Diamond Gem and Jewelry

Macau International Jewlery & Watch Fair

2008-02-23T23:53:00.002+07:00

Macau International Jewlery & Watch Fair

February 28, 2008 - March 2, 2008
Macau, China

Organiser:	MJS Trade fairs (Macau) Limited
Venue:	The Cotai Strip Convention and Exhibition Center at The Venetian Macao Resort, Macau, China [Asia]
Phone:	852-3428-2626
Fax:	852-3105-0036
Email:	info@macaujewelryfair.com
Website:	www.macaujewelryfair.com
Description:	The ¡§Macau International Jewelry & Watch Fair 2008¡¨ has been specially arranged to be held in March, to fully capture the important opportunities of the prime period when a number of international trading exhibitions are being performed in Hong Kong and the Southeast Asia, and tens of thousands of international buyers will be visiting the region. By leveraging the advantage of accumulations of various products, the ¡§Macau International Jewelry & Watch Fair 2008¡¨ fully meet with the one-stop purchase requirements of buyers of various categories of products, and will be the target of buyers from the southern regions of the PRC as well as from the overseas. This brand-new exhibition is an ideal platform where international buyers can initially purchase their target products, and will become an important stop in their procurement tours around Asia http://www.diamondworld.net/fairs/fair_detail.asp?fairid=186

GJX Gem & Jewelry Show

2008-02-23T23:53:00.001+07:00

GJX Gem & Jewelry Show

February 6, 2008 - February 11, 2008
Tucson, Arizona, USA

Organiser:	Gem & Jewelry Exchange LLC
Venue:	GJX Pavilion, Tucson Show, Tucson, Arizona, USA [North America]
Phone:	(1) 520 8824200
Fax:	(1) 520 8824203
Email:	info@gjxusa.com
Website:	www.gjxusa.com
Description:	The Gem & Jewelry Exchange show will be held at 198 South Granada location in downtown Tucson, February 6-11, 2008. From its humble beginnings in 1993 with only 35 booths, GJX became the fastest growing gem show in Tucson’s gem show history, now boasting 517 booths. Plans are underway for the construction of our new exhibition facility that will be the permanent home of GJX. http://www.diamondworld.net/fairs/fair_detail.asp?fairid=25

