Review: SKGemsandbeads, Amethyst Wand/ Ring Holder

 I have been looking for an amethyst ring holder for several years, since I started being interested in crystals and semi precious stones. I was browsing Etsy and SKGemsandbeads and I saw a mini amethyst point / wand that measures between 6.1 and 6.7 cm in length. It cost £15.58 including tax and postage.  

When it arrived from India it was packed very securely in bubble wrap and a little plastic container. It measured 6.1 cm (H) and 2.4 cm at its widest point. As the wand is narrow at the top and wider at the bottom it makes the perfect ring holder. I’m a size K-L and lots of larger sizes should also fit on it. The holder itself looks very magical with colours ranging from white at the top  to deep purple at the bottom. It is a six sided wand and the cut makes it seem almost alive as it gleams in the sunlight.The item was bought from a seller in India and took about 9 days to arrive.

 I would recommend this seller as my amethyst wand/crystal tower/ring holder is beautifully made, carefully packed and the customer service great.

I purchased this item myself and the views expressed in this blog are my own.

XissJewellery Single Rose Quartz Ring Holder

 I first reviewed a XissJewellery item way back in 2019 when I purchased the Flat rose quartz ring holder. I still use it but after seeing the wand/ tower version for £11 plus postage for one I decided to buy one to use as a blog prop. To recap XissJewellery is a Demi fine, contemporary everyday jewellery company. Their Jewellery  items are representative of the quiet luxury trend and fit between fine and fashion jewellery. They can be found on their own website, Not on the High Street and, of course, Etsy. The rose quartz ring holders mirror this quiet luxury trend as they are minimalist, useful and a work of art. 

 All the ring holders are slightly different as they are a natural material. They measure between 50-60mm in height and fit rings that are L-P, but if you contact the seller she may be able to find one that fits a different ring size. The first one I purchased was almost clear, with a pink hue and swirls of white at the bottom. The paler the rose quartz the more expensive, rarer the piece, which I didn’t know. I have compared it with one of the trio I also purchased to show the difference in colour. 

I like that the holder is almost see though as when I am photographing rings I sometimes want to show the inside of the band. I will use the ring holder as both a decorative ornament and as prop and I would recommend the seller as the item was reasonably priced, safely packed and arrived quickly. 

I purchased this item myself and the views expressed in this blog are my own.

Review: Natural Amethyst Tower

I purchased two 75-80mm 6 point amethyst crystal wands from a small crystal wand/ jewellery seller BlushMint via Etsy. Each wand cost £14.62 (normally £19.49). 

The amethyst wands can be used as healing stones, crystal wands, part of the meditation or reiki process or as ring holders.   I chose amethyst as I love the deep purple colour, but amethyst stones are supposed to relieve stress and strain, balance the individual, calm mood swings, anger,fear, anxiety and irritability.  Amethyst can also activate spiritual awareness and has healing and cleansing powers. 

I love my two stones. I didn’t buy them for their magical/ spiritual properties but I do feel more relaxed when I am holding them. I love that they are not perfect but have inclusions and imperfections  that make them look more raw and interesting to look at and they are tactile too. I have photographed them in different lights and with different backgrounds to try and show how different they can look.  I intend to use them as blog props when displaying my rings and jewellery as they will display them  perfectly but I will also have them out on display as they are so unique. 

The wands arrived packaged securely in a Jiffy bag and wrapped in copious amounts of bubble wrap. My first package went astray but this was fixed very efficiently and quickly by the seller. I would/ will use this seller again in the future as her customer service is excellent and the stones reasonably priced and she sells beautiful hand selected pieces. 

I purchased the item myself and the views expressed on this blog are my own. 

 

 

Review: Rolling Waves Cornwall Sterling Silver Cornish Sea Glass Pendant

I was lucky enough to win a Rollingwavescornwall sterling blue sea glass pendant in her Instagram competition. I have always been fascinated with sea glass when I’ve seen it on the beach. Each piece is unique, shaped by the waves and sea. Rolling Waves Cornwall is an Etsy seller who specialises in hand making Cornish Sea Glass Jewellery.  You can also follow her on Instagram. 

My stone is a light blue which almost glows in the sunlight. The setting compliments ad enhances the stone by being minimalist. The piece would be suitable for all occasions and seasons. I have purchased a similar piece with a yellow stone for this month’s blog competition and it cost £40 which I think is very reasonable for a handmade piece of jewellery. The pendant is boxed in a Rolling Waves Cornwall embossed gift box. 

I would and have purchase more items in the future. Each piece is unique and exquisitely made. 

I won this piece of jewellery in a competition but this has not affected the opinion expressed in this blog post. 

Review: Rocks and Copper Pendant

I was lucky enough to win an Instagram competition run by RocksandCopperJC, run by Emily Livsey, a local Etsy seller who specialises in one of a kind handmade electroform crystal  and copper jewellery. I have followed her IG account for several years as she sells at local markets that are quite close to where I live. 

