The Gem.

The amethyst obtains its color from the presence of iron in its natural environment—this element is responsible for giving the stone its purplish hue. But depth of color comes from radiation—either by natural radioactive heating forces within the earth, or by heat treatment (irradiation) by a jewelry specialist.

Amethysts are not highly rare, but deep purple, gem-quality stones are. Brazil boasts a treasure trove of amethysts, but South Korea, Russia, India, Zambia, and Austria are also major producers.

Amethyst In History And Lore. The name amethyst comes from the Greek word amythtos, which means “not intoxicated.” Ancient societies such as the Greeks and Romans believed that amethyst protected one against drunkenness, thus it was common in jewelry and the making of drinking vessels. Some also sprinkled ground amethyst into vessels holding wine to protect the drinkers from the effects of overindulgence. Amethyst was also thought to guard a person from seduction and even to save crops from the attack of pests. 

During medieval times, soldiers donned amethyst stones to protect them as they went into battle. The gem was also favored by priests and clergy as it was known to symbolize piety.

Biblical Significance. In addition to the amethyst’s legendary protective properties, the stone was given great significance in the Biblical text. Beginning in the book of Exodus the amethyst was used to adorn the garments of priests serving in the temple. Amethyst represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Later in the book of Revelation, the amethyst is mentioned as one of the stones that will adorn the walls of the New Jerusalem.

As special and significant as it is stunning, the amethyst stone is a perfect gift for a February birthday!

Our Favorite February Birthstone Gifts

Amethyst and Black Diamond Royal Pendant in .925 Sterling Silver. (Above Left) Strong colors incorporated into a feminine design make this pendant both bold and captivating yet gentle and delicate. The center oval-cut amethyst stone of this beautiful piece weighs nearly four carats and measures 10mm. The surrounding 22 black diamonds, set in sterling silver, total 0.22 carats and give the pendant its unique floral look. The pendant comes with an 18’’ rope chain in gold-plated .925 sterling silver.

Double Pear Shape Drop Earrings with Amethyst. (Above right) These funky earrings feature a 5.5mm amethyst incorporated into a sterling silver wire teardrop design. Perfect for any age, these earrings are both fashionable and affordable—a perfect way to remember and celebrate a February birthday. 

Rustic Amethyst Ring in Sterling Silver. (Left) This ring is a perfect match to the earrings above—both feature a rustic, patina-finished sterling silver with loops and coil shapes. The ring also stands alone as an attractive everyday piece. Trendy and fun, this ring is perfect for a younger wearer. Its amethyst stone measures 11mm x 9mm.

Browse more Apples of Gold Amethyst Jewelry

Garnet takes its name from the Latin word, granum, meaning ‘grain’ or ‘grainy one’. This is an allusion to its internal composition, which resembles little bundles of grain. While red is the color traditionally associated with the garnet, this stone has a few more hues up its sleeve. The garnet family includes ten different gemstones, which is to say, these ten gemstones all share the same chemical composition. The color spectrum includes several shades of red as well as other earthy colors such as green, orange, and yellow.

While the color of many stones is enhanced and deepened by heat treatment and irradiation, garnets have shown themselves intolerant to heat methods. Found primarily in Africa, garnets of varying colors have also been mined in Russia, India, Czech Republic, and Latin America. Garnet is the state mineral of Connecticut and the state gemstone of New York and Idaho.

While there is no direct Biblical reference to the garnet, legend holds that Noah used a lantern of garnet to guide him through the storm. Garnets were also widely used in Greek and Roman times both for jewelry and as a stone of protection, or talisman. Sailors carried the stone to illuminate the night and to guard from them from danger.

Favorite January Birthstone Gifts:

Victorian Emerald-Cut Garnet Ring in 14K White Gold (Shown above left) This Victorian-style flora ring features an emerald-cut ruby measuring 10mmx8mm. This vintage ring is a special and stylish gift for a special and stylish woman. Shown here is 14K white gold, this ring is also available in sterling silver.

Garnet Stud Earrings, 14K White Gold (Shown above right) Simple, yet elegant, the garnet is center stage in these stunning earrings. Each stone is set in a basket setting to offset the stone in all its crimson glory and provide just a hint of metallic sparkle around the edges. These solitaire stud earrings also give you the opportunity to customize the look of your jewelry. Select the size of your stones: 6mm, 7mm, or 8mm, as well as the precious metal used in the earring posts and setting: 14K white gold, 14K yellow gold, or platinum.

