May

Hello Friends!  Here is a fun little snack of knowledge for you!  Especially for you friends with a May Birthday, or a loved one born in May…

Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May.  It is also the anniversary gemstone for the 20th and 35th years of marriage.

Emerald is one of the most highly-prized of all the gems.  It’s name comes from the Greek word ”smaragdos” which means green stone.  The most coveted coloring of an Emerald is a pure grass green.  They are found mainly in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Emeralds are often characterized by a garden of included crystals trapped within, known as the “jardin”, because under magnification you will see all sorts of lovely patterns resembling foliage in a garden.  A flawless, clear emerald is very rare and is usually found in only small sizes.  Small to medium sized stones are often faceted in the “step” or emerald cut.  The gem is also lovely when cut into a cabochon or dome shape.  Sometimes emeralds are even carved.  Additionally, as part of the normal fashioning process, most emeralds are immersed in colorless oil or resin so small voids are not as noticeable.

According to legend, the wearing of an Emerald cured a wide range of ailments including low I.Q., poor eyesight, and infertility.  Furthermore, an Emerald is said to enabled the wearer to predict the future.

Since Emeralds are such prized and delicate stones, extra care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals, and extreme temperature changes.  Do not use a home ultrasonic machine to clean Emerald jewelry.  To clean your Emerald jewelry you can use a mild gemstone jewelry cleaner and rinse it with lukewarm water immediately after submersion in the cleaner, or bring it in to us for a professional clean.

You can browse our unique collection of Emerald jewelry on our website.  To view only Emerald pieces, simply type “Emerald” into the search bar.  Or come visit us at our Store to view our complete selection of Emerald jewelry!

Have a sparkling day!

Kate Dunstan

April

Hello Friends!  Here is a fun little snack of knowledge for you!  Especially for you friends with an April Birthday, or a loved one born in April…

Diamond is the birthstone for the month of April and the accepted anniversary gem for the 10th and 60th years of marriage.

The name “diamond” comes from the Greek word “adams” meaning unconquerable, suggesting the eternity of love.  In fact, diamonds have been the traditional symbol of love since ancient Greece.  Discovered about 2,500 years ago in India, the ancients believed they were splinters from the stars, perhaps crystallized lightening, or hardened dew drops.

Although diamonds are associated with being a colorless stone, they are occasionally found with a strong, bright coloring in shades of green, red, pink, blue, canary yellow, and amber.  These “fancy” colored diamonds are highly-prized.

Occasionally, to improve appearance, diamonds are laser-drilled and, sometimes, a foreign substance is used to fill surface cavities or fractures.  Diamonds may also be irradiated and/or heated to induce “fancy” colors.

Even though it is the most durable of gemstones, care should be taken to protect a diamond from sharp blows.  Additionally, Household chemicals may discolor or damage the mounting.  To clean diamonds, you may use a jewelry cleaner, lukewarm soapy water, and a small bristle brush; or bring your diamond jewelry into us for a professional cleaning!

You can browse our exquisite collection of Diamond jewelry on our website.  To view only Diamond jewelry, simply type “Diamond” into the search bar, or browse the Diamond jewelry section found under each jewelry category.  And as always, you can come visit us at our Store to view our complete selection of Diamond jewelry.

Have a sparkling day!

Kate Dunstan

Happy First Day of Spring!

Happy first day of Spring, Friends!  It’s fianlly official!  Boy has this been a bizzar Winter!  We went strait from Summer into Winter with that monster of a snowstorm in October, then to fall as it should have been, then to a mild winter.  I for one couldn’t be more happy that this mess of seasons is behind us!  I’m just hoping our Spring and Summer will be a little more mellow…

Anyway, Winter is now officially over and Spring is finally here!  To celebrate, we at Dunstan Jewelers we have a couple of Spring treats for you…

The Convertible Bracelet, from the Beachcomber Collection.  To view more clasps for this versitile bracelet, visit the Beachcomber page of our website.

Mention this blog post when you call or come in to purchase clasps for your Beachcomber Bracelet
and get 15% off all Beachcomber Bracelet Clasps through the entire first week of Spring!*

Have a sparkling Day!

Kate Dunstan

*Discount only applicable to in-stock Beachcomber Bracelet Clasps.  Discount applies 3/20/2011 through 3/26/2011.

The Claddagh Tradition

Hi Friends!

Did you know that Claddagh rings have been given as a token of love or as wedding rings since the 17th century?!  The Claddagh features two hands holding a heart adorned with a crown.  The heart symbolizes love, the hands symbolize friendship, and the crown symbolizes loyalty.

This St. Patrick’s Day tell someone you love them with the time honored and tested tradition of a Claddagh Ring.

Today, Claddagh rings are used as friendship, relationship, promise, engagement, and wedding rings.  In addition to the symbolism of the ring itself and the intended message of the giver, how the wearer wears the ring carries a great deal of symbolism as well.  When worn on the right ring finger with the heart pointing to the fingertip, the wearer is free of any attachment.  On the same finger with the ring turned around, it suggests someone is romantically involved.  When the ring is on the left hand wedding ring finger it means the person is married or engaged

You can browse our Claddagh jewelry on our website, simply type “Claddagh” into the search bar.  Or come visit us at our Store to view our complete selection of Claddagh jewelry!

Have a sparkling day!

Kate Dunstan

March

Hello Friends!  Here is a fun little snack of knowledge for you!  Especially for you friends with a March Birthday, or a loved one born in March…

Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone for March. It is also the accepted anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage.

