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GIA 4Cs Diamond Blog

GIA 4Cs Diamond Blog

November Birthstone: Where Do Topaz and Citrine Come From?

Born in November? Lucky you! Your November birthstone is not one, but two beautiful gems: One offers a rainbow of colors; the other is famed for its rich yellows. Make choosing easier by learning more about them, including where they come from.
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October Birthstone: Where Does Opal Come From?

Opal’s kaleidoscopic hues have delighted us for centuries. Loved for its spellbinding play-of-color, this October birthstone seems to be a bit magical and mysterious. Get ready to find out where it comes from – and how it forms. (more…)

The Many Colors of Sapphire

Sapphire is famous for its rich blues, but it also comes in a rainbow of colors: violet, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, grey, black, brown, and delightful combinations called “parti-colored”. (more…)

September Birthstone: Where Do Sapphires Come From?

Sapphire is a popular gemstone – and comes in a rainbow of colors. It’s also been long prized, from Ancient Greek rulers to the clergy of the Middle Ages. But where does the September birthstone come from? (more…)

August Birthstone: Where Does Peridot Come From?

Peridot, the August birthstone, has an amazing story. Some journeyed to earth on meteorites. Some are found in exotic locales like Peridot Beach, Hawaii, where the sands shimmer a luminous green. And that’s just the beginning of our tale… (more…)

July Birthstone: Where Do Rubies Come From?

The world loves rubies! These beautiful gems can command the highest per-carat price of any colored stone and they routinely break auction records. So, let’s find out where the July birthstone comes from! (more…)

June Birthstone: Where Do Pearls Come From?

Warm waters… clear skies… dramatic scenery – it sounds like a dream beach vacation, don’t you think? It’s also an accurate description of where you’ll find pearls. While you’ll likely need to go to remote destinations to find the June birthstone, our ancestors believed otherwise. (more…)

May Birthstone: Where Do Emeralds Come From?

Emerald is the perfect May birthstone. Its rich color evokes the springtime green we see all around us. Yet emeralds are far from abundant: they are found in only where geological conditions are just right to produce this coveted green gem. Read on to learn more about this beautiful gem. (more…)

April Birthstone: Diamond Jewelry Gift Ideas for an Aries

April Birthstone: Diamond Jewelry Gift Ideas for an Aries

Diamond is the April birthstone, and we have some stunning gift ideas for a loved one born in this month. We’ve spiced up our selections by turning to the zodiac sign for additional inspiration. So take a look at what we/ve picked – our April birthstone pieces are sure to please. (more…)

April Birthstone: Where Do Diamonds Come From?

The timeless charm of diamond was cherished long before it became the April birthstone. And the places where diamond comes from are as fascinating as the lore that surrounds the gem. So let’s travel the globe to visit some famous diamond localities, past and present, in search of this April birthstone. (more…)

March Birthstone: Where Does Aquamarine Come From?

Aquamarine, the March birthstone, is said to bring happiness to a marriage, calm waves, and keep sailors safe at sea: not surprising for a gem named after seawater. Aquamarine’s tranquil blues conjure peaceful waters and smooth sailing – unlike the often dry and desolate places where it is mined. (more…)

February Birthstone: Where Does Amethyst Come From?

If you were born in February, your birthstone is amethyst – a purple gemstone that has starring roles in the jewelry and regalia of kings and queens. The February birthstone is found in the personal collections of Great Britain’s and Russia’s royal families. Britain’s Duchess of Windsor (1896-1986) commissioned a now famous amethyst necklace. Empress Catherine II (1729-1796) of Russia, also known as Catherine the Great, was particularly fond of amethyst and used the gem in buttons, earrings, necklaces and aigrettes (hair ornaments that usually held feathers, or were in the shape of a feather, and were often set with gems). Ancient cultures also loved amethyst and it has been found in 4,400-year-old jewelry. (more…)