Filigree Garnet Earrings In Sterling Silver (Shown above left) A total of twelve garnet stones are incorporated into these antique-styled sterling silver filigree earrings. This garnet gift that is attractive and affordable—perfect for a younger woman who loves jewelry with boldness and flair.

Browse More Garnet Jewelry From Apples of Gold!

The blue topaz is a member of the topaz family—a stone that is naturally colorless. But depending on the conditions of the environment in which it is found, topaz can take on multi-colored properties. From yellow to green to pink, topaz covers the colors of the rainbow. But it is the sapphire-blue variety that adorns the month of December.

Red Hot Heat Turns To Icy Blue

If topaz is naturally colorless, how does it get its deep blue color? Heat will turn the naturally colorless topaz a shade of blue. Intense heat in the natural environment or by the agency of a jeweler through irradiation results in the remarkable shade. This gemstone is usually seen in three distinct tones: the icy, sky-blue shade, a Swiss blue, and the darker, deeper London blue topaz.

This cool, icy stone is a perfect representation of its wintry month. But the shade is also calming and relaxing—a perfect set of characteristics in a month known to be one of the busiest of the year.

Biblical Significance

While the blue variety is not specifically referenced, the topaz makes an appearance in several places throughout the Bible. In the book of Exodus, topaz is one of the stones used to adorn the garments of the temple priests. In the book of Revelation, topaz brings sparkle to the wall of the New Jerusalem. Known for over 4,000 years, this stone bears a deep and meaningful historical significance, as well as a future, eternal one.

Interesting Facts About The Blue Topaz

In addition to being one of the official birthstones for the month of December, the blue topaz is also the state stone of Texas. Legend claims that this gem can turn men handsome, make women happy, calm a heated argument, cool boiling water, and protect against accidental death. But even if you don’t believe all that, you cannot argue that this is a stunning and attractive stone, certain to beautify and delight its wearer.

Our Favorite Blue Topaz Gifts For December Birthdays

Blue Topaz and Diamond Swirl Earrings In 14K White Gold. A very special December birthday calls for a very special gift. These earrings, composed of 1.77 carats blue topaz are attractively accented with diamonds, creating a piece that is a timeless treasure. The pear-shaped stones elongate the face and bring out the eyes of the wearer—especially is those eyes are blue!

Handmade Textured Round Blue Topaz Sterling Silver Ring. For the true blue topaz lover, consider this 11mm round stone. The shape of the sterling silver ring is unique, feminine, and a perfect compliment to the dramatic, icy stone. Also available with an oval-shaped or rectangle topaz stone.

Sterling Silver and 14K Gold Blue Topaz Cuff Bracelet. For the woman who likes to make a bold, stylish statement with her jewelry, this cuff bracelet is a perfect pick. Crafted of 0.925 sterling silver, the five strands bear blue topaz accents of various shapes and sizes. Classy and elegant, this piece is as stunning with that little black dress as it is comfortable with jeans and a blazer.

Take a look at more blue topaz jewelry!

Ranging in color from lemony yellow to burnt amber, the citrine is a splash of sunshine just as the days are getting shorter and the weather is starting to get chilly. Citrine is one of the few stones that bear a yellow hue. While you may encounter a yellow-toned diamond, they are highly rare and thus unaffordable to most. Citrine, on the other hand, is delightfully affordable and a perfect gift for that special November birthday.

Check out some of our favorite citrine gift ideas–

Sterling Silver and Citrine Cuff Bracelet. (Shown above left) This sterling silver cuff bracelet holds a citrine stone of more than 11 carats. The bold, chunky look of he yellow stone pairs perfectly with the intricate leaf and diamond pattern that covers the antiqued silver cuff. A strip of diamond accents set in 14k white gold flank each side of the stone to give it that little extra touch of sparkle and shine. The sterling silver and citrine cuff bracelet measures 29mm at its widest point. This piece is sure to brighten up those dreary winter days!

Victorian Floral Oval Citrine Ring in 14K White Gold. (Shown above right) In an antique, Victorian setting of 14k white gold sits this dramatic citrine stone, measuring 10mm in length. This ring is truly unique—featuring the citrine stone so rarely seen in jewelry. Shown here in 14k white gold, the piece is also available in yellow gold or platinum. Its golden, sunshine-like color lifts the spirits and reminds you of the spring and summer days that will soon come again.

