Even though we are based in Stockholm, Sweden…
and so things have been a bit easier for us than many parts of the world, it hasn't been easy to invite people to our new studio and workshop space, which is a real shame!
So, we decided to make a film instead, introducing what we do and how we do it to new and existing customers and retailers.
After we posted an..
image of the Bracteate pendants, we have had lots of requests to show the difference between the pendants.
So here is a little look at the different options that we do as standard. Jemima likes all of them for different reasons. The big one feels substantial and reassuring, the medium is just so nice to wear and hold and the mini goes with absolutely everything. Which would you choose?
Hargreaves Stockholm founder Jemima Hargreaves talks more about this talismanic collection.
To the Moon and Back is…
one of Jemima’s absolute favourite collections and now includes lots of star and moon stud earrings, pendants and rings. We are expanding it all the time as we think of so many ways to incorporate these amazing shapes into our work.
Hargreaves Stockholm founder Jemima Hargreaves talks more about this cosmic collection.
Ruby…
July’s birthstone is one of the most coveted of gems. Derived from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red” – the color of love and passion. Few things catch the eye like the ruby birthstone. The finest color is a deep red with a hint of purple, commonly called “pigeon’s blood”, nice huh?!
A variety of the mineral corundum, ruby gets its color from trace amounts of the element chromium. So, more chromium equals a stronger red.
Into the Wild are those moments…
where sunlight streams through the trees and dances on the dew covered grass. Where the world turns and you can marvel at the glinting sky as it passes over head. Those moments that take your breath away. That is what we try to distil into the pieces we create for you. Your very own piece of magic.
In this video Hargreaves Stockholm founder Jemima Hargreaves shows the first piece in the new collection, an 18ct gold and scatter set diamond ring.
Lots of people, especially here in Sweden ask Jemima “why the rabbit?”. Here is why…
When she decided to launch the brand in 2017, Jemima knew she needed to reflect the combination of age old tradition she represents as a master goldsmith, her Scandinavian roots through her mother’s family and her British-ness. What better way than to reference the Scandinavian tradition of nature based family names and her own connection to this ancient British name.
Ever wondered how a master goldsmith makes fine jewellery from gold and diamonds?
Jemima has been running events for a long time, both in the businesses she has managed and as a guest speaker to banks, valued clients and women’s networking groups to name a few; empowering women with knowledge about the source of precious metals like gold, beautiful stones such as diamonds and practical demonstrations of how fine jewellery is made.
In the new showroom and workshop at Dalagatan 39 in Stockholm, Jemima is offering select groups of two to five guests the opportunity to see behind the scenes of this most special industry.
Moonstone…
is the best-known gem of the feldspar group of minerals. It is renowned for its adularescence, the light that appears to billow across a gemstone, giving it a special glow. The finest moonstones show a blue sheen against a colorless background. Associated with both the Roman and Greek lunar deities. Hindu mythology claims this June birthstone it is made of solidified moonbeams. Moonstone is often associated with love, passion and fertility; it is believed to bring great luck.
Emerald…
is the birthstone for May, beloved for millennia, evoking rebirth and renewal. Regarded as the very definition of green, emerald is the perfect color for late spring. Emerald has captured hearts and minds throughout the ages. The rich green color suggests soothing and lush gardens. Legend suggests that emerald has the power to make its wearer more intelligent and quick-witted, and it was believed to cure diseases like cholera and malaria. It's the gemstone given for 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.
For the last 20 years…
Master goldsmith Jemima Hargreaves has dreamed of the day when she could open her own “bricks and mortar” space, a cosy showroom filled with things she loves, where she could entertain existing clients and get to know new ones. In addition to the showroom, as a woman in a very male dominated industry she wanted to create a supportive female-first co-workshop (more about that in a future post).
That dream finally came true; after years of hard work and planning and despite the threat of the Covid-19 lockdown and social distancing, the showroom and workshop at Dalagatan 39 in Stockholm opened in May 2020.
Diamond is one of the world’s...
most sought-after and adored gemstones. A symbol of clarity and strength, those born in April are lucky enough to call this their birthstone. Diamond’s name comes from the Greek word "adamas," which means “invincible” or “unbreakable.” Cherished long before it became the April birthstone the places where diamond comes from are as fascinating as the lore that surrounds it.
Aquamarine is one of...
March’s two birthstones, both share a similar reputation for protecting one’s well-being, but aquamarine evokes the colors of the sea; from deep green-blue to light, slightly greenish blue hues, faceted aquamarines are often free from inclusions and as clear as water, symbolizing purity of spirit and soul.
This purple variety of quartz has captivated…
mankind for millennia. Amethyst’s lilac to deep purple hues can be cut into all sorts of shapes and sizes, and is also manufactured in a lab as well as mined. It’s found in the collections of royal families throughout Europe and Asia, but now it’s within reach of most consumers. Consider buying a stunning amethyst to treat yourself to a royal present. February’s birthstone can also be a symbol of personal empowerment and inner strength.
Garnets are commonly red…
but also come in a range of beautiful colors, orange, yellow, purple and vibrant green. Some even change color from blue to purple in different lighting. Some believe that it has the power to bring the wearer good health, wealth and happiness.
Buying a ring as a surprise…
Knowing the exact ring size of your loved one can be very challenging. The most common ring size for women is 6 to 7, and the average ring size for men is 9 to 10. If you aren’t sure and you have no other way to check we would recommend choosing one of these sizes. If you are between two sizes we would always advice to order a ring a little too big rather than a little too small. Of course if you don’t get the ring size right we offer complementary ring sizing
Tanzanite may be a relative newcomer…
to the world of colored stones, but it was one of the most exciting gem discoveries of the 20th century. Blue stones emerging from Tanzania were identified as the mineral zoisite in 1962. Not until 1967, though, did prospectors locate the primary source for this December birthstone: the Merelani Hills. It was eventually named tanzanite in honor of its country of origin. The tanzanite birthstone is often described as “velvety,” mostly because of its deep and saturated color, which ranges from a pure rich blue to violet, with the blue considered most valuable.
