Louella Jewellery Blog

The word Ruby comes to us from the Latin 'ruber' and 'rubeus' meaning red. However the word in Sanskrit translates to be “The King of gemstones”. Rubies are typically mined from Madagascar, Nepal, Thailand and Australia. They require special subterranean conditions, unlike diamonds which can be found almost anywhere. The formation of rubies requires a lot of Earth’s natural elements and many years of pressure and natural growth. This growth process incorporates many of the earth's elements, which can affect the clarity of the stone. During their growth process, rubies will develop fractures and inclusions that affect the colour and...

Emeralds were the favourite gemstone of Cleopatra and who can blame her? The Egyptians used emeralds both in jewellery and in their elaborate burials, often burying emerald stones with monarchs as symbols of protection. On the other side of the world, the Muzo Indians of Colombia had well-hidden and prized emerald mines. These mines were so hidden, it took the Spanish conquistadors nearly twenty years to find them. It is the birthstone of the month of May and what a logical one it is with it’s lush greenness hinting at spring so perfectly. Emerald was long thought to help the...

May is a busy old time in our family with three birthdays, it’s lots of parties, cake and gifts all round. I really love May, I’m not a fan of scorching sun but May is usually warm not hot and blissful. The flowers all start to pop open in the garden and the beaches are usually quiet too. This year May will look so different for everyone. For us, there won’t be parties but I’m sure we will all make cake (if we can find the flour!). Celebrations will feel different of course but celebrating quietly and from afar is...

I am not making any resolutions this year; it’s never really been my thing anyway but this year has been a big one for us. I’ve been constantly learning, re-evaluating and adapting to be a full-time mum/ part time jeweller. As a family we have grown together, learnt to be parents and how to give our little girl the best life we can. I am so proud of us and feel so blessed that resolutions feel obsolete, which is a wonderful feeling. To all of you starting afresh, making big changes or little ones, I hope your resolutions make you...

Beautiful blue/green turquoise is the designated birthstone for the month of December (with zircon and tanzanite). It is also the gemstone for the 11th wedding anniversary. The word turquoise dates to the 17th century and is derived from the French turquois meaning "Turkish" because the mineral was first brought to Europe through Turkey. The finest of turquoise reaches a maximum MOHS rating of just under 6, or slightly more than window glass. Turquoise is sacred to many Native Americans. In the past, Native Americans would use it as a shaman’s stone, which were stones believed to have strong metaphysical properties...