Le Blog Des Bijoux
Thoughts and feelings on gemstones, jewellery and life
by jewellery designer and gemstone whisperer
Natalie Barney.
My Beautiful Garnet Revelation
Not only did gemmology introduce me to fascinating gems like tourmaline, zircon and spinel, it also revealed to me the amazing spectrum of colours that garnet can be found in. And the incredible fire and brilliance it can display. What a beautiful revelation it was to learn that good quality almandine garnet is, in fact, the most stunning deep and vivid red colour. A red to rival that of ruby and spinel, and not at all the brownish red hue that is so commonly seen. And who knew that garnets could be orange, green, reddish purple and even yellow?
Dreaming of Mauresque
Mauresque was born from a lifelong fascination with Moorish art and architecture, ignited in childhood when I watched the film ‘El Cid’. This film was about a Christian warlord fighting the Moors in medieval Spain. As a child, it felt so familiar to me. Like a memory. Many years later I travelled to the Alhambra Palace in Grenada, where this strong sense of recognition was amplified and I was utterly overcome with emotion.
The Power of Receiving
Over the years, too many customers have mentioned how unworthy they felt to receive a beautiful jewel. Because it was too expensive, too beautiful, too luxurious for them. Because they hadn’t ‘done anything’ to deserve it. But sometimes these jewels just find their way to you, and want to be received unconditionally.
The Pure Joy of Tourmaline
Wearing my green Namibian tourmaline ring makes me feel lifted, empowered and joyful. When I place this ring on my finger, I feel like a superwoman throwing on my cape, ready to face the world and achieve anything my heart desires. This energy comes straight from the earth, from the magic and power that has taken place over millennia to form this tourmaline that rests on my finger.
The Call of a Gemstone
There’s more to a gemstone than its dazzling looks, value or size. There’s also more to a gemstone than any prescribed energy or symbolism. Again and again I have witnessed how a particular gemstone brings a unique and special energy to the person who selects or receives it…
Changing Your Engagement Ring (Without Changing Husbands)
Have you ever secretly thought about redesigning or upgrading your engagement ring? You’re not the only one. Many women feel like they’ve outgrown their ring and long for one that better reflects their individualism and style…