Yearly Archives: 2018

September's Birthstone:  Sapphires Traditionally, the sapphire symbolized truth, nobility, sincerity and faithfulness.  It comes as no great surprise then that royalty has coveted sapphires throughout the centuries.  In fact, only royalty and high priests had the right to wear sapphires until the late 17th century Sapphire is the gem variety of corundum and is a…

Ring Anatomy 101: A Basic Guide to Engagement Ring Terminology In this short blog, we will dissect the basic parts of an engagement ring.  Leaving you with an understanding of the most commonly used terms in the jewelry industry, so that you can talk "shop" with your jeweler.  This is a particularly useful guide if…

August Birthstones:  Sardonyx, Peridot & Spinel Sardonyx - "The Original" Sardonyx was the original August birthstone before the other two gemstones joined the party.  This gemstone combines alternating layers of sard and onyx; two types of the layered mineral chalcedony to create a reddish orange stone with white bands.  Sardonyxes found in India are the…

July's Birthstone: Rubies The history of July's birthstone, the ruby, is a story of riches and splendor.  This precious gemstone has been mentioned in the Bible, worn by royalty throughout history and was once believed to protect warriors in battle.  Rubies are in the corundum family, one of the hardest substances on the planet, a…