A Field Guide to the Crowns and Gems of the Coronation of King Charles III
Top Stories May 05, 2023
On May 6th, for the second time in a year, the world will be privy to a rare viewing of the most important gems and regalia of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. They include, without question, some of the rarest gems ever to be discovered. Get out your binocs, here’s a field guide to the [...]
Read full storyThe stunning gemological collection in the Imperial State Crown
Top Stories September 19, 2022
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension of King Charles III provides a rare opportunity to see some of the collection of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. Chief among them is the Imperial State Crown, centred over the royal standard draping the Queen’s coffin as she lies in state [...]
Read full storyPretty little pearls — A wee primer on pearl cultivation
Fashion & Beauty June 25, 2020
Falstaff: “I will not lend thee a penny” Pistol: “Why then the world's mine oyster/Which I with sword will open.” — Shakespeare, The Merry Wives of Windsor. In reality, when it comes to pearls, the world’s not just your oyster, but your bivalve. And since [...]
Read full storyIf June is the month of your birth, the pearl is your stone
Fashion & Beauty June 03, 2020
Don't give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. — The Gospel According to Matthew, 7:6 While writing this article under COVID lockdown I’ve been amused by the unscheduled [...]
Read full storyBirthstone overview: How 12 gemstones became natal symbols
Fashion & Beauty May 13, 2020
“You shall make a breast-piece of judgment … You shall mount on it four rows of stones; the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz and emerald; and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and a diamond; and the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; and the fourth row a beryl and [...]
Read full storyThe exceptional emerald is the birthstone for May
Fashion & Beauty May 01, 2020
“Let not thy heart be great because of thy knowledge; converse with the ignorant as with the learned: the boundary of skill is not attainable; there is no expert who is completely provided with what is profitable to him: good speech is hidden more than the emeralds that are found by female slaves [...]
Read full storyColour in the time of COVID: Why the Queen wore emerald green
Fashion & Beauty April 20, 2020
On Sunday April 5th, Queen Elizabeth came before the cameras in a rare national address. It was only her fifth in 68 years of rule. She wore green. Green, a colour of decay and ill-health — pus, mould, phlegm, envy — yet a colour of rebirth, rejuvenation and life itself – tender sprouts [...]
Read full storyThe man manual to buying an engagement ring
Fashion & Beauty April 16, 2020
In spring, a young man's thoughts turn to “Oh sh*t, I was going to propose. I better find a ring.” Yes men, if you're going to propose, do not go empty-handed. Every woman expects a ring. And it takes more than a bagatelle or bauble to bowl over Betty. Until now, buying an engagement [...]
Read full storyBirthstones: April
Fashion & Beauty April 02, 2020
Well April baby, you won the lottery. Diamond is your gem. It wasn’t always, and still isn’t by a number of traditions, but in North America it is. If you were born this month and your name’s Adam, well you’re doubly invincible, because both names are rooted in the Greek word [...]
Read full storyAquamarines shines as the birthstone for March
Fashion & Beauty March 10, 2020
Lucky March baby, you have two gems to choose from: Aquamarine and Bloodstone. Taking a cruise for your birthday? [Editor: maybe not]. Take your aquamarine. Ancient sailors travelled with aquamarine crystals, believing it would ensure a safe passage and, bonus, induce a good night’s sleep while [...]
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