The hero of this month’s installment in GIA’s series on famous birthstones is the bluish-green aquamarine given to former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. The rough weighed a staggering 1.3 kilograms that yielded two gems when cut. The largest, a rectangular step cut stone weighing 1,298 carats, has an interesting political history. (more…)
In the midst of the winter season, give a loving look at our favorite blue gemstones and jewelry. From a blue star sapphire to a vivid blue diamond, each of the featured blue gemstones below promises a cool blue hue to take you through the rest of the winter. (more…)
Are you meditative, selfless, creative, compassionate, and born between February 19 and March 20? Then you are a Pisces – and you’ll probably want jewelry that celebrates your lovely personality traits. (more…)
If you were born in 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, or 2003, you have a special reason to celebrate in 2015: you were born under the eighth Chinese Zodiac sign, the Sheep (also Ram or Goat). As a gem and jewelry aficionado, you’ll want pieces to add to your collection during this auspicious year. (more…)
Pay close attention the next time you see a First Lady wearing jewelry: she may be using it to send a message.
America’s First Ladies undoubtedly wear jewelry to look stylish, but sometimes they choose pieces to make a statement. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said something a First Lady might have uttered: “Jewelry had become part of my personal diplomatic arsenal…I do believe the right symbol [jewelry] at the correct time can add warmth or needed edge.” Jewelry revealed her diplomatic intentions, the context of the negotiations, and the ultimate goals. (more…)
You’re an actor or about to propose to one. What kind of engagement ring are you going to get your stunning bride-to-be?
That was the pleasant problem recently facing George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Kanye West, Ashton Kutcher, Justin Theroux, and Romain Dauriac, just to name a few. Their engagement ring choices garnered a lot of press, so lets take a closer look at what these men of means picked, and provide a bit of gemological commentary. (more…)
Dreamy and romantic, the month of February is dedicated to sharing your love. Show appreciation for the most important people in your life with a token of affection. This gift will serve as an everyday reminder of your feelings for that person. A pink gemstone is a beautiful choice to consider. As you search for the perfect Valentine’s jewelry gift, learn about different types of pink gems so that you will know which one is perfect for you. (more…)
Valentine’s Day is nearing, and it’s hard to resist that warm feeling associated with this holiday. When you envision the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, the first thing that comes to mind is a heart shape. So why not turn up the romance with jewelry that features heart-shaped gemstones? Like all matters of the heart, making a wise decision in your purchase requires care and thought. (more…)
GIA presents February’s famous birthstone: amethyst as featured in the Duchess of Windsor’s amethyst necklace by Cartier. While the Duke and Duchess of Windsor commissioned many jewels, this stunning amethyst piece has both a love story and historic resonance behind it. (more…)
Since we’ve blogged about Super Bowl rings, we thought it was time to find jewelry and objets d’art that appeal to all sports fans, with these fun pieces of jewelry for men.
So lace up. Do some stretches. And get ready to see jewelry as well as objets d’art perfect for your sport of passion. (more…)
The “Age of Aquarius” is upon us, and gemstone lovers born between January 20 and February 18 can surround themselves with beautiful pieces that capture the spirit of the sign.
Keeping in mind that our stargazing is all in the name of fun, we did some zodiac-inspired sleuthing. We found that Aquarians are thought to be witty, clever, altruistic, inventive, and original. (more…)
Humans have long dreamed of flight and flying creatures. Artistic representations of the mythical griffin, a lion with eagles’ wings, date back to before 3000 BCE. Sprites and pixies have fluttered across centuries and cultures. Dragons are found in the folk tales in Asian countries like China and Japan as well as in Europe. It’s no wonder that jewelry designers who, like all artists, find inspiration in what moves us most, are enthralled by the spirit of flight, and use it as a recurring motif in jewelry. (more…)