While a tension setting may seem like a precarious way to hold a precious gem, it’s actually quite secure. Despite its name, this setting actually uses compression—not tension—to hold a stone in place in tiny groves that are cut into the band. Due to the high level of pressure that’s exerted on a stone to keep it firmly in place, the tension setting is only suited for gemstones that are quite hard, such as sapphires, rubies and, of course, diamonds.

The tension setting is a relatively new: it was invented by Friedrich Becker at Niessing, a German jewelry company, in the 1960s. However, it wasn’t until approximately two decades later that it began to be used in jewelry—and it’s been gaining fans ever since! Tension settings allow more of the gem to be put on display than other settings, such as a prong setting (in which a gem is held by prongs) or a channel-setting (in which a gem in set in a groove, or channel). And, since a tension setting leaves a stone bare on the bottom, it allows the maximum amount of light to pass through that stone, making it seem even more brilliant.

The Personalized Tension-Set Gemstone Birthstone Ring is a striking example of the tension setting. A 3mm (0.10 carat) round birthstone of your choice is squeezed by the simple,
shining 14K white gold band of this personalized piece, making it a modern way to remember someone you love or to celebrate your own birthday. Each side of this contemporary piece can be engraved with up to eight characters, allowing you to customize it with a name and a date.

Tension settings are an excellent way to add a unique look to wedding jewelry and they’re ideal for celebrating a love that makes you feel as though your heart is floating in midair. The Blue Titanium Sapphire Wedding Band Ring is a striking example of how a tension-set gem can make a wedding band extraordinary. A tension-set 3.5mm round sapphire seems to float as it’s held by a sleek 6mm-wide titanium band. A stripe of blue wraps around this ring, adding to its modern, colorful appeal, while the titanium that surrounds it has been polished to a nearly mirror-like shine. It’s a truly exquisite blue titanium wedding band.

The tension setting is also an excellent pick when popping the question, as demonstrated by the 1/2 Carat Tension Set Diamond Engagement Ring. This contemporary take on the classic diamond solitaire hugs a half-carat round diamond with two arms of 14K white gold that emerge from a simple, shining band.

A tension setting is a head-turning option, whether you’re looking for a piece to express your love or your fashion sense. This modern pick seems to elevate your look, no matter how you wear it.

Pastel-colored gemstone rings are always excellent picks for spring and summer. Stones such as green amethyst, pink sapphire and kunzite are not only on-trend; they provide light-colored sparkle that’s perpetually elegant and refreshing.

Green amethyst rings are particularly refreshing picks for spring and summer. Their soft yet dazzling light green sparkle gorgeously portrays the color of new life, giving off a calming sparkle that somehow manages to be both soothing and full of energy.

For a ring that both display this life-filled color with time-honored, botanically-inspired touches, don’t miss the Vintage Leaf Green Amethyst Ring in 14K White Gold. This feminine piece features a 6mm round topaz and places it on an antique-style band of 14K white gold. A finely-carved leaf motif adorns this band, complementing green amethyst’s ability to portray life and adding a welcome taste of the past. In addition, this ring contains a surprise for the wearer: a tiny heart is hidden in the setting underneath the gemstone, communicating a secret message of affection.

If you’d rather a bolder take on the pastel trend, try one of Apples of Gold’s pink sapphire rings. These pieces strike the perfect balance between bold sparkle and a color that’s long been considered the most girly of hues.

While pink sapphire rings of any kind can add an eye-catching touch to any outfit, if you’re looking for one that will really turn heads (for all the right reasons), try the Asscher-Cut Pink Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring. This show-stopping piece creates a never-fading blossom that can take any outfit from blah to brilliant. A 5mm Asscher-cut pink sapphire forms the center of this flower, immediately drawing the eye, while diamonds serve as sparkling accents. These glittering stones are arranged in two concentric circles, one inner circle of round stones that are spaced tightly together, an outer circle of smaller diamonds that nestle in between their larger counterparts to create the illusion of multiple layers of petals.

If you’re attracted to pink, but would rather wear a shade that’s more subdued than the daring hue of pink sapphire, consider the Vintage Rose Kunzite Ring in 14K White Gold. This Victorian-inspired ring features an 8mm x 10mm oval-shaped kunzite, a soft pink-hued stone with just a touch of violet. Holding this stone is a setting that’s been lavishly carved with floral motifs, both underneath the stone and cascading down the slender band. This lovely ring is fresh and feminine, perfect for the season.

