turquoise brooch

Blue Skies and a Holiday Surprise—Celebrating December’s birthstones

The air outside may be crisp, but December’s birthstones— turquoise, zircon, and Tanzanite—bring the blue sky to your holiday outfits. As the GIA writes, each “has its own unique take on the color blue.” We’ve discussed Tanzanite previously so let’s focus on the first two. Turquoise: Native American holy stone This semi-translucent stone ranges from […]

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Give Thanks for November Birthstones: Citrine and Topaz

Jewelry lovers have a great choice for November birthstones—two beautiful golden, autumn-hued gems: citrine and topaz. Don’t worry…if golden-orange isn’t your thing, topaz also comes in a rainbow of colors. We’ll highlight “need-to-know” facts about each, but they have a few things in common: according to the GIA, both are affordable and in strong supply; […]

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October’s birthstone, the Opal: Lightning in a Gemstone

One of the most beautiful and varied gemstones around, the opal—October’s birthstone—has been revered from early days. Bedouins believed they contained lightning and fell from the sky during thunderstorms. Ancient Greeks thought they brought the gift of prophesy and protection. October’s birthstone is a gem like no other. Interesting facts about opals Unlike other gemstones, […]

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sapphire ring

September’s Sapphire Birthstone is a Sparkling Royal Gem

What color is a sapphire birthstone? Blue, of course, you say. But it actually comes in a variety of shades, called “fancy sapphires”: yellow, violet, green, orange, pink, and purple. Plus, it’s one of the “big 3” colored gemstones, along with the emerald and ruby. But the sapphire has been prized throughout the centuries. According […]

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collection of gemstones

10 Hot Facts About Cool Gems (How many do you know?)

With summer’s heat, here are some fun facts about jewelry to take your mind off the weather. Amaze your friends with your knowledge—and if you know more than 7, you’re a jewelry genius! Ancient Egyptians believed that gold was “the flesh of the gods” (since it was so soft) and held mystical powers. The first […]

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peridot jewelry

Peridot, August’s Birthstone, is Out of This World…

If you’re looking for a birthstone with origins in outer-space and the depths of the earth, then the peridot is for you. It’s also the perfect summer stone, reflecting the bright, lush green of summer grass, plants, and trees. Origins From earth: The peridot is one of two minerals (along with the diamond) that doesn’t […]

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Ravishing Ruby, July’s Birthstone of Passion

The intense red of the ruby, July’s birthstone, evokes strong emotions: passion, love, and fury. In fact, early civilizations equated its color with blood. In medieval times, they were believed to bring health, wisdom, wealth and success in love—and also thought to provide protection (cue the ruby red slippers!). Fun facts about the King of […]

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