Birthstones
Historically, there have been many stories associated with birthstones. Many cultures have believed that birthstones have magical healing powers or bring good luck. The origin traced back to the breastplate of Aaron which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These twelve stones were likely also linked to the twelve signs of the zodiac and eventually became associated with the twelve months of the calendar year. The current list dates back to 1912 with only one addition since then – the tanzanite was added to December. Today, most jewelers agree on a basic set of birthstones.
Historically, there have been many stories associated with birthstones. Many cultures have believed that birthstones have magical healing powers or bring good luck. The origin traced back to the breastplate of Aaron which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These twelve stones were likely also linked to the twelve signs of the zodiac and eventually became associated with the twelve months of the calendar year. The current list dates back to 1912 with only one addition since then – the tanzanite was added to December. Today, most jewelers agree on a basic set of birthstones.
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Zodiac Gemstones
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Wedding Anniversary Gemstones
Wedding anniversaries are an ideal opportunity for married couples to celebrate their marriage and express their love and for one another.
It was traced back in Europe during the Middle Ages, specifically Germanic regions, where 25th and 50th anniversaries of marriage became associated with silver and gold. Brides were presented with a wreath of either silver or gold depending on the year and the celebration became referred to as silver or golden weddings.
Traditionally, gifts given in the early years of marriage were practical household items for the couple in starting a new home together. The list has extended to luxury gifts later years when the couple has already acquired things they need. This list has been continually updated by various commercial companies over recent years and today contemporary list of anniversary themes evolved – the wedding anniversary gemstones. It is not necessary a diamond ring always!
Wedding anniversaries are an ideal opportunity for married couples to celebrate their marriage and express their love and for one another.
It was traced back in Europe during the Middle Ages, specifically Germanic regions, where 25th and 50th anniversaries of marriage became associated with silver and gold. Brides were presented with a wreath of either silver or gold depending on the year and the celebration became referred to as silver or golden weddings.
Traditionally, gifts given in the early years of marriage were practical household items for the couple in starting a new home together. The list has extended to luxury gifts later years when the couple has already acquired things they need. This list has been continually updated by various commercial companies over recent years and today contemporary list of anniversary themes evolved – the wedding anniversary gemstones. It is not necessary a diamond ring always!
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Nine Stars Gemstones (Navaratna)
Meaning ‘nine gems’ in Sanskrit, the navaratna is a piece of jewelry with a combination of precious stones believed to connect the wearer to the benevolent vibes of the planets in our solar system. It reflects the nine celestial bodies understood to affect destiny: the sun, moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. Many of life’s problems are attributed to their movements in tandem with the other planets. So people draw up astrological charts to serve as general road-maps of destiny, providing information on fortunate periods and times of possible failure caused by the movements of the planets. A talisman like the navaratna provides balance and protection during inauspicious periods, and so is a common jewelry item in Buddhist and Hindu societies. |
Precious Metal
As a precious metal, it has been used for many thousands of years by people all over the world, for jewelry, and as money. Gold is important because it is rare, but also easier to use than other rare metals. Gold makes a woman feel beautiful and confident. In many customs and traditions, weddings are considered incomplete without gold : gold jewelry is an essential part of the ceremony. Nevertheless, White gold jewelry trends are very popular in modern society showing off your personality with designs that still can be worn for years to come.
As a precious metal, it has been used for many thousands of years by people all over the world, for jewelry, and as money. Gold is important because it is rare, but also easier to use than other rare metals. Gold makes a woman feel beautiful and confident. In many customs and traditions, weddings are considered incomplete without gold : gold jewelry is an essential part of the ceremony. Nevertheless, White gold jewelry trends are very popular in modern society showing off your personality with designs that still can be worn for years to come.
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Gold
Gold is measured in karat, referring to the percentage of gold alloys. Karat, in gold measurement, is usually written in "K" or "kt" to provide distinction from "carat" for gemstones measurements. Pure gold is to soft to wear, so it is alloyed with a mixture of metals like silver, copper, palladium to give it strength and durability. The difference mixture in what alloys are used has brought different colors to gold jewelry. Yellow gold is alloyed with copper and silver. Pink gold is alloyed with copper. White gold is alloyed with copper and some white metals such as silver and palladium. 
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Hallmark
Hallmark originated to show the purity of gold in a piece of gold jewelry and included the mark of the assaying office that certified the purity as well as the fineness. Hallmarking jewelry was Europe's earliest form of consumer protection, dating back to King Louis IX of France and Edward I of England in the 1200s. |
As craft guilds arose in these two dominant markets of Middle Ages Europe, state-appointed assayers examined precious metal goods. Their prescribed mark, and subsequently marks for individual goldsmiths and production dates, became a pre-requisite for gold items offered for public sale.