Gemstone rings that feature light-colored stones are an excellent way to wear the pastel trend. In addition to being spot-on stylish today, they’ll still be in good taste for many seasons to come.

Classic designs have earned their classic status through their display of style that’s always in good taste, and their enduring beauty has earned them a number of spots in Apples of Gold’s top 100 engagement rings. The 3/4 Carat Diamond Circle Ring in 14K White Gold is one such style. This glamorous ring features a 0.40 carat round diamond and accents it with a 0.35 carats of smaller stones. These gems surround the center diamond, creating the illusion of a larger stone, as well as stud the slender 14K white gold band. The sophisticated sparkle of this piece, coupled with its simple yet stunning design, renders this ring a timeless treasure.

The best diamond rings for today’s brides don’t utilize only traditional white diamonds. Blue and black varieties of these timeless stones add unexpected but beautiful touches to engagement rings. Styles that feature these unique gems are ideal ways to express a love that’s anything but ordinary.

The 1/2 Carat Art Deco Black Diamond Ring adds a striking, slightly mysterious touch to a design inspired by the 1920s, by replacing the traditional white diamond with an alluring black diamond. This unique stone peeks out from the center of the gleaming petals of a 14K white gold lotus flower as it opens elegantly to reveal the gem within. This blossom sit on a band carved with an intricate leaf and swirl motif that adds textural contrast and that calls to mind the lavish designs of the Art Deco period. This ring is a wearable work of art and a lovely expression of the beauty of your relationship.

Antique-style engagement rings make up a sizeable percentage of Apples of Gold’s bestselling engagement rings, and they remain favorites for their ability to communicate that true love endures for the long haul. In an age when life seems to be moving faster every day, pieces that call to mind a simpler time are welcome breaths of fresh air and lovely ways to celebrate that your relationship is worth slowing down for.

The 3/4 Carat Three Stone Princess Cut “Floret” Diamond Ring remains Apples of Gold most popular engagement ring, and it serves as a gorgeous example of the ability of vintage designs to capture the enduring beauty of love. A 0.28 carat princess-cut diamond serves as the center stone for this exquisite piece, while two smaller princess-cut stones hug it from either side. Six additional channel-set diamonds adorn the band, as intricate carved motifs make this ring far from mundane. These meticulously-carved floret and leaf designs provide both elegance and charm, and give this 14K white gold ring a big dose of feminine beauty.

Diamond engagement rings such as these are truly extraordinary picks. They’re the perfect way to celebrate extraordinary love.

Plain slip-on gold bangles are timeless choices, adding an upscale touch that’s never stuffy. The width of these bracelets makes a bit of a difference in their appearance, with narrow versions appearing light and airy and wider designs providing a look that’s bold and eye-catching.

At approximately 1/3 inch wide, the 8mm 14K Gold Flat Bangle Bracelet is the perfect size for everyday wear and, since it’s designed to a last a lifetime, you really can let it perk up your look day after day and year after year. This bracelet is made to order with the upmost of care, hand-crafted from solid 14K yellow gold to make it a piece that’s truly precious and truly one of a kind. While this piece is already heavier than the average mass-produced bangle, you can customize it so that it’s even more substantial.

If your taste tends toward one-of-a-kind statement pieces, don’t miss the Butterfly Bangle Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold! This piece provides the perfect balance between daring and delicate: while the size of this piece is bold, the design that adorns it is distinctly feminine and airy. Three butterflies seem to hover weightlessly above this gleaming yellow gold piece, filled with filigree-like designs that add a big dose of elegance and just the right touch of whimsy.

Layering is trendy right now, not only for your clothing, but also for your jewelry. Bangles, especially thin styles, are popular layering pieces, and Apples of Gold’s Set of 3 Tri-Color Gold Intertwining Bangle Bracelets provides a layered look with the convenience of one easy, slip-on piece. Three slender intertwining bangles, one of cool white gold, one of sunny yellow gold and one of warm rose gold, complement one another and work together to create a piece that would partner well with jewelry of any color.

