A popular beach was coloured blood red as heavy rains fell on the mineral-rich coastline in Iran. The rich ‘gelack’ soil has value for industrial purposes, used in dyeing, cosmetics, glass and ceramics. Floodwater running off the rocks at the tourist attraction created spectacular waterfalls, leaving an eerie trail of red up to the shoreline. Instagram to nearly one million likes and stunned reactions. The secret ‘rainbow island’ in the Strait of Hormuz remains largely undisturbed, sparsely inhabited and miles from the Iranian mainland. The phenomenon is a year-round attraction caused by the high iron oxide content in the volcanic soil. I love this beautiful country. Video shared last year wrongly claimed that the beaches had been ‘turned’ red due to the ‘severe weather’. Walking along the shore you will encounter parts where sand glitters with metal compounds, especially mesmerising at sunset or sunrise,’ the Iran Tourism and Touring Organisation insists. Footage circulating online showed how the downpour lit up the Silver and Red Beach on Hormuz Island as tourists gathered to marvel at its colour. But tourists can experience the rare phenomenon any time of year, in any weather. But it also plays a role in the local cuisine, used as a spice in sauces and jams, according to a local tourist board. Those minerals then mix with the sea water to give the shore itself a unique reddish glow. Closer to home, the tiny resort town of Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca in Spain hosts a pink lake caused by an unusual type of bacteria that thrive in the salt.
In summer, the heat makes the bacteria more active, making it easier to see the effect.
The halobacteria and an algae called Dunaliella salina both help create the stunning pinkish hues, visible during the warmer months. Swimming in the lake is banned as the waters are home to many rare organisms. For this to happen the creature must carry a molecule called luciferin. Bioluminescence is the production or emission of light by a living creature which can cause an incredible glow from the sea. Stunning images shared last May showed Sheerness Beach in Kent lit up in a vivid electric blue colour, caused by the small creatures emitting light when disturbed by the motion of the sea. When luciferin reacts with oxygen it creates light energy which we perceive as a glow. Like the Dead Sea, the salinity of the lake would likely make swimmers float. Even closer to home, Britons may be fortunate enough to experience the rare phenomenon of ‘glowing’ shores caused by bioluminescent plankton. Creatures in the salt lakes take on a pink colour by feeding on the bacteria and algae, and flamingos develop colour on their feathers, a local travel site explains. In summer, the heat makes the bacteria more active, making it easier to see the effect. But every now and then, bioluminescent plankton can be spotted glittering through the waters in North Wales. Beachgoers in Mexico were lucky to see a clearer example of the phenomenon in 2020, when the Puerto Marqués shore in Acapulco lit up for the first time in 60 years. The phenomenon is a result of a chemical reaction that occurs when chemical energy is converted to light energy. Displays from bioluminescent plankton is rarely seen in the UK, with it mainly being seen in warmer climates such as the Maldives and Mexico.
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If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift.
It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery.
The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. So she decided to make her own. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story.
It was established in 2009, with the ethos that jewellery should say a lot about who you are, whether big and bold or delicate and gold. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. Award winning British Jewellery Brand Scream Pretty was founded by Lucy Lee with her sister Jessica Pearce in 2016. This family run business designs jewellery for self expression; affordable, stylish and fun – jewellery to shout about. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. Olivia’s pursuit began when she identified a gap in the jewellery market – the need for everyday pieces that wouldn’t fade after a few wears – with this every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee against colour fading. Abby is a big believer in the talismanic and restorative power of jewellery, and strives to create designs that are both ethical and fashioned with love. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better. Dreamt up on a bicycle ride through Rajasthan, India, the British jewellery brand Memara was launched in 2019, with the aim to create beautiful, timeless yet affordable demi-fine pieces. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. The eclectic collection draws inspiration from founder Abby Kaye’s past experiences and travels through India, as well as her childhood in London and love of nature. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. The brand is named after Olivia’s mother Deborah Louise who Olivia sadly lost to cancer in 2017. With the loss of her mother, Olivia felt life was too short to not be truly passionate about the everyday and D.Louise was born.