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Image Source; Naveste.com Vintage jewellery will always remain a popular choice in the world of second hand shopping and collecting - we love it so much its even part of our name! Whilst there is a slight blur in the exact time of when vintage starts and ends, we're looking at a window of 20-100 years ago but this differs based on opinion, we can't help but think that this era during the best part of the 20th century has been revolutionary in the styles of jewellery that we wear and love today. Much like Georgian and Victorian jewellery, it has a very distinct style. What is so unbelievable is that even between each decade of the vintage era there is a significant and distinctive shift in style based on the current affairs, pop culture and material and technology progression. This has resulted in a total array of gorgeous (and not so lovely!) styles of jewellery that we can look back on and get excited over. We're created a brief overview of the vintage decades and the jewellery styles that came with them. 1920's Image source; 1920's fashion and music.com The 1920's is best known as the 'Roaring 20's', with the birth of art deco design and flapper girls. It was the first decade to have a real modern feel to it after following a very feminine Edwardian era, with geometric design being a key influence in architecture, graphics and jewellery. The Bauhaus and Modernist eras were beginning with clean edges and hard lines being a common design choice. New advances in gemstone cutting machines allowed this to be replicated in new gem cuts such as 'baguette' styles. Flapper girls is probably the most iconic thing to come from the 20's, with flapper style dresses being paired with tassel jewellery, pearls and bangles to be worn when out doing the Charleston dance. 1930's Image source; Reiners fine jewelry The 1930's saw the Great Depression, an terrible economic time that affected the whole western world. Where people needed to cut back on lavish spending, Hollywood saw this as an opportunity to make films full of luxury and lavish as an escape. The 'Hollywood Glamour' of the 1930's brought extravagant diamonds, pearls, and heavy beads onto the silver screen, all of which still had a notable modern feel that had continued from the 1920's. This over time filtered down into consumers who wanted their own slice of the luxury Hollywood life. 1940's Image source; Gallery Penelope This decade saw a war that reached virtually the whole world. With rations on materials and lack of money, life generally became less about luxury and more about finding joy in a more austere time. Jewellery production slowed massively with the factories being used to craft war equipment, with many metals being preserved for war materials. Sterling silver was not considered as a precious metal so was therefore permitted to be used to make a small amount of jewellery. Escapism played a huge role in the 40's, with costume jewellery being heavily popular as a way to bring femininity in a time where gender was starting to blur. Surrealism was a key style amongst the luxury world of jewellery as it explored a lot of symbolism and beauty in a different manor, particularly through Schiaparelli. There was a heavy theme of red, white and blue gemstones in star, flag and military motifs as a way of being patriotic. 1950's Image source; myvintage.uk The 1950's was a decade full of bouncing back after the war. After a long time of no money, destruction and drab wartime colours, the 50's had a resurgence of vibrant colours and exciting materials. Cartier took great joy in encrusting everything in diamonds, and the popularity of pearls returned whether they were natural, cultured or fake. There was a large floral theme, which is thought to be influenced by the rebirth of post-war life, and Dior's 'New Look' of women saw new heights of femininity and romanticism after many years of make-do-and-mend. 1960's Image source; jewelryshoppingguide.com The 1960's is arguably the most iconic decade of the vintage era, with Pop Art and Twiggy being at the centre of it all. A decade that saw real change, being seen as futuristic at the time. New waves of life were apparent, with The Beatles bringing a new type of music, and Mary Quant rewriting the styles of women's fashion. The Pop Art movement brought a primary colour palette in Perspex and Vinyl. The jewellery from this era was made to be cheap and cheerful, whilst the pieces may not have been the most sustainable, their importance and influence will last for eternity! 1970's Image source; pinterest "Make Love, Not War" is a slogan that stems from the 1970's. Identity was being explored on new levels, with radical feminism influencing clothing and fashion choices into a means and self-expression. Jewellery became an art form with symbolic messages, with body jewellery being celebrating a number of cultures and punks wearing it as a message of protest. This new style of referencing different cultures was very apparent, with a high use of Mexican turquoise, African body jewellery and "Canadian Brutalism"; hammered textured metal set with murano glass cabochons. 1980's Image source; vinty jewellery The "power" decade of the 1980's was a continuation of the 70's. The subculture movement in the UK saw the New Romantics and Punks have a huge influence on fashion and jewellery styles. Ropes and chains of the punks became more chic and stylised, whilst pop princesses such as Madonna became every girls icon; whatever she wore would be reproduced and copied on the streets through knock-off jewellery. Japanese designers brought the colour black into popularity for the first time to be paired with monochrome diamonds and pearls to create a sexy and powerful look. The UK saw its first female prime minister, and power dressing was born, with chic, sleek and effortless luxury jewellery seen as a sign of a successful and powerful woman. 1990's Image source; Cosmopolitan The 'newest' and final vintage decade of the 1990's is certainly known as a fashion, trend-driven decade. There was a gothic phase, a grunge phase and pop culture was at its height having an influence on what everyone was wearing. It's a close call between Rachel from Friends and Princess Diana for the face of the decade, both having iconic looks that will remain in our history forever - we're dreaming of that Sapphire and Pearl choker Diana wore in that revenge look. Modernism and technology evolved even further, with boundaries being pushed from all angles, and whilst luxury jewellery wasn't having the best time, high street jewellery was accessible and loved by everyone as it was a way of copying what their favourite stars were wearing. Those lace chokers were worn by literally everyone after being seen on the red carpet. It's hard to choose a favourite decade as each one has so many different styles and influences that you can really see in the jewellery of today. Shopping vintage is a great way to celebrate this iconic era, find below some of our favourite vintage pieces, and let us know in the comments your favourite decade!

