Discover a Secret World
of Beautiful Jewelry and Gemstones!

Sterling Silver Blue Topaz,
Citrine, Peridot, Amethyst CZ
Ring Earring Set

Sterling Silver Jewelry Today

Sterling silver jewelry: silver and gemstone rings,sterling silver earrings, bracelets and pendants are some of the hottest fashionaccessories today! Sterling silver jewelry is enjoying an unprecedented popularity withtoday's fashion conscious public. You know how beautifully sterling silver jewelrycompliments fashionable clothing and how it sparkles and shines; now here is the rest ofthe story.

Silver has been used since ancient times, but has notsurvived as well as ancient gold because it tarnished and decomposes. There have beentimes, however, when silver was in; we are going through such a vogue today.

Silver is the most common of the precious metals. Finesilver is pure silver, which is seldom used for jewelry because it is too soft. Sterlingsilver is 925 parts silver to 75 of copper, the alloy most often used. Silver weighs abouthalf as much as gold, has greater flexibility, but is not as malleable, it has always beenless expensive as well. A comparable piece of gold jewelry might cost four or five timesthat of a piece of sterling silver jewelry.

The current fashion trend toward black clothing has madesilver jewelry more popular than ever. Silver likes to be worn; it stays cleaner shinier through movement and friction. So sterling silver is a perfect accessory fortoday's fast paced lifestyles. Much like gold, sterling silver needs to be cleaned.

We hope you have enjoyed this special report. Please feelfree to share it with your friends!

Shopour beautiful selection of Sterling Silver Jewelry.
(click here)

Sterling Silver Jewelry: The Rest of the Story

Silver is widely diffused but is rarely found in thenative state.

Silver is originally as widespread as gold, occurring innearly all of the volcanic rocks. Whereas gold remains unaltered by the action of theelements and is often carried long distances from its original place of occurrence, silveron the contrary is only to be found in the rocks where it originally occurs. When theserocks are broken down or worn away, the silver is either driven into new mineralcombinations, or more often dissipated and lost. Silver, therefore, is only to be obtainedby subterranean mining. Shafts are driven and the ore brought to the surface, and by useof various processes the silver is extracted, refined and made ready for commercialpurposes.

Sterling Silver Butterfly Pendant s treading a quantity of common salt isadded and after two days more treading quicksilver is added. This mass is trodden over fora period of about fifteen days, and is then shoveled into a large tank through which arapid stream of water is passed. This washes away all but the silver and quicksilver,which is then poured into cone-shaped canvas bags. Most of the quicksilver runs outleaving the silver, which is then retorted. The quicksilver is used over and over again toassist in recovering the silver.

Pure silver has a beautiful white color and luster; it isalmost as plastic as pure gold and like it very soft. Silver does not tarnish in naturalair, but when it comes in contact with sulfur compounds it readily forms black silversulfide. The sulfur compounds which act on silver are found in small quantities in the airas a result of burning coal and illuminating gas, while larger amounts occur in vulcanizedrubber, wool, and foods like eggs.

Pure silver is too soft to make durable objects thatrequire lightness and stability of form. This defect is overcome by alloying it with alittle copper.

An alloy of 925 parts fine silver and 75 parts copper iscalled 925-1000 fine or what is commonly known as sterling silver. This alloy is usedalmost universally for jewelry and the best silverware.

Shopour beautiful selection of Sterling Silver Jewelry.
(click here)

Sterling Silver Fashion Trends for the New Year andBeyond

Each year, on fashion runways from New York to Paris,Milan, and Toyko, sterling silver is new again as designers interpret it innew and exciting ways. What makes sterling silver a fashion perennial? The answer isclear: when it comes to beauty, versatility, durability, and affordability, sterlingsilver jewelry is unsurpassed.

In the hands of talented artists and designers, sterlingsilver is constantly reinvented to suit the evolving tastes of the women whowear it. But whether as a ring, a necklace, or bracelet, standing alone or presented incombination with gemstones and other precious metalssterling silver is always infashion.

Here's a look at what's hot this year:

Peace of Silver

In 2004, many Oscar presenters and recipients woregracefully and simply designed Dove of Peace. pin. Embraced by such Hollywoodluminaries as Meryl Streep, Susan Sarandon, Drew Barrymore, and Leonardo DiCaprio, it hasalso been seen on the Dali Lama and Nobel Peace Laureates Oscar Aria Sanchez, BettyWilliams, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, and former UN Assistant Secretary-General GillianSorrensom.

Now non-celebrities may purchase the pin in sterlingsilver pin to demonstrate both their commitment to peace and their fashion sense. The 2005sterling silver interpretation was designed by award-winning American jewelry artist HenryDunay to resonate the energy of Picasso's Dove Of Peace.

Silver Screen

With the enormous popularity of the Lord of theRings series, it comes as no surprise that designers have created jewelry based onthe elaborately crafted pieces in the films. Based on the actual pendant worn in the Lordof the Rings film, the Arwen Evenstar Pendant is crafted in sterling silver and comes in awooden gift box. Measuring 2� inches in length with a 18 sterling silver chain anda Swarovski crystal stone, each piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity,adding long-term value to its other charms.

Works Like A Charm

Charm bracelets are both wonderfully retro and extremelycutting edge. Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Avril Levigne, Hilary Duff, and otherhigh-visibility high-fashion celebrities are wrapping their wrists in silver braceletswith the hip L.A. brand Eldorado Club.

The Girlie Charm Bracelet is adorned withcharming femme-friendly charms including a cat, a cocktail glass, and a kitty.

Sterling Silver Always In Style for Your 25thAnniversary No matter what list you consult traditional, modern or the now popularultra-modern (which includes items like clocks and appliances) silveris the 21st Century gift of choice for a 25th wedding anniversary. Whether it's silver'sdurability, its strength, its flexibility or its unparalleled beauty, sterling silver isan exquisite memento of 25 years of loving commitment between a couple.

Topping the list of this year's What's Hot insilver wedding anniversary gifts, women say they want charm bracelets, hoop earrings, andhair ornaments. For wives who would like to present their husbands with sterling silvertokens, the top of the charts picks are cufflinks, tie clips, money clips,neck chains, and I.D. bracelets.

But #1 for him AND her a classic sterling silverTiffany keyring.

Shopour beautiful selection of Sterling Silver Jewelry.
(click here)

Sterling Silver Jewelry Classic Simplicity

Sterling silver jewelry is synonymous with class and style in the worldof fashion. Its versatility and flexibility make it a welcome and useful addition to anypersons wardrobe. Sterling silver jewelry epitomizes classic simplicity in itself,but as the setting for gemstones or combined with other precious metals, the aestheticvalue it lends to the wearer is inestimable.

Pure silver by itself is too soft and would not be practical forjewelry and other ornamental objects. Sterling silver is made when another metal, such ascopper, is added to the silver to make it hardy and tough. So while it is not as sturdy asstainless steel, sterling silver jewelry is nonetheless very durable and long-lasting.That is why a wide array of rings, necklaces, bracelets, cuff links, belt buckles, bodyjewelry and more are made from sterling silver.

All sterling silver jewelry is marked as such, and sometimes the nameof the designer or manufacturer is engraved on the piece. It is a highly reflectiveprecious metal whose simple yet elegant look is appreciated by both the young and old, thefamous and not-so-famous. Some celebrities adorned with sterling silver jewelry ontelevision or in magazines include actresses Gwyneth Paltrow and Kristin Davis, musicianSheryl Crow, and hotel heiress and budding thespian Paris Hilton.

Certain maintenance measures need to be taken to care for sterlingsilver jewelry. To prevent unsightly tarnishing, it should be washed with water and a milddetergent after it is worn, and since it is softer than some other precious metals,abrasion and shock to the piece should be prevented to avoid scratching or marring itssurface. In the event that tarnishing does occur, sterling silver jewelry can be polishedto restore it to its former sheen.

Whether your dress of choice be casual jeans, practical office attireor a slinky, little black dress for a night out on the town, sterling silver jewelry isthe perfect accessory. It adapts easily to all fashion trends without sacrificing thewearers personal sense of style. Its allure remains undiminished as it continues toevoke the idea of simple luxury.

Shopour beautiful selection of Sterling Silver Jewelry.
(click here)

Murano Hand-Blown Glass Jewelry

Murano Glass Pendants

Finally beautiful jewelry that allows you to express yourown personal uniqueness. No two pieces of Murano Millefiori are ever exactly the same. Theproud wearer exhibits a jewelry expression unlike any other piece in the entire world.

The Venetian Murrina originates from ancient Roman,Alexandrian, and Phoenician glassware. Small segments of differently shaped and coloredglass rods, the famous Millefiori which means a thousand flowers,are laid close together and then fused into tiny mosaics, each of them being absolutelyunique.

Murano Glass owes its particular beauty to a verycomplicated and skilful process which was rediscovered by the glass makers of Murano inthe Middle Ages. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind work of art, entirely handmade in the mostfamous city in the world for glassmaking: Venice.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Murano Glass Jewelry.
(click here)

Celtic Jewelry A Beautiful Mystery Unravelled

Celtic jewelry like the Celts themselves has a richhistory and a proud tradition. Immensely beautiful with intricate Celtic symbols anddelicate designs, Celtic cross jewelry, Celtic knot jewelry, and beautiful Claddaugh ringshave been admired and desired for thousands of years.

Celtic Cross Jewelry

One of the most enduring, and coveted gifts ofCeltic culture is jewelry featuring the Celtic Cross. According to Irish legend, St.Patrick created the first Celtic cross by drawing a circle over a Latin cross.

For an Irish Catholic, the circle in the Celtic cross maybe a symbol of eternity and the endlessness of God's love. It can even represent a haloemanating from Christ.

Some say the four arms of the Celtic Crossrepresent the elements (fire, earth, air, and water). Others believe the cross denotes thefour directions of the compass, and still others feel it is a representation of humanexistence mind, body, soul and heart.

Celtic Knots

The most distinguishing characteristic of Celtic knots istheir intricate patterns and designand the debate as to the meaning of thosedesigns. While it is unquestionable that many of the ancient designs had somesignificance, those meanings changed from tribe to tribe and location to location.

Many believe that the intricate looping in knots was a wayto keep out evil spirits. It is also generally accepted that the looping Celtic knotdesign denotes eternity and interconnectedness. Still, there is no definitive guide as tothe meaning of Celtic knots which, adds, perhaps to their mystery and appeal.

Claddagh Rings

Named for the town of Claddagh near Galway in which theyare said to have originated, Claddagh rings are beloved Celtic symbols of Irish cultureand sentiment. Unlike other Celtic symbols, the meaning behind the Claddagh ring iswell-documented. The Claddagh design has a heart (symbolizing love) topped by a crown(symbolizing loyalty) held in two hands (signifying friendship). The phrase that isusually associated with the giving of a Claddagh ring is Let love and friendshipreign.

It's not surprise that the Claddagh is a popular marriageband. In Celtic times, it was worn on the right hand with the heart turned outward to showthat the wearer is unattached or with the heart turned inward to show he/she wasspoken for. If the Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand with the heartturned inward, it shows that two loves have been joined in marriage.

Celtic Then and Now

At one time, Celtic people could be found throughoutEastern and Central Europe, as well as in the British Isles, where the earliest examplesof Celtic jewelry originate. The emergence of the powerful Roman Empire encroached on thelifestyle, traditions, and homeland of the Celts who were forced to move to abandon theirhomes and relocate in remote areas in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall in southernEngland.

Despite their hardships at the hands of the Romans, Celtsendured, thrivedand continued to produce Celtic jewelry. The tradition has remainedstrong for centuries. Irish Celtic jewelry and Scottish Celtic jewelry have enjoyed a hugeresurgence in their homelands and with ex-pats around the world, as peopleseek to rediscover and celebrate their cultural traditions.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Celtic Jewelry.
(click here)

Celtic Jewelry: Ancient Symbolism in Popular Fashion

The mysterious and the mystical have always had the powerto hold human beings in thrall throughout the millennia. Celtic jewelry is no exception tothis, since they are an extension and a reminder of the traditions and rituals of theCelts, an ancient European people. Today, men and women of all ages wear Celtic jewelrynot only for their beauty, but also for their symbolism and metaphysical connotations.

Also popularly -- though inaccurately -- known as Claddaghjewelry, Celtic designs are appreciated for their intricacy and beauty. Numerous patternsof Celtic origin, such as the spiral and the cross, are used by jewelers in theircreations. The Celtic spiral symbolizes eternity and is used abundantly in many Celticjewelry items today. Just as popular is the Celtic cross, which pre-dates the Christiancross by about two centuries. The Celtic cross is thought to bring greater knowledge,understanding and the fortitude to deal with trials and adversities, as compared to theChristian cross, which is believed to protect the wearer from harm.

Claddagh rings and bracelets are two more examples ofpopular Celtic jewelry items that are replete with symbolism. Rings that have the Celticknot design symbolize eternal and undying love; this is why they are exchanged by thebride and groom in present day wedding ceremonies to signify their fidelity andnever-ending commitment to each other. Such rings and bracelets are also given to friendsas an indication of loyalty.

Necklaces and pendants are likewise integral parts of aCeltic jewelry collection. Depending on the wearers preferences, the pendant maydepict the image of Celtic figures such as the ever-popular knot, spiral, Celtic cross,serpent or dragon. Such symbols have deep spiritual and religious meaning, and it is oneof the main reasons why Celtic jewelry items are popular dress accessories today.

A person does not have to be Irish or Scottish or to haveany other Celtic connection in order to appreciate Celtic jewelry. Whether given as giftsor maintained as personal keepsakes, these unique pieces can be enjoyed just for theirbeauty alone. But a little awareness of their meaning, as well as their place in historyand tradition add to their air of enigma and allure.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Celtic Jewelry.
(click here)

Amber Jewelry Secrets

Amber, the gem of a stone that's not really a gemstone atall, is actually fossilized pine sap. People have collected, traded, carved, and covetedamber for more than 10,000 years. Yet despite our fascination with it, much about thesmoky yellow stone the history of amber remains a mystery.