Inhorgenta Europe 2008

2008-02-23T23:52:00.002+07:00

Inhorgenta Europe 2008

February 15, 2008 - February 18, 2008
Munich, Germany

Organiser:	Messe Munchen GMBH
Venue:	New Munich Trade Fair, Munich, Germany [Europe]
Phone:	(+49 89) 9 49-01
Fax:	(+49 89) 9 49-09
Email:	info@inhorgenta.de
Website:	www.inhorgenta.com/
Description:	inhorgenta europe 2008 will welcome the international timepiece and jewelry world for the 33rd time on the grounds of the New Munich Trade Fair Centre from February 15 to 18, 2008. In addition to innumerable highlights in the segments of jewelry, gems, pearls and technology, numerous watch novelties will be in the focus of attention. inhorgenta europe will especially demonstrate its excellent competence in this important high-volume market of fashion and lifestyle watches. The central highlight in the timepiece hall A1 will be “A1 Brand Avenue” in 2008. Purchasers will have the chance to visit more than two dozen trendy watch brands and globally leading watch manufacturers along one brand avenue. The brands Casio, Citizen, Festina, Jaguar, Lotus, Axcent, Fossil, Diesel, DKNY, Armani, Zodiac, Junghans, Tutima, Boccia Titanium, Skagen and Alfex, among others, will exhibit their new collections on “A1 Brand Avenue” next February. These will be supplemented by exclusive fashion brands such as Lacoste Watches, Jaques Lemans and Charriol. On the other hand, classic timepiece manufacturers will present their novelties in Hall B1. The Swiss brand Ventura will prove its high degree of design skills in Hall C2 for the first time. The following alphabetic list shows the novelties and highlights, which the timepiece manufacturers have to offer in the coming year. It is based on information received before our copy deadline, and we make no claim for its completeness. The new watch line from Boccia Titanium, Dynamics Super Slim, does justice to its name in every sense of the word. The pure titanium, which is kind to the skin, is light, the watchbands are flexible and smooth, and the watches are “Super Slim”. With a diameter of about 39 mm, the men’s watches are approx. 7.5 mm thick, while the ladies’ models have approx. 7 mm thickness with a 30 mm diameter. The Burberry watch spring collection 2006 appears in fresh spring colors and combines classic and modern elements. With a view to Burberry’s past as equipper of athletes in endurance sports, the newest collection of the “Endurance Line” takes up from the days of researching the Artic. This collection integrates novel and sporty style elements. The new model “Darling” from Charriol is oriented to the original from Charriol, the “Celtic III”. It also has the typical cable-band, but appears in a completely new look with its oval casing shape. Femininity and elegance characterize this chronograph. The dial face is composed of shimmering mother of pearl, and the Roman numerals at three and nine radiate across the complete length of the dial face. Sparkling diamonds on the bezel surround “Darling” and give her a touch of glamour. Casio is presenting more than 600 models from its European and German collections at inhorgenta europe 2006. The Japanese watchmaker is focusing on use of innovative radio technology. The highlight of the new radio-watch collection for men is the WVQ-600 series. Thanks to the integrated DCF/MSF radio signal receiver, its wearers can enjoy the advantages of radio-controlled timepieces in much of Europe: absolutely precise local time at all times as well as automatic conversion from daylight savings time to standard time and vice versa. In addition, the WVQ-600 models receive and decode the signals of the transmission towers in the USA and Japan with the help of WWVB and JJY radio signal receivers. Cimier has expanded its high quality collections and is exhibiting two new lines at inhorgenta europe 2006. The Swiss are presenting an extremely thin men’s watch with ‘C1924’ FLATLINE, which has a leather watchband, extra-flat Swiss quality quartz works with central seconds, calendar and anti-reflection sapphire glass. Another novelty will be the ‘C 1917’ TONNEAU CHRONO with leather watchband, large date display, stop-watch function, 30-minute display and anti-reflection sapphire glass. Citizen is proving with the new Eco-Drive Perpetual chronographs that technology and design can be harmonized. The models are equipped with an eternal calendar to the year 2100 and have an environmentally friendly Eco-Drive. This converts both natural and artificial light into energy, which is then stored in a rechargeable secondary battery. Citizen is presenting a chronograph for the first time with the Eco-Drive model “Promaster E2100”, which has an analog charging state display, so that the wearer can read the energy reserve at any time. The classic, refined style of Emporio Armani is combined with gay summer colors in the ladies’ model AR5592. The watch made of stainless steel has a genuine leather watchband in the pastel color of light violet. The plain dial face made of mother of pearl with the same color matches it. The brand is presenting the new model AR0263 for men, with round stainless steel casing, black dial face with Roman numerals and a classic watchband in black with crocodile characteristic that goes with every outfit. In the style of its own jewelry line “Men’s fashion”, Engelkemper is now launching a matching watch series on the market. The striking watchbands made of stainless steel, leather or rubber match the emphatically masculine watches with stainless steel casing. In addition, the company from Muenster has acquired the sole distribution rights to BWC Swiss Uhren and is presenting the brand to the German market after a 15-year break. The watch novelties of the Greek brand Folli Follie display innovative shapes, lively colors and above all combinations. Enamel as a central design element of the new collection is combined with steel and leather. Luxurious Swarovski crystals are worked into the new models in a refined way. The watches appear spirited and full of the joy of life in the colors white, yellow, light blue and pink. Vintage is in the focal point of the current Fossil watch collection. The watches revel in retro-look. Matt gold sets the tone for many of the new models, and the leather watchbands appear especially trendy thanks to their used-look. Men may now put extra-wide leather watchbands around their wrists. The more conspicuous, the better! Charm watches dominate the collection for women – feminine and fanciful. Junghans is presenting only models with mechanical watchworks with its new line “Arthur Junghans”. Its appearance uses the values of traditional watchmaking and interprets them in a modern way. The delicate art of the high-quality craft of the watchmaker is visible through the glass bottom in each model. The “Attaché Chronoscope” is new in the series. It is a memento of the old masters with its mechanical watchworks and crocodile leather watchband with stainless steel buckle. The Swiss watchmaker Kurt Schaffo is presented the Pope watch “Benedikt” in addition to the models “Tiger 4” and “Classico Or rosé”. The model limited to 50 pieces shows three Roman, rosé gold numerals on a Pope-white dial face. The works (Peseux-Kal. 7001) also have special design elements. St. Peter’s Cathedral is engraved by hand on several bridges of the works, and the Scriptures and the Bishop’s crosier can be seen there. A white crocodile leather watchband and a tongue closure with Schaffo emblem round out the model. The Lacoste Sportswear “1400C31 Chronograph” is an eye-catcher with its combination of polished and matt rhombus-like stainless steel casing. The refined chronograph appears harmonious and stylish thanks to the fine gray and silver gradations of the dial face. Cone-shaped and round markings give the chronograph a certain extravagance. Timeless elegance and exquisite subtleness – this is how the first watch collection from Marc Jacobs appears. The watches are distinguished by vintage charm and feminine details. The design elements are an expression of aesthetics and the vision of the fashion designer. Classic oval and rectangular casing shapes appeal with striking crowns, leather and adjustable watchbands and communicate an elegant and refined style. Each watch is equipped with Swiss precision quartz watchworks. Gold serves as the source of inspiration for the watch models Deco Diamond und CSX Diamond in Michele Watches. Thanks to the combination of current trends with traditional watchmaker art, Michele has captured the natural beauty and brilliancy of gold. The models are adorned with rosé gold casings with approx. 100 hand-set diamonds in an 18-carat cut with a total carat weight of up to 0.65 carats. The watchbands can be replaced according to your whims. The model “Time Loop” from Pierre Junod represents the timeless essence of time. In collaboration with the Danish design award winner Soren Varming, the product designer Tobias Jacobsen developed “Time Loop”. The dial face reminds you of the principle of a sundial and the eternal interplay between light and darkness. The Swiss watch brand Ventura is presenting an automatic digital watch run by a generator with the “SPARC rx”. The model created by Paolo Fancelli has a casing made of Durinox with rotatable bezel and sapphire glass and is waterproof to 3 bar. Zodiac is showing new spring models for sporty men. Each chronograph has an Italian rubber watchband characteristic for Zodiac, which exudes a vanilla scent. Zodiac is also presenting new sporty models, which have been made specifically for the ladies’ world. All watches combine a feminine style with Zodiac’s tradition for fine Swiss watchmaking art. The watches are available with rubber watchbands in white of violet. Additional information and picture material is available at www.inhorgenta.com.

