The Story Behind Birthstones

You probably know the gemstone associated with the month of your birth, but what is the story behind the birthstone? How did the tradition of wearing a special stone for your month begin? How did birthstone jewelry become so popular? As you have read in previous Apples of Gold jewelry blog articles, Read More

Show Your Mom What A Gem She Is!

As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. Isaiah 66:13 One of God’s first blessings to his world was mothers. This Sunday, we celebrate the women who bore us and raised us and loved us. Each one is unique and special in her own way—there are the Read More

Caring For Your Gemstone Jewelry

Your gemstone jewelry pieces are not only treasured mementos, they are investments and heirlooms—keep them beautiful and intact for years—even generations—to come, by following a few simple steps. Know your stones: Given the monetary and sentimental value of your jewelry, it’s worth your Read More

Gemstone Ratings

When buying a colored gemstone, many people do not pay adequate attention to the gemstone's rating.  Since colored gemstones are less expensive than diamonds and their colors tend to help hide flaws in the stone, people tend to be more forgiving with their analysis of the gems they purchase. However, Read More

How To Store Jewelry

Once you’ve found the perfect pair of earrings, have been given a gorgeous gold cross, or snagged your dream engagement ring, it’s time to start taking good care of them. Regular cleaning and polishing is a must, but properly storing jewelry is just as important. It is likely that your most treasured Read More

March Birthstone: Aquamarine, “Sea Water”

The Aquamarine is one of the most treasured stones today for its hardness and resistance to elements. It is also considered the 'poor man's diamond'--while it is a hard mineral, it is abundantly mined since the 19th century in Brazil & Africa,  and therefore, more affordable than diamonds. There Read More

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 Read More

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 Read More

A Brief History of Jewelry in the Middle Ages- Renaissance Periods

Early civilizations' discovery of gold and the possibilities it presented were nothing short of wondrous. Gold--its malleability and versatility to be molded into various shapes and sizes of jewelry made it (and still makes it) the most popular metal to work with. It was approximately 5,000 B.C when Read More