Ruby, July’s birthstone, has been esteemed since ancient times, even mentioned in the Bible as one of the gems used to represent one of the 12 tribes of Israel. (more…)
Ruby, July’s birthstone, has been esteemed since ancient times, even mentioned in the Bible as one of the gems used to represent one of the 12 tribes of Israel. (more…)
Most gems form within the Earth, but June’s birthstone, pearl, is unique because it is formed in the soft tissue of a living mollusk. Natural pearls are rare; most are cultured by implanting a bead into the mollusk and letting the mollusk coat the bead with nacre for up to two years before the pearl is harvested. (more…)
Emeralds, the birthstone for May, have been beloved throughout human history, evoking rebirth, renewal and spring. The word “emerald” comes from the Greek word “smaragdos,” which means “green stone.” Variations of this rich green color suggest soothing, lush gardens. (more…)
Diamonds, from the Greek “adamas” meaning invincible, are the hardest of all gemstones. April’s birthstone is formed deep within the Earth and reached the surface through violent volcanic eruptions. (more…)
Aquamarine, the March birthstone, evokes the colors of the sea. From deep green-blue hues to light, slightly greenish-blue, they are often free from inclusions and as clear as water, symbolizing purity of spirit and soul. (more…)
Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz that has captivated mankind for centuries. Its lilac to deep purple hues can be cut into many shapes and sizes, and can also be manufactured in a lab rather than mined. (more…)
Garnet, January’s birthstone, is one of the most diverse gemstones. It comes in an extraordinary range of color, although it’s most commonly known for its rich shade of red. In fact, the name garnet is thought to be derived from the word pomegranate, because the more commonly found deep red varieties of the gemstone resemble pomegranate seeds. (more…)
Everyone has a birthstone. Do you know what yours is?
GIA is showcasing birthstones in a big way at the Carlsbad campus with a special exhibit running through spring 2013. The GIA Museum team strives to provide incredible shows that will appeal to everyone. It is fascinating to not only learn about your own birthstone, but your friends’ and family members’ too! (more…)
For most people, when they think of January’s birthstone, they think of a deep red gemstone. But did you know that garnet can also be found in shades of yellow, orange, and even green? (more…)
The color blue has inspired poets, songwriters and mankind for centuries. This season, it’s also inspiring plenty of fashion statements, as seen in Vogue, Elle and Los Angeles Times to name a few. It’s no surprise then that blue gemstones are some of the most coveted in the colored gemstone spectrum. (more…)
When choosing an engagement ring, there is more to consider beyond gemstone types. We covered popular center stone settings, and now we’ll share with you a few side stone setting styles. There are many options designed to enhance the gemstone’s beauty while reflecting the personality and lifestyle of its wearer. (more…)
You can buy coffee by the pound. You can even buy deli meat by the pound. Even if you’ve never bought a diamond, the correlation between weight and price is a concept that we can all understand. Therefore, the general perception is that a larger diamond is more valuable than a smaller one. (more…)
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