China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair - Shenzhen

2008-02-23T23:52:00.001+07:00

China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair - Shenzhen

February 28, 2008 - March 2, 2008
Shenzhen, China

Organiser:	CMP Asia Ltd
Venue:	Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (SZCEC) International, Fuhua 3rd Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, China [Asia]
Phone:	(852) 2516 1677/ 2516 1636
Fax:	(852) 2802 9934
Email:	salescjw@cmpasia.com
Website:	www.jewellerynetasia.com/exhibitions/default.asp?siteid=2〈=1
Description:	Shenzhen, China's jewellery manufacturing centre, and the perfect place for international and Chinese buyers and suppliers to do business Overwhelming support from the trade in China and overseas has enabled the China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair - Shenzhen to grow rapidly into the key professional jewellery trade fair in China. The success of the first edition in 2003 and the 2nd edition in 2004 was acclaimed by both international and Chinese exhibitors and buyers. They hailed the Fair as a truly international trade event serving the fast-growing domestic market and competitively supplying the needs of international markets. The Fair offers professionals of the world's jewellery trade an opportunity to meet and do business in the vast market of mainland China. Further evidence of the Fair's success is proven in the 2005 edition with the number of exhibitors increasing more than 20 percent to 380 companies from 14 countries and regions. Overseas exhibitors are from Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, Taiwan region, Thailand, Turkey and the United States. The number of mainland Chinese exhibitors have increased substantially and are from 15 provinces and cities including Anhui, Beijing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Henan, Hunan, Heilongjiang, Jiangsu, Jilin, Liaoning, Shandong, Shanghai, Yunnan and Zhejiang. China International Gold, Jewellery & Gem Fair – Shenzhen has been receiving an enthusiastic response since its inception in 2003. To accommodate the continuous growth on participation, the Fair will be moved to a new venue in 2006 - the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (SZCEC). SZCEC is a newly built exhibition centre located in the southern side of Shenzhen Central District and is connected by the Shenzhen subway. It is a multi-functional, up-to-date design exhibition venue with a useable exhibition area of over 110,000 square meters and thus the new fairground will definitely be the right place for the fair expansion.

