Multi-Sapphire Pendant

Mandala is a Sanskrit word which means ‘circle’. So usually a mandala is series of intricate concentric circles with other patterns within it. This spiritual symbol is commonly found in Hinduism, Buddhism and some aspects of Jainism. Just how there is no endpoint in a circle, the circular design of the mandala is symbolic that life is never-ending and everything is connected. Within the circular patterns you will find symbols that are common in most mandalas. The centre of the mandala is a dot which is a symbol that is considered to be free of dimensions, the dot is surrounded by lines and geometrical patterns that symbolize the universe and this is encompassed by an outer circle which represents the cyclical nature of life. As per Buddhism they represent the presence of Buddha’s mind in an abstract form which is usually represented as a wheel, tree, flower or jewel.

Gehna’s delicate Mandala collection is a representation of the cosmos and our relationship with the mystical infinite. It is inspired by the geometric figures symbolizing wholeness. Wearing these delicate hand-crafted, gold pieces every day is a perfect way to reconnect with your spiritual core and let the universal energy resonate from within you. Gehna’s exquisite mandala pendants, gold earrings and bracelets are handcrafted in 18k Gold and are studded with brilliant gemstones.

Diamond Pendant

The versatility of the Mandala collection is that it can be worn with any outfit and on any occasion. Take the Latticed Diamond and 18k Gold pendant or the Axial Gold and Rosecut Diamond pendants, these delicate circular patterned pendants can be worn as everyday jewellery or occasionally. It can be paired with a simple linen maxi dress, kurta, or a pastel block printed, cotton sari. Since mandalas have been known to relax the mind and body by helping cultivate the feeling of inner peace and happiness, wearing a piece of jewellery that is representative of this spiritual symbol will help you draw on this positive energy.

Another piece of everyday jewellery that you can pair with your jeans and a cute off-shoulder top is the Spoked 18k Gold bracelet. This is a delicate gold bracelet with a mandala charm which helps with general well-being is dainty and mystical.

Gold Bracelet

The bedazzling Mandala flower, multi-Sapphire pendant with an inner floral design and ‘chakra’ like outer design on the other hand is a more dressy piece of jewellery. The Mandala flower jewellery is perfect for those occasions like evening functions or ‘poojas’ which require you to dress up in your resplendent silk saris or brilliant jewel-toned kurtas.

We love the intricacy of the filigree danglers that can elevate any outfit, be it a breezy summery dress or a maxi skirt paired with a cami top.

Mandalas ease stress, anxiety, fear and depression and have the power to activate creativity and improve focus.

Mandala Earrings

Gehna’s Mandala art jewellery incorporates the spirituality behind the sacred symbol which is a representation of the individual’s spiritual journey. These journeys are usually in levels, the first level is usually about understanding the unity in the cosmos and then it is about the individual finding their own place within this cosmos. In Hinduism, the mandala is sometimes drawn as a circle enclosing a square with a deity on either side; this is used to help with yoga and meditation.

Mandalas have many benefits from improving sleep to enhancing self-esteem. It is known to foster a sense of connectedness with one’s self and others and bring about self-acceptance. So bring home a piece of Gehna’s magnificent mandala collection and stay connected to your spiritual self.

View Our Other Jewellery Collections – Filigree Collection | Mandala Collection | Tints & Tinges | Zephyr Collection | Vibrant Vibes.

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Figuring out What the Vibe at Your Office

Before you decide on any outfit or jewellery, first understand the vibe in your office. If your office is more conservative on their dressing, you may not want to draw unnecessary attention to yourself by dressing completely different from the rest. On the contrary, you may want to experiment with your looks if the crowd at work is more liberal with their fashion approach. That said, everyone has their own unique style and the key is to stand out from the rest of the crowd without coming across as the odd one out.

Office Wear Jewellery Etiquette

Gone are the days where you focussed just on what clothes you wore to work. Office wear jewellery come in handy when you want to add that little edge to your work attire. While choosing your office wear jewellery, always keep in mind that your clothing and jewellery work as a medium to convey to your co-workers that you are a smart professional who is well put together.

Most women prefer a minimalistic look while dressing to work. Wearing a pair of small earrings or hoops is the best way to style yourself if the minimalistic look is what resonates with you. If you want to take it a step further, you can complete your look by wearing a simple bracelet and teaming it with a chain and an elegant pendant.

