With summer’s heat, here are some fun facts about jewelry to take your mind off the weather. Amaze your friends with your knowledge—and if you know more than 7, you’re a jewelry genius! Ancient Egyptians believed that gold was “the flesh of the gods” (since it was so soft) and held mystical powers. The first […]
If you’re looking for a birthstone with origins in outer-space and the depths of the earth, then the peridot is for you. It’s also the perfect summer stone, reflecting the bright, lush green of summer grass, plants, and trees. Origins From earth: The peridot is one of two minerals (along with the diamond) that doesn’t […]
The intense red of the ruby, July’s birthstone, evokes strong emotions: passion, love, and fury. In fact, early civilizations equated its color with blood. In medieval times, they were believed to bring health, wisdom, wealth and success in love—and also thought to provide protection (cue the ruby red slippers!). Fun facts about the King of […]
There’s a June birthday gem in town that you probably haven’t heard of. We’ve already discussed pearls and moonstones, so let’s examine alexandrite, the most expensive of the three. The most amazing thing about alexandrite: It changes color in different types of lighting. In daylight or fluorescent light it appears green; in incandescent light (lightbulb), […]
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 […]
No boasting, April birthday folks! You’ve got the ultimate prize of all birthstones—the diamond. These “tears of the gods” are not only billions of years old; due to their structure, one that’s cut and polished correctly can sparkle more than any other gem. Some diamond facts from the American Gem Society This is the hardest […]
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 […]
Just as leaves turn gold in November, this warm tone is reflected in November’s birthstones—citrine and yellow topaz. Originally confused with one another, they were believed to soothe tempers and calm the wearer. I’ve previously written about topaz, so here’s some background on beautiful citrine. The quartz connection Citrine is actually a form of quartz […]
The sapphire, September’s birthstone, has been the sign of royalty and prophecy over the centuries. Learn more about this beautiful gemstone.
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.
