Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Did you know that June has more than 1 Birthstone?

JUNE BIRTHSTONES

June counts three gems as birthstones, pearl, Alexandrite, and moonstone.

PEARL

Historically, pearls have been used as an adornment for centuries.  They were one of the favorite gem materials of the Roman Empire; later in Tudor England, the 1500s were known as the pearl age.  Pearls are unique as they are the only gems from living sea creatures and require no faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty. In the early 1900s, the first successful commercial culturing of round saltwater pearls began. Since the 1920s, cultured pearls have almost completely replaced natural pearls in the market.Pearl


ALEXANDRITE

A relatively modern gem, Alexandrite, was first discovered in Russia in 1831 during the reign of its namesake, Czar Alexander II, and is an extremely rare chrysoberyl with chameleon-like qualities.  Its color is a lovely green in both daylight and fluorescent light; it changes color to a purplish red in incandescent light.  Due to its rarity, some jewelers stock synthetic versions of this enchanting gemstone.  (Synthetic gemstones are man-made alternatives to the natural material, possessing the same physical, optical, and chemical properties as the natural gemstone.)
AlexandriteAlexandrite

MOONSTONE

The third birthstone for June is the Moonstone.  It was given its name by the Roman natural historian Pliny, who wrote that moonstone's appearance altered with the phases of the moon — a belief that held until well after the sixteenth century.  A phenomenal gemstone, moonstones show a floating play of light (called adularescence) and sometimes show either a multirayed star or a cat's eye. Considered a sacred stone in India, moonstones often are displayed on a background of yellow (a sacred color) and are believed to encapsulate within the stone a spirit whose purpose is to bring good fortune.  Part of the family of minerals called feldspar, moonstone occurs in many igneous and metamorphic rocks and comes in a variety of colors such as green, blue, peach, and champagne. The most prized moonstones are from Sri Lanka; India, Australia, the United States, Mayanmar, and Madagascar are also sources.
Source: American Gem Society

Thursday, May 16, 2013


MAY BIRTHSTONE

EMERALD

As the birthstone for May, the emerald, a symbol of rebirth, is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. Emerald, derived from the word smaragdus, meaning green in Greek, was mined in Egypt as early as 330 B.C. Today, most of the world’s emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia. The availability of high-quality emerald is limited; consequently, treatments to improve clarity are performed regularly.
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

THE HEALING POWER OF GEMSTONES


According to folklore and stories throughout history, many gemstones are thought to offer mystic healing to its wearer.  So whether shopping for a gift of fine jewelry, or considering a gift for yourself along the way, consider the healing properties of these fine gemstones. Birthday gemstones may not bake your cookies and wrap your gifts for you, but they will make you feel better while doing so.
Gemstone healing powers
Amber GemstoneAmber - Thought to aid memory loss, purify the body, alleviate headaches, and bone and heart problems, Amber is known for its stress relieving and calming properties.
Amethyst GemstoneAmethyst - Aids in the reduction of insomnia, arthritis, pain relief, and circulatory issues. Amethyst is considered the gemstone of meditation, peace, balance, courage, and inner strength.
Aquamarine GemstoneAquamarine - Aids the liver, throat, stomach, jaw, teeth, eyes, and ears. Aquamarine is also known for releasing fear, calming nerves, and bringing mental clarity.
Citrine GemstoneCitrine - Considered the gemstone to provide greater or increased hearing, Citrine also promotes success, abundance, and clear thinking.
Garnet GemstoneGarnet - Aids blood, heart, and lungs and is known to promote romantic love, passion, sensuality, and intimacy.
Lapis GemstoneLapis - Thought to aid in the alleviation of insomnia and depression, Lapis is also known for creating openness, truthfulness, and creativity.
Onyx GemstoneOnyx - Associated with the root chakra, Onyx brings spiritual inspiration, and control over emotions.
Pearl GemstonePearl - Known for its calming properties, the Pearl is said to aid purity, charity, integrity, truth, and loyalty in its wearer.
Peridot GemstonePeridot - Healing stress in relationships, lessening anger and jealousy, and slowing aging, the Peridot promotes abundance and prosperity.
Ruby GemstoneRuby - Aiding the emotions is the Ruby's calling card. Also known to increase integrity, devotion, and happiness.
Sapphire GemstoneSapphire - The gemstone of creative expression and inner peace and meditation, the Sapphire also aids in personal expression and the alleviation of pain.
Topaz GemstoneTopaz - One of the most powerful gemstones, Topaz facilitates the balance of emotions and provides protection from greed.
Turquoise GemstoneTurquoise - A gemstone steeped in lore and tradition, Turquoise is a healing and balancing stone.

source: American Gem Society

Jewelry Education: Taking Care of your White Gold Jewelry

White gold is quickly becoming the most popular style of gold. Often, white gold is purchased in 14 carat jewelry because it looks more similar to platinum. White gold basically has the same attributes as yellow gold, except it is mixed with different metals - nickel, zinc, silver and palladium - that give it a white color.

Often, white gold is plated with rhodium. Rhodium is a shiny, white metal that is a member of the platinum family, and is used to give white gold an even whiter appearance. White gold is a great choice to compliment very white diamonds, as it strongly enhances their brilliance and sparkle.

Caring for White Gold
Even though gold is resilient, there are still measures you can take to keep you jewelry looking good as new. First, be sure to store your gold jewelry in a soft cloth bag or a fabric-lined jewelry box. Second, be sure to keep your gold jewelry away from corrosive chemicals. Third, clean your gold with mild soap and warm water only. Make sure to use a non-metallic, soft brush (like a toothbrush.) Forth, make sure to dry your gold with a lint-free towel (no paper towels.)





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