If you have ever wondered the meaning and sentiment behind a particular motif, or marvelled at the years of history standing betwixt yourself and your latest treasure, we are here to tell you just what those popular symbols mean, and where their provenance and popularity first lay. ................................................................ We couldn't possible dive into the motifs without first discussing the Victorian era; A period of time where luxury and finery were at their peak, while overt and outward displays of feeling and affection, were not. Emotions and feeling were kept fairly under wraps during this era, which led to quite the fascinating manufacture and design of many different ways to convey your emotions to a treasured beau, indicate if you were taken, and also what luck you hoped to bring. Queen Victoria's reign enjoyed immense popularity with these motifs. The Victorian's perfected the art of using symbolism in jewellery, although these symbols existed well before the 19th century and hail back to ancient time periods as showcased in art, artifacts and jewellery unearthed from tombs around the world. Image source ; Charlie Luxe Vintage, shop catalogue The Crescent Moon Considered a feminine symbol, associated with female empowerment representing the moon goddesses. Also recognised to symbolise change with reflecting the nature of the waxing and waning moon, and aligned with magical, spiritual beliefs. The crescent moon symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. Image source ; The V&A museum, 'metalwork collection' (Anchor bracelet Ca 1860), Shirley Bury, Jewellery 1789-1910, The International Era, Vol. II. p.687, colour plate 192 Anchors Associated with sailors, this symbol encompasses protection, discovery and hope. Often seen alongside the cross and a heart for 'faith, hope & charity'. Anchors also symbolise grounding oneself, quite literally anchoring yourself. A simpler recognition of this motif is symbolic for the sea, and all that surrounds this area of the Earth. Image source ; The V&A museum, 'metalwork collection' (1750-1800), Gold and blue enamel ring in the form of a garter. English, 1750-1800. Buckles & Belts Used to symbolise holding tightly to a loved one and protecting them. Can be seen paired with gemstones to represent deeper sentiment such as eternal love, passion and faithfulness. Also seen engraved with hearts and swallows to symbolise love, desire and friendship. Image source ; Charlie Luxe Vintage, shop catalogue The Horseshoe The lucky symbol that we all recognise for it's lucky connotations. When the horseshoe is worn facing upwards, the luck is said to be kept in. When worn facing downwards, it is said to show you with the luck, or alternatively send out luck to the universe. Image source ; Wikipedia, Empress Elisabeth of Austria in Courtly Gala Dress with Diamond Stars by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, 1865 The Star With a magical and inspiring appearance, is it any wonder we enjoy adorning ourselves with this symbolic motif ; The star represents guidance, taken as a guiding star ( such as polaris ), or as a beacon and symbol of hope . It is also seen as a symbol of positivity, happiness or renewal. We still look to the stars to make sense of the world around us, using astrology and planet alignment to explain the unexplainable, and seek answers in the mystery. Image source ; The V&A museum, 'metalwork collection' (1st century-3rd century) Snakes One of the earliest mythological symbols, the meaning behind this motif is incredibly diverse; Queen Victoria's engagement ring was famously a serpent set with her birthstone, an emerald, to signify the eternal love between herself and Prince Albert. The snake has been associated with good and evil, but for our purposes we will focus on the more positive and symbolic meanings intended for snakes worn in jewellery. It remains an iconic motif, symbolising love, as well as a never ending cycle when worn as an ouroboros to depict infinity. Snakes symbolise worship, magic, love, health, immortality, death and even wisdom. Image source ; The V&A museum, 'metalwork collection' (1875-1900), 255 - Goldstein Collection number The Love Heart First adopted in the middle ages to represent love, the heart motif at its core, symbolises love. With a selection of further meanings, when paired with other motifs, there are many deeper symbolic intentions displayed in jewellery; double hearts indicate our hearts beat as one, when stylised as a witch's heart the meaning is 'to bewitch', hearts pierced with an arrow for lovestruck. ............................................................................. This comprehensive list is ever changing and updating, drop us a comment below if you have a particular motif in mind you would like to know about and see added to our guide. For further reading, research and general immersion in motifs in jewellery, we recommend ' The modern guide to Antique Jewellery' by Author Beth Bernstein, visiting the V&A Museum in London, and Wikipedia for history on lore associated with Gods & Goddesses depicted wearing these motifs.

