Services & Expertise

Glenray Jewellers

Glenray Jewellers has over five decades of experience in diamonds, gemstones, repairs, bespoke design and watch services. This is your guide to jewellery, gemstones and the in-store services we offer.

Our Services

Glenray Hitchin store

jewellery repairs

Glenray Jewellers offer a superb and efficient jewellery repair service.

Services include:

  • Chain repair and extension
  • Antique and vintage jewellery refurbishment 
  • Cleaning and polishing
  • Claw re-tipping
  • Rhodium plating 
  • Ring shank replacement

Come in, or contact our store for an estimated cost and turnaround time.
Contact our Hitchin Store

Valuations & Post-Loss Assessments

Glenray Jewellers are delighted to announce that we now have a National Association of Jewellers Institute of Registered Valuers Member on site. Jason Cohen FGA MIRV IRV98920, a director of Glenray Jewellers, has completed the training and is now qualified to value all types of watches and jewellery.

Jewellery can be valued for the purposes of Insurance, Sales Between Parties, Probate and Family Division.

Glenray Jewellers are also able to offer a Post Loss Assessment report service if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having to make an insurance claim.
Contact our Hitchin Store

Watches & Clock Repairs

Glenray Jewellers offer a comprehensive and efficient watch and clock repair service. We are able to repair most makes of watches.

Watches will be resealed and their water resistance tested up to a maximum of 10 atm (100 metres of pressure). Watches will then be steam cleaned and the water resistance guaranteed for 6 months (subject to normal wear).

  • Batteries £14-£16
  • Battery and reseals £40
  • Watch bracelet adjustments £14
  • Watch straps start from £15.95
Contact our Hitchin Store

Second-hand & Vintage Jewellery

Our second-hand and vintage pieces are currently available in-store only. Visit our Hitchin shop to explore our full selection and view items in person.
Contact our Hitchin Store

Bespoke Design Service

An opportunity to have the jewellery you have imagined and never found in the shops….You can design and own a beautiful piece of jewellery which is as unique as you are or which totally reflects the taste of the person to whom you are giving an exclusive gift….’

We have acquired the latest design technology, enabling you to see hundreds of images which you can customize to your own specification, on a high resolution screen and then see the item come to life in photo realistic images. We can give you our expert advice, guiding you through the process. Most designs can be shown immediately, some more complex designs may take a couple of days to come through.

The service is ideal, for example,  for designing engagement rings and matching wedding rings. As well as rings, you can create pendants, earrings or make up a matching set. We can incorporate your existing stones in a design which also uses stones from our huge selection.

Come into the shop to discuss your requirements and then book an appointment so we can spend time making your dream a reality. We have a selection of rings we can show you as examples of the type of thing which can be produced.

The charge for the design service is £100. if you then order the item you have designed from us, we will waive the charge and reduce the price of the item by a further £100. 

So please don’t hesitate, come along to our shop in Hitchin and make your jewellery dreams come true! We can also offer a remote service enabling you to design from your own living room!
Contact our Hitchin Store

Knowledge Hub

Expertise

Click below to learn about gemstones, their meanings, origins and care.
Birthstones

Birthstones are gemstones traditionally linked to each month of the year. Their origins trace back to the twelve stones set in the High Priest Aaron’s breastplate in the Book of Exodus. Over centuries, cultures connected these stones first to the zodiac, and later to the calendar months.
The modern practice of wearing one's month-specific birthstone became popular in the 18th century and was formalised in 1912. Each stone carries symbolic meanings—ranging from protection and clarity to love, vitality and wisdom.

Below is a modern and ancient birthstone guide, grouped by month:

January — Garnet (Modern & Traditional)

Symbolises faith, eternity and truth. Believed to boost vitality, stimulate the senses and attract good luck in business.

February — Amethyst (Modern & Traditional)

Associated with calm, clarity and wisdom. Traditionally used to promote clear thinking, emotional balance and sobriety.

March — Aquamarine (Modern)

Linked with courage, relaxation and protection on journeys—especially at sea. Believed to ease fear and anxiety.

