Discover Gemstones. Discover GAIA!

This week at H Samuel, we've been drawing inspiration from the mystical elegance of gemstones! A gemstone is a mineral or naturally occurring material that is durable enough to be carved, polished and cut to create enchanting pieces of jewellery.

Exclusive to H Samuel, the young British jewellery brand GAIA use a wide variety of beautiful gemstones, believing that craftsmanship is key to unlocking the full potential and elegance of minerals and metals. After feeling energised by the sheer beauty of the GAIA jewellery, we at H Samuel have chosen to delve deeper into the mystical origins and metaphysical and healing properties behind five of our favourite gemstones.

According to Eskimo legends, Labradorite represents the Northern Lights trapped in the rocks along the Labrador coast in Canada. It is a stone of illumination and initiation, with elegant grey hues and a hint of emerald green. Wear Labradorite to reveal new insights and untapped potential!

Also known as blood stone due to its natural dark features, hematite is believed to have many healing properties. In Feng Shui, hematite is used for its grounding, calming and protective properties. The mineral has been in use for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, hematite statues were placed in the tombs of important religious figures and the Indians in North America, believed that when it was used in war paint it made the user invincible. Wear shimmering hematite to help connect, balance & harmonise your mind, body and spirit.

One of the most ancient gemstones, Mother of Pearl is believed to bring to its wearer the gentle healing power of the sea. It relieves you from stress, soothes and calms. The name, Mother of Pearl is said to have been given to the inner layer of shells by Queen Elizabeth I. Mother of Pearl comes in several natural colours: white, grey and yellow. Wear elegant Mother of Pearl to attract prosperity and imagination.

Drusy Quartz is a gemstone with a natural surface texture reminiscent of fine sugar crystals that are formed on the surface of quartz minerals. It’s believed to energise and stabilise both body and aura, and promotes creativity, along with giving light and joy. Wear glittering Drusy Quartz to aid balance and amplify your body’s natural healing properties.

Called the Heart Stone, Rose Quartz has been used as a love token as early as 600 B.C, because of its romantic pink hues. Rose Quartz is also called Hyaline Quartz, from the Greek hyalos, meaning “glass". It carries a soft energy of compassion and peace, and speaks directly to the Heart Chakra. Wear romantic Rose Quartz to reawaken a deep sense of personal fulfillment and contentment.

GAIA jewellery gives women of any age stunning and versatile pieces without having to break the bank. Accessorize your style with stunning GAIA gemstones and they may just help to release your inner inspiration, motivation or creativity, only at H Samuel.

Let's Talk Embellishments

Blustering winds, downpours of rain and countless broken umbrellas: it’s fair to say that this winter has been downright dismal. But thankfully, evenings are starting to stay lighter and spring will soon be on our doorstep, which means only one thing… it’s time to start filling our wardrobes with this year’s spring/summer trends!

We at H Samuel love all that sparkles, and our eyes have been glistening over the lavish embellishments and statement bling seen at London Fashion Week for S/S'14. The majority of fashion houses have embraced lashings of shimmer, sparkle and costume-jewellery, embellishing any spare inches of fabric that they can reach.

Burberry’s Prorsum S/S'14 ‘English Rose’ collection showed romantic styles of sheer materials, intricate cotton lace in ice cream and sorbet hues, and hand-applied gemstone motifs. One of my favourite designs had to be one worn by Cara Delevingne: a pink lace midi skirt embroidered with shimmering rhinestones, paired with a beautiful white lace top and transparent vinyl jacket, embellished with glistening crystals. Using this as inspiration, why not create your own chic, embellished look with this Fiorelli rose gold-plated small crystal cluster ring. Effortlessly glamorous, this sumptuous rose gold tone ring is set with a glittering crystal surrounded by a cluster of sparkling stones, sure to complement pastel hues and sheer materials.

Pastels romanced with brights in Miu Miu’s S/S'14 collection, showing a display of 1970s inspired yellows and bohemian oranges, with accents of beaded fringe and jeweled embellishments. We think this gold-plated crystal set necklace would make a bohemian style statement and add instant glamour to your S/S'14 outfits.

Staying true to her roots, Simone Rocha inspired her S/S'14 collection on the west rural coast of Ireland, well renowned for its fresh and effortless beauty in spring. Rocha captured this essence in her pieces with misty sheers and dreamy whites, embellishing along collars, pockets and the tops of sheer, knee length socks with elegant pearl flower motifs.