Hinged bangle bracelets provide all of the sophistication of traditional bangles, while giving them an ease of wear that allows you to slip them on at a moment’s notice. The Swirl Hinged Bangle Bracelet in 14K Yellow Gold is a versatile example of this easy-on, easy-off quality. This classy piece adorns a gleaming bangle with a swirling texture that’s just as versatile as its more traditional counterpart. This motif provides a sense of movement that makes it a lively—and lovely—accent. At a quarter inch wide, there’s no place that this bracelet can’t go.

Of all gold bracelets, bangles often provide the greatest stylistic impact. The flawless styling, top-quality precious metals and timeless appeal of the bangles in Apples of Gold’s collection make these pieces true investments for your jewelry collection, and accents that you’ll want to wear over and over.

So, what exactly is Art Deco? It’s a style of design that was popular in the Roaring 20s, characterized by geometric shapes and highly-stylized motifs such as animals and flowers. The lines and shapes of Art Deco influenced the design of everything from architecture (such as the Chrysler Building in New York City) and automobiles to clothing and jewelry.

Art Deco originated in France and gained favor after the 1925 World’s Fair, held in Paris, when examples of this style were on display for many to see. The name “Art Deco” is a shortened form of the name of the event that showcased this style—the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes (the International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts)—and this term has come to embody the decorative, geometric designs of this style.

Art Deco jewelry often featured intricate geometric patterns, as demonstrated by the Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring. The sweeping lines that point to this ring’s gemstone create an architectural look that gives evidence to the fact that it was constructed with great care. A 4mm round emerald and two smaller diamonds are upheld by these lines of 14K white gold, serving as vibrant accents to a motif that’s full of movement.

Modern gems can provide a lovely complement to Art Deco styles. The stone featured in the Roman Art Deco Tanzanite and Diamond Ring wasn’t discovered until approximately a half a century after the Art Deco period, but this 6mm round tanzanite works perfectly with the modern personality of this ring, adding a pop of cornflower blue sparkle to a classy vintage setting.

Any Art Deco-inspired ring could serve as a unique and stunning engagement ring. Whether you choose a piece with a brightly-colored gemstone or a vintage diamond ring, Art Deco styles readily communicate that your love is able to withstand the test of time.

If you’d prefer a diamond style, consider the 1/4 Carat Art Deco Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold. This one-of-a-kind piece is an excellent example of the stylized flowers that were often seen in Art Deco designs: a shining lotus blossom opens its petals to reveal a dazzling ¼ carat round diamond. This flower is contrasted by the intricately carved leaf and swirl motif that accents the band. It’s a look that’s full of life, despite the fact that it’s inspired by a design that’s nearly a century old.

While Art Deco faded during the Great Depression, it was never forgotten. Today, it’s back in a big way, and antique-style rings that feature the designs of this period are timeless pieces of class and beauty.

Emerald is making waves in the words of fashion, beauty and interior design, and it all started with a gemstone that’s been loved for thousands of years. A Pantone press release describes this gem: “Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life … It’s also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity—no other color conveys regeneration more than green.”

The vibrant sparkle of emerald enables it to give a fresh look to styles from the past, while its timeless beauty allows it to honor the past with an allure that never goes out of style. For instance, the Enchanted Emerald Ring in 14K White Gold surrounds a brilliant emerald with a Victorian design that’s rich with swirls and tiny cutouts. It’s a design that’s full of feminine charm and contagious life.

If you’d prefer a clean, classic look consider a solitaire or a three-stone style such as the Three Stone Emerald Ring in 14K White Gold.  A 4mm round emerald is hugged by two slightly smaller stones, creating a look that’s unfussy and timelessly beautiful.

Emerald pendants are another lovely way to enjoy the rich color and sparkle of emerald, and Apples of Gold carries a range of styles that will instantly perk up your look. For instance, the Emerald and Diamond Flower Pendant in 10K White Gold creates a glimmering flower from five marquis-cut emeralds, and accents it with a diamond-embellished swirl. It’s a lighthearted nod to the life-filled sparkle of emerald.

Emerald earrings can add an extra touch of this vibrant color that lights up your face and adds sparkle to your eyes, whether you choose a pair that combines diamonds and emeralds or one that features the green gems on their own. Simple stud styles such as the Emerald Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold coordinate readily with any emerald jewelry or are lovely on by themselves. This pair is available with your choice of 4mm, 5mm or 6mm stones, as well as push back or screw back closures.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®, confirms that “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate.” There’s no denying the allure of this green gemstone, and there’s no better time than the present to accessorize with jewelry that features its vibrant glimmer.

