March Birthstone, Winter Trees and Mothers Day

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March

How’s your February going? As I write this, I’ve just come in from outside, making the most of today’s sunshine, which seems like such a rare thing so far this year. I can even enjoy a mundane activity like washing my car when there’s some lovely warm sun on my face.

First Commission of 2026

My first job for February was a commission to make a ring for a beautiful Australian blue opal, which the customer had bought “down under” in Australia. This was a first for me, as I have never been asked to make anything using the customer’s own gemstone before. Finishing the stone setting was rather nerve-wracking, as opals are quite soft and fragile compared to many other gemstones, but much to my relief, I was able to complete the piece with the opal intact. The customer was absolutely over the moon with the ring I’d created for them, and I was delighted by their reaction. Here’s the finished ring:

Winter Trees Collection

Especially for nature lovers, the Winter Trees Collection is now available on the website, as well as in stock at Warwickshire Artisans and Banbury Museum & Gallery. Each one is different, just as you’d expect, as no two real trees ever grow to be identical. I love the organic process of cutting the branches with my piercing saw and seeing the result once the pendants are complete. More jewellery items (rings, earrings and bracelet) for this collection are still in the design phase.

What's Coming Up in March?

Mothers’ Day

Do you follow any Facebook pages that share nostalgic images of places you knew as a child? Seeing old photographs of Bishop’s Stortford, where I grew up, often sparks memories of my childhood and teenage years. Those memories sometimes drift into my thoughts while I’m working on the more repetitive parts of jewellery making, the sanding and polishing. Now and then, they prompt questions about a place or a person that I wish I could still ask my mum. In those moments, I miss her.

Mothering Sunday 2026 falls on 15th March.

Objects can also quietly hold memories for us. A simple pendant or ring can become something far more than just metal. It can hold love, gratitude, or remembrance.

If you’re marking Mothers' Day this March, I’ve curated a few pieces that feel especially fitting.

Events

My Events page for 2026 Craft Fairs and Makers Markets is now live, and I’ll add dates in as bookings are confirmed. I am not attending any events this March.

Thank You for Being Here

Thanks as always for continuing to support Paula Wilkinson Jewellery. I hope you enjoy wearing your jewellery as much as I enjoy making it. ​

With very best wishes
Paula