Blog

Blue Topaz: A Reflection Of Serene December Skies
Blue Topaz, one of the birthstones for December, is celebrated for its radiant beauty, versatility, and affordability. With shades ranging from pale sky blue to deep Swiss blue, this gemstone captures the serenity of a clear winter sky. In addition to its striking appearance, Blue Topaz holds symbolic meanings of wisdom, communication, and calm. This article explores the gemstone’s formation and origin, characteristics and treatments, historical significance, and its profound meaning and symbolism.

Tanzanite: The December Birthstone Since 2002
Tanzanite, a dazzling gemstone of deep blue and violet hues, is one of December's birthstones and a rare treasure in the world of gems. A variety of the mineral zoisite, tanzanite’s story is one of discovery, transformation, and unparalleled beauty. Its journey from raw zoisite to the vibrant gem we know today involves fascinating geological processes and human ingenuity. In this article, we explore the natural state of zoisite, how it became tanzanite, the treatments it undergoes, its color variations, formation, origin, mining, characteristics, history, and its profound meaning and symbolism.

Citrine The November Birthstone: Shine Like The Sun
Citrine, one of the birthstones for November alongside topaz, is a captivating gemstone known for its warm, radiant hues that range from pale yellow to deep amber. Its color, reminiscent of sunlight, has made it a symbol of positivity, abundance, and vitality. Throughout history, citrine has been cherished for its unique appearance and meaningful symbolism, and it remains popular today in various forms of jewelry. This article will explore citrine’s color variations, formation and origin, characteristics, history, and symbolism, revealing why it’s such a beloved birthstone.

Topaz: The Dazzling November Birthstone
Happy Birthday November Babies! Topaz, the dazzling birthstone for November, is a gemstone renowned for its wide array of natural colors, incredible clarity, and durability. Often associated with love, warmth, and abundance, topaz has been cherished for centuries in various cultures and holds a special place in the world of gemstones. This article explores the natural color variations, treatments, formation, origin, characteristics, history, and symbolism of topaz, illuminating why it has captivated people for generations and continues to be a favorite gemstone.

Tourmaline: The October Birthstone Symbolizing The Human Experience
Happy Birthday October Babies! Tourmaline, especially pink tourmaline, shares the spotlight as one of the birthstones for October, alongside opal. Known for its wide range of vibrant colors, tourmaline is a highly sought-after gemstone that offers something for everyone. Pink tourmaline, in particular, stands out for its stunning hues, symbolic meanings, and versatility in jewelry. This article will explore the formation, origin, color variations, characteristics, history, and symbolism of tourmaline, with a special focus on pink tourmaline, delving into why this gemstone is treasured by collectors and October-born individuals alike.

The World Of Opals: The October Birthstone
Happy Birthday October Babies! Opal, the mesmerizing birthstone for October, is a gemstone unlike any other. Known for its unique play of colors, opals have captivated people for centuries with their stunning kaleidoscope of hues that shift and shimmer with the light. Often referred to as the "queen of gems," opals are celebrated not only for their beauty but also for their symbolic meanings, fascinating formation, and rich history. Just why does this gemstone hold such a special place in the world of jewelry and gemology? In this article, we will explore the formation and origin, characteristics, history, meaning, and symbolism of opals to find our answer.

The Many Colors of Sapphire: The September Birthstone
Happy Birthday September Babies! Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is a gemstone that has captivated the human imagination for centuries. Known for its brilliant blue hue, the sapphire is associated with qualities such as wisdom, royalty, and purity. This gemstone is not only admired for its stunning beauty but also valued for its rich history, diverse color variations, unique characteristics, and deep symbolic meanings. In this article, we will explore the origins, characteristics, history, meaning, and symbolism of sapphire, highlighting why it remains one of the most cherished gemstones in the world.

Montana Sapphire: The All American Ethically Sourced Gem
Happy Birthday September Babies! If you couldn’t get enough about sapphires in my first article, The Many Colors of Sapphire: The September Birthstone, there’s more! In my last article, I wrote about sapphires from Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Madagascar, and Australia, but this all American variety of Sapphires is well deserving of it’s own special spotlight. Montana sapphires, are a distinctive variety of sapphires found in the U.S. state of Montana. Montana sapphires, in particular, are revered not only for their stunning hues but also for their fascinating origin and history.

Surprise! The Alternate August Birthstone: Red Spinel
Happy Birthday August Babies! Red spinel became an August birthstone through a modern recognition of its historical significance and its vibrant beauty. Traditionally, peridot was the sole birthstone for August, but as the popularity and appreciation for gemstones evolved, red spinel was added to the list.