Aquamarines are found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, Zambia, Madagascar and the Ukraine.  The ideal color of aquamarine is a refreshing pastel sea blue.  Stones with a clear blue color without green or gray are generally the most valuable.  As part of the normal finishing process, some aquamarines are heated to remove traces of yellow.

If you are looking for a big, durable gemstone, Aquamarine is readily available in larger sizes and is truly dramatic when cut in rectangular or oval shapes.  It is a member of the important beryl family, which also includes emerald.  Although, as with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

In ancient times, the stone was said to aid seafarers; thus it is an excellent gift suggestion for sailors or one who takes frequent cruises and enjoys aquatic adventures!  To dream of aquamarine signifies the making of new friends, and to wear aquamarine earrings is said to bring love and affection.  It is aslo a universal symbol of youth, hope and health.

To maintain the brilliance of this beautiful gemstone, it should be immersed in jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small bristle brush.  Do not use a home ultrasonic machine.

You can browse our diverse collection of Aquamarine jewelry on our website.  To view only Aquamarine pieces, simply type “Aquamarine” into the search bar.  Or come visit us at our Store to view our complete selection of Aquamarine jewelry!

Have a sparkling day!

Kate Dunstan

February

Hello Friends!  Here is a fun little snack of knowledge for you!  Especially for you friends with a February Birthday, or a loved one born in February…

Amethyst is the recognized birthstone for February and the accepted anniversary gemstone for the sixth year of marriage.

Amethyst is a variety of quartz, and comes in pale lilac to rich, deep purple shades.  Ideally, it is a deep medium purple with rose-colored flashes that give amethyst its beauty and fire.  It is found mainly in Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia.

Because of its abundance, it is readily available in all sizes and shapes.  It is durable and can be worn every day.  Although, as with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.  Coupled with the folk legend of the Greeks that it will prevent intoxication when worn, it becomes a most desirable gem!

Amethyst was said to have a sobering effect on the wearer; not only for those who overindulge, but also on those over-excited by love’s passion.  Historically it has also symbolized peace, protection and tranquility.  Some even say it will prevent baldness and improve the complexion, as well as protect from treason and deceit.  Additionally, because royalty has always adored the color purple, amethysts abound in the ornaments of ancient Greeks and Egyptians, and in the British Crown Jewels.

You can browse our diverse collection of Amethyst jewelry on our website.  To view only Amethyst pieces, simply type “Amethyst” into the search bar.  Or come visit us at our Store to view our complete selection of Amethyst jewelry!

Have a sparkling day!

Kate Dunstan

January

Hello Friends!  Happy January!  Here is a fun little snack of knowledge for you!  Especially for you friends with a January Birthday, or a loved one born in January…

Garnet is the accepted birthstone for the month of January. It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage, and the Tsavorite Garnet is the  accepted anniversary gemstone for the twentyfifth year of marriage.

Garnets are found in the U.S., Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil and India.

When most people think of Garnet, they picture the dark red bohemian Garnet that was popular in Victorian times.  You may be surprised to learn that garnets are found in every color except blue, including a brilliant green hue known as the Tsavorite Garnet, a raspberry pink hue known as the Rhodolite Garnet, and an orange hue know as the Malaya Garnet. 

Garnets offer enough variety in appearance to suit every taste, as well as an outstanding price range to suit every pocketbook.

Historically, Garnets were believed to provide stability, grounding, and courage.  It reportedly also gives its wearer guidance in the night, protection from nightmares, and according to the Egyptians, is an antidote for snake bites and food poisoning.  Legend holds that Noah hung a large Garnet in the ark for illumination. 

Garnets are durable and brilliant and will give years of pleasure.  Although, as with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, and extreme temperature changes.

You can browse our diverse collection of Garnet jewelry on our website.  To view only Garnet pieces, simply type “Garnet” into the search bar.  Or come visit us at our Store to view our complete selection of Garnet jewelry!

Have a sparkling day!

Kate Dunstan

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas… Shopping

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

On this 12th Day of Chirstmas Shopping our gift suggestion for under $100
are beautiful Sterling Silver Inital Necklaces.

These elegant Sterling Silver Initial Necklaces would make the perfect Christmas gift.

Or come visit us to see them in person and pick out your initial,
each are perfectly priced at $45!

Have a sparkling day!

Kate Dunstan

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas… Shopping

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On this 11th Day of Chirstmas Shopping our gift suggestion for under $100
are Jewelry Chests by Reed and Barton.

These beautifully hand crafted Chests would make the perfect Christmas gift.

Many of our superior quality Jewelry Boxes and Jewelry Cases are perfectly priced under $100.
To view them in more detail, visit the Jewelry Boxes page of our website.
Or come visit us to see them in person.

We even have a few great jewelry cases for the guys on your list, too!

Have a sparkling day!

Kate Dunstan

On the Tenth Day of Christmas… Shopping

On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On this 10th Day of Chirstmas Shopping our gift suggestion for under $100
are Cultured Pearl Earrings.

Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings would make the perfect Christmas gift,
and keepsake to treasure for years to come.

Our beautiful Princess Cultured Pearl Stud earrings are available as small as 3mm and up to 8mm,
and are set on 14k Gold posts.

This very special gift is one that any young lady or beautiful woman would treasure.

Come visit us to view our selection
and see which size is perfect for your recipient.

Have a sparkling day!

Kate Dunstan