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Connections Blog Posts

A Jewelry Store’s Guide to Birthstones

September 30, 2020

Birthstones hold a special place in the hearts of many. What are birthstones? They are unique gems that represent a month of the year. Some months even have two or three gems representing them. Each birthstone has its own unique traits, characteristics, and significance. 

January: Garnet

Garnet : January’s birthstone

Garnet is the perfect gem to start the year off. Why? It comes in a rainbow of colors! What makes this stone so colorful are the multiple minerals that make it up. The makeup of a garnet includes a series of minerals with similar chemical properties but different compositions. The stones are typically desirable when they are red but can also be green, yellow, orange, brown, pink, purple, grey, and black.


The word Garnet comes from the Latin phrase garanatus, meaning seedlike. This reference is to the bright red color, which looks just like the seeds of a pomegranate. Garnet is a symbol of friendship and trust.

February: Amethyst

Amethyst : February’s birthstone

February’s birthstone is Amethyst. It’s a beautiful gem well-known for its color and healing properties. It’s highly valuable as a dark purple gem. You can also find them in other purple shades such as red, violet, and light.


The name Amethyst comes from the Ancient Greek word methustos, meaning intoxicated. The belief is that it protects people from drunkenness and overindulgence. This gem has a reputation for being an excellent healing stone. Amethyst holds high esteem for having the ability to heal someone’s physical body, mind, and emotions.

March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone

Aquamarine : One of March’s birthstones

Two birthstones represent the month of March.

The first is aquamarine. Aquamarine is a blue-green gem that can be lighter or darker in color. The lighter gems are more common while the darker and purer blue gems are more valuable and prized.

The name aquamarine comes from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea. Ancient mariners spoke highly of the gem. They said that aquamarine gemstones could calm the waves of the sea and keep sailors safe. This stone is also a symbol of happiness for those in love.

Bloodstone : One of March’s birthstones

March’s second birthstone is quite the opposite of aquamarine, the bloodstone. It doesn’t have the same brightness and color of aquamarine. Instead, it has a much more unique color and pattern. This gemstone is a deep green or almost black stone with red, brown, or orange spots. Another name for the bloodstone is “heliotrope”.

The word heliotrope comes from the Greek word helios, meaning sun,  and trepein, meaning to attract. Ancient stories recount that bloodstones turn the sun red when placed in water. They are also thought to aid in healing one’s blood and organs as well as increase strength.

April: Diamond

Diamond : April’s birthstone

Perhaps the most famous birthstone and gem is the diamond. Diamonds come in various colors. These colors include white, blue, black, brown, yellow, orange, red, green, purple, and pink. The colors are due to impurities and defects that can make the diamond more or less valuable. The most valuable diamond has no hue or color due to it being structurally and chemically perfect. 

The name diamond comes from the Greek word adamas, meaning invincible. Throughout history, the diamond has come to represent different things to different civilizations. However, it has almost always symbolized eternal love.

May: Emerald

Emerald : May’s birthstone

May’s birthstone is the emerald. The emerald is popular for its brilliant green color and feature in The Wizard of Oz.  They are classically green and can range from yellow-green to blue-green. 

The name emerald comes from the Greek word smaragdus, meaning green. It’s among the favored gemstones for royalty in the present day and ancient times. Emeralds symbolize eternal life. Ancient Egyptian royalty used to be buried with emeralds in the hope of bringing themselves back to life. 

June: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone

Pearl: One of June’s birthstones

June is one of three months that is represented by three birthstones. 

The first birthstone is the pearl. Pearls come in almost every color. They can even be multi-colored because of their unique makeup and formation process. It’s the only gemstone that is made by living creatures! They are made by mollusks. Factors that can contribute to the color of a pearl include the type of mollusk, the number of nacre layers, and the thickness of those nacre layers. Nacre is a material that is produced by the mollusk on their inner shell. It causes the pearl to be iridescent. 

