October Birthstone True or False: Opal

Opals, the birthstone for the month of October, have a mystery and history as interesting as their iridescence.

Whether you were born in October or not, test your knowledge of opals with the Adina Jewelers true or false quiz!

Scroll down for the answers—but don’t cheat!

1. The opal is an ancient mineral known as petrified silica gel that are found near the earth’s surface where geothermal hot springs once existed.
2. Many opals contain a rainbow-like iridescence known as “opalocka,” which changes the colors that appear in the stone depending on the angle it is viewed.
3. Opalescence is caused by a hydrous silicon dioxide material that causes the gemstone to flash iridescent colors when the opal is viewed from different angles.
4. The subcategory of opals known as precious opals are the most common and in demand because of their “opulence.”
5. The word opal is derived from the Latin word “opalus,” meaning precious jewel, as well as “upala,” the Sanskrit name for precious stone.
6. Opals are given to celebrate a 13th wedding anniversary, and are a symbol of faithfulness and confidence.
7. The ancient Romans called the opal “Cupid Paederos,” which translates to “a child beautiful as a heart.”
8. In ancient Rome, opals were ground up and consumed because they were believed to have healing properties and the power to ward off bad dreams.
9. The Great Bard, Shakespeare, loved opals so much, he nicknamed them the “queen of the gems.”
10. The opal is Australia’s national gemstone, and its indigenous people call opals “the water in the desert.”
11. Goober Pedy, Australia is known as “The Opal Capital of the World” because 51 percent of the world’s supply of opals are mined there.
12. In 2008, NASA discovered opal deposits on Mars! Since opal is made up of mostly water, Mars may have contained water for billions of years.

October Birthstone True or False Answers:

1. True.
2. False. The rainbow-like effect in opals is called opalescence.
3. True.
4. False. Precious opals are the most in demand because of their “opalescence” or “play of color.”
5. True.
6. False. Opals are given to celebrate a 14th wedding anniversary, and are a symbol of faithfulness and confidence.
7. False. “Cupid Paederos” translates to “a child beautiful as love.”
8. True.
9. True.
10. False. The indigenous people of Australia call the opal “the fire in the desert.”
11. False. The name of the city is actually Coober Pedy, Australia.
12. True.

Where to shop opal jewelry?

Whether you’re birthstone is an opal, you’re looking for a gift for an October birthday, or you just love this fiery gemstone, shop Adina’s eBay store for estate, vintage and antique opal jewelry, available at true wholesale prices. We have vast selection of opals and other fine gemstones, and we will deliver a buying experience that’s above your expectations.

Fabulous Facts About Sapphires

 

Fabulous Facts About Sapphires

Few gems are considered as regal and magical as sapphires—the royal gemstone and September’s birthstone.

Here are some fun and fabulous facts about sapphires, courtesy of GIA.

1. Blue sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, the same mineral that rubies come from.
2. The sapphire is derived from the Greek word “sapheiros,” which means blue.
3. On the Mohs hardness scale, sapphires are second only to diamonds in hardness.
4. Although sapphires come in many colors, the most valuable and sought after are deep blue sapphires.
5. In addition to being the birthstone for September, sapphires are also the gemstone for celebrating 45th wedding anniversaries.
6. The ancient Greeks believed sapphires were a symbol of wisdom and purity.
7. The ancient Persians believed the Earth was supported by a giant sapphire and its reflection made the sky blue.
8. According to Jewish midrash, Moses was given tablets of sapphire that were carved from God’s throne, making them the most precious gemstone.
9. The late Diana, Princess of Wales, famously chose a blue sapphire and diamond ring for her engagement to Prince Charles.
10. After the engagement of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, reproductions of her ring became so popular with the public that it became known as “the commoner’s ring.”
11. After inheriting it upon her death, Prince William gave his mother’s ring to Kate Middleton when he proposed to her. The Duchess of Cambridge can almost always be seen wearing it in public.
12. The 104-carat Stuart Sapphire is on the back side of the British Imperial State Crown and is currently on display as part of the British Crown Jewels collection at the Tower of London.

Where to buy sapphire fine jewelry?

If you’re looking for a beautiful piece of sapphire jewelry, visit Adina Jewelers on eBay. You’ll find amazing fine estate, vintage and antique jewelry at true wholesale prices!

Source: GIA

Cool and Classic Father’s Day Jewelry Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is Sunday! Here are some cool and classic Father’s Day jewelry gift ideas to help show the father figure in your life how you really feel about him.

