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Category: Colored Gemstones
This month the spotlight is on Amethyst. Now Amethyst has a tale on how the beautiful stone earned its name. Bacchus, the god of wine and conviviality, was angry because some people had fought against him and swore revenge. He announced that the first mortal to come across his path would be eaten by tigers. Just at that moment, along came Amethyst, on her way to worship at the shrine of the goddess Diana. Diana saw what was happening and transformed Amethyst into stone to rescue her from a violent death. When Bacchus saw the miracle, he repented and poured wine over the stone, staining it purple thus creating the gemstone we know today as Amethyst.
The word Amethyst comes from the word amethutos meaning remedy of drunkeness, the Greek believed whoever wore the gemstone would be protected against the intoxicating effect of wine also that it would keep husbands faithful. Whether the Greek have the key to sobriety is still up to question. Renaissance Europeans thought it had the power to calm lovers overcome with passion. It was known that the wearer of Amethyst would become clear headed and quick witted in battle and business affairs. To many people, it represented personal empowerment and inner strength.
Every stone has their own little story, this month was Amethyst. Come take a look next month for the history and lore of Aquamarine.
With Meghan Markle set to marry Prince Harry in only a few weeks, we thought we’d give our jewelry blog a royal slant with these
TEN PRECIOUS FACTS ABOUT WEDDINGS
1) According to Newsweek magazine, the Cartier halo tiara worn by Kate Middleton is composed of 1,000 diamonds. That’s a lot of bling! According to British etiquette, Markle will be allowed to wear a tiara on her wedding day if she wants. Think she will?
2) According to some statistics, 17 tons of gold are used to make wedding rings each year. Want to play with gold? 24K pure gold, always yellow, can be bent and twisted since it’s so soft. That’s why gold jewelry is always mixed with another “alloy” to give it strength.
3) All the diamonds on the planet are billions of years old—can you imagine? Diamonds as engagement rings really took off as a trend in the early part of the 20th century when De Beers launched their “A diamond is forever” campaign. The power of marketing!
4) Not every bride dreams of a traditional diamond ring and matching band. Many of today’s brides choose gorgeous center stones like emeralds, tourmaline or sapphires. There are no rules. Choose your own bling, sparkle or understated magic—David Craig Jewelers can help you custom-design something truly unique.
5) Why are wedding bands worn on the fourth finger of the left hand? Legend says that the Romans believed that the “vein of love” in the “ring finger” ran directly to the heart.
6) Some traditions say that dropping a ring on your wedding day is said to a/shake away evil spirits or b/mean you’ll be the first one in a marriage to die. We like “a” much better!
7) The “something old” tradition implies continuity, while “something new” looks forward to the future. How about looking forward to a beautiful pair of blue topaz earrings from David Craig Jewelers?
8) Will Harry wear a wedding band? His big brother does not, citing personal preference. Similar to the tradition of the diamond engagement ring, the custom of men wearing bands may have become more popular thanks to another marketing campaign. The custom stuck in the early 20th century and the “double ring” ceremony continues to be popular today.
9) Gold and platinum are the most popular metals for wedding rings. Platinum is more durable and also hypoallergenic. If you choose gold you’ll probably want 14K and not 18K which is softer and scratches more easily. Regardless of what metal you choose, David can re-polish and clean your ring to bring it back to its original beauty!
10) The bride may be the focal point of a wedding, but there are so many other folks (like the groom!) that make the event special. Some brides choose to thank their bridesmaids with gifts such as charms or bracelets, and offer watches to their husbands-to-be. Ask us for ideas– we have many suggestions!
According to Forbes magazine, the coveted gold medals being handed out at this month’s PyeongChang Winter Olympics only contain about 6 grams of 24-karat gold. The rest of that medal weight comes from sterling silver, with the medal’s overall value worth about $570 in today’s market. But the awards going to these elite athletes aren’t the only gold objects that aren’t “pure,” and for very good reasons that don’t necessarily include price considerations.