Our current obsession has to be Daisy Jones & The Six, we can't seem to get enough of it! Not only are we totally captivated by the band, but we can't stop thinking about how stylish they are. We have put together this guide to show you which of our jewels we would choose to wear the gorgeous 70's aesthetic. Warm Tones Warm sepia tones always scream 70's hippie when we see them. The warm vintage bohemian style is something we adore, from clothing and into jewellery. We've selected some of our jewels that we think that when worn will instantly make you look like a member of Daisy Jones & The Six. The chunky watch chain is an excellent choice to bring in that Rock 'n' Roll edge, whilst that gorgeous yellow garnet is quite possibly the most perfect gemstone choice. Boho Chic Natural tones and nature gems are most definitely the best way to achieve a totally boho inspired look. Anything that looks as if it has been delicately plucked from the Earth will easily get you started on achieving a look that gives off that 70's bohemian vibe. A Statement Ring We've spotted a totally dreamy and moody statement ring being worn by Daisy, whilst we're not sure what gemstone it could be, we think this vintage sardonyx ring is an excellent choice if you're looking for a statement jewel to wear. Complete the Look We love when your favourite show can easily inspire your wardrobe with pieces you probably already own. A vintage band t-shirt, vintage jeans and some statement heeled boots paired with some classic gold jewellery will instantly scream effortless 70's chic. All the clothing in this edit can be found on secondhand clothing websites such as Depop or Ebay, along with of course some Charlie Luxe classic gems. A perfect way to create a head-to-toe sustainable and secondhand 70's look. Are you totally obsessed with Daisy Jones & The Six like we are here at CLV HQ? Let us know in the comments if you're feeling inspired by the 70's style and if you'll be wearing this trend.

2022 has seen an incredible amount of jewels pass through our hands and into yours. From some of the most glamorous and luxe pieces, to gorgeous gemstone delights and the fun and unusual, we feel like we are one step closer to completing jewellery bingo. Most of our days at CLV HQ are spent lusting over the ones that could have been, dreaming of those jewels that we wish hadn't sold so quickly so that we could have more time to drool over them. The team have selected their top jewel picks from 2022 that they are still dreaming about today. Danielle has selected all things feminine and full of gemstones. The Victorian Celestial Moon and Stars Pearl Necklace was an easy choice, the level of interest and detail in this piece is simply magical and anything celestial always gets her heart beating. The Georgian Sugarloaf Moonstone and Ruby Halo Ring is such a sumptuous piece, and the beauty behind the Opal Charm is something she is still thinking about. Daniel's top 3 picks is definitely inspired by statement rings. The 1950's Ruby Class Ring is so interesting, a sentimental gift to someone graduating from university or college. Another interesting piece is the Victorian Enamel & Diamond Star Mourning Ring, a dramatic piece and a symbol of the mourning for a passed loved one. The French Art Deco Sapphire & Diamond Ring has been a firm favourite amongst us all, but felt extra special to Daniel. It's investment worthy luxe is what makes it such a rare fine example of 1920s French jewellery. 2022 has definitely been the year for rings, as Shannon has also chosen 3 rings in her top picks. The Lavish 9ct Gold Sapphire, Emerald & Diamond Multi- Gemstone Ring is her favourite jewel from this year, it has such an unusual look to it and its masculine size mixed with the variety of gemstones makes it such a exciting statement piece. Whilst not being one for sparkles, the Vintage 18ct Gold Citrine & Diamond Cluster Halo Ring has also been a favourite. The rich warm tones of the citrine gemstone pairs beautifully with other gold jewellery and neutral toned clothing. The Vintage 9ct Rose Gold Knot Ring also is a more unusual piece, lending itself as a perfect jewel for everyday wear. THE CHARLIE LUXE JEWEL OF 2022 To complete our top 10 jewel, we thought we would choose our total favourite piece of jewellery from this year. After *much* discussion, we all decided that this Fabulous Art Deco Natural 7.4ct Sapphire & Diamond Ring In Platinum has been a unanimous favourite amongst us all. We may be cheating slightly by picking something that hasn't sold yet, but everything about this ring is just so dreamy it just simply had to feature in our top 10 selection. Danielle obviously loves the science behind the sapphire cabochon gemstone. Daniel is a fan of how rare and unusual it is, whilst Shannon adores how unique this jewel is without being too fussy. As we mentioned it is still available, click below to read more about the beauty of this ring so that you can fall in love with it as much as we have! We can't wait to get jewellery hunting again in 2023 to see what beautiful jewels we will uncover. Do you agree with our top 10 picks? Could you correctly guess which pieces we would individually choose? Let us know in the comments your favourite Charlie Luxe jewel from 2022.