Ancient alternatives:

  • Jasper
  • Bloodstone

April — Diamond (Modern)

Represents love, eternity and courage. Historically believed to detoxify and protect from poison.

Ancient alternative:

  • Sapphire — associated with peace, intuition and spiritual insight.

May — Emerald (Modern)

Thought to aid fertility, lift depression and promote emotional balance, patience and self-knowledge.

Ancient alternative:

  • Agate — a protective stone linked with strength, grounding and talent.

June — Alexandrite & Pearl (Modern)

  • Pearl: Symbolises purity, virtue, innocence and peace.
  • Alexandrite: A rare stone associated with intuition, renewal and creativity.

Ancient alternative:

  • Moonstone — linked with inspiration, clear thinking and emotional clarity.

July — Ruby (Modern)

A protection stone thought to support health, vitality and love. When gifted, represents deep friendship and devotion.

Ancient alternative:

  • Onyx — believed to deflect negativity and enhance determination.

August — Peridot (Modern)

Thought to strengthen life, encourage prosperity and ease emotional strain such as fear, depression and jealousy.

Ancient alternatives:

  • Sardonyx
  • Carnelian

September — Sapphire (Modern)

Associated with peace, communication, intuition and happiness.

Ancient alternatives:

  • Peridot — linked with growth, prosperity and relationship insight.
  • Lapis Lazuli — a stone of wisdom, awareness, friendship and truth.

October — Opal & Tourmaline (Modern)

  • Opal: Tied to emotion, imagination, love and healing.
  • Tourmaline: Believed to strengthen both body and spirit, promote balance and encourage inspiration.

Ancient alternative:

  • Aquamarine — linked with courage and calm.

November — Citrine & Topaz (Modern & Ancient)

  • Topaz: Associated with wisdom, clarity, strength, courage and improved focus.
  • Citrine overview: Linked with optimism, abundance, creativity and emotional balance.

December — Tanzanite (Modern)

Thought to bring happiness, luck and spiritual insight.

Ancient alternatives:

  • Turquoise — associated with protection, love, friendship and success.
  • Ruby — symbol of vitality and devotion.
  • Blue Topaz — linked with calm, strength, confidence and mental clarity.
Zodiac Stones

Zodiac stones are gemstones traditionally linked to each astrological sign. Similar to birthstones, they have been associated for centuries with protection, good fortune and symbolic qualities unique to each sign. Their origins trace back to the twelve stones of the High Priest Aaron’s breastplate described in the Book of Exodus, which later became connected with the twelve zodiac signs.

Each zodiac sign has one primary stone believed to enhance its strengths or provide balance, along with several alternative stones that share complementary properties. These gemstones have long been worn as talismans for guidance, protection, emotional support or spiritual insight.

Zodiac Stones by Sign:

Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
Primary stone: Garnet — believed to protect from nightmares and provide guidance.
Alternatives: Aquamarine, Amethyst, Bloodstone.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
Primary stone: Amethyst — associated with peace, serenity and temperance.
Alternatives: Moonstone, Aquamarine, Bloodstone.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Primary stone: Bloodstone — thought to provide courage and strong healing powers.
Alternatives: Diamond, Opal.

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 20)
Primary stone: Sapphire — symbolises truth, sincerity and faithfulness.
Alternative: Emerald.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)
Primary stone: Agate — said to balance energies and awaken talents.
Alternatives: Alexandrite, Amethyst.

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)
Primary stone: Emerald — linked with self-knowledge, peaceful dreams and emotional balance.
Alternatives: Pearl, Ruby, Moonstone.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)
Primary stone: Onyx — believed to repel negativity and boost determination.
Alternatives: Ruby, Peridot, Jade, Diamond.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 23)
Primary stone: Carnelian — traditionally associated with strong healing properties.
Alternatives: Sapphire, Zircon, Agate.

