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5 Things to Have in Your Jewelry Box

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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

Green With Envy: Facts About Emeralds

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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

 

October Birthstone is the Opal

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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

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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

Summer Jewelry Care

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Take extra care if your jewelry during the summer months! Although here in the Pacific Northwest we don’t have the hot summer days, days outside, trips to the beach, and sunscreen can damage your jewelry. Here are a few tips for you for summer jewelry care.

Heading to the pool?

If pool (or hot tub) days are on your summer to-do list, leave your jewelry at home. Chlorine will highly corrode jewelry. If worn in chloride often, you can even discolor some gemstones.

Going on a beach vacation?

We don’t have many beaches around here, but if you are spending a day at the beach its a great idea to keep your jewelry in a safe place for the day. It is risky to wear jewelry in the ocean. A big wave can make your ring slip off. Salt water also can damage your jewelry and over time wear down prongs, leaving you at risk for losing stones.

Laying out?

While sun isn’t likely to damage your jewelry, it is still a good idea to remove any jewelry when tanning. When you put on sunscreen, the oils will get on your jewelry and leave them dull and grimy. They can also dull the sparkle, so remove your jewelry before applying sunscreen, lotion, or tanning lotion.

Visit your jeweler

After the busy summer months are over, bring your engagement ring, wedding ring or other jewelry piece into your jewelers to get clean. We can help clean and recommend maintenance tips to keep your pieces shining and sparkling.

Surprise Mom This Mother’s Day!

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-POP (1)

 

Mother’s Day is coming up next month, and this holiday is a great time to show Mom how special she is. Here are a few ideas for celebrating Mom.

Breakfast in bed- Classic for Mother’s Day, treat your mom (or wife with your kids’ help) to a breakfast fit for a queen. Choose her favorite (pancakes, eggs, waffles, etc.) and serve with fruit, coffee and maybe even a mimosa! Deliver on a tray with flowers and a card to make her day.

Photo gift- Any Mom would adore a picture of her family! Make a photo collage, picture puzzle, or frame a favorite shot. Another special idea is creating a custom calendar, write down memories and special events, quotes.

Favorite things- Treat your Mom to her favorite things for the day. A special Starbucks drink, favorite candy, favorite flowers, the options are endless.

Let her relax- Pamper Mom with a spa day, massage, pedicure, manicure, facial or at home bubble bath.  Let her renew and unwind with some magazines or a new book, a drink and some self care.

She sparkle’s- Show Mom how much you love her with a personal jewelry gift. Great ideas are jewelry that has her kids names, initials or birthstones, jewelry with her birthstone or a classic piece that she can dress up or dress down.

 

Do you want to gift Mom special jewelry this year? Come on in to Connections and we can help you find something uniquely perfect for your Mom!

 

5 Sparkling Surprises for Your Valentine

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Happy February! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and many of you are still trying to find the perfect gift for your significant other. Flower, chocolate and jewelry have been considered traditional gifts for this holiday. Flowers will wilt, chocolate will be eaten but a special jewelry gift will be cherished forever! We can help you find the perfect gift!

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Here is some guidance from our friends at Gabriel & Co. with 5 of the hottest trends in jewelry this Valentine’s Day, 2016.

 

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  1. Stackable Bracelets (Price: $740-$1,255)- The Byblos bracelets are a great option for any special women in your life. With many design options from diamond infinity to arrows these are a romantic piece that she will treasure for ever.
  2. Heart shaped necklaces (Price: $125-$2,675)- With a variety of styles and price points, a heart shaped necklace is a symbol of your love.
  3. Eternity ring (Price: $925)- If you aren’t quite ready for the proposal, surprise your girlfriend with a promise ring. Or this can be a ring for your wife to wear on the right hand. The looped infinity symbol symbolizes love in the past, present and future.
  4. XO or heart-shaped bracelet (Price: $240-$385)- A dainty white gold or gold bracelet with a heart, love, xo, design is sure to be loved by your girlfriend, fiance or wife.
  5. Stud earrings (Price: $100- $1,450)- Stud earrings are a timeless and practical gift. They can be worn daily or for special events. With options from the typical diamond to other stone, heart shapes, and much more, you will be able to find something for any personality or style.

 

 

 

Bling in the New Year: Facts About Engagement Season From ‘The Knot’

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The holiday season (Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day) is known to be a popular time for popping the question.

Wedding site, The Knot has released a survey featuring engagement statistics from 2015. This ‘2015 Jewelry and Engagement Study,’ surveyed 12,000 brides and 1,200 grooms in the U.S.

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Here is what we know:

  • Men spent an average of $5,978 on the bling.
  • 68% of women are aware of how much their ring costs.
  • Diamonds are the number one choice of stone (84% of women).
  • 8% of brides received a precious stone (up from 6% in 2013)
  • The most popular setting is the halo. (22%, tripled from 7% in 2011)
  • 85% of men would rather buy a small, higher quality diamond than a larger, lesser quality stone.
  • 67% of brides researched ring styles beforehand.
  • 80% of brides hinted to their partner about the type of ring they like.
  • Men took an average of 4.8 months to research and 3.6 months to pick the perfect ring.
  • 77% of men asked parental permission before asking their bride-to-be.
  • 41% of proposals were captured with photo or video.

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Are you ready to pop the question in 2016? We can help you find the perfect ring for your significant other.

 

Happy New Year! We hope 2016 is your best year yet.

Birthstones: July is the Ruby!

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julybirthstone

The stunning ruby is the birthstone for those born in July! After the diamond, rubies are the second hardest material on Earth. The traditional ruby can be found in many shades including strawberry to violet. The deep, vivid red is the most prized and popular color choice.

Ruby stones have been mined for over 2,500 years. The name Ruby, comes from the Latin “ruber” meaning red. They are said to bring good luck and protection to the wearer. It is also a biblical symbol of passion, fire, love and power.

There is a folk lore birthstone poem attached to the Ruby which reads:

“The gleaming Ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they’ll be exempt and free,
From lover’s doubts and anxiety.”

Ruby is a member of the corundum group of gemstones which means it is closely related to the sapphire. The sapphire and ruby share properties including hardness and composition. It can be confused for other red gemstones including garnet, spinel, topaz, tourmaline and zirco.

 

 

Sources: Birthday Gems, Birthstones by Months