The price for amber stones varies widely, in the rightprice range for Average Joe's (and Joannas) who can spend as little as $20 for amber andsilver jewelry, and also for high-rollers ready to spend $40,000 or more for a sliceof sunshine in amber jewelry crafted in gold, platinum, and featuring othergemstones. And although it not an official birthstone a designation reservedfor actual gemstones amber is often presented to those born under the sign ofTaurus (April 19-May 19).

History of Amber

Amber is found in Myanmar home to the largest piece oftransparent amber in the world (33.5 pounds and 40-50 million years old), as well asLebanon, Sicily, Mexico, Romania, Germany, and Canad. The two main sources of amber on themarket today, however, are the Dominican Republic and the Baltic states.

Once highly regulated, Baltic amber has become more widelyavailable due to more liberal economic policies in Eastern Europe. Today, the whole worldenjoys amber minded from the Baltic region, where the largest mine is in Russia, west ofKaliningrad.

Baltic amber may also be found in Lithuania, Latvia,Estonia, Poland, Russia. Baltic amber has even washed up on the shores of the Baltic Seain Denmark, Norway, and England. Baltic amber is the oldest geological specimen to be usedin jewelry. Archeologists digging near the Baltic Sea have found evidence of Baltic amberjewelry that is approximately 40,000 years old.

Green Amber is a completely natural variation of BalticAmber. The green color is a result of plant interaction with the resin. While green is amore valuable color of amber than brown, the best quality of amber remains clear,transparent, and flawless.

Slightly softer than Baltic amber, Dominican amber isprized for its coloration, including yellow and deep red, as well as the distinctive (andrare) blue and smoky green hues that come exclusively from that area.

Shocking Information about Amber

The ancient name for amber was electron, theroot word of electricity. Around 600 B.C., it was discovered that if an amber stone wasrubbed vigorously, it became electrically charged. Believed to carry a negative electricalenergy charge, amber was used to draw power and energy into its bearer.

In addition to its ability to attract energy and power,amber was believed to aid the intellect. It was prescribed for memory loss; eccentricbehavior; anxiety, and indecisiveness.

The Joy of Amber

Amber jewelry is said to help one be joyful and happy. Thecheery yellow stone is believed to lighten the burdens of life.

Healers say that amber activates our altruistic nature andhelps us realize the full power of our spiritual intellect.

Shop our beautifulselection of Amber Jewelry.
(click here)

Gemstone Secrets Revealed

The mystery and magic of colored gemstones has been anintegral aspect or the Lore of most cultures for many centuries. Here is whatnoted gemstone experts Antoinette L. Matlins and A.C. Bonanno have to say on the matter.

The fascination with colored gemstones dates back tothe very beginning of civilization. For our ancestors, the blue of sapphire producedvisions of the heavens; the red of ruby was a reminder of the very essence of life. ByRoman times, rings containing colored gems were prized symbols of power and themost powerful wore rings on every joint of every finger!

Since ancient times, colored stones have been thought topossess innate magical powers and the ability to endow the wearer with certain attributes.According to legend, emeralds are good for the eyes; yellow stones cure jaundice; redstones stop the flow of blood. At one time it was believed that a ruby worn by a manindicated command, nobility, lordship, and vengeance; worn by a woman, however, itindicated pride, obstinacy, haughtiness. A blue sapphire worn by a man indicated wisdom,and high and magnanimous thoughts; on a woman, jealousy in love, politeness, andvigilance. The emerald signified for a man joyousness, transitory hope, and the decline offriendship; for woman, unfounded ambition, childish delight, and change.

Colored gems, because of the magical powers associatedwith them, achieved extensive use as talismans and amulets; as predictors of the future;as therapeutic aids; and as essential elements to many religious practices-pagan, Hebrew,and Christian.

Gemstones 101

Natural gemstones are found in nature. Laboratory-createdstones, as the name implies, are made in the laboratory. These stones, which also arereferred to as laboratory-grown, {name of manufacturer} created, or synthetic, haveessentially the same chemical, physical and visual properties as natural gemstones.Laboratory-created stones do not have the rarity of naturally colored stones and they areless expensive than naturally mined stones. By contrast, imitation stones look likenatural stones in appearance only, and may be glass, plastic, or less costly stones.Laboratory-created and imitation stones should be clearly identified as such.

Gemstones may be measured by weight, size, or both. Thebasic unit for weighing gemstones is the carat, which is equal to one-fifth 91/5th) of agram. Carats are divided into 100 units called points. For example, a half-carat gemstonewould weigh .50 carats or 50 points. When gemstones are measured by dimensions, the sizeis expressed in millimeters (for example, 7x5 millimeters).

Gemstone treatments or enhancements refer to the way somegems are treated to improve their appearance or durability, or even change their color.Many gemstones are treated in some way. The effects of some treatments may lessen orchange over time and some treated stones may require special care. Some enhancements alsoaffect the value of a stone, when measured against a comparable untreated stone.

Jewelers should tell you whether the gemstone youreconsidering has been treated when: the treatment is not permanent; the treated stonerequires special care; or the treatment significantly affects the value of the gemstone.

Some common treatments that you may be told about andtheir effects include:

In this day and age, gemstones are generally worn fortheir natural beauty or as a fashion statement, but there are many that buy-into the mythical and mystical symbolisms of gems as well. Whatever a persons reason, theworld of gems today offers an almost endless choice. Many new gems have been discoveredand are widely available in reds, blues, greens and many unusual shades as well. Enjoy!

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Gemstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Precious Stones Explained

The mineral to which the term precious stoneis applied, must be adaptable for jewelry or ornamental purposes and must possess beauty,hardness, and rarity.

The beauty of a precious stone or gem consists of itscolor or colorlessness, brilliancy or softness of luster, and transparency. To take a highand lasting polish, a mineral must be hard and many stones that would otherwise behighly valued are low in the estimate of worth because they do not possess of sufficienthardness to make them endure the wear and friction to which a precious stone is subjectedwhen used in the form of jewelry. The rareness of precious stones has a decided effect indetermining their values. For instance, the crocidolite, commercially known as tiger-eye,was sold by the carat some years ago, and was largely used in the making of fine jewelry.Today, this material is so plentiful that it is no longer classed among the higher gems,but serves for cameos and intaglios like chalcedony and onyx.

The changes of fashion have much to do with determiningthe market value of precious stones. Amethysts, topazes, cat's-eyes, aquamarines,alexandrites, and even emeralds and opals have been eagerly sought for at times and thenagain neglected for other gems, causing a sensible difference in the value of thesestones.

It has been a mooted question as to the proper dividingline between stones that deserve the title precious, and those, which shouldbe placed in a so-called semi-precious or lower category. To draw such a line is hardlypossible, as neither hardness, rareness, nor value would be a positive test some ofthe hard stones, like zircon and almandines being less valuable than softer opal, whilethe diamond, one of the most plentiful of precious stones, is at the same time, one of themost valuable.

Neither can price be taken as a complete test, becausefashion makes a turquoise, an opal, or an emerald much more valuable at one time than atanother, All precious minerals used for ornamental purposes, from the diamond to quartz,or chalcedony, may properly be termed precious stones.

The Final Word On Precious Stones

The most precious stones are the diamonds, emeralds,rubies and sapphires. The pearl is oftentimes classed with precious stones. Althoughstrictly speaking while it is not a stone it holds an esteemed place in jewelry.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Gemstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Precious Stones vs. Semi-Precious Stones

Stones have been worn by both women and men sinceprehistoric times. Just as in the jewelry of modern times, beautiful stones, rare andcolorful, are most often the dominant feature of a piece with a metallic setting forornamentation.

The stones used in the crafting of fine jewelry aregenerally divided into two classes- precious stones and semi-precious stones.

These terms are used heavily in the commercial world ofjewelry when considering variety and value. While artistic merits are only a matter ofopinion, the value of a stone is what it will bring in the marketplace. It should also bementioned that many people, collectors and general consumers alike, prefer the rare to thebeautiful.

These stones are simply rocks (minerals) taken from theearth, and after they have been enhanced by the artisans cutting and polishing, the finestand rarest of them are what we call gems.

Precious Stones

The most precious stones are the diamonds, emeralds,rubies and sapphires. The pearl is oftentimes classed with precious stones. Althoughstrictly speaking while it is not a stone it holds an esteemed place in jewelry.

Semi-Precious Stones

A large number of stones used in jewelry are known assemi-precious; the most important ones are as follow: amethyst, lapis-lazuli, turquoise,aquamarine, topaz, moonstone, peridot, opal, tourmaline, zircon, chrysoberyl, alexandrite.Others of less importance although much used are: chrysoprase, jade, garnet, agate,azurite, malachite, bloodstone, coral, carnelian and many others. These stones whilecomparatively common and inexpensive are indispensable to the worker in jewelry. Thevariety of colors to be had in these stones make it possible to produce unusual designs ofartistic merit and to adapt them to the personality and costume of the wearer. For moredetailed information regarding gem stones the reader is referred to Gem Stonesby G.F. Herbert Smith, also The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, by GeorgeFrederick Kunz.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Gemstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Precious Stones The Big Five
Part 1 The Emerald

The emerald is probably the most rare of all preciousstones and is considered by some to be even more valuable than the diamond.

Sterling Silver Emerald
w/ Diamond Accent Ring

Compared with other precious stones the emerald in itsoccurrence in nature is unique, for it is found in the rock in which it was formed. Unlikediamonds, sapphires and rubies, it never occurs in gem gravels. The earliest knownlocality where emeralds were found was in Upper Egypt near the coast of the Red Sea. Thebest stones, however, are found in Columbia, South America. Fine specimens have also beenfound in the United States in North Carolina.

While the usual shade of color seen in emeralds is alludedto as emerald green, there are other shades, such as grass green, sea green and greenslightly tinged with yellow. The shades most highly valued are those of an intense freshgreen sometimes compared with that seen in a meadow in spring.

Beryl is a mineral known to gem lovers under severaldifferent names, the most valued of which is the Emerald. The mineral beryl composing thevarious gems is practically the same in composition, hardness, and other properties, andthe gems may be differentiated only by their color. In composition beryl is a silicate ofaluminum and glucinum. On the scale of hardness beryl is graded 7 � to 8, and is thusmuch softer than the diamond, ruby, or sapphire. It is owing to this fact that the emeraldscratches easily and that care must be taken that when worn it is not subject to chafingby diamonds or other harder gems.

Beryl as a mineral is of quite common occurrence, and thecrystals of the mineral in its cruder form often grow to enormous size. There is one suchsingle crystal preserved in the Boston Museum of Natural History, which is three and onehalf feet long and three feet wide and weighs several tons.

Beryl in this common form occurs in many localities, butthe mineral in its rarer form of emerald is comparatively of very rare occurrence. Theemerald or green beryl, as it should be scientifically known, has long been the mosthighly prized of the green gems. In brilliancy it exceeds all other green gems exceptingonly the very rare green sapphire. The most valuable specimens exhibit a vivid grass-greenshade, and it is to this color that they owe their great value. Other considerations, suchas freedom from imperfections, are quite secondary in determining the value of the stone.In fact a perfect emerald is almost never found, and this circumstance has passed into anEastern simile which runs, As scarce as a perfect emerald, this being a symbolfor the acme of rarity. The emerald is light in weight and an emerald of a given size willbe about a third larger than a diamond and forty-five per cent larger than a sapphire ofequal weight. The distinctive color of the emerald is probably due to a trace of chromiumin its composition.

Fine emeralds are generally cut cushion shape with stepcutting, and in the East are often cut cabochon. Fine emeralds have advanced very rapidlyduring the last few years, both on account of the growing demand of fashion for the gemsand the scarcity of really fine specimens.

Many curious legends of gigantic emeralds have been handeddown to us, principally culled from the narratives of early travelers, who thought everytransparent green stone they saw to be an emerald.

The ancients valued the emerald highly, not alone for itsbeauty, but for its supposed occult properties and its marvelous power of healing alldiseases of the eyethey also believed that if the eyes of a serpent met the gleam ofthe emerald, it immediately became blind. Moore alludes to this superstition in the lines:

Blinded like serpents when they gaze
Upon the emeralds virgin blaze.

The Emperor Nero, who was shortsighted, had an eye-glassformed of an emerald, through which he gazed and gloated over the cruel sports of thearena.

Many interesting stories are told of the first emeraldstaken by the early conquerors of Peru to Spain, and a certain Joseph D Acosta issaid to have returned to Spain in 1587 with two chests of emeralds, each of which weighedover one hundred pounds. The truth of this story may be questioned, but it is a fact thatthe stones were highly prized and much used by the Incas and Aztecs in the extraordinarycivilization which once existed in Peru. The emerald was highly prized by the ancients andby gem lovers of the middle ages, and this accounts for many interesting legends andsuperstitions relating to the gem.

As for today, the emerald is still very highly valued asone of the most precious stones. The emerald is Mays birthstone and is a favoritestone for fine jewelry craftsmen throughout the world.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Gemstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Precious Stones The Big Five
Part 2 The Ruby

What fairy tales of enchanted princesses and legendarylore of the Arabian Nights does not the mere mention of the ruby conjure up to ourimagination! No stone has been more intimately connected with poetry and romance, and fewgems can compare either in beauty or value with a perfect ruby. When Solomon exclaimedthat a virtuous woman was more valuable than rubies, and Job, that theprice of wisdom is above rubies, they both mentioned what to them was the mostvaluable thing in existence. And its value and rarity have not decreased since their time.Today a perfect ruby of five carats will fetch at least five times the value of a diamondof the same size and quality, while rubies without flaw or blemish, and of the truepigeon-blood variety, weighing as much as ten carats, are so rare and valuable that tentimes the value of a perfect diamond would be considered a very low price to pay for soperfect a gem.

The ruby is the oldest or first known of all preciousstones, dating far back in the early history of Chaldea and Babylonia. The finestspecimens, as well as the largest quantities, are found in Upper Burma, and at the presenttime over one-half of the worlds supply comes from this locality. The rubies foundin Ceylon, Siam and Australia have not the deep rich color of the Burmese ruby which is ashade of red slightly inclined to the purple and is often called Pigeon BloodRuby. The value of rubies depends upon their color and transparency.

