Gifts - Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery

Aquamarine the March Birthstone: History, Meaning, and Jewellery Gift Ideas

Suzanne Crudden — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:09:38 +0000

Aquamarine is the March birthstone, a blue variety of the mineral beryl known for its clarity, durability, and association with the sea. The name comes from the Latin words aqua marina, meaning “water of the sea,” a fitting description for a gemstone whose colour often resembles calm ocean water.

Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family of minerals, the same group that includes emerald and morganite. Because of its clarity, durability, and soft blue colour, it has been used in jewellery for centuries.

Aquamarine is also appreciated for its understated colour. Unlike darker blue gemstones, aquamarine has a light, airy tone that works beautifully in many styles of jewellery. This versatility is one reason it has remained popular for centuries and continues to be chosen for both modern and vintage inspired designs.

Today, aquamarine remains a popular choice for March birthstone jewellery, especially rings, pendants, and earrings that highlight the stone’s clean, transparent beauty.

What Is Aquamarine?

Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, coloured blue by traces of iron within the crystal structure.

Some key characteristics of aquamarine include:

Colour: pale blue to deeper blue-green
Hardness: 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale
Clarity: typically very clean with few visible inclusions
Crystal structure: hexagonal

Because aquamarine is relatively hard and usually free of visible inclusions, it is well suited for many types of jewellery. The best types of jewellery for aquamarine are pendants and earrings. If you’d like an aquamarine ring, it’s often best worn as a special occasion ring rather than an everyday ring.

One of the qualities gem cutters appreciate most about aquamarine is its clarity. Many aquamarine crystals form with very few internal inclusions, allowing cutters to produce larger stones that appear exceptionally transparent. This clarity is part of what gives aquamarine its crisp, watery appearance.

History and Symbolism of Aquamarine

Aquamarine has a long history and has been associated with the sea for thousands of years.

In ancient times, sailors believed aquamarine protected them during voyages. Some carried the gemstone as a talisman for safe travel across rough waters. Roman writers also described aquamarine as a stone that could calm waves and protect those at sea.

Over time, aquamarine became associated with qualities such as:

calmness and clarity
harmony and balance
protection during travel
clear communication

During the Middle Ages, aquamarine was sometimes believed to help settle disputes and encourage clear communication. Because of this association, the gemstone was occasionally used in decorative objects or jewellery intended to symbolize honesty and harmony.

While these symbolic meanings vary across cultures, the gemstone’s cool blue colour has long been connected with tranquility and clear water.

Where Aquamarine Is Found

Aquamarine is mined in several parts of the world, with some regions producing particularly well-known material.

Major sources include:

Brazil – historically the most famous source
Pakistan – known for large crystals from high-altitude mines
Nigeria
Mozambique
Madagascar

Brazil has produced some of the largest aquamarine crystals ever discovered, sometimes weighing hundreds of kilograms before cutting.

Aquamarine crystals form in pegmatite deposits, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks that can produce unusually large mineral crystals. Because of these geological conditions, aquamarine is sometimes found in very large crystals compared to many other gemstones.

Aquamarine Colours and Quality

The colour of aquamarine can vary from very light blue to deeper blue or slightly greenish blue.

In general:

Paler stones often appear bright and very clear
Deeper blue stones tend to be more valuable
Many aquamarines on the market are heat treated to remove green tones and enhance the blue colour

Aquamarine is also known for its excellent clarity. Unlike emerald, which often contains visible inclusions, aquamarine crystals frequently appear very clean even in larger sizes.

Because of this clarity, gem cutters often use step cuts, emerald cuts, and oval cuts that emphasize the stone’s transparency and colour.

Well cut aquamarines are valued for their brightness and even colour distribution. Because lighter stones can sometimes appear washed out, careful cutting helps concentrate the colour and maximize the gemstone’s sparkle.

Aquamarine in Jewellery

Aquamarine’s combination of durability and clarity makes it a versatile gemstone for jewellery.

Common pieces include:

Aquamarine rings
Often set in yellow or white gold, aquamarine rings can range from delicate solitaire styles to larger statement stones. Best as special occasion rings rather than everyday rings.

