Michael Aram Botanical Leaf 6.00 Carat Total Weight Amethyst and .25 Carat Total Weight Diamond Earrings in Sterling SilverPrice: $1,100.00 Item#: 865581 FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE Individuals with February birthdays, the amethyst makes a perfect birthstone. This month is often cold, dark and short for many people around the world, so the amethyst—which is often associated with qualities of peace, courage and stability—is the right gem for individuals who need a little extra warmth and strength this time of year. A beautiful purple quartz, the amethyst is an easily recognizable gem, but you may not know everything about it just yet! Greg Ruth 1.60 Carat Total Weight Amethyst and .26 Carat Total Weight Diamonds in 18-Karat White GoldPrice: $1,700.00 Item#: 881987 AMETHYST HISTORY Amethyst, the gemstone believed by ancient Greeks and Romans to ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus, also was said to keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. Throughout history, the gemstone has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures. English regalia were even decorated with amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. Amethyst jewelry has been found and dated as early as 2000 BC. It has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures. Some historical accounts say that Saint Valentine had an amethyst ring carved with an image of Cupid. And for those familiar with Old Testament history, amethyst was one of the twelve gemstones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel. For many years, amethyst was held to be one of the most precious gemstones, often favored by royalty or exclusively by the clergy as a symbol for the diety of Christ. It was even held for many years in the same regard as the diamond. It wasn’t until the discovery of more abundant supplies of amethyst that it became a gemstone enjoyed by more than just the wealthiest buyers. Many wearers of amethyst throughout history and even today prize the gem for its symbolism as well as its beauty. Leonard da Vinci once said that amethyst helps to quicken intelligence and get rid of evil thoughts. Other qualities like peace, stability, courage and strength are said to be derived from this gemstone. Today, many wearers simply prize the amethyst for its beautiful shade and the way it complements both warm and cool colors. Micheal Arm Botonical Leaf 28.00 Carat Total Weight Amethyst and .29 Carat Total Weight Diamond Necklace in Sterling Silver. 30" . Price: $1,950.00 Item#: 865578 HOW TO BUY AMETHYST
Whether you’re purchasing an amethyst for yourself or a loved one, you’re making an investment in beauty that will stand the test of time. Amethyst makes a great gift for individuals born in February, or as a celebratory milestone for a 6th or 17th wedding anniversary. Of course, you’re also welcome to purchase amethyst “just because"........... It’s a beautiful gemstone that ranges in color from a light pinkish violet to a deep red or blue purple violet and complements a number of metals and settings. It’s a durable gemstone that works well with warm or cool colors, so it’s safe to say it goes well beyond special occasion jewelry and can be worn every day, as well. When looking to purchase amethyst, first visit a jeweler, who is trained and certified to ensure that the consumer has the best information to make a great purchase. Next, check the color of the stone. Amethyst often has “stripes” or layers of color from how and when it was formed, so it takes a skilled gemologist to cut and polish the stone to show the overall color of the stone evenly. Avoid brownish or rust colored tints to the stone and be careful the color is not too deep or it can appear black in some lights. Like diamonds, you can also look for clarity in an amethyst. Most gemologists will favor a richly colored stone with some minor inclusions (not eye-visible), since the color of this gem is so highly prized. In lighter colored amethysts, visible inclusions will greatly reduce the value of the gemstone. Since amethyst is relatively plentiful, the price differential in carat sizes isn’t usually terribly significant, so this can be a great gemstone for statement jewelry pieces Larger rings, earrings or pendants can make a stunning addition to a jewelry collection, but even smaller amethysts can be deeply and richly colored, making subtler pieces beautiful, too. All this information can be found on GemSociety.com