Where and why the name pearl came to be is a bit difficult to trace but it is generally believed to come from the Old French word perle. Perle is then derived from the Latin word perna, meaning leg. The reasoning behind this translation is unknown. The symbolism of pearls is complex. However, it is widely believed by many cultures to symbolize wisdom through experience.

Alexandrite: One of June’s birthstones

The second birthstone is Alexandrite. Alexandrite is made of a rare mineral variety called chrysoberyl. This unique mineral absorbs light in a complex way which causes a chameleon-like color change in the stone. It changes from shades of green in the daylight to shades of red under incandescent light. The stone is actually described as an “emerald by day, ruby by night.” It also can show different colors when viewed from different directions. 

Alexandrite was discovered in Russia in the 1800s. It quickly became a symbol of good fortune in the country for a couple reasons. Stories say the stone was discovered the same day the Russian Czar Alexander II came of age. Alexandrite was named after him. The stone also happens to contain Russia’s national colors of red and green.

Moonstone (Hecatolite): One of June’s birthstones

Moonstone is June’s third birthstone. It is also called hecatolite. The stone can be a variety of colors and range in clarity. It could be grey, pink, yellow, green, brown, or colorless and range from transparent to translucent. A highly valued moonstone is transparent with a blue shimmer.

Many people believed it was formed from moonbeams when it was discovered. A Roman historian named Pliny thought its color changed with the phases of the moon. He then coined the name moonstone. Moonstones have held a special place in the heart of many societies since its discovery. Some believe it contains healing powers in connection to water, some believed it embodies feminine energy, and others believed it brings good fortune.

July: Ruby

Ruby : July’s birthstone

Rubies are an interesting gemstone in that without its distinctive red color, it would be called a sapphire. It can range from light pink to a dark red. The United States requires a ruby meet certain requirements before being labeled as such. If the stone is too light, it is considered a pink sapphire. Tone, saturation, and hue are taken into account. There is no set rule for when a stone crosses from being a ruby to a pink sapphire and vice versa. It basically comes down to where the stone was mined and the certification company.

The name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, which means red. Many use the stone as a symbol for love and protection. Rubies have strong roots in history and stories because of their symbolism. Warriors of the past placed rubies over their hearts before they went into battle. Dorthy wore ruby slippers in “The Wizard of Oz” to protect her from the Wicked Witch of the West.

August: Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel

Peridot : One of August’s birthstones

August is the second of three months that has three birthstones. 

The first stone is Peridot. This stone is known for its olive green color but can range from pure to yellowish green. While they aren’t as popular as emeralds, peridots are loved for their similar color and affordability.

The name peridot comes from the French word peritot, meaning unclear. This is in reference to the, oftentimes, cloudiness of the stone.  Ancient Egyptians called this stone the “gem of the sun” and believed it would protect anyone who wore it from terrors at night. It is also believed to symbolize the power of nature.

Sardonyx : One of August’s birthstones

The second birthstone is saradonyx. Saradonyx is made of a mineral that contains layers of small fibers. This makes the stone’s appearance shades of red with whitish bands. They can also be found in colors such as brown, yellow, gray, purple, black, pink, and green.

This name saradonyx comes from the Greek word sard, meaning reddish brown, and onyx, meaning claw or fingernail. This is in reference to the veined appearance of the stone. Sardonyx often symbolizes protection. Historically, it’s popular for being affordable for anyone who wasn’t royal. Soldiers would wear the stone when they went into battle. People also used it for protection from others’ evils and to help with pain.

Spinel :One of August’s birthstones

The third birthstone is Spinel. Spinels come in a variety of colors but are most valued when they are pure red and blue. Other colors include pink, orange, purple, grey, green, and colorless. This stone is often confused with the deep red ruby. Gem traders several hundred years ago didn’t even know there was a difference between them. However, Spinels and Rubies ultimately have different chemical and crystal structures  making spinels a more affordable gemstone option. 

The name spinel is thought to come from the Latin word spina, meaning spine or thorn. This is because the stone is often found in the form of sharp crystals. It is also thought to come from the Greek word spinther which means sparkling. Spinel symbolizes hope and revitalization.

