Flag Day commemorates the birthday of the United States’ flag on June 14, 1777 when John Adams declared “Resolved, that the flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.” However, this day wasn’t celebrated until a century later on the flag’s 100^th birthday.

Flag Day remained a state and local celebration for the next three decades until 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson called for a national observation. Approximately 30 years after that, in 1949, an act of congress designated June 14^th as Flag Day.

Flag Day is about more than a piece of fabric waving in the breeze; it’s about all that the American Flag stands for. Consider the words of President Harry Truman’s 1945 Flag Day Proclamation, given just as World War Two was coming to a close:

“We celebrate Flag Day this year with a fresh sense of our strength as a nation. Solemnly, we accept the responsibilities placed upon us by our power.

“We honor the men and women in the armed services and in the factories and homes who, with God’s help, have given us our victories. We face the battle ahead with solemn gratitude for the triumphs of the past.

“Our Flag has accompanied our fighting men on a hundred battlefields. It flies beyond the seas over the friendly lands our arms have freed …”

“As we press forward to final victory, we are strengthened with the knowledge that for millions of people in other lands as well as in our own our Flag is a living token of human integrity and freedom.”

Gold pendants that put Old Glory on display are a lovely way to keep this “living token of human integrity and freedom” close to your heart. The American Flag Pendant in 14K White Gold is a timeless display of patriotism. Red and blue enamel are skillfully placed atop a flag of 14K carat white gold to create a colorful symbol of freedom.

If you’d prefer a flag pendant that proudly displays the red white and blue in slightly less traditional fashion, consider the American Flag Ribbon Pendant in Sterling Silver. The front of this silver ribbon shows the stars and stripes in vivid color, while the words “remember always” are inscribed on the back.

For Flag Day—or any day at all—a patriotic pendant that displays the American flag is an excellent way to show your love for your country. They pieces beautifully display a “living token of human integrity and freedom.”

Classy women have been wearing bangles for decades, and no matter what’s trending, these bracelets always add a fashionable touch. Bangles seem to be particular popular right now, however, and they’re the perfect complement for many of the styles of the season. And, there’s a bangle for every taste! From bold wide bangles that add a dramatic touch to thin layered bracelets that call to mind Bollywood style, these pieces can complement your summer look.

A plain bangle places the focus on the simple yet striking shape and shine, as demonstrated by the 5mm 14K Gold Plain Bangle Bracelet. This gleaming yellow gold bracelet adds a timeless touch to any outfit, instantly taking your look up a notch. Unlike many similarly-styled bangles, this piece is crafted from solid gold and suited to wear decade after decade.

Similar bangles are available from Apples of Gold in an array of widths, from as narrow as 2mm to as wide an inch, allowing you to choose just how bold you’d like your bracelet to be. Worn alone, these pieces emulate class; worn in groups, they communicate a sense of sophistication that isn’t afraid to have fun. And, you can save a little bit of cash when you buy more than one of the same piece, making it a little easier to wear these cool bracelets in multiples.

If you’d rather a bangle with a bit more flair of its own, take a look at Apples of Gold’s selection of gold design bangle bracelets, which add an array of unique touches to a classic piece, from understated hammered finishes to show-stopping filigree butterflies. For a layered look with the ease of a single piece, the Set of 3 Tri-Color Gold Intertwining Bangle Bracelets is an excellent pick. This bracelet combines three slender interlocking bangles—one in 14K white gold, one in 14K yellow gold and one in 14K rose gold—to create a look that complements any jewelry collection. These bangles have a rope-like texture that provides a timeless touch and that gives the three components in this piece a common theme.

Silver bangle bracelets are excellent picks for anyone looking for chic style on a budget. The Besos Bangle XO in Sterling Silver gives a 2mm-wide sterling silver bangle a romantic and fun personality. “Besos” means kisses in Spanish, and the six tiny hearts that slide around this piece call to mind kisses from the one you love. The oxidized finish of these hearts is contrasted by the polished finish of the pounded bangle that holds them. Handcrafted in Hawaii, this piece bears the distinct mark of an artist.

