September’s birthstone, the luminous sapphire, checks all of the “s” boxes—sumptuous shade, strength, and stylish star: Its sky blue shade ranges from the vibrant hue of mid-day to the rich, navy of the night sky. And, while we think of sapphires as being blue, there can be other colors, as well. It’s strong, second only […]
What’s taking jewelry attendance? Well, ok, I made it up, but just as teachers take attendance of children in their class, this is a good time to take inventory of the valuables you own. Before scheduling an appraisal, I always ask a client how many pieces they have. I can’t count the number of times […]
August is the only month to actually have three birthstones: the peridot, spinel, and sardonyx (known for its use in cameos). But for fresh green sparkle, nothing can top the peridot, which ranges from bright green to green-yellow. It’s also the stone for a 16th anniversary. Formed in volcanoes This gemstone was formed early in […]
This is the time for vacations—maybe an overseas tour, a trip to the shore or mountains, or a cruise. When you’re packing up for your travels, think twice before taking your valuable jewelry. These do’s and don’ts can help you minimize the “oopsies” that turn happy memories to unpleasant reminders. DO Keep your jewels in […]
Rubies can command the highest prices of any colored gemstone—more than a sapphire. The finest stones have a pure, vibrant red. In fact, when you hold a quality ruby in the sunlight, you’ll see flashes of color. The ruby is not only July’s birthstone, it’s also the official stone of 15th and 40th anniversaries. Rubies […]
Looking for a gift for that special dad or grad in your life? How about the elegance and style of cufflinks—think Cary Grant and Fred Astaire? As quoted in In Good Taste, “Cufflinks are one of the few versatile men’s jewelry accessories that can add a touch of flair.” Cufflinks, which reached their height of […]
Did you know June’s birthstone, the pearl, is the only gemstone created by a living animal? While traditionally white or cream, recent years have seen an uptick in black, gray, silver, green, pink, blue, and iridescent pearls. Natural vs cultured Natural pearls occur when a microscopic irritant (like sand) causes them to form in certain […]
Some people collect coins as a hobby, others as an investment for the future. They can be valuable—check out these recent big sellers: 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, $4,560,000 1792 $10 Washington Gold Eagle, $1,740,000 1804 $1 Liberty “draped bust” dollar”, $2,640,000 Not every coin has to be super rare or old to be worth something: […]
May is the month of rebirth and growth—so it’s very fitting that its birthstone is the emerald. Emeralds are actually a form of beryl, which also gives us the blue-green aquamarine. To make things even more confusing, light green stones are considered to be green beryl. But only the vibrant green emerald is one of […]
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, […]
