Archive for the ‘Gemstone of the Month’ Category

Padparadschas R Us – Rare Gems Are Our Specialty

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013

We’ve always loved the ultra rare variety of fancy sapphire known as the Padparadscha. Early in my career, working in the gem indentification labs of GIA, I had the opportunity to see a few good examples of the natural Padparadscha Sapphire and to learn the subtle distinctions that make this gem so desirable. Our informational blogs about […]

Tucson Treasures

Saturday, March 16th, 2013

As usual, our annual pilgrimage to the Tucson Gem Shows in early February was a fun mix of business and pleasure.

A Blast from the Past

Friday, February 1st, 2013

This beautifully made amethyst intaglio ring from ancient Rome, carved over 2000 years ago by master carver Hyllos, resides in the famous Hermitage Museum of St. Petersburg, Russia. Featuring the head of Apollo, it reminds us very much of this magnificent amethyst intaglio ring that resides in our estate case.

Topaz or Not Topaz? That is the Question!

Thursday, November 15th, 2012

One of the missions Robert M. Shipley defined when he created the Gemological Institute of America was to rectify incorrect practices in the jewelry and gem business. One of the most common of these is the use of trade names and misnomers for gemstones.

Water Loving Opal from the Deserts of Ethiopia

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

We just acquired this gorgeous crystal opal from Ethiopia. Full of fiery reds and oranges, as well as golds, greens and  purples, this beauty will be the perfect drop of color for a magnificent necklace. While it’s been known for various unusual types of opal since the early 1990’s, Ethiopia burst onto the gem scene […]

Restoring Antique Opal Jewelry

Tuesday, October 16th, 2012

We immediately fell in love with this sweet little opal and diamond pin of gold and platinum that was offered to us as part of an estate. A blend of Late Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Edwardian styling, the construction of fabricated platinum overlaid onto 14K yellow gold indicated the piece was made right around 1900.

Eight Tips for Buying a Fancy Sapphire

Friday, September 21st, 2012

If you think all sapphires are blue, take another look– this gorgeous bracelet is set with in an amazing array of beautiful sapphires, from deep purple to soft green to sunset orange to bright pink to golden yellow. In the gem trade, we call these unusual colors “Fancy” sapphires. Here are some handy insider tips […]

12 Tips on How to Buy a Peridot

Friday, August 17th, 2012

  Peridot is a beautiful lively gemstone that can be quite affordable. It’s an easy gem to buy because what you see is what you get and there are lots of great Peridot gems to choose from. Here are some tips that show how a professional gem trader buys.

A Benitoite Engagement Ring to Talk About

Saturday, June 9th, 2012

Today, more and more brides are choosing colored gems for their wedding jewelry, a trend we love and appreciate. We just made this sweet white gold engagement ring, set with diamonds and an absolutely beautiful Benitoite.

Garnets are Green, Right?

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

We just finished this beautiful custom engagement ring that showcases a spectacular green garnet, highlighted with trapezoid shaped diamonds and set in 18K yellow gold. The center stone is a rare green garnet from Africa, known as Tsavorite. These lively and brilliant green wonders of nature are a variety of grossular garnet  discovered by gemologist […]

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