custom birthstone jewelry Archives - Page 4 of 6

Citrine – November’s Golden Gem

Citrine, along with golden topaz, is the official birthstone for the month of November. In recent decades citrine has gained popularity in the jewelry industry and has become a yellow gemstone staple in the marketplace. Its name is derived for the Latin word citrina which means “yellow”. Citrine’s durability, affordability and attractive color make it one of the most sought after varieties of quartz. Its color also makes its an affordable alternative to golden topaz and yellow sapphire. Everything you have ever wanted to know about this golden gem and how Knox Jewelers can help you to create the perfect birthstone jewelry will be revealed below.

1. Citrine is a gemstone variety of the mineral quartz.

Quartz is one of the most common minerals on earth. Its physical form can range anywhere from sand grains on a beach to large gemstone crystals of amethyst or citrine. Though they look very different, all quartz varieties are composed of the same chemical elements, silicon and oxygen. The size and color of their crystal formation is the largest difference between quartz species. Citrine is the pale yellow to brownish orange, transparent variety of this mineral. Other popular quartz gemstones include amethyst, smokey quartz and rock crystal. Gem varieties of quartz usually form in large crystals with exceptional clarity.

2. Citrine’s most popular colors are a deep yellow and a reddish orange.

Citrine is available in varying hues ranging from pale yellows to deep orange browns. Though the most sought after hues of citrine in the marketplace are vibrant and free of brown tints.

3. Citrine crystals found in nature are extremely rare.

The exact elements and environment needed for citrine quartz crystals to form is rare. Some natural citrine is mined in Bolivia, but the supply is incredibly scarce. Most citrine gems on the market today are produced by heat treating amethyst, which is also a quartz variety. Most of amethyst heated to become golden is found in huge geodes mined in Brazil.

4. Citrine owes its yellow and orange colors to trace amounts of iron in its crystal structure.

All varieties of quartz are mixtures of silicon and oxygen. Iron is the trace element that give citrine its golden color.

5. Fine quality and large citrine gemstones remain affordable.

Citrine is one of the most popular and frequently purchased yellow gemstones because of its availability and fair cost. Even fine graded citrine has an economical price. Sizable citrines remain modestly priced, as price per carat does not rise dramatically for larger sizes.

6. Quartz varieties, like citrine, have been used in jewelry for centuries.

Quartz in any form was commonly used in Europe and the Middle East as gemstones for carving. Citrine exclusively has been found as an ornament going back thousands of years. It was a popular decorative gem in Ancient Greece, and adorned weaponry in 17th century Scotland. More recently, citrine was a go-to gem in the Art Deco era where the gemstones large sizes lead to over-sized and elaborate pieces.

7. Before modern technology, citrine was often mistake for topaz.

It is nearly impossible to visually tell the difference between a faceted citrine gemstone and another of yellow topaz. The largest difference between the two is their hardness. A citrine has a Mohs Hardness rating of 7, well topaz is slightly harder with a rating of 8.

8. Gemstone quality quartz can be found all over the world.

Natural citrine, though rare, can be found in Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, Mexico and Uruguay. Most of the amethyst that is suitable for heat treatment to become citrine is mined in Brazil.

Create the Perfect Jewelry with Citrine

If you are looking for a special piece of jewelry that will be cherished for a lifetime, we are here to help. Knox Jewelers specializes in unique custom jewelry designs and engagement rings. Citrine in any shape or size can add color to one of our custom created jewelry designs for a one-of-a-kind look!

Contact Knox Jewelers to find out more about our products or services, including our custom jewelry design service. We look forward to hearing from you.

Peridot – August’s Gem of Legend

Peridot, the August birthstone, is one of the most sought after green gems, and is said to bring the wearer luck and a sense of tranquility. It is known for its glistening yellowish-green hue. Ranging from a lime green to olive color, and sometimes a deeper brown shade, it is without a doubt that peridot is a gorgeous gemstone. This article takes a close look at this August birthstone, including its history and how you can land yourself astonishing custom made jewels.

