Mardon has developed its reputation as a fine jeweler by creating its own way of doing business. The Mardon Way is based on our passion for fine colored gemstones. Because we love the richly colored treasures that Mother Nature has created for us, we’re dedicated to setting these fine colored gemstones into beautifully made pieces […]
Alexandrite is a very rare and valuable natural gemstone, famous because its color changes almost magically, from red to green. Alexandrite is a variety of Chrysoberyl, a mineral found in nature. Chrysoberyl is well suited for jewelry because it is very hard and durable, and because it’s rare, beautiful and unusual. The colors we see in […]
One of the problems we encounter in the gem trade is misrepresentation to add value to gems. As aficionados of fine gemstones and as members of the American Gem Society and the American Gem Trade Association, we believe it’s important to conduct our business by a strict code of ethics and to protect our customers from fraud and false advertising. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Celebrity brides are becoming known by their engagement ring choices, and the colored gemstone ring is very much in the limelight. Princess Kate, in the wedding of the decade, wore “The Ring“, her famous heirloom sapphire and diamond ring, Penelope Cruz is setting style with her sapphire and diamond ring, and Jessica Simpson is stunning […]
We published this article February 2009 with good response. Since Sapphire is the stone for September, we thought it appropriate to republish, with minor additions, editing, new pricing information and larger pictures. Early in my career as a gemologist, while working the gem identification counter at the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory in Santa Monica, I […]
We recently completed this beautiful ring for a very elegant and sophisticated lady, let’s call her Liz. During our initial design consultation, it soon became apparent that we needed to do something extra special for Liz- well educated and artistic, her tastes were refined and she was looking for something exciting and new. She wanted […]
from Pantone The annual Pantone color palette for fall 2009 can be downloaded at this link http://www.pantone.com/downloads/articles/pdfs/PANTONE_FCR_FALL09.pdf The colors are muted and sophisticated with subtle contrasts. Time to think about your wardrobe and pick out that special colored gemstone to accent and sparkle things up! Orange sunstones and Spessartine garnets, purple-red Rhodolite garnets, padparadscha sapphires […]
Early in my career as a gemologist, while working the gem identification counter at the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory in Santa Monica, I fell in love with Padparadscha—a gemstone, not a girl. The privilege of seeing and handling a few magnificent specimens of this magical sapphire with the glorious sunset orange and pink color was […]
