Stone Stories - Pippa Small | Luxury, hand-crafted, ethically sourced jewellery

Agate

No gemstone is more creatively striped by nature than Agate. Thought to have brought strength and confidence to those who adorned it, the stone was often used to decorate breastplates of armour in Ancient Germany where it was first discovered.

Amber

Amber, the fossilised, hardened resin of the pine tree, is one of the few gemstones of organic origin. Most amber is found in the Baltic, where it formed about 50 million years ago. Green accounts for about 2% of all amber. Green amber gets its hue from spending time in a marshy environment amid decaying organic matter. Throughout history, some people believed that this colour of amber has the capacity to bring immortality, good luck and healing powers.

Amethyst

February Birthstone The vibrant, violet stone sourced in Sri Lanka, is one deeply associated with the spirit. Understood to combat dependence and aid the development of intuition through a heightened sense of spiritual consciousness, the gem was often worn by Buddhist monks in ancient times.

Ammolite

Ammolite is an opal-like organic gemstone found along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains of North America. It is made of the fossilized shells of ammonites, with a microstructure inherited from the shell. Incredibly rare yet instantly recognisable, ammolite is a truly wondrous gem that never fails to capture people’s attention. Its vibrant, earthy hues make it perfect. Optical properties cause it to flash spectacular iridescent colours.

Apophyllite

Apophyllite was named after the Geek word 'apophylliso', meaning 'to flake off' as it tends to break apart when subjected to intense heat due to loss of water in its structure. Apophyllite has a high-water content which makes it a very efficient conductor of energy. Its presence in a room enhances the energies as it is a powerful vibrational transmitter. Apophyllite appears as cubic or pyramidal crystals that vary from translucent to opaque in single crystals or clusters.

Aquamarine

March Birthstone The turqouisey-blue gem, most commonly found in Brazil, was once believed to be the stone of courage. Sailors at sea would keep an Aquamarine amulet close for protection against the terrors of the ocean.

Blue Tourmaline

Blue tourmaline, also called 'indicolite', is a very rare and special kind of tourmaline. The soothing blue colour promotes a calming effect and offers relief from stress. Indicolite blue tourmaline is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Kenya and the USA. Tourmaline mineral rock can be electrically charged. When tourmaline rock is rubbed vigorously or heated, the stone develops a positive end and negative end.

Carnelian

Like the unexpected fire of a sunset, carnelian captivates with its orange hues. Found in Asia, it was once known as a stone of power and worn by the Ancient Turkmen to stimulate ambition and bestow courage.

Chrysocolla

Chrysocolla gemstones are often multi-coloured in blue and green, with interesting colour patterns or mottling. Brown and black specks are frequently found admixed. Copper in its chemical structure is responsible for the bright attractive colour. The name ‘chrysocolla’ was derived from Greek works ‘chrysos’ and ‘kolla’ which translate as ‘gold’ and ‘glue’. It earned its name as it was used as a gold soldering agent. Chrysocolla is natural and not enhanced.

Chrysoprase

A stone for the springtime, the apple-green gem is most commonly found in Australia. Understood to be the talisman of victories in ancient times, Chrysoprase was said to generate a strong sense of security, bringing spiritual clarity to those who adorned it.

Citrine

The joyful, yellow gem from Madagascar was once known as the success stone. Carrying the the power of the sun within it, Citrine was adorned in order to generate warmth, energy and bring a new lease of life to the wearer.

Crystal Quartz

Transparent or translucent, the stone sourced worldwide is vastly renowned for being a master healer. Crystal Quartz is understood to cleanse and bring the body of its wearer into balance through neutralising their energies.

Diamond

April Birthstone Deriving its name from the Greek word for unconquerable, the gem made purely of carbon is the hardest naturally occurring substance. Recognised as the stone of invincibility, the Diamond is believed to bring fortitude to its wearer through heightening fearlessness and amplifying goals.

Emerald

May Birthstone Fresh and luminous, the radiant green gem is most commonly found in India. Often described as the green of life and love, the stone is thought to represent harmony, an adoration of nature and a universal joie de vivre.

Garnet

January Birthstone Sourced all over the world and most commonly known to be red, Garnet is in fact found in a variety of of colours. Considered a sensual stone of intense, strong feelings, the gem is believed to represent purification and love.

Gold

Gold has been called the most beautiful of all chemical elements, making it desirable for use in jewellery for thousands of years. About two-thirds of the world's gold comes from South Africa. The term 'carat' indicates the amount of gold present in an alloy. Mining activities can lead to heavy metal laden wastes which are released in an uncontrolled manner, causing widespread environmental pollution. As a business we have a responsibility, and thus work with Fair Trade gold mines such as Cotopata, Bolivia.

Green Tourmaline

Ranging in hue from a pale, light green to the darkest Emerald colour, Green Tourmaline can be found on every continent. The stone of revival and growth is often understood to invigorate, regenerate and re-balance the energies of its wearer.

