Category: Jewelry History
Peridot, the sparkling green gem that has captivated jewelry lovers for centuries, is the official birthstone for the month of August. Though peridot is often confused with emerald, the August birthstone is a lighter ‘aloe green’ hue than the deep, rich color of emeralds. It’s a bright, vibrant green that is loved by more than […]
Rubies are among the most spectacular of gemstones. Their fire, brilliance and sparkle have made them one of the most popular gems throughout the course of history, and even today they retain their spot as a coveted and valuable precious stone. In the Bible, rubies were one of the most precious gems of the time. […]
The lovely pearl is the June birthstone, as well as the astral stone for Gemini and Cancer. The illustrious gem has a long and storied history, and is the oldest known gemstone to be used in jewelry. Though no one knows when oysters first began forming pearls, the first known use of the pearl in […]
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 […]
Many stories, legends, and myths speak of the existence of the ring in ancient societies, which date back to as far as the Babylonians. Yet, there is no conclusive and direct information on how ancient peoples first started to wear rings and why. The only physical evidence left by those who fancied this jewelry was […]
In 1947, a marketing staff for DeBeers coined the phrase “A Diamond is Forever” and it went on to become the best advertising slogan of the 20th century. The message it conveyed could not have been as effective if it referred to something less deserving of the title; the phrase flourished and made its mark […]
“This pearl has become my soul. . . . If I give it up, I shall lose my soul.” And such was the pronouncement inspired by the Pearl, in John Steinbeck’s 1947 novel of the same title. No other kind of gem or jewelry in history has inspired unfailing desire and to this extent, whether […]
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 is much lore attributed to the […]
No matter what critics say about the rampant commercialism of the occasion, Valentine’s sales from greeting cards, flowers, jewelry, and chocolates go up every year. In 2004 alone, about one billion cards are sent all over the world; a third of the seven billion pounds of candy/chocolates consumed that year was sold on Valentine’s day; […]
The paisley pattern is prevalent in design, fine jewelry, wedding rings, art, chic furniture, tableware, and is a fashionable wedding motif. But it is so much more than that. Resembling a twisted tear-drop, kidney shape, or elongated comma, the paisley design is of Persian and Indian origin, but the modern name, “paisley” is of Scottish […]
Sapphire Engagement Rings: Pop the Question With a True-blue Symbol of Love
For a love that’s true blue, it’s hard to beat sapphire engagement rings. The stunning rich blue sparkle of the sapphire is timelessly glamorous and always eye-catching, perfect for expressing a love that’s deep and that never fades. Sapphire rings have been long been loved and worn by royalty from Catherine the Great to Kate […]
Emerald Rings: Unique Ways to Wear the May Birthstone
This month is the perfect time to sport an emerald! Not only is this green gemstone the birthstone for the month of May, it’s also the inspiration for Pantone’s color of the year! The emerald’s saturated green sparkle is ideal for the season when the trees are full of leaves and the earth is full […]
Mom Jewelry at 10 Percent Off—Happy Mother’s Day!
Mother’s Day is here! Have you decided how you’re going to honor your mom yet? Mom jewelry of many kinds is a lovely way to show the woman who raised you—or any other woman who’s played an important role in your life—that you appreciate her, and there no better time to buy a piece of […]
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