September: Sapphire

Sapphire : September’s birthstone

Sapphire is classically known as a brillant blue stone. What’s interesting about sapphires is that they can be any color except for red. Why? Red sapphires are considered rubies. Rubies and sapphires are both made of the same mineral corundum but are different because the red color in rubies comes from an impurity that other sapphires do not have. Sapphires are most valuable for their blue color. Any sapphire that is not blue (or red) is called a fancy sapphire. Other colors can include violet, purple, orange, yellow, white, green, and pink. 

The name sapphire comes from the Latin word saphirus and the Greek word sappheiros meaning blue. It is known as the stone of wisdom. The bright blue color has led many cultures to associate sapphires with heaven, spirituality, and the enlightenment that comes from it. That enlightenment has made the stone popular among royalty.

October: Opal and Tourmaline

Opal : One of October’s birthstones

October has two birthstones.

Opal is the first birthstone of October. It’s unique for looking like a small, iridescent rainbow. This stone is attached to many ancient cultures because of its appearance. Ancient Indians believed that opals were the Goddess of the Rainbow turned to stone. Arabic legends say opals fell from the sky in bolts of lightning. The chemical structure and properties of the stone affect the way it takes in light. That’s the reason for its sparkling, multi-colored appearance.

The name opal comes from the Greek word opallios, meaning to see a change of color. Fittingly, opals are known to symbolize vision. They are historically used to treat eye injuries and disease. Some thought that the stone could render one invisible and became a favorite among thieves of the past. 

Tourmaline : One of October’s birthstones

Tourmaline is the second birthstone in October. A group of minerals with different chemical properties and structures make up this stone. That is why tourmaline can come in any color! It can even be multi-colored. The most expensive and valued among the colors are pure red, blue, and green. 

The name tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli (or “tura mali”) which means stone of mixed colors. Besides its status as the most colorful birthstone, tourmaline is also unique in that the minerals that make it are three-sided prisms. No other gemstone has this. This leads to some considering the stone to create strong energy pathways that lead to protection, purification, and clarity.

November: Topaz and Citrine

Topaz : November’s birthstone

November has two birthstones.

The first birthstone is Topaz. It’s iconic for being a golden yellow gem. For thousands of years, people thought all yellow gemstones were topaz before it was discovered they can come in various colors. Other colors include orange, pink, blue, black, green, purple, red, brown, and colorless.

Where the name topaz comes from is a bit up in the air. It may come from the Greek word topazos, which is based on an island in the Red Sea named Topazios. It could also come from the Sanskrit word “tapaz,” meaning fire. Due to its golden color, many believe the gem attracts wealth and money. Others believe the golden color represents the sun and attracts good fortune and positive energy to those who wear it.

Citrine : November’s birthstone

The second birthstone in November is Citrine. Like Topaz, this stone also comes in a beautiful yellow color. It can also be orange or brown. While they look similar, citrine and topaz stones are very different gem species with different traits. The mineral quartz makes up citrine. Quartz is more common than genuine topaz. This makes it more accessible and affordable. Topaz is also a harder stone than citrine which makes it more durable for jewelry.

The name for Citrine comes from the Latin word citrus and the French word citron both meaning lemon. Similar to topaz, many believe citrine to represent the sun because of its yellow color. Having the stone leads to vitality and warm feelings that ultimately boost your spirits.

December: Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise

What makes December unique is that it not only has three birthstones but they are all blue as well!

Tanzanite : One of December’s birthstones

The first stone is Tanzanite. The mineral zoisite makes up Tanzanite. This mineral can come colorless, pink, green, yellow, red, brown, blue, and violet. However, the name “tanzanite” refers to the stone for its popular and valued blue tone. 

While it’s not clear who first found tanzanite, that person discovered it in Tanzania, an eastern African country, in the 1960s. It was initially mistaken for blue sapphire and was later discovered to be blue zoisite. Eventually, it caught the attention of Tiffany & Co. The company realized the potential of the bluestone and renamed it tanzanite after its country of origin. Because the stone relatively new, there are not many legends or symbols attached to it. 

