Sterling Silver is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of other metals. The reason for the alloy of metals is to make a stronger metal which is easier to work with for jewellers. Sterling silver jewellery pieces are usually marked with "925" to indicate they are 92.5% purity.
925 This mark is seen on items of silver jewellery which is sterling silver to indicate that it is 92.5% pure silver.
Agapanthus is a beautiful flower with many trumpet like flowers on one stem and usually is a blue colour.
Amber is a hard fossil resin used in jewellery. It ranges in colour from yellow to dark brown, but is sometimes coloured green when used in jewellery.
Amethyst is a variety of quartz which comes in varying shades of purple; some say that it brings peace of mind to the wearer and keeps them from drunkenness! It is the traditional birthstone for the month of February.
CZ is short for cubic zirconia, a man-made good quality gem which looks very similar to diamonds, but costs a fraction of the price of real diamonds. It is heavier than a diamond, but not as hard. It makes a very good substitute for diamonds in costume jewellery. It is usually clear, but can also be coloured.
Garnet is a hard mineral of a dark red colour and used in jewellery. It is the traditional birthstone of the month of January and for 2nd anniversary of marriage. It is meant to denote a guarantee of true friendship.
Jet is a black mineral type substance which when polished can be used in jewellery, as it has been for thousands of years.
Locket This is an item of jewellery which is hinged and worn round the neck on a chain. In the past they would contain small photos of loved ones or locks of hair. They can also contain other items, such as a freshwater pearl, as in our starfish locket.
Marcasite is a grey mineral which can be cut to look like diamonds and was very popular early in the 20th century. It is often set in silver jewellery to give a vintage appearance.
Mother of Pearl also known as nacre is a substance from the inside of a mollusc shell. It is from this substance that pearls are made up and it is strong and iridescent.
Snake Chain Most chains are made up of a linked rings, but a snake chain is formed into a tube shape which is flexible.
Topaz is a mineral which is usually clear but can be coloured in many different colours and is the traditional birth stone for the month of November.