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

Emerald, the May Birthstone

Emerald, the May birthstone is not only a stunning gemstone, but intriguing, as well! Here are some fun facts to help improve your knowledge and lore of the stunning and ever-popular Emerald:

1. Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl.
2. Emerald green is the most sought after and valuable shade of emerald.
3. Emeralds get their green color from trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium.
4. Ireland is known as “the Emerald Isle” for its lush green fields.
5. The emerald is the gemstone for the Zodiac star sign, Taurus.
6. Emeralds are traditionally given as gifts for 20th, 35th and 55th anniversaries.
7. An emerald with the right color and characteristics can be rarer and more expensive than a diamond of similar size.
8. Emeralds are symbolic of springtime and rebirth, and so are believed to help with  fertility, ensure a healthy pregnancy, and ease childbirth.
9. The word emerald is derived from the Greek word, smaragdos, which means means green stone.
10. On a scale of 10, emeralds are a 7.8 – 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
11. Today, most emeralds are found in Colombia, and the most famous emerald deposit is called the Muzo mine, located northwest of Bogota.
12. Up until around 200 years ago, peridots were commonly mistaken to be emeralds.
13. Green Swarovski crystals are used to make replica emeralds because they can be more precisely faceted.

Where to shop for emerald jewelry?

If you’re looking for emerald jewelry but don’t want to pay retail prices, 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 emerald and other gemstone jewelry and get a buying experience that’s above your expectations.

Top Six Steps to Picking the Perfect Engagement Ring

 

How to Pick the Perfect Engagement Ring

Learn the top six steps to picking the perfect engagement ring with these tips.

Selecting an engagement ring for your future spouse can be one of the most daunting tasks a romantic can undertake. You’ve found the “one” to be your life partner and want to find the “perfect” ring he or she will love and want to show off to friends and family.

There are many choices, but fear not, we’ve put together six steps to finding the perfect engagement ring for your future spouse, courtesy of the GIA.

1. Make it a surprise. While the trend of couples shopping together for an engagement ring is on the rise, we suggest you try to figure out what he or she will like on your own. Yes, it will take some detective work, but if you get it right, the reward will pay dividends. There are few opportunities for a really big surprise in life—let your engagement ring be one of them.
2. Decide on and stick to your budget. Like any major purchase, decide on what you can comfortably afford, and stick to it. Then do your due diligence so you can save money. Spending more than you have to won’t make the ring any nicer than it is. In fact, getting a good deal may endear you even more to your future spouse. Rather than expensive retail jewelry stores in malls (remember, you’re paying higher mark ups), consider visiting a high-end pawn shop like Empire Jewelers for beautiful and unique pieces at a fraction of the cost.
3. Pay attention to what they wear. You could ask one of their close friends for advice on the kind of ring he or she would like, but you run the risk of them talking and ruining the surprise. We suggest putting on your detective hat and paying attention to what your SO is wearing from day to day.Are the rings and other pieces classic and traditional or funky and modern? Are they full of bling or more subdued? If you buy something similar to what he or she already likes, you’ll probably choose the right one.
4. Know their ring size. This is an important one, because you’ll want to know the ring will fit when you present it. If he or she wears rings, borrow one they already own. Trace the inner circle on a piece of paper, or press the ring into a bar of soap for an impression. You can also slide it down one of your own fingers and draw a line where it stops. A jeweler can use these measurements to identify his or her approximate ring size.
5. Know what diamond shape suits him or her. After determining the style and ring size, you’ll need to pick a design. As your future spouse will be wearing this ring every day during his or her engagement and into your married life, it really needs to fit their personality. To help you decide, here are some popular engagement ring designs to consider for him or her:

Engagement ring designs for women:

• • Solitaire – Featuring a single stone, this is the most popular choice in engagement rings. Solitaires can be set with four prongs or six prongs. A four-prong-setting shows more of the diamond, but a six-prong setting is often more secure.

• • Side stones – Diamonds or other gemstones, flank the main stone for additional sparkle or color. Popular side-stone settings include ”channel,” which protects stones by keeping them flush, and ”bar channel” which allows more light to enter the sides tones.

• • Three Stone – One diamond for the past, one for the present, and one for the future. Typically, the center diamond is larger than the two side stones.

• • Pavé (pah-vey) – The main stone is surrounded by tiny diamonds to add sparkle and the illusion of greater size.

• • Engagement ring designs for men:

• • In addition to traditional gold and platinum, men’s engagement and wedding rings come in an array of unique, modern metals. Select from titanium, zirconium, tungsten carbide, and steel. Even natural materials, such as wood are becoming increasingly popular. Men may also choose a ring that’s accented with stones such as black diamonds for added brilliance and intrigue. Plain bands featuring textural elements such as a woven or hammered design are also quite popular.

6. Create an experience. Once you’ve made the effort and decided on the ring you think your loved one will truly cherish, create a proposal experience that’s unique to your relationship. Whether together you enjoy sports, horseback riding, taking in shows or have a favorite romantic hiking spot, create one of the fondest experiences you can and make a memory to last your lifetime together.

Where to shop for engagement rings?

If you’re looking for a fine diamond engagement ring, make sure to shop Adina Jewelers as well as the eBay store for an incredible selection of hundreds of high-quality new and estate diamond rings at up to 70 percent off what you would pay at retail.

Source: GIA

All About Aquamarines — March Birthstones

Read all about Aquamarines-the March birthstone!

