem is so special, and the colour-changing party trick... Read more...
Nature-inspired garnet sterling silver drop earrings
This gemstone is named after a fruit, and what it does in workshops will shock you
Garnet takes its name from the pomegranate and has been worn for thousands of years. Discover its fiery family secrets, plus the surprising workshop job it does when it's not... Read more...
Is your citrine secretly an amethyst? The shocking trick behind the sunshine gem
Is your citrine secretly an amethyst? The shocking trick behind the sunshine gem
Citrine glows like liquid sunshine and carries a surprising secret about where that colour really comes from. Discover the story of November's birthstone, and the wine island that gave one... Read more...
Aquamarine and seed pearl 9ct yellow gold necklace
Aquamarine: the sailors' lucky gem with a famous cousin you'd never guess
Aquamarine's name means 'water of the sea', and sailors reportedly carried it for protection on voyages. Discover the legend, the March birthstone and the famous gem it turns out to... Read more...
Italian vintage Colombian emerald 14ct yellow gold snake necklace
The secret garden inside every emerald (and why jewellers love it)
Most gems are judged by how clean they are, but emerald is the famous exception. Discover why the tiny 'garden' inside an emerald is normal, and the royal love affair... Read more...
Antique 1920s Rolex Unicorn ladies wristwatch in 9ct gold engraved Christmas 1925
Antique Rolex from 1925: the Christmas secret engraved on the back
A rare antique Rolex Unicorn ladies watch from the 1920s, in 9ct gold and engraved 'Christmas 1925' on the back. Discover how to spot a genuine early Rolex hallmark, what... Read more...
Diamond and large baroque pearl 18ct rose gold drop earrings
Pearls are made by a living creature: the story of the necklace that reportedly bought a mansion
Pearls are the only gems grown by a living animal. From Cleopatra's vinegar bet to Elizabeth Taylor's puppy and Scotland's famous river pearls, these are the stories that made pearls... Read more...
Antique Edwardian amethyst and seed pearl 9ct yellow gold necklace
Amethyst was once as precious as ruby: how a royal gem became everyone's favourite
Amethyst is February's birthstone, but for centuries it was ranked among the most precious gems of all. Discover the Greek myth behind its name, its surprising cousin and what changed... Read more...
The Arabella Victorian reproduction peridot and pink tourmaline 9ct gold ring
The gem that fell from space: why peridot is found inside meteorites
Peridot is one of the only gems that can arrive from outer space, because crystals of it have been found inside meteorites. Discover its volcanic birth, its Egyptian island mine... Read more...
Amber sterling silver bird necklace
Amber isn't a stone at all: the 40-million-year-old secret trapped inside it
Amber looks like a gemstone, but it's actually fossilised tree resin, often tens of millions of years old. Discover the insects trapped inside, the lost Amber Room and the everyday... Read more...
Modern sterling silver wave design bangle from Eloise Jewellery
Why does some jewellery turn your skin green? (It's not what you think)
A green ring on your finger doesn't automatically mean your jewellery is fake. Discover the surprising chemistry behind green (and black) marks, which metals cause them, and how to stop... Read more...
London blue topaz and diamond 9ct rose gold ring from Eloise Jewellery
What is rose gold actually made of? The surprising metal that turns gold pink
Rose gold isn't a different kind of gold at all. Discover the everyday metal that gives it that blush-pink glow, why it was once called 'Russian gold', and why your... Read more...
Floral inspired diamond 18ct yellow and white gold ring from Eloise Jewellery
9ct vs 18ct gold: why the 'cheaper' gold might actually be better for everyday wear
More gold must mean better gold, right? Not always. Discover what 9ct and 18ct really mean, why the 'cheaper' option is often tougher, and the one number to look for... Read more...
Vintage 1930s 9ct yellow gold signet ring from Eloise Jewellery
What do the tiny marks inside your ring actually mean? A secret code over 700 years old
Those tiny stamps inside your ring are one of the oldest consumer protection systems in the world. Learn how to read them, what a leopard, an anchor and a castle... Read more...
Oval opal and diamond 9ct yellow gold halo ring from Eloise Jewellery
Is opal really unlucky? How one Scottish novel crashed the sales of the world's most magical gemstone
For centuries opal was a lucky stone. Then, in 1829, a Scottish novelist wrote one scene that turned it into a curse. Discover the real story behind the opal superstition,... Read more...
Vintage baroque pearl 9ct gold station necklace handmade in the Eloise Jewellery workshop
What happens when you remodel old gold jewellery? The secret life of the gold in your drawer
That tangle of broken chains and single earrings in your drawer could become your next favourite piece. Discover what really happens when old gold is remodelled, why you can't just... Read more...
Antique Edwardian 9ct rose gold cameo ring in a tiny size G from Eloise Jewellery
Can you resize an antique ring? The hidden risks nobody tells you about
Fallen for an antique ring that doesn't quite fit? Most can be resized, but century-old metal, fragile settings and heat-shy gemstones mean it's not always as simple as it sounds.... Read more...
Ania Haie gold on silver astrolabe necklace from Eloise Jewellery
The London jewellery brand taking over everyone's necklace stack: why Ania Haie is everywhere
Ania Haie is the London-based brand behind stackable sterling silver jewellery finished in rhodium or 14ct gold plating. Discover what makes it so easy to layer, the meaning behind its... Read more...
Square rainbow moonstone and aquamarine beaded bohemian ring from Eloise Jewellery
Moonstone vs labradorite: why your 'rainbow moonstone' might not be moonstone at all
Moonstone and labradorite are close cousins, and the gem sold as rainbow moonstone is actually a form of labradorite. Discover the real differences between the two, the myths that trip... Read more...