Hematite

The North American, metallic stone was believed by the ancients to be the stone of defence. Imagined to create a reflective shield around its wearer, Hematite was understood to deflect evil by acting as a mirror, re-directing malevolence.

Herkimer Diamond

Herkimer diamonds are not actually diamonds, but are double-terminated quartz crystals of exceptional clarity (water-clear) discovered within exposed outcrops of dolostone in and around Herkimer county, New York and the Mohawk River Valley. They are exceptional healing crystals that are used in meditations, dream and vision work, and advanced spiritual applications.

Hessonite

Hessonite is an orange-brown variety of garnet, coloured by traces of manganese and iron. It is sometimes known as cinnamon stone. Hessonite garnet is historically important, as it has a special place in the Vedic astrological tradition, it is one of the nine planetary gemstones. The best known hessonite deposits are in Sri Lanka, but hessonite is also mined in Brazil, India, Canada, Madagascar, Tanzania and the US.

Jade

Jade is an umbrella term for two stones: Jadeite and Nephrite. Jade is considered an especially precious symbol of royalty, compassion, goodness, beauty, modesty and more. The history of jadeite goes back several thousand years when it was first used to make weapons and tools because of its toughness. Jadeite was highly prized by the Mayans and Aztecs. The main source of jadeite comes from Myanmar, Burma.

Jasper

The name 'jasper' is derived from the Greek word for 'spotted stone', referring to its typical multi-coloured, striped, spotted or flamed appearance. Jasper is also used for ornamental gemstone carvings and stone mosaics. Since ancient times, Jasper has been valued and utilised for its strong healing and grounding powers. Worn by shamans, priests and kings, this healing gemstone was considered sacred and a powerful protection aid.

Kunzite

The light pink, heart-based crystal often found in Myanmar is renowned for its power to fill life with love. Elevating anxiety and stress, the rosy stone is often thought of as a blessing.

Kyanite

The calming stone, understood to combat anxiety, Kyanite is said to quieten the chattering busy mind and dissolve anger and frustration. Often found in Brazil, the blue, striped gem is assumed to bring tranquillity and stillness to its wearer.

Labradorite

A magical stone, which is dark until it catches the light, Labradorite flashes vibrant blue hues once awoken. Named the fire rock by the natives of Labrador where it was first discovered, the iridescent mineral was once believed to initiate travel into the sky. Understood to impart strength and encourage transformation, it is often described as the gemstone of destiny.

Lapis Lazuli

Resembling the blue of the heavens, Lapis Lazuli was once the most sought-after stone. Found in Afghanistan, the rock of truth is thought to encourage honesty of the spirit, bestow understanding and grant the wearer an improved sense of judgement.

Malachite

Malachite is a deep green opaque gemstone with parallel bands and concentric rings, giving it a unique appearance. Its significance dates back to the ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations. Malachite is copper based and has been crushed and used as pigments for thousands of years. Malachite occurs as rounded opaque green masses or encrustations and is common in the oxidized zone of copper deposits. Malachite has historically been worn as a healing gemstone.

Moonstone

June Birthstone As ancient as the moon itself, the Moonstone holds the power of mystery. Found in many various hues across Asia, it is known as the traveler’s stone as it offers protection. Often worn as a talisman on long journeys, it is said to uplift and offer hope.

Onyx

Onyx is a chalcedony that occurs in bands of different colours. Onyx refers to a black and white banded variety of agate. Some onyx is natural but much is produced by the staining of agate. Black onyx can be found in the US, Brazil, India, Pakistan and Madagascar. Onyx was cut and carved as a gemstone by the Ancient Greeks and Romans in cameos. Black onyx is thought to have protective properties and bring inner strength and self-confidence to its wearer.

Opal

October Birthstone Often found in Australia, the iridescent Opal is known to many as the stone of inspiration. Believed by the Ancient Arabs to have fallen to the earth in lightening flashes, the lustrous rock is said to carry imaginative spontaneity.

Pearl

June Birthstone Born of the sea, the lustrous gem was once considered to be the most valuable. Believed to have magical powers and strong associations with the moon, Ancients would adorn Pearls to protect their purity and virtue. Mother of Pearl is an organic gemstone that comes from the inside of some mollusk shells.

Peridot

August Birthstone Prized since early civilisation for its protective powers, the olive-green gem was said to have protected against darkness. The Brazilian gem was closely associated with the sun and worn as a charm against sorcery and evil spirits.

Pink Tourmaline

One of the most loving stones, Pink Tourmaline is understood to provide emotional support to its wearer. Varying in colour from rosy, pastel pinks to deep red hues, the feminine Russian stone was known in ancient times to be one of comfort of support.