Sterling Silver Hammered Circle and Citrine Earrings. (Shown left) Also crafted of sterling silver, these funky citrine earrings are an affordable gift for the November birthday and the perfect addition to any wardrobe. Each earring features a string of citrine ‘briolettes’ or charms suspended from the lower hoop of the earring. The sterling silver has a matte, hammered finish, giving off a subtle, bronzed hue. Each earring is 2.5’’ long, not including the ear wire.

View More Citrine Rings Here.

October 31, 1517 is the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the doors of the church at Wittenberg. While he did not realize the force of his action at the time, Luther’s bold move on that day gave rise to the Reformation. The last day of October is now recognized as Reformation Day.

The Holy Warrior Cross (shown left), also known as the Maltese Cross, is a symbol of humility and justice in the face of persecution against one’s faith. It makes a perfect remembrance of this event in history or a gift of encouragement for a Christian undergoing persecution or derision for his or her faith at work, in school, or on the mission field. The cross is crafted of 14k gold—both yellow and white gold available. It can also be purchased with an 18’’ or 20’’ box chain.

Opal is a highly unique gemstone. Unlike most gemstones, it is not actually a mineral, but rather a quartz-like material. It seems that no two are alike and the colors that an opal diffracts can vary along the entire spectrum of the rainbow, depending upon the environmental factors and conditions under which the opal was formed. This mystery and unpredictability is part of opal’s charm.

Opal’s characteristic dancing color is better explained by the scientists, but suffice it to say, the chemical makeup of the opal is what is causing it to refract light in this interesting way. Australia produces over 95% of the world’s opals.

Not to be outdone, pink tourmaline is also a fun gem, especially for feminine women who love the vibrant color. As these tourmaline stones are forming over time in granite, they are exposed to a natural radiation process that changes the composition of the Manganese in the stone. The result is a strong, natural pink color. Tourmaline is a Singhalese word meaning “stone with mixed colors.” The colors included within the tourmaline family are as extensive and varied as those you’ll see within the opal family.

Opal And Pink Tourmaline Make Great October Birthday Gifts:

The Sterling Silver and Tourmaline Ring (above left) is a funky piece that incorporates both pink and green tourmaline. Its oxidized finish gives it a rugged appearance. It’s a great way to show off that pink tourmaline in a less formal piece of jewelry. Great with jeans and casual wear, this is a ring you can wear everyday!

The Marquis Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Pendant in 14K White Gold (above right) is luxurious and feminine—a very special gift for a very special woman. The center pink tourmaline, marquis cut, measures 1.10 carats and is surrounded by a string of diamonds that encircle the stone and cover the bale as well. The twenty-seven diamonds measure 0.20 carats and are color graded G, or near colorless. The pendant comes with a matching 14K white gold Singapore chain.

The Opal and Diamond Heart Pendant in 14K White Gold (left) wraps a 0.48 carat white opal in a swirling heart of 14K gold, and accents it with three sparkly diamonds. The luster of the gold and the shine of the diamond accentuate the swirling colors characteristic of this gemstone.

Biblical Significance Of Sapphire.

Like many of the gems in the birthstone family, sapphire was well known in Biblical times. Sapphire represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel and in the book of Exodus, sapphire adorns the breastplates of the priests serving in the temple. Like the other gems it also appears in Revelation, as one of the stones covering the walls of the New Jerusalem.

But sapphire gets a few special mentions throughout the Bible as well. In Exodus 24:10, sapphire is the very stone that God stands upon when he communes with Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders. As it says, “and they saw the God of Israel. There was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness.” Job mentions sapphire, noting that even a stone of such worth cannot be used to compare to the value of wisdom. Ezekiel’s visions featured an expanse of sapphire spread out over the heads of cherubim. Throughout the Biblical text, sapphire is used as a symbol of great value and beauty.

Interesting fact: the sapphires we’ve featured here exhibit the traditional, deep-blue shade most people associate with the sapphire, but actually, stones of the corundrum family come in every color. The red variety, which has been colored by chrome, is distinguished as the ruby.

According to the International Colored Gemstone Association, “A blue sapphire fits in best with a well balanced lifestyle in which reliability and temperament run together and there is always a readiness to encounter things new – as with the woman who wears it.” What do you think? Are you and sapphire a match?