Happy birthday March babies! Your official birthstone is not only beautiful, it’s full of history and mythology.

Here are some interesting facts about your March birthstone, the aquamarine.

• In addition to being the birthstone for March and the Zodiac sign of Pisces, aquamarine is also the gemstone used to celebrate a 19th wedding anniversary.
• The aquamarine is a transparent pale blue variety of beryl (beryllium aluminum silicate) — the same mineral family that emeralds belong to.
• Like many beryls, aquamarine forms large crystals suitable for sizable fashioned gems and carvings.
• The word aquamarine is derived from the Latin phrase “aqua marinus,” meaning “water of the sea” because they are said to resemble the beautiful blue green of ocean water.
• Aquamarines come in a wide range of shades and colors, from pale sky blue to richer blue, and blue-green. The rarest and most valuable aquamarines are those with a deep blue color.
• The best gems combine high clarity with limpid transparency and blue to slightly greenish blue hues.
• The color of aquamarine is due to trace amounts of iron that works its way inside the crystal. Most commercially sold aquamarines are heat treated to produce a more desirable blue-green color.
• Aquamarines have a hexagonal-shaped crystal system. They are pleochroic in nature, meaning they can show three colors, depending on the angle they’re viewed.

History of Aquamarine:

• Aquamarines were once said to calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. March’s birthstone was also thought to enhance the happiness of marriages.
• Like many gems, aquamarines are said to have metaphysical powers, including the ability to clear and cleanse, refresh and uplift the mind. They are also said to promote courage, calm, compassion, tolerance, love, communication, self expression, reasoning, intellect, and connection to one’s higher self.
• Aquamarines are also said to aid in the healing of sore throats, swollen glands, calming nerves, improving vision, and cooling sunburns and fevers.
• The ancient Romans believed that Neptune, the god of the sea, obtained aquamarines from the jewelry boxes of the Sirens. Legend has it that Neptune gave aquamarines as a gift to the mermaids.
• Because of its bond with the sea, aquamarine is the gemstone of several sea goddesses, including Aphrodite, also known as the Greek goddess of love.
• Aquamarines are also said to bring safety to sailors, who are known to wear aquamarine talismans engraved with the likeness of Neptune, as protection against dangers at sea.

Where can aquamarines be found?

• Aquamarines are mined in exotic locations including Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan and Mozambique, but most modern aquamarines come from Brazil.
• One of the largest aquamarines ever mined weighed 110.5 kg (243 lbs). It was found in 1910 in Marambaia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
• In the United States, the only location where you can mine for aquamarines is Mount Antero in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The elusive gem is said to be found at altitudes of 14,000 feet or more!

Where to shop for aquamarine jewelry?

If you’re looking to buy an estate, vintage or antique jewelry, shop with confidence Adina Jewelers, and for more selections of aquamarine jewelry, shop at Adina’s eBay store where you can rely on the experts at Adina. You’ll find fine a vast selection of fine jewelry at true wholesale prices and deliver a buying experience that’s above your expectations.

Garnet, the Birthstone for January

Garnet, the Birthstone for January

Happy birthday to those of you born in January!

To help celebrate, here are some fun and interesting facts and myths about your very own birthstone, the garnet.

• The name for garnet derives from the Latin word granatus, meaning grain. This is a likely reference to the pomegranate fruit which has seeds of a similar shape, size and color to some garnet stones.
• Garnet is not a single mineral, but a broad group of minerals. On the Moh’s hardness scale, garnet is usually 6.5 to 7.5.
• Garnets are known for their deep red color, but they also come in a variety of other colors including green, orange, brown, yellow, and earth tones such as cinnamon. This diversity of color is due to the combinations of elements within each particular gem, such as iron, calcium and manganese.
• Garnets are associated with love, devotion, honor and loyalty. A garnet given as a gift is said to grant loyalty and affection upon the bestowed.
  
• Garnets are very abrasive and are used commercially for grinding and polishing. There is such a thing as garnet-coated sandpaper.
• Garnets are thought to have healing powers, specifically for heart-related ailments. Garnets are believed to help cardiovascular problems by regulating internal rhythms and normalizing blood pressure.
  
• From a metaphysical perspective, garnets are said to awaken the “heart center,” and can purify and cleanse the body, remove toxins, and revitalize the spirit.
  
• Because garnets are believed to protect against injury and death, soldiers and sailors throughout the ages have carried garnets into battle. Garnets are also thought to offer protection against injury or death.
• In the Bible, it is believed that Noah affixed a garnet carbuncle on the mast of his Ark to light his way through the dark and stormy nights of God’s wrath.
  
• The first garnets were mined in Sri Lanka more than 2,500 years ago. They are commonly found in India, South Africa, Brazil, Canada, Hungary and Austria. In the United States, garnets are mined in Arizona and Idaho.
  
• The almandine garnet is the official state mineral of Connecticut, and was declared so by the state’s General Assembly in 1977.
  
• Bohemia, now located in the Czech Republic, was an early source of quality garnets and is one of the few places in the world where pyrope garnets are found.  
  
• Although the Magic Garnet Museum in Prague, Czech Republic, closed in 2008, you can still virtually visit their large collection of historical and contemporary garnet jewelry online. 

Where to shop for garnet jewelry?

If you’re looking for a beautiful gemstone, like garnets, shop Adina Jewelers. You’ll find amazing fine estate, vintage and antique jewelry — from watches and rings to engagement rings — at true wholesale prices!