 I got to choose which stones I wanted in my pendant. I chose amethyst and Rose quartz,a traditional complimentary combination of stones. The pendant is made of brass. She kept updated during the jewellery making process and I received a beautiful, unique piece within a few days. 

I love my necklace. It is unique and one of a kind, not over the top but can be worn with so many outfits. The other items on her Etsy store are equally as stunning and she has since branched out into using silver plate as well as copper. 

I would recommend this seller and plan on visiting her stall when the (hopefully) more markets open up. At the moment she has a stall at Market Street Social Preston Markets. Check her IG for dates she will be there.

Review: TumbleandRose Sterling Silver Tiny Raw Aquamarine Necklace

I was recently diagnosed with and was told that I need treatment for glaucoma. I have always teetered on the edge of the thinking semi precious stones have restorative or healing qualities and as I was feeling pretty upset about the diagnosis I looked up which stones could help eye problems (obviously I will still continue with mainstream medical treatments, the laser procedure was not fun).

Aquamarine is a positive gemstone thought to bring happiness and help with grieving process. It is also thought to improve eye sight and help with eye problems. 

I purchased a sterling silver tiny raw aquamarine pendant (£16.10) from Rose and Tumble, a small Etsy seller. She makes no claims aquamarine or any gemstones have healing benefits. I chose this pendant because I like it.

The pendant arrived nicely packaged in a tiny hessian gift bag. The raw aquamarine stone is tiny but also extremely beautiful and minimalist. The rawness of the stone makes it seem very pure and close to nature. The silver setting and jump ring seem to make the stone glow in the sun. 

I really like this pendant, bought in a moment of panic, I don’t think it will solve one of my many health problems, but it does cheer  me up  when I wear it. 

I purchased the item myself and the views expressed in my blog are my own 

Bohemarie Jewellery, Crystals for Success Set

 

I purchased the Crystals for Success gift set from Bohemarie Jewellery via Etsy (she also has her own website Bohemarie.com). The stones by themselves cost £16 and with the selenite bowl £33. I bought the stones and bowls as I purchased them for their visual rather than their magical properties (although if I finally had some success in life that would be great).

The stones are rough pyrite, clear crystal, bloodstone, malachite and tigers eye. The stones are packed into a Bohemarie gift bag. The stones are just the right size - they fit in the palm of my hand and feel very tactile. There is also a card which outlines the stones properties. The selenite bowl and wand are beautiful and they almost glow in the sun. The wand is supposed to cleanse and recharge the stones and as someone who knows absolutely nothing about this I am finding it interesting to read about the stones properties and how they can be cleansed and recharged. 

I would purchase stones and gift sets from Bohemarie Jewellery in the future. The customer service was great and the items were well priced and great quality. 

I purchased these items myself and the views expressed in my blog are my own.

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Bohemarie.com

Review: Disney Cats Washable Face Covering

I purchased a Disney Cats Washable Face Covering (£4.75) from  BitsandbatsShop. Just like the Miffy face covering on the previous review this item is well made, cute and makes me smile when I put it on! The covering is reversible and when it came out perfectly after being washed. 

I enjoy buying from Etsy because I feel as though I am helping a small business. The customer service in this case was great. I received my items within a few days and I would recommend this seller for both quality of her product and price. 

I purchased this item myself and the views expressed in my blog are my own 

Review: Holiday Miffy Double Face Covering

This is the first of two reviews of face coverings I purchased from the Etsy seller Bitsandbatsshop. The Holiday Miffy Double layered washable face covering is so cute! This is an adult sized face covering so I need to tighten the elastic quite a bit! I love the pattern, it is so colourful and such a fun print. The pattern is the same on both sides.  It cost £4.75 including postage, so very reasonably priced. There are lots of different face coverings available. She also sells Lego key rings and kitsch but cute key chains. 

I purchased this item myself and the views expressed in my blog are my own 

I purchased this item myself and the v

Review: Disney Cat Inspired Washable Face Mask

As I am only small I am having great difficulty finding masks that fit comfortably and look cute. I found the Disney Cat inspired Washable Face Mask (£9.99) on Etsy. Made by PrincessandPetticoat it is available in four sizes - adult male and female and child 2-4yrs and 5+. The print includes all the famous Disney cats and it is reversible - the other side has a car print pattern. I find the mask comfortable to wear but would prefer the elastic to be slightly thinner. She isn’t taking orders at the moment but when she does reopen I will be checking out her other items as she makes lots of Disney inspired pieces! 