Aquamarine pendants
Because aquamarine crystals can be cut quite large, pendants are a popular way to showcase the stone’s colour.

Aquamarine earrings
Studs or drop earrings highlight the gemstone’s brightness and light blue tone.

At our jewellery studio in Toronto, aquamarine is sometimes chosen not only as a March birthstone, but just because it’s so beautiful.

Aquamarine also pairs beautifully with diamonds or other light coloured gemstones. The cool blue tone of aquamarine can create a soft contrast with the brilliance of diamonds, which is why it is sometimes used in anniversary jewellery as well.

Why Aquamarine Makes a Meaningful March Birthstone Gift

For people born in March, aquamarine jewellery can be a thoughtful and personal gift.

Some reasons aquamarine jewellery works well as a birthday gift include:

it’s more meaningful because of the symbolism of aquamarine being the March birthstone
a precious piece of jewellery is something people have for a lifetime
classic pieces such as pendants or earrings can easily be worn everyday
it’s really pretty

Because aquamarine crystals often grow quite large, it is also possible to find beautiful stones in larger sizes without the extreme cost of some other gemstones.

For many people, birthstone jewellery carries a personal meaning that goes beyond the gemstone itself. Aquamarine jewellery given for a March birthday can become a keepsake that marks a moment in time or celebrates an important relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aquamarine

What is the March birthstone?

Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone for March. It is a blue variety of the mineral beryl and has been associated with the month of March for centuries. Its cool blue colour and clarity make it a popular choice for birthstone jewellery.

What gives aquamarine its blue colour?

Aquamarine’s blue colour is caused by trace amounts of iron within the crystal structure of beryl. Variations in the amount and oxidation state of iron can produce shades ranging from pale blue to deeper blue or slightly greenish tones.

Where are aquamarine gemstones found?

Aquamarine is mined in several regions around the world. Some of the most important sources include Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Madagascar. Brazil has historically produced some of the largest aquamarine crystals ever discovered.

What is the largest aquamarine gemstone?

One of the most famous aquamarines is the Dom Pedro Aquamarine, a large carved gemstone now displayed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. It was cut from an enormous Brazilian aquamarine crystal and weighs over 10,000 carats.

Aquamarine Jewellery in Toronto

Aquamarine continues to be a popular choice for people looking for March birthstone jewellery in Toronto, especially for rings and pendants that highlight the gemstone’s clear blue colour.

Because aquamarine is available in a wide range of sizes and shades, it can work well in both simple designs and custom jewellery pieces.

You can explore more about our process for creating custom pieces on our custom jewellery process page.

If you’re thinking of making some aquamarine custom jewellery, we’d love to help. You can start by requesting a quote. We’re looking forward to working with you!

The post Aquamarine the March Birthstone: History, Meaning, and Jewellery Gift Ideas first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

October Birthstone Jewellery: Opal and Tourmaline

Suzanne Crudden — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 23:28:36 +0000

October Birthstone Jewellery: Opal and Pink Tourmaline

October is a month of changing colours, cozy sweaters, and crisp autumn air. And beyond that, October babies are in luck because they have two beautiful gems to call their own: opal and pink tourmaline.

Both stones full of colour and meaning, making them perfect for creating October birthstone jewellery that tells a story. Whether you’re gifting someone special or treating yourself, these gems bring warmth to any design.

The Magic of Opal: Fire in Stone

Opal feels a bit like autumn itself, full of light, layers of colour, and unexpected beauty. Its rainbow-like flashes have long made it a favourite among gem lovers.

History & Symbolism

Ancient Rome: Opals were seen as symbols of hope and purity. They were believed to bring good fortune.
Medieval Europe: Because opals contain so many colours, people thought they carried the power of every gemstone in one. Some even believed they granted invisibility!
Folklore: Through the centuries, opal has been tied to love, healing, and protection.

Where It’s Found

Most of the world’s opals come from Australia, famous for its fiery black opals. Other sources include Ethiopia, Mexico, and Brazil—each producing stones with their own distinct character.

