Birthstone of the month: Tanzanite

In addition to turquoise, tanzanite is a birthstone for December and only became an official birthstone in 2002. It is such a late addition because the gem was only discovered in 1967, which has lead to it being called ‘the gemstone of the twentieth century’.

Tanzanite is a particularly vibrant stone and in both blue and purple hues. No one colour is considered more valuable as every colour option of Tanzanite is particularly striking.

Tanzanite is 1000 times rarer than diamonds. It is only found in Tanzania. This is because extremely unique circumstances caused it to form. Geologists believe the eruption of Mt Kilimanjaro caused the unique conditions for the creation of tanzanite, providing the perfect combination of minerals and pressure. It is unlikely that these conditions will be found anywhere else in the world. This means the supply of tanzanite is likely to run out within our lifetime, making it a particularly unique and special gem.

As tanzanite is relatively new, there are few myths and traditions associated with it. However, Masaai tribesmen do give the stone to their children as a sign of good fortune. Many mystics consider it a particularly uplifting gemstone that promotes personal clarity and optimism.

Rarer than diamonds and more vibrant than rubies, tanzanite is a particularly special gemstone, ideal for creating a contemporary and eye-catching look.

Christmas gift ideas from Gatwards

We pride ourselves on offering something for everyone at Gatwards. This means when it comes to Christmas gifts, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favourite gift ideas for your loved ones.

Ideas for your husband or boyfriend

Encre Noire Eau de Toilette by Lalique has a woody, aromatic scent ideal for any discerning man. The bottle is a work of art too. It resembles a stylish inkwell and perfectly fits the fragrance’s name, which means ‘black ink’. With its chic packaging and sophisticated smell, Encre Noire is an ideal Christmas present.

Cufflinks are a great way of showing your partner you love the at Christmas time. They are simple, stylish and will make him think of you every time he glances at his wrist.

The classic 9ct gold cufflinks should be a staple of any man’s wardrobe and are a particularly timeless choice. For a more luxurious look, we love the 18ct yellow gold and blue diamond cufflinks. Ideal for adding a splash of colour and sophistication. We also love these silver cufflinks set with mother of pearl, which combine traditional and modern style concerns in a stunning and versatile look.

Ideas for your wife or girlfriend

The little details really matter when choosing a gift for your loved one, which is why we love this gorgeous pink sapphire and diamond ring. Sparkly and feminine, a gorgeous pink sapphire is framed by dazzling pave set diamonds. What makes this ring extra special is the combination of matte and polished white gold. Polished sections frame the gemstones even further, adding another layer of beautiful detail to this gorgeous ring.

Every woman should own a pair of diamond earrings, but what makes this pair of studs by Roberto Coin extra special is the hidden ruby. The ruby is said to promote happiness, health and good fortune, acting as a gift within a gift. It’s a truly personal touch and a great way of showing your other half how special they are to you.

For something unique, we love this pink and yellow sapphire pendant. The combination of colours is an unusual, yet subtle style statement, while the glittery pave setting of stones is ideal for the Christmas period.

Ideas for your parents

The Le Epee Mantle Clock with mercury pendulum is modern classic and collectible. High quality, precise and of course utterly striking, this is the sort of piece the passes from generation to generation within a family.

This multi gemstone bracelet is ideal for Mums or any woman with an established jewellery collection, because it goes with everything. Featuring peridot, amethyst, garnet, blue topaz and citrine, is a beautiful and striking piece that will complement a variety of looks, tastes and styles.

If your Father is fond of the great outdoors, the leather hunter’s flask makes a stunning gift. Practical and good looking, it will bring a touch of style and sophistication to a hunting jaunt or a fishing trip.

Ideas for your daughter

We simply adore this fun and flirty Tresor Paris bracelet, which combines girly pink crystals with a practice black cord bracelet for a cool, contemporary stocking filler.

If pink isn’t her thing, this silver and peridot ring is ideal. With a luxuriously large stone in a modern rub over setting, it has a striking and sophisticated look that really stands out from the crowd.

Pearls are a style staple for girls of all ages, so why not use this Christmas to buy your daughter her first one? This single pearl pendant and chain is a dainty, simple and sophisticated option.

For more ideas, why not visit our gift pages? They are full of fabulous ideas for both men and women. Alternatively, come and visit us in store, where are trained and friendly staff will help you find that perfect present.