If you like a bolder look and like being a little adventurous with your style, you may consider wearing one statement piece which can also be your go-to office wear jewellery.  This could be a big bracelet, or a layered necklace or a big pair of earrings. Team your statement office wear jewellery with simpler or minimal pieces like a pair of delicate earrings or a simple necklace with a gemstone pendant- just to add that little sparkle to your neckline without being too flashy. Always ensure that your other jewellery pieces do not distract and take the highlight away from your statement piece. Adorning yourself with too many pieces of jewellery will not only make you look loud and flashy but would also confuse the eyes of anyone who looks at you.

It is best to save your big pearls and big studded jewellery pieces for other occasions. If you do wish to wear it to work, consider wearing it to a client meeting or an office lunch or conference. When in doubt, always remember that less is better.

Avoid wearing stacking bracelets or bangles or anything that jangles to quiet locations like to meetings where you need to present to the client or to your colleagues. The noise that it would make when you move can be distracting and annoying to others in the room. Even in a functional point of view, wearing something that jangles will only be a source of distraction to you when you are using your keyboard to type something.

While there are no set rules when it comes to wearing office wear jewellery, it is always better to keep some best practices in mind while dressing for an office environment. Each one of us have our own unique style and the key is to bring this style out without coming across as to loud. A key point to remember is to keep things simple and classy when in doubt.

Gehna is proud to introduce the Shimi Jewellery collection that is perfect for any working woman. Our Jewellery collection comprises of earrings, pendants and bracelets in Sterling Silver- perfect for everyday office wear. Our collection is inspired by Art Deco, Geometry and the structural finesse of Cubism. Head over to Gehna and explore the Shimi Jewellery Collection to add that sparkle to your office life.

View Our Other Jewellery Collections – Tints & Tinges | Zephyr Collection | Tessera | Vibrant Vibes.

The post How Much is Too Much When It Comes to Office Wear Jewellery appeared first on Gehna Blog.

Here is a timeline of the evolution of jewellery design dating from the 1950’s till current times, so you can identify the exact period that your favourite style was born in.

The Glitzy 50s

The 50s were a period of strictly imposed gender norms, where women began to break expected standards and explore new domains. They started to express themselves as independent, unique individuals, and the styles of the decade echo this desire. Catchy styles were in trend and often used bright, dominant colours. Ring fashions were popular and were designed using big gemstones with faux pearls. Flexible rhinestone necklaces and multistring bracelets were other favourites as well. Copper jewellery was another growing trend of the period and arose as an alternative to crystals.

The Thrifty 60s

The 60’s observed a change in the status of jewellery. Jewellery was now seen less as a representation of wealth, and more as an expression of style and professional craftsmanship was in demand, as was handcrafted jewellery. This resulted in the production of intricate designs using low-cost materials rather than expensive metals and gems. Black and white palettes began to take the place of gold, and oversized monochromatic designs were the vogue. Sleek designs replaced glitz and sparkle, and classy geometric patterns were immensely popular. Crumpled and hammered textures were another loved choice of the decade.

The Timeless 70s

The 60’s and 70’s are popular for their timeless retro designs which are in trend even today. The 70s jewellery were all about making a statement, and their large sizes and flamboyant colours are proof of this. Disco inspired designs were popular and so were large gemstones and oversized pearls. Rustic designs also came into fashion at this time and hippie styles were a favourite. Women tended to wear layered jewellery and large dangling ear pieces in the period of the 70s. Our collection of long earrings will inspire you to step back in time and adorn yourself in styles from the 70s.

The Extravagant 80s

The 80s saw the growth of designs that were loud and bold. Enormous brooches, large rings, heavy danglers were all in vogue, just as were the bright and flashy colours. Pure gold began to be replaced by coated gold and imitation jewellery, and beads started to take the front seat. Crystals made a return during this time and pearls were the style of this decade. Princess Diana and Madonna are evidence of the explicit styles of this time and were looked up to as being style statements of flashy accessorizing.

The Transforming 90s

From the 90’s the styles begin to blend together with the trends that are “in” even in current times. The 90’s saw the decline of extravagant jewellery into comparatively simplistic and elegant designs. Bracelets were a huge favourite of the time and slinky gold bracelets were everyone’s choice of accessory. Toe rings, chains and ankle bracelets came into the picture and tended to be made of pearls and crystals, smaller than the stones used in the decade preceding this. Hoop earrings were another style popular in this decade.