In jewellery, opal pairs beautifully with warm yellow gold. Opal is a soft gemstone so yellow gold is a also a better option than white gold because it’s softer. It’s less likely for the opal to be damaged during setting in yellow gold, especially a higher karat.

Pink Tourmaline: October’s Modern Gem

If opal is like autumn leaves dancing in the light, then pink tourmaline is like a late October sunset—soft, glowing, and full of warmth.

History & Symbolism

Ancient Egypt: Legends said tourmaline travelled along a rainbow from the earth’s core, explaining its many colours.
18th Century Europe: Tourmaline became popular when Dutch traders brought it from Sri Lanka, where its unusual ability to attract small objects when heated earned it a reputation as a “magnet stone.”
Symbolism: Pink tourmaline is thought to bring love, compassion, and emotional balance—a gemstone for the heart.

Where It’s Found

Most pink tourmaline comes from Brazil, though it’s also found in Afghanistan, Mozambique, and the U.S. Its soft blush tones make it a versatile stone for both everyday jewellery and one-of-a-kind statement pieces.

October Birthstone Jewellery

Here in Toronto, October is the month where fall really arrives. The changing colour of the leaves, the need to pop on a sweater, all as we recognize a time of thanks giving and gratitude.

At our Toronto studio, we love creating custom opal and pink tourmaline jewellery for October babies and those that love them. Whether it’s a family birthstone ring, a pendant for an October birthday, or a pair of earrings just because.

Opal, being a soft stone, is more suitable for pendants and earrings. If you’d like to create a family birthstone ring we’d recommend pink tourmaline because it’s a bit more durable.

Alternatives for October Birthstones

Not everyone chooses opal or pink tourmaline. Some prefer alternatives that capture October’s romantic, colourful feel while offering a different look or durability:

Tourmaline – Other colours such as green and blue.

Rose Quartz – A gentle pink stone symbolizing love and peace.
Morganite – A peachy-pink cousin of emerald, popular for its elegance.
Moonstone – With its glowing, mystical sheen, it shares opal’s magical play of light.

Each carries its own meaning, making them lovely substitutes for October-inspired jewellery.

Final Thoughts

October’s birthstones, opal and pink tourmaline, capture the richness of the season. From the fiery flashes of opal to the tender glow of pink tourmaline, each stone carries history, symbolism, and beauty.

If you’re in Toronto and looking to create custom October birthstone jewellery that is as meaningful as it is beautiful, these gems are the perfect way to celebrate the season and the people you love.

The post October Birthstone Jewellery: Opal and Tourmaline first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

The Style and Tradition of Signet Rings

Suzanne Crudden — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 20:26:30 +0000

Signet Rings: A Timeless Symbol of Identity and Heritage

Throughout history, jewellery has served as a powerful means of personal expression, symbolizing status, wealth, and cultural identity. Signet rings hold a special place as cherished piece that often transcends generations. These rings, with their unique design and engraving, carry with them a rich history, steeped in tradition and symbolism. Here we are going to explore the world of signet rings and discover their history, significance, and enduring appeal.

History of Signet Rings

Signet rings trace their origins back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Initially, these rings were used as practical tools rather than mere fashion statements. The word “signet” is derived from the Latin word “signum,” meaning sign or seal. Signet rings were used as seals, serving as a personal signature or a mark of authority when pressed onto wax or clay. They played a vital role in official correspondence, legal documents, and the authentication of important messages.

Signet rings were used by nobility, clergy, and powerful people throughout history to show authority and social status. In ancient Rome, signet rings were a symbol of aristocracy and worn by political and military leaders. During the Renaissance, when all things classical became popular again, so did signet rings.

The design of signet rings was usually flat or slightly convex bezel and traditionally made of metal, such as gold, silver, or platinum. The bezel featured an engraved emblem, typically a family crest, monogram, initials, or a symbol. The engraving on the bezel was often embossed or intaglio, allowing it to create an impression when pressed into something soft.

Significance of Signet Rings

One of the defining features of signet rings is their ability to be customized. The engraving on the bezel is usually very personal, reflecting the wearer’s individuality, heritage, or affiliation with a particular group or organization (for example Mason’s or a school ring). Family crests and coats of arms are also common as well as monograms and initials. These engravings tie generations together and make signet rings cherished heirlooms that are usually passed down.