Our Most Special Sapphire Jewelry For That September Birthday:

3.15 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Pendant in .925 Sterling Silver. 63 sapphires and 20 diamonds come together to create a shocking and sparkling blue pendant you can’t live without. Set in sterling silver, this antique-styled pendant is certain to delight and charm you for years to come. Comes with 18” sterling silver chain.

Sapphire Gemstone Solitaire Ring in 14K White Gold. Let that sassy sapphire speak for itself! In this stunning solitaire ring, the sapphire is featured in all of its sky-blue splendor. This ring also allows you to customize—select white or yellow gold for your setting, and then choose your stone size (0.4-1.20 carats). Not enough blue for you? Pair with a set of Solitaire Sapphire Stud Earrings.

2.31 Carat Emerald-Cut Sapphire and Diamond Earrings in 14K White Gold. A favorite among sapphire lovers, these emerald cut earrings highlight the depth and intensity of the blue sapphire. Accented by two round diamonds, they encompass elegance and class.

Originally discovered in Egypt, peridot has been a beloved gemstone since the days of the Romans. Thanks to them, this greenish-gold gem gained the nickname ‘emerald of the night.’ In the Bible, peridot is referred to as ‘chrysolite’ and is mentioned in Revelation 21 as the seventh stone adorning the walls of the New Jerusalem.

Though peridot is not a new discovery, and mines are found throughout the world, the stone started to gain even greater popularity when large mines were uncovered in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Some of the largest and most luxurious peridot stones come from these mines. Given the abundant supplies, peridot is now a gem that is not only attractive, but also affordable.

The special green of the peridot gemstone varies in tone from light to dark olive green. Described by writer Oscar Wilde as ‘pistachio’, the intensity of the green depends upon the amount of iron present. While peridot is not hard to find and even relatively common, peridot that meet quality standards as gemstones are much rarer and highly sought-after.

Peridot measures 6.5-7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness and is the only gemstone to have been found in meteorites!

Celebrate the month of August and those special August birthdays with this crisp, summery green gemstone. Peridot is also the stone associated with the sixteenth wedding anniversary. See below for some of our favorite peridot gift selections!

Our Prettiest Peridot:

Diamond and Peridot Earrings in 14k White Gold. Among our most stunning peridot pieces, the diamond and peridot earrings show off this olivine stone at its finest. Each 1-carat peridot earring (for a total of 2 carats) is surrounded by a ring of 18 sparkling round diamonds, setting off the dramatic green center stones. All 36 diamonds are color graded H-I (near colorless) and have a clarity of SI1-SI2. Settings and posts are 14k white gold. An exquisite gift for an exceptional woman.

Mythical Peridot Ring in Sterling Silver.

This 6mm, superior quality peridot is set in a sterling silver claw-like setting giving it a mythical quality and a unique, bold look. The peridot ring is also available in 14k and 18k gold or platinum.

Oval Peridot Cabochon Earrings in Sterling Silver. For a girl’s first birthstone jewelry, these sterling silver earrings featuring an oval peridot cabochon each, are a perfect birthday present. Reasonably priced and attractively sized, these stylish earrings are sure to delight a younger recipient.

Amethyst and Cross Pendant in Sterling Silver. Peridot and Amethyst are a perfect match. A combination of both stones adorn this sterling silver cross—a feminine and delicate piece to proclaim your faith in Christ. The pendant displays a total of 15 gemstones and measures 52mm in height (without bale). This attractive and reasonably priced pendant makes a charming gift for a confirmation or graduation this summer.

Jesus Christ came into my prison cell last night, and every stone flashed like a ruby.

When it comes to colored gemstones, ruby reigns supreme. Known as the “King of Gemstones,” it’s hard not to come under the rule of ruby’s fiery red color. Ruby takes its name from the Latin word for red, rubens. This is the ruby’s dominant and defining characteristic. Though it’s fiery color may be tinged with other secondary hues like orange, purple, or pink, this passionate stone is always a striking crimson.

A ruby is nearly as hard as a diamond, rating 9.0 to the diamond’s 10.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness. When grading rubies, gemologists look for the same qualities that define value in a diamond—cut, clarity, carat weight, and color.

History And Significance

While ruby has long been legendary for its love-inspiring qualities, it also holds great biblical significance. Rubies were present in the Garden of Eden and later the ruby was one of the twelve stones that represented the tribes of Israel. Rubies adorned the garments of the priests that served in the temple.

