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