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 […]
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), […]
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 […]
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 […]
With the diamond as April’s birthstone, if you’re lucky enough to have a birthday this month, you’ve hit the gemstone jackpot! It’s the world’s hardest natural material, the subject of poems, songs, and dreams, and the recognized “king of gems.” If you’re buying a diamond: the 4 C’s In previous blogs, we’ve discussed Carat, Clarity, […]
From pastel lilac to deep royal purple, February’s birthstone, the amethyst, has been an adored—and respected—gemstone for centuries. It’s found in royal scepters, crowns, and as good-luck amulets throughout history. In fact, the stone was as precious as a ruby or emerald until the 1800s, when large amethyst deposits were discovered in Brazil. Some interesting […]
Banish those winter blues with three beautiful, blue December birthstones: tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise. As the American Gem Society writes, “These gems range from the oldest on earth (zircon), to one of the first mined and used in jewelry (turquoise), to one of the most recently discovered (tanzanite).” Tanzanite To start with the newest, this […]
Throughout history, opal has been regarded as the luckiest and most magical of all gems because it can show all colors.” So, whether you’re an October birthday baby—or just love the mystery and depths of this beautiful gemstone, treat yourself to a piece of lightning here on earth. Types of opals The flashing colors in […]
