Michael Jones Jeweller Blog — Grosvenor Centre

Frequently, the first time we are introduced to jewellery is when we get our ears pierced. It is a very special time that often marks a transition from childhood to adolescence, so here at Michael Jones Jeweller, we do our best to make sure it feels like a special occasion.We offer an ear-piercing service in both our Banbury and Grosvenor Centre showrooms where we have trained, caring members of staff who will...

We all know first impressions are important, you only get to make one. With image always at the forefront of our minds, we are constantly examining how we are perceived and what type of impression we give to others, this is influenced by so many things like the way we style ourselves or how we speak. There are so many combinations to make a statement about who we are as...

We know that sometimes the hardest part of buying Christmas gifts is thinking of what to get! So we've asked our staff to pick their favourite pieces in the hope that it can help inspire you with your own Christmas shopping. Natasha's Pick Shaun Leane Talon Earrings We recently took on the brand Shaun Leane in our Banbury Showroom. I didn’t know too much about his range of jewellery but...

When we have a beautiful or expensive piece of jewellery that we love and cherish, we want it to look aesthetically pleasing and to sparkle forever. Caring for, and looking after your jewellery, is important and integral to it keeping that sparkle. We believe that you should take care of your jewellery as you would your favourite item of clothing. Yes, diamonds are forever, and with proper care they can...

  A huge congratulations to Stacie from our Grosvenor Centre Showroom on the completion of the Gem-A Gemmology Diploma - the most prestigious international gemmological qualification in the gem and jewellery trade. For this in-depth course, Stacie looked at a wider range of gems, synthetics and treatments building her understanding of gemmology and the principles of gem testing and enhanced gem identification skills. This course is a massive undertaking, much...

Gemstone of the Month: October NAME: Opal MEANING: The name “opal” originates from the Greek word opallios, which means “to see a change in colour.” COMMON SPECIES: Many opal varieties exist, but only a few (like Fire Opal and Boulder Opal) are universally recognized. Opals are often referred to by their background “body colour”—black or white. COLOUR: Each Opal is truly one-of-a-kind; as unique as our fingerprints. MOHS HARDNESS: 5.5...

Gemstone of the Month: September NAME: Sapphire MEANING: Some linguists propose that the word sapphire derives from Sanskrit “Shanipriya”. Literally meaning "dear to Saturn". Alternatively, other believe that it derived from the Latin word “saphirus” and the Greek word “sapheiros,” both meaning blue. COMMON SPECIES: Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum. COLOUR: It is typically blue, but sapphires also occur in yellow, purple, orange, and green colours; the...

Gemstone of the Month: August NAME: Peridot MEANING: The origin of the name peridot is unknown. The Oxford English Dictionary suggests it has an Anglo–Norman origin (classical Latin pæderot), but could also originate from the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem" or the French word peritot, meaning gold. COMMON SPECIES: Peridot is a silicate mineral, a magnesium rich variety of Olivine. COLOUR: Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur...