A sale of Olympic proportions – 10% off everything to mark London 2012

People don’t tend to associate sports with jewellery, but they really should. After all, we reward our top athletes with three rather fabulous pieces of jewellery – gold, silver and bronze medals.

Even in the world of sport, jewellery is a badge of honour, a reflection of status and a way to mark a special occasion. That’s why we’re marking the start of the Olympics with a very special sale.

For this Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, we are offering 10% of every product on site. From pearls to pendants, designer brands to brand new studs, all our items will be discounted.

This of course includes fabulous Team GB items by Official Olympic Jeweller Links of London and Official Olympic Timekeeper OMEGA.

Links of London’s beautiful, simple bracelets and charms are a great way of showing your support. They also perfectly complement a sporty lifestyle. Paralympic cyclist Sarah Storey, Olympic swimmer Keri-Anne Payne, Olympic 200M runner Christian Malcolm and Paralympic rower Tom Aggar all look fantastic wearing their Links of London official Team GB bands.

We also offer the Men’s Aqua Terra watch, part of OMEGA’s official Olympic collection. With a sporty teak blue dial and a stainless steel case with the Olympic logo on the back, it’s a fantastic way to mark what is sure to be a seminal event in Great Britain’s history.

Every happy occasion deserves a piece of jewellery – which piece will you choose for London 2012?

To claim your 10% off this Friday-Sunday, simply enter the voucher code ‘olympics’ at the checkout.

Birthstone of the month: Ruby

"The gleaming Ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they'll be exempt and free,
From lover's doubts and anxiety."

July’s Birthstone is the Ruby, one of the most romanticised and sought-after stones in existence.

In ancient times is was referred to as “The King of Gemstones” and even today, it might surprise you to learn, flawless rubies are considered more valuable than flawless diamonds.

Legend says rubies get their colour from an everlasting and eternal fire that can never be extinguished.  As such, it is associated with strength and courage. Early tales tell of warriors implanting rubies under their skin to bring them valour in battle.

Perhaps one of the most mystical gemstones, rubies are believed to ward off evil, with the ruby allegedly darkening when its owner is facing danger. The most famous example of this is Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII, who is said to have predicted her downfall after seeing the darkening of her ruby. They are also said to ward of the negative thoughts of the wearer, promoting happiness, wisdom and inner peace.

As well as inner happiness, rubies promote good health and have been used in traditional medicines. Ancient cultures used rubies in the treatment of heart, blood and digestive problems. They were also used as talismans for general strength and healing.

The positive properties associated with rubies have endured through the ages and even today, designer Roberto Coin puts a secret ruby in his creations. The ruby is positioned to allow direct contact with the skin. For Roberto Coin, the ruby is a ‘secret gift’ designed to promote prosperity, health and happiness in anyone lucky enough to wear a Roberto Coin creation.

With its links to inner peace, outer strength, courage and valour, no other gem can claim to be as personal, passionate and powerful as the ruby, the world’s most precious gem.

"Cento" rings by Roberto Coin - each contains a hidden Ruby:

“No jewellery box should be without…” The Gatwards guide to essential jewellery

While jewellery is deeply personal and meaningful to its owner, there are certain staple pieces that will enhance every girl’s jewellery box.

From everyday essentials to striking statement pieces, here’s our look at those pieces that no jewellery box should be without.

      A go-to pair of studs

Perhaps the most essential everyday item, studs are essential when you want a bit of sparkle that’s not too ostentatious.

Diamond studs are classics for a reason. They go with everything, instantly brighten any outfit and exude timeless style and charm. The ultimate jewellery staple.

One fantastic statement piece

A striking statement piece will add definition and personality to your look, as well as turning heads for the right reasons.

However finding a statement piece that’s also wearable, stylish and suits your personal style can be tricky. That’s why we love this multi-strand pearl necklace.

Striking yet classy, this piece is sure to make the perfect impression. It is also extremely versatile and would complement a variety of looks from vintage and romantic to preppy and contemporary.

Something personal

The best jewellery doesn’t just add sparkle, but reflects who you are. In twenty years time, it’s the personal pieces that will still occupy their rightful piece in your jewellery box.

Every Trollbeads bracelet is utterly personal, as each individual creates their own look from Trollbeads’ constantly growing collection of beads. Trollbeads can be used to mark milestones, symbolise important people or feelings, reflect your personality, or even simply look stylish. From silver cats, to patterned glass, you are sure to find beads to suit your style.

A beautiful watch

No wrist is complete without a watch. Practical, classical and beautiful, the right watch will suit a variety of looks whilst still offering a strong and enduring look.

Longines watches truly balance modern design and classical elegance, with both their mens and womens collections boasting a variety of versatile pieces.

We particularly love the Ladies Hydro Conquest diamond set watch. The large face and chunky bracelet strap give it a strong, sporty feel while the white dial and diamond setting look elegant and feminine, making this an ideal watch for almost any occasion.

That perfect pendant

Pendants are the most prominent piece of jewellery a person can wear. For many women, it’s the only jewellery they wear on a daily basis. That’s why every woman should have a favourite pendant, that necklace that goes with everything and really represents your style.

Babette Wasserman’s pendants are a great way of making a striking yet subtle style statement. We particularly like the black drop pendant. Dramatic yet delicate, it complements both everyday and occasional looks.

A Royal Homecoming: The Queen visits Hitchin

On the 14^th June, Hitchin Market Square’s trademark cobbles were carpeted in red and the whole town turned out in droves for a very special visitor.

As part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Her Majesty the Queen visited Hitchin. This was a particularly special day for the team at Gatwards because, as one of the oldest businesses in the town, our very own Chairman Anna Gatward and Director Jim Hunter were formally presented to Her Majesty. Sadly Lisa Gatward was on holiday and was unable to be presented

This is not Gatwards or indeed Hitchin’s first brush with Royalty. Earlier generations of the Gatward family would go out to the great houses of the area in a pony and trap to wind, maintain and repair the clocks. One of these houses was St Paul’s Walden Bury, the childhood home of the then Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret.

 Chairman Anna Gatward & Director Jim Hunter were presented to the Queen

Richard Whitmore, author of the book Hertfordshire’s Queen, noted: “1932 was a time when this royal family were as close as they would ever be to living an ordinary life, when they were able to drive into town with their children and browse round their favourite shops. Four years later it would all end when the abdication of the Duke’s elder brother Edward VIII shouldered him and the Duchess and ultimately their elder daughter with the awesome burdens of monarchy.”

Gatward was one of the shops that the future Queen Mother would often visit with her daughters. It was said that the Queen Mother had a particular fondness for Hitchin describing the town as “dear”. She said it was always a "great happiness to visit Hertfordshire, especially Hitchin, “whose lovely old streets and market square hold many happy memories”.

Gatward celebrated its own milestone anniversary recently, with 2010 marking 250 years of Gatwards. Anna and Jim were honoured to present the Gatwards 250 year commemorative book  to the Queen, symbolising not only the Queen’s Jubilee, but Gatwards – and Hitchin’s – long association and profound affection for the royal family.

For more on the history of Gatwards, view the commemorative book or visit our Facebook page.