To celebrate individuality and all things jewellery, our lovely customers and friends have very kindly sent in photos of our jewellery being worn, or tagged us on Instagram and given us permission to be included in this annual customer celebration. Without further ado, here are a collection of inspiring jewellery loving humans, real jewels on real people, their styling ideas and their joy with their Charlie Luxe pieces. Images of @humble.along Images from @aboundjewellery Image by @88starjewels Image from @Gingerbellegems Image @Thenightskyjewels Image by @Peonyjade Images by @kellyekardt Image by @eyecandygems Image by @bonjourcopenhagen Image by @Fashionista_at_large Images by @Goldminedrive Images by @Elizcf86 Image by @poppiesandpaste Image by @Sandra_walli Images by @adorntobewild Image by @museandcurate Image by @puresugargems Image by @educatebydaisymay Image by @goldbrick.jewels Image by @Opal.peridot.emerald Image by @antiquejewelsfan Images by @jewelryarmour ........................................... We loved seeing all of your jewellery photos and ways you wear them this year, please keep tagging us in 2023 so we can celebrate you again next year !

Collecting charms is an excellent way to grow your jewellery collection. Their high sentimental and personal value make them wonderful pieces to own that are extremely sought after, whether you are buying for yourself or gifting to a loved one. It is first thought that charms were worn as jewellery from as early as 400-600BC, as talisman pieces to offer protection and luck. It wasn't until the Victorian era when charms were considered highly fashionable, something which has remained in todays society ever since. You can read our guide about the history of charm bracelets here. With there being such an array of vintage and antique charms out there in the world to be discovered, it can feel overwhelming if you are looking to curate your own charm collection. We have created a guide which can hopefully point you in the right direction for beginning your own charm journey. How to Choose Your Charms One of the great things about charms is how versatile they are. Their size allows them to be worn on both bracelets and chains, or even to just sit in your beloved jewellery box to admire. Knowing where to start can be tricky, a good place to begin could be how you envisage wearing your charms, and using that as a base to build up your collection. The next task is deciding what charms you want to invest in. The possibilities are truly endless, we think there are a number of ways in which you can approach choosing charms but it is important to remember that there are really no rules! The Classic The most popular way to build up a charm collection is by keeping things personal. Choosing charms that are a reflection of the person they are destined for will create a classic, sentimental feeling collection of jewellery that we can guarantee that no one else in the world will have. Initial charms are always an excellent place to begin, they usually come in an endless variety of styles and sizes. A simple gold initial is a perfect choice if you're looking for something to slot right into your already growing collection, or choose something in a chic script encrusted with diamonds to add some luxe. Like initial charms, Zodiac charms are also a great option for a personal charm to invest in. Those who feel a deep relation towards their starsign may want to make that connection stronger through a wearable piece of the Zodiac. Birthstones are always a classic, especially for charm bracelets. If you're looking to inject some colour into your charm collection, then we think wearing a gemstone charm is the perfect way to do it. Most gemstones are thought to have incredible powers when worn, their energy is said to be healing. Choose your own birthstone, or perhaps build a collection of the stones of the loved ones in your life such as your children's, parents, siblings or friends. You can read our Charlie Luxe birthstone guide here. Themed charms to celebrate or wish luck are fabulous gifts to receive if you are looking to gift a charm. A good luck charm can be given to provide all the luck in the world, or something to celebrate a significant birthday or special event such as a graduation can be a beautiful gestural token. Favourite Things Charms can come in all shapes, themes and sizes. If you're looking for a charm that's perhaps a bit niche, chances are you should be able to find something quite close to what you're after. A huge amount of vintage charms tend to be novelty themed, lending themselves perfectly to finding a charm to represent something you or someone else loves. This artists palette is fit for any painters out there, or perhaps your friends favourite animal is a butterfly. Curating a collection of all your favourite things is such a wonderful way to cherish your interests and hobbies. Or it could be fun to just find the most obscure jewels! Aesthetically Pleasing Whilst charm collections are usually deeply personal, not everyone will have the desire to have a collection that may feel busy. Perhaps you have a gorgeous antique chain and are looking for some exquisite charms to adorn it. Special and investment-worthy charms full of glamour and glitz can make excellent additions to your already luxurious chains and bracelets. Diamonds are an obvious choice as they can add a sparkly detail without being too overwhelming. Gemstones are also a great option, but if you don't particularly like your birthstone you could choose something such as a tigers eye which will bring a more neutral and subtle look. Simple gold jewels can be used interspaced between special pieces without causing too much distraction. This gold and diamond moon rock charm we designed ourselves could possibly be the perfect charm if you're looking for a piece of textural sophistication within a jewel. The Next Step As we mentioned before, the versatility of charms is unmatched with any other type of jewel. If you're not ready to commit to permanently piecing them together on a bracelet, then why not enjoy wearing them threaded onto a chain to wear around your neck. This will allow you to swap which charms you want to wear based on your mood or outfit. If you are wanting to add your favourite charms onto a perfectly curated bracelet, start by ensuring you have chosen the best home for them. We suggest laying out your bracelet on a flat surface and trying the endless possible layouts you could have to find your ideal combination. Remember to space the charms out evenly by counting the amount of links between each piece, unless you want to allow your bracelet to grow as and when you find a new treasure. Take a picture of your final layout to show your jeweller exactly how you envisage your new creation. There is nothing wrong with not wearing your charms at all, and letting them sit in your jewellery box to drool over instead. Pieces that are an heirloom or incredibly significant may only come out for special occasions, so why not house them in a beautiful jewellery box. Charms will always feel special to us at Charlie Luxe as they were where our love for secondhand jewellery began. We will say this over and over how special we think it is to give or receive a charm that is full to the brim with sentiment, novelty and luxury. Let us know in the comments which charm you would love to receive!