Libra (Sep 24 – Oct 23)
Primary stone: Peridot — thought to enhance understanding in relationships and ease emotional strain.
Alternatives: Sapphire, Opal, Jasper.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
Primary stone: Aquamarine — associated with courage and emotional calm.
Alternatives: Opal, Topaz, Citrine, Pearl.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
Primary stone: Topaz — symbolises life, strength and clarity of mind.
Alternatives: Citrine, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Onyx.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
Primary stone: Ruby — represents vitality, love and noble strength.
Alternatives: Amethyst, Garnet, Emerald.
Amethyst

Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz found mainly in Brazil. Highly valued since the 19th century, it has long been associated with clarity of mind, sincerity and spiritual devotion. Traditionally worn to promote calmness and protect against negativity, it is also the birthstone for February and a popular choice for 33rd wedding anniversaries.

Care is simple: keep Amethyst away from strong sunlight, as colour can fade, and clean gently with warm soapy water. As a durable quartz (7 on the Mohs scale), it is suitable for everyday wear, though natural inclusions and colour variations are common and part of its character.
Amber

Amber is an organic gemstone formed from ancient tree resin that has fossilised over millions of years. Usually warm yellow to deep orange in colour, it is lightweight, naturally warm to the touch, and often contains unique inclusions such as plant material or insects, making each piece one-of-a-kind.

Historically, Amber has been associated with protection, healing, and good fortune. Across Greek, Roman, and Arabic traditions, it was believed to ease ailments, ward off negative energy, and even produce an electric charge when rubbed — the origin of the word electricity.

Care is important, as Amber is soft (around 2 on the Mohs scale) and easily scratched. Keep it away from chemicals, perfumes and hard surfaces. Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, and store it in a breathable fabric pouch.

As an organic gem, Amber comes in a wide range of colours depending on its origin — from glowing honey tones to deep reds, greens and even rare blues. Genuine Amber is lightweight, floats in salt water, and shows distinctive natural features not found in synthetic substitutes.
Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a blue variety of beryl, named after the Latin for “sea water.” Its clear, ocean-like colour comes from traces of iron, and much of today’s gem-quality aquamarine is found in Brazil and Nigeria. As a durable stone (7.5 on the Mohs scale), it has been used in jewellery for thousands of years, with origins traced back to ancient Greek and Roman times.

Traditionally regarded as a symbol of happiness, courage and understanding, Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and has long been associated with protection, balance and clarity. In folklore, it was believed to keep sailors safe at sea and was used in the Middle Ages for fortune-telling.

Aquamarine is easy to care for: clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush, then rinse and dry on a towel. Avoid high heat, which can cause the stone to fade or crack. Natural aquamarine often forms in large hexagonal crystals and ranges from pale to deeper blue tones depending on its iron content.
Blue Topaz

Blue Topaz is a vibrant blue gemstone created by treating naturally colourless topaz. Its shades range from pale sky blue to rich electric and deep metallic blues, making it one of the most popular and widely available varieties of topaz. Major sources include Australia, Brazil and Mexico.

As a modern gemstone (popularised from the 1980s), Blue Topaz is often associated with creativity, clarity of expression and inspiration, making it a favourite among writers and artists.

Although durable at 8 on the Mohs scale, Blue Topaz should be handled with care, as topaz can crack if knocked or exposed to sudden temperature changes. Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush, and store it separately from other jewellery to avoid scratches.
Chalcedony

Chalcedony is a form of quartz made up of tiny interlocking fibres rather than visible crystals, giving it a smooth, waxy appearance. It comes in many varieties — including agate, carnelian, jasper, bloodstone, onyx and sardonyx — each distinguished by colour patterns and layering. These stones have been used since ancient times, particularly for cameos and carved jewellery.

Different types of chalcedony have long been linked with symbolic qualities, such as protection, emotional balance and healing. Agate was believed to aid sleep, bloodstone to support vitality, and chrysoprase to improve eyesight — reflecting centuries of folklore surrounding these stones.

