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.

Star Sapphire, image 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.

You've probably heard that only another diamond can scratch a diamond, and this is true. They are the hardest material on earth - 58 times harder than anything else in nature! The hardness of the diamond makes it well-suited for every day wear.  It is durable, resists scratching and retains a high polish.  These factors make diamonds the perfect choice for the jewelry you wear today, as well as your heirlooms of tomorrow.

If you've ever ogled a friend's gleaming diamond, you are most likely enjoying the spectacular display of light that flashes spectral colors, which is just one of the many features of the diamond.  The brilliance, sparkle, intensity, and various imperfections (which are the stone's unique personality!) are also important to the rarity and value of each diamond.

Diamonds are a fascinating and complicated gem; a "Stone of Invincibility" that has been believed to bring victory, superior strength, fortitude and courage to its wearer.  I really like that diamonds are also said to hold great spiritual powers, enhance inner vision, stimulate creativity, imagination and open the mind to new possibilities.

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