How Did the Locket Come to Be?

Lockets rank among the oldest known pieces of jewelry. Researchers usually mention them in the same breath as amulets and pendants. In earliest times, the locket would open up to contain sacred engravings and substances. Some lockets were actually small vessels that could hold anything from salt to blood or holy water. In the 15th […]

The Origins of Rubies

Students of early Indian literature have come to believe that India is actually the birthplace of the ruby. It is here that the stone was first mined and mentioned in texts written in Sanskrit. There was a close association between the mining of rubies and royalty of the area. Whenever miners unearthed a particularly splendid […]

The Secret of Sapphires!

The sapphire is most famous for its blue coloration. While some gemstones have a paler hue than others do, the most noted gems have an almost velvety appearance of a deep, rich blue that not even a change of light sources can alter. That said, it is not unusual to find colorless stones, those with […]

Curious About Amethyst Jewelry?

The color most commonly associated with the amethyst is a striking shade of royal purple. Lighter shades are gorgeous when looking at virtually translucent specimens of the gems. Although rare, deepest purple coloration is a true showstopper. Yet when heating an amethyst to about 250 degrees Fahrenheit, its color changes to take on yellow hues. […]

Best Way to Sell Estate Jewelry

Whether you inherited a drawer filled with unique jewelry pieces from your grandmother or stumbled across a jewelry box at a garage sale, selling estate jewelry can be a fun and profitable endeavor. At the same time, it can also be a bit of heartbreaking experience. So, what is the best way to sell these […]

Why Are Diamonds a Girl’s Best Friend?

In addition to being the officially recognized birthstone for the month of April, diamonds are one of the most desirable gemstones to possess. Quite frequently, it is the colorless version of the gem that gets a lot of attention. It is noteworthy that there are also other options available. Historians agree that Mary of Burgundy […]

Why Do We Love Emeralds So Much?

In simplest terms, an emerald is little more than a beryl with traces of chromium. A colored gemstone, the emerald is famous for its broad range of green hues. Current mining operations in Zambia, Colombia and the United States ensure that the market demand for these gems is met. Since it is possible to grow […]

What Are the Birthstones for Each Month?

The tradition of associating a particular type of gem with each month of the year is not new. In fact, Biblical historian and first century author Josephus referred to the curious use of 12 distinct stones on high priests’ official breastplates. These stones were directly related to the 12 months of the year, with each […]