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…)
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
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…)
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…)
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…)
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…)
When we think of royalty, images of crowns, tiaras, and diadems instantly come to mind. Beautiful head ornaments intricately crafted in gold and encrusted with rare gemstones were once used as symbols of nobility, status, and the right to rule. They dazzled onlookers with their splendor, and even though royal families may have faded in political power, their relics continue to captivate. (more…)
Are you celebrating a November birthday? Then you’re in luck, because the topaz birthstone has a rich, storied history. Over the centuries, it has been thought to provide strength, break magic spells, dispel anger, and even to assure long life and intelligence.
There are three main types of opal: white, black and fire. Some precious opals emit spectral colors from every angle, each one quickly flashing and glowing as bright as the next. This phenomenon is called play-of-color and has enchanted people throughout the ages.
If you’ve never uttered the word “wardrobe” in the same sentence as “pearls,” now might be a good time to start.
Blue sapphire has been a symbol of nobility and faithfulness for centuries. Traditionally worn by clergy and royalty, sapphire continues to hold its place as one of the “Big Three” gemstones today (with emerald and ruby being the other two).
The August birthstone is sometimes referred to as the extreme gem due to the fact that peridot is found in volcanic rock and meteorites. The word peridot comes from the Arabic faridat which means gem.
Do you have an August birthday and call peridot your birthstone? Celebrate this month in style with a look at one of the world’s finest peridot gems, The Green Goddess. (more…)