Snow or no snow? If it came in this form all the time I say Snow!!

The concept of contrasting shapes and color has been developed in this bold design featuring Snowball Jasper and Hematite.  Worn as a pendant and clad in sterling silver, it features a perspective on light versus dark.  Arrayed in winter white and shadowy grays, the jasper is peppered with traces of organic material and mineral oxides submerged within the dense, opaque stone.  Not to be outdone by the hazy, landscape form of the jasper, a dramatic almond-shaped hematite flaunts its shimmering, uneven texture in a rich gun-metal color beneath.  Both stones, though common enough in nature, are uncommonly handsome when paired together.  Jasper, a member of the quartz family, is often blessed with curious organic patterns and colors, compliments of its environment.  Accounting for roughly 12% of the earth's crust, quartz occupies the rank of most abundant mineral on earth.  Hematite (iron oxide) is another plentiful mineral.  Generally ranging from steel gray to almost black in color, this stone can give a visual impression similar to patches of oil on water.  The absence of color certainly does not diminish the allure of this piece; in fact, it will be the perfect match for all the colors of the spectrum!   

November Brings a Golden Warmth

November's birthstone, Citrine, the French word for lemon, is a transparent variety of quartz that occurs in colors from pale saffron to a more dramatic gold with orange overtones.  Citrine's availability, durability, and affordability make it an attractive alternative for the more expensive and exotic topaz and yellow sapphire.  The colors of citrine are determined by the trace amounts of iron present (approximately 40 parts per million) in the crystal structure of quartz.  Citrine in its natural form is rare and most have been enhanced with heat treatments to attain a desirable coloration.  Due to today's bold fashion statements and demand for large stones, the smoldering colors of butterscotch, whiskey, and cognac citrine remain popular with bright yellow gaining in favor.  Though citrine is rated good for daily wear, it is prudent to avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat, which can cause color fading.  Most citrine is Brazilian but is also found in Russia, France, and Madagascar.

In caring for your November birthstones it is best to clean them in mild soapy water with a soft toothbrush.  While the topaz's hardness can scratch other stones, the citrine is susceptible to such damage, so consider these traits when storing jewelry.  

Despite November's bluster, let the luxurious golden color of the Citrine bring warmth and energy to brighten your world.

It's a Double Feature for October!!!

October is not the only month that offers a choice in birthstones, but the competition for the favorite is keen.  This month's selection offers two of the most romantic gems available from the earth.  It is somewhat suggestive of the fire and ice analogy as we compare them.  The fiery opal offers a continuum of flash and color without equal, while the blushing tourmaline could well represent pink at its most captivating.  Though both gems are official birthstones for the autumnal month, each makes a case as to which reigns supreme.  You decide!  

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Tourmaline as created in nature literally does come in a rainbow of colors (over 100 hues), while pink remains the signature color for October's birthstone.  The color pink is most often identified with the feminine gender and incidentally, the ribbon color for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Tourmaline's pink is defined somewhere on the spectrum from baby pink to hot pink and a myriad of shades in between.

Famous women in history have often been identified with a particular gemstone, whether in fact or legend.  The last empress of China, for example, made pink tourmaline a gem that takes its place in history.  She imported nearly a ton of the pink jewels from Southern California in the early 20th century creating the San Diego gem rush.    

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Tourmaline was introduced to the West by Dutch traders during their 15th century exploits; while the earliest recorded finds of opals date back to 4000 B.C. in Ethiopia. Later discoveries occurred in Australia during the 1800's. October's other birthstone beauty captures the essence of lightning and the Aurora Borealis all wrapped up in a stone.  One might suggest it is a little temperamental with its disdain for being too hot or too dry.  It is true, one must take care when wearing the somewhat delicate gem, but according to opal lovers, "the having and the wearing" is worth it. 

The most recognizable names of opal include black, white, and boulder.

Black opal is identified by a dark body causing spectacular color brightness unsurpassed by lighter opals.

White opal, also known as "milky opal", features a light white body tone and is mined in South Australia.  White opals are a more common variety, but often may not have brilliant color contrast because of their light body tone.
Boulder opal forms on ironstone boulders in Queensland.  When the ironstone is left on the back of the opal, it displays dramatic coloration.

