Welcome to the first Vive e-news update. It’s something that I have wanted to do for a long time, so I’m glad the first one is finally off the ground!

As I write this, the leaves are falling from the trees and there is a gentle breeze which reminds me that autumn is here and that winter is definitely on its way. It’s a season that always seems to pass so quickly but I look forward to it because it’s such a beautiful time of the year. I love the deep, rich colours of nature - the sunburnt yellows, browns, greens and reds that signal the start of the winter months.

The warm golden hues of citrine, whiskey quartz and amber go perfectly with this year’s winter fashion colours – the dark browns, animal prints and the metallic shades. The bold three stone ring pictured has been set with citrine and whiskey quartz and is also available in a variety of other colours. It looks great worn on its own or with a matching pair of citrine and whiskey quartz earrings.

The drop pendant pictured below has been set with whiskey quartz and white topaz. It can be worn on an elegant chain for a more formal look or on a silk cord (as pictured) for a more casual look. It is also available in a variety of other colours. Wear it during the day with a pair of studs and dress it up in the evening with a pair of drop earrings for a more glamorous feel.

Interestingly…..the beads pictured below are made from amber which is the fossilized resin of trees. Most amber is golden yellow to golden orange in colour but green, red, violet and black amber has been found. Amber may contain insects, moss, lichen and pine needles that were trapped millions of years ago while the resin was still sticky. The most famous deposits are in the Baltic region, particularly along the coasts of Poland and the former USSR. I love it for its rich, warm colour and the fact that it contains little bits from long ago!

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Until next time!