ALEXIS KLETJIAN PLATINUM AND RUBY CHARM

Ruby is my birthstone.  A July baby who is just now, at the ripe age of 40, beginning to love her birth assigned stone.  Ruby also happens to be the birthstone of my lovely friend Jenni, who created this beautiful layout for the Platinum Guild.  I was so touched she included her very own charm, it makes this month's feature even more special to me.  What you cannot see is the special date engraved on the backside, only that is for Jenni, as she wears it close to her heart.

Here is a real-life image of the charm, styled.  The rubies are much more vibrant in real life, and I adore how she has paired these charms together.  Incredibly honored to be part of her jewelry story.

ALEXIS KLETJIAN PLATINUM RUBY CHARM, STYLED BY JENNI OBLOY

Boston, Winter 2014

Rough and Faceted Tanzanian Garnets by Top Notch Faceting

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Ballerina in Turquoise, Ruby and Diamond

I am only going to discuss Turquoise right now, which is also my daughters birthstone, but fear not - I will address the beautiful Zircon in the near future.  I have a special collaboration I am currently working on featuring the Zircon which I will reveal late Spring.

Turquoise is one of the world's most ancient gems; man's knowledge of Turquoise and appreciation is very old.  Archaeological excavations revealed that the rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves in Turquoise.  The Turquoise jewelry found in ancient Egyptian tombs is amongst the world's oldest jewelry.  For seventy five hundred years, four Turquoise and gold bracelets encircled the arm of the mummy of Queen Zer and is believed to be the oldest piece of Turquoise discovered, dating around 5500 BC.

Ancient Egyptians once referred to turquoise as "mefkat" which translates to "joy" and "delight".  Turquoise has continued to delight our ancestors and has inspired modern day jewelry designers with it's plentiful supply fashioned into beads, cabochons, unique free form creations and intricate inlays set beautifully in silver and gold.  Turquoise is one of the only gemstones (second to the diamond) to flatter all complexions.

Although Turquoise may lack the sparkle and clarity (of the big three) transparent colored gemstones such as Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire, Turquoise has a multi-layered history and soul-satisfying color that makes it a desirable gem nonetheless. People value turquoise for its combination of ancient heritage and unforgettable color - a reminder of beautiful, clear blue skies that requires no explanation or education to appreciate.  

Turquoise is a relatively soft material and ideal for carving.  Chinese artisans were carving the material more than 3,000 years ago!  Although well known to consumers with it's place marked in history, Turquoise's popularity comes and goes. Turquoise enjoys it's biggest and most permanent popularity in the American Southwest. Turquoise is often used as a medium for carved jewelry and art objects, fashioned into talismans with Native American significance, such as bird and animal carvings, called fetishes.  

Turquoise was a once a ceremonial gem, used in amulets and as a medium of exchange for Native American tribes in the Southwestern US. Turquoise is also the national gem of Tibet and has long been considered a stone that guarantees health, good fortune, and protection from evil. Turquoise is also legened to balance while aligning chakras, stabilizing mood swings and instilling inner calm.

Enjoy your birthstone.  May it bring you all of these qualities and more.

Art Deco Citrine Ring, Image courtesy of 1stdibs

The quartz variety of gemstones has been used in in jewelry for thousands of years; Citrine can be found in many antique settings as well as a mainstay in our modern jewelry trends.  Citrine is a transparent yellow variety of quartz and comes in the happy colors of citrus fruits.   In fact, Citrine's name is derived from the French word “citron,” which translates to “lemon.” Citrine’s colors range from pale to saturated yellow hues and even a deep reddish-orange.  Citrine has an attractive sunny coloring and enjoys the affordability and durability of most other gemstones in the quartz family.    

Citrine is widely available, offered in many shapes and sizes, however, natural citrine is rare.  Most of the Citrine found on the market has undergone a stable and trade accepted heat treatment.  An undesirable pale Amethyst quartz may undergo a change in color with heat treatment and become an attractive yellow Citrine quartz. The original hue of Amethyst prior to heat treatment is what will determine Citrine's ultimate color.

