Tag Archives | appraising gemstones

emerald ring

Welcome Spring With the Emerald, May’s Birthstone

It’s appropriate that May’s birthstone reflects the brilliant green leaves and blooms of spring. A sign of rebirth and truth, emeralds are one of the “big 3” color stones—along with sapphires and rubies. And top-quality stones can be more expensive than diamonds! Fast facts about emeralds They’re formed from beryl and their green shade comes […]

Continue Reading 0
Aquamarine brooch

Aquamarine Brings the Lure of the Sea to March

Look deep into an aquamarine and you can almost hear crashing waves. The name of March’s birthstone comes from the Latin for “sea water.” According to the GIA, ancient Romans believed it would calm rough seas. It was also believed that mermaids had these stones as their treasures—and would give them to sailors for their […]

Continue Reading 0

January’s Birthstone, the Garnet, is a Vibrant Start to the Year

Winter skies may be gray, but January’s birthstone, the garnet, lends a sparkle that brightens the day. While they’re commonly red—ranging from rust to deep violet-red—garnets are actually found in a range of colors, including clear, pink, green (“tsavorite”), orange, yellow, brown, and black. Interesting facts Its name comes from Latin “granantum,” or seed—it resembles […]

Continue Reading 0
Turquoise

December’s 3 (Blue) Birthstones Will Chase Away Winter Blues!

If you like blue gemstones, you’re covered by December’s tantalizing trio. From the oldest to the most recently discovered, presenting (blue) Zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite. Here’s an overview of each (with thanks to the GIA and American Gem Society). Zircon Don’t mix this up with the man-made “cubic zirconia.” Zircons are natural crystals—and they were […]

Continue Reading 0

Don’t like your jewelry? Repurpose it!

Do you have an old ring that…well, looks old? An heirloom pendant that’s just not your style? A mismatched earring? Instead of leaving it in the back of a drawer, create something new and exciting that you can’t wait to show off—redesign it, also known as “repurposing.” You can turn a ring into a pendant, […]

Continue Reading 1