November is such a lucky month that it gets two birthstones: citrine and topaz. Citrine, considered a “gift from the sun,” gets its name from “citron,” the French word for lemon. According to the GIA, yellow topaz has often been confused with citrine. Both are believed to have calming powers. Plus, since they’re generally affordable, […]
There’s something about cooler weather that makes me want to organize things like closets and drawers. I especially look forward to organizing jewelry. Here are some easy-to-do ways to keep your jewelry safe, secure, and beautiful. Keep it together: When someone calls me for an appraisal and I ask, “how many pieces do you have?,” […]
As the world grows green in the spring, it’s fitting that the emerald is May’s birthstone. It’s been revered for centuries…its name comes from the ancient Greek word for green, ‘smaragdus.’ The first known mines were in Egypt, dating from at least 330 BC. And it’s one of the four “precious” gemstones of the world, […]
According to the National Retail Federation, Americans will spend about $4.6 billion on jewelry this Mother’s Day. Because what says “love” more than a sparkly bauble or memory-making necklace? I’ve got suggestions for you, whether you’re on the giving or receiving side. And if you’re on the receiving side, by all means, drop big hints! […]
If you want to look into the soul of the seas, then March’s birthstone, the aquamarine, is waiting for you. Its name actually comes from the Latin for “sea water” and it was believed to keep people safe during ocean voyages. The aquamarine is a form of the mineral beryl and can be found in […]
Jewelry and love. Nothing says love like a beautiful piece of jewelry. And in this season of love, we’re all about classic, romantic pieces with hearts and flowers. Hearts As the part of us that represents life, giving and wearing a heart necklace represents pure love. It’s timeless and never goes out of style. And […]
We all love hearing about our special birthday month’s birthstone. But did you ever wonder how the stone became associated with the month? And why they have special traits and healing qualities? Here’s some backstory on birthstones. Origin of monthly birthstones The origin of birthstones seems to stem from the bible, namely the twelve stones […]
As summer turns to fall, we welcome September’s birthstone, the sapphire. This vivid blue gemstone has been prized for centuries. It’s dreamy, yet tough. Mystical, yet grounding. Cool yet filled with passion. Here are 7 surprising facts you didn’t know about sapphires. They’re the same mineral as rubies. Both sapphires and rubies share a common […]
The rings, pendants, and necklaces you love—and that have lovingly been handed down to you by mothers, grandmothers, and aunts—have a story to tell. But only if you know where to look for your jewelry’s secrets. Turn over your gold, platinum, or silver jewelry (or even your family silverware and silver) and chances are, you’ll […]
Why think about jewelry insurance in the summer? Family vacations can be the time when parents or grandparents hand down their heirlooms to children or grandchildren. Make sure this valuable jewelry—and your own gems, including your wedding band and engagement ring— are protected from “oopsies.” This is a great time to examine, or reexamine, your […]