Carrying the powers of the sun, Citrine is said to be warm and comforting. Citrine is also believed to encourage fresh beginnings, creativity, imagination, and manifestation by stimulating and clearing the mind while bringing your soul into action!  

Enjoy your birthstone.  May it bring you all of these qualities and more.

Paraiba Tourmaline Ring.  Photo Credit: 1st Dibs

Faceted Tourmaline Gemstones.  Photo credit : GIA

Watermelon Tourmaline Slices

20th Century Opal and Diamond "Lucky" Horseshoe Brooch

Since there is much information to cover on each birthstone, I will discuss each gemstone in separate posts.  Each are deserving of their own turn in the spotlight.  Since Opal is the hot gemstone of the moment, I am starting with it.

When I was a child, I had a beautiful Opal pendant.  Although I cannot remember the details of its setting and accompanying stones, what I do remember is the rumored tale of the unlucky Opal, along with the delicate nature of the stone.  The unlucky tale bewildered me, this curse of the unlucky and delicately fragile Opal which I completely swore off, and I'm not the only one. So how did Opals gain a bad reputation with such diverse and beautiful features?  

Star Sapphire, image courtesy of GIA

Peridot has long been associated with light; the Egyptians named peridot the “gem of the sun.”  The word peridot originates from the Arabic word “faridat,” meaning “gem.” Peridot forms deep inside the Earth and is brought to the surface by volcanoes.  Although extremely rare, extraterrestrial peridots can also be discovered in meteorites.

From the earliest times, people confused peridots with other gems.  Peridot was mistakenly labeled as emerald, topaz and green sapphire.  Some historians even believe that Cleopatra's famous emerald collection may have been peridot.  For centuries people believed that the 200 carat gems that adorn the shrine of the Three Holy Kings in Germany's Cologne Cathedral were emeralds.  They aren't!  They are, in fat, peridots.

The color range for peridot is narrow, from a brown-green color to yellowish green to pure green. However, the yellowish green is the most common peridot color seen in jewelry today, and available at all price points.

Peridot was once believed to protect its bearer from depression, and "terrors of the night" when enhanced in gold. This gemstone of light is said to counter and balance the effects of negative emotions, and provide security and inner peace. The beautiful yellow-green color of peridot not only stimulates ones energy level, but the lover of this gemstone will undoubtedly collect many peridots, as it is believed to promote vitality and joy.

Enjoy your birthstone.  May it bring you all of these qualities and more.

Harry Winston ruby and diamond slippers created for the 50th anniversary of The Wizard Of Oz Photograph courtesy of GIA

Moonstone Cabochon

Bulgari Emerald Suite previously owned by Elizabeth Taylor

Emeralds are one of the most prized colored gemstones due to their unique characteristics and rare qualities.  I am captivated by their mysterious deep green color and rich history. It is one of the most significant jewels of our time. Fine Emeralds are so rare they may rival or exceed the carat-for-carat value of the Diamond.  Legend states that Emeralds were one of the four precious stones given to God by King Solomon, giving him power over all creation.  Emeralds have been a fascination in many cultures for over six thousand years and were mined in Egypt as early as 300 B.C.  Emerald was the favorite gemstone of Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt. She adored the gemstone so much the first emerald mines in Egypt were named after her.   

I can't help reflecting upon the similarities of the royalty of Elizabeth Taylor's life as she starred in the 1963 Hollywood blockbuster Cleopatra, through which she met Richard Burton and eventually made him husband number five.  The depiction of her onscreen queen versus her offscreen queen personae has captivated us all for decades.  If there ever was a “royal” American, Elizabeth Taylor would be the queen.   The tumultuous saga of Taylor and Burton's love affair gave the world its peek at this legendary Bulgari emerald suite (as pictured above) amongst other important jewelry in her vast and unrivaled collection. 

The name Emerald comes from the Greek word “smaragdos” via the Old French word “esmeralde.”  It translates to “green gemstone.”   In ancient Rome, green was the color of Venus, the goddess of beauty and love.  The magnificent green of the Emerald has long been associated with harmony, love of nature and an elemental joie de vivre. It makes the Emerald the perfect birthstone for May as we welcome springtime.

Enjoy your Birthstone!  May it bring you all these qualities and more.