It's that time of year once again where party season has arrived and you're stood at your wardrobe wondering what to wear. Whether you've got a big Christmas do or a few quiet drinks with your girlfriends, its the perfect time of the year to go full-glam with sparkle, shimmer and glitter. We may be biased but we think that adding a stack of jewellery to your favourite party outfit is the perfect way to complete your look. If you've opted for jeans and a nice top or an exquisite party dress, adding some vintage and antique jewellery will be a foolproof way to take your look to the next level. Here at CLV HQ , we have put together 3 looks featuring our jewels that we think you could rock at your next festive celebration. More is More! As we mentioned earlier, is there truly a better time of year to go as glamorous as possible for one event? If you've got an ever growing jewellery collection but no where to wear it, now is the time to let those jewels out of their box. Those special pieces such as this spectacular 1930's diamond and ruby fan ring deserve to be shown off in all their glory. Why not stack all your favourite pieces together, colour co-ordianting them with your outfit. Here Danielle has picked a deep blue velvet top which is the ultimate pairing for sapphires. Compliment the magical blues with your most golden jewels to make them pop even more! We're loving the double layer of necklaces, it's such a great way to fill a neckline of a lower cut top. A statement necklace such as this Cleopatra collar looks exquisite with a pendant, the two balance together in the perfect way. Luxe & Glamour If your style is more paired back, why not celebrate your most cherished jewels and let them be the star of the show. More is more is not for everyone, so instead pick a few of your most treasured jewels and let them be a wonderful accessory to your outfit. A subtle necklace that is still full of interest such as this beaded seed pearl and citrine piece is a perfect way to elegantly fill your neckline. Connie's look is all about sublimely matching colours and gemstones. The adulerescence in the moonstone ring is the ultimate pairing with this pink top. The pearls in the antique cluster ring make a dream combination with the beaded necklace we mentioned above. It's these subtle details that really make a well accessorised outfit feel so luxe. Sleek Sparkles For those who love to keep things more chic, this look may be the one for you. Even if you like to wear more paired back looks, sprinkling in some glimmer is an excellent way to bring the festive season to your outfit. Diamonds are an exceptional choice if you choose to wear dark colours, their icey cool-toned sparkle works wonderfully to add some brightness. This chunky diamond cluster ring is quite possibly the most perfect jewel to achieve this. This is a fab versatile look to take you from day through to night. Keep your diamond rings on so those hands stay dressed up, and this art deco paste necklace will add some twinkle between the collar of a coat as you're walking into a fancy cocktail bar. The festive season may be short so we really think it's best to make the most of being able to be as glamorous and sparkling as possible. Our shop is currently stocked with an array of treasures to help complete your party look. You can shop all our jewellery here. We hope our guide has offered you some inspiration for what to wear to your next festive party, let us know in the comments what you're planning to wear this year!

Christmas has snuck up on us this year, and if you're looking to gift a loved one (or yourself!) a special jewel then our Charlie Luxe Gift Guide is the perfect place for you to find that magical piece of jewellery. We've covered all bases, whether you're shopping for the ultimate minimalist or the woman who has everything, ranging from under £200 to four-figure dream jewels. Whoever you are shopping for, you will certainly find a dreamy, luxe and sustainable piece of jewellery in our guide. JEWELLERY STEALS When it comes to buying jewellery as a gift, you don't need to break the bank in order to find something special. You can shop 30 jewels for under £200 here. We're sure you will be able to find an exceptional gift, our particular favourites are the painters palette charm, moonstone ring and gold twisted hoops. From classics such as a figaro chain and love heart padlock to a sweet rabbit charm and dazzling art deco necklace, we've got you covered. THE LUXE LADY Are you in need of some inspiration for buying that perfect jewel for a lady in your life? If budget is no question for you, take a look at our guide and allow us to give you a helping hand with finding that special piece. This year we've had an array of simply outstanding jewels and we've been obsessed with every single piece. We hope that our Charlie Luxe Gift Guide provides you a great source of inspiration for hunting out a magical jewel that you will gift to yourself or a loved one this Christmas. You can shop our entire collection of jewellery here. Let us know in the comments which jewel you are hoping to find under the Christmas tree this year!

