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.
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…)
Follow the yellow brick road to the 1939 film classic, The Wizard of Oz. Movie memorabilia like the sparkling “ruby” slippers worn by the film’s heroine Dorothy, have captured hearts for decades. The iconic red shoes, magical heel click, and the renowned words, “There’s no place like home” spark a memory in virtually everyone who’s seen the movie. The slippers in the film were made from iridescent red sequins. Lucky for gem lovers, the ruby slippers became a reality in 1989 when Harry Winston created this beautiful pair featuring the July birthstone, ruby. (more…)
Many of us share a timeless attraction to pearls— it’s a deep admiration that extends across cultures and continents. Maybe it’s because pearls are associated with water, a fundamental element of life. Or maybe it’s because this June birthstone comes from a living thing. Natural pearls are highly sought after due to their rarity. For those who prefer cultured pearls, you’re in luck: cultured freshwater and saltwater pearls are widely available, and in so many colors and shapes that there are pearls to suit a variety of tastes. (more…)
Emerald, widely regarded as the definition of green for hundreds of years, is the perfect color for spring. From the poetic description of Ireland as “the Emerald Isle” to the vibrant green of the famed gemstone itself—the May birthstone emerald has captured hearts and minds through the ages. (more…)
What makes a diamond famous? It may be its rarity or even its size. But more often than not, a diamond’s fame comes from its association with a person of historical influence. Learn about the world’s most famed diamonds, including those owned by the luminary Elizabeth Taylor, the British Royal Family, and the renowned Napoleon Bonaparte. With jewels such as these, April babies are honored to have the most beloved and sought after birthstone: the diamond. (more…)
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…)
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…)
Stunning, striking, and simply gorgeous, birthstone jewelry is a great holiday gift. Show your affection with a gift that merges individuality with style. A birthstone celebrates her personal story and represents a bit of who she is, so you may want to start the process by asking yourself what style suits her. Is she traditional or contemporary, classic or colorful? Does she prefer her metal silver spun or in a golden twist? Once you’ve got her design preferences down, don’t forget the qualities that make a birthstone valuable. (more…)
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