For centuries, people have believed in the power of certain gemstones to heal ailments, strengthen hopes and ward off evil. Even if you’re not sold on the powers of crystals, it’s an intriguing concept. While there’s no scientific evidence that crystals can heal, they’ve been a part of what we now call “alternative medicine” for […]
The diamond is the hardest substance on earth—and one of the most beautiful. If you’re lucky enough to have a diamond ring, earrings, or brooch, here are answers to some questions I’m often asked about how to keep them safe and sparkling. Can I wear my diamond earrings in the shower? Better not…shower gels, lotions, […]
Ice. Bling. Rocks. Diamonds have brought fire and ice to people’s lives for centuries. Are you an April baby? You’re lucky enough to have it as your birthstone. And as every bride knows, the indestructible diamond is the perfect symbol of never-ending love. The Hercules of gems: Diamonds are the strongest natural substance—the name comes […]
The holidays are prime time for romantic gestures. If you recently said “yes,” your next step (after showing off your new diamond engagement ring to family and friends) is to make sure it’s safe and protected. (These tips are also great if your ring isn’t so new!) Taking care of your diamond engagement ring Clean […]
With the diamond as April’s birthstone, if you’re lucky enough to have a birthday this month, you’ve hit the gemstone jackpot! It’s the world’s hardest natural material, the subject of poems, songs, and dreams, and the recognized “king of gems.” If you’re buying a diamond: the 4 C’s In previous blogs, we’ve discussed Carat, Clarity, […]
If your birthday’s in April, you’ve hit the birthstone jackpot—the diamond. Love for this sparkly gemstone isn’t new; in first century Rome, Pliny wrote, “Diamond is the most valuable, not only of precious stones, but of all things in this world.” If you’ve ever bought a diamond, I’m sure you’ve heard about the 4Cs: clarity, […]
We’ve all heard about it (or experienced it ourselves). Siblings who aren’t talking any more due to hurt feelings from dividing up heirloom jewelry and other possessions. Tips for creating a legacy with jewelry No one wants this to happen. So here are some tips for passing along your heirloom jewelry while keeping peace in […]
Engagement rings bring to mind a sparkling diamond. But millennial brides want something more individual—a ring that speaks to their own interests and lifestyle. Here are some current trends in engagement rings, as noted by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA): Geometric shapes: Move over, circles and ovals, and make way for rectangles, triangles, and […]
Diamonds are under a lot of pressure. Literally. Because they grow deep in the earth, and experience massive heat and pressure, they naturally have certain amount of what the GIA calls “birthmarks”: internal, which are called inclusions, and external, referred to as blemishes. The GIA Clarity Scale The fewer the inclusions and blemishes, the higher […]
April birthday girls (and boys)…you hit the birthstone jackpot with your birthstone, the diamond. You undoubtedly know that diamonds are the symbol of eternal love, but there’s so much more to them. They’re the hardest natural substance on earth. A diamond is more than 50 times harder than its closest gem relatives, the ruby and […]