Current Styles

Today, jewellery ranges from elegant to junk, from posh to hippie with different styles in each category. People prefer simple styles and monochromatic colours are loved by all. Layered jewellery has transformed into single strand designs and pearls and glitzy gold have been replaced by diamonds and light crystals among other gemstones. Chokers, multiple piercings, simple bracelets and chains, and ear cuffs are the popular choices now but of course are constantly changing.

The evolution of jewellery designs is affected deeply by the significant historical changes across the decades. The once bold and eye-catching jewellery adorned by women has now transformed into tasteful and minimalist designs establishing the growth in their positions on the social ladder. Jewellery has hence maintained its position as a tool to express oneself, so find a piece that you feel speaks for you now with Gehna.

Disclaimer: The jewelry images used in this blog are not designed or owned by Gehna. They belong to their respective owners and are used here only for educational purposes.

The post A Timeline of Jewelry Styles and Designs appeared first on Gehna Blog.

Sincerity and peace of mind,

Freedom from passion and from care,

If they, the Amethyst will wear..

The planet Uranus rules the sign of Aquarius and governs the month of February. Those born in February are original and fairly eccentric people. Strong and fixed, they have inherited from the stars, an accurate intuition, a tremendous common sense, ingeniousness, and a powerful will. They are idealistic and can handle the difficulties of life with a smile.  Those born in February are over-sensitive and are easily hurt by others. They are loyal to those they love and espouse a good cause passionately.

Amethyst is a semiprecious stone and is the traditional birthstone for February. It is a violet variety of quartz often used in jewelry. Amethyst is produced in abundance from the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil, South Korea, Maissau, Lower Austria, Russia, south India , and Zambia. The largest Amethyst mine in North America is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Up until the 18th century, Amethyst was included in the cardinal, or most valuable, gemstones (along with diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald). However, since the discovery of extensive deposits in locations such as Brazil, it has lost most of its value.

Amethyst is graded based on the depth of color, possibly of red flashes if cut conventionally. As it is readily available in large structures, the value of the gem is not primarily defined by carat weight. The highest grade Amethyst (called “Deep Russian”) is exceptionally rare and therefore when one is found, its value is dependent on the demand of collectors. Not only does the beautiful color make this gem so popular but the availability in different shapes and sizes also adds to its appeal. Amethyst complements both warm and cool colors so it looks fabulous set in both yellow and white metals. This unique ability means it enhances almost every color in one’s wardrobe.

Throughout history, Amethyst has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures. The name comes from the Ancient Greek a- (“not”) and méthystos (“intoxicated”), a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. This belief has its origins in an ancient legend. The wine god Bacchus, angry over an insult, and determined to avenge himself, decreed that the first person he met would be devoured by his tigers. The unfortunate mortal happened to be a beautiful maiden named Amethyst on her way to worship at the shrine of Diana. As the ferocious beasts sprang, she sought the protection of the goddess and was saved by being turned into a clear, white crystal. Bacchus, regretting his cruelty, poured the juice of his grapes over the stone as an offering, giving the gem its lovely purple hue.

The ancient Greeks wore Amethyst and made drinking vessels decorated with it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication. The Romans dedicated February and therefore by association, Amethyst, to Neptune, their water-god. It is the stone of St. Valentine and faithful love and signifies ecclesiastical dignity as the Bishop’s Stone. English regalia were even decorated with Amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty.

In Indian Astrology, Jamuniya or Amethyst is believed to protect and calm the mind of its wearer. . It is said to keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. Wearing Amethysts is said to cure one of alcoholism or any other addiction. It supposedly improves concentration and hence is useful for those engaged in research. Amethyst represents the Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) and Third-Eye Chakra (Agnya), and converts negative energies into positive forces, thus helping in meditation. It is a Gemstone of tremendous spiritual value and helps in balancing the chakras and awakening the Kundalini.

Also called the lovers’ gemstone, Amethyst signifies true love and fidelity. No wonder then that is a popular choice as anniversary gifts for the 4th or 6th year. Amethyst is believed to cure headaches, depression, grief, despair, and insomnia. In sacred texts it is regarded as an alternative to the Blue Sapphire and has the astrological energies of Saturn. In China the Amethyst find its use in curing stomach pain and back pain. It is also said to help overcome the inferiority complex.

While the benefits of wearing Amethysts close to your skin are several, it is also heartening to know that there are few known negative impacts of the gemstone. With the new multihued trend that is taking the jewellery scene by storm, Amethyst finds fresh popularity and appeal. Wear it in combination with gems such as Turquoise and Emeralds for an interesting play of colour, or with the neutral tones smoky Topaz and Diamonds for glamour. Find out how you can make Amethyst work for you. Our online collection has enough and more to inspire you, and needless to say that anything that catches your fancy can be customized to the design and style you like. Give Gehna the opportunity to make this unique purple gemstone sing for you..

