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 […]
Tag Archives | appraising gemstones
4 questions you must ask your insurer—and 1 they’ll ask you!
You wouldn’t think of not insuring your car or home…your jewelry should be protected against loss, theft, or damage, too. Here are some questions you need to ask your insurance agent a.s.a.p. Tip: Make sure your precious pieces are secure—keep jewels in a safe deposit box, in a home safe, or at the very least, […]
Wear your luck—8 good luck charms from around the world
You can’t have enough good luck charms—and with good luck jewelry, the more precious and glitzy, the better. Here’s a rundown on charms, pendants, and talismans from around the world that you can wear when you need a little extra luck in your life. Good luck charms from around the world 4-leaf clover (Ireland): One […]
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 […]
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 […]
Jewelry Tips of the Year: VIPi (Very Important Pieces of info) You May Have Missed
2020 has been quite the year! While we may not have parties and events to show off our beautiful sparklies, this is a great time to review our jewelry tips on how to care for, buy, and sell gemstones and other valuables. This year’s biggest jewelry tips The dangers of chlorine: We posted the warning […]
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 […]
Opals—The October birthstone with flashes of fireworks
Forget the 4th of July—in the world of gemstones, the opal brings fireworks to your jewelry. It’s the stone known for its “play of color,” the unique ability to flash all colors of the rainbow. Centuries ago it was believed that opals held the virtues and powers of all colored gems. What gives opals their […]
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, […]
Shimmering Sapphire, September’s Stone of Royalty and Wisdom
The sapphire, September’s birthstone, has been the sign of royalty and prophecy over the centuries. Learn more about this beautiful gemstone.