The Heart Shaped Pink Topaz and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold combines two top trends that are making their mark on the world of jewelry and their way into the jewelry boxes of an increasing number of women: pink topaz and heart jewelry. Pink topaz rings are preferred picks right now: their daring color calls to mind the fairytale fantasies of childhood while exhibiting a modern sensibility that’s grown up but that hasn’t grown out of having fun. While pink is a decidedly girly color, pink topaz isn’t just for little girls; rather, it’s daring gem that offers the perfect combination of sophistication and lively personality. It’s hard not to smile when you see this stone, and when it’s cut into the shape of a heart, as it is in the piece that’s up for grabs, pink topaz communicates an unashamed message of affection—one that makes you light up from the inside.

Like all heart jewelry, this pink topaz heart ring uses a timeless symbol to express love. While heart jewelry is especially popular right now, it never really goes out of fashion, ensuring that this piece (and others like it) will never cease to be beautiful pictures, not only of affection, but also of good taste. This white gold pink topaz heart ring features an eye-catching pink topaz heart, 10mm wide and high, creating a look that’s not likely to be missed. This striking gem is accented by five tiny round diamonds, placed in a sweeping setting that curves like a warm embrace. These graceful lines are crafted from high-quality 14K white gold and flow into a slender, 2mm band that allows the heart to be the star. This piece is elegant in essence, while maintaining a sense of playfulness and charm.

Want to win this on-trend yet timelessly beautiful ring? Simply visit http://applesofgold.com/jewelry-sweepstakes/ and enter using your email address or your Facebook account. You can enter until midnight on February 14, but why wait? Get in the running for this pretty piece, either for yourself or a special someone in your life.

If you’d rather not wait to see if you score this fun and fashionable ring, you can purchase it at a discount until the end of the sweepstakes. Just enter the code “PINKHEART” when you check out and you’ll receive 10 percent off!

Pink topaz jewelry of all kinds can provide the perfect pop of color and fun—of course, it’s even more fun when it’s free!  Enter now for your shot at a pink topaz heart ring that’s sure to bring a smile to your face or the face of someone you love.

In addition to reminding their wearers of their faith, cross pendants serve to remind others who believe of what Christ did for them and how we are to live because He gave His life for us. King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, wrote about the way that two people can encourage one another to live in a way that honors God: “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Any of the cross pendants in Apples of Gold’s collection could provide this sort of encouragement as well as a statement of your devotion to your Savior.

Cross pendants don’t get any more basic than the Plain Men’s 14K White Gold Cross Pendant. However, this minimalistic piece packs a powerful punch. Unlike many similarly-designed crosses, this one is crafted from solid 14K gold—it’s not hollow or merely gold plated. Thus, it’s a piece of fine jewelry that’s made to last and suitable to pass on to future generations as a reminder of a heritage of faith and an encouragement to walk in the footsteps of the faithful. This style is also available as the slightly smaller Plain 14K White Gold Women’s Cross Pendant.

Or if you’d prefer a modern look that’s a little less basic but equally unfussy, consider the 14K Gold Onyx Cross Pendant. This simply-designed shining 14K yellow gold cross is set with four rectangular black onyx stones, creating eye-catching contrast and adding a touch of polish. While this is a contemporary look, its clean lines assure that it won’t fade from fashion.

Apples of Gold’s collection of Christian pendants also includes a number of crucifixes, such as the 14K Gold Tri-Color Crucifix Pendant. A figure of Christ is crafted from shining 14K rose gold, a warm yet somber reminder of the love that motivated His ultimate sacrifice. This touch of color makes the figure pop from a backdrop of a 14K yellow gold cross, accented with skillfully-placed touches of white gold. Three cubic zirconia stones accent the top of this piece, adding a subtle sparkle that draws the eye. At 1 5/8” high without the bail, it’s large enough to make statement without getting lost.

The author of Hebrews urged Christians to encourage one another to love and to do good: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” Cross pendants are one way to not only declare your own faith, but also to encourage others in it. The sight of one of these pieces is a reminder to honor the Savior with our words and our actions.

These rings originate in a simpler time—a time before cell phones, the internet and instant everything, when life moved at a markedly slower pace. By slipping one of them on your finger, you bring to mind a less complicated era when beauty and romance were celebrated and savored.

