Join us for fine jewellery and fine wine

December 1st, 2011 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Frida Custom Fine Jewellery, The Piazza at Bishop's Landing

Happy Holidays!

For more information call us on 902 492 2947. 

Visit us online at www.frida.ca, Facebook or Twitter.

Under The Loupe - Sapphire

So here we are once again under the loupe at Frida Custom Jewellery. Our feature gemstone for September`s under the Loupe is the magnificent Sapphire.

History/Legend : The name sapphire (Greek-blue) is said to have received protective powers from the planet Saturn. The Bible likens sapphire to the blue of the sky and it is said that this gem stone was highly regarded in antiquity by emperors/kings. Kings wore it around their neck because it is purported to be the most powerful protective stone. According to some, the ancients believed that the blue sapphire had influence over the spirit world and had the power to make peace between warring parties.The calming influence of the blue sapphire has made it an enduring symbol for trust and loyality, which is perhaps one reason this gemstone is chosen for engagement rings. It is said it makes the perfect gift representing faith and commitment.

Healing Properties: It is purported that sapphire is the most effective of the healing stones for healing of our nervous system. It is meant to be a useful remedy for lack of appetite and nervous heart issues as it regulates the function of the thyroid gland. Additionally, a hot sapphire bath is said to be very beneficial for those suffering from rheumatism. Psychologically, it is believed that this gem has the power to strengthen the wearer`s will power providing the internal strength to heal.

Star Sign: Sapphire is the traditional gemstone for those born in the month of September. The rainbow of colours of this gem are linked to various star signs - Blue to Pisces, Light Blue to Taurus, Yellow to Gemini, Star (blue and black) to Libra.

Where Found : Sri Lanka,East Africa, Australia, Myanmar, Northern India, North America, Vietnam. Isolated star sapphires have been found in Finland.

Colour: Sapphires come in a splendid rainbow of colours. What we typically see are blue sapphires ranging in colour from inky blue to deeper azure. On a value note-the best colour for value is in the mid-tone hue. Other colours include yellow, orange, green, brown, white/green and pink which can range from pastel to hot pink. There are also Black star sapphires ranging from charcoal gray to dark brown and Blue sapphires which are blue with patches of white.

Cuts: Numerous - bagette, marquise, emerald, oval, diamond, princess, trillion.

Crystal System: Sapphire is an aluminum oxide and is a member of the very hard corundum family. It forms trigonal crystals in slate marble and gneiss. Traces of metals give this gem its various wonderful colours. For example, the blue sapphire owes its coloration to iron and titanium deposits.

Hardness : 9. Sapphires are great for every day wear. However,one should avoid exposure to heat and contact with chemicals.                                                                                                                   

Fabulous New Collection Arrives at Frida Custom Jewellery

A fabulous, inspirational new collection - The Barber's Daughter has arrived this week at Frida. The artist, Gisele Theriault is the daughter of a village barber in an Acadian ocean front community in Cape Breton, NS. The jewellery is created in silver or gold and is engraved with poetry and words of inspiration. The collection includes rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. It is a unique line whose owners include Oprah, Alicia Keys and Halle Berry. The Barber's Daughter will be a fabulous gifting collection for sisters, mothers, daughters, girlfriends and sons.

The Liza Gray Collection

We invite to you to our boutique store in The Piazza at Bishop's Landing this Friday and Saturday to view this stunning collection by Liza Gray Crystal Designs.

The show will run from 10am to 8pm Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday.
For more information, please call 902 492-2947.

Under The Loupe - Peridot

 

 

The gemstone of August is under the “loupe” this month at Frida Custom Jewellery located at the beautiful Bishop’s Landing on Halifax’s waterfront.

History:
Peridot was brought to central Europe in the middle ages by the crusaders. It was often utilised for ecclesiastical purposes and was the most popular gemstone during the Baroque period in history.

Healing properties:
Although there is no scientific proof, belief in the healing power of gemstones has been around since antiquity. The curative effects of the gemstones described in the the Antiquity is believed to have been to eliminate influences of paganism. Peridot, also known as Chrystalite is said to have healing powers for persons suffering with sciatica.

Star Sign:
Peridot is linked to the month of August and therefore the sign of Leo or Virgo.

Where found:
Egypt, Australia, Brazil, China, Kenya, Mexico, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, USA (Arizona) Tanzania and Norway.
For those of you who find themselves in Washington DC., you may want to check out the Smithsonian Institute to view the largest cut peridot weighing in at 319ct. Or, if in Russia check out some cut peridot which came out of a meteorite that fell in Eastern Siberia in 1749.

Colour:
Chrysolite Greek for goldstone which is a lovely yellow-green shade and Olivine which is a wonderful olive-green colour. Streak colour - white.

Cuts:
Magnificent rarities in Peridot are the cat’s eye and star peridot. Popular cuts for theis beautiful gemstone are table and step. However, when set in gold, a brilliant cut is sometimes utilised.

Crystal System:
Orthorhombic, short, compact prisims, vertically striated.

Hardness (Mohs):
6.5 - 7

 
Visit the fabulous Frida Custom Fine Jewellery boutique in The Piazza at Bishop's Landing to view The Marathia Collection by jewellery designer Cynthia Jonston.

Offered only at Frida, the collection is made from handwoven wire in a selection of colours, semi-precious stones, fresh water pearls and murano glass. Custom pieces are available in any colour and wire combination.

Be sure to stop by for a look at one of the biggest new trends in jewellery design.

Call 492 2947 for more information.

"Sunny Eyes" from Ziio

Frida welcomes the "Sunny Eyes Collection" from Ziio.

Combining semi precious stones, murano glass and sterling silver, Ziio is an entirely handmade collection based in Tuscany. Designer Elizabeth Paradon derives much of her inspiration from her extensive travels and beautiful suroundings. Utilizing unique and innovative craftsmanship, the Ziio collection is a fabulous addtion to the many highly original handmade pieces presented by Frida at the Piazza, Bishop's Landing.

Frida - Where Jewellery Becomes Art

About Frida

Frida is an exceptional boutique and brand dedicated to impeccably crafted jewellery with a commitment to beauty, quality and design. We strive to provide a welcoming atmosphere conducive to great conversation, laughter and of course fabulous jewellery.
Primarily a destination for discerning customers of distinctive fine jewellery, Frida is also home to fabulous pieces and collections executed in a variety of mediums by local and international designers.
From innovative contemporary styles to tradition with directional modernity the emphasis is always craftsmanship and artistry. Exceptional workmanship, attention to detail and an unwavering passion for the creative process is, I believe, what makes Frida a unique experience.