30th, GLDA Tuscan Gem & Jewellery Fair

2008-02-23T23:51:00.000+07:00

30th, GLDA Tuscan Gem & Jewellery Fair

February 5, 2008 - February 10, 2008
Arizona, USA

Organiser:	G.L.D.A. Office
Venue:	Starr Pass Marriott Resort Tucson, Arizona, USA, Arizona, USA [North America]
Phone:	+(520) 792 9431
Fax:	+ (520) 882 2836
Email:	info@glda.com
Website:	www.glda.com
Description:	The world-renowned G.L.D.A. Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show, has been held in Tucson for the past 29 years. The 2008 show will begin a day ahead of the other major Tucson Shows and end on February 10th. This show will give buyers a head start on selection and convenience as well as the most luxurious setting in Tucson, the new J.W. Marriott Starr Pass Resort. This show is the "cream of the crop" with large numbers of very competitive and direct source exhibitors and groups from all over the world for your shopping pleasure. The same high quality companies that have exhibited at the G.L.D.A. Shows for the past 29 years will be exhibiting at the new Marriott location along with many other high quality new companies and groups who have not been able to exhibit at past Tucson shows due to the shortage of quality booth space http://www.diamondworld.net/fairs/fair_detail.asp?fairid=159

J.C. Penney faces low sales

2008-02-23T23:50:00.002+07:00

J.C. Penney faces low sales

Sale of jewellery dipped in Q4

J.C. Penney encountered sales decline by 4.1% to $6.4 billion during the fourth quarter ended February 2, 2008. The slow sale of fine jewellery was partly attributed to this. The net profit also dipped by 10% to $430 million. The company mentions a conservative approach in business plans to maintain a balance between near-term economic realities and long-term growth opportunities. The store will stress on improving the customer experience at the stores with improved merchandising and smart prices.

http://www.diamondworld.net/newsroom/news.asp?newsid=2024

GIA alumni Meet

2008-02-23T23:50:00.001+07:00

GIA alumni Meet

The agenda focused on education about diamonds and gemstones

Gemological institute of America (GIA) organised an Alumni Meet for its Members and Industry Leaders on February 22,l 2008. The event was graced by Russel Mehta of Rosy Blue, Ashish Mehta of Kantilal Chhotalal, Satish Shah of Deccan Institute, Hyderabad, Sultan Mohiden of Madras Gem Institute, Nirupa Bhatt, MD GIA India and Middle East and other GIA alumni who traveled down from Hyderabad, Delhi, Madras and Kolkatta.

The event kicked off with a presentation of GIA courses by Deepak Bagai. Russel Mehta spoke about protection of consumer confidence and synthetics. He said, “The complete understanding of diamonds is very important and this can come through education. We need to understand that certification is very important and now a days buying happens online.”

Satish Shah spoke about color-stones being given stepmother treatment. “The Cartel is advocating diamonds and color-stones though in abundance in nature and equally beautiful, are being ignored,” he explained. Asish Mehta also seconded Russel Mehta’s opinion that synthetics were a threat and could take on the markets if they were not identified on time and proper training was not imparted to diamond merchants.