We thought this Sekonda ladies' stone set watch and bracelet set would go beautifully with Simone’s cloudy white inspired designs. Set with an alternating pearl and crystal embellished bracelet and finished with a shimmering mother of pearl drop dial, it also comes complete with a matching pearl and white crystal bracelet. We think this chic stainless steel timepiece would compliment your Simone Rocha inspired look.

If you didn’t already know, Miley Cyrus is getting dark and moody as the new face of Marc Jacobs’ S/S'14 collection. There are plenty of moody hues, sequin embellishment, black floral appliqués and sheer materials to fall in love with, creating a stunning gothic vibe. We thought this Amethyst crystal flower brooch would be perfect to showcase a striking blend of elegance and contemporary style. The amethyst crystal detailing certainly adds a mystical midnight element to your S/S'14 evening wardrobe.

To help create your embellished look this Spring/Summer, here are just a few more statement accessory faves here at H Samuel:

http://www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/d/1592661/martine+wester+stargazer+beaded+stretch+bracelet/

http://www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/d/9718249/stone+flower+pearl+brooch/
http://www.hsamuel.co.uk/webstore/d/1592777/martine+wester+cosmic+crystal+drop+earrings/ 

Browse all the latest and hottest trends in fashion at H Samuel

A Valentine’s Proposal

If you’re planning to make this Valentine’s Day extra romantic by proposing to your loved one, but you’re having trouble finding her the right engagement ring... why not let us help you say it better by choosing from our sensational range at H Samuel? We understand you want to find a ring that reflects her unique style, but also at an affordable price.So with this in mind, we’ve chosen a few of our favourite engagement rings from our classic Timeless collection and our glamorous Endless collection.

To decide whether your special lady would prefer a more traditional or extravagant ring style, you may need to put your detective skills to the test!  Be sure to have a search through her current jewellery and take note of her preferred style, such as the types of metal she likes and whether her jewellery is big and sparkly or dainty and elegant. You may also need to ask her a few questions about what rings she likes, or discreetly walk her past jewellers' windows so she can point out her favourite styles.

If you find that her taste is more subtle and classic, your lady might prefer the simple elegance of our Timeless diamonds collection. In this range, styles such as the traditional solitaire remain the breathtaking centrepiece of engagement rings. If you’re looking for something truly special and sophisticated for your Valentine’s proposal, then The Forever Diamond collection offers an effortless blend of classic and contemporary diamond solitaires, set on a choice of metals including white gold, yellow gold and platinum. This stunning The Forever Diamond 18ct white gold ring features a radiant 2/5 carat  solitaire, crafted in the sparkling 73 facet flower cut unique to The Forever Diamond. Finished with a “Forever” engraving and a hidden diamond inside the band, this ring offers exceptional sparkle and a unique twist on the classic solitaire.

But if you think her jewellery is more contemporary with that extravagant edge, she might be dazzled by our Endless diamonds collection, which has a range of more elaborate bridal sets, clusters and halo rings. The Perfect Fit 9ct White Gold 1/2 Carat Diamond Cluster Bridal Ring Set would make a beautiful representation of your love this Valentine’s. These twisting 9ct white gold bands are sprinkled with shimmering diamonds. And at the heart of this pretty engagement ring sits a flower shaped diamond cluster, for added romantic dazzle.

So, whether you’re looking to propose with a timeless solitaire or an endless engagement ring, the most important rule of thumb when buying a diamond engagement ring is this - take your time. If you cannot decide before Valentine’s or you’d rather wait to choose together, you could always propose on Valentine’s with a proposal ring. The gorgeous 9ct Yellow Gold I Love You Ring sparkles with a glittering heart-shaped cubic zirconia centerpiece, teamed with a glittering cubic zirconia either side. The ring also comes in 9ct white gold and is finished with a delicate engraving on the inside of the band reading “I Love You”.

If you're looking to propose this Valentine's, but maybe need a bit more advice after reading our blog, be sure to visit our online wedding page at H Samuel.co.uk, or ask for advice from one of our experts in your nearest H Samuel store. Whatever you choose to do this Valentine's, we're here to help you say it better!