Similar systems to clearly identify the caratage and origin of gold items have been introduced over time and around the world. But each nation has created its own requirements and distinctive.
In many other countries, including in Italy and Asia, jewelry hallmarking is voluntary. Gold manufacturers apply their own marks to their creations, to attest to their origin and caratage.
Similar systems to clearly identify the caratage and origin of gold items have been introduced over time and around the world. But each nation has created its own requirements and distinctive.
In many other countries, including in Italy and Asia, jewelry hallmarking is voluntary. Gold manufacturers apply their own marks to their creations, to attest to their origin and caratage.
Jewelry Care
Some of the most precious possessions are heirlooms passed onto us are from generations. There’s a story behind every piece of jewelry, and we owe it to that to take good care of it. While our jewelry was created to last a lifetime, there are some factors that can contribute to the everyday wear and tear of your jewelry. Here are some jewelry care tips to turn your jewelry into heirlooms someday.
Some of the most precious possessions are heirlooms passed onto us are from generations. There’s a story behind every piece of jewelry, and we owe it to that to take good care of it. While our jewelry was created to last a lifetime, there are some factors that can contribute to the everyday wear and tear of your jewelry. Here are some jewelry care tips to turn your jewelry into heirlooms someday.
Wearing Jewelry
Remove your jewelry during exercise or manual tasks such as kitchen work, cleaning the house and gardening. This is to prevent physical damage or exposure to chemicals or cleaning fluids.
Do not wear jewelry in swimming pools and spas as the chlorinated water can react with metals found in jewelry may cause color changes and even structural damage.
Remove your jewelry before showering as the soap may cause a film to form, making it a dull appearance.
“Last In First Out” (LIFO) principle. Put on jewelry last after applying make-up such as cosmetic and perfume, hairspray and lotion. Remove your jewelry first before removing make-up. This is to limit the exposure of potential discoloration, surface quality changes and damage.
Remove your jewelry during exercise or manual tasks such as kitchen work, cleaning the house and gardening. This is to prevent physical damage or exposure to chemicals or cleaning fluids.
Do not wear jewelry in swimming pools and spas as the chlorinated water can react with metals found in jewelry may cause color changes and even structural damage.
Remove your jewelry before showering as the soap may cause a film to form, making it a dull appearance.
“Last In First Out” (LIFO) principle. Put on jewelry last after applying make-up such as cosmetic and perfume, hairspray and lotion. Remove your jewelry first before removing make-up. This is to limit the exposure of potential discoloration, surface quality changes and damage.
Cleaning Jewelry
The simplest is the safest way by cleaning the jewelry by yourself. Soak it in warm water with a touch of mild soap. Rinse your jewelry in a glass of water to remove the soap. Towel dry. Do not risk losing your loose stones by directly rinse in your sink.
Polish your jewelry with a professional polishing cloth for best results. Use of tissue or paper towels can cause scratches because of fibers in these products.
The simplest is the safest way by cleaning the jewelry by yourself. Soak it in warm water with a touch of mild soap. Rinse your jewelry in a glass of water to remove the soap. Towel dry. Do not risk losing your loose stones by directly rinse in your sink.
Polish your jewelry with a professional polishing cloth for best results. Use of tissue or paper towels can cause scratches because of fibers in these products.
Storing
Store your jewelry in fabric-lines jewelry case and prevent pieces from moving around to avoid scratches.
Pearls and opals draw moisture from the air, so storing your opal or pearl jewelry in a dry area, such as a safe deposit box, can sometimes do more harm than good. Do not store it directly under sunlight or any heated environment such as inside the car.
Sometimes jewelry tarnishes when it's not worn, especially silver and gold. To maintain the luster of your jewelry, place silver anti-tarnish strips in your storage container to absorb the oxidants that discolor and tarnish jewelry.
Travelling can be tough on jewelry, so it's wise to use a padding travel case for maximum protection.
Store your jewelry in fabric-lines jewelry case and prevent pieces from moving around to avoid scratches.
Pearls and opals draw moisture from the air, so storing your opal or pearl jewelry in a dry area, such as a safe deposit box, can sometimes do more harm than good. Do not store it directly under sunlight or any heated environment such as inside the car.
Sometimes jewelry tarnishes when it's not worn, especially silver and gold. To maintain the luster of your jewelry, place silver anti-tarnish strips in your storage container to absorb the oxidants that discolor and tarnish jewelry.
Travelling can be tough on jewelry, so it's wise to use a padding travel case for maximum protection.
Inspection
Prevention is better than cure. When having your jewelry professionally cleaned, it's a good idea to have each item checked and inspected for any possible problems. Addressing signs of damage, or loose gemstones will prevent any further damage or loss and keep all of your pieces in excellent shape for years. Pearls worn often should be restrung once a year.