The Enduring Appeal of Signet Rings

Signet rings combine history, function and style which is why their appeal endures. From those who prefer bold and heavy rings to those who prefer rings more dainty and streamlined, signet rings offer a wide range of designs for any gender or age.

In recent years, signet rings have become trendy again. We’ve noticed that the shape of signet rings alone draw people in and they even choose to not have them engraved. Even if you purchase a blank signet ring because you just like the way it looks, you can always have it engraved later.

In years past a signet ring was a traditional graduation gift. Due in part to its history as a culturally significant piece of jewellery, it’s no wonder that it became an appropriate gift to give to mark a milestone. Now, in addition to graduations, signet rings are often given as gifts to mark many different milestones such as: significant birthday years, a gift to a Best Man or Maid of Honour and Father’s Day.

Signet Rings of any Size

While traditionally signet rings have been quite large, signet rings can be dainty too. If you’re looking for something smaller for a pinky finger or for a small hand, a smaller signet ring could be just the thing.

Almost any signet ring style can be scaled down into something smaller. The only issue to consider is that there will necessarily be less surface area to add personalized engraving. It’s best to keep the personalization less detailed on a smaller signet ring.

At Posy Fine Jewellery we are advocates of reusing jewellery and we’ve had the honour of reusing heirloom signet rings to create new rings for the next generation. With their intricate engravings, meaningful designs, and timeless elegance, it’s no wonder that signet rings have stood the test of time. These rings represent a sense of personal history and connection to the past that we can forward with us as we navigate this ever-changing, complex world of ours.

The post The Style and Tradition of Signet Rings first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

Graduation Jewellery Gift Ideas

Suzanne Crudden — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:20:25 +0000

Graduation is a such a significant milestone, and a thoughtful piece of jewellery can serve as a lasting reminder of this accomplishment. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a high school, college or university graduate, we’ve collected some great graduation jewellery gift ideas.

Rings

Some educational institutions may have their own “grad rings” available for purchase. But, if not, a ring is a wonderful gift for graduation because it can easily be worn everyday.

Signet rings come in many styles, shapes and metals. From wide, chunky and geometric to slim, dainty and curved. You could choose to set stones in a signet ring, leave them plain or engrave them with the graduates initials.

Necklace with Initial Pendant

A delicate necklace featuring the graduate’s initial is a simple and personal gift. It can be worn every day and serves as a reminder of their achievement.

Bracelet with Engraving

A bracelet engraved with the graduate’s name, graduation date, or a meaningful quote is a beautiful and sentimental gift. They can wear it on special occasions or as a daily accessory.

Birthstone Jewellery

Consider gifting a piece of jewellery featuring the graduate’s birthstone. It adds a personal touch and can be incorporated into rings, necklaces, earrings, or bracelets.

Inspirational Message

Choose a pendant or bracelet and engrave an inspiring message or symbol that resonates with the graduate’s aspirations. It could be a compass, a key, or a word like “dream,” “courage,” or “believe.”

Pearl Earrings or Necklace

Pearl earrings, a pearl necklace or an earring and necklace set are a traditional graduation gift. Pearls are timeless and versatile. A pair of pearl earrings can be worn on formal occasions or dressed down for everyday wear so they will get lots of use. The same is true for a pearl necklace although they do tend to be reserved for special occasions.

Customized Cufflinks

Customized cufflinks can also be a great gift for the sophisticated grad. You could engrave them with their initials, graduation year, or a special message.

Final Thoughts on Graduation Jewellery Gift Ideas

When looking for graduation jewellery gift ideas, remember to consider the graduate’s personal style and preferences. It might also be a good idea to consider the significance of the jewellery piece you choose. For example, a parent may want to invest in a higher cost gold ring whereas extended family members may choose an engraved gift in silver. Although no less meaningful, a silver gift will be less costly than a gold gift.

We hope that this guide has been helpful but be sure to reach out if you have any other questions. You can also check out our shop to see if we have anything in stock that might be the perfect gift for the grad in your life.

