Jewels with raw appeal

There's no denying that cut, or faceted, gemstones are incredibly beautiful. And there are so many cuts to choose from: brilliant, cross, French and fancy, to name but a few of the most popular types. But there's something about the pure beauty of gems in their raw, natural state - once you get a taste for them, you may never go back.

Rok Chix is among a growing number of jewellery designers to work with gemstones in their natural form, in addition to traditionally cut gems. Why? Because raw gemstones aren't just fascinating and naturally beautiful. But because of their very nature, no two are ever exactly alike. And that means each piece that features a raw gemstone is unique.

This season at Rok Chix the emphasis is very much on natural, uncut precious stones, including raw diamonds and rubies.

Let's start with diamonds. Our latest designs feature natural white, black, pink and even rare blue diamonds. But today's designers aren't the first to use diamonds as nature intended. In fact diamonds were not cut into the shapes we're familiar with today until the 13th or 14th century, because back then it was thought cutting them would destroy their magical powers.

Diamonds are also one of the most expensive gemstones you can buy. But because Rok Chix natural diamonds are mostly set in silver, they are far more affordable than you might think, with prices ranging from just £45 for the Pink Diamond and Silver Stud Earrings up to £150 for the Silver and Natural Blue Diamond Ring.

Also highly covetable this season are our Raw Diamond in Gold Blossoms Earrings, £115, which feature almost two full carats of raw, milky white diamonds in each pair, set in little silver blossoms lined with rich gold leaf.

This season we are also loving raw rubies - from rich, dark red crystals to the raspberry pink variety. Our quirkly Silver and Natural Ruby Raspberry Ring and Silver and Natural Ruby Raspberry Earrings (both £75) feature disco-style balls with clusters of little ruby crystals in sterling silver cups. And yes, they really do look rather fruity. 

If, however, you prefer something more classic or discreet, our Silver and Uncut Ruby Studs, £40, look good enough to eat too.

Rok Chix is a collection of unique, limited-edition and affordable handmade sterling silver jewellery featuring precious and semi-precious gemstones and freshwater pearls. Each piece is made by hand in Brighton by designer/maker Christine Morgan.

For more information, visit rokchix.com.