The red sapphire or ruby is the most valuable of thecorundum family, and when found of a good color, pure and brilliant, and in sizes of onecarat and larger, it is much more valuable than a fine diamond of the same size.

Rubies and Sapphires are scientifically the same stone,differing only in color. Corundum, the predominating mineral of both, is composed ofnearly pure alumina. The coloring substance, which differentiates rubies and sapphires, isbelieved to be chromium. In the scale of hardness the gem ranks as No. 9 and is thus thehardest of all substances excepting the diamond. Color is the most important factor indetermining the value of the ruby. The gem is always more or less imperfect, but itsfreedom from bad imperfections is also important. Since fine rubies of all sizes areextremely rare, the price increases very rapidly with an increase in size, and a fine rubyof more than four carats commands an extraordinary price and can be said to be the mostvaluable of all gems, exceeding greatly a diamond of equal weight. The color of the rubyvaries from the lightest rose tint to the deepest carmine, but the rarest and mostvaluable shade is known as Pigeon Blood. This is the color of arterial blood. The ruby hasalways been greatly admired, and many say that the ruby in the British Crown is the mostbeautiful gem they have ever seen.

The ruby is found in limestone deposits on side hills, butthe largest quantity is found in alluvial deposits of gravel and clay in riverbeds. Thesedeposits are about fifteen to twenty feet below the surface and from a few inches to fivefeet in thickness. This material called byon is mined or removed and putthrough a washing process by which the rubies are recovered.

The genuine ruby is gotten from the mineral known ascorundum. Emery, so much used, is an impure form of corundum. The superbly blood-red colorof the perfect ruby is produced by the very tiny portions of impurity in the substanceafter they have been crystallized by Natures wonderful processes. Allgenuinethat is natural stones, contain certain tiny flaws and blemishes andcharacteristic peculiarities. The fewer these flaws the rarer the gem. Imitation stonesget their imperfections during manufacture, and as the chemists are more careful thanNature, these imperfections are less noticeable. By the following differences between thereal and the artificial, you can test your ruby. A real ruby contains irregularly shapedbubbles; the imitation ruby contains bubbles that are perfectly round. Natural rubies allhave a silky sheen, due to a number of tiny parallel lines going in three definitedirections; imitation stones never have this characteristic.

While lab-created rubies and sapphires have a distinct usein jewelry, they can never affect the sale of the real gems any more than is the case withimitation pearls. Aside from the fact that the imitation can always be ultimatelydetected, the person desiring to purchase a ruby, as a ruby, and as a work of beauty anddistinction wants a gem which he knows is one of natures rarities and is thereforepossessed of intrinsically great value. A good illustration of this fundamental feeling isgiven by Mr. Zell a noted mineralogist, who says, Many perfect copies of the SistineMadonna have been made by good artists, the original is priceless, the copies at the mostare worth a few hundred dollars, this is the relation of a gem made in natureslaboratory to one produced by the chemist.

Today, the ruby is still considered one of the mostvaluable and beautiful of the precious stones. Artisans of fine jewelry throughout theworld continue to utilize this fine gem in their creations. Ruby is the birthstone for themonth of July.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Gemstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Precious Stones The Big Five
Part 3 The Sapphire

The sapphire, protector of the innocent, celestialguardian of truth, bringer of health and youth, symbol of the heavens and birthstone forthe month of September, is in fact the same stone as the ruby, the mineral corundum.

The blue corundum, ranging in color from the lightest blueto deep blue and black, is the same stone as the ruby, the only difference being in thecolor. The choicest color is the soft velvety blue, approaching the cornflower in shadeand exhibiting that color vividly by artificial as well as by natural light. Thedeeper-colored stones are known as male, and the light-colored ones as female sapphires.Although choice sapphires are rare, a much greater quantity of good and large stones areto be had than of rubies, and therefore the price of a large sapphire does not advance inthe same proportion as the price of a large ruby.

The word sapphire which means blue is of thesame form in nearly all the early tongues, thus showing that they were in use by theancients. Sapphires are found in many parts of the world and are usually found in the samelocality as the ruby. The largest number and finest quality of these stones come fromThailand and India, and are found and recovered in much the same way as the ruby.

The sapphire is next to the diamond in hardness and it isthis quality that makes it impervious to wear and insures its sharp edges and cornersagainst years of use. Like the ruby the value of the sapphire is determined by its color.The finest stones are a deep blue and the deeper the color the more highly it is prized ifits translucency is not impaired. Although the sapphire with its many shades of blue isconsidered the most desirable stone, it is also found in other colors such as red, green,yellow and pink.

The Oriental emerald or green sapphire does not approachthe beryl or true emerald in depth of color, but because of its superior hardness andbrilliancy, added to its extreme rarity, it is the most valuable of green gems. TheOriental amethyst or purple sapphire sometimes reflects a red color by artificial light,and is valued highly as a gem stone; the common amethyst is softer, less brilliant, andloses by artificial light. The various other colored sapphires, such as yellow or Orientaltopaz, light green or Oriental aquamarine, greenish-yellow or Oriental chrysolite, andaurora red or Oriental hyacinth, are all valuable as gem stones when they are pure, wellcut, and have pronounced colors in fact, the name Oriental is given to distinguishthe corundums from the less valuable minerals of the same colors which they resemble, butwhich they greatly surpass in beauty and value because of their brilliancy and superiorhardness.

Asterias or star stones are corundums of three differentcolors; the star sapphire proper is a grayish blue, the star ruby red, and the star topazyellow. These stones are usually cut cabochon or convex, and display under the rays of thesun, or when exposed to one candle or other artificial light, a beautiful star with sixpoints. This star is produced by foreign substances in the corundum, and the lapidarybrings about the regular effect by cutting a pointed carbuncle so that the center of thestar begins at the apex, and the six bright stripes radiate to the base of the stone. Thebright lines of the star following the light move over the surface of the stone andproduce a remarkable effect. These stones are amongst the most wonderful of mineralproductions, and good specimens are very valuable. The corundum cats-eye, calledOriental girasol or sunstone, has a bluish, reddish, or yellowish reflection of light of alighter shade than the stone itself, and which moves on the convex surface of the stonelike the lines of a star stone.

To this day, sapphire is one of the most important membersof the family of gems and is certainly one of the most favored by jewelry artisansworldwide. Consequently, there is more hanky-panky with treatments, alterationof color and various other techniques to disguise or improve flaws etc., than almost anyother precious stone. Buyer beware of bargains that look too good to be true.Deal with reputable jewelers both online and offline. The sapphire is the birthstone forSeptember.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Gemstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Precious Stones The Big Five
Part 4 The Diamond

The diamond is generally regarded as the premier gem inthe world of precious stones.

Of all the precious stones the diamond has the simplestcomposition; it is merely crystallized carbon. The most common substance that is known, asubstance that is present in every plant, animal and mineral on the earth.

Diamonds come mostly from the mines in South Africa, butare also found in Brazil, India, Australia and even in the United States.

The diamond is the hardest substance known, being #10 onthe Mohl scale, despite its hardness, the diamond is not indestructible; diamondwill cut diamond; it can be burned in the air, being carbon and will leave behind carbondioxide gas.

The facets of a cut diamond can be worn away to someextent by the constant rubbing of clothing. The diamond is also brittle, and can fractureif struck against a hard surface.

Diamonds have a wide range of color; most numerous are thewhites, yellows, and browns in a great variety of shades; then come the greens; red stonesof strong tints are very rare, as are also blue, which have been found almost exclusivelyin India; other tints of occasional occurrence are garnet, hyacinth, rose, peach-blossoms,lilac, cinnamon, and brown; black, rarities. Diamonds without tint or flaw are rare indeedand even most of the worlds famous diamonds have imperfections.

The origin of the diamonds name is the Greek wordadamas, meaning unconquerable; from the same root spring our words adamant and adamantine.

The origin of the diamond, according to classicalmythology, was its formation by Jupiter, who transformed into stone a man, Diamond ofCrete, for refusing to forget Jupiter after he had commanded all men to do so.

The Facts About Diamonds

A diamonds value is based on four criteria: color,cut, clarity, and carat. The clarity and color of a diamond usually are graded. However,scales are not uniform: a clarity grade of slightly included may represent adifferent grade on one grading system versus another, depending on the terms used in thescale. Make sure you know how a particular scale and grade represent the color or clarityof the diamond youre considering. A diamond can be described as flawlessonly if it has no visible surface or internal imperfections when viewed under 10-powermagnification by a skilled diamond grader.

As with other gems, diamond weight usually is stated incarats. Diamond weight may be described in decimal or fractional parts of a carat. If theweight is given in decimal parts of a carat, the figure should be accurate to the lastdecimal place. For example, .30 carat could represent a diamond that weighsbetween .295 - .304 carat. Some retailers describe diamond weight in fractions and use thefraction to represent a range of weights. For example, a diamond described as 1/2 caratcould weigh between .47 - .54 carat. If diamond weight is stated as fractional parts of acarat, the retailer should disclose two things: that the weight is not exact, and thereasonable range of weight for each fraction or the weight tolerance being used.

Some diamonds may be treated to improve their appearancein similar ways as other gemstones. Since these treatments improve the clarity of thediamond, some jewelers refer to them as clarity enhancement. One type of treatment -fracture filling - conceals cracks in diamonds by filling them with a foreign substance.This filling may not be permanent and jewelers should tell you if the diamond youreconsidering has been fracture-filled.

Another treatment - lasering - involves the use of a laserbeam to improve the appearance of diamonds that have black inclusions or pots. A laserbeam is aimed at the inclusion. Acid is then forced through a tiny tunnel made by thelaser beam to remove the inclusion. Lasering is permanent and a laser-drilled stone doesnot require special care.

While a laser-drilled diamond may appear as beautiful as acomparable untreated stone, it may not be as valuable. Thats because an untreatedstone of the same quality is rarer and therefore more valuable. Jewelers should tell youwhether the diamond youre considering has been laser-drilled.

Imitation diamonds, such as cubic zirconia, resemblediamonds in appearance but are much less costly. Certain laboratory created gemstones,such as lab-created moissanite, also resemble diamonds and may not be adequately detectedby the instruments originally used to identify cubic zirconia. Ask your jeweler if he hasthe current testing equipment to distinguish between diamonds and other lab-createdstones.

Diamond jewelry: diamond rings, diamond earrings, diamondpendants and diamond bracelets are some of the most sought after gemstone creations. Youreyes tell you how beautiful a piece of diamond jewelry is, but how do you know you aregetting your moneys worth?

A little knowledge can go a long way to help you purchasea beautiful piece of diamond jewelry at a fair price.

When shopping for diamond jewelry online, apply thesetips.

Shop with companies you know or do some homework before buying to make sure a company is legitimate before doing business with it.

Take advantage of information and referrals from an Internet company you have come to trust.

Get the details about the product, as well as the merchant's refund and return policies, before you buy.

Look for an address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a question, a problem or need help.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Gemstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Precious Stones The Big Five
Part 5 The Pearl

Since pearls are so rare and possess such a high degree ofnatural beauty, they have been considered to be among the most splendid of gems for manycenturies.

The people of India and Persia (Iraq) were among theearliest to collect pearls, because of the rich fisheries of Ceylon and the Persian Gulf,the Indian and Persian princes in the last century, acquired huge collections of pearlsthat have never been equaled, these collections would be worth hundreds of millions ofdollars today.

Pearls A Natural Wonder

Natural or real pearls are made by oysters and othermollusks. Cultured pearls also are grown by mollusks, but with human intervention; thatis, an irritant introduced into the shells causes a pearl to grow. Imitation pearls areman-made with glass, plastic, or organic materials.

Because natural pearls are very rare, most pearls used injewelry are either cultured or imitation pearls. Cultured pearls, because they are made byoysters or mollusks, usually are more expensive than imitation pears. A culturedpearls value is largely based on its size, usually stated in millimeters, and thequality of its nacre coating, which give it luster. Jewelers should tell your if thepearls are cultured or imitation. Some black, bronze, gold, purple, blue and orangepearls, whether natural or cultured, occur that way in nature; some, however, are dyedthrough various processes. Jewelers should tell you whether the colored pearls arenaturally colored, dyed or irradiated.

Clams, oysters, mussels and many other mollusks with limyshells are known to produce pearls. But very few kinds yield gem pearls of jeweler'squality. The pearl is an abnormal growth of mother-of-pearl, or nacre, imbedded in thesoft bodies of these shellfish. It is built up, layer upon layer, in the same way as nacreis added to the lining of the growing shell and always has the same color and luster. Forexample, over the country, hundreds of good-sized pearls are found each year in theoysters we eat. Unfortunately these have no commercial value regardless of whether theyhave been cooked or not because they are dull opaque white or purple like the shell of theparent oyster. In recent times almost all pearls of gem quality come from the orientalpearl oyster which has a bright shimmering translucent nacre.

A pearl starts growing when some irritating foreignsubstance such as a sand grain, bit of mud, parasite or other object becomes lodged in theshell-producing gland called the mantle. Pearls formed in the soft flesh where nacre canbe added on all sides are most likely to be spherical and the most highly prized. By farthe great majority are flattened or variously distorted and have little value. Size,color, luster and freedom from flaws are other essential qualities. Unlike other gems,such as diamonds, pearls have an average life of only about 50 years. In time the smallamount of water in a pearl's make-up is lost and its surface cracks. Because they aremostly lime, necklaces which are worn often are injured by the acid secretions of thehuman skin.

Though, the pearl is not technically a stone at all,its beauty has earned it a place in the Big 5 of precious stones. Jewelry artistshave long appreciated the pearl and continue to utilize its charm in their creations

Buying pearl jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing.Whether youre considering a gift of pearl jewelry for someone special or as a treatfor yourself, take some time to learn the terms used in the industry.

Pearl jewelry: pearl rings, pearl earrings, pearl pendantsand pearl bracelets are some of the most sought after jewelry creations. Your eyes tellyou how beautiful a piece of pearl jewelry is, but how do you know you are getting yourmoneys worth?

A little knowledge can go a long way to help you purchasea beautiful piece of pearl jewelry at a fair price.

When shopping for pearl jewelry online, apply these tips.

Shop with companies you know or do some homework before buying to make sure a company is legitimate before doing business with it.