Some other GIA graduates spoke on the occasion about the institute’s reputation in the trade and how the courses had helped them in their business. The event ended on revival of fond memories of days spends at the institute.

http://www.diamondworld.net/newsroom/news.asp?newsid=2028

Charles & Colvard Ltd. earns net loss, last year it earned a net profit

2008-02-23T23:49:00.000+07:00

Charles & Colvard Ltd., had a disappointing net sales in the year 2007. During the year it faced a net loss of $24,424 as compared to a net profit of $6.1 million a year earlier.
For the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2007, net sales decreased by 35% to $7.9 million, while for the entire year it dipped by 32% to $27.81 million.

The net loss in the quarter amounted to $1.1 million, whereas it has earned a net income of $1.3 million, per diluted share in 2006. The company said they faced problems with their distribution model. In the US, sales in the fourth quarter dipped by 40% to $6.6 million, while international sales increased 20% to $1.3 million. Charles & Colvard has decided to discontinue its policy of providing future guidance on sales, gross profit margins and marketing and sales expenses.

http://www.diamondworld.net/newsroom/news.asp?newsid=2027

IDMA criticise the lack of comprehensive generic diamond promotion

2008-02-23T23:48:00.000+07:00

At the two-day International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) retreat in Israel, the members unanimously discussed the lack of cohesive and comprehensive generic diamond promotion, and expressed readiness to coordinate such a programme on behalf of the industry. The IDMA issues a statement at the meeting. The IDMA members present were, Jeffrey Fischer, IDMA president; Vasant Mehta, IDMA vice president (GJEPC of India); Moti Ganz, IDMA vice president, Uri Schwartz, Bumi Traub, David De Toledoand Udi Sheintal (the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association); Eduard Denckens, IDMA vice president; Maxim Shkadov, IDMA vice president, Stephane Fischler, IDMA Secretary General and Treasurer, and others from diamond cutting and manufacturing bodies.

IDMA President Jeffrey Fischer affirmed that as the industry shifts to a demand driven model, IDMA has identified the lack of cohesive and comprehensive generic diamond promotion in the consumer market as a short-sighted failing on the part of the industry. " IDMA has resolved that it will take a leadership role in developing specific proposals to help remedy this situation. IDMA is calling upon all stakeholders to assemble with the express purpose of creating an ongoing industry-wide generic diamond promotion campaign. IDMA offers to act as the coordinator of this 'summit meeting' to address this important need and will announce a plan of action shortly," he stated.

Fischer said. " IDMA is concerned that current rough diamond prices are speculative. As a result, the diamond manufacturing sector is experiencing the collapse of already very thin profit margins. Producers - large and small - should take note and take appropriate action!”

The participants focused on internal organisational planning, matters of concern to IDMA membership, and issues confronting the wider diamond industry. The retreat was moderated by Chaim Even-Zohar of Tacy Consultants Ltd., and Charles Wyndham of WWW International Diamonds Ltd.

Tourmaline

2008-02-12T22:32:00.001+07:00

Tourmaline occurs in the widest array of colors of any gemstone species. Sometimes as many as two or three colors exist in the same cut stone. Tourmaline is also known under different names: The “rubelite” is red, sometimes with a violet tint. Fine “chrome” tourmaline has a beautiful rich green color. “Indicolite” ranges from very light to dark shades of blue, violet blue, and greenish blue.
The name “tourmaline” has its origins in the Sinhalese word “Turmali”, which means mixture. Originally, native miners applied this term to mixed parcels of gems when they didn’t really know what the stones were.
Tourmaline is sometimes known as an alternative birthstone for October, and the accepted anniversary gemstone for eight year of marriage.

Tanzanite

2008-02-12T22:31:00.004+07:00

While tanzanite ranges in color from pale lilac to deep intense blue, each stone gives you three colors. From one angle, you may see it as a brilliant blue; turned in another direction, the color will show a purple almost as lovely as fine amethyst; turned a third way, the color will show a salmon-pink brown.
Tanzanite is one of the newest gemstones; it was named in 1967, when the first beautiful crystals were discovered in Tanzania. Because it comes from only one location and is relatively rare, it bestows on its owner a mark of distinction. Tanzanite is still young, so there is no folklore connected with it.
To maintain its brilliance, clean in jewelry cleaner or lukewarm water, do not use a home ultrasonic cleaner or subject to steam. Avoid hard knocks and scratches as well as extreme temperature changes.

