Bloodstone

Bloodstone is a mysterious semi-precious stone. At first glance, the stone seems black, but upon closer inspection you’ll find that it is actually a dark forest green with deep red flecks. It contains multitudes, offering a distinct look to be seen casually, yet great depth for those who you allow closer to you.

Visually black, the bloodstone intaglios offer a style that has slightly more pop than the white chalcedony, while not being as bold as carnelian. As it comes up so close to black, bloodstone jewelry is often associated with mounting and grief, resulting in a rather morbid yet fascinating collection of designs.

Of course, as it is a hard stone like carnelian and chalcedony, it is on the easier side of things when it comes to carving designs. This means that these three were among the earliest choices for intaglios back in the Georgian period – with some also dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times, too.

Many of the older pieces therefore were used as identification seals for correspondences, which took the form of family crests and heraldics. These were possible to carve in great detail into the hard stone, and many have stood the test of time – though some better than others.

These heraldic bloodstone intaglios are among our most popular choices for classic pinky signet rings, with the bloodstone’s dark hues looking especially magnificent when housed in a generous amount of yellow gold – and you know that’s how we do it at Bauble Magpie, giving chonky designs as well as more slender ones.

Of course, the neutral-ish colours of bloodstone also look fantastic in platinum, so the design is up to you. Whether you’re opting for a new pendant to add to your neck mess or a ring, you can choose from our selection of precious metals, and go on to add further precious stones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires – however big and bold or slender and sleek you prefer.

Bloodstone jewelry isn’t just heraldic intaglios, however. In fact, the stones were popular choices through the early Victorian period as letter-writing became more and more popular, with richer families starting to collect more intaglios for wheeled desk seals, allowing them to expand their horizons into more whimsical designs.

Meanwhile, the lower classes were given the opportunity to mimic the bloodstone intaglios with the advent of Tassies, also known as pastes, which were a much more affordable option. Therein came the animals, names, and a few snarky statements and phrases that were ones to live by.

The wide variety of designs gives you the opportunity to find a bloodstone intaglio that really speaks to you, whether for its stated meaning or one you apply. We take great pride in turning the wax seals into modern pieces of talisman jewelry that means something to our clients, giving you strength, memory or courage to face the challenges of the everyday.

Indeed, some believe that bloodstone is a stone that encourages courage, vitality and strength, making it the perfect choice for your very own talisman. Bloodstone jewelry is also one of the modern alternatives for March birthstone jewelry, acting as the opposite side of the coin to its airy aquamarine partner in March.

Naturally, if you know anything about Bauble Magpie is that we take what serves us and leave the rest behind – so you can breathe new life into historic pieces of bloodstone jewelry without having to compromise on your own ideals. Just like bloodstone, every one of us is more than what we appear at first glance.