Take advantage of information and referrals from an Internet company you have come to trust.

Get the details about the product, as well as the merchant's refund and return policies, before you buy.

Look for an address to write to or a phone number to call if you have a question, a problem or need help.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Pearl Jewelry.
(click here)

The Pearl Necklace A Timeless Beauty

It has been said that of all the pieces of jewelry in the world, apearl necklace is the only thing that a woman should not be without. And thats nowonder, for a pearl necklace is the embodiment of classic sophistication and timelesselegance. It goes with a variety of outfits, from casual day wear to formal eveningattire. And depending on the type of pearl and color, there are various pearl necklacestyles suitable for the very young, those enjoying their golden years, and almost everyoneelse in the middle.

The price of a pearl necklace depends on the quality of its pearls.Saltwater pearls are generally more expensive than freshwater ones, which are cultured.The sheen and the thickness of the pearls nacre also affect the price, as well asthe size and roundness of the pearls themselves. Pearl necklaces of various colors areavailable on the market. Smaller pearls in light hues of blue or pink are usually moresuitable for young children, while the creamier, ivory-toned pearls are preferred by olderwomen. Jewelry pieces made from black pearls are very, very expensive, since these pearlsare so rare.

According to Chinese folklore, pearls are the tears of a dragon. InRoman mythology, they are the tears of Venus. Jewelry designers, in their tireless effortsto do justice to the legendary beauty of these gems, have been adding their own twists tothe pearl necklace. Aside from the classic strand, the pearls used in necklaces aresometimes set in gold, silver or platinum. Some designers also mix pearls with other gemsto create a unique effect. Extra ornaments, such as charms or a brooch, can also beattached to a pearl necklace to give it a personalized flair.

Caring for a pearl necklace does not involve a lot of fuss. The mostadvisable thing to do is to wear it often, because if its stored away for longperiods of time, it will dry up and lose its sheen. The bodys natural oils will keepthe pearls looking lustrous and fresh. Its also important to avoid having the pearlscome in contact with substances such as hair spray or body lotion, since these can alsoadversely affect the pearls condition.

The popularity of the pearl necklace has never waned both amongordinary people and societys elite. The quintessential fashion plate, JackieKennedy, had a passion for pearls; so does actress Maria Berenson. Other celebrities oftenphotographed wearing pearl necklaces are Michelle Pfeiffer, Sophia Loren, Jennifer Lopezand Paris Hilton. The versatility of pearls is such that fashion experts are evenpredicting an increase in the number of men who will start wearing pearl-accented dressaccessories. For now, however, there is very little to surpass the elegance of the sightof a pearl necklace gracing the neckline of a woman, whether shes a celebrity ornot.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Pearl Jewelry.
(click here)

Opal Jewelry Your Own Personal Piece of Rainbow

Opal is a magnificent gemstone whose shades encompass virtually everyhue in the color spectrum. The play of color is different on every stone, and itsshimmering hues gave rise to the word opalescent. Because it is such anentrancing and unique gemstone, it is no wonder that opal jewelry is very popular amongcollectors and fashion enthusiasts.

Opal is the birthstone for October and its history is peppered withsuperstitions and beliefs that it caused both good luck and bad luck. In Europe, it usedto be thought of as the official stone of thieves and robbers. One of thegreatest contributors to the myth that opal jewelry causes misfortune is a misreading ofits depiction in Sir Walter Scotts 19th-century novel Anne ofGeierstein.

However, many cultures associate the opal with white magic and goodfortune. The ancient Romans used opal jewelry as talismans and for them, it symbolizedpurity and hope. The ancient Greeks, on the other hand, believed that it gave the wearerthe abilities to prophesy or foretell the future. It was also thought to bring luck to thewearer.

The popularity of opal jewelry is on the rise. Although it isclassified as a semi-precious stone, the black opal can cost as much as a diamond. Opalscan also range in price, depending on their color. Generally, red opals are the mostexpensive while blue opals are the least. Also, doublet or triplet opal jewelry, or apiece of opal that is sandwiched between two other materials is less expensive than solidopal pieces. Set in gold or silver, or embellished with other gemstones, there is a widevariety of opal jewelry to choose from.

Men and women throughout time have been fascinated and captured by theiridescent colors of opal jewelry. Bad or good luck notwithstanding, these multi-coloredgems are worthy additions to any wardrobe. A person cannot be blamed for thinking thatwearing an opal necklace, earrings, bracelet or ring is somehow just like having a pieceof the rainbow close to the skin.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Gemstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Gemstone Color and Mystical Symbolism

The universe of colored gemstones is endlesslyfascinating, for centuries, nearly every culture has held the belief that colored stonespossess magical powers or the ability to endow the wearer with certain attributes. Due tothe magical powers associated with colored gems, they were used extensively as amulets andtalismans, portals to the future; and as important components to many spiritual practices.

Yellow stones when worn by a woman were a sign ofgenerosity. Worn by a man, a yellow stone signaled secrecy (as with a secret lover).

A violet stone worn by a woman indicated lofty thoughtsand love of a spiritual nature. For a man, sober judgment, steadfastness, and ambition.

Black stones revealed foolishness and capriciousness inyoung women, while in married women it showed fidelity, constant love and perseverance. Aman wearing a black stone exhibited gravity, common sense, constancy, and inner strength.

Red stones when worn by a women indicated pride,haughtiness, and obstinacy. On a man nobility, command, leadership and vengeance.

Blue stones on a woman exposed jealousy in love, vigilanceand social correctness. A man wearing blue stones meant wisdom, lofty thoughts andgenerosity.

Green stones for a woman meant unfounded ambition,childish delight, and change. Green stones for a man meant joy, lost friendship, andtransitory hope.

In our modern world, gemstones are worn primarily fortheir inherent beauty. An almost endless choice of colors are available.

Red rubies, garnets, red tourmalines, red diamondsand spinels. Blue topaz, blue tourmaline, blue spinel, tanzanite, iolite and evenblue diamonds.

Green emeralds, green garnet (tsavorite) greentourmalines, peridots, green zirconia and diamonds and so on

Today the possibilities for self-expression with coloredstones are seemingly endless with choices in every price range and for every taste.Whether for fashion, fun or to express your inner feelings, everyone should enjoy thebounty of colorful stones that nature has provided.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Gemstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Gem and Crystal Jewelry The Power to Heal?

References to the power of crystals and gems and their usein spiritual and healing rituals can be found in the ancient Mayan and Hebrewcivilizations. Today the practice of using stones and crystals continues with ordinarypeople across the world who claim extraordinary results.

By stimulating a person's thought, it is believed thatcrystals stimulate healing both physical and non-physical. Stones in the red family red, yellow and orange are prized for their ability to produce energy. Onthe other end of the spectrum, blue, violet, and lavender stones have a calming effect. Inbetween are the clear and aquamarine stones that having healing properties.

Many people use and combine crystals to improve a varietyof physical, mental, and spiritual conditions based on the healing properties attributedto each stone:

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Gemstone Jewelry.

Birthstone Origins � Stranger than Fiction

In the Old Testament, the book of Exodus tells the storyof the Breastplate of Aaron, used in religious ceremonies. (Aaronjust in case youwere absent from Sunday school that daywas the Biblical figure who performed, atMoses' direction, the miracles that confounded Pharaoh and his magicians.)

Aaron's breastplate was adorned with four rows ofgemstones, three gemstones in each row, in the following pattern: Sardius, topaz,carbuncle; emerald, sapphire, diamond; ligure, agate, amethyst; beryl, onyx, jasper. Thesetwelve gemstones represented the twelve tribes of Israel. The twelve positions were laterco-opted by astologers who linked them to the twelve months of the calendar year and thetwelve signs of the zodiac.

The Traditional Birthstone List contains these olderbirthstones and represents birthstone traditions heralding back to the 15th century. TheModern Birthstone List was created by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912 inKansas City, Missouri. Gemstone purists complained that the NAJ list was devised solelyfor commercial purposes (they probably didn't believe in Santa Claus either!). As aresult, astrologers who prescribed gems often substituted alternate or secondary stones.The Mystical Birthstone list below originated in from Tibet over a thousand years ago. TheAyurvedic Birthstone list is derived from age-old Ayurvedic Indian Medicine, a practice ofnative people for more than a century.

Astrologically speaking, your place on the Zodiac is moremeaningful than your birth month for tapping into your power, which has led tothe creation of the following list of Star Stones related to the star underwhich you were born, rather than the day.

So whether you choose an emerald from the Breastplate ofAaron, a moonstone from Tibet's mystical birthstone list, an opal for its ayurvedicbirthstone properties, or your very own star sign representativemay theforce (of the birthstone) be with you!

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Birthstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Birthstone Jewelry Beliefs and Celebrity Birthdays

Wearing birthstone jewelry is very popular today. Not onlyis it fashionable; somehow, it also makes the item feel more personal and part of thewearers personality. Almost all gems are believed to be imbued with some specialsort of power and this is one of the reasons why it is considered lucky to wear birthstonejewelry. Lets look at some of the mystical properties and beliefs about thesespecial gems and some famous people who would wear them.

Januarys birthstone, the garnet, is believed to haveblood purification properties and to protect against poisoning. Actress Faye Dunaway andsupermodel Kate Moss are two celebrities who were born in January.

The amethyst, the gem of the month for February, is asymbol of serenity and peace. In addition, its reputed to protect the wearer fromintoxication. Princess Stephanie of Monaco, singer Roberta Flack and actress DrewBarrymore have amethysts in their birthstone jewelry.

Marchs birthstone is the clear blue aquamarine.Perhaps because of its color, it is sacred among sailors, who believe that it will protectthem from the perils of the sea. NBA player Shaquille ONeal, heartthrob FreddiePrinze Jr. and singing legend Liza Minnelli are among the celebrities who are under theprotection of the aquamarine.

The eternally stylish and elegant diamond is Aprilsbirthstone. Believed to symbolize true love, it is the most popular gem used in weddingrings. Among the notables having diamond birthstone jewelry are Englands QueenElizabeth II, actress Jessica Alba and tennis player Andre Agassi.

Mays birthstone is the enigmatic emerald. Somepeople believe that emeralds are magic and had the ability to make the wearer psychic.Famous people having the emerald as their birthstone include British Prime Minister TonyBlair, socialite Bianca Jagger and singer Janet Jackson.

The simple and classic pearl is the birthstone for June.It is viewed by various cultures as a symbol of power, love, purity and chastity. Pearlbirthstone jewelry celebrities count sex symbols Marilyn Monroe and Angelina Jolie amongtheir numbers.

The red ruby is Julys birthstone. It is believed tohelp in matters of love and to enhance sexual prowess. Hollywood actor Tom Cruise and thelate Diana, Princess of Wales, are among the celebrities born in July.

Birthstone jewelry for August includes the lime greenperidot, is traditionally believed to give good sleep and protect the wearer fromnightmares. Oscar winner Halle Berry and Grammy winner Whitney Houston are two of thewomen who count the peridot as their birthstone.

Sapphire is the birthstone for September. It is believedthe give the power of precognition and is also linked to joy and peace. Two glamorousfigures who can be poster babies for sapphire birthstone jewelry are actresses BrigitteBardot and Gwyneth Paltrow.

The delicate opal is Octobers birthstone. Somecultures believe the opal brings bad luck, while others associate it with innocence andpurity. Tony-winning actress Julie Andrews and U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton wereborn in October.

The topaz is central in Novembers birthstonejewelry. Medicine men and women in some cultures used ground topaz in their concoctions toheal asthma, and the birthstone was also reputed to have a calming effect on thequick-tempered. The late Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco and Hollywood actress Demi Mooreare two examples of famous November babies.

Finally, we have turquoise as Decembers birthstone.The Indians of North America revered this gem because of its power to warn the wearer ofdanger and because of the luck it brought. Pop princess Britney Spears and film directorSteven Spielberg celebrate their birthdays in December.

Wearing birthstone jewelry is a popular tradition thatcontinues to this day. Necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, brooches and many otherdress accessories adorned with these gems are not only fashionable but also moremeaningful for the wearer or for the recipients of such gifts. Also, having birthstonejewelry is a reminder that you have at least one thing in common with celebrities!

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Birthstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Garnet Is January's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday, you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we bet you don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients felt would be bestowed about you by wearing it.

January's birthstone: Garnet
Garnet Powers: Facilitates night vision, ensures success
Alternative Birthstone: Emerald

Garnet is the birthstone for the month of January and the traditional anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage. Archaeologists have found primitive garnet jewelry among the graves of lake dwellers which dates the use of this popular gemstone to the Bronze age. Today they are mined in Brazil, India, Madagascar, India, Siberia, Africa, Sri Lanka, and the United States.

Not all garnets are of gem quality. "Raw" garnets make a very effective abrasive and used commercially for grinding and polishing. Believe it or not, garnet-coated sandpaper is popular for industrial use.

Color Me Beautiful

Garnets are extremely diverse and offer enough variety in appearance (and color) to suit every taste. Although you may think of garnet as a red gem, the truth is that the garnet family of gemstones comes in a broad spectrum of colors, except blue.

Garnets of muted yellows, vibrant oranges, rosy pinks, lime greens, and violets are all part this gemstone's rainbow of hues. The diversity is due to unique combinations of elements within each particular gem, such as iron, calcium, and manganese.

What's In A Name?

Look at the seeds of a pomegranate and you'll immediately understand how the word "garnet" was derived from the Latin word "granatus," meaning "grain" or "seed." Garnet earned its name because of its close resemblance to the succulent red pomegranate seed. But don't bite into a garnet! Like a diamond, a garnet is strong. It has a Moh's scale hardness 6.5 to 7.5Ydefinitely not tooth-friendly.

A Greek myth tells the story of Peresphone, the young goddess of sunshine, who was abducted by Hades, god of the underworld. The devil eventually released her, but not before he offered her some pomegranate seeds, which guaranteed her return to him. Thus garnets have come to represent fidelity and commitment.

