ZIRCON

ZIRCON

December’s Birthstone

Prized as a talisman since medieval times, Zircon was believed to clarify the mind, improve confidence and inspire the spirit.  Among its many attributes, Zircon was thought to bring wisdom, wealth and protection to those who wear it.  Zircon is available in several colors including yellow, orange, and green, with blue and red most sought after, and brown most available.  Brown Zircon is commonly enhanced by traditional heating methods to produce red and blue colors, while yellow is occasionally heated to improve its color.  Green Zircon is not typically enhanced.  To clean Zircon, use warm soapy water and a soft brush.  Avoid contact with chemicals.  Ask one of Stanley Jeweler’s four Gemologists for details regarding special enhancements and care.

TURQUOISE

TURQUOISE

December’s Birthstone

Discovered by ancient Egyptians, Turquoise was widely used in treasures fit for Pharaohs.  Old Europeans credited Turquoise with helping achieve a higher state of consciousness.  Tibetans revered the gemstone as a talisman of good fortune.  Native American Indians used it as a shaman’s stone.  A December birthstone, Turquoise is a light to dark blue or blue-green gemstone.  The finest color is an intense blue that is uniform throughout.  Turquoise may contain narrow veins of its host rock known as the matrix, sometimes in a web-like pattern.  Turquoise is routinely enhanced to improve color and durability.  To clean, wipe with a soft, damp cloth and dry.  Avoid rough treatment and contact with chemicals.

TANZANITE

TANZANITE

December’s Birthstone

And

The 24th Wedding Anniversary

No recent discovery has had a greater impact on the gemstone market than Tanzanite.  In 1967, a Portuguese prospector discovered Tanzanite in Tanzania while looking for Sapphire.  Named and promoted by Tiffany, Tanzanite rapidly won the public’s heart.  A December birthstone, Tanzanite is the recognized gift for the 24^th wedding anniversary and also for the birth of a child-inspired by the native Maasai tradition of wearing blue beads and fabric for a healthy and positive new life.  Tanzanite occurs in various colors including yellow, golden-brown and green.  It’s routinely enhanced by traditional heating methods to produce shades of violet blue to purple.  Fine Tanzanite is typically free of inclusions.  To clean, use warm soapy water and a soft brush.  Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, and contact with chemicals.

PEARLS

PEARLS

Pearls are a must have for every wardrobe. I believe several different strands of various colors, size and shapes are essential. Pearls are organic, so a few precautions should be observed when wearing or storing.

The Cultured Pearl Association of America and the Jewelry Information Center have compiled five easy care tips. If you practice the following suggestions your pearls will give you everlasting beauty and fashion pizzazz.

1.      Never hang pearls. This weakens the silk threads holding the necklace together.

2.      Never store your pearls in any type of plastic bag. Plastic can emit a chemical that will cause the pearl’s surface to deteriorate.

3.      Never leave your pearls near a direct source of heat (e.g., fireplace mantel, television set, stove).

4.      Never store your pearls in a very dry room or in a safe deposit box for a long time. Pearls need a little bit of moisture or they’ll dry out.

5.      Never allow your pearls to make contact with any chemicals found in household cleaners, perfumes, cosmetics, and hair-care products.

Remember: Pearls go with everything from jeans to formal wear.

TOPAZ

TOPAZ

November Birthstone

and

23^rd Wedding Anniversary

The name Topaz derives from the ancient Sanskrit word “tapas”, meaning fire.  Topaz was thought to fuel matters of the heart, inspire courage, increase intuition and sharpen wit.

A November birthstone, Topaz is recognized as a gift for the 23rd wedding anniversary, symbolizing love, truth and devotion.  Topaz was believed to sweeten dreams and dispositions.  The gemstone of friendship, Topaz reveals the gracious and charismatic qualities of those who wear it.

Topaz comes in a variety of colors with the rarest being natural pink, red and fine golden orange.  Intense fiery-golden Imperial Topaz, particularly in medium to large sizes, is considered among the most valuable.  The abundance of blue Topaz makes it the most affordable.

Colorless Topaz is routinely heated and irradiated to produce blue, red or green colors.  Topaz in yellow and orange is occasionally irradiated to intensify color.  Brown Topaz is not commonly enhanced.  To clean Topaz, use warm water, a soft damp cloth and a soft brush.  Although Topaz is hard, it cleaves and a sudden impact can cause a break.  Ask one of Stanley Jeweler’s four Gemologists for details regarding special enhancements and care.

CITRINE

CITRINE

November’s Birthstone

and

The 13^th Wedding Anniversary

Revered as a gift of the sun by the ancients, Citrine was believed to inspire optimism and good spirit.  Sister to Amethyst, this golden quartz-family gem is a symbol of warmth and affection.

A November birthstone, Citrine is the recommended gift for the 13^th wedding anniversary, signifying fidelity and bliss.  The gemstone of joy and contentment, Citrine illuminates the sunny disposition of those who wear it.

Derived from the French word “citron”, meaning lemon, Citrine can vary in color from pure yellow to golden honey to smoky brown.  Of all the earth toned gemstones, Citrine is one of the most popular and affordable.  Known for having good luster, Citrine is available in all sizes.  Generally, intense orange colors are most valuable.

Heating various types of quartz produces Citrine.  Heat enhancement is also routinely performed to lighten Citrine’s color.  To clean Citrine, use warm soapy water and a soft brush.  An ultrasonic cleaner is generally safe, but a steamer is risky.  Avoid contact with harsh chemicals.  Ask one of Stanley Jeweler’s four Gemologists for details regarding special enhancements and care.