Watch This Space pink icicle resin and stainless steel necklace
Allergic to cheap earrings? The hypoallergenic jewellery that lets you wear bold colour again
Itchy ears, green fingers or red marks from your jewellery? Find out why some jewellery irritates sensitive skin, what to look for instead, and discover the colourful, hypoallergenic Watch This... Read more...
Coral and seed pearl 9ct yellow gold Victorian inspired forget-me-not ring
Coral jewellery: the sea treasure the Romans believed could protect their children
Coral has been treasured for thousands of years, from ancient burials to Roman amulets and Victorian love tokens. Discover what coral really is, what it symbolises, how to care for... Read more...
Oxidised filigree lapis lazuli sterling silver pendant
Lapis lazuli: the 6,000-year-old blue stone worn by pharaohs and painted by the old masters
Lapis lazuli has been mined for over 6,000 years, set into Tutankhamun's funeral mask and ground into the most precious blue paint in art history. Discover the meaning, history and... Read more...
Sheila Fleet Runic Orkney Isles blue enamelled sterling silver bangle
Why everyone wants Sheila Fleet jewellery: the Orkney story hidden in every piece
Sheila Fleet jewellery is designed and handmade on Orkney, inspired by the islands' wild seas, skies and Norse history. Discover the story behind the designer, what makes her hand-enamelled pieces... Read more...
Rough cut green Moldavite sterling silver pendant from Eloise Jewellery
What is Moldavite? The rare green stone from a meteorite strike that people say changed their life
Around 14.7 million years ago, a meteorite struck Earth and created Moldavite, the rare green gemstone crystal lovers call the ultimate stone of transformation. Discover where Moldavite comes from, why... Read more...
December birthstones explained: turquoise, blue topaz or tanzanite. Which one is really right for you?
December birthstones explained: turquoise, blue topaz or tanzanite. Which one is really right for you?
December is lucky enough to have three beautiful birthstones: turquoise, blue topaz and tanzanite. Discover the history, symbolism, durability and unique characteristics of each gemstone, and find out which December... Read more...
Are sapphire engagement rings durable enough for everyday wear? The surprising truth
Are sapphire engagement rings durable enough for everyday wear? The surprising truth
Sapphire engagement rings are one of the most durable alternatives to diamonds, making them ideal for everyday wear. Discover why sapphires have been trusted for generations, explore beautiful sapphire engagement... Read more...
How do I know if a jeweller is trustworthy?
How do I know if a jeweller is trustworthy?
Learn how to spot a trustworthy jeweller before making an important purchase. From customer reviews and workshop facilities to bespoke design services and aftercare support, discover the key signs that... Read more...
Will a Lab Grown Diamond Pass a Diamond Tester?
Will a Lab Grown Diamond Pass a Diamond Tester?
Will a lab grown diamond pass a diamond tester? In most cases, yes. Discover how diamond testers work, why lab grown diamonds register as real diamonds, and how professional jewellers... Read more...
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds? A jeweller explains the differences
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds? A jeweller explains the differences
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds? Discover the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds, how they compare in appearance, durability and value, and why more couples are considering both options when... Read more...
How much should you actually spend on an engagement ring?
How much should you actually spend on an engagement ring?
Wondering how much you should really spend on an engagement ring? This guide breaks down modern engagement ring budgets, what actually affects price, and how to find a beautiful ring... Read more...
How to design your own engagement ring
How to design your own engagement ring
Designing your own engagement ring is one of the most meaningful ways to create a truly personal piece of jewellery. In this guide, we explore every stage of the bespoke... Read more...
Can I bring my own diamond to a jeweller to make a ring?
Can I bring my own diamond to a jeweller to make a ring?
Discover how you can transform your own diamond into a completely bespoke ring with Eloise Jewellery. From inherited family stones to redesigning old engagement rings, explore the custom design process,... Read more...
From 1925 With Love: The Story of our Rare Rolex Unicorn
From 1925 With Love: The Story of our Rare Rolex Unicorn
This watch is a true antique Rolex unicorn. It wasn’t until it was serviced this year that the all-important hallmark was brought to our attention. Registered by Wilsdorf & Davis... Read more...
Introducing the "Cornicello" - Italy's Ancient Symbol of Good Luck
Introducing the "Cornicello" - Italy's Ancient Symbol of Good Luck
Introducing the Italian cornicello, or the “horn of plenty,” as you might’ve heard it called before. Let’s chat about why you might need one... A cornicello is a traditional Italian... Read more...
Did you know that Norwegian Sølje jewellery is magical?
Did you know that Norwegian Sølje jewellery is magical?
Our new Antique of the Month is this very intriguing brooch. This style is called Solje, pronounced SOL-ya, and is a treasured heirloom jewel, meaning "shiny" or "sunny" in Norway.... Read more...
May's Antique of the Month
May's Antique of the Month
Since emerald is the birthstone of May, we have to discuss these stunning antique Edwardian 9ct yellow gold emerald and diamond screw back earrings These precious earrings are craft in... Read more...
April's Antique of the Month
April's Antique of the Month
April's birthstone is Diamond, naturally we couldn't resist showing off this glamorous Art Deco diamond trilogy ring that dates back to the roaring 1920s! Read more...
The Timeline and Creation of Eloise Jewellery
The Timeline and Creation of Eloise Jewellery
Welcome to our first ever blog post on Eloise Jewellery! We thought the only way to begin would be to explain the entire timeline and creation of our amazing brand... Read more...