Bring on the bangles! There’s no better time than sleeveless season to take your look up a notch with one of these bracelets.

By the time the 19^th century came to a close, communities across the nation were holding Memorial Day ceremonies on May 30^th, but it wasn’t until after World War I that this day came to be a time to remember those who died in all wars, not just in the Civil War. Memorial Day was declared a national holiday in 1971, to be observed on the last Monday in May.

Like Memorial Day, U.S. military jewelry is designed to help us remember those who have served—both those who’ve given their lives and those who’ve given years of their lives—and those who currently serve around the world. For example, the United States Air Force Medallion Charm in Sterling Silver is a simple yet powerful way to remember those who’ve fought in the air. The emblem of the U.S, Air force is craved into this simple silver piece, which measures 1 1/16” high including the simple, shining bale. Similar silver pendants are available for other branches of the military, allowing you to honor a specific service member.

Cross pendants that feature military symbols are excellent ways to remind yourself not only of your gratitude for those who serve, but also of your commitment to pray for them and their families. For example, the U.S. Army Cross Pendant in 14K Gold places a U.S. Army medallion in the center of a gleaming cross that’s adorned with Celtic motifs.

If you’re seeking a unique piece suitable for helping to call to mind a service member in any branch of the military, consider the Sterling Silver Military Dog Tag Pendant with Prayer Inscription for Two. This two-piece silver pendant is inscribed with the words “May the Lord keep watch between us to make sure that we keep this covenant when we are out of each other’s sight”; this phrase can only be read when both pieces meet to form the shape of a dog tag. Both halves come with an 18” silver chain.

These pieces of military jewelry aren’t mere adornments; they’re symbols of gratitude for those who have truly given their all so that we can enjoy freedom. In General Logan’s words, “Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”

So, what does “Don’t tread on me” mean, other than a 10 percent discount on jewelry this Memorial Day weekend? This motto is often paired with the image of a rattlesnake, an image that has been an American emblem for over 250 years! In the 1750s, Benjamin Franklin’s “Pennsylvania Gazette” printed a picture of such as snake divided into pieces, each of which bore the name of one of the colonies, to symbolize the perils of disunity, pairing it with the saying “Join or Die.” By the time of the War for Independence, the snake, like the colonies, had become united.

The rattlesnake seemed to be a fitting symbol for America for several reasons. First, although each of its rattles can make no sound on its own, together they produce a noise that warns all who approach. Second, the rattlesnake’s sharp eyes allow it to serve as an emblem of vigilance. Third, the rattlesnake is found only in America, and fourth, stepping on a rattlesnake (as referred to by the motto “Don’t tread on me”) is dangerous, and even deadly.

It’s believed that the rattlesnake was first paired with “Don’t tread on me” by the some of the Marines when they were enlisted to join the Navy on their first mission. They carried drums that had been painted yellow and that bore the image of image of a rattlesnake ready to strike, as well as the now-famous motto. To this day, this saying communicates strength in unity.

American flag jewelry is also an excellent way to celebrate strength in unity: the 13 stripes it displays stand for the original 13 colonies while each star represents a present-day state. For instance, the American Flag Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold depicts Old Glory in all its glory, using red and blue enamel on a foundation of shining 14K yellow gold.

If you’re looking for an American flag pendant with a twist, consider the American Flag Ribbon Pendant in Sterling Silver. This ribbon-shaped piece displays the stars and stripes on the front, while the words “Remember Always” are engraved into the back. Or, if you’d like to show your love for the U.S.A., but a flag pendant isn’t quite your style, try a piece of eagle jewelry, such as the 14K White Gold Eagle Pendant.

Whether you choose one of these patriotic pieces or any other piece that suits your sense of style, don’t forget to take advantage of Apples of Gold’s Memorial Day weekend sale!