View our Amethyst Jewellery Collection: Amethyst Silver Jewellery | Amethyst Earrings | February Birthstone Jewellery 

The post Gem Gossip – Amethyst appeared first on Gehna Blog.

The planet Jupiter and the sign of Sagittarius govern the month of December. December borns are philosophers, natural teachers, and classified in Divine Astrology as a Truth Seekers. They are also attracted to holistic healing and travel to foreign lands. They can be extremely organized and have a quick mind.

The birthstone of those born in December is the Turquoise stone. Turquoise is an opaque, light to dark blue or blue-green gem with its finest colour being an intense blue. Turquoise may contain narrow veins of other materials either isolated or as a network. They are usually black, brown, or yellowish-brown in colour. Known as the matrix, these veins of colour are sometimes in the form of an intricate pattern, called a spider web.

Neo-Classical Turquoise Chandeliers

The word Turquoise, which dates to the 17th century, is derived from the French word turques for “Turks”, because the mineral was first brought to Europe from Turkey, from mines in the historical Khorasan Province of Persia. Pliny the Elder referred to the mineral as callais and the Aztecs knew it as chalchihuitl. Turquoise was among the first gems to be mined, and while many historic sites have been depleted, some are still worked to this day. For at least 2,000 years, Iran, previously known as Persia in the West, has remained an important source of Turquoise which was named by Iranians initially “pirouzeh” meaning “victory” and later after Arab invasion “firouzeh”.Turquoise is among the oldest known gemstones and its popularity has spanned the globe for centuries. It graced the necks of Egyptian Pharaohs and adorned the ceremonial dress of early Native Americans. This beautiful robin’s egg blue gemstone has been attributed with healing powers, promoting the wearer’s status and wealth, protecting from evil and bringing good luck.

Turquoise is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gem and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. In recent times, Turquoise, like most other opaque gems, has been devalued by the introduction of treatments, imitations, and synthetics onto the market.

The finest of Turquoise reaches a maximum hardness of just under 6, or slightly more than window glass. The lustre of Turquoise is typically waxy to subvitreous, and transparency is usually opaque, but may be semitranslucent in thin sections. The colour is as variable as the mineral’s other properties, ranging from white to a powder blue to a sky blue, and from a blue-green to a yellowish green. The blue is attributed to idiochromatic copper while the green may be the result of either iron impurities (replacing aluminium) or dehydration.

The pastel shades of Turquoise have endeared it to many great cultures of antiquity. Despite being one of the oldest gems, Turquoise did not become important as an ornamental stone in the West until the 14th century, following a decline in the Roman Catholic Church’s influence which allowed the use of Turquoise in secular jewellery. It was apparently unknown in India until the Mughal period, and unknown in Japan until the 18th century. A common belief shared by many of these civilizations is that Turquoise possessed certain prophylactic qualities; it was thought to change colour with the wearer’s health and protect him or her from untoward forces.

Turquoise renders its impact through its definite colour, its crystalline structures along with other inherent properties and characters. Both the positive and negative personality traits get influenced by the birthstone.

It provides wisdom of both earth and sky, thereby it is old and yet young. It is considered to be pure as it is believed to hold the atmosphere surrounding the earth and sky, thereby giving life and breath.It promotes prosperity and success and brings in happiness along with good fortune.

Turquoise has the capacity to absorb negative feelings that is prone to December borns. It is also believed to treat infections of the throat and lungs, diseases of the teeth and gums, asthma and other breathing problems, and depressions.

Sagittarians are prone to pondering on thoughts and Turquoise helps to open the communicative faculty in them. It also enhances activeness by offering strength and regeneration in thoughts and behavior that get reflected in actions.

At Gehna, we have experimented aplenty with these brilliant gemstones and have produced results not short of remarkable to celebrate the Turquoise. Explore our online range of Turqouise Egyptian inspired necklaces, colour blocked earrings and much more. Should you feel inspired and want us to breathe life into your inspirations, meet with us and help us design and craft the perfect Turquoise jewellery for you.

View our Turquoise Jewellery Collection: Turquoise Jewellery | Turquoise Silver Jewellery | Turquoise Earrings | Turquoise Hook Earrings

The post Gem Gossip – Turquoise appeared first on Gehna Blog.

