When it comes to jewellery, we often marvel at the sparkle of gemstones, the luster of pearls, and the brilliance of precious metals. However, beyond their aesthetic allure lies a fundamental aspect that significantly influences their durability and longevity: hardness. Enter the Mohs scale—a simple yet indispensable tool in the world of jewelry that helps us understand and appreciate the hardness of gemstones and minerals. What is the Mohs Scale? Named after Friedrich Mohs, a German mineralogist who devised it in 1812, the Mohs scale stands as one of the most widely used systems for measuring ..read more

Birthstones have long been associated with each month of the year, making them a popular choice for jewellery and gifts. These precious gems hold a special significance, believed to bring good luck and protection to those who wear them. From January’s deep red garnet to December’s vibrant turquoise, each month’s birthstone has a unique story and meaning behind it. Join us as we explore the fascinating history and symbolism of birthstones in this blog post. Understanding Birthstones: Origin and Significance Birthstones have a rich history that dates back centuries, and understanding their origi ..read more

Choosing jewellery can be a daunting task. With so many styles, shapes, and materials, it can be difficult to know what to look for when making a purchase. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 10 tips to help you make the right choice when choosing jewellery. From understanding the types of materials available to learning the basics of care and maintenance, these tips will give you the confidence to find the perfect piece of jewellery for any occasion. 1) Consider Your Personal Style When it comes to choosing jewellery, your personal style should always be a top consideration. After all, the ..read more

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wearing jewellery, For some, it is all about personal choice with no rules, while others like to make sure everything is exactly as it should be. We take a look at some general guidelines that can help you create a stylish and coordinated look. Match the Metal The most common metals for jewellery are gold, silver, and platinum. It’s generally best to stick to one metal per outfit, but you can mix if you do it carefully. For example, you could wear a gold necklace with silver earrings or a platinum bracelet with a gold ring if you wanted to.&nbs ..read more

The engagement ring is a symbol of love and commitment that has been around for centuries. The tradition of giving an engagement ring can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where rings were given as a sign of ownership. In Roman times, rings were also given as a symbol of marriage, and the tradition continued throughout the Middle Ages. Why Diamonds? In the 15th century, diamonds became the most popular gemstone for engagement rings. This was due in part to the discovery of large diamond deposits in Brazil, which made diamonds more accessible and affordable. The first recorded diamond engagement ..read more

Gemstones have been prized for their beauty and rarity for centuries. They are used in jewellery, adornments, and religious ceremonies around the world. But what is it about gemstones that makes them so special, and so sought after? What makes gemstones unique? There are a number of factors that make gemstones unique:  They are all-natural minerals, which means that they were formed over millions of years by the Earth’s geological processes. This gives them a unique beauty and character that is unlike anything else in nature.  Gemstones are often very rare. This is because the condit ..read more

Gold – in essence it’s a metal, a chemical element that is found in the ground. But why is gold so valuable, why does it incite such fascination and how did it become to be as coveted as it is today? What is Gold? Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and atomic number 79. It is a bright, slightly orange-yellow, dense, soft, malleable, and ductile metal in pure form. Chemically, gold is a transition metal and a group 11 element. The History of Gold? Gold has been known and used by humans for thousands of years. The earliest known use of this precious metal dates back to 4000 BC, when i ..read more

Ahead of one of the most bejeweled events to have been witnessed in a number of years, the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla promises to be full of the usual pomp and pageantry that we, as a nation, cannot help but be beguiled by. We take a look at the regalia involved in the day and delve a little deeper into the history and facts behind some of the key pieces of the Crown Jewels.  All photos sourced and credited to Royal Collection Trust  The Crown Jewels Consisting of 142 objects which include seven sovereign crowns and 6 consort crowns, the Crown Jewels col ..read more

We are always delighted when we are able to restore original pieces of classic jewellery back to their former glory and take immense pride in being able to give new life to pieces that hold sentimental value and, in many cases, have their own story to tell.  Our jewel in the crown Some jewellery restoration projects require more work than others and this particular piece was certainly the jewel in the crown for our jeweller Mat who says that it’s probably the toughest restoration and revival he has done to date. The piece in question was actually a ring that we had bought into stock. Look ..read more

At The Goldmarket, we are delighted to be able to offer an extensive jewellery repairs and resizing service to a wide selection of jewellery. From resizing an engagement ring, to carrying out repairs on delicate, antique pieces, we pride ourselves on the quality of our craftmanship. As well as having highly skilled technicians and craftsmen, we are also in possession of the finest technology. This includes an in house laser welding machine which allows us to be able to offer a far more superior and skilled service than many others.  Previous to our acquisition of this particular piece of ..read more