Archive for August, 2015

September Birthstone: Precious Blue Sapphire

Sunday, August 23rd, 2015

2015, Diamond and Jewelry Gallery, pic, loose sapphire

The richly blue Sapphire is the birthstone of those fortunate enough to be born in September. Giving gifts of jewelry in signature birthstone gems is an age old tradition. Have you ever wondered when it started?

As far as we can tell, the first century Jewish historian Josephus introduced the idea of an association between the twelve stones in Aaron’s breastplate and the twelve months of the year and their zodiac signs. Also, in the eighth and ninth century, Christian religious documents associating a particular gemstone with an apostle were written as a nod to the book of Revelation reference that “their name would be inscribed on the Foundation Stones, and his virtue.” Eventually, it became common to keep twelve stones and wear one a month. The tradition of wearing only a single birthstone, as is commonly done today, is thought to be only a few centuries old, and now is more a matter of aesthetics as opposed to anything with religious overtones.

No matter your birthstone, whether it’s a diamond, a pearl or an amethyst – be sure to wear it with pride, flair and style. Here’s a bit about the September birthstone – beautifully intense Sapphire.

2015, Diamond and Jewelry Gallery, pic, Sapphire and DIamond Rings Banner, app

SAPPHIRE – ONE OF THE “PRECIOUS FOUR”

Magnificent sapphire gemstones are most prized for their beautiful hues of dark blue. However, this exquisite stone comes in a rainbow of other colors, including yellow, pink, orange and purple. The lovely blue color of the sapphire is associated with feelings of sympathy and harmony, friendship and loyalty. Sapphires are one of the “precious four,” a set of highly valuable gemstones that includes diamonds, rubies and emeralds.

WHERE TO FIND BEAUTIFUL GEMSTONES

No matter how far away their exotic origins, you can find all of your favorite gemstones much closer to home at the Diamond and Jewelry Gallery Studio City, located in the beautiful red carpet district of Studio City, California. The beautiful showroom offers its clients stunning diamond, colored stone, gold and platinum pieces designed to fit a range of fine jewelry budgets from large to small.

Voted “Favorite Jewelry Store” by the Los Angeles Daily News, the Diamond and Jewelry Gallery Studio City carries one the largest selections of precious colored stones and EGL & GIA certified diamonds anywhere – often at more than 50-75% below retail. This highly-reviewed store also guarantees their stones to be “conflict-free,” a detail which is increasingly important to today’s consumers.

Call 818-982-4411, or view their gemstone masterpieces at 12456 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA, or diamondandjewelrygallery.com. View the video below to see one happy customer’s experience with her new custom designed sapphire ring.-T.O.

AUGUST BIRTHSTONES: The Quiet Beauties

Saturday, August 22nd, 2015

2015, Diamond and Jewelry Gallery, August Peridot, Tami Slogan

Many people today collect pieces of jewelry in the stone of their birth month — a set of gems commonly referred to as “birthstones.” In popular culture, men and women alike wear signature birthstone jewelry with a degree of sentimentality and pride. Birthstone jewels are often given as presents to children; or as gifts to spouses or parents to commemorate milestone events.

Wearing birthstone jewelry can be as creative and unique as its wearer. For example, a thoughtful husband might gift his wife a necklace or pendant featuring the birthstone of each member of their growing family. Or, for a fun way to brag about their brood, some mothers have custom eternity rings created in the birthstone of each new child and then stack them for an elegantly colorful look.

For those with delightful Summer birthdays or milestone events in August, the birthstone of the month is Peridot. Here’s a little bit about this quiet and often under-appreciated beauty.

2015, Diamond and Jewelry Gallery, pic, Loose peridot stone, August birthstone

PERIDOT: The modern stone for August is the lovely peridot, a gemstone that ranges in color from yellowish green to brown. Arguably, the most popular peridots are those that present in bright, fresh lime greens and olive toned variations. Perhaps inspired by peridot’s calming color, the stone’s properties are thought to provide benefits including healing, stress reduction, anti-aging and protection.

Another August stone is SARDONYX. Though it is not as widely known or recognized, it is actually the traditional stone for August. Sardonyx is an agate ribboned with unusual red, orange, brown and white stripes. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans believed sardonyx would bring courage and victory to the wearer.

2015, Diamond and Jewelry Gallery, pic, August Sardonyx

WHERE TO BUY GEMSTONES

No matter how far away their exotic origins, you can find all of your favorite gemstones much closer to home at the Diamond and Jewelry Gallery Studio City, located in the beautiful red carpet district of Studio City, California. The beautiful showroom offers its clients stunning diamond, colored stone, gold and platinum pieces designed to fit a range of fine jewelry budgets from large to small. Voted “Favorite Jewelry Store” by the Los Angeles Daily News, the Diamond and Jewelry Gallery Studio City carries one the largest selections of precious colored stones and EGL & GIA certified diamonds anywhere – often at more than 50-75% below retail. This highly-reviewed store also guarantees their stones to be “conflict-free,” a detail which is increasingly important to today’s consumers.

Call 818-982-4411, or view their gemstone masterpieces at 12456 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA, or diamondandjewelrygallery.com. View the video below to take a tour of the store. -T.O.