Birthstones are simply known as gemstones which represent the month someone was born. Each gemstone full of history and legend behind it, holding a meaning thought to hold true to its wearer. They are usually found adorning all forms of jewellery, with rings and necklaces being popular ways to display the gem. Traditional History The first recorded history of birthstones can be traced back to biblical times. A breastplate worn by the High Priests of the Israelites was made adorning 12 different stones, each representing the 12 tribes of Israel. The stones were included to provide power and possessed the ability to tell people their fate. At this time, gemstones were named purely on their colour rather than by chemical composition, making it difficult to determine which gems were used. However, from early translations we know that Agate, Amethyst, Topaz and Peridot were definitely used. Image source; Gem Society. A sculpture showing what the breastplate may have looked like. You can see the twelve places where the gemstones would have sat. Around 500 years later, a connection was made between the gemstones, the 12 months of the year and the 12 zodiacs. This began a tradition to encourage Christians to start using them, and by the 8th and 9th centuries, people would collect all 12 gemstones but only wear them during the given month, as they were thought to provide different forms of power and protection. The modern tradition of wearing one stone for the month of birth didn’t begin until the 18th century, and is thought to have originated in Poland, due to the arrival of Jewish gem traders. Modern History In 1912, the National Association of Jewellers in the US created a standardised list of birthstones, providing a clear list of which gemstones went with which month, but also a list of practical stones for American jewellers to sell in larger quantities. In 1952 the list was updated by the Jewelry Industry Council of American to include some additional modifications, some months having additional gemstones added to it. Since then, the list remains largely untouched, except for the addition of Tanzanite in 2002, and Spinel in 2016. Image source; Eluna Jewelry Designs. People today love to own a jewel containing their birthstone, as we now have a greater understanding of the history and symbols these gemstones offer. The Charlie Luxe Birthstone Guide JANUARY – GARNET The red colour of garnets are often known to symbolise faith, trust and courage offering protection especially from nightmares. Garnets are also gifted to celebrate a 2nd wedding anniversary. FEBRUARY – AMETHYST Amethysts are a gorgeous and popular gemstone, which can be found in an array of purple tones. Amethysts are calming and bring focus, thought to be extremely beneficial to the mind and body. It is said that it is best to wear an Amethyst as a necklace near the throat or heart, to channel its powers through your airways and bloodstream. MARCH – BLOODSTONE & AQUAMARINE Aquamarines and Bloodstones are opposite colours and also have very different meanings. Bloodstones are extremely unusual due to the varying colours seen in them, their symbolism linked heavily with religion, particularly with Christianity and the blood of Christ. A beautiful shade of blue reminiscent to fresh seawater, wearing an Aquamarine is said to bring creativity, self-expression and courage, boosting love, youth and overall happiness. APRIL – DIAMOND Diamonds are the traditional stone for love, the Ancient Greeks wearing it as a symbol for eternal love. MAY- EMERALD Health, faithfulness and wealth are known symbols of Emeralds. Some even believe that the provide healing powers to provide good health and fertility. JUNE – PEARL, MOONSTONE & ALEXANDRITE Pearls bring calm to the wearer, protecting against nervous and anxious thoughts. It is one of the most desirable gemstones. Moonstones are thought to bring good luck as well as love, passion and fertility. Their beautiful structure makes them amongst some of the most ethereal gemstones. Like the moonstone, Alexandrite’s also bring luck and love. It is a relatively new gemstone, not being discovered until the 1830’s. JULY – RUBY Rubies encourage the removal of negative energy and protect against misfortune whilst providing strength and courage. AUGUST – PERIDOT & SARDONYX Courage, wealth, wisdom and purity are what Peridots are known for. This light green gemstone relieves stress and protects against evil and negativity. Roman soldiers would wore rings featuring Sardonyx gemstones, so it is no surprise that this stone is heavily associated with courage. It is also deemed to bring happiness and stability to relationships with happiness. SEPTEMBER – SAPPHIRE Sapphires are known for their beautiful shade of blue, but did you know that they are a symbol of truth and protection. Success is said to be brought to anyone wearing this stone. OCTOBER – OPAL & TOURMALINE Both opals and tourmaline gems provide healing and are symbols for creativity, hope and innocence. NOVEMBER – CITRINE & TOPAZ The two birthstones for November complement each other with their shades of yellow, providing good health and wellness. Citrines are thought to improve intellect and a remove negativity from the wearer. Topaz brings slightly different meanings through love and affection. Strength and intelligence can be brought to those who wear Topaz’s, no matter which colour of topaz you choose. DECEMBER – TURQUOISE, TANZANITE & ZIRCON All of the December birthstones symbolise a wealth of positivity, Turquoise brings happiness and good fortune. Tanzanite is believed to breakdown any negativity, and turn it into a positive. A great stone to wear for those who may need some more optimism. Zircon wards off evil spirits, providing wisdom, prosperity, and confidence. It is also thought to aid in sleep quality. ................................ Here at CLV we adore birthstones. We all love the idea of having a gemstone to wear that is perfectly personal, even more so when what it represents is so significant. We always have a wonderful selection of jewels for you to drool over, let us know what your birthstone is and how you would wear it!