Rich Traditions

Legends, myths, and traditions abound when it comes to garnets. It is believed to be one of the 12 gemstones in Aaron's breastplate in the Hebrew tradition while Christians consider it is symbolic of Christ's sacrifice and the blood of their savior. Many faiths claim that Noah hung a large red garnet in the ark for illumination. In the Koran, garnets are believed to illuminate the Fourth Heaven of the Moslems. On a more earthly plane, Egyptians believed that garnets protected them from snakebite and was an antidote to food poisoning.

A gift of garnet is thought to be symbolic of love and the desire for a loved one's safe travel and speedy homecoming. It is January's birthstone, but far from being only a winter gem, the garnet, with its brilliance and multitude of colors, is truly one for any season.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Birthstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Amethyst Is February's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday,you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we betyou don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients feltwould be bestowed about you by wearing it.

February's birthstone: Amethyst
Birthstone powers: Brings peace and calm to your life
Alternative Birthstone: Bloodstone

Amethyst is the birthstone for the month of February andthe traditional anniversary gemstone for the sixth of marriage. Once considered morevaluable than diamonds, this member of the quartz member occurs naturally as crystalswithin rocks. The stones are mined in Brazil, Uruguay, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Zambia,Australia and in the mountains of Russia.

American amethysts are mined in Maine, Pennsylvania, NorthCarolina, Montana and Colorado. Amethyst from Maine is usually dark with North Carolinaamethyst having a bluish tint unique to that area. Amethyst can lighten if exposed tostrong sunlight for a long time. When heated to 550-560 Centigrade, the color changes todark yellow or reddish brown. (They are then called citrines. These are more richlycolored and more expensive then natural citrines.)

Ideally deep medium purple with rose-colored flashes,amethysts generally range in hue from pale lilac to nearly black purple. Since purple hasalways been the color of royalty, amethysts abound in the ornaments of in the BritishCrown Jewels and in the adornments of the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, as well. They havebeen found in ruins dating as far back as the ninth century, adorning royal jewelry,scepters, and crowns.

The intense violet hue of February's birthstone appealedto early monarchs, perhaps because they often wore this coloras a symbol of theirelevated position. Purple dye was once scarce and expensive, so it was reserved for thegarments of royalty, and the color came to symbolize power and status.

Sobering Thoughts with Amethyst

The Greeks believed that whoever wore an amethyst or drankfrom an amethyst cup would not become intoxicated. In fact, the word amethyst is derivedfrom the Greek word amethystos, meaning sober. In ancient Greece, the gemstonewas associated with the god of wine, and it was common practice to serve this beveragefrom Amethyst goblets in the belief that this would prevent overindulgence. It was alsoclaimed that amethyst had a sobering effect on those drunk on lovespassion.

Even today, amethyst is considered a stabilizing force forthose struggling to overcome addictive behaviors. In general, the gemstone is believed tobe a calming, tranquil influence that symbolizes peace.

Amethyst and Prayer

Amethyst is symbolic of piety, spirituality, and adevotion to God. The rich purple gemstones are used worldwide to ornament churches andcrosses used in religious ceremony, and they frequently found in the rings and on therosaries worn by bishops and priests.

It is also believed that amethysts bring on pleasantdreams because they allow you to channel positive universal energy. As aresult many people place an amethyst under their pillow before going to sleep at night toenjoy sweet dreams throughout the night.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Birthstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Aquamarine is March's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday,you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we betyou don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients feltwould be bestowed about you by wearing it.

March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Birthstone Properties: Bestows courage, insight, and victory
Alternative Birthstone: Bloodstone

Aquamarine is the traditional birthstones for March. It isalso the accepted anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage. Aquamarine is minedprimarily in Brazil, Nigeria and Zambia.

Water Baby

Created by combining Latin words for water (aqua) and sea(mare), aquamarine does indeed resemble the bottomless blue of seawater. Like Emerald,aquamarine is a variety of beryl (a mineral that crystallizes within large rocks on theearth's crust).

Aquamarine varies in color from blue-green to a light skyblue, and for generations, those stones containing green are often heat-treated to removethis less desirable color. Surprisingly, unlike other coveted gemstones, the majority ofaquamarines are flawless. As a gift, aquamarine is unsurpassed in its legendary abilitiesto preserve and enhance mutual love, to ensure truth in relationships and to maintain agood marriage

When In Rome

Ancient Romans believed the magnificent gemstone wassacred to Neptune, the god of the sea. Some legends say that it was gift from mermaids,while others suggest that Neptune retrieved it after it fell from the jewel boxes ofsirens and washed onto shore. Early sailors wore aquamarine talismans, engraved with thelikeness of Neptune, as protection against dangers at sea.

The association with water led to the belief that theAquamarine was particularly powerful when immersed. Water in which this gemstone had beensubmerged was used in ancient times to heal a variety of illnesses of the heart, liver,stomach, mouth and throat. Aquamarines were also used to reverse poisoning and to aid infortune telling.

Heal Me

Many believe that aquamarine helps dependence on drugs, isan aid in digestion, and can be used as remedy for swollen glands and to maintain thehealth of the jaws and teeth.

On the non-physical plain, aquamarine is believed torelease anger and negativity replacing them with mental peace and clarity, providingemotional and mental balance. It has been used as an aid in meditation and to assist inself-expression.

A Gift of Love

To dream of aquamarine signifies the making of newfriends. To wear aquamarine brings love and affection. To give aquamarine is to offer thegift of knowledge, foresight and individual inspiration. It is a universal symbol ofyouth, fidelity, hope and health.

Ideal for carving into cameos and beads, the bluesea stone is said to aid seafarers so it is a wonderful gift for sailors, fishermen,and everyone who spends time at sea. A a gift of aquamarine symbolizes safety andsecurity, especially within long standing relationships.

Caveat Emptor (Buyer beware): The beautiful light blue toblue-green color of aquamarine may fade upon prolonged exposure to light, so it isespecially important to purchase this gem from a reputable source.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Birthstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Diamond is April's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday,you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we betyou don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients feltwould be bestowed about you by wearing it.

April's Birthstone: Diamond
Birthstone Properties: Enhances competence, trust and love
Alternative Birthstone: Opal

Formed deep within the earth where there is intense heatand pressure, diamonds are simply crystallized carbon. April's birthstone is the perennialfirst choice for engagement rings, but is it also the anniversary gem for the 10th and60th years of marriage when eternity bands and other diamond-detailed rings replaceoriginal wedding bands.

The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splintersof stars fallen to earth. It was even said by some that they were the tears of the Gods orperhaps crystallized lightning or hardened dew drops. In fact, the exact origin ofdiamonds is still something of a mystery, even to scientists and geologists.

India is thought to be the first river-bed source ofdiamond mining. The ancient Hindus called the diamond Vajra, (lightening)because of the sparks of light that it emits as well as its invincible strength. Arguablythe most beautiful gemstones on the planet, diamonds are also harder than any othersubstance on earth and found today in Australia, Botswana, Russia and South Africa.

Dr. Diamond

Diamonds have long been credited for having certainmedicinal properties. During the middle ages, these gemstones were thought to healillness, but only if the ailing person took the diamond into bed to warm it up first!

Of Kings and Queens, Archdukes and Duchesses

Legend has it that Cupids arrows were tipped indiamonds and over the centuries, this magnificent gemstone has acquired a well-deservedreputation as the ultimate gift of love.

In less democratic times, diamonds were reserved forroyaltythe only people entitled to their symbolism of strength, courageand invincibility. But in 1477, Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond ring toMary of Burgundy and before long the tradition of diamond engagement rings was oneembraced by even the most humble brides-to-be and their suitors.

The diamond's white hue signifies life, joy and innocence.But diamonds may be nearly any color in the rainbow plus a wide range of browns, grays,and white. Shades of yellow are most common, followed by colorless. Blue, black, reddish,and greenish are more valuable (some extremely so).

P.S. I Love You

It's interesting to note that a woman wears her diamond onthe third finger of her left hand because early Egyptians believed the vena amoris (veinof love) ran directly from the heart to the top of the third finger, left hand

A gift of a Diamond is symbolic of everlasting love. Thereis no more convincing a promise of an enduring relationship than the brilliant gemstonethat has endured in people's hearts throughout the history.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Birthstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Emerald Is May's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday,you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we betyou don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients feltwould be bestowed about you by wearing it.

May's Birthstone: Emerald
Birthstone Properties: Symbolizes serenity and peace of mind.
Alternative Birthstone: Sapphire

Emerald is the birthstone for May and also the anniversarygemstone for the 20th and 35th years of marriage. Some people believe wearing an emeraldbrings wisdom, growthpatience. It is perhaps this last attribute that may explainwhy a gift of emerald for an anniversary -- or any occasion -- is symbolic of love andfidelity.

All Eyes on Emeralds

Emeralds were once prescribed for eye diseases because thegreen color was believed to be soothing to the eyes. Early stone cutters kept emeralds attheir tables to gaze upon as a way to give their eyes a break. Even 21st Century colorspecialists agree that green is soothing, restful, and relaxing for the eyes.

Today's versatile emeralds continue to be easy onthe eyes, used in earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and other body adornment.

The Color of Spring

An emerald shines like green lightning, filling us withthe same wonder as the civilizations that came before us. Ancient Egyptians mined emeraldsin the eastern desert region 2,000 years before Cleopatras birth, yet today recentfinds in North Carolina may provide a new source for quality emeralds in the U.S.Colombia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Russia arewhere most emeralds are mined in the 21st Century.

May's birthstone seems perfectly suited to the rites ofSpring, matching the colors of the season with its own bottomless green. In fact, theEgyptians engraved emeralds with symbols for Spring foliage to represent eternal youth,and then buried the jewels with their dead. Elsewhere in the ancient world, the Romansassociated emeralds with fertility and the rebirth brought about each Spring. Nero, it'ssaid, watched the gladiators through emerald glasses

The Incas worshiped emeraldsas long as they could.In the 1500's, they were invaded by Spanish Conquistadors who stole their gemstones andpillaged their mines. As a result, many of the world's most magnificent emeralds were lostat the bottom of the sea inside shipwrecked Spanish galleons.

It's Not Easy Being Green

The word emerald is a variation of the Greekword smaragdos, which means green stoneperfectly appropriatefor a gemstone that is, in fact, the green variety of the mineral beryl. Emeralds rangefrom strong bluish-green to green hues, although some emeralds have a slightly yellowishgreen. If the hue is too yellowor too blueit loses its emeraldstatus and is simply a different variety of beryl.

Colombian emeralds are generally agreed to be among themost beautiful gemstones in the world, with a grass-green coloring highlighted by a touchof blue.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Birthstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Pearl Is June's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday,you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we betyou don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients feltwould be bestowed about you by wearing it.

June's Birthstone: Pearl
Birthstone Properties: Truth and beauty
Alternative Birthstones: Moonstone and Alexandrite

Pearl is the official birthstone of the month of June. Itis also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage. Pearlshave adorned crowns, clothing, and temples, and were said to be a favorite of Cleopatra,yet there are perfectly suited to young girls and are a popular gift for first communion.

Pearls come in a wide range of colors from delicate rosewhite to black. The higher the luster or orient, the more valuable thespecimen. Greeks believed that pearls were the hardened tears of joy that the Love Goddessshook from her eyes as she was born from the sea. In Arab legend, pearls were formed whenoysters were lured from the depths of the ocean by the beautiful moon and then swallowedmoonlit dewdrops. Ancient Chinese thought that these gems originated from the brains ofdragons.

Whatever their origins, pearls are magnificent!

Round Pearland Her Shapely Sisters It's hard tobelieve that the coveted pearl comes naturally from one of the humblest of life forms --the mollusk. Divers find natural pearls in The Persian Gulf as well as in the waters offJapan, the South Pacific Islands off northern Australia, and the coasts of Panama,Venezuela, and California.

Besides the popular round shape most people associate withpearls, there are also large hemispherical cultured pearls (called mabe), fresh waterpearls (elongated in interesting shapes and colors) and South Sea cultured pearls (fromAustralia and Indonesian waters) that grow to 10 mm and up!

Gems of unsurpassed beauty and elegance, pearls have beena passion and even an obsession of people throughout the ages. They have been ground upand used in cosmetics and as a medicine to treat heart and stomach conditions. Somecultures swear by pearls as an aphrodisiac.

Only those with royal status once wore pearl jewelry, buteventually these gems were seen among all classes of people. They continue to be viewed asa mark of taste and refinement as well as a symbol of purity, and they are often given tocelebrate a marriage or the birth of a child. Pearls are nature's perfect gift, suitablefor all ages, and elegantly worn with everything from jeans to an evening gown.

Alternate Birthstones

Moonstone is a type of feldspar that earned its namebecause of its resemblance to the iridescent sheen of the moon. Varying in color fromclear to blue-white or peach, it was believed to endow the wearer with great spiritualunderstanding. A gift of this stone is symbolic of health and longevity.

Alexandrite. A yellowish or brownish green in color, thisgemstone has the unique characteristic of changing color to a red hue when exposed to aglowing light source, such as candlelight. Because of this quality, it has beencharacterized by poets as an emerald by day, a ruby by night.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Birthstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Ruby Is July's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday,you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we betyou don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients feltwould be bestowed about you by wearing it.

July's Birthstone: Ruby
Birthstone Properties: Fire and emotion
Alternative Birthstone: Sapphire

Ruby is the birthstone for July and also the anniversarygemstone for the 15th and 40th years of marriage. The history of ruby mining dates backmore than 2,500 years ago, and today the coveted gemstone is found in Burma, Thailand,Kenya, Tanzania, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Afghanistan,Pakistan, and the United States.

Called the Lord of Gems by ancient Hindus,rubies are one of the most highly prized gems throughout history. The fiery glow of rubiesis said to come from the gemstone's internal and eternal flame.

For this reason, the gift of a ruby is a symbol ofeverlasting love. If worn on the left hand, ancient lore has it that the Ruby will bringgood fortune. It is a perfect engagement ring gemstone and a popular alternative to oraddition to diamond engagement bands.

Hard, but Soft The word ruby comes from the Latinruber, meaning red. It is a variety of the mineral Corundum that is calledsapphire when it is any color except redonly when it is red does it earn thedesignation of ruby.

But that's not to say that there's only onered for rubies. Rubies range in hue from an orangey red to a purplish red,although the most treasured rubies are still true red in color.

