Actually I find all these popular notions or “traditions” fascinating- for example the whole diamond engagement ring “tradition” has been around for less than a hundred years and is entirely down to an advertising campaign by, none other than, a company who sells diamonds!

If diamonds suits your pocket then you’re in luck- diamonds abound in all styles, shapes and colours and you’ll be spoiled for choice at any conventional jeweller’s shop.

However, if the price is a little steep then you may be surprised to learn that diamonds are not the only options when it comes to the gemstone for April. They may be the Modern gemstone, but the Traditional Birthstones for April also includes Sapphire, and the Mystical Birthstone is Opal.

I only recently discovered opal, and it’s just a lovely stone. I got hold of some delicate pale pink stones and just combined them with faceted pale pink ovals of rose quartz and it makes a pretty combination with their differing opacities and shapes, take a look:

^{47cm necklace – one-off unique item}

It’s March and the Birthstone for this month is Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Jasper or Jade- depending on which tradition you’re using. Personally I don’t stick to just one tradition for birthstone jewellery, I use whichever stone best suits the wearer and my pocket!

In March we have the following options:

For me, my favourites from this list are aquamarine and jade- I just love the colours, plus they’re quite widely available and in a range of shades.

Some of my own designs use these stones-

Aquamarine Jewellery

This is Mona, a Sterling silver necklace with a combination of pretty and pale blues and greens: Aquamarine, Blue Lace Agate, Jade and Freshwater Pearl.

Jade Jewellery

This is Kuta- a range using brown leather with gemstones and finished with a dragonfly charm. The gemstones used are Aquamarine, Jade, Moonstone and Amazonite.