Chalcedony is relatively durable (6–7 on the Mohs scale) and easy to care for. Clean gently with warm soapy water, rinse and dry on a soft towel, and store separately to avoid scratches. Avoid strong acids or extreme heat, which may affect colour.
Citrine

Citrine is a yellow variety of quartz, named after the French word citron for “lemon.” Found mainly in Brazil, Africa and Russia, it ranges from pale yellow to deeper golden tones. Natural citrine is rare, with most stones on the market being heat-treated amethyst, but the appearance and durability remain excellent.

Traditionally associated with positivity, clarity and emotional balance, citrine is believed to protect against negative thoughts and support confidence and self-esteem. It is also linked with the zodiac sign Leo.

Citrine is durable (7 on the Mohs scale) and easy to care for. Clean with warm soapy water, wipe dry and leave to air dry on a towel. It can be cleaned ultrasonically but should not be steam cleaned, and excessive heat may alter its colour.
Diamond

Diamond is the purest form of crystallised carbon, formed deep within the earth under immense heat and pressure over hundreds of millions of years. Known for their brilliance and durability, diamonds are the hardest natural substance (10 on the Mohs scale) and occur in a wide range of colours — from prized colourless stones to rare pink, blue and yellow varieties. Today, major sources include South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and the Congo region.

Historically treasured for their rarity and symbolism, diamonds have featured in jewellery for over 2,500 years. They became especially significant in European tradition as symbols of purity, courage and lasting commitment — a reputation that continues in modern engagement rings. The diamond is also the birthstone for April and associated with the 60th wedding anniversary.

Despite their hardness, diamonds can still chip if struck and should be stored separately from other gemstones. They attract grease easily, so regular cleaning is important. Use mild soapy water, an ammonia-based cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaner (unless the diamond is fracture-filled), and avoid harsh chemicals or strong impacts.
Emerald

Emerald is a prized green gemstone from the beryl family, valued for its rich colour and long history. Found mainly in Colombia, Brazil, India and South Africa, its shades range from deep forest green to lighter yellow-green, depending on the mine. Highly treasured for thousands of years, emeralds were mined in ancient Egypt, traded along early trade routes and used in jewellery from Roman times to the Victorian era.

Associated with love, fidelity, success and emotional balance, emerald has been linked with healing and protection across many cultures. It is the birthstone for May and traditionally marks the 55th wedding anniversary.

Although reasonably hard (7.5–8 on the Mohs scale), emeralds are naturally included, which makes them more brittle than many other gemstones. Most stones contain microscopic fractures filled with oils, so they require gentle care. Avoid heat, dry environments and heavy wear. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, and store separately from other jewellery to prevent scratching.
Garnet

Garnet is a diverse family of gemstones found mainly in Africa and Southeast Asia, known for its wide range of colours — from deep red and orange to vivid green and pink. Its name comes from the Latin granum, meaning “pomegranate seed,” reflecting the gem’s classic red varieties. Popular throughout ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, garnet has been used in jewellery for thousands of years and continues to be treasured today.

Long associated with vitality, passion and protection, garnet is believed to inspire creativity, strengthen devotion and bring emotional balance. It is the birthstone for January and symbolises faith, eternity and truth.

Garnet is durable (6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale) but some varieties can be brittle, so gentle handling is recommended. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoid steam cleaning, and store separately to prevent chipping or scratches.
Onyx

Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony quartz, recognised for its striking layers of black and white or brown and white. Formed when silica settles into gas cavities within volcanic rock, it has been used since ancient Egyptian times for jewellery and carved objects due to its bold contrast and smooth finish.

Traditionally associated with strength, grounding and protection, onyx has long been worn as a stabilising stone believed to absorb negative energy and support resilience.

Onyx is relatively durable (around 7 on the Mohs scale) but should be handled with care, as extreme heat or harsh chemicals can affect its colour. Clean gently with warm soapy water, rinse and dry on a soft towel, and store separately from other jewellery to avoid scratches.
Opal

Opal is a unique gemstone made from layers of hardened silica gel. When these microscopic layers are evenly sized, they diffract light and create the brilliant flashes of colour known as “play-of-colour,” found in precious opal. These stones appear with different body tones — black, white and fire opal — forming the backdrop for their vivid iridescence. Common opal, by contrast, is usually opaque. Major sources today include Australia, Brazil, the USA and Mexico.

