Big girls need big diamonds.” —Elizabeth Taylor If you have an April birthday, you hit the birthstone jackpot. Diamonds are scarce, strong, and the stuff of dreams, full of fire and promise. Here are some things to know about this ultimate sparkler. The first known diamonds were found in India in the 4th century B.C. […]
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 […]
Calling all modern mermaids Ahh…the aquamarine. When you wear this blue-green gemstone, you can get lost in its cool, transparent ocean-like depths. Named after the Latin for “seawater,” this semi-precious gem comes from a high-class family—beryl, which also produces emeralds. It’s the perfect stone to flash on your finger or around your neck, especially in […]
The spectacular purples in February’s birthstone, the amethyst, range from a light, delicate lilac to an intoxicating winey blend of rich purple and red. Speaking of intoxicating, its name comes from the Greek “amethystos,” meaning not drunk—it was believed that the stone could keep you from overdrinking. (Don’t try this on your own!) Until the […]
People with silver come in two camps: Those who love showing off their serving pieces at holidays, and those who own/have inherited them but don’t want them. Here’s help for both—tips for cleaning your silver, and some options for getting silver out of your home. “I love using my silver at holidays—it makes my table […]
It’ll be a Blue Christmas…but in a good way. December has three luscious birthstones, all vibrant blue: zircon (traditional), turquoise, and tanzanite. If you’re in snowy areas, these stones reflect the icy blue tinge of snow and winter sky. If you’re a snowbird, these stones shine with the depths of the ocean and sunny sky. […]
Are you shopping for jewelry on Black Friday? Here are some tips to help you get what you want—with better results—as you head out to the sales. Know before you go. Make sure you do your research. Get a sense of what you’re looking for and what you can expect to find in your price […]
November has a pair of beautiful birthstones—topaz and citrine. Both come in beautiful shades of amber, which match the autumn leaves. But since we’ve covered citrine in a previous blog, let’s focus on the amazing topaz. Most gemstones have a typical color, but with a topaz, you aren’t limited to one tone…you have a rainbow […]
Designers have been busy showing their fall/winter jewelry lines. In a nutshell, get ready to be noticed! Here’s a look at what came down the runways: Bold and chunky: Forget those delicate, lacy pieces—this season, we’re seeing statement pieces, especially oversized, open chain necklaces. Dramatic: Think statement chains of earrings so loooooong they drape over […]
October’s the proud owner of two fabulous fall birthstones: the opal (traditional) and its new cousin, tourmaline. We’ve discussed opals in previous blogs; now let’s look at the “rainbow gem.” So, what color is tourmaline? One thing these stones have in common with opals is a variety of colors. But, as the GIA writes, “Very […]