The ruby is a very durable gemstone, surpassed in hardnessonly by diamonds. But despite its hard nature, it has a soft side. According to legend,you should never make faces at a ruby in a museum or ignore it because it will grow dullif slighted or not worn or seen.

Deliver Me From Evil

Royalty chose rubies as a powerful talisman that couldhelp protect them against evil by anticipating its arrival. Monarchs thought that rubieswould darken when peril was danger, and then return to its original color once the threatwas past.

In an interesting way, rubies had their own built-inanti-theft device: it was believed that in order for rubies to act for good, it wasbelieved that they had to be in the hands of their rightful owner.

A Ruby By Any Other Name

Gemstones that are not rubies are also called rubies. TheBalas Ruby is a type of spinel (a hard glassy mineral). Bohemian Rubies are derived fromrose quartz, and Siberian rubies are really red or pink tourmaline. In theUnited States, the American, Cape, Montana, and Rocky Mountain rubies arereally different varieties of garnet.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Birthstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Peridot is August's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday,you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we betyou don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients feltwould be bestowed about you by wearing it.

August's Birthstone: Peridot
Birthstone Properties: Illumination
Alternative Birthstone: Sardonyx

Peridot is the birthstone for August and 16th anniversarygemstone. Its name comes from the Arabic word faridat, meaning gem. Peridot issometimes referred to as an Evening Emerald because under artificial light itglows as a brilliant green.

Peridot is transparent with subtle color in a variety ofgreens, ranging from light yellowish green to a dark olive. The purer green a peridot is,the higher the value. Any tinge of brown greatly diminishes the value of a peridot, aswell as visible flaws.

Ancient History Found in both early Greek and early Romanjewelry, peridot has been popular since 1500 BC when the Egyptians started mining it. TheEgyptians called the lustrous stone the gem of the sun and believed it had thepower to ward off anxiety, enhance speech, and foster success in relationships andmarriage.

Peridot crystals are sometimes combed from the black sandsof Hawaii where the gemstone is abundant and available in larger sizes. Hawaiians believethat peridot is the tears shed by Pele, the volcano goddess. Pele must have traveledextensively, however, because peridot is also mined in Burma, Norway, Brazil, Australia,Hawaii, the Congo, and in Arizona.

Peridot is found in Europe in many medieval churchesdecorating several treasures, including the Cologne Cathedral. Peridot use peaked duringthe Baroque era, but the gemstone fell out of favor over time until the 1990's when a newsource in Pakistan re-ignited interest in the forgotten stone.

Take Two and Call Me in the Morning

Legend has it that drinking from a peridot goblet canincrease the potency of medicines. Egyptian priests drank from cups made of peridot,believing it would draw them closer to Isis, their goddess of nature. Peridot was said tobe useful for calming raging angers, curing nervous afflictions and promoting tranquilityin high-strung individuals.

Many legends state that peridot was considered a powerfulamulet against all evil, as well as a remedy for sinus problems. Powdered peridot has beenused to cure asthma, while a peridot stone placed under the tongue of someone with feveris believed to lessen his/her thirst.

Making Dreams Come True

Peridot was thought to help dreams become a reality, andwas often given as a symbol of fame, strength and vitalityas well as promise of newgrowth in the years ahead. It also symbolizes eloquence and persuasiveness.

Peridots were especially favored by pirates. The terrorsof the sea considered peridot powerful amulets against all evil, and when set in gold,were said to protect the wearer from the terrors of the night including nightmares.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Birthstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Sapphire is September's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday,you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we betyou don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients feltwould be bestowed about you by wearing it.

September's Birthstone: Sapphire
Birthstone Properties: Brings physical and emotional balance.
Alternative Birthstone: Agate

Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the gemstonegiven for anniversaries of the 5th and 45th years of marriage. Taken from the Greek wordfor blue, sapphirus, sapphires have a time-honored tradition with priests (whoconsidered them symbolic of purity) and king s (who considered them symbolic of wisdom.)

Sapphires were mined as early as the 7th Century BC inIndia and what is now Sri Lanka. Today they are found in Sri Lanka, Australia, Nigeria,Kenya, Tanzania, Kashmir, Myanmar, Thailand, China, Madagascar, and the United States.

Against Which All Others Are Measured

Sapphires, like rubies, are a variety of corundum. Thesapphire's color spectrum includes pink and lavender varieties, a rare orange hue, and, ofcourse, the velvety blue sapphire that earned the gemstone its name.

Because of the way in which corundum crystals are formed,large sapphires are rareand valuable. The priceless 563-carat Star of India, ondisplay at New York City's Museum of Natural History, is the largest and most famous ofstar sapphires (sapphires that are cut to reflect light from inclusions withinthe stone to reveal a bright six-legged star pattern).

To Your Health

So strong was the power of a sapphire, it was alleged thata venomous snake put in a vessel made of sapphire would quickly die. Sapphires thereforeearned the reputation as an excellent all-purpose medicine and were ingested as anantidote to poison. Additionally, sapphires were ground into powders as a remedy foreverything from colic to rheumatism and mental illness.

Sapphires were also believed to be able to stop bleedingand cure disorders of the eye.

The Eyes Have It

Egyptians associated the clear sapphire with the eye ofHoras -- the all-seeing, all-knowing eye in the sky -- while the gemstone wasused by the Greeks to to tap into the subconscious mind by stimulating the opening of thethird eye.

A Mirror of the Soul

Husbands and wives in ancient times frequently exchangedgifts of sapphires. Although the fact that sapphires represent sincerity and faithfulnesswas undoubtedly the primary reason it was a popular marriage gift, another motive may havebeen at work: it was believed that a sapphire would not shine if worn by someone who waswicked or impure.

Sapphires were considered to be so powerful they continuedto protect the original owner even after being sold.

Say It With Sapphires

Clear sapphires, like diamonds, are the guardians of love.When exchanged with a loved one, sapphires enhance feelings for one another and attunesthe two psyches. Sapphires have the power to banish envy and jealousy, and are said topromote chastity in virgins and fidelity in marriage.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Birthstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Opal is October's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday,you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we betyou don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients feltwould be bestowed about you by wearing it.

October's Birthstone: Opal
Birthstone Properties: Enhances insight and dispels fear
Alternative Birthstone: Tourmaline

Opal is the birthstone for October and the gemstone givento commemorate a 14th wedding anniversary. The word opal for this dynamicgemstone was derived from the Greek word opallus which means to see a changein colorbecause it is, after all, opal's abilty to refract and reflect specificwavelengths of light that make it so special. In fact, there are more than a dozenvarieties of fiery and iridescent opals.

Opal is a non-crystallized silica, a mineral found nearthe earth's surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once existed. Romanscalled the magnificent gemstone Cupid Paederos, meaning a child as beautifulas love. They believed that opals fell to earth from the heavens in a flash of lightening.

However they arrived in on Earth originally, today opalsmust be mined from deposits found primarily in Southern Australia, although other sourcesexist in Brazil, Mexico, Czechoslovakia, and Nevada.

Crown Jewels

Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity through theages. During the Middle Ages, fair-haired young women put sapphires in their tresses toprotect the lovely blond color of their hair. Physicians ground opals into a powder thatwas ingested to ward off nightmares.

Since the 14th century, many cultures have considered thisstone to be an Eye Stone, a stone that watches over royal families as well as a stone thatstrengthens the eyesight. They believed it to be the king of gems because anopal holds within its fire all the colors of the rainbowand all other gems, as well.And like many birthstones, opals were treasured by ancient monarchs for their appearanceAND their powers.

Opals were routinely set into the crowns and necklaces ofrulers who believed the protective powers of the gemstones would ward off evil. Writers ofthe period believed the opal could render its wearer invisible when the need arose.

The Russians had the complete opposite belief in opals,viewing them as nothing but bad luck..

Always the Right Gift

A gift of Opal is symbolic of faithfulness and confidence.And the wide range of choices in opal make them a perfect gift for anyone:

Black Opal - the stone has a dark body tone in comparison to a white opal.

White Opal - also known as 'milky opal', featuring light white body tones

Boulder Opal - very dark and beautiful in color

Crystal Opal - any opal with a transparent or semi-transparent body tone. Forms of crystal opal include black crystal and white crystal.

Fire Opal - an American term meaning any opal that displays a significant amount of red coloring. Mexican fire opal is a different kind of opal, which displays orange coloring)

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Birthstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Citrine Is November's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday,you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we betyou don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients feltwould be bestowed about you by wearing it.

November's Birthstone: Citrine
Birthstone Properties: Increases creativity and feelings of joy
Alternative Birthstone: Yellow Topaz

Citrine is the birthstone for November and the traditionalanniversary gemstone for the 13th year of marriage. Its name comes from an old French wordfor lemon -- citrin. A variety of quartz and the sister stone tothe purple variety known as Amethyst, citrine comes in a wide range of colors. Somebelieve that some citrine may have actually begun as amethyst, but that nearby molten rockchanged it to the yellow form of quartz.

Mined mainly in Brazil, but also found in Bolivia,citrines come in vivid yellows and oranges, and also the unusual and extremely popularmadeira red. (Citrines that are pale yellow or yellowish-brown are oftenmistaken for yellow or golden topaz.) Natural citrine can also be found in the UralMountains of Russia, in Dauphine, France, and in Madagascar

Cure-All Citrine, like all forms of quartz, was believedto have magical powers. People carried citrine as a protective talisman against theplague, bad skin and evil thoughts. It was also used as a charm against the bites ofsnakes and other venomous reptiles. Yellow and orange colors of the citrine gemstone weresaid to offer protection from dangers when traveling, to ward off evil, and to keepsickness away on land or on sea.

Through history, citrine has been used extensively inimproving the function of the body's organs including the heart, liver, kidneys anddigestive system. It is still used by healing practitioners to remove toxins from the bodyand to treat muscular disorders, as well as help stimulate healing in general. Citrine isalso said to help provide relief from the effects of radiation, and to facilitateabsorption of antioxidants.

Mental Health Citrine is believed to be especiallypowerful for stimulating one's mental capacities, thereby enhancing creativity andbolstering self-confidence. It is said that wearing citrine will improve memory, make youfeel more optimistic, and give you more energy in everything you do. The magnetic powersof citrine are believed to relieve depression, fear, and give you the confidence that youneed to continue with success in your life.

Giving citrine as a gift symbolizes wishes for hope andstrength. Bursting with sunshine-yellow brightness, it is the ideal gemstone for helpinganyone get through tough times!

Buyer's Guide A tremendous amount of citrine that isavailable on the market today is heat-treated amethyst. Natural citrine is much lighterthan the heat-treated material which is dark orange-brown to reddish-brown in color.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Birthstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Turquoise Is December's Birthstone

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday,you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we betyou don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients feltwould be bestowed about you by wearing it.

December's Birthstone: Turquoise
Birthstone Properties:
Alternative Birthstone: Lapis Lazuli

Turquoise is the birthstone for December and thetraditional gift to commemorate the 5th and 11th years of marriage. It's color is, ofcourse, is referred to as turquoise, but the hue can range widely from the familiargreen-blue to a light sky-blue.

It is generally accepted that turquoise gets its name frompierre turquoise a French phrase meaning Turkish stone. Othersbelieve that the name comes from the Persian word fiouze, meaning the colorturquoise. Ancient and yet always at the height of current fashion, turquoise was mined byearly Egyptians as early as 6000 BC.

Many people are surprised to learn that the finestturquoise comes from Iran, not the American Southwest. However beautiful specimens arealso found in Arizona and New Mexico in the United States, as well as in Australia,Afghanistan and other localities in the Middle East.

Sacred Stone

For thousands of years, turquoise has been appreciated asa holy stone, talisman, and a good-luck-charm. The excavation of Egyptian tombs fromapproximately 3,000 B.C. holds the oldest living proof of man's interest in turquoise,where the gemstone was found decorating artifacts that were buried with the dead. When thetomb of Queen Zer was unearthed in 1900, a turquoise and gold bracelet was found on herwrist, one of the oldest pieces of jewelry ever discovered!

In ancient Persian, the sky-blue gemstones were originallyworn around the neck or on the hand as protection to ward off unnatural death. If thestones changed their colour, there was an imminent danger for the wearer.

Turquoise also has a sacred place in the religious ritesof North American Indians and by the Tibetans, whose shamans include it in rituals andceremonies. Turquoise is said to promote mental and spiritual clarity to enhance wisdom,trust, kindness, and understanding.

You've Got the Power

Apache Indians believed that turquoise gave warriors andhunters better aim and Zuni tribes believed that it protected them from demons. In Asia,turquoise was considered protection against the evil eye, while Tibetans carved turquoiseinto ritual objects.

Wherever in the world it is worn and loved, turquoise isbelieved to promote prosperity

Traveler's Aid

For centuries, turquoise was thought to protect riders andhorses from falls. Today the beautiful stone is considered a good luck charmfor aviators, flight staff and other professionals who need to ward off accidents.

Turquoise's bright and happy color is supposed to lendself-confidence to subdued personalities, and it is also very popular as a token offriendship, since Turquoise is reputed to be responsible for faithfulness and reliablerelationships

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Birthstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Turquoise Necklace Facts and Beliefs

Pieces of sky. Thats how turquoise was called by someNative American tribes. Indeed, it requires no great stretch of the imagination tounderstand why turquoise was referred to as such. Just as the heavens could be a peacefulor stormy blue, so could turquoise seem to express different moods with its differentshades of blue and green. Wearing pieces of sky in a turquoise necklace is a provocativeand attractive idea.

Known as the birthstone of December, turquoise can be opaque ortranslucent, and a turquoise necklace made of beads conveys an iridescent, whimsicaleffect. Some jewelry designers set their turquoise necklaces in platinum, silver, or gold;at times, they use other gemstones in conjunction with turquoise for a complementary,enhancing effect. Chokers or neckbands decorated with turquoise are also popular asfashion accessories.

Necklaces made from Persian or Iranian turquoise are the mostexpensive, since this variety of turquoise is considered to be of the highest quality.However, less expensive varieties are available from Mexican, Chinese, Egyptian andAmerican sources. Turquoise necklaces are popular items in Native American and Southernjewelry collections, but by and large, they have found their way into mainstream culture.They are perfect for casual wear, especially during summer, but can also be worn combinedwith other jewels for more formal occasions. Socialite Nicky Hilton, country singer LariWhite and actress Ali Landry are some of the celebrities who have been photographedwearing turquoise necklaces.

