Latest News & Helpful Tips | Tatham Jewellers

Welcome to Latest News & Helpful Tips at Tatham Jewellers — your destination for jewellery inspiration, expert guidance and industry insights.

Here, we share the stories behind our collections, updates from our Luton store, and practical advice to help you choose, wear and care for your most treasured pieces. From birthstones and their meanings to ring sizing guides, jewellery care tips and buying advice, our aim is to make every jewellery purchase feel confident, informed and truly special.

With over 50 years of experience in fine jewellery, repairs and bespoke design, we're passionate about sharing our knowledge and helping customers get the most from their jewellery.

We invite you to explore our latest articles, discover something new and enjoy the world of jewellery with Tatham Jewellers.

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The Tradition of Birthstones

The tradition of birthstones dates back thousands of years and is believed to have origins in ancient civilisations, where gemstones were thought to hold protective and symbolic powers. Over time, specific stones became associated with each month of the year, creating the birthstone chart we recognise today.

Each gemstone carries its own history, colour and meaning — from the strength and clarity traditionally linked to April’s diamond, to the wisdom long associated with September’s sapphire. While interpretations vary, birthstones remain a beautiful way to express personality, celebrate milestones and honour personal stories.

At Tatham Jewellers, we are delighted to offer a carefully selected range of birthstone jewellery, chosen for both quality and craftsmanship. Whether given as a thoughtful gift or worn as a personal keepsake, birthstones continue to connect tradition with modern elegance.

January – Garnet: A deep red stone symbolizing protection, strength, and safe travels.
February – Amethyst: A rich purple gem associated with clarity, calm, and inner peace.
March – Aquamarine: A serene blue stone said to inspire courage and tranquility, like the sea.
April – Diamond: Timeless and brilliant, diamonds represent love, resilience, and eternal strength.
May – Emerald: A vibrant green gem symbolizing renewal, growth, and prosperity.
June – Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite: From the classic elegance of pearls to the luminous glow of moonstone and the rare color-shifting magic of alexandrite, June celebrates intuition, purity, and transformation.
July – Ruby: A fiery red stone representing passion, vitality, and confidence.
August – Peridot: Bright and refreshing, peridot is linked to positivity, protection, and good fortune.
September – Sapphire: A symbol of wisdom, loyalty, and nobility, most famously known for its deep blue hue.
October – Opal, Pink Tourmaline: Opals dazzle with flashes of color and creativity, while pink tourmaline reflects love and compassion.
November – Citrine, Yellow Topaz: Warm golden tones represent joy, abundance, and optimism.
December – Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite: Cool blue stones that evoke clarity, calm, and celebration as the year comes to a close.

Whether chosen for meaning, color, or personal connection, birthstones make every month shine in its own distinctive way.

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Find Your Perfect Ring

Every ring deserves to fit flawlessly. Here’s how to measure your size at home with ease:

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Diamond Alternatives: Cubic Zirconia

Not all sparkle comes from a diamond. One of the most popular diamond alternatives is cubic zirconia — a beautiful, lab-created stone known for its brilliance and accessibility.

Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic gemstone made from zirconium dioxide. It is designed to closely resemble a diamond, offering impressive clarity and bright sparkle at a more affordable price point. Because it is softer than a diamond, it may show signs of wear over time, making it especially well-suited for fashion jewellery and occasional wear.

How it compares to diamonds:
Natural diamonds are prized for their rarity, durability, and unmatched hardness, ranking highest on the Mohs scale. Cubic zirconia offers a similar visual appeal but differs in longevity, weight, and long-term resilience. While a diamond is valued for its permanence, cubic zirconia provides a budget-friendly way to enjoy the look of fine jewellery.

Whether you’re investing in a lifetime piece or selecting something stylish and accessible, both stones offer their own kind of brilliance.