The luminous pearl is June’s coveted birthstone. This enchanting treasure originating from the sea is a timeless wardrobe staple, beloved by fashion icons including Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel. In this four-part series, we’ll be (1) sharing the source and history of pearls, (2) exploring different pearl varieties, (3) assessing factors behind pearl value, and (4) learning about how to care for your pearls. (more…)
This stunning green gem gets its name, from the ancient Greek word “smaragdos,” meaning “green stone,” and helps to celebrate those born in May as well as 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries. Its lush green hue has soothed souls and excited imaginations since ancient times, and in 2013 emerald green is the designated “Color of the Year”. (more…)
Vintage jewelry is experiencing a revival in popularity, perhaps inspired by a surge of period movies and shows like the PBS hit Downton Abbey. Art Nouveau in particular influences many contemporary jewelry designs today. The Art Nouveau design period lasted between 1890 and 1914, and was in many ways a response to the Industrial Revolution. (more…)
When the 57th President of the U.S. was sworn in on January 21st, many looked to First Lady Michelle Obama to set the stage for American fashion trends in 2013. The First Lady did not disappoint when she appeared at the inaugural ball in geode shaped diamond earrings and bangles by American designer Kimberly MacDonald. (more…)
As passions ignite this month, a jewelry gift featuring a red gemstone is a token of love that can be enjoyed every day. While seen mostly in fashion jewelry, red gemstones are showing up as an option for the primary stone in engagement rings. Celebrities like Jessica Simpson, who sports a 5-carat ruby engagement ring, have been influential in bringing gemstones to the forefront of bridal trends. In addition to rubies, garnets and red diamonds, which we discussed yesterday, the following gemstones are more options for those looking to celebrate this Valentine’s Day with a gift of a spectacular red gem. (more…)
Tanzanite, December’s birthstone, is found in the shadows of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the only commercial source for the gemstone. (more…)
Turquoise, the December birthstone, has a distinct blue or greenish-blue color because it contains copper, and is most commonly found in China and the U.S. southwestern states Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada. (more…)
Topaz, November’s birthstone, is a mineral species that naturally occurs in a range of color, including various reds, pinks, purples, yellows, oranges, browns, and more rarely, pale blue. Topaz in yellow and reddish brown are commonly heated to create more desirable pink gems. (more…)
November’s birthstone, citrine, comes in the colors of citrus fruits, ranging from deep reddish orange, reminiscent of Madeira wines, to pale and saturated yellow hues. In fact, its name is derived from the French word “citron,” which means “lemon.” Citrine’s optimistic colors bring to mind the warmth of mid-day sunshine. (more…)
Tourmaline, the October birthstone, comes in almost every color of the rainbow. The most popular varieties range from rich reds, pinks and peach colors, to emerald greens and yellows, to blues and violets. (more…)
Opal, October’s birthstone, is a captivating gemstone because of its unique optical characteristics. Opals often exhibit a spectrum of colors called “play-of-color,” when viewed from various directions. The Roman naturalist, Pliny the Elder, referred to opal’s play-of-color in the 1st century AD when he wrote: “For in them you shall see the living fire of ruby, the glorious purple of the amethyst, the sea-green of the emerald, all glittering together in an incredible mixture of light.” (more…)
September’s birthstone, the sapphire, is known for its various shades of blue, however, these gemstones come in every color of the rainbow. A red sapphire is actually a ruby, the September gem’s sibling. Both of these gems are made from the durable mineral corundum. The rare pink orange variety known as padparadscha is especially prized, named after the color of a lotus flower. (more…)
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