Biagio the jewellers | Blog

1. Whilst we are generally familiar with the traditional red garnet, did you know that garnets actually come in a huge variety of colours? Almost all colours are represented with garnets available in purples and pinks through to yellow and greens. 2. The reason there is such a wide spectrum of colours is that garnets aren’t just a single type of crystal structure but actually a group of minerals that have similar structures. The most commonly found are pyrope and almandine (both of which tend toward purples and orange-reds), spessartine... Read More

We all have that one special necklace, you know the one, the dainty, subtle and inconspicuous one that goes with anything. The inoffensive one you can wear to work or out to lunch with the girls, which leaves you looking ‘finished’, though perhaps not particularly interesting or noticeable. You wear it day-in, day-out because it’s just so easy to grab and go, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. We all have our go-to jewellery and we’ll always have a need for subtle classics, but the runways of London, New... Read More

1) Tanzanite is a blue-violet form of Zoisite with a colour range from deep blue to lavender-blue to rich violet. It is also pleochroic meaning it’s colour appears to change in different lights. The same stone can appear bluish in one light then purple in another. It’s a colour chameleon! 18ct diamond and tanzanite ring, £15,425 2)  The exact colour is determined by the amount and ratio of chromium and vanadium present in the mineral composition of each deposit. 3) It’s the birthstone for December, along with turquoise and zircon,... Read More

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first appearance as an engaged couple earlier this week, all eyes were on Markle’s left hand and the royal engagement ring.  Wearing her engagement ring in public for the first time the royal bride-to-be showed off a stunning 3-stone diamond masterpiece, a look quite different to the ring that his older brother, William, gave to Kate Middleton when he proposed with his mother’s huge blue sapphire ring. Harry did join William in gifting his fiancee with jewels that once belonged to their... Read More

1. Sunny citrine is a transparent yellow variety of quartz found in shades ranging from pale lemon to golden honey and even sometimes amber-brown. 2. The most highly prized specimens are highly saturated yellow with little to no brown tones. 3. It may sometimes exhibit sparkling rainbow inclusion, though inclusions are on the whole rare. 4. The name ‘citrine’ is derived from the French for lemon – ‘citron’  – which ultimately derives from the Latin name for the fruit ‘citrus’. 9ct pave set citrine & gold ring, £415 5. Records... Read More

Recent research was undertaken by insurance giants Allianz suggests that young couples are ditching the traditional Tiffany-style diamond solitaire and instead choosing coloured stones and more unusual designs for engagement rings which better reflect their individualism and character. Whilst there is still a lot of demand for diamond solitaires there has been huge growth in the call for non-traditional designs and even stones like sapphires, emeralds and rubies are no longer considered unusual. Millennials are leading the charge toward completely unexpected stones in glorious technicolour, but the ‘anti-bridezilla’ movement is... Read More

                1. Along with citrine, Topaz is the birthstone for November. 2. In the UK, Topaz in its blue form is also the stone for 4th wedding anniversaries.  3. No-one really knows how it came to the named, but there is a tiny island in the Red Sea called Zabargad, which Pliny the Elder tells us was once known as ‘Topazios’ and is where Cleopatra imported her peridot from. Significantly, peridot and topaz were often confused in the past, hence the theory that... Read More

Wedding rings for men have come a long way, but assuming the groom isn’t much of a jewellery-wearer, finding something he will commit to wearing for life might be tricky. Perhaps it might be best to start with considering his natural, everyday style. If he’s a laid back chap then a classic, low-profile wedding band might be better, but a dapper and dandy fellow might like something a little more eye-catching. Thankfully, there is a world of options in men’s wedding ring designs today, plus designs are often more comfortable... Read More

Your best girls have been with you through it all; from the joy of the proposal to the intricacies and stresses of wedding planning, what’s more, they’ve devised the perfect sending off with a fun-filled hen night or ladylike bridal shower. But their role of chief supporters doesn’t end there. There’s plenty for them still to help with on the big day. Your bridal party has been involved in one of the most important events of your life, you could show your appreciation with a special gift or memento to... Read More

You’ve ordered your wedding rings, the bride has chosen her tiara and the bridesmaids are set to stun, but what about the groom’s party? It’s not just the groom that needs to look his best, a band of handsome, well-turned out groomsmen can make all the difference to the look and feel of your big day. No-one wants their wedding photos marred by a gang of scruffy stags, so it’s time to raise your game gentlemen! Not only that but your best man, ushers, pages and groomsmen have all given... Read More