Highly valued since ancient times, opal has been linked with hope, luck and protection. Romans believed its rainbow colours symbolised good fortune, while medieval Europeans thought it preserved blond hair and strengthened memory. It is the birthstone for October and traditionally associated with purity, optimism and emotional harmony.

Opal is relatively soft and more fragile than many gemstones, so it requires gentle care. Sudden changes in temperature can cause cracking, and harsh chemicals or cleaners should be avoided. Store opal in a soft pouch, keep it in stable conditions, and clean only with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
Pearl

Pearls are organic gemstones formed inside oysters and other shellfish when layers of nacre build around a natural irritant, creating their distinctive iridescent lustre. Natural pearls are rare and found in regions such as Burma and the South Pacific. Since the early 1900s, most pearls are cultured through carefully guided processes, with notable types including Akoya (Japan), South Sea (Australia/Indonesia/Philippines) and Tahitian (Cook Islands).

Revered for thousands of years, pearls have symbolised purity, beauty and nobility across many cultures. They appear in Roman jewellery, Renaissance adornments and historical folklore, where they were believed to represent tears of the gods or bring love and loyalty. Pearl is the birthstone for June and traditionally marks the 30th wedding anniversary.

Pearls are soft and require gentle care. They should be kept away from perfumes, cosmetics, heat and chemicals, and cleaned with a soft damp cloth after wearing. Warm soapy water can be used occasionally, but steam and ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided. With proper care and regular restringing, pearls can last for generations.
Peridot

Peridot is a bright olive-green gemstone formed from the mineral olivine. Its colour ranges from yellow-green to deep bottle green, with richer greens being the most valuable. Historically sourced from Egypt’s St. John’s Island, peridot is now also mined in China, Burma, Brazil and in significant quantities in Pakistan.

Highly prized throughout ancient cultures, peridot appears in Egyptian and Roman jewellery and is believed to have been mistaken for emerald in early texts — including gems once attributed to Cleopatra. Crusaders later introduced the stone to Europe during the Middle Ages.

Peridot is traditionally associated with protection, emotional balance and prosperity. It is thought to bring growth, openness and clarity to the wearer, and is the modern birthstone for August

Although reasonably durable, peridot is softer than many gemstones and can scratch easily. Store it separately in a soft pouch, avoid hard knocks and exposure to acids or sudden temperature changes, and clean gently with warm soapy water.
Gold / Silver / Platinum

Gold

Gold is a precious, naturally occurring metal valued for its beauty, durability and workability. Mined globally — including South Africa, the USA, Australia and Russia — it is highly malleable, making it ideal for jewellery and gemstone settings. Gold purity is measured in carats (24ct being pure gold), and its colour varies depending on alloy metals (yellow, white and rose).

Gold has been used for jewellery, coins and status symbols for over 4,000 years. From ancient Mesopotamia and Greece to 18th–19th century European jewellery, gold has remained central to craftsmanship and wealth. The late 1700s saw machine-made chains and widespread gold jewellery as new social classes emerged.

Gold can scratch easily and should be stored separately. Avoid chlorine, which damages gold alloys. Clean with warm soapy water or an ultrasonic cleaner (if no gemstones are set). Care instructions depend on any stones in the jewellery.

Silver

Silver is a precious metal found as natural nuggets or as a by-product of lead mining. It starts bright and reflective but tarnishes when exposed to air. Sterling silver (92.5% pure) is the standard for jewellery. Major sources include Mexico, South America, Australia and the USA.

Used since ancient Greek times and throughout medieval Europe, silver was historically used for coins, luxury objects and religious items. It remained the only white precious metal until the mid-1800s, before platinum’s rise.

Silver is soft and can bend or dent easily. It tarnishes, so clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasives, toothpaste, and ultrasonic cleaners.

