December is a unique month in that it has not just one official birthstone—but four! Join us throughout the month as we profile December birthstone jewelry.

Our second December gemstone is Tanzanite. If you’re new to this sparkly, blue gem, let us begin by saying, it is well worth making the acquaintance. Often called the ‘gemstone of the 20^th century,’ this gemstone is no less captivating in the 21^st.

Though naturally reddish-brown in color, when tanzanite is heated (gently, as the stone is delicate), it gives off a blue shade ranging the color spectrum from icy blue-violet to deeper periwinkle. The color is rich, captivating and unique from other blue stones for its purple hints and hues.

Tanzanite is a relative newcomer on the jewelry scene. Discovered in 1967 by Masai shepherds around the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro in the African country of Tanzania. When the stone was presented to Tiffany Jewelry Company they were immediately enamored with it. Their interest in the purplish-blue stone led to mass appeal. Though the stone’s original name is blue zoisite, Tiffany dubbed it Tanzanite, after the location of its discovery. And Tanzania is the only location in which this stone has been found, contributing to its exotic and exclusive nature.

In the same way that diamonds became the engagement ring default through slogans such as “A diamond is forever,” tanzanite has been linked to the slogan “Be born to tanzanite,” indicating that this is a stone that should be given to commemorate a birth. Whether celebrating a December birthday, the birth of a new baby, or another special winter occasion, Tanzanite is a stone that is sure to delight the wearer—its deep color, luxurious appearance, and exotic quality guarantee it!

Our Favorite Tanzanite Pieces To Celebrate December, Or A New Birth!

Tanzanite Stud Earrings Set In 14K White Gold. Available in 4mm, 5mm, or 6mm sized stones, these earrings give you tanzanite in its purest form, with nothing else to distract you from its beauty. These solitaire earrings make a perfect gift for a recipient of any age or fashion sense—the color is versatile and attractive on women with all shades of skin, eyes, and hair. The Tanzanite Stud Earrings can also be set in 14K yellow gold or platinum.

Oval Cut Tanzanite and Diamond Wrap Ring In 14K White Gold. Forty-eight round diamonds encircle this captivating nearly 1 carat center tanzanite stone. This ring, crafted on 14K white gold, makes a remarkable piece of fashion jewelry, not to mention a stunning engagement ring—December is, after all, the most popular month for wedding proposals!

Tanzanite and Diamond Pendant in .925 Sterling Silver. For the woman who loves delicate, intricate, timeless, vintage-inspired jewelry, this heirloom-quality pendant is a perfect match. Twenty-seven round tanzanite stones combine with sixteen round diamonds to produce the classic teardrop-shaped pendant. The pendant is tarnish-resistant and comes with an 18” sterling silver chain.

Check out more tanzanite jewelry!

The Pearl Openwork Bezel Sterling Silver Ring, an Apples of Gold new edition, is an elegant welcome to winter. It’s a perfect complement to a fuzzy sweater or a wool pantsuit—equally appropriate for casual or dressy settings. The ring is crafted of antiqued sterling silver. This interesting design, known as openwork, suspends the white 8mm pearl in the setting. It makes the perfect surprise for Christmas or a special winter birthday.

Keep watching for more winter jewelry. To see more recent editions to the Apples of Gold collection, click HERE.

But into the life of every great business will come the unsatisfied customer, the complaint, the poor review. Despite consistent efforts to please, one unhappy shopper can often speak louder than the dozens who’ve been delighted. We’re not going to hide it, if you’ve got spare time and an internet connection, you can go looking for bad press about any company and you’ll find it—ours included.

But a negative review is not all negative–it gives us a chance to humbly examine our practice and our products and determine if we were in the wrong. It can be an opportunity to make our company and our customer service stronger and better than ever.

We think this is the benefit of criticism—even if the claims are exaggerated or untrue. But for every negative review we have handfuls of glowing testimonials, so we would like to think we’re moving in the right direction. We love to post the reviews of those who have purchased their jewelry with us and loved the experience from start to finish. You can read Apples of Gold customer reviews HERE.

Have your own testimonial about Apples of Gold? We love to hear and share your delight! Have a concern or something you hope could be better? Please give us the chance to listen and respond. Email your comments (compliments and concerns) HERE.

The stunning stone is set in lustrous sterling silver so it is an easy match with your other jewelry. And the carnelian stone, a semi-precious red stone whose name means “flesh,” is no newcomer to the jewelry scene. Since the 4^th and 5^th centuries BC, carnelian has been used in jewelry and other adornments. It was a favorite among the Romans for use in signet rings. In the book of Revelation we read that in John’s vision Christ himself has the appearance of carnelian, and the stone is also prophesied as one that will adorn the walls of the New Jerusalem. Spectacular, symbolic, and significant, this is your fall splurge.

To see more of our newest pieces, click HERE.

Many people, especially young people, benefit from a physical remembrance of a loved one who has passed away. The jewelry featured here is made by Heart U Back, a company that has teamed up with the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). A portion of the proceeds from the sale of their jewelry helps to support the efforts of the ASPCA.

Heart U Back – In Memory Of Pendant in Sterling Silver. This pendant helps you remember that special pet. Comes with an 18 inch sterling silver chain.

Heart U Back – Unconditional Love Bracelet in Sterling Silver. Great as a remembrance or as a special gift for a pet lover. The sterling silver chain bracelet measures 7 inches.

Leaves are especially appropriate this time of year as we begin to move into fall. Among the Apples of Gold collection, you will find jewelry featuring leaves crafted of a variety of metals. There are engraved leaves, leaves and vines that wrap around your finger or wrist, and leaf beads. Know a special fall birthday you’d like to celebrate? This nature-themed jewelry expresses the most magnificent part of the season—the changing leaves. 