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For thousands of years, pearls have been a classic favorite; coveted for their natural beauty, rarity, luster and shine. To find one is invaluable. Out of 10,000 oysters, there may only be one treasure among all treasures... a single, natural pearl. Pearls today, whether designed in a necklace, bracelet, earrings, or ring, are commonly referred to as cultured pearls. Pearl jewelry has become a favorite due to its classic design and affordable appeal. A cultivated pearl is created by intentionally placing a tiny Mother-of-Pearl bead inside an oyster. The oyster gradually coats the bead in layers of a pearlescent, organic substance called nacre, which builds-up to eventually create a lustrous pearl. Whether you prefer a dainty pearl earring or a bigger-the-better pearl bracelet, the size of a pearl depends on the type you select. This Sidney Thomas pearl chart can help you in understanding the different types of pearls and their sizes from the largest and most exotic Tahitian pearl to multi-sized and multicolored, cultured freshwater pearls. Remember that a pearl is measured by its diameter in millimeters. Pearl sizes can range from 1 millimeter or less to as large as 20 millimeters for an incredible Tahitian Pearl. Pearl Characteristics: Luster: Pearls produce a deeply intense shine, known as luster, when light is reflected off the many layers of nacre or tiny organic crystals. Nacre: When shopping for a pearl, the larger the pearl, the more nacre it has and the greater the luster. The amount of luster a pearl has is as visible as the differences in pearl sizes. Pearl Color: A pearl's color is called its body color. Since pearls are produced in living creatures, their colors typically vary among white, cream, yellow, silver, pink or black. Pearls can also have a glow of a secondary color, which can be seen when light reflects off of the pearls. This hint of color is known as its overtone. Pearl Shape: Pearls are natural, organic substances and because of that, they come in many unique and interesting shapes. A completely round pearl is very difficult to find and the rounder a pearl is, the more expensive it becomes. Pearl Shapes
Pearl Types: Cultured Pearl .....Cultured Freshwater pearls are typically grown in Asian waters in a spectrum of colors. These colors include some of the most popular offered in a variety of styles from white, pink, black and champagne. While some colored pearls can be achieved naturally, some Freshwater pearls are treated to produce a distinctive or particular color. The color you select should be based on your complexion. Their affordability makes them a popular choice when searching for your next pearl jewelry purchase. Akoya Pearl ......Whether it's a pair of delicate studs or a pendant surround by dazzling diamonds; or a simple strand, you'll enjoy the look of Akoya pearls. Akoya pearls are truly the perfect choice and most popular if you are considering a pair of pearl earrings or an elegant strand of pearls! Cultured in the Akoya oyster and primarily found in Japan and China, they are lustrous and are generally white or cream colored with overtones of rose, silver, or cream. Although Akoya pearls may seem surprisingly similar in appearance to Freshwater pearls, they are very different when the two are compared side-by-side. Akoya pearls are renowned for their incredible luster and are considered the classic pearl. They are smoother and rounder than Freshwater pearls. Akoya pearls range in size from about 6.0 - 8.5mm. South Sea Pearl .....South sea pearls are the rarest of pearls and simply spectacular with a unique satiny luster, as well as an array of colors considered more unusual in other types of pearls and are typically white, silver and golden. Cultivated in the white-lipped oyster, larger than the oysters used to produce Akoyas and Freshwater pearls, the size of pearl they produce is considerably larger... reaching sizes as large as 15mm. White-lipped oysters are rare, sensitive and difficult to cultivate, making the pearls they produce more expensive and highly desirable. Tahitian Pearl....Enchanting and mysterious, Tahitian pearls are unique unto themselves due to their natural dark colors: metallic silver, to the color of graphite. Within this range of colors, they can have bluish, purplish, or greenish overtones. Found in the waters off of the islands of French Polynesia, the natural black color comes from the color of the oyster's black lips. They are much larger than average oysters and are extremely sensitive to the cultivation process. This makes the large pearls they produce extremely valuable and sought after. Sidney Thomas Jewelers....12-14mm Black Cultured Tahitian Pearl Necklace With Diamond Accent 14kt White Gold 18" Item#: 841783 From the waters of the South Sea, Tahitian pearls are prized for their large size and dark hue. This chic, single strand necklace features 12-14mm black cultured Tahitian pearls with a near-round shape. Necklace fastens with a diamond-accented 14kt white gold ball clasp. Tahitian pearls are unique and may vary. Price: $4,995.00 Blister Pearl and Keshi Pearl JewelryBlister and Keshi pearls are accidental creations of nature – beautiful ones at that! A blister pearl is a pearl that grew attached to the shell of the mollusk. Since a blister pearl needs to be cut off the shell in order to be used, pieces of the shell are often left attached and in a free-form shape. Blister pearls make intriguing pendants and earrings, especially when set in a bezeled frame. A Keshi pearl is an irregular-shaped by product of a pearl cultivation, composed entirely of nacre and containing no nucleus. When a mollusk rejects the pearl cultivation process, a beautiful and unique Keshi is born. Keshi pearls make interesting beaded necklaces and bracelets. Both blister pearls and Keshi pearls have an irregular shape and no two are alike. For this reason, each piece of blister pearl and Keshi pearl jewelry will be special and one-of-a-kind. You'll find abstract and artisanal designs full of imagination. And the look they create is organic and whimsical. Sidney Thomas Jewelers .....23mm Gray Cultured Blister Pearl Earrings in Sterling Silver
