BEST OF ETSY: EMERALD RINGS

Perusing the fine jewellery section of Net a Porter this morning (as I'm increasingly inclined to do) I stumbled upon this beautiful green gemstone ring by Canadian designer Pippa Small...

Something about the vivid green colour contrasted with the yellow gold setting TOTES caught my eye. Kind of magical, right? Like something a particularly CHIC witch might wear for a special occasion. Reminds me of those labradorite and onyx Monica Vinader rings I won last year..

You may or may not know but I am rather prone to a pretty gemstone and while this isn't actually an emerald (it's a gorgeous gem called chrysophase or seamfoam chalcedony as Ruth reliably informs me) I couldn't help but do a wee Etsy search for emerald rings anyway, just for the HECK of it. Here's some of my favourites...

I'm completely obsessed, especially with those uncut, chunky ones. I NEED to get myself a green-stoned ring like yesterday, even if it's not a real emerald cos they are EXPENSIVE, yo.

Lucky for you if you're birthday is in May since the emerald is your birthstone, as well as the traditional gemstone for the astrological signs of Taurus, Cancer and sometimes Gemini. Emeralds are also said to be connected to the heart (anahata) chakra, which alongside other functions, balances the energy flow between the upper and lower three chakras. Emeralds worn around the neck or placed on the heart area are said to bring emotional balance.

But, regardless, they are so PRETTY! What jewellery are you loving at the moment?

LABRADORITE LOVE

In a desperate attempt to put off a heinous court report assignment, I thought I'd share with you my recent penchant for a particular gemstone - Labradorite.

No, weirdly nothing to do with labradors, this is actually a translucent feldspar (aka cool-looking gemstone) which originates from the Labrador region of Canada, but variations are found in Finland and Madagascar - and even in some meteorites too. Check it out:

Raw properties of Labradorite

With its shimmering array of colours, Labradorite has traditionally symbolised fantasy and creativity.

According to an Eskimo legend, the Northern Lights were once imprisoned in the rocks along the coast of Labrador.  It is told that a wandering Eskimo warrior found them and was able to free most of the lights with a mighty blow of his spear. Some of the lights were still trapped within the stone, and VOILA = Labradorite!

Labradorite is said to provide quick relief from anxiety, hopelessness and depression, replacing them with enthusiasm, self-confidence and inspiration. It is said to dispel negativity and to bring clear understanding by enhancing clarity of thought and improving one's ability to cooperate with others in harmony.

So far so good, but this bit get a little freeekay:
A sister to moonstone, labradorite links to the "darker" Crone aspects of the Goddess, and grants inner knowing of mystery. It enhances intuition and psychic perception; just like the cord-cutting Crone, it helps the bearer to release judgment, and understand their destiny.

Um... OKAAAAAY...?

But look how pretty it is! 

I actually first became aware of Labradorite when I spotted this Vivienne Westwood beauty on Hervia:

I was all like, whaaaa IS THAT STONE?! Pretty, no? Sadly it's more than a little out of my price range, but when I was trawling through Net a Porter looking for one of my last treats from my win, I spotted this Monica Vinader small nugget silver and Labradorite ring and snaffled it up toot sweet:

Gorgeous, right? It's actually a much warmer sort of smoky colour in real life, but the way it reflects light is just stunning. I want MORE!

I yet again took to Etsy and did a generic search. Look at what treasures I found:

Huge raw Labradorite teardrop ring. Yes please!

Faceted Labradorite teardrop pendant on gold chain.

Gorgeous orb pendant - does anyone else think the second shot looks like a wee mini universe or star nebula?

Tiny Labradorite orb silver stacking ring.

I'd be happy with any of these. Love it. What are some of your favourite gemstones?