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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
