If you were born in 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, or 2003, you have a special reason to celebrate in 2015: you were born under the eighth Chinese Zodiac sign, the Sheep (also Ram or Goat). As a gem and jewelry aficionado, you’ll want pieces to add to your collection during this auspicious year. (more…)
Pay close attention the next time you see a First Lady wearing jewelry: she may be using it to send a message.
America’s First Ladies undoubtedly wear jewelry to look stylish, but sometimes they choose pieces to make a statement. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said something a First Lady might have uttered: “Jewelry had become part of my personal diplomatic arsenal…I do believe the right symbol [jewelry] at the correct time can add warmth or needed edge.” Jewelry revealed her diplomatic intentions, the context of the negotiations, and the ultimate goals. (more…)
Valentine’s Day is nearing, and it’s hard to resist that warm feeling associated with this holiday. When you envision the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, the first thing that comes to mind is a heart shape. So why not turn up the romance with jewelry that features heart-shaped gemstones? Like all matters of the heart, making a wise decision in your purchase requires care and thought. (more…)
The “Age of Aquarius” is upon us, and gemstone lovers born between January 20 and February 18 can surround themselves with beautiful pieces that capture the spirit of the sign.
Keeping in mind that our stargazing is all in the name of fun, we did some zodiac-inspired sleuthing. We found that Aquarians are thought to be witty, clever, altruistic, inventive, and original. (more…)
Humans have long dreamed of flight and flying creatures. Artistic representations of the mythical griffin, a lion with eagles’ wings, date back to before 3000 BCE. Sprites and pixies have fluttered across centuries and cultures. Dragons are found in the folk tales in Asian countries like China and Japan as well as in Europe. It’s no wonder that jewelry designers who, like all artists, find inspiration in what moves us most, are enthralled by the spirit of flight, and use it as a recurring motif in jewelry. (more…)
The technique of enameling, or fusing glass in some form onto a metal substrate, is something we encounter every day – found in sinks, stoves, cookware, building cladding, and many other applications. When used on jewelry, enameling becomes a work of craftsmanship that transforms an object of adornment into something beautiful.
Happy 2015! What better way to ring in the New Year than by celebrating the allure of zodiac-inspired jewelry? Throughout the year, we’ll be taking a closer look at zodiac-inspired jewelry – pieces that spark our imagination because they remind us of the qualities or symbol associated with a specific zodiac sign. We hope you’ll enjoy our zodiac series, and please don’t be shy about sharing our posts with friends and family! (more…)
Fantasy cut gemstones exhibit so many unique optical characteristics that they often appear to live up to ancient lore – that gems are imbued with magical properties.
So called fantasy cut gemstones often owe their spectacular beauty to unique faceting artistry that is achieved through cutting non-traditional design elements. These techniques cause light to reflect and refract differently, surging into view as stunning displays of light and color along the gems’ surface and interior. (more…)
Consider the changing beauty of the humble leaf: it is a tender shoot in spring…a lush green canopy in summer…a blaze of reds, yellows, and purples in autumn. Jewelry designers have been captivated by them for centuries, turning Mother Nature’s displays into bejeweled creations. (more…)
Buying a piece of jewelry is always exciting. But it can be stressful, if you don’t know what to look for. Before you begin shopping, start by reading these 10 tips to help you when you are buying jewelry. We want you to come home relaxed and happy, with a precious keepsake you’ll be proud to wear for a long time. (more…)
We’ve been wearing coral jewelry for at least 30,000 years – an impressive testament to its timeless appeal.
Coral comes in an array of colors: white, cream, various shades of red and orange, blue, a light grayish violet called “lavender” in the trade, and a light, vivid pink color sometimes referred to as “angel’s skin”. There is also black and golden coral. Red coral (sometimes called “ox blood” in the trade) has historically been the most expensive. Gem-quality coral has uniform color. (more…)
In honor of the Dragon Boat Festival, why not consider wearing dragon-themed jewelry? A striking choice to complement your outfit, it could add a splash of color to your attire as you stroll the river banks and enjoy your traditional sticky rice dumplings and wine. (more…)