A stunning brooch can turn a ho-hum outfit to WOW! Here are 10 tips for getting the most out of your fabulous pins.
Tag Archives | appraising gemstones
Spinel, August’s birthstone—is it the “next big gemstone?”
The spinel, August’s birthstone, may be on the cusp of high popularity. It’s still affordable, but has a brilliant red color that can rival a ruby.
The Ruby, July’s Birthstone, Blazes with Fire
The ruby, July’s birthstone, blazes with fire. These gems can be more expensive than diamonds. See how to buy ruby jewelry and their lore.
Jade, the Gem that Sparks Clarity of Mind and Purity of Spirit
While we associate jade with China, it’s steadily gained in popularity around the world for its beauty and the artistry of its carvers. What people call “jade” is actually two types of mineral: Nephrite gets its color from magnesium for muted colors ranging from light to dark green, yellow, brown, black, gray, and white. A […]
Off to the Emerald City—Celebrating May’s Birthstone, the Emerald
May’s birthstone, the emerald, is even more expensive than a diamond. See how to buy this gemstone and take care of your emerald jewelry.
Get Your Vitamin “Sea” with the Aquamarine, March’s Birthstone
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 […]
Purple Passion: Amethyst, February’s Birthstone
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 […]
Turquoise, Zircon, and Tanzanite: December “Blues” You’ll Love
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. […]
Tips for Buying Jewelry on Black Friday
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 […]
Topaz, November’s Birthstone: The Have-it-Your-Way Gem
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 […]