The post Graduation Jewellery Gift Ideas first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

Custom Mother’s Day Jewellery

Suzanne Crudden — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:04:55 +0000

Mother’s Day is a day where we pause the demands of everyday life to recognize and cherish our mothers. Traditionally accompanied with gifts, large or small, but always thoughtful. A macaroni necklace made by a child can be just as valuable to a mother as a necklace made of gold. What is important is the meaning. This is why custom mother’s day jewellery is such a great idea for a Mother’s Day gift. Lasting, heirloom quality jewellery invested with meaning.

Custom Mother’s Day jewellery doesn’t have to be studded with diamonds to be meaningful. For example, we could cast one of those pieces of pasta from a macaroni necklace in silver so it lasts forever. In this post we’re going to take a look at custom Mother’s Day jewellery ideas that are both thoughtful and meaningful.

Custom Mother's Day Jewellery: Necklace Ideas

We’ve found that necklaces or pendants are a very popular gift for Mother’s Day. Likely because they are easy to wear everyday and sit close to the heart.

Birthstone Necklaces

Personalized Necklaces

There are many ways to include a special touch of personalization in a necklace. You could include names or initials. You could include an engraving of a fingerprint. You could even scan a piece of your child’s artwork or handwriting that we could then engrave on a pendant.

Custom Mother's Day Jewellery: Rings

The other most popular custom Mother’s Day jewellery idea is a ring. It is an especially popular gift for adult children to give to their mother, or a husband to give to a wife. Usually these rings contain the birthstones of the family.

The nice thing about a family ring is that it doesn’t have to adhere to a certain style. This gives us the opportunity to include, not only personal style preferences, but thoughtful, symbolic touches in the ring.

Other Custom Mother's Day Jewellery Ideas

Bracelets are probably the next most popular Mother’s Day gift after necklaces and rings. There are certainly a number of charm-type bracelets that are very popular. Although you could say that charm bracelets are personalized, it’s more of a generic personalization. To add more meaning, you could use some of the ideas above such as custom engraving, birthstones or fingerprints.

Earrings seem to be less popular for Mother’s Day in particular, although they are very popular as a gift for other special occasions.

As with anything, the sky is the limit. If you have an vision for something you’d like to create fill out our quote request form. Or check out our shop, we have a lot of really special ready to ship pieces.

The post Custom Mother’s Day Jewellery first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

Custom Anniversary Rings

Suzanne Crudden — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 21:38:59 +0000

Questions such as what an anniversary ring is and when to get one actually have no straightforward answers. There definitely are some traditions regarding anniversary rings but there are also new and modern interpretations. Let’s explore the tradition of anniversary rings, custom anniversary rings and other unique anniversary gifts that you may want to consider.

Traditional Anniversary Rings

Eternity Rings

An anniversary ring is most often gifted on a significant milestone year such as 10, 20, 25 and so on. In the past, the idea of an eternity ring was very heavily marketed as “the” anniversary ring. Often this was because the traditional wedding band was solid gold with no gemstones and the, so called, diamond band was to be purchased later for an anniversary.

An eternity ring typically has diamonds set all of the way around the ring to symbolize eternity or a never ending circle. The only problem is that eternity rings are not able to be sized. This led to the half eternity ring becoming popularized. The half eternity ring has diamonds set only half to three-quarters of the way around the ring so that it can still be re-sized if it becomes necessary in the future.

Matching Anniversary Rings

Sometimes, it has also been traditional to make a duplicate of the wedding band as an anniversary ring. The idea is to wear matching bands on each side to act as a frame for the engagement ring. We’ve found that there are still a number of people who prefer this look but, over all, it’s not as popular as it was in the past.

Custom Anniversary Rings

How do you know when you should create a custom anniversary ring rather than purchase a traditional anniversary ring? There may be a number of reasons and we’ll take a look at a few here.

Unique Anniversary Rings

For people looking for custom anniversary rings the usual reason is because they can’t find what they want in the marketplace. They are looking for something unique and different. There are no rules about what you should get for an anniversary ring anymore.