Zircon : One of December’s birthstones

The second stone is zircon. Zircon is an affordable diamond simulant as colorless zircon looks and acts similar to colorless diamonds. However, zircon comes in many other colors as well. Earth tones such as brown-red are some of the most common colors. Other colors include orange, yellow, green, pink, purple, grey, and blue. Blue zircon specifically is the birthstone for December. 

Most people believe the name for Zircon comes from the Persian word zargun which means gold-colored. This is one of the most ancient gemstones with zircon from Australia dating back 4.4 billion years! Ancients believed that this gem would help wearers sleep well and ward off evil spirits that would lead to nightmares. It would also bring the wearer prosperity, honor, and wisdom.

Turquoise : One of December’s birthstones

The third stone is turquoise. This gemstone is famous for its light blue color. In fact, the gemstone is so famous for its color that it shares a name with anything that has a similar striking shade of blue. Besides light blue, turquoise can also come in other shades of green-blue with some stones having black or brown veins. 

The name Turquoise originates from traders who passed through Turkey to bring the gemstone to France (and other European countries). The French referred to the stone as pierre tourques which means Turkish stone. The vibrant color of turquoise has an impact on different cultures across time. Native Americans saw the stone as representing water, the earth, and life. Persians believed the stone to represent heaven. In general though, many people feel turquoise connects the wearer with the earth and other natural life.



5 Things to Have in Your Jewelry Box

July 15, 2018 Leave a Comment

 

 

 

 

 

A little black dress is a fashion staple, can be pulled out and warn for many different occasions. There are jewelry staples as well. Pieces that are timeless, versatile and key to have in your jewelry box.

    • Stud Earrings

For anyone with pierced ears, stud earrings are a daily must have. Simple styles such as diamonds, birthstones, mixed metals, and more. Gabriel & Co. has a variety of stud earrings from the traditional diamond stud to more modern shapes and styles. There are many options in terms of price range. Gifting a pair of stud earrings is perfect as there are many choices and they will get a lot of wear.

    • Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings can elevate even the simplest jeans and tee look. Hoop earrings can be worn on a daily basis as well, but the size of the hoop can be a preference. Trying them on is key to ensure you are comfortable with the size. Gabriel & Co. is the only fine jewelry brand that offers a screwback hoop earring. This is great for ensuring your earrings won’t fall off!

    • Statement ring

Statement rings, midis, and stackable rings are fun and playful. The statement ring is a final touch to your outfit. They don’t have to be gigantic, the rings here at Gabriel & Co. have unique styles, geometry, patterns, and details. Wearing multiple on one finger is also a one-of-a-kind way for you to express your style.

    • Diamond Bracelet

The diamond bracelet is a timeless classic. There are many different style options now, moving on past the term, “tennis bracelet.” Demure bracelets are a fashionable choice, with options to wear a single bracelet or to layer them for a twist.

    • Everyday Necklace

An essential piece that you wear “everyday” is definitely a must! This is your signature. One you rarely take it off, and may not even remember you are wearing! It can be a simple pendant, cross, birthstone on a chain, initial necklace, the options are many.

These pieces are just a few that we consider “musts” for your jewelry box. Which type of jewelry is your “must-have?”

SourceGabrielNY

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

April 5, 2017 Leave a Comment

Mother’s Day is next month and it’s a great time to decide what you will be gifting to your Mom (or to your wife from your kids!). Celebrating Mom shouldn’t be just one day a year, but it is great to have a day dedicated to showing her how much she means to you. Surprising Mom with a special gift of jewelry is something every Mom would love. Even if you don’t have a big budget, there are many beautiful options from Gabriel & Co. Don’t forget the flowers and breakfast in bed!!


  • Necklace with a colored stone. Gift Mom a beautiful necklace that she can wear every day or on a special occasion. Choose her favorite color or a child’s birthstone.
  • Trendy but Timeless. Any of the pieces from the Gaby collection would be great for a trendsetter. Does your Mom like fashion? Check out these edgy pieces.
  • Monogram It. Mom would love a bracelet or necklace with her kids initials or names on it. This one is simple and sweet with an initial in diamonds.