Later God comforts his people Israel in their distress with his eternal covenant of peace as he says, “Moreover, I will make your battlements of rubies, and your gates of crystal, and your entire wall of precious stones…”

In Biblical times rubies were also used in bartering and trade. Foreign nations like Aram traded rubies for Israel’s other goods. In addition to its historical importance, the ruby is also a stunning expression of God’s creativity in the natural world. There is nothing more vibrant or captivating than the natural products of his own hand.

Our Most Radiant Ruby Jewelry

Ruby Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold. Celebrate a very special July birthday with these exquisite ruby solitaires. Apples of Gold gemstone solitaire jewelry lets you customize to your style and budget. The stones are available in three sizes: 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm. Choose a 14K white gold post as shown above, or 14K yellow gold, or platinum. These earrings are perfect for the object of your special affections or as a young woman’s first piece of birthstone jewelry. Simple, yet stunning, these stud earrings are perfect for women of all ages.

14K White Gold Floral Ruby Cross Pendant. Give a piece of jewelry that not only complements that beauty of the wearer, but also expresses the beauty of her Christian faith. The Floral Ruby Cross Pendant features four ruby stones set on an intricately patterned 14K white gold cross. This is a gift she is sure to cherish.

Ruby Gemstone Solitaire Ring in 14K White Gold. Like our solitaire earrings, the Ruby Solitaire Ring is matched to your specifications. A fashionable match to the stud earrings, this ruby ring is also available in 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm sizes. The gemstone rating is AA.

Looking for a non-traditional engagement ring? Rubies have become a popular stone in wedding jewelry. For the bold woman who desires something a little different, and yet no less dazzling, the ruby is the stone of choice. And nothing says love and romance like this stone’s flaming red shade. A ruby is also a great value! Click HERE to view the Apples of Gold collection of ruby rings.

Job 28:18: No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal; the price of wisdom is above pearls.

Unlike most colored gemstones, pearls are not formed or found within rocks or mines. Pearls are created within the body of mollusks—shelled ocean-dwelling creatures like clams, conchs, and certain species of oysters. When the fleshy body of these creatures is stimulated or irritated by a foreign object such as a piece of sand or injured piece of flesh, the mollusk will begin to coat the intruder with nacre, which is the same iridescent material that lines the inside of the mollusk’s shell. Over a period of months or years, this coating and re-coating process results in a pearl.

Matthew 7:6: Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

Natural or “wild” pearls are 100% nacre—they contain no intruder to stimulate pearl production and they are highly rare. Today, pearl farmers insert a piece of interior mollusk shell (mantle) or a bead into the folds of the mollusk. This is known as “culturing.”

Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls

While perliculture (the development and harvesting of pearls) was once an exclusively Japanese endeavor, today the majority of the world’s akoya pearls come from China. Pearls are farmed in both saltwater and freshwater sources. While akoya pearls can be harvested after about one year, freshwater pearls can take as many as seven years to reach completion.

Revelation 21:21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass.

When evaluating pearls, jewelry experts look at factors such as luster, shape, size, color and quality (smoothness) of the pearl’s surface.  Luster refers to a pearl’s characteristic iridescence. Like a diamond’s “brilliance,” this is what give’s the pearl its unique, shining quality. A small pearl of high luster could easily out-value a much larger pearl of low luster. As in diamonds and other colored gemstones, size is not the number one determinant in a gem’s value.

Our Favorite Selections From The Apples Of Gold Pearl Collection:

8-9mm White Freshwater Pearl Necklace. Made of the finest freshwater pearls from china, this 17” strand of round pearls is certain to delight. Pearl luster is graded “excellent.” Affordably priced, this necklace is a perfect “first set” of pearls for a young woman celebrating a June birthday.

Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Summer Ring. Pearls from French Polynesia are revered for their dramatic size and bold colors. This 10mm Tahitian black pearl is surrounded by a string of small diamonds and set in 18K white gold. Elegant, classy, unique.

9mm Golden South Sea Pearl Stud Earrings. Gold pearls are highly rare and represent only a fraction of the annual pearl harvest. These 9mm golden beauties are graded “superior” for luster and are set on 14K yellow gold posts.

To browse more Apple of Gold pearl jewelry, click HERE.