Tresor Paris’ new watch collection comes to Gatwards

Gatwards is pleased to welcome Tresor Paris’ first ever range of watches.

Tresor Paris has called its watches the ISL Collection, which stands for Iconic, Strength and Luxury. These qualities particularly reflect the Tresor brand, whose glittering range of practical, yet extravagant bracelets has fast become a contemporary style icon.

The watch collection truly reflects the essence of the brand, which prides itself on producing fun, yet functional designs that invite an individual twist. The collection comes in Tresor Paris’ trademark array of colours and is available in two sizes, making them suitable for both men and women.

They also feature a removable bezel, which can be interchanged with the other colour options within the range – the perfect excuse to get more than one!

The watches feature a silicon strap with a hypo-allergenic surgical steel back. Each model is water resistant up to 100m, which is three times the resistance of a standard watch.

An exquisite diamond is set at the 12 hour marker and diamond cut glass covers the face of the watches in the collection.

We love these watches for the same reason we love Tresor Paris’ other items: they are fun, practical and individual pieces that are exquisitely designed to bring luxurious style to everyday wear. Definitely one for the Christmas list.

Shop the watch collection

Shop the full Tresor Paris range

Gatwards’ jewellery picks for winter

From glamorous Christmas parties to braving icy weather, winter is a diverse season which suits a variety of fabulous jewellery styles. We take a look at some of our favourite pieces that are perfect for the winter season.

A Cocktail ring

A fabulously indulgent statement ring is a must-have for and Christmas or New Year’s party. We particularly love the Cocoon ring by BabetteWasserman. With its dark central stone combined with a sparkly claw setting, it is the perfect piece of party glamour.

Omega watches

The classic, cool and elegant look of all OMEGA watches makes them and ideal choice for winter. For ladies, the Ice white OMEGA SeamasterPlanet Ocean is as practical as it is stylish. For men, the OMEGA Seamaster300M Diver is a great choice and offers a strong and stylish look that will see you through ‘til summer.

Tresor Paris

With starry nights, tinsel and ice abound during winter, there is never a better time to go for a glitzy look – and jewellery doesn’t get more glitzy than Tresor Paris.

We love the festive feel of the Deauville bracelet and the dark, glamorous look of the Antibes bracelet, but any Tresor Paris piece will brighten up even the drabbest winter day.

Heart motifs

With Christmas and New Year falling in winter, it really is a season for being with the ones you love – which makes heart motif jewellery a great choice. Warm, comforting and of course stylish, hearts are a fantastic symbol for the season.

We love Lalique’s range of heart pendants, which a choice of colours to suit a variety of styles and moods. The classic reds hearts feel particularly festive while the black and blue versions are a quirky twist on a classic.

Diamonds

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend at any time of the year, but they don’t get called ‘ice’ for nothing. The classic, cool and elegant sparkle really embodies the winter season.  Pave diamonds in particular are particularly dazzling and we love the way they are used in this black and white diamond necklace. The contrasted tones create a sophisticated and beautiful look.

Similarly striking is the Lux ring by Fope, which combines the ice shine of pave diamonds with the warm tones of yellow gold for a look that exudes classical elegance.

Birthstone of the month: Topaz

Who first comes to this world below

In dreary November's fog and snow,

Should prize the topaz amber hue,

Emblem of friends and lovers true.

Precious topaz can occur in many colours, but the most highly prized are the golden/sherry/peachy colours, usually from Brazil. Sometimes topaz are heat treated to produce a pink topaz. The golden/brown shades are sometimes confused with citrines which occur in a similar range of colours, but which are an entirely different mineral, quartz, & consequently much less expensive.

Topaz can also be colourless or blue and is often heat treated to produce a range of blues from palest aquamarine shades through to a vivid sky blue.

Whatever the colour, topaz is a hard gemstone and takes a high polish, which gives it durability and a lasting lustre.

There are many myths & legends surrounding topaz. The ancient Egyptians believed it was coloured by the golden glow of the Sun God Ra. The very name is thought to come from the Greek word “topazos” meaning “to  shine”. The Greeks also believed is increased strength & rendered the wearer invisible in times of need.

Legend has it that topaz can dispel enchantments, change colour when poison is near, improve eyesight, cure insomnia & asthma and promote friendship, love, fidelity and intelligence. Some ancient cultures even thought its power waxed and waned with the moon, being at its most potent at full moon. If topaz can do all that, we should definitely all be wearing one!