I purchased this item myself and the views expressed in my blog are my own 

FancyPoshGems: Amethyst Hairband

  

It's coming up to the spring/summer wedding/ summer/ end of school prom season and any one looking for an unusual or purse friendly head piece will know there aren't many to be found. I am not going to any of the above functions but did want an unusual head band to update last years (unworn) summery clothes.  I checked on Etsy and found FancyPoshGem's shop. She makes pearl and gemstone head bands for £10 - £12 plus £2.80 p&p (UK). I chose the amethyst version.  The chips are not stuck on but witted on to the head band. The ribbon is on the underside of the band making it more comfortable to wear and hiding the wire.  There are also pale blue and multi pearl versions (£12) available.  

My headband is very well made and certainly a bargain, looking at how much equivalent pieces are sold for.  It is my favourite hair accessory and I hope she makes other colours and hair clips as I would certainly buy them. 

I purchased the hair band myself and they are available here

Ethiopian Opal Gold Ear Crawlers

I purchased these ear crawlers from thejewelsstore via Etsy UK when I also bought my rutilated Quartz ring and tourmaline ear crawlers. The crawlers cost £52.62 as I went for the 14k gold over sterling silver as I thought the gold set the opals off to their best advantage. They are also available in sterling silver. 

The setting is the same as the tourmaline ear crawlers that I have blogged about previously but this time they are covered in 14k gold.  There are 4 graduated opals in each crawler. They are comfortable to wear and sit nicely on my ear. They are easy to fasten as I just put the back though my pierced ear and squeeze. No need to struggle with butterfly backs! 

The customer service is good and delivery from Japuir to the UK took about 2 weeks (I had forgotten there were national holidays the postal service had closed during this time but he kept me updated as to where they were. I have bought before from this store and would recommend it as the pieces are unusual with good quality stones and settings. The customer service is excellent as well. 

The crawlers are available from here:  Here

Artsy Chicas: Fertility Gems: 14K Gold Filled Layla Necklace - Rose Quartz, Amazonite, Moonstone

This necklace is made by Artsy Chicas and her shop is on Etsy. I already have the sterling silver version but I bought the gold one as well as I like the stone combination.  The cable necklace length is 18" and is gold filled. The stones are briolette cut, wire wrapped and suspended from a twisted gold filled bail..  The stones, rose quartz, amazonite and moonstone are supposed to have a calming effect.

The necklace came safely wrapped and in a net bag and box so would not need wrapping if it were a gift.  The necklace cost £41.99 including international shipping, which may seem quite a lot but it is handmade to order and the stones are excellent quality and their customer service is great.

Artsy Chicas

SpellboundBoutique: Illustrated Magpie Pendant

I purchased this pendant last year from SpellboundBoutique on Etsy. It is called illustrated magpie silver coloured large metal pendant with glass cabochon (£12 plus £3 p&p).  The chain and pendant are silver toned. The pendant is quite substantial measuring 6cm by 4cm. The cabochon is a hand drawn magpie by Suzanne Washington, the owner of SpellbounBoutique. The back of the pendant is smooth with a swirly engraving so it doesn't matter if the pendant was to flip over without you noticing.   The chain is quite long - 50 cm so it hangs just around the bust line. 

It came in a little black gift box and was securely paced in a Jiffy bag, so if you were buying as a present you could just pop a bow on or tie a ribbon around it and it would be good to go. 

Sadly Suzanne does not have any items in her Etsy shop at the moment but she does have a digital art shop at Daisy Trail. I love my magpie  pendant because he looks so real and she has caught the wicked glint in his eye and the blue/black glossiness of  his feathers. 

illustrated magpie silver toned large metal pendant with glass cabochon.
Available from: https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1137078657

Website: http://www.suzyspellbound.com/

Minimal Rose Gold Bar Stud Earrings

I bought these rose gold bar stud earrings for £6 (normally £8) from clutchandclasp via Etsy. They also come in silver. They are made from rose gold plate metal and alloy. They measure 12mm and are quite light so are comfortable to wear and don't pull your ear. I found them quite easy to put in my ear and position. I like bar earrings to follow my ear lobe but you could also have them point down so they dangle.

The customer service was great and even though I ordered just before Christmas I got my earrings within 3 days. They came in a cute little red felt bag so would make a great gift as there would be no need to wrap, just stick a bow on and you would be good to go! The prices of all her items are very reasonable and there are lots of lovely and unusual pieces in her Etsy shop. I would recommend and wouldn't hesitate to shop there again.

I bought the earrings myself and the views expressed in the blog post are my own. 

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/484373955/new-year-sale-minimal-rose-gold-bar-stud?ref=shop_home_active_5

Tanzanite Chip Bracelet: A Review

I purchased my tanzanite chip bracelet from the Etsy seller Chalso. The bracelet cost £14 plus £2 p&p within the UK.