Imperial Topaz

2008-02-12T22:31:00.003+07:00

Imperial topaz is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 23rd year of marriage. Topaz is mainly found in Brazil, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka.
Most people think of topaz as a transparent golden yellow gemstone. However, this gemstone also occurs colorless as well as orange yellow, red, honey-brown (dark sherry), light green, blue, and pink. The name topaz is derived from the Greek word meaning “to shine” and also implies “fire.” Orange-red “Imperial” topaz and pink colors are rare and most valuable.
The lore, magic and romantic of topaz goes back many thousands of years. It holds the distinction of being the gemstone with the widest range of curative powers. Ancient Egyptians thought its golden glow symbolized “Ra,” their sun god. The Greek felt it gave them strength. In addition, it supposedly cooled tempers, restored sanity, cured asthma, relieved insomnia and even ward off sudden death. Topaz is said to make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. It proved the loyalty of associates by changing color in the presence of poison.

Grape Garnet

2008-02-12T22:31:00.001+07:00

Grape Garnet describes an intense purple-red variety of garnet that is distinctively different in color from ordinary rhodolilte or amandine garnet.
Mined in the Orissa of Northwest India, Grape Garnet constitutes only a minute fraction of the massive Indian garnet production. Due to primitive mining methods and a short mining season interrupted by torrential monsoons, this stone variety is not widely known outside its local area. Historically we see examples of this material as badly faceted, dull purple stones in silver jewelry or as beads. But careful selection of rough stones and precision faceting bring out its unique fire and color. The result is an intense purple-red hue that flashes and sparkles even in very limited light, and positively comes alive in sunlight.

Blue Topaz: December’s Gemstone

2008-02-12T22:30:00.001+07:00

Blue topaz is one of the accepted birth stones for December and anniversary gemstone for 4th year of marriage, and Imperial topaz for the 23rd. Topaz is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka.
Most people think of topaz as a transparent golden yellow gemstone. However, this gemstone also occurs colorless as well as orange yellow, red, honey-brown (dark sherry), light green, blue, and pink. The name topaz is derived from the Greek word meaning “to shine” and also implies “fire.” Orange-red “Imperial” topaz and pink colors are rare and most valuable.
The lore, magic and romantic of topaz goes back many thousands of years. It holds the distinction of being the gemstone with the widest range of curative powers. Ancient Egyptians thought its golden glow symbolized “Ra,” their sun god. The Greek felt it gave them strength. In addition, it supposedly cooled tempers, restored sanity, cured asthma, relieved insomnia and even ward off sudden death. Topaz is said to make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. It proved the loyalty of associates by changing color in the presence of poison.

Citrine: November’s Gemstone

2008-02-12T22:29:00.002+07:00

Citrine is one of the accepted birthstones for November, as well as the anniversary gemstone for the 13th year of marriage. It is found mainly in Brazil.
Citrine is a variety of quartz; colors range from pale yellow to yellowish-brown and “Madeira” red. The most popular fashion colors are the vivid yellows and oranges. It is often mistaken for yellow or golden topaz. Citrine is readily available, very affordable in large sizes and stands up well to daily wear. Its earthy tones complement many wardrobes. Citrine is often seen in jewelry combined with amethyst, blue topaz and pink tourmaline.
Citrine’s name is derived from “citron,” a lemon like fruit. People once carried citrine as protective talisman against the plague, bad skin and evil thoughts. It was also used as a charm against the bites of snakes and other venomous reptiles.

Opal: October’s Gemstone

2008-02-12T22:29:00.001+07:00

Opal is accepted for October birthdays and is the gemstone for 14th anniversaries. Sources are Australia, Mexico, and The USA.
There are more than a dozen varieties of fiery and iridescent opals. In fact, its tremendous color spectrum is the major reason for the opal’s mysterious attractiveness. The most popular have a white body color with flashes of many colors or “fires.”
Opal has symbolized hope, innocence and purity through the ages. In the Middle Ages, young fair-haired girls, wore opals in their hair to protect its lovely blond color. Medieval writers believed the opal could render its wearer invisible when the need arose. The ancient Romans believed the opal was the king of gems because it held within itself all the colors of rainbow.

