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The 5 Types of Garnets

Posted on: January 4, 2017

When you picture a garnet, you probably envision a dark red gemstone. However January’s birthstone can actually be found in a variety of different colors. Most gemstone quality garnets can be classified as one or a mixture of these five different types.  Almandine is the most common type of garnet and can be found in... Read More

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Commonly Asked Questions: Diamonds

Posted on: December 28, 2016

Where do diamonds come from? Diamonds are formed about 90 to 120 miles below the Earth’s surface when extreme heat and pressure transforms carbon into the precious gemstone we all know and love today. The diamonds are then brought to the surface by volcanic pipes known as kimberlite pipes. How long have diamonds been around?... Read More

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Twelve Facts about Turquoise

Posted on: December 7, 2016

Not only is turquoise the designated birthstone for the month of December (along with zircon and tanzanite), it is also the recognized celebratory gemstone for the 11th wedding anniversary. Turquoise is one of the world’s oldest gemstones and has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Old Europeans credited turquoise with helping achieve a... Read More

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7 Tips for Holiday Shopping

Posted on: November 30, 2016

With the 2016 holiday season in full throttle, we thought it would be a good time to discuss some helpful tips when it comes to shopping for the perfect gift. Start early. Year after year, we’re amazed at how many people wait until the last minute to do their holiday shopping. While last minute shopping... Read More

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11 Facts about Topaz

Posted on: November 23, 2016

Topaz can be found in all colors of the rainbow. The most valuable color is red and is often referred to as imperial topaz. Less than 1% of all gem quality topazes exhibit this color. Topaz is one of the two designated birthstones for November. The amber colored version of topaz is the one most... Read More

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What’s Her Engagement Ring Style?

Posted on: November 9, 2016

Searching for engagement rings can be a stressful task, especially if you have no idea what type of ring she’ll like. You’re hesitant to ask her directly because that will obviously ruin the surprise. There’s a chance that she might not even know what type of engagement ring she wants. To help you get a better... Read More

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The Custom Design Process

Posted on: November 2, 2016

When most people think of custom jewelry, they think of jewelry created from scratch. Usually a jewelry designer works with the client and sketches a rough draft of the intended design. After the design has been finalized, the jewelry designer will usually create either a computer aided design (CAD) or a wax model that shows... Read More

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The Horror Stories of 4 Cursed Gems

Posted on: October 26, 2016

With Halloween less than a week away, we thought we would dedicate this week’s blog to a few notorious gemstones known for being in the center of some unfortunate incidents. Here are just a few of their mysterious stories. The Black Diamond of Orlov is a 67.50 carat cushion cut diamond known for its association with... Read More

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The Sterling Silver Seduction

Posted on: October 19, 2016

Sterling Silver is having its shining moment right now in the fine jewelry industry. We’ve been noticing a lot of customers coming into the store looking for one thing in particular: Sterling Silver jewelry. The metal’s appearance and affordability are just two reasons why this precious metal continues to be a popular choice among fine... Read More

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10 Opal Facts Your Probably Didn’t Know

Posted on: October 12, 2016

Opal is one of the two designated birthstones for the month of October (the other being tourmaline). Famed for their beautiful assortment of colors, opals are a popular gemstone choice for many who appreciate unique, colorful jewelry. Here are 10 facts that you may not have known about this month’s birthstone: There are several claims... Read More