May Birthstone: Emerald Rings

Like most gemstones, the name for this month’s birthstone is derived from its physical attributes, in this case the gem’s color.

The name Emerald came from the Latin term “smaragdus” which directly translates to “green gem”. It belongs to the Beryl family of minerals where it is also considered its premium gemstone among all its other members. The tinge of green in the stone comes from small quantities of the trace mineral chromium. The gem has colors that range from light to deep green; but this gemstone has a beautiful rarity in the Red Emerald, the composition of its color comes from the trace mineral Bixbyite and is only found and mined in the United States.  It is so rare it is prohibitively expensive!

The Emerald has been mined since 3,000 B.C in ancient Egypt and India. It was mainly used as a talisman in India but it was a different story in how greatly it was treasured  in Egypt, particularly during the reign of Cleopatra. For a Queen who was known in history as a lover of anything and everything that sparkles, the Emerald was Cleopatra’s  most prized and therefore, her most valued gem. She admired it so much that she took ownership of all the quarries that mined Emerald in Egypt.

On the other hand, the ancient Romans associated the gemstone with the goddess of faith, fertility and goodness; while the Greeks equate the same gemstone to associate with their very own Aphrodite. They wore emerald jewelry to honor these goddesses.  An ancient belief also circulated about the healing benefits of the gemstone. It was believed that the stone can help calm the spirit, reduce fever and prevent epileptic seizures, as well help restore peace and clarity of the mental state and enhance clairvoyance.

Apples of Gold Jewelry has added new emerald rings, emerald pendants, and emerald earrings to its line of unique, quality gemstone jewelry. Check out their selection of quality gems, which are priced at an average of 50% below retail.

What a Gem: Bejeweled Vintage Rings for Spring

Get bejeweled this Spring with some of the season’s boldest hues. Emerald, cobalt, sky blue and ruby are the perfect cheery brights to usher in the warmer weather. What’s more, they look beautiful paired with bright mix and match separates, like a turquoise top with a patterned mustard yellow cardigan.

Boldly colored gemstones make such a stylish statement, but the right designs make them timeless as well. Enter the beauty of the vintage style gemstone ring: classic and elegant by design, with a pop of modern color to make it truly unique. We just love the delicate look of vintage rings, and are playing favorites with these beauties below:

Vintage Floral Garnet & White Gold Ring

The deep, rich garnet hue is subtle enough to be worn year-round. Simply switch up your colorful Spring separates with jewel-toned fall sweaters without ever having to put aside this ruby hued ring. The intricate leaf and floral pattern is crafted onto solid 14k white gold band that’s non-rhodium plated to retain the natural look of vintage white gold.

Vintage Filigree Emerald & White Gold Ring

This handmade filigree ring is vintage with a twinge of mysticism. It has a very romantic-goth appeal that belongs to another time in history. The emerald stone is a great Spring color and would look lovely worn with girly sunflower yellow or lilac dresses.

Vintage Floral Aquamarine Ring

An eye-catching sky blue aquamarine pops against vintage style white gold swirls and flowers. Watery and romantic, the ring has a mutable quality that makes it incredibly versatile. With neutral tones or bright Spring colors, this ring will hold its own.

Vintage Blue Sapphire & White Gold Ring

Cobalt blue is a hugely popular color for Spring. Wearing the darling shade of the season in a vintage style ring is unexpected and striking, two reasons why the ‘enchanted’ blue sapphire ring is so special. Though it’s a hot hue, sapphire is such a classic gemstone choice that this ring will never look dated or overly trendy.