The royal ruby is a magnificent pink to blood-red colored gemstone composed of the mineral corundum (aluminum oxide). The red color is caused mainly by the presence of chromium. Ruby gets its name from ruber, which is Latin for red. Rubies have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Among the natural gems only moissanite and diamond are harder. All natural rubies have imperfections in them, including color impurities and inclusions of rutile needles known as silk. Gemologists use these needle inclusions found in natural rubies to distinguish them from synthetics, simulants, or substitutes. Some rubies show a three-point or six-point star. These rubies are cut into cabochons to display the effect. Furthermore, rubies can show color changes (though this occurs very rarely) as well as chatoyancy or the cat’s eye effect.

The color of a Ruby is the most important feature of the gemstone. Rubies are available in a range of red hues from purplish and bluish red to orange-red. The brightest and most valuable color of Ruby is often that of the Burmese Ruby – a rich, passionate, hot, full red color with a slight blue hue. This color is often referred to as “pigeon blood” red, a Ruby color only associated with the Mogok Valley mines in Myanmar. The color Pigeon Blood Ruby red is not the color of a pigeon’s blood but rather the color of a white pigeon’s eye.
Clarity follows color in the grading of a ruby. Like diamonds, a clear stone will command a premium, but a ruby without any needle-like rutile inclusions may indicate that the stone has been treated. Most, if not all, rubies at the lower end of the market are treated with heat to improve color, remove purple tinge and blue patches. Lead glass filling, where fractures inside the ruby are filled with lead glass (or a similar material), dramatically improving the transparency of the stone, has also gained popularity in recent years.

The Mogok Valley in Upper Myanmar (Burma) was, for centuries, the world’s main source for rubies. The region has produced some of the finest rubies ever mined, but in recent years Mong Hsu has been producing Rubies and has become the world’s main ruby mining area. The most recently found ruby deposit in Myanmar is in Namya (Namyazeik) located in the northern state of Kachin. Rubies have historically been mined in Thailand, the Pailin and Samlout District of Cambodia, Burma, India, Afghanistan, Australia, Namibia, Colombia, Japan, Scotland, Brazil and in Pakistan. In Sri Lanka, lighter shades of rubies (often “pink sapphires”) are more commonly found. After the Second World War ruby deposits were found in Tanzania, Madagascar, Vietnam, Nepal, Tajikistan, and Pakistan. A few rubies have been found in the U.S. states of Montana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Wyoming.

 Ruby Studded 18K Gold Jhumki

The moon and the emotional sign of Cancer rule those born in July. They are strongly affected by the Moon’s fluctuations and family always plays an important role in their lives. They are the caretakers of the Zodiac and are distinctively gifted with real estate and food. Lunar children have a solid sense of organization and are perfectionists. With Ruby as their birthstones, these emotional, yet exceptionally gifted individuals can soar heights hitherto thought unreachable.

Ruby is an earth stone, a perfect complement to the vagaries of the waxing and the waning moon that controls those born in July. It energizes and activates the mental and emotional body, enhances self-confidence and passion for life. It is a protective heart stone that eliminates feelings of hopelessness and defeat. Ruby provides the wearer with the energies of optimism and determination. It is a stone for courage, helping ease anxiety as it brings adventure and opportunities into life.

In Western lore, Royals such as Queen Elizabeth of England and Queen Mary of Scots wore rubies as a tool for protection. It was believed that rubies would darken (dim) if they were in danger. During Elizabeth’s claim to the throne and reign over England she had many assassination threats from groups; Queen Elizabeth’s own cousin Mary wanted her dead. This is a primary reason rubies are found on the crowns of Royals. Ancient warriors wore rubies to make them invincible in battle. Rubies were the most desired gems of European royalty and the upper classes, medieval Europeans wore rubies to obtain good protection, wealth, wisdom, and success.

In the occidental world, Ruby, or Manik, represents the Sun, again a counter for the moon. Apart from being the most significant luminary of the celestial world, the Sun represents the father or the king and signifies authority. The Ruby symbolizes love, passion, courage, and emotion. It is said to give name, fame, virtue, vigor, warmth and commanding power to its user. It also enhances the status of a person. It also helps to cure peptic ulcer, fever, rheumatism, and gout.