Prehnite

Prehnite is a mineral species. Named after Colonel von Prehn, who brought some of the first samples to Europe from Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. It has a green to yellow appearance and is only rarely completely transparent. Primary sources include USA, Canada, France, Switzerland and South Africa. Prehnite is said to help one overcome emotional hurts and to promote peace, tranquillity, and serenity.

Pyrite

Also know as "Fool's Gold," the name pyrite is derived from the Greek pyros, meaning "fire". In Ancient Roman times, this name was applied to stones that created sparks when struck against steel or other rocks. Pyrite mostly comes in clusters, but you can also find pyrite in stunning shapes of cubes and spheres. Pyrite is a protective, shielding stone to deflect harm and danger.

Rainbow Moonstone

With its secrets locked beneath a pearly veil, the Rainbow Moonstone’s iridescence is truly magical. The spectrum of light hidden under the surface of the harmonious Sri Lankan gem was said to have had the power to grant wishes in ancient times.

Rhodochrosite

Undeniably alluring, the raspberry gem is known as the stone of compassion. The marvellous talisman of joy and healing found in Colorado, is said to emanate soothing and comforting energies.

Rhodonite

Named from the Greek “rhodon” meaning “rose”, Rhodonite ranges in colour from pink to a fine rose red. Rhodonite was first discovered in the Ural Mountains in Russia in the 1790s. It was used as an important carving stone in Russia, with classic ornamental pillars, serving bowls, tiles, and sculptures made from Rhodonite for Russian aristocrats, especially the Russian czars. Rhodonite is known for its emotional healing and is perfect for balancing the heart chakra.

Ruby

July Birthstone Known as the king of precious gems in Asia, Rubies would be worn by Burmese warriors to bring them invincibility. Understood to bestow passion, confidence and leadership qualities to the wearer, the red gem is believed to benefit those of an adventurous nature.

Rutilated Quartz

Filled with glistening gold strands, Rutilated Quartz has been likened to Angel hair for many years. Working much like a shield, the Madagascan gem is said to repel negative energy and promote spiritual growth.

Sapphire

September Birthstone The vibrant gem once believed by the Ancient Persians to have painted the sky blue, has always been closely linked to the heavens. Assumed to be a guardian of innocence and thought to bestow truth, the Sapphire commonly found in Myanmar, is said to bring fulfilment to its wearer through a heightened sense of spirituality. Sapphires come in a wide range of colours.

Shell

Shells are one of our most ancient decorations. While found in many locations, the popular Paua varieties are found primarily in New Zealand. The Paua shell is the most colourful of all the abalone shells. Their colours include green, pinks, purples, and blues. Some even have gold or crimson toning. There are strict regulations and ethical guidelines when it comes to the harvesting of the shells, due to water pollution and other social and economic impacts.

Silver

Silver is an important precious metal, and has been used by ancient civilisations throughout history. It is malleable and ductile, and is very easy to work with. Silver has long been used in the manufacture of coins, ornaments and jewellery. The most commonly encountered form of silver is sterling silver. Sterling silver consists of 92.5% silver, with the rest consisting of other metals. Our Afghan Turquoise Mountain Collection consists of various silver-plated gold pieces.

Smokey Quartz

The rare brown gem, now commonly found in Brazil is believed to be the perfect stone for uplifting and neutralising negative energies. Known as the rock of power to the Ancient Druids, it was sacredly understood to uplift and detoxify its wearer.

Sugilite

Recently discovered in the Kalahari, Sugilite is a powerful, channelling stone. Its magnificent mauve hues are believed to dissipate anger through opening the mind and subconscious of the wearer to higher, spiritual influences.

Tanzanite

December Birthstone The rare Tanzanian gem, is believed to be one of the most valuable stones for spirituality. Ranging in colour from deep ultramarines to light violet blue hues, Tanzanite is said to encourage clear communication and spiritual power.

Tigers Eye

Majestically striped with gold, the brown stone often found in Mexico is known as the rock of integrity. The protective gem is believed to enhance security and stability by creating calming vibrations.

Topaz

November Birthstone Topaz is one of the most common gemstones worldwide. Topaz comes in many colours and is often enhanced to produce the most desirable colours. Many cultures have claimed that Topaz has mythical and magical strengthening powers. The use of Topaz goes back to Egyptian times when the ancient Egyptians believed that yellow topaz received its golden hue from the Sun God, Ra.

Turquoise

Perhaps the oldest stone in man’s history, Turquoise has been held in high regard by kings, warriors and spiritual healers across all cultures for thousands of years. The strong, opaque stone which is healing to the eye and soothing to the touch was considered a talisman of great truth and wisdom to its wearer.

Watermelon Tourmaline

The rare tourmaline variety that displays three different colours in the sam crystal that occur 100% naturally. The watermelon tourmaline can be found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, South Africa, Mozambique and Madagascar. This rare stone is used for its healing energies to encourage a calm, centred state of mind.