June's Gem: Pearl
Pearls have captivated civilisations for millennia. In ancient times, they were revered as symbols of purity, wisdom, and divine protection—treasured by Roman emperors and Eastern royalty alike. Cleopatra allegedly dissolved a pearl in vinegar to demonstrate her wealth and power, cementing their status as ultimate luxury.
As June's birthstone, pearls carry profound meaning. They represent new beginnings, inner strength, and authenticity—qualities that resonate deeply in modern life. Today, pearls symbolise timeless elegance and personal growth, appealing to those who value substance over ephemeral trends.
What made pearls precious in antiquity remains true now: their rarity, their organic creation, and their luminous beauty. Each pearl is unique, formed through nature's patient transformation of grit into something extraordinary. This narrative of resilience and refinement speaks to our values of sustainability, individuality, and meaningful craftsmanship.
Pearls bridge ancient tradition with modern sensibility, making them as relevant today as they were in the courts of emperors.
What are Birthstones?
Birthdays are a chance to celebrate life itself.
Although tracing the origin behind birthstones leads to mixed sources, we note the talismanic appeal of gems in offering protection and confidence to its wearer.
Across cultures and centuries, stories have earned them a certain mystique. In Ancient Greek mythology, for example, garnet was connected to Persephone, the goddess seized by Hades. After eating pomegranate seeds, she could return to the earth but was bound to living part of the year in the Underworld. Her tale embodies the Spring and cycle of seasons. Pomegranate symbolises life, fertility, and abundance, imparting similar meaning to garnet that is recognised as January's stone.
Each month is attributed to different gemstones, yet there's no limit to wearing them at any given time. Whether chosen for yourself or given as a gift, a birthstone is a deeply personal way to mark beginnings, milestones, and identity.
Assorted carved freshwater pearl pendants in silver
Each gemstone is designed to reflect your individuality in colour and craft. It's jewellery that celebrates your story.
Birthstones: Nature's Palette
We embrace gemstones in all their forms—inclusions and all—celebrating them as nature’s creations. Their unique character is what makes them so intriguing.
While formally trained in classic goldsmithing, Bibi Cheung continues to explore the possibilities of showcasing different gemstones in their best light. Our collections show an exciting array of colours, shapes, and characteristics in sculptural pieces designed for those who seek the unusual.
A bespoke commission: gold ring set with alexandrite and diamonds
Designing an original piece
We welcome you to provide gems that you would like to use in your bespoke jewellery design.
More often, however, we may present you with gemstones that we have available in our collection for you to choose from. Alternatively, we can source them after starting the design process with you, ensuring that you are satisfied with the selection.
The decision-making process can take time, rely on our support to guide you through.
Bibi Cheung, the goldsmith, uses a wax model for a Lava collection piece