About peridot

Peridot is the gemstone form of olivine, a common mineral that is found in lava rocks. The gemstone forms deep inside the earth, and is brought to the surface by volcanic action. It is mainly found inside lava flows in countries like China, the U.S and Vietnam. It can also be found inside solidified molten rock in some regions – Pakistan, Mynmar and Zabargad. In some rare occasions, it can be as a result of extraterrestrial activity, being found inside fallen meteorites.

Peridot is chemically composed of Iron and Magnesium. It is one of the Idiochromatic gems, meaning it derives its color from the chemical composition rather than its impurities. It thus exhibits a narrow range of colors. It is found in shades of olive green, lime green and a brown-green to yellowish green hue. The yellowish-green color is the most common shade found in august birthstone jewelry, and it is a result of the iron content.

Significance and Symbology

Peridot produces a soft, light green glow under artificial light, which has earned the name “the evening emeralds.” The gemstone is associated with peace, prosperity and goodness. In Hawaii, the stone is believed to represent the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes.

History

Peridot is among the oldest known gemstones. References of the august birthstone go all the way back to the Bible, where it is referred to by its Hebrew name “Pitdah”. It is believed that “topaz”, which was on the breast plate of the High Priest Aaron in the Old Testament, was actually a peridot.

Historically, the gemstone was used to create beads during the Ancient Egyptians era around 1580 B.C to 1350 B.C. The Egyptians associated it with light, and it was even referred to as the “gem of the sun.” On top of being used to create beads, it was believed to protect the wearer from evil. The Egyptians mined the stone from a Red Sea island called Topazios, the current day Island of Zabargad.

Peridot was also popular gemstone in other early civilizations. In Greece, it was believed to bring dignity to the wearer. It was also a prized gemstone in the Ottoman Empire, as well as among the Turkish Sultans, who are believed to have owned the largest collection of peridots in the world.

Throughout history, peridot gemstones have been confused with other gems. It is one of the many gems that have been referred to as “topaz.” It is also believed that the famous gemstones worn by Queen Cleopatra were in fact peridots, and not emeralds as many people believed.

Today, peridot is one of the most prized gemstones, mainly due to its soothing hues and its long, colorful history.

Custom Made Peridot Jewelry

If you are in search of custom created august birthstone jewelry, Knox Jewelers is the place to be. We specialize in crafting custom designed jewelry, ranging from engagement rings to pendants and earrings. Peridot gems are a perfect birthday gift for people born in August. You can consult with Knox Jewelers to create an original design for the perfect birthstone jewelry.

Here at Knox, we have a wealth of experience in creating custom masterpiece jewelry from gemstones, having been designing engagement rings and other jewelry for decades. We employ skilled artisans who are always at hand, ready to make your dream come true. Our jewelry is of the highest quality, and it is guaranteed to stand the test of time.

To own a custom design of peridot jewelry, contact one of our knowledgeable consultants today.

Ruby – July’s Royal Gem

As we enter the month of July, a new birthstone – the ruby – appears. Ruby has long been prized for its beauty and texture. In fact, it’s one of the most sought-after members of the corundum species, a family of minerals which also includes the sapphire. As such, ruby attains the highest levels of value in the precious stone marketplace, and currently has the highest per-carat price of any other gemstone on the market today. But, its market price and value are not the only attributes of ruby which make it so special. In this special report we’ve compiled exclusively for you at Knox Jewelers, we’re going to take a close look at ruby in all of its splendor, as well as introduce you to the many ways it can be incorporated into a custom created engagement ring for your loved one. Read on to learn more about this spectacular red gemstone!

A Brief History and Overview of Ruby

The history of ruby is long and rich, and it has been featured and discussed in the ancient texts of a variety of cultures. The stone derives its name from the Latin term “ruber”, most closely translated into English as “red” – a fitting name given its unique and rich color. We have found references to ruby gemstones in the bible, ancient Sanskrit texts from India, ancient Rome, and beyond. These stones have long been prized for a host of different reasons, including their toughness, stunning beauty, and symbolic significance, particularly in religious contexts. As the years progressed, ruby maintained its high standing, though the introduction of newer gemstones tempered this enthusiasm ever so slightly. Nevertheless, ruby has continued to maintain its top standing among the different gemstones, and we foresee it maintaining this lofty position for many centuries to come.