History of Father’s Day

Let’s first start with some history of the holiday. Created in 1910 by Sonora Smart Todd, her idea was to create a day to complement Mother’s Day, which had been established in 1908 by Ann Jarvis. Although it would take almost two decades for the holiday to gain popularity, it eventually took hold, as we still celebrate it today.

A piece of jewelry to cherish

To really impress the dad in your life, you may want to consider giving a piece of jewelry, such as a watch, tie clip, or cuff links. As jewelry designer David Yurman said, “I’ve always felt that jewelry is one of the most personal and emotional gifts you can give your loved one.” Men really do appreciate a good piece of jewelry as much as women do, especially if it’s wearable and practical, in addition to being beautiful.

A timeless watch – Watches are truly a unique statement about the wearer. If you’re considering giving a watch, take a moment to think about your father’s personality. Is he classic and conservative, or edgy and cool? Is he active and in need of a durable sports watch? Or tech-savvy who will appreciate a smartwatch that is an extension of his iPhone? If so, then consider the Apple Watch Sport or a host of other iOS-compatible smartwatches on the market.

Depending on your budget, if his taste leans toward classic styles and higher end brands, a fine watch can become an heirloom that is handed down for generations. Before you spend more than you should, read 6 Things to do before Buying a Rolex.

A unique necklace — Like a watch and most pieces of jewelry, a necklace should really speak to your father’s personality and taste. Consider a pendant that reflects his personal beliefs, likes and interests. Is he a religious man? How about a nice gold cross or pendant with the Hebrew Life sign? Or a guitar if he’s a musician; or maybe a dog tag proclaiming your love for him. There are some unique options out there, including a Batman logo with the saying, “You are my superhero.” Take time to investigate and you’ll be sure to find the perfect piece.

A pair of classic cufflinks — Few pieces of men’s jewelry say class and elegance like a pair of gold or silver cufflinks. Prices range widely for cufflinks, so don’t be intimidated. A basic pair of stainless steel cufflinks generally starts around $20.00 and increase into the thousands, depending on the metals and gemstones attached to them. Go the extra step and have them monogrammed with your father’s initials.

Whatever you decide to give to your dad on Father’s Day, remember that time is the most precious gift of all, so if you can, spend Father’s Day with your dad doing something he likes. Or take time to reminisce and remember him with family. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!

Shop Adina Jewelers for Father's Day Gifts

If you’re looking for Father’s Day jewelry gift ideas, whether estate, vintage or antique jewelry or watch, shop with confidence at Adina’s eBay store where you can rely on the experts at Adina Jewelers. 

Fun Facts about Festive December Birthstones

Interested in the three festive December birthstones? December birthdays are extra special occasions. Not only do they take place around holiday festivities, but those born in December have three birthstones with which to celebrate: turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon.

Below are some interesting and little known facts about these three festive gemstones.

1. Turquoise is a blue-green mineral, with the chemical name of hydrated copper aluminum phosphate.
2. The word turquoise is derived from the Old French word meaning Turkish stone.
3. Some of the finest turquoise is known to come from Iran, but high-grade turquoise is also mined in Arizona and New Mexico.
4. The ancient Egyptians used turquoise in jewelry, art, ornaments, and statues because they believed it had magical powers.
5. Tanzanite is named after the East African state of Tazmania, the only place in the world where it can be found.
6. The blue variety of tanzanite is called zoisite.
7. Originally known as blue zoisite, the mineral’s name was changed to tanzanite by Henry Platt, Vice President of Tiffany & Co., because he felt zoisite sounded too much like suicide.
8. In October 2002, the American Gem Trade Association officially named tanzanite as the third December birthstone.
9. Zirconium silicate is the chemical name for zircon.
10. The name zircon is derived from the Arabic words “zar” and “gun,” which means gold and color.
11. Today, zircon is primarily mined in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
12. In the Middle Ages, many people believed zircons could relieve pain, induce hunger, protect travelers from disease and injury, ensure a warm welcome, and promote restful sleep.

Where to shop for Turquoise, Tanzanite or Zirconium jewelry?

If you’re looking for a gift for someone born in December, or you are looking for jewelry to give that’s perfect for the holidays, Adina Jewelers has an extensive collection of beautiful vintage and estate jewelry at true wholesale prices. You can also shop our for all your gift-giving  as well as a wide variety of precious and semi-precious gemstone jewelry on our eBay store. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Know Your Gemstones? Citrine and Topaz True/False Quiz

Think you know your gemstones?

