Topaz ~ November’s Birthstone

November 26th, 2009

Sherry Topaz

Powdered Topaz was once considered a cure for burns, asthma, insomnia and insanity.

As November’s birthstone, Topaz has more sweeping powers attributed to it than any other gem.   According to the ancients, Topaz cooled not only boiling water but angry tempers, too!  The name derives from the Greek, meaning “to seek.”  Originally, Topazus was an island so fog-bound that sailors had difficulty finding it and, thus, the meaning of the word.  Topaz is the symbol of uprightness, loyalty and healing powers.  It is found in Brazil, Siberia and southern Asia.  Chemically, Topaz is an aluminum fluosilicate.  It occurs in openings or cavities of fire-formed rocks.  Sherry Topaz is so called because it catches light like sherry wine in fine crystal.  This golden color is what most people are familiar with but Topaz is also found in blue, pale green and violet.

Let us show you what an exciting gift Topaz jewelry can be!

Blue Zircon ~ December’s Birthstone

November 26th, 2009

Blue Zircon, a cure for ... plague???

December’s birthstone, Blue Zircon, was known in medieval times as a cure for plague and other ills.  Thankfully, we don’t have to worry about that these days!  The striking characteristics of the Zircon are its brilliance and fire.  Among the popular gems outshone only by Diamond, it is a vibrant and beautiful stone.  Zircons come in many colors, the most popular and exciting being a rich blue.  The chief sources of Zircons are the gravel-beds of Cambodia and Ceylon.  They are usually found in exalted company with rubies, sapphires, and garnets.  Let us show you some very pretty Blue Zircon jewelry!

Garnet ~ January’s Birthstone

November 26th, 2009

Garnet ... a colorful family of gems.

Lucky for us, January’s birthstone is in abundant supply for it is an exceptional jewel!  Garnet  is not one gemstone but a rainbow of stones found in almost every part of the world.  As a birthstone, Garnet stands for constancy, true friendship and fidelity.  Best known among the members of the Garnet family are deep red varieties.  They are silicates of calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese.   Most are very affordable and wonderfully fashionable and versatile.  Let us introduce you to the colorful world of garnets through our exciting collection!

Opal ~ October’s Birthstone

October 5th, 2009

Amazing, colorful Opals!

Ancient peoples believed that opals fell from heaven in flashes of lightning.

All the glorious colors of autumn are captured as a “bonfire of color” in October’s birthstone, the Opal. Most Opals are found in Australia. As a birthstone, Opal is considered the symbol of hope. For “Who can look into an Opal without seeing a rainbow?” The Opal is called a phenomenal gemstone because of the interesting visual effect its structure creates. A pattern of silica platelets causes diffraction resulting in a variety of color combinations, mainly reds, blues, greens and oranges.

We carry fascinating Opal jewelry to suit every style and budget!

Sapphire ~ September’s Birthstone

September 25th, 2009

Velvety Blue Sapphires

The ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a great sapphire whose reflection was seen in the sky.

September’s birthstone, Sapphire is the symbol of truth, sincerity and faithfulness. The world’s finest Sapphires come from the Kashmir district of India. Sapphire is ruby’s sister stone. It’s actually the same mineral – corundum. Red corundum is called ruby and all other colors are called sapphire. And sapphire does come in many colors. A rich, velvety blue is the most popular, but sapphire may also be pink, orange, yellow, violet, green, brown, colorless or black. Blue sapphire is especially fashionable because its color complements just about any outfit. Sapphire may be faceted or dome-shaped. A luminous star may be seen in stones whose internal structure is just right.

There’s something for everyone in our exciting collection of sapphire jewelry!