Are you gifting Mom jewelry this year? If you still need a gift, come on in to the shop and we can help you pick something out that is perfect for your mom’s unique style and personality.

Green With Envy: Facts About Emeralds

March 7, 2017 Leave a Comment

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up soon and it will be full of all things green! Emeralds are the perfect gemstone to wear on St. Patrick’s Day. Here are some fun facts about Emeralds!

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Photo: Gabriel & Co.

  • The emerald is a part of “the precious four” gemstones (diamond, ruby, sapphire).
  • The green color is linked to spring and rebirth.
  • It is the birthstone for May.
  • It is a relatively hard gemstone but many have inclusions which makes it difficult to set.
  • Emeralds without inclusions are rare and therefore often worth more than diamonds.
  • The first known emeralds were mined in Egypt around 3500BC
  • Over 4,000 years ago, most of the ancient emerald jewelry came from the Cleopatra mines in Egypt.
  • Today, Colombia yields the largest amount of emeralds, contributing to more than 50% of all emerald production worldwide.
  • Emerald is made of beryl just like aquamarine but gets its green coloring from very small amounts of chromium and/or vanadium.
  • Emerald was once believed to cure diseases like cholera and malaria.
  • Wearing and emerald was thought to reveal truth or falseness and make one an eloquent speaker.
  • The color green is thought to relieve stress and eye strain.
  • Cleopatra was known for her passion for emeralds.
  • Emerald is commonly cut in a rectangular step cut called emerald cuts due to the crystal shape.
  • Emeralds have lower density than diamonds so a one-carat emerald will look larger in size than a one-carat diamond.

 

Sources:

GIA

Twenty Fun Emerald Facts

 

For Your Sweetheart on Valentine’s Day

February 6, 2017 Leave a Comment

The clock is ticking to surprise the one you love this Valentine’s Day! Jewelry gifts are a timeless and traditional choice for many on this holiday celebrating all things romantic. There are many options for Valentine’s Day jewelry gifts from trendy to traditional depending on your loved one’s tastes. Here are a few of our favorite gifts from Gabriel & Co.

  1. Stacked Rings

    For the fashionista, trendy stacked rings and bracelets are a great choice. Not only are they beautiful, there are so many options to make it personal. Or get her one ring and then continue to add on more for special occasions.

  2. Colored stones

    Choose a romantic pink or red hued stone necklace, pendant, earrings, or bracelet. A colored stone is a special gift that she can wear on special occasions or on a normal day. Choose a color she may be more likely to wear. If your significant other isn’t a fan or pink or red, you can opt for a non-traditional Valentine’s Day color and choose her favorite color or her birthstone. You can also choose to add in diamonds or multiple stones to add glamour to the look. Depending on your budget, there are less expensive options and also options for higher priced stones as well.

  3. Heart shaped jewelry

    A classic option for a Valentine’s Day jewelry gift is anything heart shaped. Symbolizing that she has your heart, you can’t go wrong with a heart shaped necklace or earrings. From gold- rose gold, white gold or yellow gold to diamonds or colored stones you can really choose a special piece perfect for her. A dainty heart-shaped pendant will be a perfect touch of sparkle and showcase your love. The heart shape is a popular symbol on Valentine’s Day but is something that is timeless and that she will love wearing for many years to come. We can help you find the perfect heart shaped jewelry to fit her unique style and personality.

  4. Arrows

    A more non-traditional option but still one reflecting on Valentine’s Day and the symbolism behind it is the arrow. We particularly love this arrow earring stud set. With a touch of sparkle and a lot of edge, your honey is sure to love wearing these! If she isn’t a fan of dainty and delicate jewelry, this will be the perfect pick! Although this look is trendy, it is also something that will be a timeless choice and sure to be her favorite for years to come.

  5. Infinity symbol

    Make a strong statement of your love by gifting an infinity necklace, bracelet or ring. These gifts will be cherished for a lifetime and symbol that you will love her forever. Whether you are dating or have been married for 50 years, this is a very romantic gesture that she is sure to love. She will remember your past and present together and look forward to the future!