Test your knowledge of citrine and topaz, November’s birthstones, with our true or false quiz! Scroll down for the answers—but don’t cheat!

1. Citrines are quartz crystals commonly found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
2. The common color of citrines is blue and green.
3. The word citrine is derived from the French word, citrin, which means yellow.
4. Citrine is the gemstone for the zodiac sign of Scorpio, and the gemstone given for the 13th and 17th wedding anniversaries.
5. In ancient times, citrine was worn as protection against bad skin, evil thoughts, snakebites, and even the plague.
6. A gift of citrine is a symbol of flexibility and quick learning.
7. Some believe citrine began as amethyst, the purple quartz, with the heat from molten rock changing it to yellow quartz.
8. The presence of fluorine usually indicates that topaz is likely to be found.
9. When topaz has yellow or green overtones, it is known as Imperial topaz, and can be very rare and expensive.
10. It is widely believed that the word topaz is derived from the Sanskrit word, topas, which means fire.
11. Topaz jewelry is given for the 4th, 19th and 23rd wedding anniversaries.
12. Topaz is known as the “stone of the gods” for its strength.
13. A gift of yellow topaz symbolizes friendship, strength, wisdom, and courage.
14. Topaz was believed to ease itchy feet and cravings for sweets.
15. The ancient Egyptians believed yellow topaz’s color came from the glow cast by the sun god, Ra.
16. The ancient Greeks believed topaz could make its wearer fly.

November birthstone true/false answers:

1. True.
2. False. The common color of citrines is yellow and orange.
3. False. The word citrin is a French word which means lemon.
4. True.
5. True.
6. False. Citrine given as a gift symbolizes strength and hope.
7. True.
8. True.
9. False. When topaz has red or pink overtones, it is known as Imperial topaz.
10. True.
11. True.
12. False. Topaz is known as the “stone of strength.”
13. True.
14. False. Topaz was believed to ease bad tempers, cure insanity, and help insomnia.
15. True.
16. False. The ancient Greeks believed topaz could make its wearer invisible.

Where to Shop for Citrine, Topaz Jewelry?

If you’re looking for jewelry but don’t want to pay retail prices, visit Adina Jewelers for the best online prices for fine jewelry. For more choices, visit Adina’s eBay store where you can rely on the jewelry experts at Adina Jewelers. You’ll find fine a vast selection of beautiful jewelry and get a buying experience that’s above your expectations.

Interesting Facts about the Ruby, July’s Birthstone

To celebrate your summer birthstone, we’re paying tribute to the romantic and luxurious ruby.

Read on for fun and interesting facts about the gemstone birthstone, ruby:

• Ruby is the birthstone for July, as well as the astrological sign of Capricorn.
• Ruby is one of the four precious gemstones; the others are emerald, sapphire and diamond.
• Ruby is the red gem form of the mineral corundum, which has an absolute hardness of 400 (compared to diamonds which have an absolute hardness of 1600).
• Trace amounts of the element chromium is what gives rubies their red appearance.
• Blue corundum gems are called sapphires.
• Rubies in shades of pink are simply referred to as pink rubies.
• The finest rubies in the world were once found in Burma in South and Southeast Asia. Today, Burma is known as Myanmar.
• Flawless top-quality rubies are more valuable and rare than top quality colorless diamonds.
• The Sanskrit word for ruby is “ratnaraj” which roughly translates to “king of the gems.”
• The color of the pure red rubies from the mines of Mogok was sometimes referred to as “pigeon’s blood.”
• The most expensive ruby ever sold was a 25.59 carat cushion-shaped ruby ring set between shield-shaped diamonds. It sold in 2015 at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva for a reported $30.3 million.
• The American Museum of Natural History has the largest ruby in the world, which weighs around 4.6 grams.
• In ancient times, rubies were thought to give its wearer good health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love.
• The word red is derived from the Latin word, ruber.
• Almost all natural rubies are treated to improve their color and strength; this is standard practice and accepted by the American Gem Trade Association and Israel-Diamonds.
• At the end of The Wizard of Oz, Glinda the Good Witch of the North tells Dorothy she can return home to Kansas by clicking the heels of her magical ruby red slippers together three times and repeating the phrase, “There’s no place like home.”
• Theodore Maiman invented the world’s first laser, known as the “ruby laser” in 1960. This first generation laser was a solid-state type using a ruby crystal.
• Rubies are referenced four different times in the Bible—the Bible associates these gems with beauty and wisdom.
• According to ancient folklore, people of India believed rubies would help them be at peace with their enemies.
• High ranking Chinese mandarins were given rubies, as they were thought to provide guidance and teaching.
• In ancient times, ruby stones were kept under a building foundation, to strengthen its structure.