The August Birthstone: Peridot
Happy Birthday August Babies! Peridot became the August birthstone due to its ancient association with the month and its long history of adornment and reverence. The gemstone’s vibrant green color, reminiscent of lush summer landscapes, made it a natural choice for August.

Summer Jewelry Care with Ring Bandits
Summer is the perfect time to flaunt your favorite jewelry, but it also presents unique challenges that can affect the condition and appearance of your cherished pieces. Here are essential tips for summer jewelry care, featuring solutions from Ring Bandits.

Ruby: The Radiant July Birthstone
Happy Birthday July Babies! The ruby, with its mesmerizing red hue stands out as one of the most cherished gemstones in history. As the birthstone for July, rubies have fascinated people for centuries, symbolizing passion, protection, and prosperity. This article explores the formation, origins, characteristics, history, and meaning of this exquisite gemstone.

Onyx: The Unique July Birthstone
Happy Birthday July Babies! You might know that your birthstone is ruby, but did you know that you have a second birthstone? Onyx, with its striking black and white bands, stands out as a unique gemstone alternate for July’s birthstone. Although traditionally not the primary birthstone for July, onyx is often associated with this month and holds significant cultural and historical value. This article provides some insight into the formation, origins, characteristics, history, and meaning of this fascinating stone.

Pearls: A Gem of Nature and Culture
Happy Birthday June Babies! June is unique in that it has three birthstones: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. Pearls, revered for their luster and elegance, have captivated humans for millennia. These precious gemstones, produced by mollusks, come in various forms, primarily categorized into freshwater and saltwater pearls, and further divided into cultured and uncultured varieties. Understanding the distinctions between these types provides insight into their beauty, value, and the meticulous processes behind their formation.

Alexandrite: The Enigmatic June Birthstone
Happy Birthday June Babies! June is unique in that it has three birthstones: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. Alexandrite was added to the list in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America, likely due to its rarity and the growing fascination with its color-changing properties. The addition of alexandrite provided an exotic and luxurious option for those born in June.

Moonstone: The Ethereal June Birthstone
Moonstone, a gemstone renowned for its enchanting play of light, has captivated human imagination for centuries. Its ethereal glow, often described as "adularescence," gives it a mystical allure that makes it a favorite among gem enthusiasts. This article delves into the formation, origins, and the story of how moonstone became one of the birthstones for June.

Green with Envy: Exploring the May Birthstone, Emerald
Happy Birthday May Babies! No need to be green with envy, your birthstone is the coveted Emerald! Emeralds hold a special significance, captivating hearts with their verdant hues and timeless beauty. Let’s explore the history, characteristics, symbolism, significance and special care needed to keep your emeralds sparkling!

Selecting the Perfect Diamond Cut for YOUR Personality: A Personal Journey of Expression and Style
Choosing a diamond cut isn't merely about finding a beautiful stone; it's about discovering a gem that mirrors your personality and resonates with your unique style. With a dazzling array of diamond cuts available, each possessing its own distinct character, the process becomes an exhilarating exploration of self-expression. From the timeless Round Brilliant to the enchanting Rose Cut, each cut offers a glimpse into the wearer's personality. Here's a comprehensive guide to selecting a diamond cut based on various personality traits.

Exploring the April Birthstone: Diamonds, the 4 Cs and the Intriguing Salt & Pepper Varieties
As the birthstone for April, diamonds reign supreme as the ultimate symbol of love, endurance, and purity. Renowned for their timeless beauty and unparalleled brilliance, diamonds have captivated hearts for centuries, serving as cherished treasures and coveted adornments. However, amidst the traditional allure of pristine clarity and dazzling sparkle, a unique and captivating variety has emerged: Salt & Pepper Diamonds. Let's delve into the captivating world of diamonds, exploring the classic 4 Cs alongside the intriguing charm of Salt & Pepper Diamonds.

How It Was Made: The Peoria Symphony Orchestra 126th Annual Commemorative Pendant/Lapel Pin
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a passion for artistic excellence, the "126th Annual Peoria Symphony Orchestra Commemorative Pendant/Lapel Pin" by KM Jewelry Design stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of fine craftsmanship. From its inception to its final unveiling, this exquisite piece embodies the harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation. Utilizing state-of-the-art Computer-Aided Design (CAD) technology, ensuring every curve and contour reflects the essence of musical harmony and elegance. Through the intricate process of casting, setting and the final polish, this one-of-a-kind pendant and lapel pin emerges as a masterpiece, capturing the essence of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra's rich legacy. As a symbol of artistic excellence and cultural celebration, the "126th Annual Peoria Symphony Orchestra Commemorative Pendant/Lapel Pin" embodies the timeless allure of fine jewelry and the profound impact of music on our lives.