According to gemologists, turquoise is believed by people of differentcultures to have healing, protective, and restorative powers. Folklore also tells us thatturquoise would fade or change color when the wearer was in danger or if a lover had beenunfaithful. Whether a person believes in such tales or not, the fact remains that aturquoise necklace and other pieces of turquoise jewelry are not only fashionable andbeautiful dress accessories, they have also played a major role in the shaping of variouscultures as well.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Gemstone Jewelry.
(click here)

The Truth About Gold Jewelry

Without a doubt, Gold is one of the worlds mostprecious metals. It is also a certainty that gold enjoys an unsurpassed popularity as amedium for jewelry expression. Both jewelry artisans and consumers alike are inlove with gold. There seems to be no end to the range of colors, finishes and stylesavailable and gold remains a perennial favorite setting for gemstones.

Gold can last forever, will not corrode or rust and can befound anywhere. Gold exists in plants, rivers, oceans, mountains, its nearlyeverywhere but it is extremely difficult and costly to extract this amazing metal. Did youknow that a single ounce of gold can be pulled into a thin wire that stretches nearly fivemiles long? An artisans hammer can work that same ounce into a very thin sheet that cancover a 10ft x 10ft(100sq. ft.) area. Also, it takes nearly 3 tons of gold or to extract asingle ounce of pure gold. Well if you didnt now you know!

Gold Basics

The word Gold, used by itself, means all gold or 24 karat(24K) gold. Because 24K gold is soft, its usually mixed with other metals toincrease its hardness and durability. If a piece of jewelry is not 24 karat gold, thekarat quality should accompany any claim that the item is gold.

The karat quality marking tells you what proportion ofgold is mixed with the other metals. Fourteen karat (14K) jewelry contains 14 parts ofgold, mixed in throughout with 10 parts of base metal. The higher the karat rating, thehigher the proportion of gold in the piece of jewelry.

Most jewelry is marked with its karat quality, althoughmarking is not required by law. Near the karat quality mark, you should see the name ofthe U.S. registered trademark of the company that will stand behind the mark. Thetrademark may be in the form of a name, symbol or initials. If you dont see atrademark accompanying a quality mark on a piece of jewelry, look for another piece.

Solid gold refers to an item made of any karat gold, ifthe inside of the item is not hollow. The proportion of gold in the piece of jewelry stillis determined by the karat mark.

Jewelry can be plated with gold in a variety of ways. Goldplate refers to items that are either mechanically plated, electroplated, or plated by anyother means with gold to a base metal. Eventually, gold plating wears away, but how soonwill depend on how often the item is worn and how thick the plating is.

Gold-filled, gold overlay and rolled gold plate are termsused to describe jewelry that has a layer of at least 10 karat gold mechanically bonded toa base metal. If the jewelry is marked with one of these terms, the term or abbreviationshould follow the karat quality of the gold used (for example, 14K Gold Overlay or 12KRGP). If the layer of karat gold is less than 1/20th of the total weight of the item, anymarking must state the actual percentage of karat gold, such as 1/40 14K Gold Overlay.

Gold electroplate describes jewelry that has a layer (atleast .175 microns thick) of a minimum of 10 karat gold deposited on a base metal by anelectrolytic process. The terms gold flashed or gold washed describe products that have anextremely thin electroplating of gold (less than .175 microns thick). This will wear awaymore quickly than gold plate, gold-filled or gold electroplate.

Vermeil (ver-may), a special type of gold plated product,consists of a base of sterling silver that is coated or plated with gold.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Fine Gold Jewelry.
(click here)

Gold Jewelry: The Rest of the Story

Gold is one of the metals taken from the earth and isprobably the first metal known to man. Its first use has been traced back to 3600 B. C.and was probably originally obtained in Egypt, as the ancient methods of obtaining gold inEgypt are illustrated in early rock carvings. It is said in the book of Genesis thatAbraham, in the twentieth century B. C., when he went out of Egypt, was very rich not onlyin cattle but in gold and silver both in dust and ingots. In Exodus xxv, 29, we read thatMoses was commanded by the Lord to make spoons of gold for the Tabernacle. In the writingsof Homer, Sophocles, Herodotus, Pliny and others, gold is frequently mentioned.

Gold is widely distributed in nature and is found in manyways and in all parts of the world. It is found in water, in the ice of Alaska, in thesand of South Africa, and in the quartz of Colorado, and is frequently found native,though usually alloyed with silver or iron. The purest specimens of native gold haveyielded from 96 to 99 per cent, pure metal.

It is remarkable that all of the races of mankind haveselected gold as the first and chief representative of value. In the earliest times it wasused as a medium of exchange in the form of bars, spikes and rings; the rings could beopened and closed so that a chain could be made for convenience in carrying. Gold was alsoused at a very early period for the construction of personal ornaments, as the savagefound it easy to beat out the pure ore into circlets to adorn his limbs. The universal useof gold in preference to all other metals is due to its many properties; its color andluster, its malleability and its indestructibility. Gold does not tarnish nor can it bedestroyed. It may be reduced to a liquid and the liquid transferred to a powder, and thepowder when melted in a crucible returns to its natural state. It is the most malleable ofall metals and has been hammered into leaves 1-282,000th of an inch thick. An ounce ofgold may be drawn out into a wire fifty miles long. The tenacity of gold is seven tons persquare inch.

Pure gold, being too soft for all ordinary purposes, isgenerally alloyed with other metals. Silver and copper are the principal alloys used,although iron is used in small quantities for different purposes. Pure silver has abrilliant white color and is the whitest of all metals. No metal surpasses silver in itsluster and hardness it ranges between pure gold and pure copper. It is more fusible thancopper or gold, melting at a bright red heat or at 1873F. It is commonly used for thepurpose of alloying gold in its pure state, but if too much is added it makes the goldpale. Pure copper is the only metal that has a reddish appearance. It is both malleableand ductile; hence it is very useful as an alloy for gold.

Shop ourbeautiful selection of Fine Gold Jewelry.
(click here)

Buying Platinum Jewelry Without Being Ripped Off

Buying Platinum jewelry can be fun, exciting and confusing. Whether you�re considering a gift of Platinum jewelry for someone special or as a treat for yourself, take some time to learn the terms used in the industry. Here�s some information to help you get the best quality Platinum jewelry for your money, whether you�re shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or online.

Platinum is a precious metal that costs more than gold. It usually is mixed with other similar metals, known as the platinum group metals: iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium.

Different markings are used on platinum jewelry as compared with gold jewelry, based on the amount of pure platinum in the piece. The quality markings for platinum are based on parts per thousand. For example, the marking 900 Platinum means that 900 out of 1000 are pure platinum, or in other words, the item is 90% platinum and 10% other metals. The abbreviations for platinum - Plat. or Pt. - also can be used in marking jewelry.

Items that contain at least 950 parts per thousand pure platinum can be marked simply platinum. Items that have at least 850 parts per thousand pure platinum can be marked with the amount of pure platinum and the word platinum or an abbreviation (for example, 950 platinum, 900 Plat. or 850 Pt.). Jewelry that contains less than 850 parts per thousand pure platinum, but has a total of 950 parts per thousand of platinum group metals (of which at least 500 parts is pure platinum), may be marked with both the amount of pure platinum and the amount of the other platinum group metals in the piece. For example, the marking 600 Plat. 350 Irid. means that the item has 600 parts per thousand (60%0 platinum, and 350 parts per thousand (35%) iridium, totaling 950 parts per thousand of platinum group metals, and 50 parts per thousand (5%) other metals.

Care and Cleaning of your Sterling Silver Jewelry

Here are Some Tips for Greater Enjoyment of your SterlingSilver Jewelry

Shop our beautiful selection ofSterling Silver Jewelry.
(click here)

Jewelry and Gemstone Care Cleaning Tips

Diamond earrings, emerald rings, ruby bracelets, sapphirependants; no doubt about it everybody loves beautiful gem stone jewelry. Gemstones arequite literally hard as rock, buy they can be damaged from careless handling andnegligence. Here are some tips for keeping your gems and jewelry looking fabulous foryears to come.

A little care and common sense can add life, luster andlongevity to your precious jewelry and gems. Protect your investment by following theabove guidelines.

Shopour beautiful selection of Gemstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Body Jewelry and Today's Stars

Body jewelry and body piercing practices have beenobserved by various groups of people all over the world throughout the centuries. For sometribes it is a rite of passage, for others it is an indicator of social status. For many,body jewelry is used to enhance personal beauty and as devices to rise above the rest ofthe pack. Todays celebrities have been at the forefront in making body jewelry muchmore mainstream and acceptable even desirable.

Whats a little pain if itll make me lookhip seems to be the prevalent thought among the young and the old who are turningout in increasing numbers to participate in the body jewelry trend. Not so long ago, onlypunk rockers and those with bad boy images, such as former NBA star DennisRodman, were seen sporting body piercings in mainstream media. Today, body jewelry isendorsed by pop celebrities with mass followings, including Britney Spears, ChristinaAguilera, Fiona Apple and Lenny Kravitz. Britney Spears has an extensive collection ofnavel rings, and Christina Aguilera is said to wear the most interesting body jewelry inareas that are covered by her clothing.

Some celebrities with an otherwise seriousimage are nevertheless fans of body art. Actress Camryn Manheim of the television dramaThe Firm sports multiple earrings on the cartilage of one ear. GillianAnderson, who played the cynical and skeptical FBI agent Dana Scully in the televisionseries The X Files, has a pierced belly button. Performers with tonguepiercings include former Spice Girl Melanie Brown (Scary Spice) and dancer Jimmy Gulzar,while supermodels Christy Turlington and James King are proud of their piercings. Somesports celebrities also wear body jewelry, including WWE wrestlers A-Train and Billy Gunn,as well as football player Ricky Williams.

Body jewelry has also been used throughout the ages toenhance sensation, and by extension, sexuality and sexual performance. Genital and nipplepiercing in both men and women, while not as widespread as nose, ear, tongue, navel andeyebrow piercing, still has its own following. Singer Janet Jackson has stated on theOprah Winfrey talk show that she likes the sensation that her pierced nipples give her.Other celebrities with pierced nipples include rock musicians Axl Rose and Tommy Lee,Icelandic singer Bjork and rapper Lil Kim. Pop princess Britney Spears likewise has apierced nipple.

Celebrities, whether they like it or not, are oftentimeslooked up to as role models and the influence they wield over their fans is considerable.Fans emulate their idols preferences: from clothing, mannerism, even to the wearingof body jewelry. More and more, they are playing a leading role not only in the directionof todays fashion trends but also in the shaping of modern pop culture.

Shopour beautiful selection of Body Jewelry.
(click here)

Fashionable Silver Earrings for Anytime and All the Time

It's been said that silver jewelry makes a person lookyouthful and energetic, while gold makes a person look sophisticated and mature. Hence,silver is a popular choice of the young for their adornments. It is also more practical,as it costs less than gold jewelry and is more widely available. There are more specialtyshops that sell silver earrings, rings necklaces and bracelets, for example, than thosethat specialize in gold jewelry.

Silver jewelry has the impressive quality of being bothaffordable and stylish. Silver earrings are by no means cheap -- in fact, itis highly recommended as a complement to dark clothing, making for a very elegant and chiccombination. Silver sets off dark colors and plays more on contrast, which makes for anextremely effective fashion statement. Silver jewelry and black attire is a favoriteensemble of artistes, as well as advocates of the popular goth movement.

All over the world, and throughout history, silver isthought of as a complement to gold. Silver as an element has been associated with themoon, while gold has been associated with the sun. The moon makes soft, mesmerizing silverripples as it is reflected on a still lake. Its close relationship with moon imagery hasmade silver the color most commonly associated with dreams, fantasy and magic. Folklorehas also endowed silver with special powers and healing properties.

Celebrities have also been known to patronize silverearrings. Oprah Winfrey and Sandra Bullock have sported chic chandelier-type silver piecesmore than once. It is always interesting and a pleasure to behold the various styles anddesigns of celebrities silver jewelry, especially if it is worn in taste and instyle.

A person who is building a collection of earrings shouldconsider investing in a silver earring collection. In addition to being practical, thedesigns are immensely diverse and it doesnt hurt to know that silver earrings areall the rage!

Shopour beautiful selection of Sterling Silver Jewelry.
(click here)

Diamond Hoop Earrings: The Diva's Choice

Men grow cold as girls grow old
And we all lose our charms in the end
But square-cut or pear-shaped
These rocks don't lose their shape
Diamonds are a girl's best friend
-- from the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Diamond hoop earrings are perfectly popular these days,thanks to young pop divas like Jennifer Lopez or J-Lo, hiphop diva extraordinaire. J-Lo isalso known for spreading the trend of the chandelier earring, and other cascading-styleear ornaments.

Now take another diva and examine her choice of jewelry.We're talking about actress Elizabeth Taylor and her special fondness for diamonds. Whenshe was dubbed a Dame of the British Empire, the nation held a black tie anddiamonds event, to commemorate her love for that specific precious stone. Diamondhoop earrings are part of Miss Taylors not inconsiderable jewelry collection.

Take hoop earrings up another level and what do you get?Precious stones set into the hoops. What precious stone is considered the most popular,the most prestigious, and the most in-demand throughout the ages? Of course, it is thediamond.

Diamonds are formed over a period of a billion or moreyears deep within the Earth's crust - about 90 miles deep - and is pushed to the surfaceby volcanoes. Most diamonds are found in volcanic rock called kimberlite, or in the seaafter having been carried away by rivers when they were pushed to the surface.

Hoops, for their part, come in a variety of thicknessesand sizes. Sometimes they are so fragile as to create cascading earring designs, and atother times they are so thick that you can set stones and other materials into them. Hoopearrings used to be a favorite jewelry style among ancient Central and South Americantribes, at a time when gold flowed freely and primarily held only decorative value.