Item#: 274223 Earrings of 23mm gray cultured freshwater blister pearl cast a muted, multicolored glow. Clip/post earrings in sterling silver. Price: $150 All the jewelry pictured above is available for purchase . Please contact me for any inquiries, The article above can be found on Ross Simons.com. Roberto Coin Princess Flower .34 Carat Total Weight Diamond Studs in 18-Karat White GoldPrice: $2,700.00 Item#: 874035 One of the Hotest Trends of 2017 in jewelry and fashion is lightweight minimalistic "A lighter way of living.” Lightness can be either lighter color palette or in terms of weight (or lack thereof).....will come to the fore front this year as one way to embrace the new minimalism. What does that means for jewelry and watch lovers? Really it’s shows that there’s a whole new design language not just about minimalism, but beyond minimalism. I'm seeing it in home decorating , jewelry and In fashion, it’s more about being lighter and consuming less. Our culture’s embrace of minimalastic lifestyle seemed to have began with the change in the economy in 2008, partly because our desire to be discreet and the need to spend less and save more. We fast forward to 2017 and there’s a new philosophy that has emerged, which is very much about trying to buy less, but better and live in a more minimalistic way. Adopting a minimalist look when you dress can look chic, slick and clean, but it isn’t as simple as many people think it is. Minimalist fashion isn’t about just wearing things that are basic and plain......that doesn’t create a minimalist aesthetic, but rather a simple, boring look that doesn’t seem to have had much thought put into it. Minimalist chic is about letting simple lines and color speak for themselves. Accessories are also a part of minimalist dressing, and things like belts, watches, sunglasses and YES JEWELRY, have a place when they are chosen in a minimalist style and worn in a way that doesn’t make the outfit busy or complicated. Here are some tips for wearing jewelry when I am aiming for a minimalist look . STICK TO SIMPLE STAMENT PIECES...... A beautiful way to add minimalist style with jewelry is to wear simple statement pieces that compliment you and your outfits without being ornate. If you are looking for a ring that will go with your sharpest work outfits and your most chic little black dresses, then a simple pearl in silver or white gold can give you that completed minimalist look without compromising the clean, sharp effect you are going for. TRY WEARING JUST ONE STATEMENT PEICE......... Jewelry is there to pull together your overall look, take a sleek minimalist outfit from dull to chic. Wearing too many matching pieces draw attention to too many parts of your outfit at once, it ruins the clean effect and makes the look complicated. This is fine if you are looking for a relaxed, funky style, but really doesn’t work for minimalist. For each outfit choose just one piece of statement jewelry. If you wear a watch, then this will count as your one piece in most cases. This is your statement for that outfit, and so don’t wear any other jewelry or keep what you do wear very discrete, like simple stud earrings. ALOR Classique .10 Carat Total Weight Diamond Swirl Bar Bracelet With 18-Karat Yellow Gold in Stainless Steel. 7"Price: $595.00 Item#: 861848 AVOID CLASHES...... To aviod any of your minimalist lines being clashed by the addition of jewelry, If you are wearing a simple top with a design on the front or a print, then don’t wear a necklace. If you have a blouse that has fringe or lace at your wrist, think how will it look if you are also wearing a bracelet. Wearing jewelry can really compliment minimalist clothing, but you have to take care to keep what you wear in the same style as your outfit. Roberto Coin Princess Flower .17 Carat Total Weight Diamond Station Necklace in 18-Karat White Gold. 34"Price: $3,250.00 Item#: 874032 As someone who admires, yet struggled with starting my journey to live with only the things I love ❤️...... I'm struck by predictions how an obsession with living a minimalistic life will impact consumer behavior in 2017. So I ask ........what do you consider to be your luxury? Whether it is, traveling or an emotional contact with others or choosing to surrond yourself with fewer , but higher quality possessions that will stand the test of time......One thing is evident the new generation of luxury consumers are more interested in being cerebral, not about looking to show off... All of the jewelry shown above is available for purchase ... Contact me for any questions. The Sidney Thomas Diamond Guide Throughout history the diamond has dazzled men and women alike more than any other gemstone. Kings and queens wore diamond