Ruby derives its rich color from trace amounts of chromium found within its crystalline structure. In fact, the presence of chromium is all that separates a ruby sample from a comparable corundum stone. Nevertheless, ruby has had a very high value placed upon it by the market as a whole. It is still greatly desired by our valued customers, and Knox Jewelers has had numerous orders for ruby engagement rings, pendants, earrings, and more. We truly enjoy working with ruby jewelry as it offers numerous opportunities for creative designs and unique embellishments that truly bring out the rich hues, colors, and textures of the fantastic gemstone. Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at some of the work we’ve done for our clients in the past, and see how we can help you to achieve your desired jewelry today!

Custom Created Ruby Engagement Rings

Although we’re happy to create any kind of item you may desire, we specialize in designing hand-made and custom created engagement rings. These rings offer numerous opportunities for creative designs, and incorporating ruby gemstones into them can often add an entirely new level of sophistication and beauty to an already remarkable piece. At Knox Jewelers, we work with all kinds of metals and design methodologies, including the use of recycled gold and platinum, conflict-free diamonds and a variety of other techniques that we’re happy to mix and match for your own special and truly unique design. No wonder, then, that our past clients and their admiring onlookers have equated our jewelry designs with the highest levels of quality – a tradition we intend to carry forward long into the future. Why not give us a call today, and see how we can help you realize your jewelry dream design? The realization of dreams is our specialty, after all.

Knox Jewelers: Your Friendly Neighborhood Ruby Experts

If you’re looking for a jeweler who truly cares about your wishes and will work together beside you to craft a stunning masterpiece that is guaranteed to stand the test of time, then look no further than Knox Jewelers. Our expertise in ruby jewelry goes way back to our founding many years ago, and we’re always excited to take advantage of this exciting gemstone in order to imbue your heirloom or engagement ring with special significance that is truly bound to make your unique jewelry a one of a kind item. Let’s get started today – contact us to learn more about Knox Jewelers can design a custom ruby engagement ring just for you!

Alexandrite – June’s Kaleidoscopic Gem

All gemstones have unique features that make them ideal centerpieces for jewelry. The alexandrite’s ability to absorb light earns it the tag of chameleon of the jewelry jungle. It can be a lovely shade of green in the bright light of day before magically turning to brown or purple in incandescent light. The alexandrite effect is such a fascinating phenomenon. It makes the gemstone a much desired piece because you could have an emerald by day and a ruby by night. Another fascinating feature of the alexandrite is that you see a different color depending on how you look at it. The main pleochroic colors include purple-red, orange and green, which arise from this gem’s unique light absorbing abilities.

Alexandrite’s Colorful History

This gem was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia, borrowing its name from heir apparent to the throne at that time, Alexander II. The stone was close to people’s hearts owing to the red and green colors that resemble the imperial flag of Russia. These gems were so beautiful and revered that even today they still remain the standard by which they judge quality. The first Russian alexandrites displayed vivid hues but with the current depletion of Ural mountain deposits, the rare gem can now be found in East Africa, Brazil, and Sri Lanka. The alexandrite found in other parts of the world is still beautiful but some display muddy hues, a fact that raises questions about its purity.

The Gem of June

The rare stone is also a June birthstone together with pearls and moonstone. Due to the rarity of alexandrite it is easier to combine it with other stones and precious metals to create the perfect birthstone jewelry. If you fancy this member of the chrysoberyl family, you can consult with any of the staff at Knox Jewelers to create a custom piece using this magical mineral. Such jewelry is ideal for people who were born in June as it is one of the stones associated to that period on the zodiac. This means that the stone has mystical, empowering and cosmetic abilities if worn by the right people. Legends have it that wearing your birthstone brings good tidings and keeps away evil spirits. We chose to work with the best gem cutters globally to maintain the high standards of the alexandrite. Knox provides master craftsmanship on every heirloom quality engagement ring or fashion piece. Alexandrite jewelry is suitable for many occasions thanks to its ability to change hue depending on light and its mineral hardness. Alexandrite is one of the hardest minerals after diamond and sapphire with a MOHS rating of 8.5. This means your custom jewelry can be worn for years to come.

