One of the most beautiful and varied gemstones around, the opal—October’s birthstone—has been revered from early days. Bedouins believed they contained lightning and fell from the sky during thunderstorms. Ancient Greeks thought they brought the gift of prophesy and protection. October’s birthstone is a gem like no other. Interesting facts about opals Unlike other gemstones, […]
Tag Archives | heirloom jewelry
September’s Sapphire Birthstone is a Sparkling Royal Gem
What color is a sapphire birthstone? Blue, of course, you say. But it actually comes in a variety of shades, called “fancy sapphires”: yellow, violet, green, orange, pink, and purple. Plus, it’s one of the “big 3” colored gemstones, along with the emerald and ruby. But the sapphire has been prized throughout the centuries. According […]
Peridot, August’s Birthstone, is Out of This World…
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 […]
Chlorine and Jewelry Don’t Mix: Guard Against this Summer Enemy
Whether you’re using a pool, hot tub, or hand sanitizer/wipes, chlorine and jewelry don’t mix. We wrote about it last summer, but it’s worth repeating: Keep your rings, bracelets, and necklaces away from this corrosive substance. What can chlorine do? Wearing a wedding band and/or engagement ring? It can damage, corrode, and discolor the rings’ […]
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 […]
Jewelry Can Make You the Star of Zoom Calls
We’re spending so much time on Zoom nowadays. And when your digital wardrobe consists of hoodies and leggings, breaking out your favorite jewelry pieces can help you look and feel better. Here are some tips on using your jewelry to impress on video, whether it’s for business or pleasure. Zoom rules for jewelry People will […]
New Year’s Fitness Resolution: 4 tips to get your jewelry collection in shape
Here’s a New Year’s resolution that you can keep: Get your jewelry collection in shape! No need to go to a gym; these tips can help your “sparklies” get in top form. 1. Review your collection You may think you know every piece of jewelry you have, but how about those pieces tucked away in […]
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, […]
Be a Pin-Up: 10 tips for refreshing your look with brooches
A stunning brooch can turn a ho-hum outfit to WOW! Here are 10 tips for getting the most out of your fabulous pins.
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 […]