Something Blue for the Bride: Earrings

Despite the evolving nature of wedding trends, most brides still follow the wedding tradition of wearing something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.  The wedding dress easily serves as a bride’s something new, and family heirlooms such as handkerchiefs, veils, brooches and garters are classic picks for something borrowed or something old.  The item that most brides struggle with is finding their perfect ’something blue.’

Our favorite way to incorporate something blue into the bride’s wedding day ensemble is to pick a stunning piece of jewelry with a blue stone. Sapphire, blue topaz and aquamarine are lovely blue hued gemstones for a bride to choose.  Brides who prefer a quiet, understated something blue should choose small blue gemstone and diamond earrings.  By wearing delicate studs or earrings with just a small drop, the ’something blue’ is not overpowering; it’s a subtle compliment to the wedding dress.

On that note, here are some of our favorite subtle – and gorgeous – ’something blue’ earrings for the bride:

Emerald Cut Diamond and Blue Topaz Earrings

These earrings are crafted in a classic vintage design with timeless appeal. Brides striving for that vintage, romantic aesthetic would be well served by the beautiful blue topaz and diamond studs on their wedding day.  We also love that these earrings are versatile enough to be worn everyday as well.

Oval Shaped Sapphire and Diamond Flower Stud Earrings

Like the earrings above, these delicate beauties also have a vintage allure (pictured at top left).  Dainty oval sapphires are surrounded by a burst of diamonds totaling nearly a half carat in weight – simply stunning, and perfect for the bride incorporating a vintage theme into her wedding attire.

Pear Shaped Blue Topaz and Diamond Drop Earrings

For a little more flair, these pear shaped blue topaz drop earrings are an ideal pick. A small drop gives them extra oomph and the modern shape is great for brides who want small earrings that still make a statement. Best of all, they are a steal at under $200.

If we haven’t highlighted your favorite pair of gemstone earrings in this article, be sure to check out our extensive selection of gemstone jewelry. From modern cocktail rings to vintage inspired styles, Apples of Gold has pieces for the everday and the extraordinary.

Gemstone Pendants

Colorful jewelry will not only brighten up your day, but can also brighten up your face and  your wardrobe.  Many jewelry patrons are afraid to leave the secure feeling that comes with purchasing basic gold, silver, and diamond jewelry and explore other beautiful gemstone options; especially ones with an abundance of color.

Apples of Gold Jewelry has a great selection of Gemstone Pendants to get you out of your jewelry rut and into some color!  A faultless choice would be the lovely Garnet Heart Clover Pendant in 14k white gold.  This pendant comes in a assortment of white gold chain lengths, form 16 to 20 inches, that can allow the pendant to sit beautifully on any wearer’s chest.   The pendant itself is awe-inspiring.  Red heart shaped Garnet gemstones are craftily arranged in a circle using white gold prongs to give the appearance of a clover.  In the middle of the clover arrangement sits one single .01 carat diamond surround by a solid white gold circle.  Finishing off the look, all 3.50 carats of garnet gemstones are suspended from a white gold chain with a bold white gold ornament.

Another exceptional selection from Apples of Gold would have to be the Blue Topaz Pear Shaped Diamond Pendant, also in 14K white gold. This spectacular piece of jewelry includes an over-sized Blue Topaz pear shaped gemstone held in white gold prongs while hanging delicately from a v-shaped white gold piece studded with 4 diamonds at the base.   However, when the white gold chain is threaded through the pendant, a striking design is revealed. The chain forms a horizontal line between the v-shaped white gold pieces creating a look and feel of luxurious art.  Other technical specifications include 2.65 grams of white gold, 10.25 carat Blue Topaz, and .03 carats diamond total.

It’s hard to resist these colorful options or any others when browsing the attractive selection of gemstone jewelry at Apples of Gold.

Blue Topaz Ring – December Birthstone

“And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row” (Exodus 28:17).

Most scholars agree that the concept of birthstones had its origins not in the celestial sphere or the zodiac, but in the Breastplate of Aaron or the Hoshen, a ceremonial breastplate worn by the High Priest of the Israelites adorned with twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel–and later perhaps, a foreshadowing of the Twelve Apostles.

Because the ancients did not classify gemstones based on their mineral species, various cultures assigned a mystical or symbolic meaning to each gemstone instead. The Hebrews, the Romans, and the Arabs assigned ruby to the month of December, whereas Hindus chose Topaz, and the Russian and Polish chose Turquoise–all of which now serve as alternate gemstones for the month of December.

Topaz Gemstone Facts:

• Pure topaz is actually colorless and translucent but is usually tinted by small impurities. Typically colorless, gray, or pale, topaz is heat treated and irradiated to obtain its blue hue.

• Based on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, topaz has a hardness of 8. The Mohs Scale rates mineral hardness on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being diamond). Precious metals such as gold and silver are rated between 2.5 to 3, platinum is rated between 4 to 4.5, titanium comes in at 6, tungsten at 7.5, and tungsten carbide at 8 to 8.5.

• Blue Topaz is the Texas state gemstone, often cut by the Lone Star design. The Texas Natural Science Center exhibits a 1778 carat blue topaz found in a Brazilian mine (Wikipedia).

There are several varieties of the blue topaz common to the jewelry industry:

• Sky blue topaz — this is the most common blue topaz used in jewelry, referred to simply as blue topaz. This variety is similar in color to aquamarine but without aquamarine’s gray undertone.
• Swiss blue topaz — this variety has a more saturated appearance compared to sky blue topaz and is sometimes referred to as electric blue topaz.
• London blue topaz — this type of topaz has a steely, grayish, and deep blue color. This is the darkest blue topaz variety available in jewelry.

Symbolism and Meaning of the Topaz

There is some confusion regarding the mystical meaning of the topaz gemstone because most mythology surrounding the stone was based on the yellow topaz (alternative November birthstone). Topaz was associated with the sun, due to its fiery color, and like many gemstones, was considered a royal gemstone.

Depending on where you research your information, there are often numerous meanings associated with each gemstone. But with topaz, the consensus seems to declare that topaz is the gemstone of understanding, wisdom, and fulfillment.

Topaz is said to promote clear vision and understanding both of the self and of the world at large, making topaz the stone of both self-realization and worldly wisdom.

Topaz is also said to promote creativity, individuality, and self-expression. Other meanings include the topaz gemstone as a protective stone, a healing stone, and a promoter of truth.

As one of the stones in Hoshen or the Breastplate of Aaron, topaz inherently contains within its abstract and metaphysical properties a spiritual depth unrivaled by many gemstones. Although it is sometimes disputed whether the Biblical text referred to a yellow topaz or chrysolite (another yellow stone), in Jewish writings, the topaz is said to bring blessings of joy and abundance to one’s life.

Apples of Gold Jewelry offers many unique blue topaz rings.