    Love these looks or need help picking out something unique for her? Visit us at Connections! You have a few more days, so come on in to pick out a special gift today.

    (Photos pictured are from Gabriel & Co.)

Ring in 2017- Choosing the Perfect Engagement Ring

January 5, 2017 Leave a Comment

If you are planning on proposing in 2017, the ring is probably on your mind. Maybe you have even gone ring shopping together to get an idea of what she would like. The options are endless and there are many pieces to consider. Here are some tips to help you get started with the buying process.

1. Choose your metal- From platinum to gold, there are many options depending on your preference and budget.

2. Choose your stone- choosing a ring style is often seen as the most important part to many shopping for a ring. When purchasing a diamond, there are a 4 things to consider, the 4 C.

    • Color- this actually refers to lack of color in the diamond. A chemically pure diamond has no hue and will be valued higher. Many color differences are very subtle but they make a big difference in terms of quality and price.
    • Clarity- this refers to the absence of inclusions. Flawless is the highest clarity grade, and the lowest is included which means there is visible blemishes and cloudiness.
    • Carat- this has to do with the size, larger diamonds are more rare. Although many people like to purchase the largest stone they can get, it is important to consider that the value of the diamond includes all the 4C’s and not just carat weight. A diamond that is 2 carats can be worth less than a smaller stone depending on the other factors.
    • Cut- this influences how diamonds sparkle and how the facets interact with light. Grades range from excellent (highest) to poor (lowest).

After considering the 4 C’s, the shape of your diamond is also important. Here are a few popular types:

      • Vintage
      • Halo
      • Cushion cut
      • Solitaire
      • Princess cut
      • Emerald
      • 3 stone

There are many more options, but these are just a few. Look at a few different styles to see which look is more her.

 

 

3. Choose the setting- Whether she prefers a vintage style or more modern look there are many options for ring styles.

        • Prong- involves “claws” that hold the stone firmly in shape.
        • Tension- the compression-spring pressure of the shank holds the stone in place.
        • Bezel- a metal rim with edges fully or partially surrounds the perimeter of the stone.
        • Channel- sandwiches rows of stones with no metal seperating them.
        • Bar- vertical bars of metal secure them in place.
        • Pave- three or more rows of several stones.

Your jeweler can help recommend the best setting for your stone.

If you are interested in creating a completely custom ring this is an option as well. Consider these questions when personalizing an engagement ring.

Ice Ice Baby: 3 Winter Pieces that Dazzle

December 15, 2016 Leave a Comment

A high percentage of women are gifted jewelry gifts during the holiday season, and the pieces we are seeing from Gabriel & Co this holiday season are sure to be a hit. From stunning modern necklaces to brilliant blue gemstone earrings and rings, you can find something for every personality. Here are a few of our favorites from the holiday jewelry collection.

Silver Souviens
Trendy Gold
Statement Bling

Silver Souviens Jewelry: A fashion-forward silver ring or necklace in rock crystal purple jade with a cluster of white sapphires. This piece is one-in-a million!

Trendy Gold Pieces: Edgy necklaces, rings, bracelets and stud earrings. This particular trendy piece is adorned by five golden spikes finished with round diamond accents.

Statement Bling: Larger rings like this one made with pave diamonds in an elegant pattern in this substantial white gold fashion ring.

These three trends will make everyone from the classic to the fashion-savvy to the romantic happy. Choosing a piece that can be versatile, match with a variety of clothing styles and a piece that will be timeless are all key factors you should consider when choosing a gift. Diamonds or gold (white or yellow) are usually safe options. When it comes to color stones, choosing her birthstone or favorite color can make it personal. Many prefer either yellow or white gold, observe jewelry she currently wears a lot to see if you can figure out her preference (or just ask!). There are other metal options including the very popular rose gold. The pinkish hue of rose gold is a perfect feminine and romantic choice.

If you still need help and would like an experts opinion and advice, we can help steer you in the right direction gift-wise based on your budget, her preferences and the latest trends.