Find your fire and soul at Gehna, with our exquisite Ruby jewelry, with and without other precious stones. Wear a Ruby set in prongs or a bezel close to your heart in a customized pendant, or as a ring on your ring finger to harness the stability of the Earth and the power of the Sun. Astrological impetus apart, on its own, the Ruby is quiet irresistible. So maybe we can interest you anyway in ruby jhumkis, necklaces, bangles, or anything else your heart may fancy. After all, the ruby does represent your heart…

If you enjoyed this article, you may also be interested in reading about The Pearl and Moonstone!

View our Ruby Jewellery Collection: Ruby Bracelet | Ruby Jewellery |Ruby Nosepin | Ruby Earrings| Ruby Necklace

The post Gem Gossip – Royal Rubies appeared first on Gehna Blog.

What counsel has the hooded moon
Put in thy heart, my shyly sweet,
Of Love in ancient plenilune,
Glory and stars beneath his feet
A sage that is but kith and kin
With the comedian Capuchin?

Believe me rather that am wise
In disregard of the divine,
A glory kindles in those eyes
Trembles to starlight. Mine, O Mine!
No more be tears in moon or mist
For thee, sweet sentimentalist.

-James Joyce

Pearl

Those born in June are sociable, humourous, and talkative. Born under the zodiac Gemini, June borns often exhibit childlike traits and are cheerful, restless, and full of life. They are very intelligent and are extremely inquisitive in nature. And just as a child is both soothed and intrigued by the silvery hues of the moon, the moon like pearl and moonstone are the birthstones of these candid, trusting individuals.

Pearl Necklace with Emerald Bead

According to South Asian mythology, pearls were dewdrops from heaven that fell into the sea, caught by shellfish under the first rays of the rising sun, during a period of full moon. A tale of childlike innocence, wonder, and magic for the childlike June born!

Unlike most gemstones of mineral origin that are found within the Earth, pearls have an organic origin. Pearls are made mostly of aragonite, a relatively soft carbonate mineral (CaCO3) that also makes up the shells of mollusks. They are created inside the shells of certain species of oysters and clams when an irritant such as a very small fragment of rock, a sand grain, or a parasite enters the mollusk’s shell. It irritates the oyster or clam, much like a dust particle would irritate our eyes, and the mollusk responds by coating the foreign material with layer upon layer of shell material. Pearls formed on the inside of the shell are usually irregular in shape and have little commercial value. However, those formed within the tissue of the mollusk are either spherical or pear-shaped, and are in high demand for jewellery. Many pearls today are cultured in oyster farms that sustain a thriving pearl industry.

Pearls possess a uniquely delicate translucence and luster that place them among the most highly valued of gemstones. The colour of the pearl depends on the species of mollusk that produced it, and its environment. White is perhaps the best-known and most common colour. However, pearls also come in delicate shades of black, cream, gray, blue, yellow, lavender, green, and mauve. Black pearls can be found in the Gulf of Mexico and waters off some islands in the Pacific Ocean. The Persian Gulf and Sri Lanka are well-known for exquisite cream-coloured pearls called Orientals. The journey a pearl goes through to create a piece of jewellery is a miraculous event. Gemstones must be cut and polished to bring out their beauty, but pearls need no such treatment to reveal their loveliness.

Elegant Black Pearl String Necklace

925 Sterling Silver Jhumka Earrings

Pearls were used in medicine as early as 2000 BC in China, where they were believed to represent wealth, power, and longevity. In Europe, pearls were used in medicine till as recently as the 17th century. Arabs and Persians believed it was a cure for various kinds of diseases, including insanity. Even to this day, lowest-grade pearls are ground for use as medicine in Asia. In India, warriors encrusted their swords with pearls to symbolize the tears and sorrow that a sword brings. According to Vedic Astrology, Moon reflects the human mind and has a profound impact on our thinking. Pearls maintain the stability of the mind and improve confidence.

Moonstone

June’s second birthstone is the moonstone. This gemstone belongs to the family of minerals called feldspars, an important group of silicate minerals commonly formed in rocks. Feldspar occurs in many igneous and metamorphic rocks. Feldspars of gem quality are aluminosilicates (minerals containing aluminum, silicon and oxygen), that are mixed with sodium and potassium. The best moonstones are from Sri Lanka. They are also found in the Alps, Madagascar, Myanmar (Burma), and India.

Moonstones are believed to be named for the bluish white spots within them, that when held up to light project a silvery play of colour much like moonlight. When the stone is moved back and forth, the brilliant silvery rays appear to move about, like moonbeams playing over water.

The ancient Romans believed that the moonstone changed in appearance with the phases of the moon, a belief that persisted until the sixteenth century. They also believed that the image of Diana, Goddess of the moon, was enclosed within the stone. Moonstones were believed to have the power to bring victory, health, and wisdom to those who wore it.