Platinum

Platinum is a rare precious metal known for its naturally white-grey colour, strength and hypoallergenic properties. Formed in igneous rock, it is mined mainly in South Africa, Canada and Alaska. It is durable, dense and ideal for long-lasting fine jewellery.

Used by ancient Egyptian and Pre-Incan civilisations, platinum later resurfaced in the 1700s and gained recognition as a unique metal. Today, it is used in both jewellery and industry, including catalytic converters and medical devices.

Platinum does not tarnish but can scratch, so it should be stored separately. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, and have it professionally polished to maintain its shine.
Ruby

Ruby is a red variety of corundum and one of the rarest and most valuable coloured gemstones. Its colour ranges from deep, vivid red to slightly brownish tones depending on the deposit, with chromium giving ruby its signature hue. Major sources include Burma, Thailand and Sri Lanka. Large gem-quality rubies are exceptionally rare, making them especially prized.

For thousands of years, rubies have symbolised passion, protection and vitality. They appear throughout ancient texts — including the Bible — and were treasured by the Romans, used in Renaissance jewellery and incorporated into royal regalia across Europe. Ruby is the birthstone for July and traditionally marks the 40th wedding anniversary.

Ruby is extremely durable (9 on the Mohs scale) and can be safely cleaned with most methods, including warm soapy water, steam and ultrasonic cleaners. However, rough handling can still cause chips, and rubies can scratch other gemstones, so they should be stored separately. Settings should be checked occasionally, as the metal can wear before the stone does.
Sapphire

Sapphire is a gemstone from the corundum family, most famously known for its blue varieties but found in nearly every colour, including pink, yellow, green, purple and even colourless. Its colour is influenced by trace elements such as iron and titanium. Some of the finest sapphires come from Kashmir (cornflower blue), while other major sources include Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand and Australia.

With a long history in religion and royalty, sapphire has symbolised wisdom, serenity and spiritual protection for centuries. Medieval Europeans believed it reflected the tranquillity of heaven, and it has been associated with peace, truth and friendship across many cultures. Sapphire is the birthstone for September and traditionally marks the 45th wedding anniversary.

Sapphire is extremely durable (9 on the Mohs scale) and can be safely cleaned using warm soapy water, steam or ultrasonic cleaners. However, like ruby, it can still chip if struck and may scratch softer gemstones, so it should be stored separately. Settings should be checked periodically, as the metal mounts tend to wear before the stone itself.
Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a striking blue-violet gemstone from the zoisite family, discovered only in Tanzania and valued for its vivid colour. Naturally brownish or yellowish, it is almost always heat-treated to enhance its signature violet-blue hue. Since its commercial introduction by Tiffany & Co. in 1970, tanzanite has become one of the most popular modern gemstones due to its rarity and distinctive colour.

Often associated with clarity, intuition and emotional insight, tanzanite is believed in folklore to support vision and benefit the skin. It is also the modern birthstone for December.

Tanzanite is moderately hard but brittle (6.5 on the Mohs scale), so it requires gentle handling. Avoid knocks, sudden temperature changes, acids and harsh cleaners. Do not use steam or ultrasonic cleaning. Instead, wash with warm soapy water and dry with a soft cloth, and store it separately from other jewellery to prevent damage.
Turquoise

Turquoise is a soft, porous gemstone known for its distinctive blue-green colour, ranging from sky blue to rich green depending on its copper content. Some of the finest turquoise historically comes from Persia (modern-day Iran), while major deposits are also found in Tibet and the United States. It is one of the oldest gemstones used in jewellery, dating back over 7,000 years.

Across ancient cultures — including the Egyptians, Incas, Aztecs and Native Americans — turquoise has symbolised protection, good fortune and long life. It later became a Victorian symbol of remembrance (“forget me not”). Today, it is associated with love, happiness and is the traditional birthstone for December.

Turquoise is delicate and easily absorbs oils, perfumes and chemicals, which can permanently alter its colour. It should be kept away from heat, metal polishes and ultrasonic cleaners. Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, dry immediately, and store separately from other jewellery to prevent scratching.
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