The Posh Mommy Personalized Gemstone Heart Pendant in 14K White Gold is a modern take on customizable jewelry. This fresh, shining pendant allows you to personalize a 5/8”-high heart, crafted of gleaming 14K white gold, in a number of ways to make this piece just perfect for your any special mom in your life. The front of this chic piece can be engraved with one or two names of your choice, written in casual yet elegant script; in addition, the back can also be engraved with up to eight characters in an antique or natural finish, allowing you to add a special date (such as a birthday or adoption date) or a word or phrase of your choice. These options for engraving can be complimented with your choice of over 20 gemstones, which means that you can select a birthstone or simply a gem that will catch mom’s eye. If you prefer, this lovely little pendant is also available in sterling silver.

Pieces of mom jewelry that are personalized with birthstones are popular picks and Apples of Gold carries a number of pendants designed just for mom that utilize these stones. The Personalized Gemstone Engraveable Circle Pendant can be customized with up as few as one or as many as four birthstones, as well as up to four names, allowing mom to carry a beautiful reminder of her children with her wherever she goes. This gleaming, ring-shaped pendant measures just under an inch high, including the hoop from which it hangs, and is available in your choice of 14 white gold or 14K yellow gold. It comes with a coordinating 18” Singapore chain (or in a longer length by request), so that mom can slip it around her neck the minute she receives it.

Silver mom jewelry is an excellent option when you’re looking for a meaningful and beautiful piece on a budget. For instance, the Sterling Silver Oval Family Tree Pendant with Four Stones utilizes four gemstones of your choice and places them in a gracefully-carved tree on a 1 3/16″-high piece of shining, top-quality silver. This lovely piece is also available with fewer stones if you prefer.

Whether for you own mom or another special lady in your life, a piece of personalized mom jewelry is the perfect way to show that you care enough to give a piece that’s just for her. Choose one to tell her that she’s a treasure.

Apples of Gold makes solid gold wedding bands affordable! Unlike most conventional jewelers, Apples of Gold doesn’t mark up their jewelry to two or even three times the original cost; instead, they seek to provide true value and their mark-up for jewelry is an average of 40 percent less than that of most traditional jewelry sellers.

White gold wedding rings are the most popular picks for wedding bands, and vintage designs that are portrayed in 14K white gold are stunning ways to showcase its cool beauty, as well as to bring a touch of the romance of the past into the present. The 14K White Gold Paisley Wedding Band brings the past to life through an elegantly-sculpted three-dimension paisley motif that wraps the wearer’s finger with grace. This gleaming design is framed by rope-like borders and smooth polished edges that hem it in with sophistication and class. If you’d prefer, this antique-style ring is also available in several two-tone 14K white gold combinations.

Two-tone 14K gold wedding bands are another excellent way to take advantage of Apples of Gold’s affordable prices! These stunning pieces combine two colors of gold to draw attention to their designs, as well as to the meaning behind them, and the Braided Wedding Band in 14K Two-Tone Gold is a striking example. This eye-catching wedding ring is wrapped in flat braided strands of shining 14K yellow gold, creating a vivid picture of the way that a husband and wife are inextricably woven together to become one flesh. This gleaming braid is bordered by 14K white gold rope-like accents and hemmed in by smooth polished edges. If you’d prefer, this style is also available in several single metals as well as in a two-tone variation that pairs white gold with rose gold.

Celtic designs are particularly striking when given the two-tone treatment, and the Caedmon Celtic Wedding Band in 14K Two-Tone Gold is no exception. This modern take on a centuries-old motif gives Celtic style a bold look with a bit of an edge. An interlocking Celtic knot, crafted from shining 14K yellow gold, wraps around this ring in seamless fashion, creating a gleaming symbol of love that binds two people together, never to be separated. This motif stands out in contrast to a flat band of 14K yellow gold in your choice of widths, either 7mm or 8.5mm.

From vintage wedding bands for women to hammered styles to diamond-studded designs, wedding bands that are crafted from 14K gold are excellent picks for brides and grooms looking for quality and beauty. And, when you purchase them from Apples of Gold, you’ll get not only quality bands but a great value as well.