Sapphire: September’s Gemstone

2008-02-12T22:28:00.002+07:00

Sapphire is the birthstone for September and the gemstone for 5th and 45th anniversaries. They are found in Sri Lanka, Australia, East Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Sapphire, a variety of corundum, comes in all colors except red, with the most popular being deep blue. Rare orange, pink and lavender varieties, along with rich velvety blue are the most expensive. Like ruby, its twin except for color, the sapphire is second only to the diamond hardness.
Some ancient writers claimed the Ten Commandments were written on sapphire. Ancient marriage partners had great faith in the stone, believing it would not shine if worn by wicked or impure. They were reported to be an excellent all-purpose medicine; and antidote against poison and having the power to stop bleeding and cure disorders of the eye. Sapphires were considered to be so powerful they continued to protect the original owner even after being sold.

Peridot: August’s Gemstone

2008-02-12T22:28:00.001+07:00

Peridot is the birth stone for August and 16th anniversary gemstone, and mainly in Burma and the USA.
Peridot is sometimes referred to as an “Evening Emerald” because under artificial light the stone glows as a brilliant green. Choice peridot is transparent and its color varies yellow green to brilliant light green. Peridot is the child of volcanic action, crystals are sometimes combed from the black sands of Hawaii. It is abundant and available in larger sizes.
The peridot symbolize eloquence and persuasiveness; it was dedicated to St. Bartholomew. Treasured peridots found their way into cathedrals during the Crusades. Many legends state that peridot was considered a powerful amulet against all evil, as well as a remedy for sinus problems. It is said that if the gem was set in gold, it had the power to protect its wearer from terrors of the night, fears and bad dreams. Peridot were especially favored by pirates.

Ruby: July’s Gemstone

2008-02-12T22:27:00.000+07:00

Rubies come from Burma, Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and India. It is the accepted gemstone for July birthdays, also 15th and 40th anniversary.
The ruby is named because of its rich red color. The ruby is a very durable gemstone; its hardness is surpassed only by diamond. Large rubies are very scarce and costly, worth more than 2 to 3 times a diamond of equal size and quality.
Rubies were thought to contain a glowing spark struck from the planet Mars. Ancient lore held that the ruby was capable of curing illness and reconciling lovers quarrels. Hindus referred to the ruby as “The Lord of the Gems,” and believed its deep red color came from an inextinguishable fire which was capable of boiling water. It is said that a person should never make faces at a ruby in a museum, and never ignore it, for it was said to grow dull if slighted or not worn or seen.

Cultured Pearl: June’s Gemstone

2008-02-12T22:26:00.001+07:00

Pearl is the official birth stone of the month of June. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage.
A pearl is the product of an oyster’s defense mechanism. When a foreign irritant is introduced naturally or by man (cultured), the oyster immediately surrounds it with layers of a substance called nacre. This forms the exquisite gemstone known as pearl. Pearls come in a wide range of colors from delicate rose white to black. They should be relatively free from skin blemishes. The more perfectly round the shape the better. The higher the luster or “orient,” the more valuable the specimen. Besides the popular round shape, there are stylish mabe (large hemispherical cultured pearls), fresh water (elongated in interesting shapes and colors), and South Sea (large cultured pearls 10 mm and up from Australian and Indonesian waters), to name a few.
The oriental pearl is known as the gem of the moon. They have been recognized as the emblem of modesty, chastity, and purity. They have also come to symbolize a happy marriage.