Where to buy ruby jewelry for great prices?

If you’re looking to buy rubies, visit Adina Jewelers or Adina’s eBay store for a beautiful collection of fine estate and vintage ruby jewelry, available at true wholesale prices.

Shop online today and enjoy our vast selection of other fine estate and vintage jewelry, plus watches, diamonds, gold, sterling silver, coins and more. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Jewelry Gift Ideas for Father’s Day, from Cool to Conservative

Whether the dad in your life is a stylish trendsetter or just an average joe who likes to keep his look simple, here are some jewelry gift ideas for Father’s Day, June 19.

Update on men’s jewelry

Like other areas of fashion, men’s jewelry is undergoing an evolution. The era of the one-size-fits-all ring or watch is in the past. Style and variety are the call of the day—bold rings, chunky bracelets, and pendant necklaces aren’t just for ladies, anymore.

Modern men are decked out with unpolished metals, rugged leather, and wooden beads. Whatever your dad’s style, here are some gift ideas that range from cool to conservative.

Hey man, nice beads

No longer exclusive to the fashion world of rock stars, punks, and hippies, beaded jewelry is hitting the streets with a range of styles. From rockers to stock brokers, beaded bracelets and necklaces offer effortless styling that can coordinate with looks from every lifestyle. Give casual dressers earthy wood or colorful beads to lend a laidback air to their style. Opt for black and greyscale beads to complement business attire.

Leather and metal

Whether wound around the wrist or suspended from the neck, a leather cord is an earthy material that exudes masculinity. Leather cord jewelry possesses casual sophistication and effortless styling. Pair leather bands with metal details to create a refined look that complements both casual and business wear.

Long, cool necklaces

Men’s necklaces featuring 24- to 30-inch chains or cords weighed down with unique, yet subtle pendants, are a trendy finish to casual wardrobes. If you’re going for the gold look, stick with chains that’re unadorned to keep the look intriguing yet understated. A night on the town calls for a simple and sleek heavy chain of either yellow gold or silver.

Make it personal

Customize the piece by choosing to have a special message or date engraved. We offer many jewelry pieces and watches that can be taken to a reputable jeweler to be personalized.

Paracord safety bracelets

For the adventurous man who thrives on preparation, a paracord bracelet offers both style and function. Woven with durable nylon rope that can unravel to a length of 3 to 20 feet, depending on the bracelet, the unraveled cord can be used to perform a variety of useful and potentially lifesaving tasks out in the wild. It can be used as a survival bow, a tourniquet for a bleeding injury, a makeshift fishing line, or for tying down a temporary shelter.

Authentic luxury watches

Luxury watches are the quintessential accessories in any well-dressed man’s wardrobe. Not only do they boast classic appeal, but luxury watches complement nearly every look. If you’re searching for an extra special gift for the lucky gent on your gift list, consider a pre-owned or vintage-style Rolex, or another luxury brand to surprise him with for Father’s Day.

Skull rings

If your father figure has a bad boy or biker vibe, then a skull ring is his jewelry match. Sturdy metals like stainless steel or sterling silver give these bold rings a solid, heavy feel while keeping them stylish. Look for a skull ring that makes a statement and complements your dad’s personality. From simple metal to crystal studded, a skull ring is just the thing to add a little edge to his look.

Stylish smartwatch

Fine watch designers are embracing the smartwatch trend. These watches have the same sophisticated look of fine timepieces, but with smartwatch capabilities. With Bluetooth connectivity and other features, like step tracking, they make an ideal gift for tech whizzes and style lovers alike.

Textured metals

Raw, brushed, and unpolished metals are setting the trend for men’s jewelry. Look for strong metals like titanium, stainless steel, and tungsten that feature unburnished finishes. This reflects masculine qualities that appeal to both the casual and business wardrobe. Look for rings, bracelet clasps, and necklaces with unpolished metal details to keep him on trend.

Where to shop for jewelry?

If you’re looking for a unique or unusual gift for Father’s Day, visit our Men’s Jewelry section or visit Adina’s eBay Store, where you’ll find fine estate watches and men’s jewelry at true wholesale prices.

Source: Overstock.com