Until Mother’s Day, all of Apples of Gold’s jewelry is available at 10 percent off! Just enter the coupon code “APPLESMOM10” when you check out to get a lovely gift for mom—or a new piece for your own collection—at a 10 percent discount and have it shipped to you for free!

If you’d like to use this discount to pick the perfect piece for your mom, check out Apples of Gold’s selection of gemstone bracelets. These styles keep colorful sparkle close at hand and create lovely reminder of the way that a mother colors your life.

The Heart-Shaped Amethyst Bracelet in 14K White Gold would be a lovely way to show mom how much you appreciate her constant love and care. Gleaming 14K white gold hearts, each of which is set with a glimmering violet-hued amethyst, are interspersed with long white gold links with a shining finish. These sparkling purple gemstones convey a sense of regal beauty, perfect for any mom who deserves to be treated like a queen. This bracelet is fastened with a secure lobster claw clasp, and is also available with garnet or peridot in place of amethyst.

Pearl stud earrings are a timeless pick for mom, and Apples of Gold carries an array of these earrings, from classic white orbs to less traditional picks such as black pearls, chocolate pearls and peach-colored pearls. For a look that combines tradition with a fresh springtime color, consider the 7mm Lavender Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings. This pair of round pearl studs has a soft violet hue that sets them apart and that’s perfect for showing your mom that she’s one in a million. This subtle hint of color makes these earrings unique as well as timeless, and she’ll treasure them for years to come.

Gold jewelry of nearly any kind can communicate that you treasure someone: by giving jewelry crafted from a metal that’s both precious and beautiful, you tell the recipient that you value her and hold her dear to your heart. Gold pendants with heart motifs, such as the Hammered Heart Pendant in 14K Gold can be especially fitting picks for moms as they celebrate the steadfastness of a mother’s love and the inner beauty of the heart from which it flows.

How better to celebrate that your mom is a treasure than with a stunning piece of jewelry? And, when better to buy it than the present? Don’t miss your chance to score a lovely piece for mom—or any special lady in your life—at 10 percent off and have it shipped at no charge.

Whether you’re in the military, are part of a military family or are simply grateful for the men and women who serve in our armed forces, pendants that honor those who serve are excellent ways to show your support and appreciation for the many who sacrifice on behalf of their country. For instance, the United States Marine Corps Medallion Charm in Sterling Silver depicts the emblem of the U.S. Marines on a disc of shining .925 sterling silver. This 1 1/16-inch piece leaves no question about your gratitude, and it depicts your appreciation in cool, timeless fashion. Apples of Gold also carries similar medallion-style pendants for the Navy and the Air Force.

Faith plays an important role in the lives of many military families as husbands, wives, parents and children entrust the ones they love to the One who made them. The Sterling Silver Military Dog Tag Pendant with Prayer Inscription for Two provides a meaningful symbol of this trust. Together, this pair of .925 sterling silver pendants forms a dog tag, a little over an inch high. When placed side by side, these two pendants display a message of faith: “May the Lord keep watch between us to make sure that we keep this covenant when we are out of each other’s sight.” Taken from Genesis 31, these words were originally spoken between the Jewish patriarch Jacob and his father-in-law Laban when the two parted ways; they ring just as true today for those serving far from the ones they love. Designed to be worn by two people while they are apart, each of these pendants includes a coordinating 18-inch sterling silver chain.

The U.S. Army Cross Pendant in 14K Gold provides a warmly gleaming symbol of gratitude for those who serve, as well as of faith in the One who watches over them. A U.S. Army medallion is placed in the center of this meticulously-crafted cross, serving as a reminder to pray for our soldiers. Celtic motifs are carved into the arms of this cross as it hangs from a shining gold bale. At a little over an inch high, this piece sends a clear message without screaming. Similar crosses are available for each branch of the military, in both 14k yellow gold and sterling silver.

Pieces of Patriotic jewelry that honor our military members are always in good taste. Their ability to communicate your gratitude, and to prompt you to remember those who serve in prayer, make them excellent picks.