As mentioned with the tourmaline, opals too have their association with prominent figures of the past.  Mark Anthony, a favored suitor of Cleopatra, was known to have had a fascination with opals. It is said that the Egyptian queen wore opals in an effort to beguile the great Roman conqueror.  A queen of a different century was Great Britain's famed Victoria. Her love of opals did much to dispel age-old superstitions that opals brought pestilence, famine, and bad luck to those who possessed them.  Fact or legend, the attraction remains, so check out the care tips to maintain their longevity.

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Care Tips

*Tourmaline is rated 7.5 on Mohs scale

*Clean with soapy water and soft toothbrush

*Opals are rated 5.5-6 on Mohs scale

*Avoid chemicals, steam, extreme temperatures, and ultrasonic cleaner
*Avoid exposure to heat or dry environment for extended periods of time as the stone may crack or fade

Whether your October choice is tourmaline or opal, be assured that the legend you wear becomes you!

Metals I: Platinum

Making informed decisions regarding jewelry purchases can help you understand what you get for your money.  What you can expect in terms of performance and longevity are directly influenced by the metals and their attributes. With this in mind, we will present information regarding the nature, benefits, and drawbacks of each of the top sellers.  Platinum ranks the highest in value and purity of all metals to be considered, making it a good starting point.  Defined as a metallic gray element with a very slight bluish tinge as compared to silver, it has been regarded as a symbol of status from antiquity.  Rarer than gold, it takes ten tons of ore to produce one ounce of pure platinum, ensuring its reputation as one of the earth's most precious metals .  Its earliest recorded references date back to 700 BC.  In the New World, the Incas donned the whitish gray metal for ceremonial purposes.  Oddly enough, invading Spaniard gold-seekers considered the rare metal of little value, giving it the name "platina" or little silver.  Several noteworthy traits that make it so desirable include its rarity, purity, strength, and weight.  Though very strong, it displays great malleability, has a melting point of just over 3200 degrees Fahrenheit, and is nearly twice as heavy as gold.  Since platinum is considerably more expensive than other metals, including gold, one may wonder why choose it over the alternatives.  The benefits of platinum jewelry speak for themselves, not the least of which is its resistance to abrasion.  Rings and prongs made of this white metal remain virtually free of wear many years beyond that of their gold counterparts.  This is an amazing asset considering that platinum is relatively soft and bends more easily than gold.  Platinum is particularly beneficial for setting stones; once properly set, it is unlikely that the stones will ever be lost.  If that were not enough, platinum has one more favorable characteristic that makes it preferred for use in jewelry.  It will not corrode, rust, or tarnish due to the fact that it does not interact with air, water, or other outside elements.  The bonus is that, due to its 95% pure nature; it is also hypoallergenic.  Though platinum is technically a superior option, it does have its shortcomings.  Admittedly, platinum is expensive; and though its polished finish is striking, the shine will not last.  It will actually dull and develop a patina over time that some people even prefer.  The original high polish can be replaced, but the process is more time consuming and costly than any other metal. Reservations aside, the amazing list of qualities ascribed to what has been dubbed the "metal of kings" will surely meet the standards for your most treasured jewelry possessions.

 Will be stamped PT950, PLAT, or Platinum

Sapphire: Stone of Many Colors

Many legends and traditions from antiquity surround the alluring blue gemstone called sapphire. The name sapphire comes from the words "sappheiros" in the Greek and "saphirus" in the Latin, both meaning blue.  Ancient Persians believed the earth rested on a giant sapphire, and its reflection caused the sky to be blue.  Jewish tradition holds that Moses received the Ten Commandments on tablets of sapphire, making it one of the most sacred of gemstones.  Doubtless, this and the notion that sapphires represented divine favor caused them to be the gemstone of choice for kings and high priests.  Subsequently, sapphires have become a universal symbol for purity and wisdom.  It is, therefore, no surprise that the British Crown Jewels exhibit a substantial portion of the blue gems.  Along with purity and wisdom, sapphires have signified faithfulness and romantic love.  Britain's Prince Charles helped revive the popularity of the blue sapphire as an engagement ring when he proposed to Princess Diana.