In India, the moonstone is considered a sacred stone and is often displayed on a yellow cloth – yellow being considered a sacred colour. The stone is believed to bring good fortune, aided by a spirit that lives within the stone. Moonstone helps to soothe and balance emotions. It assists in achieving a balance between heart and mind effectively.

In the Eastern cultures, Moonstone was also the gemstone of LOVE. They believed that wearing or carrying a moonstone would bring new love. Moonstone fosters happiness, gracefulness, good fortune, hope, spiritual insight, easy childbirth, safe travel on water, new beginnings, abundance, and ancient wisdom.

Moonstone & Blue Sapphire 18K Stud Earrings

If you are a June born and would like to own a piece of the moon in exquisite jewellery, visit us at Gehna and talk to our design team on the fascinating ways you can wear pearls and moonstones. Customize your own unique masterpiece by highlighting the subtle luster of these gemstones with the occasional sparkle of the extremely well paired diamonds. And if you are not one born under the dreamy sheen of the moon, maybe we have tempted you enough to own some moonbeam anyway?

If you enjoyed reading our article on pearls, you might also be interested to have a look at our ‘Evergreen Emeralds’ article.

View our Pearl Jewellery Collection: Pearl Jewellery | Pearl Earrings | Pearl Jhumki | Pearl Pendants | Pearl Hook Earrings

The post The Gem Gossip- Pearl and Moonstone! appeared first on Gehna Blog.

Jewellery is synonymous to women across the world. Even the most Spartan lady has her own preferences when it comes to the trinkets she chooses to wear. And anything that involves choice and preference goes through seasonal changes and alterations. Some trends catch on, while others dissipate without so much as a whimper. All about jewelry with Some trends are resuscitated, while others are quietly buried never to see the light of day again.

Some favourites seem to have found a permanent spot in the hearts of jewellery makers and wearers. Diamonds never say die, and the recent fashion of being more embracing of flawed, coloured, and small diamonds has brought the ever coveted stone into every woman’s trinket box. The ingenuity of jewelers, in making even diamond dust as lucrative and desirable as a solitaire, has only aided the boom in the diamond industry. Admittedly, this has seen an unprecedented rise in the cost of smaller stones, while the larger ones have not become proportionately dearer. The sheer versatility and durability of the diamond has found new love among all.

India is the largest market for flawless diamonds and South India in particular, will never abandon this sparkler with ease. It is interesting to note that while globally, it is the colour of the diamond that takes precedence over all other aspects, in South India, clarity is of primary concern. Driven by superstition, and a belief that a diamond with flaws or ‘doshams’ can bring ill-luck, this need for internally flawless diamonds reigns supreme. In the past, artisans cleverly worked this to their advantage by setting diamonds with lower colour grading in ink stained closed sockets for a seeming brilliance. However, the increasing popularity of the open prong, bezel, and pave setting has brought back the white diamonds in focus; the younger generation is also more open to inclusions in their diamonds.

India, traditionally, is also severely unwelcoming when it comes to other gemstones. Rubies and Emeralds are cherished; white Sapphires and Topaz are loved; while the blue Sapphire is accepted by those who have abandoned superstition. Perhaps it is to do with the colours that quintessentially appear in Indian attire, or perhaps it is a latent association of gem value with casting metal. But the observable and prevalent trend is that of using precious stones with gold; while the semi precious stones such as garnets, jades, turquoise and the like find their homes in silver ornaments.

Moghul Inspired Jhumki with Diamonds & Emeralds

Time-Honoured Diamond Floral 18K Gold Stud Earrings

Around the world, connoisseurs are recognizing the magic of gemstones and minerals that are rare and unique in presentation. Tanzanite is gaining popularity for its sheer beauty and established position as the rarest gemstone on Earth. Needless to say, popular culture (in the case of Tanzanite, The Heart of the Ocean from the movie Titanic) dictates jewellery and gemstone trends. Mother Earth in her bounty has several treasures to offer and the international market is not only recognizing that, but also celebrating the glory of gemstones through unique ornaments. Quartz in rose shades, and with rutiles that are inimitable; Tsavorite with its dark and vibrant green tones; Elbait Tourmalines in their sparkling reddish pink tones; Turquoise mosaic beads; and Carved Corals…are all fast gaining popularity for their sheer beauty and distinctiveness.

