Ruby is the passionate birthstone for the month of July – and to mark this, Gemfields has partnered with jewellery designer Margery Hirschey on a sultry new collection centred on this vibrant red gemstone. The Margery Hirschey x Gemfields Barcelona Collection was so named, as it was inspired by the timeless beauty, ancient architecture, bustling street life and creative spirit of this Spanish city.

“This collection came together after my first trip, hopefully of many, to Barcelona, and seeing the many museums and art installations scattered throughout the city. Visiting these sites, I felt I wanted to be more expressive and less rigid with my designs. There is a pressure when working with such precious materials to make pieces as precise and “finished” as possible. And while my pieces have never been too precise, I wanted to go even further with this collection. I also tried to focus on movement, to ensure none of the pieces felt static. While that usually means adding links, the star earrings presented more of a challenge; each appears as one large solid earring, but there are actually three moving sections, so when the wearer moves, they move, and seem to dance delicately, with her. I’m very proud of this collection and hope others will appreciate these creations as little wearable sculptures,” explains founder and designer Margery Hirschey.

Hirschey’s signature style blends classical tradition with a modern sensibility, just like Barcelona itself, resulting in pieces that stand the test of time without conforming to expectations of what constitutes “fine jewellery”. Comprised of three pairs of earrings and a pendant, the Barcelona Collection is defined by its thoughtful asymmetry and squiggly lines. Each design is simple enough to allow the raw beauty of its materials to truly shine and reflects the ancient goldsmithing techniques that inspire Hirschey.

“Margery’s playful designs capture the energy and thrill of Barcelona, for which the lavish ruby could be the only choice. Worn for protection and believed to symbolise passion, rubies are like no other gem. I see little crowns within this collection, which is fitting for the ‘King of Gemstones’! Worn individually or collectively, I have no doubt that Margery’s beautiful ruby collection will transform any outfit and bring joy to all who have the pleasure of seeing them,” adds Emily Dungey, Marketing & Communications Director of Gemfields.

Each piece in the collection was handcrafted using recycled 18k gold, diamonds and Gemfields Mozambican rubies from its Montepuez mine, one of the world’s most significant recently discovered ruby deposits, in Cabo Delgado province. Gemfields is a world-leading miner of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones, which strives to bring a positive contribution to both the nation from which the gemstones originate as well as the families that live in communities that surround mine sites.

Rubies have long been treasured for their intense red colour – and as the birthstone of July, they are forever associated with summer, when the days are long, hot and brimming with life. Formed beneath the earth some 500 million years ago, they are rarer and often more valuable than colourless diamonds, and have been prized by everyone from the Chinese, who revere the lucky colour red, to ancient warriors, who would bring them into battle.

Believed to bring prosperity, protection and passion to all who wear them, rubies are the most uplifting of coloured gemstones, and their unique properties are perfectly captured in the new Margery Hirschey x Gemfields Barcelona Collection.

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