Custom Creating Your Dream Birthstone Jewelry

The skillful artisans at Knox Jewelers can make you anything from wedding bands, custom engagement rings, or other pieces bearing the beauty of the lovely alexandrite. The pieces are individually crafted and they come with our lifetime warranty as Knox uses the best practices to give you jewelry that will last a lifetime. If you have a party, wedding, engagement or special event that warrants presentation of a ring, choose the unique alexandrite . Knox jewelers will create a piece of art worthy to hold such a rare and spectacular stone. Knox has surely brought the world a new way to enjoy precious stones and you can wear yours everyday. Do not wait any longer to become the owner of one stunning alexandrite ring, come to Knox where all your wishes will be artistically delivered by the most skillful craftsmen who have been at it for years. Get in touch with us today and we can start the custom creation process with you. If you want to stand out from the crowd, it is certainly time to invest in the magnificent and spellbinding alexandrite jewelry.

Emerald – May’s Echo of Nature

Emerald has captivated countless generations and deeply ingratiated itself in popular culture as well as within the jewelry industry. It is the quintessential birthstone for those lucky individuals who happen to have a May birthday, and its enduring beauty has remained a focal point of the jewelry market for hundreds of years. At Knox Jewelers, we’ve designed many hand-crafted works of art that incorporated an emerald center stone, and we think you’ll agree with us when we say that it’s a great choice for those individuals who are considering using it in a ring or pendant. Let’s take a closer look now at the history and background of this magnificent gemstone, and how we can help you to design a unique engagement ring that truly embodies your loved one’s May birthday.

The Illustrious History of Emerald

Emerald’s name comes to us from antiquity – specifically, classical Greek. Its original name was “smaragdos,” but it traveled through numerous cultures, including the Roman Empire, before being translated into modern English from the Middle English word “Emeraude.” The ancients knew just as well as we do today the cathartic healing effect that gazing at a beautiful emerald can achieve, and its popularity has endured through millenniums. Today, as it always has, emerald symbolizes the beauty and power of nature in the form of lush green landscapes and growth, thus making it an ideal gemstone to symbolize the month of May.

What You Need to Know about Emerald

Emerald is a form of beryl with a trademark green color that ranges from pure green to a blue-green mix. Although expert opinions differ as to what differentiates an emerald from a standard green beryl stone, professionals tend to identify an emerald by its rich color which is not too light as to be considered a mere green beryl. Generally, the darker the stone and the more saturated it is, the more likely it is to be considered a true emerald.

The Earth has been brewing emeralds for billions of years – 2.97 billion, to be precise. Today, it is often mined in the countries of Brazil, Colombia, Zambia, and Madagascar, among many others. Extracting this precious gemstone from the ground and preparing it for use in jewelry is an expensive and time-consuming process that involves the labor of many skilled artisans.

Selecting the best emerald stone possible involves taking into account four important criteria: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Each of these factors plays a vital role in determining whether or not a given emerald stone is up to par. Here’s what you should look for when choosing an emerald stone:

Color: Pure green stones tend to command the highest prices, and saturation is very important as well.

Clarity: Valuable emeralds typically have inclusions known as “jardins,” which are essentially “gardens” of visual inclusions.

Cut: The most common cut is a rectangular step cut, also known as an emerald cut.

Carat weight: Emeralds have lower densities than diamonds, so a one carat emerald will on average appear larger in size than a comparable diamond sample.

Your Very Own Emerald Ring

Designing a unique engagement ring for your loved one has never been more enjoyable or simple than at Knox Jewelers. From the very beginning of this special journey, we will work together with you to craft a ring that will stand the test of time while embodying your love. Our expert artisans have worked with numerous types of metals, stones, and techniques, and we know you will be eternally impressed with the emerald engagement ring that we design together with you. We’re truly looking forward to getting started on this journey with you, so be sure to get in contact with us soon.

Let’s Get Started Today!

At Knox Jewelers, we can’t wait to get started on helping you to design a stunning, unique engagement ring that is bound to stand the test of time for countless generations. Our jewelry design process is holistic and unique, and it is entirely centered around your desires and input. If you wish to create an heirloom that will last years, then get in touch with us today to get started on the journey of a lifetime. We look forward to meeting with you soon!