crowns, and knights decorated their armor with uncut diamonds. Once believed to have magical powers, the diamond gave the wearer strengthers, the diamond gave the wearer strength. It was a symbol of fearlessness and fortune. Today, the diamond is an international emblem of love, present in many engagement rings and wedding bands. The radiance of a diamond is extraordinarily captivating, making it a choice gemstone for necklaces, bracelets and earrings, as well. There are factors to consider when selecting diamond jewelry, often referred to as the "4C's": color, clarity, cut and carat weight. The discussion below will provide valuable information about these criteria. Buying a diamond is a very personal decision. That being said, it is up to you to decide which combination of the 4C's makes up the ideal diamond for you. Choosing a Diamond Carat Carat weight is fairly straightforward. Diamonds are weighed in carats, which are made up of 100 points. For example, a three-quarter-carat stone is 0.75 carats or 75 points. The supply of high-carat diamonds is limited, therefore, as the weight of a gemstone increases so does its value. However, carat weight refers to the weight of a diamond, not the size. In other words, two differently-shaped gemstones of the same carat weight can have different dimensions and one can look larger than the other. Clarity Most diamonds contain inclusions, or very tiny natural characteristics. Surface blemishes can also exist. A trained gemologist determines the clarity of a diamond by using 10x magnification. The size, number, position, type and color of these inclusions determines a diamond's clarity grade. Color is important because dark inclusions detract from the gemstone's beauty more than gray or white. The smaller and fewer inclusions, the more valuable the diamond. The most well-known clarity grading scale is through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Here is how diamond clarity is graded: Flawless: No inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification IF: Internally flawless with surface blemishes VVS1 – VVS2: Very, very slightly included; inclusions are minute VS1-VS 2: Very slightly included; inclusions are minor SI1-S1 2: Slightly included: inclusions are noticeable I1, I 2, I 3: included; inclusions are observable Color White diamonds are graded on their lack of color. The GIA's diamond color grading scale has a range from D to Z. D is colorless while Z is highly colored, usually tinted yellow. D, E and F graded diamonds are considered colorless. G, H, I and J are considered near-colorless as color is unnoticeable to the untrained eye. In general, the more colorless a diamond is, the higher its value. This article can be found on WWW.SIDNEYTHOMAS.COM 5.75 Carat cushion cut Garnet ring. $2495.00. Item# 860660 January Birthstone Garnets For babies born in January, the garnet is the perfect gem to represent their birthstone. This beautiful stone, which is most commonly red but can be found in a range of other colors, symbolizes peace, prosperity and good health. Some say it even has the power to give the wearer eternal happiness, health and wealth. GARNET HISTORY The garnet is so durable, remnants of garnet jewelry can be found as far back as the Bronze Age. Other references go back to 3100 BC when the Egyptians used garnet as inlays in their jewelry and carvings. The Egyptians even said it was the symbol of life. This gemstone was also used as a talisman for protection both by warriors going into battle and to those who wanted to ward off pestilence and plague. Some ancient healers and wise men even placed garnets in wounds and praised its healing powers. The Victorians made garnets very popular during that time period. Some of the loveliest garnet jewelry from that era mimics its pomegranate namesake, with clusters of tiny red gems forming a larger statement pieces. HOW TO BUY GARNET If you’re looking to purchase a garnet for yourself or a loved one, it is a great way to celebrate friendship, toast a 2nd wedding anniversary or recognize the wearer’s January birthday. When buying, first find a jeweler, who can assist you in purchasing exactly the right stone and piece. Look at how the garnet reacts under light, check for an intense, saturated color. Remember, garnets commonly come in a wide spectrum of reds, but can also be green, pink, colorless or blue. The price of the piece will likely increase for more rare colors like green. It should be noted that some garnets have inclusions that are part of the beauty of the overall stone. Try to find a cut that spreads light evenly over the surface of the gemstone. This will help to bring out the overall beauty and color of the garnet. No matter which stone or piece you choose, remember that the garnet is known for its durability and richness of color, so your investment will not only have great emotional value but could be a piece that stands the test of time. Source of information American Gem Association. |
Hello...I'm Rene trying to live my life simply with only the things that I love , and make my heart sing .....
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