And, if you’re in the military, don’t miss your chance to get 10 percent off your jewelry purchases this month! It’s a small way of saying “Thank you for your service.”

The author of Hebrews wrote about the confidence that we have as a result of Christ’s death and resurrection:

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Because of the cross, we can be confident, not only when we approach God, but also when we share our faith. Cross pendants that use the contrast between two metals to draw attention to their message are a lovely way to declare and celebrate this confidence.

For example, the 14K Two-Tone Gold Quilted Cross Pendant beautifully demonstrates the way that two differently-colored metals can call attention to a message of faith. The main body of this lovely 1 3/16″-high pendant is crafted from 14K yellow gold and given a unique quilted texture, as well as a polished finish that instantly draws the eye. In contrast, caps of 14K white gold cover the ends of each arm of this cross as it hangs from a shining white gold bale.

The Two Hearts Cross Pendant in 14K Rose and Yellow Gold places two interlocking 14K rose gold hearts atop a polished cross of 14K yellow gold, creating a gentle contrast that subtly draws the eye. In addition to symbolizing the love of Christ, demonstrated on a cross, these intertwining hearts also represent the bond between two people who are joined by their faith. At just over 1 3/16″ high, this piece makes its message known in a manner that’s unashamed, but that doesn’t shout.

Apples of Gold’s selection of Gold crucifixes contains a number of pendants that use two colors of gold to emphasize their message, and the Modern Crucifix Pendant in 14K Two-Tone Gold is a lovely contemporary example. This minimalistic crucifix places a stylized figure of Christ, crafted from 14K white gold, upon a single 14K yellow beam to create a pendant that calls to mind the suffering of Christ on our behalf and its relevancy today. This 1 1/4″ tall piece hangs simply and meaningfully from a shining 14K yellow gold bale.

The message of the cross is strong no matter what and two-tone cross pendants emphasize this strength in eye-catching fashion. Try one to celebrate the confidence you have through Christ.

The flag of the United States instantly communicates our heritage as a nation and reminds us to be thankful for the sacrifices of all those who’ve fought for our freedom. President Woodrow Wilson aptly described all that the American flag represents:

“This flag, which we honor and under which we serve, is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation. It has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation. The choices are ours. It floats in majestic silence above the hosts that execute those choices, whether in peace or in war. And yet, though silent, it speaks to us—speaks to us of the past, or the men and women who went before us, and of the records they wrote upon it.”

Patriotic jewelry that features the American flag is a lovely way to celebrate your heritage as an American, and pieces such as the American Flag Pendant in 14K White Gold allow you to do just that in vibrant color. This solid 14K white gold pendant is accented with red and blue enamel, creating the look of the stars and stripes in eye-catching fashion. This meaningful piece hangs from a gleaming 14K white gold bale, ready to serve as a bold symbol of your patriotism.

The American Flag Ribbon Pendant in Sterling Silver also portrays a patriotic sprit in vibrant color, but instead of displaying an unfurled flag, it places the stars and stripes on a commemorative ribbon of sterling silver. Contrasting its red, white and blue front, the back of this pendant is formed of simple shining silver, into which the words “remember always” are inscribed. This piece provides both a contemporary twist on patriotic jewelry and a powerful reminder of those who’ve gone before. And, since it’s crafted from .925 sterling silver, this piece is not only good-looking—it’s also remarkably affordable.

Gold pendants that feature American flags can be equally striking without touches of color, as demonstrated by the American Flag Heart Pendant in 14K Gold. This warmly gleaming pendant combines the American flag with the timeless symbol of love—the heart—to send a clear message. By framing Old Glory in a heart-shaped border, this pendant makes it clear that you love your country. At just over 3/4 inches tall, including the shining hoop from which it dangles, this piece is the perfect way to show your support and love for your country on any day.

Whether you choose a piece with vibrant color or a solid 14K yellow gold flag pendant, American flag jewelry is a stylish and meaningful way to show your support for your country. The pieces are instant reminders of the things that make our nation great.