Apples of Gold’s collection of vintage gemstone rings features a range of stone, from jewelry classics like emerald and amethyst to unique gems such as pink topaz. Each one gives these time-honored styles a new personality, providing a number of modern interpretations for today’s women.

The Vintage Emerald-Cut Amethyst Ring in 14K White Gold places a stunning emerald-cut amethyst, 10mm high, on display like a piece of fine art in an exquisite frame. However, unlike the pieces that line museum walls, this piece showcases its beauty wherever you go. A sizeable, glimmering violet stone gives a regal personality to this ring; however, that’ not all there is to admire about this piece. An elegant filigree setting surrounds this Victorian-style ring, making clear the level of craftsmanship that was poured into creating it.

Fans of 1920s-inspired style also have a number of head-turning bridal pieces to choose from. For example, the Vintage Floral Aquamarine Ring in 14K White Gold places a cool, glimmering aquamarine, over a half carat in weight, in the spotlight. A lavishly carved floral motif adorns the band, giving this piece a look that’s extraordinarily beautiful.

In addition to their ability to make statement of style and good taste, vintage gemstone rings can also communicate lasting love. Gemstone engagement rings inspired by the past readily serve as symbols of love that stands the test of time. Celebrities including Carrie Underwood and Emily Blunt wear vintage styles on their left hands, demonstrating that these rings can serve as incredibly glamorous symbols of lasting affection.

For example, the Enchanted Garnet Ring in 14K White Gold seems to have been plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. A round garnet adds a burst of rich crimson glimmer, and gives this ring a timeless appeal. Victorian-inspired filigree creates an airy yet substantial setting that’s rich with lively swirls. While this ring is a striking fashion statement on its own, it also readily symbolizes love when it takes on the role of a unique engagement ring. Or, if you’d prefer a perfectly coordinated wedding jewelry set, this ring is also available as part of the Garnet Bridal Wedding Ring Set in 14K White Gold.

Whether you’re looking for a ring that’s on trend for your right hand or a unique engagement ring, vintage gemstone rings deliver. Each of these pieces provides a touch of the past that’s welcome in the present.

Pink topaz was used in the jewelry worn by 19^th century Russian royalty after this gem was discovered in the country. In fact, it was so prized by the czar that only he, his family and the few to whom he gave this stone were permitted to own it. Fortunately for modern-day lovers of brilliantly-colored jewelry, pink topaz is much more accessible today.

Pink is one of the rarest colors of topaz to be found in nature; because of this, naturally-occurring pink topaz is very costly. However, this hue can also be given to colorless topaz through a through a heat and irradiation process, and this variety of pink topaz is relatively affordable. All of Apples of Gold’s pink topaz jewelry utilizes these less-pricey but still stunning gemstones.

The combination of pink topaz and diamonds offers eye-catching contrast and dazzling sparkle as the vibrant color of pink topaz is reflected in the unmatched brilliance of diamonds. For instance, the Emerald Cut Pink Topaz and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold uses a total of 38 round diamonds to accent a slender white gold band and to frame a show-stopping center stone: a 4.5 carat emerald-cut pink topaz. It’s a standout look that’s fit for royalty.

Pink, like red, is often used to represent affection, and pink topaz rings that incorporate hearts are a fitting way to demonstrate love. For instance, the Heart Shaped Pink Topaz and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold places a heart-shaped 10mm high pink topaz front and center, creating an unashamed symbol of your true feelings. Five tiny diamonds accent the sweeping setting that holds this stone, adding glimmer and sophistication.

Pink topaz can also bring a bold touch to wedding jewelry, demonstrating that your love makes you come alive and that it’s far from ordinary. Vintage gemstone rings that feature pink topaz are especially exquisite bridal styles, as demonstrated by the 1 Carat Pink Topaz Art Deco Bridal Ring Set in 14K White Gold. This stunning engagement ring and wedding band set is inspired by the 1920s, but the daring stone it contains gives it a feel that’s modern and outgoing. This one-carat round pink topaz is set within the opening petals of a white gold flower, giving the engagement ring in this pair a unique touch. A lively swirling petal design is expertly carved into both bands, looking to the past while representing a hope for the future.

Pink is often the color that we associate with the princesses of our imaginations when we’re children; for grown women, it serves both as a reminder of those happy fantasies and as a symbol of bold femininity. Why not try a pink topaz ring for a pop of bright color and sparkle no matter how gray the winter gets?