The bracelet is strung on elastic and will fit up to a 6.5" wrist comfortably. If you put in s request she will make the size of the bracelet to the size you require. The bracelet is strung with tanzanite chips which vary in size from 3-8mm and in depth of blueness. There is one little sterling silver bead which looks cute inbetween the blue stones. The bracelet comes in a little white bag.
                                                   
                                                   

The customer service is good. I got my bracelet within a few days of ordering it and I got a discount as my wrist is much smaller than 6.5" so fewer stones were needed. I think chip bracelets are a great way to be introduced to a stone in order to decide if you actually like the colour of it etc, as they are relatively cheap. 

Tanzanite is a December birthstone so would be great as a birthday gift or a stocking filler for anyone who like deep blue stones in their jewellery.

I purchased my item from here : https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/485488847/tanzanite-bracelet-tanzanite-chip?ref=cat_gallery_2

Chakra Bracelet

I purchased my semi precious chakra chip gemstone bracelet for £3.50 plus p&p from CrystalCornwallUK on Etsy.  The chips are sodalite, agate, amethyst, hematite, citrine and green Quartz.  The stones are quite tactile, chunky, eye catching and substantial in size. 

My bracelet came within 3  days of purchase and I love it!

I purchase this item myself and it can be found here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/transaction/1193652060

Constellation Capricorn Ear Crawlers: A Review

I purchased my Capricorn  constellation ear crawlers from Karlasdesign on Etsy UK. They were £7.60 excluding  p&p. I chose the Capricorn version but the other constellations looked equally as nice. The ear crawlers are sterling silver and even though they look delicate they are quite sturdy. They came in a little purple box which I will use as ajewellery travel case. 

I found that it would have been easier to get the earrings in if the posts had been at a little sharper and  when I brushed my hair behind my ears I kept catching the stars which pulled the crawlers out of position. These are only small niggles. They are comfortable to wear and discreet so a nice alternative to wearing studs for work/ college. I only have small ear lobes and the constellations only just fit - I don't think they would look as good if the end was hanging off my ear but for the price I do like them. 

I will be giving a pair of these ear crawlers away as part of my Christmas Giveaway (1-12 Dec) so keep checking back if you want to try and win a pair. 

I purchased these ear crawlers myself and the views expressed in this blog post are my own. 

The crawlers can be found here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/233924299/capricorn-earrings-capricorn-zodiac-sign?ref=cat_gallery_19

Artsy Chicas Layla Sterling Fertility Pendant: A Review

I purchased the Layla sterling silver fertility  pregnancy pendant in amazonite, rose quartz and moonstone from artsy Chicas on Etsy for £19.33 not including shipping. The stones are supposed to balance your chakras. All three are calming fertility stones. Rose quartz is supposed to be the stone of love and fertility, promoting peace and serenity.  Moonstone is the feminine stone thought to promote conception and help with anxiety. Amazonite balances feminine and masculine energies, encourages calmess and reduces sadness and like rose quartz has a calming influence. Sterling silver is associated with the moon, drawing out negative energy and replacing it with positive. 

I did not buy it for fertility reasons - my cat is my fur baby and may make an appearance in my blog later next month. I bought it because the combination of stones is so pretty and the briolette stones are quite substantial ranging in 1-2 cm and the colours complete each other so well. It can from the US to the UK in around a week. She did give me the option of choosing other stones but I prefer these. It came in a cardboard box and little bag with a card explaining what the pendant should do. The chain is extra and due to customs charges I chose to buy my own from Amazon. The bale is quite narrow so the chain needs to have a narrow clasp to fit through. 

I have a discount code 20% off  "SPARKLE20" for the whole of the  Artsy Chicas shop: www.artsychicas.etsy.com.

there are  wellness jewelry items  as well as fertility, pregnancy and birthstone jewelryThere is also an 'Artsy Chicas' line of bracelets for men too!

The pendant can be found here:

•  https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/80818039/layla-sterling-fertility-pregnancy?ref=similar_listings_row

November Birthstones: Topaz &Citrine

November's birthstones are topaz and citrine. Both these stones are known for their calming energies and bring good luck and warmth to those who wear them.

Topaz is taken from Topazio - Ancient Greek for St John's island in the red sea.Topaz stones vary from colourless to brownish yellow, the most expensive is Imperial topaz as it is orange with pink undertones.   Topaz is mined in Brazil, Pakistan, US, Russia, Australia and Nigeria.  As Topaz measures at an 8 it is a strong stone but can be prone to chipping.  Topaz is a calming stone thought to calm tempers and cure both nightmares and madness. 

                                                    

Citrine is a variety of the quartz gemstone.  The name is taken from citron meaning fruit.  The colour of the stone ranges from pale yellow to orangish brown.  Citrine is mined in Brazil, Russia, Madagascar Spain and Bolivia.  It has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it ideal for large chunky jewellery as it is able to withstand chips and everyday wear and tear.  Citrine is known as the healing stone due to its ability to heal, sooth and comfort.  It also attracts wealth and prosperity.