Your Precious Metal Mix
“Pure” gold is 24K or “karats,” a purity measurement that shouldn’t be confused with the “carat” in a diamond which actually refers to the weight of the stone. That 24K ring, at a degree of purity of 99.95+%, might sound prestigious. But the reality is that rings made of pure gold will bend and scratch much more easily because pure gold is a softer metal.
Most wedding bands and engagement rings are probably 14k (58.3% gold) or 18K (75% gold) which means that the gold is mixed with other precious metals to add strength. These rings contain a bit less than 60% gold in order to hold up better with less signs of wear. They’re a perfect compromise for appearance, price and durability.
Gold-plated jewelry means a thin layer of gold is applied (bonded) on top of a base metal such as copper. Gold-plated jewelry will show wear and tear since, over time, the thin outer layer of gold fades and tarnishes. Gold-Filled is a name that’s a bit misleading since the “fill” or core is actually brass, copper or occasionally silver. A thicker gold layer (at least 5% to be considered “gold-filled”) assures longevity of up to 30 years.
A Rainbow of Colors
Yellow Gold is combined with alloys like copper and zinc to add strength. White gold is often combine with palladium, nickel (the nickel makes it harder; palladium is a softer metal) or silver and then covered (plated) with rhodium which gives it the whiter color. Both yellow and white gold can be good for long-term and constant wear.
Silver looks like white gold, and, while less expensive, is a softer precious metal and may tarnish over the years. That’s why “white” wedding rings, which are usually worn daily, are made of white gold or platinum (a rarer metal that’s even more expensive than white gold) instead of silver. “Rose” gold contains copper – the more copper added the stronger the “red” look of the gold.
We could go on and on. If you’re interested in finding your perfect piece of gold jewelry, come on in and speak to the experts at David Craig Jewelers. There’s David himself— he’s got a HEART OF GOLD— and a whole team of certified consultants —they’re also veritable GOLD MINES of information! We’d love to answer your inquiries about gold, diamonds, gemstones, appraisals, or any other jewelry-related questions. You can also give us a buzz at 215-968- 8900.
Find the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gifts at David Craig Jewelers
Express your love this Valentine’s Day with a special gift from David Craig Jewelers. Get Valentine’s Day gift ideas for your sweetheart with our collection of Valentine’s Day gifts for him and her. At David Craig Jewelers, we can help you show your special someone just how special they are to you with an elegant piece of jewelry that shines as bright as your love.
From earrings and pendants to charm bracelets and watches, you’ll find the perfect gift for your Valentine—at the perfect price. Browse our collection of Valentine’s Day jewelry gifts for her and him below. Shop these items and more in our store, plus receive a FREE box of chocolates with any Valentine’s Day gift purchase. (We won’t tell if you keep the chocolate for yourself!) Continue reading Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her and Him
Just like a doctor or dentist, the initials behind a jeweler’s or appraiser’s name mean a lot, especially since not all retail jewelers are certified gemologists or appraisers. David Craig is proud to be a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and certified gemologist and certified appraiser with the American Gem Society (AGS). David Craig is the ONLY certified American Gem Society Diamond Dealer Selling Forevermark diamonds within a 90-mile radius of Bucks County, PA, including Philadelphia, York, Harrisburg, and parts of New Jersey. Continue reading The Advantages of Buying Diamonds & Gemstones From a Certified Gemologist
Pink Tourmaline & Rose Gold Mini Aztec Starburst Stud Earrings
These sparkling Pink Tourmaline stud earrings feature beautiful round gemstones that are surrounded by brilliant pave diamonds and set in a unique 14K Rose Gold setting. Continue reading Pink Tourmaline Stud Earrings
Fall 2014 Color Trends: 10 Must-Have Jewels for the Season
The jewelry trends for fall 2014 are all about coloring your world—or at least your wardrobe. The top color trends for jewelry are based on Pantone’s Fall 2014 Fashion Color Report. The Pantone Color Institute® is the global authority on color, and this fall they’ve selected a mix of unexpected and timeless autumnal shades–from cool blues and berries to warm neutrals like brown, yellow, and steel gray. The 10 jewels below showcase the top color trends for fall 2014 and are the perfect way to transition your wardrobe into the new season. Continue reading 10 Fall Color Trends for Jewelry
Peridot is the birthstone for the month of August. (It’s also the gemstone for the 16th wedding anniversary.) With a lovely olive green hue, the peridot is one of the few gemstones that occur in only one color–green. Continue reading Pretty in Peridot – August Birthstone Jewelry
Here’s a look at the wide selection of sterling silver jewelry from Elle and Metalsmiths Sterling that is now 50% off in our Christmas in July Sale. Which pieces are you ready to try on?