The perfect time of year to start adorning yourself in jewels fit for a vampire queen, here are our top picks and how best to wear them. ................................................ The Familiars Image Source; Charlie Luxe Vintage. Current figural pieces in stock Where would a witch be without her familiar? Ever a fan of the witch theme for Halloween and pop culture in general, a figural charm added into a neck mess is a must for a Halloween vibe. Take your pick from an enchanting spider, all the way through to a charming lucky carved coral elephant. Garnets Image Source ; Charlie Luxe Vintage. Current pieces in stock set with garnet gemstones This gemstone is truly the epitome of Halloween season for us, the dark blood red cabochons seeming to glow from within, sat next to delicious twinkling foiled reverse flat cut garnets and all harmoniously paired with rich yellow gold. Silver Hued Jewels Image Source ; Charlie Luxe Vintage. Current pieces in stock set with paste, pearls, moonstone and quartz gemstones. From icy paste gemstone to pale pearl cabochons, these glistening gems feel reminiscent of a spider's web, or delicate beams of moonlight streaming down through gaps in a forest's canopy. An eery luminous glow that mixes well with deeper tone gemstones. Carved Cameos and Gemstones Image Source; Charlie Luxe Vintage. Current carved pieces in stock With an ancient dark academia feel, carved gemstones feel like talismans, and add interest and intrigue into a jewellery look. There is something foreboding about a cherubic face carved in relief on deep coral, or a bewitching green chrysoprase with a spell like carving tracing the cabochon front. ........................................................... Will you be opting to sprinkle in some spellbinding jewels for all Hallow's Eve ? Tell us in the comments what charms are currently residing as your familiar, or if there is a perfect juicy gem perched on your finger for the spooky autumnal season.

With Halloween just around the corner, we've taken a look at some of our favourite witchy queens and created a ring guide that we think they would love. Sally and Gilly Owens We're obsessed with witchy sisters from Practical Magic, both blessed with supernatural powers. Possibly the most fashionable witches from the 90's, we could totally imagine wearing their style today. Their styles slightly differ from one another, for Sally we're imagining her wearing something with a boho edge to it, such as this Victorian flower ring. Gilly is definitely the sister with a cooler style, we can totally picture her wearing something more gothic like this Garnet Cluster Ring. Sabrina Spellman Sabrina Spellman is the young witch from 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch'. She has the power of necromancy, allowing her to control, manipulate and resurrect the dead. Her powers are strong, yet her style is classic and preppy, usually featuring the colour red. This sublime mourning ring would be the perfect jewel for Sabrina to wear, featuring a blood red garnet and the engraving of the death date of someone she may later bring back to life. Prue Halliwell Prue Halliwell from the series 'Charmed' is definitely another iconic 90's witch. With the power of telekinesis, she was also a Charmed One - one of the most powerful witches of all time. Her style was very minimal-nineties, and a rare witch deserves a rare jewel in the form of this Diamond & Cats-Eye Chrysoberyl ring. This moody, simple piece possesses all the powers to add some magic to a minimal outfit. Stevie Nicks During the 70's, there were serious questions whether Stevie Nicks was in fact a witch. Her halloween-style fashion and songwriting inspired by witchcraft novels and the dark arts sparked a rumour which she famously later had to deny. Despite this, her witchy energy is unmatched and her style is simply iconic. A whimsical ring is needed for a whimsical lady, and this symbolic and historic jewel is the perfect match. Lana Del Rey Another witchy musician is Lana Del Rey, who is in fact a self-confessed witch. She once revealed that she attempted witchcraft on Donald Trump, and has been known to speak about her fascination with the moon's phases. She's a total romantic with a moody and gothic edge, this sweet pearl cluster ring would look perfect perched on Lana's finger, and is faintly reminiscent of a circular representation of the phases of the moon. The Sanderson Sisters The Sanderson Sisters are a trio of witches from Hocus Pocus. They are part of the most powerful coven to have ever lived, the three sisters were actually based on real people from the 1600's who were put on trial for practicing witchcraft. Here we have selected a ring that we think would be perfect for Winifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson. Spooky season is our absolute favourite here at CLV HQ. These are our top picks for all our ultimate witches. Let us know in the comments who you favourite witch is and which jewels you would love to see her wearing.