For example, the stacked ring look is very trendy these days. Often these stacked bands will have an entirely different design, gemstone or metal colour than the original wedding band. Stacking ring sets let people express their personal style and can provide more versatility in how the set is worn.

More often recently, we are also seeing people who are looking for a more impactful or statement-like anniversary ring. Perhaps incorporating a gemstone or diamond that the person has been admiring for a long time.

Meaningful Anniversary Rings

This is the number one reason that most people seek us out for custom anniversary rings. They want to create something really special and symbolic to mark a milestone anniversary.

We’ve had clients ask us to insert a motif that represents a symbolic connection or shared memory between the couple. Another idea is to use a specific number or specific kinds of gemstones that have a meaningful message.

If you want to custom create a meaningful anniversary ring, it really is the thought that counts.

Custom Anniversary Rings that Re-use Heirloom Jewellery

If you’d like to further invest meaning in an anniversary ring, you may choose to re-use heirloom jewellery. We’ve had people bring in the rings of their partner that are no longer worn or fit in order to create something new. Or, sometimes, it is jewellery that has been passed down and has special meaning that we reuse to create the new anniversary ring.

By reusing heirloom jewellery we are able to give it new life and add an extra layer of meaning to the new ring.

Custom Anniversary Gifts

Sometimes we will use a gemstone that has been provided by the client that they picked up on a trip with their partner. Sometimes our clients will provide us with a very specific idea that they have in mind which we further refine. In each case, there is always a deeper level of meaning represented that is significant to the couple.

Again, the most important thing is that the gift is a symbolic representation of a couple’s journey together.

Still Have Questions?

If you’re considering a custom engagement ring and would like to find out more, please do get in touch or you can also request a quote!

The post Custom Anniversary Rings first appeared on Suzanne Crudden Custom Jewellery.

Holiday and Winter Birthday Gift Guide

Suzanne Crudden — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 20:33:18 +0000

Our holiday and winter birthday gift guide is out now!

Full of thoughtful gift ideas for the holidays as well as December and January Birthdays!

We’re offering a sneak peak here.

Holiday and Winter Birthday Gift Guide Collections:

The Mulled Wine Collection

The Mulled Wine Collection features tangy rhodolite set in warm 14k rose gold. Garnet is also the January birthstone, rhodolite garnet being a nice alternative to the standard red of traditional birthstone jewellery.

A cocktail ring set with a show stopping oval rhodolite garnet.
A slider pendant set with an exceptional cut, cushion shaped rhodolite garnet.
And finally unique pair of half moon shaped stud earrings.

The Holly Jolly Collection

The Holly Jolly Collection features two separate pairs of stud earrings. But, if worn together, they would make a holly, jolly pair! Your set of holiday earrings for this season and many holiday seasons to come! As a bonus for January babies, demantoid garnet {like rhodolite) is a nice alternative to the standard red of traditional birthstone jewellery.

Tart red, rose cut rubies set in solid 14k yellow gold
Rare, super sparkly, green demantoid garnet in 14k yellow gold
(sold seperately)

The Birthstone Buffet Collection

Focusing on December birthstones, our birthstone buffet features a feast of options for anyone with a December birthday. We have the traditional turquoise, the alternative blue zircon and the newest December birthstone, tanzanite.

Rose cut turquoise stud earrings features both of the most sought after colours of turquoise, azure blue and robin’s egg blue set in 14k white gold
Electric blue zircon set in martini style three prong 14k yellow gold stud earrings
Vivid tanzanite, displaying the ‘not quite blue’ and ‘not quite violet’ colour that tanzanite is known for, set in 14k yellow gold

The Champagne Holiday Collection

Celebrate the holidays with our Champagne Holiday Collection. From rings designed for holiday engagements to special, one of a kind piece to celebrate yourself and the ones you love.

Our pear cut champagne diamond engagement ring set in rich 18k yellow gold will have you celebrating everyday for the rest of your life
Uniquely cut, half moon rose cut diamond earrings set in 14k rose gold are the perfect extra special gift for that one of a kind person
A vintage inspired diamond cluster engagement or anniversary ring in 14k rose gold will help ring in the new year with some extra sparkle

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