Since 1912 the sapphire has been the official birthstone for the month of September as designated by the American National Association of Jewelers.  Its mineralogical name corundum, along with the chemical and physical properties, are virtually the same as the ruby.  The ruby, however, is the only red corundum; all other corundums are sapphires.  Sapphires offer a vast array of colors beyond the notable signature blue.  Included on the list are green, pink, white, violet, grey, yellow, and orange.  By far the most preferred remains the exquisite blue color known as "Ceylon" blue.  Few people are aware of the numerous color options, thus the lesser demand for them.  Two especially interesting colors of sapphire include the violet, which is rare, and the padparadscha , which is even rarer.  A natural padparadscha will always display a hint of pink along with the orange.  Pinks have become popular due to the fashion industry trends and Hollywood celebrities. 
Beyond the fashion trends lies another rare variety of natural sapphire.  It is capable of changing color depending on available light, similar to alexandrites and tanzanites.

If one cannot resist the temptation to view the epitome of "big and blue", the 423 carat Logan Sapphire is on display at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in the nation's capital.  It is likely the most grandiose example of a faceted sapphire ever available for public viewing.

From mysterious indigo hues to the sublime padparadscha, you too can enjoy owning treasures of sapphire that will endure the test of time.

Factoids

*   The finest blue sapphires originate in Kashmir and Myanmar.
*   U.S. sourced sapphires are found in Montana.
*   Sapphire is rated 9 on the Mohs Scale and is the second hardest natural mineral, exceeding all stones but diamonds.
*   Care includes cleaning in soapy water or commercial jewelry cleaner with no fear of damage.

Peridot: "The Evening Emerald"

What do fresh limes and olives have in common?  They're the colors of peridot, of course!  The French word peridot comes from the Arabic word faridat, meaning gem.  This sparkling gem, known as the August birthstone and the 16th wedding anniversary gift, is the gem quality form of the mineral olivine. In ancient times, peridot was often referred to as chrysolite.  As early as 1500 BC peridots were mined and used as gems in Egypt.  In fact, it is now believed Cleopatra's emeralds were actually fine, dark green peridots.  Egypt's green gems were mined on the island of Zeberget, and according to legend, the mines were worked only during the night because it was too difficult to see the peridot during the daytime.  The island was also infested with snakes, which made mining the peridot a dangerous undertaking until one Pharaoh allegedly had them driven into the sea.  The ancient Romans called peridot the"evening emerald" since its color did not darken at night but was still visible by lamplight.  Later peridot was found in medieval European churches, likely carried back by Crusaders.  At the Shrine of the Three Magi in Cologne Cathedral, one can find peridots the size of 200 carats or more in the décor.
 
Mined by Native Americans on the San Carlos Reservation of Arizona, the Grand Canyon State supplies the majority of peridot to our modern world. Myanmar, China, Sri Lanka, and newcomer Pakistan afford some magnificent stones as well.  Fine peridot ranges in color from medium to dark olive green.  Found only in green, the gem's color comes from a 10-15% presence of iron.  Trace amounts of chromium can also add to the green color.  Fashion's demand for the fresh lime green color and new mining discoveries have fueled the peridot's increased popularity as a gemstone in recent years.

Factoids:
*    In Arizona, peridot is pronounced pear-a-dot, while in most other locations, the pronunciation is pear-a-doe.  Both are considered correct.
*    Peridots are not typically treated or enhanced, nor do they exist in synthetic form because of their relatively inexpensive cost.
*     Peridot's hardness is rated 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, similar to amethyst and tanzanite.
*     The Hawaiian island of Oahu has beaches made of tiny grains of peridot.

To keep your peridot jewelry in top notch condition adhere to the following advice:
*     Do Not put in ultrasonic cleaners or steam.
*   Do use mild dish soap and warm water with a soft toothbrush to clean.
*    Do avoid scratches and hard blows.
*     Do avoid temperature extremes.

See how cool green can look on you this August!

We Need Your Help

 Should We Change Our Color Scheme? Stay the Same? Do You Like Our DJ Logo? Let Us Know What You Think!!  Go to our Facebook Page and "Like" your favorite.

Option #1

Original Color Scheme

Green and Gold

Option #2

Teal

Option #3

Light Blue

Option #4

Purple