Emerald: May’s Gemstone

2008-02-12T22:25:00.001+07:00

Emerald is the birth stone for the month of May and is also the anniversary gemstone for 20th and 35th years of marriage. They are found mainly in Colombia, Brazil Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The emerald is known as the Queen of Gems, and the gem of queens. The most prized is pure green or slightly bluish green. Emeralds are often characterized by the garden of included crystals trapped within. Under magnification, you will see all sorts of lovely patterns resembling foliage in a garden. A flawless, clear emerald is very rare and is usually found in small sizes. Small to medium sized stones are often faceted in the “step” or emerald cut. The gem is also lovely when cut into a Cabochon or dome shape. Sometimes emeralds are even carved.
The ancients held the emerald in great esteem, believing they sharpened the wearer’s eyesight and mind. The earliest engravers kept emeralds on their work tables to gaze upon from time to time to rest their tired eyes. Travelers relied on emeralds as protection against the hazards and perils of long journeys. The green gem was also said to give its owner the power to predict the future.

Diamond: April’s Gemstone

2008-02-12T22:24:00.000+07:00

Diamond is the birth stone for month of April, and besides being the most popular gemstone for engagement rings, is the anniversary gem for the 10th and 60th years of marriage. Diamonds are found in Australia, Congo, Botswana, Russia, and South Africa.
Even though the diamond is the hardest of all gemstones known to man, it is the simplest in composition: it is common carbon. The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splinters of stars fallen to earth. It was even said by some that they were the tears of the Gods or perhaps crystallized lighting or hardened dew drops. The truth is, however, that the exact origin of diamonds is still something of a mystery, even to scientist and geologists.
In ancient times only kings wore diamonds as a symbol of strength, courage, and invincibility. Over the centuries, the diamond acquired its unique status as the ultimate gift of love. It was said that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds which have a magic that nothing else can ever quite equal. But it wasn’t until 1477, when Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy, that the tradition of engagement rings began. Even the reason a woman wears it on the third finger of her left hand dates back to the early Egyptian belief that the vena amoris, vein of love, ran directly from the heart to the top of the third finger, left hand.

Aquamarine: March’s Gemstone

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Aquamarine is one of the traditional birthstone for March. It is also the anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage. Aquamarine is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, and Zambia.
The ideal color of aquamarine is a refreshing sea blue. If you are looking for a big, durable gemstone, aqua is readily available in larger sizes and is truly dramatic when cut in rectangular or oval shapes. It is a member of the important beryl family, which also includes emerald.
Derived from the Latin meaning “sea water,” aquamarine was said to aid seafarers; thus it makes an excellent gift for sailors or those who travel frequently by sea. To dream of aquamarine signifies the making of new friends. To wear aquamarine brings love and affection. They are thought to give the wearers knowledge, foresight and assist in an individual’s inspiration. It is a universal symbol of youth, fidelity, hope, and health.

Amethyst: February’s Gemstone

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Amethyst is the birth stone for February and the anniversary gemstone for sixth year of marriage. It is found mainly in Brazil, Uruguay, Sri Lanka, the Ural Mountains of Russia, Madagascar, and Zambia.
Amethyst is a variety of quartz, ideally deep medium purple with rose colored flashes, however it ranges from pale lilac to nearly black purple shades.
The ancient Greeks believed that whoever wore an amethyst or drank from an amethyst chalice would not fall victim to intoxication. It is also said to have a sobering effect on those over excited by love’s passion. It has symbolized peace, protection and tranquility. Some say it will prevent baldness and improve complexion, while protecting from treason and deceit. Because royalty has always adored the color purple, amethysts abound in the ornaments of ancient Greeks and Egyptians, and in the British Crown Jewels.

Garnet: January’s Gemstone

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Garnet is the birth stone for month of January and the anniversary gemstone for second year of marriage. Garnets are found in Brazil, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, India, Siberia, Africa, and the USA.
Nearly everyone thinks of garnet as a red gem. In fact, this family of gemstones is available in all colors except blue. Garnets offer enough variety in appearance to suite every taste.
There are many ancient traditions and legends about garnets. Some Hebrew writers include it as one of the 12 gems in Aaron’s breastplate. Christian tradition long considered the blood red garnet symbolic of Christ’s sacrifice. The Koran holds that it illuminates the Fourth Heaven of the Moslems. Garnet was said to give its guidance in the night allowing him to see when others couldn’t. Legend claims that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for illumination. According to the Egyptians, garnet is an antidote for snake bite and food poisoning.