Today, it is not only a December birthstone, but it is also the gem for the 24th wedding anniversary.
Tough to choose: Topaz or Citrine?
Those with November birthdays have two beautiful stones to choose from: topaz or citrine. Topaz comes in a rainbow of colors while citrine is prized for its charming yellow and orange hues. Both are known to have calming energies, bringing fortune and warmth to the wearer. Most topaz and citrine birthstones are affordably priced; good-quality gems being not as rare as for many of their counterparts. Your challenge will be deciding which one to pick. We have decided to take a closer look at Topaz for this months post…
At Hargreaves Stockholm…
our diamond jewellery with a carat weight of over .40ct is usually accompanied by a diamond certificate, also known as a diamond grading report or diamond quality document. This is a document produced by an objective 3rd party lab that describes the characteristics of your unique diamond.
Trained professionals put a diamond through thorough examination, whereby the diamond is evaluated, measured and scrutinised in a lab using industry tools such as microscopes and a jeweller’s loupe.
Tourmaline is the newest October birthstone…
The name comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, which means “stone with mixed colors,” because it often has multiple colors in one crystal. Very few gems match tourmaline’s dazzling array of colors. Perhaps this is why ancient mystics believed it could inspire artistic expression a color palette for every mood.
Jemima loves the peach/copper coloured tones of this stone, it features in our “Stardust” ring shown further down in the article.
Hargreaves Stockholm dazzles with the night sky’s newest supernova: Stardust
On a clear night sky in The Baltics, the world is illuminated by a blanket of glass like orbs that are over a billion years old. Some created by ethereal explosions; each totally unique. All sprinkling a mysterious magic over any who see them. Reaching up and plucking them from the heavens, Hargreaves Stockholm has taken the luminous cloud of dazzling light and turned it into your own personal Stardust.
September’s birthstone is sapphire…
which comes from the Greek word sappheiros – cherished for thousands of years the name usually refers to the blue variety of corundum (ruby is the red variety). Blue sapphire is one of the most popular colored stones but Jemima loves the fact that this birthstone comes in a rainbow of other colors.
Not so long ago…
Jemima was contacted by the very lovely Rachel and Kristian with a very special purpose in mind. They had recently got engaged (more about that further down the page) and needed a dream ring designed and made. Hargreaves Stockholm felt very lucky to be involved in the special moment and had the chance to ask a few questions about the couple, their engagement and their custom ring;
Who are Herr och Fru Lohse and where did we find such lovely people? On Södermalm in Stockholm of course, the hippest part of our lovely adopted city.
Herr och Fru Lohse, Hornsgatan 43, 118 49 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN:
On a freezing winter’s day on the rocky edge of the Baltic, the pearlescent moon slowly and softly edged ever closer to concealing the sun. As the veiling took place, the faintest sparkle of wind-blown snow danced with the freezing mist in the magical light, conjuring the image of glittering diamonds.
Eclipse, the new collection from ethical jewellery brand, Hargreaves Stockholm, takes the incomparable glow of this otherworldly phenomenon and shares it, with you.
Not sure what you need to get a loved one for a special anniversary? this week we are looking at major anniversaries… and the Hargreaves Stockholm fine jewellery you can choose.
Although giving a gift to mark a wedding anniversary is traced back to Ancient Rome and Medieval Germany, it wasn’t until the 20th Century that a list of gifts was put together. Published in 1922 in her book titled ‘Etiquette’, American author Emily Post recommended a list of anniversary gift themes to overcome the common problem people face as to what to gift each year for their wedding anniversary.
Spinel, which can be found in a variety of colors, gives August babies a host of options when it comes to choosing stone set jewellery aligned to their birth month.
We love spinel for its fantastic vibrant range of colours and toughness, so much so that it’s the centre piece in one of our new Stardust rings. We take a look in more detail at the story of this stone
Hargreaves Stockholm has traveled the galaxy to present a new collection that will take you… To the Moon and Back
A celestial body effulgent in the night sky, holding the possibilities of the entire planet and glittering with all its secrets, the moon shines radiantly upon all those who walk beneath it. Join Hargreaves Stockholm on this ethereal journey and adorn yourself in a small piece of the galaxy, with the new To the Moon and Back signature collection.
After 20 years as a Master goldsmith Hargreaves Stockholms founder Jemima Hargreaves has a pretty good idea about how to look after your ethical fine jewellery.
Unisex Fashion is becoming more normal. Why is that important? It is important because those blurred lines help equality. They help everyone to become more free to be themselves, whoever that may be. It makes society more fluid and accepting. If David Beckham or Kanye West can wear a skirt just because they feel like it, if Jaden Smith can feel comfortable enough to wear a dress to prom without the fear or becoming labelled in any way, it breaks down barriers, it takes away social stigma. It starts to bring tolerance for all.
Gemstones are at the root of some of the world's most hideous atrocities. We need to believe there are alternatives and actually find them. We need to stop ignoring what is happening to people and the planet just because they are in a place we can not imagine. We need to demand stones that benefit those whose hands have dug them from the earth and make sure they have adequate pay, health care and provisions in place to ensure their children can be children without being forced down mine shafts. We all need to take responsibility for our corner of the world, the jewellery industry is no exception.