Among other jewellery drifts is the new found passion for antiques, and/or a reproduction of Colonial, Edwardian, and Victorian designs. And a surprising contrast to this ornate and intricate trend is the recent fascination for Minimalist Trinkets (read more at The Minimalist Mystique). Jewellery is inseparably tied to apparel, and so the colour blocking fad is fast catching on, with fascinating combinations of contrastingly coloured gemstones. Throwing caution and versatility to the winds, turquoise is paired with the orange hued coral; Rubies and tourmalines sparkle among sapphires; Tsavorites and amethysts dazzle in a single bauble.

Unusual Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald 18K Gold Drop Earrings

If you have the wherewithal to embrace some of these emerging and hard to resist whims, visit us at Gehna. Watch us, as we bring to life some of nature’s most wondrous gemstones in exquisitely designed jewellery. Have an interesting combination or a unique stone you’d like set? Sit with us to discuss the endless possibilities that our customization offers. Allow your jewellery dreams to soar heights that are unheard of; ensure that every ornament you adorn is as unique as you; make heads turn, prepare to answer queries, intrigue your audience with all things bijoux.

Do comment below if you liked this article. You would also be interested to read and know more about Indian Jewellery and its Versatality.

View Our Jewellery Collection: Stacking Rings | Necklaces | Jhumki | Pendants | Nosepins | Earrings

The post Let’s Talk jewellery! appeared first on Gehna Blog.

It all has to go somewhere. Machine made jewelry is gorgeous but it comes with an environmental price not as appealing. Dumping into rivers and oceans has become a habit, dare we say it even tradition. These days, checking water health is one of society’s top priorities. This is because manufacturing plants have done so much damage over the decades that rivers, lakes and streams often contain uncommon amounts of Arsenic (As), silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn).
In large enough quantities these and other substances can turn the ecosystem upside down. The core truth of it all is that Nature doesn’t depend on us, we depend on Nature. To bite the hand that helps us live is not the way to live at all.
Jewelry, as with most other things in life, is an amazing cultural addition to our existence as a species. Bottom line is we can’t say no to jewelry just because it may have adverse effects on the environment. That will be like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. So don’t misunderstand us. What we mean is we can find alternate ways to enjoy jewelry that’s just as gorgeous as machine made ones but with little to none of the environmental impact.
This is where Gehna comes in. Using what some people in the industry might assume is crude and outdated technology, we keep things simple, ensure maximum quality and heightened beauty in our creations and, of course, see less than 0.1% waste coming out of the entire process. Everything we do to make fine customized jewelry is recycled over and sometimes over again until almost all so-called residual waste is used to best effect and ideally incorporated into things of sheer beauty.
Wearing a unique personally customized piece of Gehna workmanship and knowing that there was negligible negative impact on the world around you is sure to make any customer proud to be with us. We at Gehna work every day going the extra mile, often in ways others do not know, to make sure we maintain healthy work standards. For one thing, a healthy craftsman is a happy craftsman and you can see that bliss reflected in the gemstones and gold-work on the jewelry we create.
Next thing we have always aimed to do and have been succeeding at is recycling. Because we have simpler methods of cleaning and washing the materials that go into making our art, we can see what goes where. It helps give us a sense of personal responsibility to know everything that happens in the workshop. Recycling becomes second nature to us since we at Gehna can see what’s being left behind and refuse to dump those poisons into the environment.
Machine made jewelry sees to it that all this is hidden behind a facade of emotionless cogs, wheels and conveyor belts that produce beauty while spreading ugliness. We don’t mean to be harsh nor do we at Gehna wish to incur unnecessary skirmishes with our machine-oriented colleagues. What we feel we want to do on World Environment Day is speak the truth no matter what it is. For only when we do that can we hope to stay responsible while assuring others that we aren’t afraid to fight for what’s right.
The environment is more than just that, its home. At the end of the day, jewelry is but one portion of our intricate lives. Our lives, the ultimate chunk of our existence, rely on the health and continued security of the world around us. When creating art, create good art. Gehna is happy to say we make jewelry with an eye for divine beauty and a heart for cleanliness, recycling, and the continued well-being of the world we call home. It’s not just about the money or the jewelry, it’s mainly about dedication. It begins with keeping the Earth clean and safe from pollutants that seek to do it harm.
When the world’s happy we’re safe and free enough to create art that’s wholesome, positive and truly beautiful. Have a great World Environment Day and may we see good changes happen for our future and that of our children.

The post Art Through Recycling – Gehna’s Green Initiative appeared first on Gehna Blog.