The Antiqued Leaf Ring in Sterling Silver encircles your finger with a crown of sterling silver leaves. Antique and rustic, yet beautiful and delicate—like nature itself.

The Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet with Leaf Design features an engraved design of tiny leaves covering a chunky, antiqued silver cuff. A great match with the Antiqued Leaf Ring!

The Sterling Silver and 14K Gold Leaf Print Spinner Ring made by David Tishbi, is handcrafted in Israel. Rugged, yet delicate and glimmering, this ring is sure to delight its wearer.

What Is Onyx?

Onyx is one variety from the chalcedony family of stones, comprised mainly of silica. Though the onyx pieces that you see here are solid jet-black, traditionally onyx has come in a variety of colors, showing a banded color pattern in the stone. This layering was the characteristic that set onyx apart. Today, chalcedony that features yellow and red layering patterns is known as ‘sardonyx’. The black variety, which exhibits less or no banding, retains the name ‘onyx’ or ‘black onyx’.

While onyx is most frequently seen in jewelry, Egyptians have long used onyx for the crafting of bowls and serving ware. It was also a favorite stone among Ancient Romans and Greeks, from whom it gets its name. In other types of jewelry, banded onyx was used in the making of cameos, in which an engraving was made in one colored band that would contrast with the color on an adjacent band. Today in Mexico, onyx in various colors is used for making contemporary light fixtures, sculpture, and other household items.

While the traditional gem for the month of August is the peridot, onyx (and sardonyx) is also recognized as an August birthstone.

Biblical Significance.

As seen in the passage above, onyx was present even in the Garden of Eden. In the book of Exodus onyx was one of the stones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel and was used to decorate the breastplates of the priests that served in the temple. Those who were involved in the building of the temple were instructed to take two onyx stones and engrave upon them the names of the tribes of Israel as a memorial.

Who Wears Onyx?

While most jewelry is crafted with women in mind, onyx is a stone that men love, and a popular component in men’s jewelry. The bold color conveys strength and masculinity. However, black is an elegant color that women can’t help but admire and desire as well!

Our Favorite Selections From Our Onyx Collection:

Onyx Marcasite Cross in .925 Sterling Silver. Throughout history, it has been thought that onyx and marcasite make an attractive match. In this pendant (above), two very stunning black stones come together to celebrate the darkness and the beauty of the cross. Crafted of black onyx, the cross is accented by two ‘bands’ of marcasite, as well as a marcasite bale. The pendant measures 1 1/8” and comes with a matching sterling silver chain.

10K White Gold Diamond and Onyx Mens Ring. This ring (above left) is elegant, exquisite, and masculine wrapped into one. Starting with a generous cut of black onyx set in 10k gold (added durability), the ring is then accented by four diamonds for added shine. Sure to delight any man.

Black Onyx Inlay Earrings in Sterling Silver. These earrings (left) are dressy enough for a night out and yet simple and casual enough for everyday wear. Crafted of black onyx and sterling silver, the drops measure 12mm in length. The earrings also make a great set with the black onyx cross pictured above.

But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…1 Peter 3:15

For college students, the summer is coming to a close and within just a few weeks they’ll be leaving home for college or university or perhaps a semester abroad. College is a critical time for a young person. While there is so much to be learned and experienced, peers and professors alike often challenge the faith that has been cultivated at home. Students, especially freshmen, need prayers and support to maintain their commitment to Christ in their new academic environment.

As you say goodbye to a student who is dear to you, send them off with the classic symbol and reminder of our Christian faith—the cross. The Titanium Cross Pendant is an ideal gift for the college-bound student and it is suitable for a young man or woman.

This affordably priced pendant is crafted of lustrous titanium and comes with its own black cord. It makes a perfect going-away gift—an encouragement to the student to hold fast to the faith that is in them, and to be ready to proclaim this faith with boldness and confidence.

Click HERE for the complete Apples of Gold line of cross pendants.

Throughout the Bible, keys hold a special significance. The treasure of God–his gift of grace and eternal life–is a free gift to all who would trust in him. But there is much that still remains a mystery to us. He has kept some of his gifts and treasures under lock and key—to be revealed to the faithful one day, in future glory.

But not everyone has managed the treasure of grace properly. In Luke 11:52, Jesus cries out against the legalists who had no concept of saving grace, but knew only the false knowledge of legalism. “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.”

It is Christ that holds the keys to these fantastic treasures and mysteries. We know one thing—the beauty and value of what God has prepared for us is beyond anything we could ask or imagine. If we trust in Christ for our salvation, we know it will be ours.

In Revelation 3:7 we read, “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.”

Remember the significance of the ‘keys of the kingdom’ with a sterling silver key pendant—a symbol of beauty and wisdom. The Mother of Pearl Pendant, featured here, is crafted of .925 sterling silver with mother of pearl accenting the heart. The pendant is available for purchase with an 18 or 20” sterling silver box chain.

To browse more Apples of Gold key pendants, click HERE.

The rough-cut emerald is unique from its traditional emerald counterpart. The color, rather than the striking emerald green we’re used to, is a slightly more pastel shade—almost sage. It is especially captivating to look at because you can see the intricate inclusions that give the emerald its rich swirling color. When it comes to this stone, the inclusions, which in other gemstones might be seen as ‘flaws,’ are the emerald’s greatest asset. The fissures that run through the stone hold its powerful hue.

This stone matches stylishly with sterling silver as the new additions to our line attest. The Rough Cut Emerald Pendant In Sterling Silver highlights the charm of this stone and frames it in a decorative, artsy, silver filigree pendant. The Rough Cut Oval Emerald Earrings are also framed in silver. Radiant with the pendant, or on their own.