Combine the youthful appeal of hoop earrings and thedistinguished status of the diamond and you'll have an entrancing diamond hoop earring. Asmall, thick hoop earring made of fine silver or gold may be studded with diamonds.Conversely, a hoop earring may also host even just one diamond, snugly fitted into itsmetal niche. Diamond hoop earrings are a unique design, pursued and appreciated for theirearthly elegance.

Shopour beautiful selection of Diamond Jewelry.
(click here)

Diamond Stud Earrings: Elegant Unisexuality

A diamond stud earring is made up of just one perfectlycut diamond, set in fine gold or silver. The simplicity of the design itself is its ownselling point: anything fancier and you could easily fall into the trap ofover-accessorizing. A single-stone earring is singled out for its sophisticated look.

A diamond is 58 times harder than the next hardest mineralon earth, corundum, the stuff from which rubies and sapphires are formed. Only diamondscan cut other diamonds. Ironically, diamonds are also brittle. If you hit one hard with ahammer, it will shatter. If it is placed in an oven and heated to about 763 degreesCelsius (1405 degrees Fahrenheit), it will simply vanish, releasing only a little carbondioxide and NO visible traces whatsoever.

Contrary to popular perception, diamond stud earrings arenot just for women! There are quite a few male celebrities who have popularized the use ofear accessories -- Johnny Depp being among the more famous of them. Respected artists likeUsher and Kanye West have taken to sporting diamond earrings. Morgan Freeman wore adiamond earring to a roundtable discussion of his movie The Sum of All Fearsin Washington DC in May 2002.

If stud earrings ever looked elegant on a woman,ironically enough they fantastically boost the macho appeal of the men who wear them. Thepurity of the stone, the value of the stud, all speak highly of the man's discerningtaste, his eye for refinement. After all, uncouth bad boy-types aren't the only viriletypes in the world -- the snazzy, clean-cut James Bond figure has also been universallyidentified as irresistibly macho.

The virtue of the diamond stud earring lies in its unisexappeal. Both men and women have the privilege of accessorizing, and a single diamond studis sometimes more than enough to set off their own personal styles. A simple diamond studearring is timeless, and appropriately goes with the saying Fashion fades. Style iseternal.

Shopour beautiful selection of Diamond Jewelry.
(click here)

Diamond Earrings: Superiority and Endurance

A diamond is forever, as the old saying goes.The late actress Marilyn Monroe said it best: a diamond is a girl's bestfriend. So much tribute has been paid to the everlasting glory of the diamond, whichis among the most valuable (and expensive!) precious stones in existence. Is it any wonderthen that diamond jewelry is so fashionable? Diamond earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets many of these are regarded as works of art.

The diamond is the most unadulterated of all the gemstonescomposed of a single pure element. It is also the hardest transparent substance thatexists. It is for this that the diamond stands as a symbol of strength, purity of spirit,and even physical chastity.

Diamond earrings first reached the height of fashion inEurope in the 18th century, just before the Renaissance era. To this day many people, evenmen, wear diamond earrings as a classy adornment. George Michael and Prince are only twoof the many male celebrities who have been known to use diamonds as ear decorations. Fromtime to time, David Beckham of soccer fame sports the odd diamond earring worth around$12,300.

Diamonds emphasize superiority and endurance. Unlikepearls they do not trap light, but reflect them -- projecting not just a glow, but afinely subtle ray of light upon the bearer's features. The light reflected by a diamondearring is often caught in the wearer's eye, hence you might notice a crafty sparkle inthe eyes of women who wear finely-cut genuine diamond earrings.

Primarily, a diamond is graded by its 4 Cs: the cut,clarity, color, and carat weight. These characteristics are taken into consideration inthe crafting of the finest diamond earrings. Take these factors into consideration whenpicking out diamond jewelry.

Diamond earrings make the best gifts for loved ones whohave an eye for quality, and deserve only the best in life. These accessories speak of thewearers high-class taste and love for things of beauty.

Shopour beautiful selection of Diamond Jewelry.
(click here)

Gemstone Earring: One Small Way to Express Your Individuality

Some people have specific color preferences while somepeople also like only specific stones, and are energized by being around them. Gemstoneearrings exist so that people may be able to select their jewelry based on their ownpreferences, and customize their accessories according to their desires.

Experts in psychic phenomena believe that each gemstonestands for something. Certain stones perform certain functions, or encourage a specificaspect of one's personality. For example, wearing garnet is said to help ease the pain ofa bad breakup, or cause jealousy between lovers. Amethyst is said to protect its weareragainst the ill effects of alcohol, slow down intoxication and prevent hangovers.Turquoise is said to give emotional strength. Jade has always had enormous importance inAsian civilization; it is said to have the mystical power to protect its wearer againstnightmares and other psychic attacks.

Diamond -- currently the hardest mineral known to man --is said to stand for strength and purity, which is why it is in demand in gemstoneearrings among both men and women. Emeralds are said to stand for harmony, strength ofheart, and luck with love. Emeralds themselves are rare, and the extremely rare redemerald is said to be even more valuable than diamonds. Sapphires stand for wisdom, calmand faith. Finally, rubies stand for passion, excitement, loyalty and sexual pleasure.

Gemstone earrings may also stand for birth months, as someprecious and semi-precious stones are also birthstones. The different birthstones permonth are listed thus:

January - Garnet

February - Amethyst

March - Aquamarine or Bloodstone

April - Diamond

May - Emerald

June - Pearl, Moonstone or Alexandrite

July - Ruby

August - Peridot or Sardonyx

September - Sapphire

October - Opal or Tourmaline

November - Topaz

December - Turquoise, Zircon or Blue Topaz

Different gemstone earrings may lend strength to differentaspects of an individuals personality. Whether or not a person believes in themythical and supernatural characteristics and powers associated with these stones, wearinggemstone earrings nevertheless may feel like the wearer has on a tangible part of his orher personality that looks good, as well.

Shopour beautiful selection of Gemstone Jewelry.
(click here)

Bridal Jewelry: Fulfilling a Wedding Tradition

Something old, something new, something borrowed,something blue. This is a saying that many brides take to heart when consideringtheir wedding trousseau. From wedding gowns, accessories and motifs, brides from all walksof life throughout the years have tried their best to stick to this formula. Itsinteresting to note that bridal jewelry can follow this adage, too.

Something old could most often be a piece ofbridal jewelry that is a family heirloom. Sometimes the groom would give to his bride aring or another piece of jewelry that had once been owned by his mother, grandmother, orpast brides in his family. Maybe the bride would wear her own mothers antiquejewelry or some other gem that has been handed down to brides in the family fromgeneration to generation. One thing is certain, wearing such bridal jewelry wouldreinforce a sense of family, tradition and continuity in a wedding ceremony.

Something new hardly needs any explanation.Thousands upon thousands of bridal jewelry stores, both the Internet e-commerce sites andbricks-and-mortar stores, offer a dazzling array of accessories to make the bride shine onher wedding day. The would-be bride can choose from among various jewelry pieces one orseveral items that she would wear at the ceremony and which she could treasure and keep asa memento of that most special day.

At first thought, something borroweddoesnt seem applicable to bridal jewelry. After all, a bride would most probablywant to wear her own jewels and not have to borrow and then return them. But for women whowant to add to the accessories that they will be wearing on their wedding day withouthaving to spend thousands of dollars more to buy new ones, renting jewelry offers apractical solution. Many establishments rent out antique or estate bridal jewelry,including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, and only the rental fee plus a refundabledeposit need to be paid.

Finally, for that something blue in a bridaljewelry ensemble, there are several gemstones that fit the bill. Depending on the shade ofblue that she wants, a bride can opt for a necklace, bracelet, or earrings that areaccented with sapphires, aquamarines or blue pearls. Hair ornaments or tiaras with otherblue-tinted stones such as agate and topaz are also beautiful accessories for the bride.

The bride is the belle of the ball on her wedding day andit is important for her to look her best on that special occasion. Bridal jewelry, chosentastefully and worn properly, will complement her wedding dress and make her look asradiant and as beautiful as any bride should be.

Vintage Costume Jewelry: Yesterday's Fashion Today

Jewelry, whether fine or costume, has been a part of human culturesince the earliest times. People wear jewelry to satisfy their vanity, to indulge theirlove for beautiful things, and to look good to others. Vintage costume jewelry fulfillsall these criteria, but at a fraction of the cost of real or fine jewelry. It is aninexpensive alternative that does not sacrifice taste as well as style.

Vintage costume jewelry may be less expensive, but good quality onesare never seen as cheap. They are less costly because they are not made from preciousgems. Designers of vintage costume jewelry use a variety of materials from cut glass,beads, semi-precious gems, faux gems even plastic! These pieces were created andreleased since the start of the Victorian era up to the 1960s. Vintage costume jewelryfrom the 1940s and 1950s are especially creative and eye-catching, since the designers ofthe era had to produce relatively inexpensive yet fashionable items that men and womencould afford and appreciate during the war and post-war era.

Some of the most popular designers of vintage costume jewelry werefashion guru Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli and Miriam Haskell. Many ofSchiaparellis bright and attractive creations were made from multi-coloredrhinestones. Haskell, in her finely detailed work, almost always paid tribute tonatures beauty and bounty. Chanel, the favorite of many celebrities, transformed theway costume jewelry was worn in the 1920s. Other pieces of vintage costume jewelry weremade from materials that included beads, corals, faux pearls, and Bakelite a kindof polymeric plastic.

Vintage costume jewelry continues to be very much in vogue today, andit has inspired many designers to create real pieces made from precious gemsand metals. At the 2005 Academy Awards, the jewelry that many women celebrities wore wereoversized and sparkly, a tribute to the jewelry designs of the 1940s. Stars such asMadonna, Britney Spears, and Julia Roberts are not only collectors of vintage costumejewelry and dress accessories; they actually wear them in public, too.

A person does not have to be a celebrity to appreciate vintage costumejewelry. Their uniqueness, aesthetic value and superb craftsmanship make them popularcollectible items, and with proper care, they can be a good investment, too, since seriouscollectors will pay top dollar for vintage costume jewelry that is in mint condition. Butmore than that, the experience of owning and wearing a thing of beauty that comes from abygone era is simply priceless.

Jewelry Making for Fun and Profit

There is an old adage that says work isnt really work if youenjoy what youre doing. If one of your hobbies is jewelry making, why not turn thisactivity into a source of income? Youre already having fun anyway, and itwouldnt take a whole lot more to share your jewelry creations with people who wouldappreciate them and be more than happy to pay for them. With a bit of extra effort, timemanagement and discipline, jewelry making is a great way to have fun and make a bit ofextra money on the side.

Whether youre a novice about to enter the jewelry making fieldfor the first time or whether youve been doing this for some time now, there arealways several basic factors to consider. First, its important to have an adequateamount of space where you can work unbothered for a certain length of time each day andwhere you can store your jewelry making materials and tools. It doesnt have to be alarge space, just a corner or room where you can concentrate on bringing your ideas tolife and be free from undue distractions.

Second, if you havent already, decide on the kind of jewelry youare going to make. If youre just getting your feet wet in the jewelry making arena,start out with something simple. Think about what type of jewelry youd enjoy andfeel comfortable wearing and go on from there. Whatever materials you might need arereadily available either on the Internet or in a physical retail store. Then, as youbecome more adept at what youre doing, you can start exploring other, more complexjewelry making techniques. Remember, there is a plethora of information resources to helpyou make money from your hobby: books, specialty magazines, the Internet, and otherjewelry makers.

After youve made a number of jewelry items, there are steps youcan take to get other people interested in them. Be a walking advertisement for yourjewelry making business. Wear some of your creations whenever you go out: wear them towork, when you go to the supermarket, or when you attend parties. Word of mouth is also agreat way to let other people know about your jewelry making endeavor. Show some of yourfinished pieces to family and friends, and encourage them to spread the word.

The important thing to remember is that you continue to enjoy makingjewelry and to take pride in your creations. Your love for jewelry making will be the keyfactor in maintaining your creativity level and it will help you come up with the designsthat appreciative customers will buy. Never forget the fun factor in jewelrymaking, as this will be reflected in your work, and the profit factor willfollow.

Lance Armstrong Bracelets: Fashion Accessories for a Worthy Cause

Lance Armstrong bracelets, the yellow rubber wrist bands inscribed withthe motto LiveStrong, are tangible parts of champion American cyclist LanceArmstrongs legacy. Diagnosed with testicular cancer on October 2, 1996, Armstrongbattled with the disease and didnt let it get in the way of his will to wear theyellow jersey once again to compete in the Tour de France cycling tournament. Inpartnership with sports apparel firm Nike, he started selling his Lance Armstrongbracelets for a dollar apiece, with the profits going to the Lance Armstrong Foundation tofund cancer research.

It is not so surprising to find that the Lance Armstrong bracelets havebecome a cultural phenomenon. Aside from being very affordable, people feel they arecontributing to a worthy cause by buying and wearing the yellow bracelets. Add this to thefact that the wrist band is not difficult to wear as a fashion accessory. It goes alongwell with almost any attire: from your regular jeans-and-shirt attire to preppy to sportsoutfits. School children and teenagers think it is hip to be seen wearing one, and itdoesnt make a huge dent in their allowance to buy it. Professional athletes havebeen seen wearing them at sports events. Even corporate executives in power suits havetaken to wearing these Lance Armstrong bracelets.

Made from rubber, it is similar to other cause-related bracelets thathave emerged over the past years, such as those for breast cancer and diabetes. ManyAmericans collect these wrist bands, including the Lance Armstrong bracelets, becauseaside from being fashion-friendly and easy to wear, they have philanthropic and socialsignificance.

Why yellow? This color is especially significant to Lance Armstrong.Aside from imparting feelings of warmth and optimism, yellow is the color of the jerseythat the leading Tour de France cyclist is given to wear, and which he has worn to victorynumerous times. The yellow Lance Armstrong bracelets are his standard bearers in his fightagainst cancer, and they bear witness to the things that have given his life new meaning.

Since ancient times, women and men have worn one form of jewelry oranother as a way of expressing some sentiment, feeling or as a symbol. The Lance Armstrong'Live Strong' bracelet is a modern version of an age old tradition; jewelry as a symbol ofhope, courage and support of a worthy cause.