Are you gifting jewelry or hoping to receive jewelry gifts for the holidays this year? What is on your list?

 

 

Show You are Thankful for Someone Special

November 21, 2016 Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving is almost here (wow time flies!) and you are likely getting ready for your Thanksgiving meal, travel etc. You may even be thinking about your holiday shopping. Shopping for gifts for the most special people in your life might be stressful. Giving the gift of a nice piece of jewelry to someone is something that most would love to receive.

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From necklaces to earrings, bracelets to brooches, cuff-links to watches, we have something in our store that will be perfect for each person on your holiday gift list. Here are a few of our favorite pieces from Gabriel and Co. to gift this year.

Midi Rings- these rings are worn towards the middle of the finger. These modern, fresh and youthful pieces allow you to achieve the stacked trend.

Charm Bracelets These are the perfect way to showcase her personality and to highlight a special moment, event, or milestone.

Necklaces-Many different styles of necklaces to choose from and different metals including 14K white gold or yellow gold. There are very traditional styles to more modern looks.

October Birthstone is the Opal

October 3, 2016 Leave a Comment

The gorgeous birthstone for October is the Opal. This precious stone has the colors of many other gems. Opal is known for its unique flashing display of a rainbow of colors.

 

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According to the GIA, Opal comes in five different categories.

White opal- play-of-color against a white/translucent background color.

Black opal- play-of-color against a dark background.

Fire opal- brown, orange, yellow or red background color.

Boulder opal- Fragments of the surrounding rock become part of the finished gem.

Crystal opal- clear background, shows exceptional color.

 

Opal comes from the Greeks, who highly valued the Opal and the name means “love of children.” Opal still holds high value today, it has never been imitated. It is used to make necklaces, rings, and more. Each Opal is truly one-of-a-kind; as unique as our fingerprints. You can select an Opal that reflects your color preferences and patterns, as they are all different.

*Tourmaline is also a birthstone for October.

 

 

 

Jewelry: A Piece of History

August 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

Jewelry has been worn by people as far back as historians can find. Jewelry can be a special gift, family heirloom, a fashion accessory, jewelry has played many roles throughout history.

Cleopatra via onthisdayinfashion.com

Cleopatra via onthisdayinfashion.com

In ancient times, bracelets and necklaces were made from animal bone and shells and they served as a hunting tool. Many pendants also were transformed into daggers as well.

In Egyptian culture, gold was cherished and also they adorned bodies with gold jewelry and buried them in a gold-plated tomb as they head to the “afterlife.” One of the important pieces of jewelry in Egyptian times was the headdress. Cleopatra is picture often wearing long strings of gold beads and medallions of jewels falling over the shoulders. They also would wrap the deceased as mummies with amulets. Beads were essential to these amulets and anyone could have these with the type they wore dependent on their wealth. They could range from pearls to pottery clay.

For other cultures (Romans, Greeks, Mesopotamians), jewelry played a key role in the upper class. The more adorned a person was, the higher their status. Gold was the most popular followed by silver, bronze, pearls, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and many others. Greeks wore gold and didn’t use many gemstones. The ladies would often wear seventy-five or more gold necklaces, and earrings. Roman ladies wore many rings and bracelets covering the entire arm.

Jewelry was also worn with the ornaments believed to hold certain powers. It was commonly believed that specific stones could affect the wearer. It was also associated with religion, with gold and jewels being used as gifts of worship.

Jewelry has played three basic roles in the past that are still relevant today. It is seem as the ornament, the amulet and the symbol of wealth.

Sources: History of Jewelry, Seattle Times

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Helpful Links

  • KITCO
  • American Gem Society Labs
  • Gemological Institute of America Inc.

Hours

  • Tues - Sat 10:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Holiday Hours:
    12/23 10:00AM - 5:00PM
    12/24 10:00AM - 3:00PM
    12/25 - 12/26 Closed

Contact Us

Phone: 253-752-0940
Email: cfj@wamail.net
Location:3822 N. 26th St.
Tacoma WA 98407

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