It's time to dive into the October birthstone and talk about everything you ever wanted to know about the opal gemstone . History Lesson So when was the opal gemstone first discovered? There exists artifacts containing this gorgeous gemstone dating back as far as 4000 B.C., uncovered by anthropologist Louis Leakey in a cave located in Kenya. Opal has certainly been described and used further along in history by the Ancient Greek & Roman civilizations, but this finding of artifacts is a significant point in history where we can place opal being used. In gemmology terms, in reference to the most important source of opals today, the discovery of opals in Australia was made by the geologist Johannes Menge in 1849. Gemmology as a distinct science would not exist yet until 1908, when Samuel Barnett proposed setting up examinations and the teaching of gemmology. The name 'opal' is actually derived from the Latin 'Opalus' and Greek 'Opallius', both meaning 'to perceive a colour change' which is very apt for this vibrant gemstone. Opal Lore “Some opali carry such a play within them that they equal the deepest and richest colors of painters. Others…simulate the flaming fire of burning sulphur and even the bright blaze of burning oil.” - Gaius Plinius Secundus (AD 23/24 – 79) The opal gemstone is the recognised birthstone for October, and it is brimming with superstition and magic. A novel written in the 1800s sparked this worry of it being seen as 'unlucky' to wear opals unless you were born in the month of October, especially darker toned opals, although by Queen Victoria's reign in the mid to latter half of the 19th century, the Opal was back in fashion. Queen Victoria loved opals, and wore them throughout her reign, famously even receiving Queen Charlotte's opal cabochon and pearl ring from her Aunt Princess Mary in 1849. Prince Albert gifted their daughters with opals on their wedding days, promoting a more positive view of this spectacular gemstone. Image source; Royal Collection Trust. Queen Charlotte's Opal Finger Ring. Opal is credited by a mix of culture to be associated with supernatural origins and powers. European legends see the gem a symbol of hope, purity and honesty. Falling from the cosmos in lightning storms, as told by Arabic legends, or the belief that opals lend their wearers the gift of prophecy and guarded them from disease, as believed by the Ancient Greeks. Gemmology So what are opals made from, and how do they form? Opals are a hydrated amorphous form composed of silicia, which consists of multiple tiny spheres all arranged in a regular pattern with water in-between the spheres . The opals form when silica rich water seeps into deep cracks within the Earth's crust at low temperatures, and then some 5-6 million later under the right conditions, et voila opal is formed. Due to opals having amorphous properties, the opal gemstone is classed as a minerloid rather than a mineral. The silica spheres act as a prism to the light entering the opal, and create the fabulous play of colour for which opal is so prized. The play of colour can be more subtle or extremely intense, dependant on the size of the spheres and the spaces inbetween them. Because opals are so water rich, they are very susceptible to drying out and cracking; It is not uncommon to see incorrectly stored opals begin to show signs of this, and this is also why a lot of gemstone suppliers believe they need to ship their loose opals in water, but this is generally seen in the industry as not necessary and not recommended. Care instructions recommend environments that are not too dry, and in temperatures that are not too high. Opals are also a relatively softer gemstone, sitting at a 6 on the MoHs scale of hardness, a scale that places gemstones relative to each other in their ability to resist abrasion. For reference a diamond sits at a 10 and is the hardest material on the scale. The ranking of 6 means opals can be scratched and scuffed easily, and this is also why you will see them fashioned most frequently as a cabochon, a style that offers more protection than sharp faceted sides and angles. Types Of Opal Opal is sorted into two broad classes, known as common opal and precious opal. It is found all around the world, but the most important source of opal is found in Australia. So what is the difference between these two groups of opal? The opal you see that displays the colour flashes and play of colour is precious opal, whereas common opal is visually distinct from this group and does not display any play of colour, but does still exist in a range of colours. Within this category of common opal, the groups can be split and defined further into ; Agate Opal Dendritic Opal Cats-eye Opal Wood Opal Image Source ; Wikipedia ( Wood Opal ) - Image showing petrified wood which has been replaced by opal and now carries an opalescent sheen Famous Opals The Andamooka Opal is arguably one of the most famous opals, also referred to as 'The Queen's Opal' due to its connection to Queen Elizabeth II. The stone is a 203 carat opal found in 1949 in the Andamooka opal field of Australia. The opal was cut and set into a choker and gifted to Queen Elizabeth II in 1954 during her first state trip to Australia, the piece of jewellery is considered a significant jewel within the Queen's state jewellery collection. Image source; Pinterest. The Andamooka Opal set into the choker necklace gifted to Queen Elizabeth II Queen Alexandra inherited an opal tiara (The Oriental Circlet Tiara) from Queen Victoria when she died in 1901, which featured 11 precious opals. The tiara was designed by Prince Albert himself to gift to Queen Victoria, opals were said to be his favourite stone so a lot of Queen Victoria's jewellery collection is said to include opal pieces. Queen Alexandra firmly believed that opals brought misfortune so she had them changed to rubies before she began wearing the tiara. The crown still remains within the The Royal Collection with the intention of being worn by all future queens, and still houses the rubies. Image source; Left - royalwatcherblog. Queen Victoria wearing the Oriental Circlet Tiara. Eric the Pilosaur is one of the world's most complete opalised skeletons. Found by an opal miner in an Australian opal mine in 1987, this carnivorous marine reptile's bones had been opalised thanks to the area of land it was buried in to have an exceptional level of opal mineral in the ground. This resulted in the bones having a beautiful shine to them. The miner who found Eric sold him off to a businessman to begin the reconstruction of the skeleton, but due to huge financial difficulty, he considered breaking it apart to be sold off for jewellery. The Australian Museum purchased the skeleton in 1993 where it is now on display and is considered a national treasure to the country. Image source; The Australian Museum. Some Current Opal Pieces In Stock