Take a peek at our latest arrivals! Our new jewelry collection features bright and colorful gemstones, including amethyst, quartz, red agate and white topaz finished in rose or yellow gold and accented with diamonds. Come try these stunning new pieces on today!
Continue reading New Arrivals: Colored Gemstone and Rose Gold Jewelry
Summer Jewelry Essentials
Summer is finally here and with temperatures on the rise, it’s time to show off the hottest jewelry looks for summer. We’ve put together our list of seven jewelry essentials that are on trend for the season and that will play up any summer outfit. Let us know which one is your favorite! Continue reading 7 Hot Jewelry Looks for Summer
1. SKINNY STACKS
Delicate, feminine bangles in silver, white, yellow and rose gold add the perfect touch of style and grace to any warm-weather outfit.
Clockwise from left: From Pear Shaped Duet Cuffs in 18K Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, and 18K White Gold; Round Duet Cuff set in 18K yellow gold; Vintage Prong Cuff set in 18K White Gold; Halo Cuff in Rose Gold; Halo Cuff in 18K White Gold. Continue reading 7 Jewelry Must Haves for Spring and Summer – Jewelry Style Guide
Description: March Birth Bangle
Birthstone – Aquamarine
Birth Flower – Daffodils
Available exclusively at David Craig Jewelers, this beautiful March Birth Bangle combines Aquamarine and Daffodils in a stylish and stackable bracelet, that also makes a great birthday gift. Continue reading March Birthstone and Flower Bangle – Aquamarine and Daffodil Bracelet
Colorful Jewelry Picks for Spring 2014
Radiant Orchid
Pantone’s 2014 Color of The Year, Radiant Orchid (color No. 18-3224) is a lovely blend of fuchsia, purple, and pink undertones. This feminine and pretty color is the perfect shade to transition you out of the winter blues and into Spring. Continue reading Jewelry Trend: Spring 2014 Color Report
Jewelry is always a great gift to give (and get!), even for guys. Though small in size, jewelry holds a lot of meaning and is one of the most personal gifts you can give someone, especially if it’s personalized. Whether you’re in search of the perfect present for your mom, sister, best friend, or husband, our holiday gift guide has jewelry options for everyone on your list. Each piece can be purchased or ordered at our store.
1. For Him
If your husband or boyfriend wears a dress shirt and tie to work every day, he’ll definitely appreciate a sophisticated pair of cufflinks. These 18k white gold and diamond “X” cufflinks from Forevermark will ensure he’s always dressed to impress. Continue reading Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Jewelry Picks for Everyone on Your List
There are three different birthstones for the month of December: Tanzanite, Blue Topaz, and Turqouise. Though each gemstone possesses its own unique qualities and charm, they do share one thing in common: a stunning blue color. Learn more about each of these stones and pick the perfect December birthstone for you or a loved one.
Tanzanite
Discovered in Tanzania in the late 1960s, Tanzanite ranges in color from deep blue to burgundy to purple. This variation in colors—called trichroism—is one of the unique qualities of this stone. When mined, Tanzanite is usually a deep red, but once it is heated it turns a rich violet blue. (Tanzanites that are violet blue are the most treasured and valued.) Continue reading Facts About December’s Birthstones – Tanzanite, Blue Topaz, and Turquoise
