_Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else_.jpg

Over on Instagram…

Sapphires...September's birthstone. What colour do you think of when I say “Sapphire”? Blue? You wouldn’t be wrong…..but there are so many more! ⠀ .⠀ The mineral Corundum makes a sapphire a sapphire but trace elements of different minerals give them their colour. Blue is created by by having trace elements of titanium, chromium gives us the pinks and reds depending on the amount, iron will produce yellow sapphires…..having more than one trace element will give us beautiful greens and purples too!⠀ .⠀ Sapphires have traditionally symbolised sincerity, truth, faithfulness & nobility, & was also said to have healing powers. In Medieval Europe, sapphires were thought to cure plague boils & diseases of the eye!⠀ .⠀ Deep blue sapphires have long been associated with royalty which is perhaps where the colour “royal blue” comes from. Kings throughout history believed that the gemstone would protect them from their enemies.⠀ .⠀ Although Sapphires are found in many countries including Australia, USA & Thailand, historically Kashmir, Myanmar & Sri Lanka are important sources of this gemstone. In 1881, Sapphires were discovered in Kashmir when a landslide in the Himalayas revealed a large pocket of cornflower blue crystals. As these gemstones started appearing further south, the Maharaja of Kashmir took control. In the next six years, thousands of blue sapphires were found & it’s this that gives Kashmir it’s reputation for beautiful, covetable gemstones.⠀ Jungle covered hills in the Magok region of Myanmar produce a rich, intense blue sapphire that is still known as “Burmese” sapphire. It’s often found next to Ruby deposits but in lower quantities than it’s red neighbour.⠀ Sri Lanka has been a source of beautiful blue sapphires for more than 2000 years & display amazing saturation and brilliance. It is also one of the few places where Padparadscha sapphire can be found.⠀ .⠀ Sapphires are rated 9 on the Moh’s scale of hardness, diamond being the only natural substance that can scratch it. This makes it perfect for wearing in jewellery as it’s so durable.⠀ .⠀ So, with all these colours available, which would you choose?⠀ .⠀ #SeptemberBirthstone #Sapphires

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Popped over to Worcester Cathedral today to see the solo exhibition of @pritch_art . I met Jess in 2019 at @aitpleamington and couldn't believe her work was all done in coloured pencil! I've loved watching her new collection "Confetti" come together and seeing them in real life...absolutely amazing. The exhibition is on all weekend, including bank holiday monday, so go and see her amazing work...and don't forget to take a photo on the swing!😆 . . #Confetti #Art #ArtistsOfInstagram #Worcester #WorcesterCathedral #Exhibition

Too soon??😁🎄🎅⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #JewelleryDesigner #BehindTheScenes #AtTheBench #BenchpegSelfie #Christmas2021 #ChristmasDecoration #SmallBusiness #ShopSmall

New signs from @byvictoriamaxwell can't wait for my next event to use them! . . . #JewelleryDesigner #BehindTheScenes #NewSigns

#InstaQuote #QuoteOfTheDay #Quote

Love the flash in this Labradorite, so tempted to keep it for myself! . . . #JewelleryDesigner #HandmadeIsLuxury #Labradorite #StatementJewellery #StatementRing #OneOfAKind

Can any of my lovely friends I know who are exhibiting at Art In The Pen help another lovely friend?? . . Oh blimey. A massive plea. I’m stranded in Keighley at the Travel Lodge. My car has broken down. I need to be at skipton in the morning for Art in the Pen. The breakdown people are on their way to recover my car but then I am totally stranded here and really don’t know what to do. Really panicking. Is anyone (other exhibitors/ visitors/ friends) able to help please?? There’ll be a mousie made especially for you as a huge thank you if you can xxxx Reposted from @jarvisthemouse

No rest for the wicked! Tomorrow you can find me in the grounds of the Priory in Malvern for the Art Market, hope to see you there! ⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #JewelleryDesigner #InspiredByNature #Jeweller #LadySmith #SmallBusiness #ScarlettWillowDesigns #ShopSmall #HandmadeIsLuxury #TellYourStory #HandmadeIsBest #MalvernPriory

For National Marine Week, I pledged to donate 15% from the sales of my ocean inspired collections to the Marine Conservation Society, a UK charity fighting for a cleaner, better protected, healthier ocean.⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #JewelleryDesigner #ProtectingOurOceans #InspiredByNature #SmallBusiness #VitaminSea

Judy Garland Quote