December

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

Turquoise is the accepted birthstone for December and is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 11th year of marriage.

Colors in Turquoise range from sky blue (most desirable color) to blue green and apple green.

The name means “Turkish stone” because the trade route that brought it to Europe used to come via Turkey.  The best qualities are found in northeast Iran (Persian turquoise).  However, the United States southwest is now the world leader in production of Turquoise.

Turquoise was found in Siani as early as 4,000 BC.  At that time the stone was used for jewelry, amulets and in the preparation of cosmetics.  During the 16th century Turquoise was used as currency by the Southwest Indians.  They believed the gemstone could bring spoils to the warrior, animals to the hunter, and happiness and good fortune to all.

Although large quantities of beautiful untreated Turquoise are readily available, today’s turquoise is commonly stabilized with plastic to improve its color and durability.  Chalky varieties of turquoise are normally impregnated with oil or wax to enhance color.  This color change may not be permanent.

Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, hot water, and household chemicals.  To clean your Turquoise jewelry, do not use a home ultrasonic machine.

Because of the unique nature of June’s gemstone, Blue Zircon and Tanzanite have become recognized as additional alternatives for the December birthstone, especially for those who prefer faceted stones.

Zircon occurs in a wide range of colors, but today the most popular color December’s is Blue Zircon.  Most Blue Zircon comes in pastel blue shades, but some exceptional gems have a bright blue color.  The other colors of Zircon are green, dark red, yellow, brown, orange, and colorless.  Zircon is mainly found in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Australia.

In the middle ages, Zircon was said to aid sleep, bring prosperity, and promote honor and wisdom in its owner.

Although Zircon is relatively hard and a heavy stone, extra care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

Tanzanite is one of the rarest gemstones and found only in Tanzania.  Tanzanite is a more recently discovered gem but has increased in popularity over the past few decades because of it’s beautiful blue hues and purple fire.  Some of the less coveted but still beautiful varieties fall in the light violet-blue color range.

Tanzanite has become associated known as a gem meant for a prestigious wearer, the perfect gift for the woman who exudes confidence and individuality.

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

Have a sparkling day!

Kate Dunstan

November

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

Topaz is the accepted birthstone for November.  Blue topaz is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 4th year; and Imperial topaz for the 23rd year of marriage.

Most people think of topaz as a transparent golden yellow gemstone.  However, this gemstone occurs in a variety of hues such as orange-yellow, red, honey-brown (dark sherry), light green, blue, pink, and even colorless.  Orange-red “Imperial” topaz and pink colors are rare and most valuable.

The name topaz is derived from the Greek word meaning “to shine” and also implies “fire”.   The magic and romance of Topaz goes back many thousands of years.  It holds the distinction of being the gemstone with the widest range of curative powers.  It supposedly cooled tempers, restored sanity, cured asthma, relieved insomnia and even warded off sudden death.  Topaz is said to make its wearer invisible in time of emergency.  Also, It proved the loyalty of associates by changing color in the presence of poison.  Additionally, The Greeks felt it gave them strength.

Topaz is found mainly in Brazil, Ngeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and China.  As part of the normal fashioning process, most brownish to sherry brown Topaz are heated to produce a permanent pink color.  Certain types of Topaz are irradiated and heated to produce shades of blue.

Citrine is often used an alternative to Topaz because it appears in many of the same colors as topaz.  Unlike Topaz, citrine is readily available and inexpensive even in large sizes.

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

Have a sparkling day!

Kate Dunstan

October

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

Opal is the October birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 14th year of marriage.

The well-known Roman naturalist Pliny described opal as “made up of the glories of the most precious gems… the gentler fire of the ruby, the rich purple of the amethyst, the sea-green of the emerald, glittering together…”

Opals are found in Australia, Mexico and the U.S.  White opal has a white or light body color with flashes of many colors scattered about within.  Black opal has a black, dark blue, dark green or gray body color with vivid flashes of color such as red, pink and bright green dancing together within.

Opal has symbolized hope, innocence, and purity through the ages.  In the Middle Ages, young, fair-haired girls wore Opals in their hair to protect its lovely blond color. Medieval writers believed the Opal could render its wearer invisible when the need arose.  It was thought to banish evil spirits and favor children, the theater, amusements, friendships and feelings.  Additionally, It was also said to have a beneficial effect on eyesight.

Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals, and extreme temperature changes.  To maintain the brilliance of opal, it should be wiped clean with a soft cloth.  Do not use a home ultrasonic machine or jewelry cleaner.  For a professional clean of your opal jewelry, bring it into the Store, we would be happy to clean them for you.

Because of the unique nature of October’s gemstone, Pink Tourmaline has become recognized as an additional alternative birthstone for the month of June.

Pink Tourmaline spans the color spectrum from red to violet.  Color combinations also occur in one type of Tourmaline stones which contributes to its popularity.  A benefit of Tourmaline is it is not as fragile as Opal and is sometimes selected by those who prefer faceted stones.

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

Have a sparkling day!

Kate Dunstan

September

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

Sapphire is the September birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary gem for the 5th and 45th years of marriage.

Sapphire, a variety of corundum, comes in all colors except red (the red variety is known as ruby), but is especially popular in deep blue.  Fancy colored sapphires come in shades of pink, green, orange, and golden yellow, and are magnificent when combined in a necklace or bracelet.  As part of the customary fashioning process, virtually all blue, yellow and golden sapphires are heated to permanently produce or intensify their color.

Sapphires are found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), Kasmir, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China and the U.S.

Ancient priests and sorcerers honored Sapphire above all gems because it was believed that Sapphires could enabled them to interpret oracles and foretell the future.  Ancients also believed the Ten Commandments were written on a sapphire tablet.  Additonally, marriage partners historically put great faith in the stone.  If its luster dimmed, one knew his or her spouse had been unfaithful.  It was believed that the Sapphire would refuse to shine when worn by the wicked or impure.

In addition to being know for it’s luxe appearance, Sapphires are known for their hard and wearable quality. Prince Charles chose a Blue Sapphire for Princess Diana’s engagement ring.  The stone’s durability, combined with its beauty, makes it a perfect alternative for an engagement ring.  Although, as with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

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

Have a sparkling day!

Kate Dunstan

August

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

Peridot is the accepted birthstone for August.  It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage.

Peridot is the child of volcanic action.  Tiny peridot crystals are sometimes combed from the black sands of Hawaii.  The peridot is abundant, and is available in larger sizes.  It is found in Myanmar (Burma), China, and the U.S.   The most important source of peridot in the world is the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation near Globe, Arizona, where it is mined by native Americans.  However, large sizes are typically mined in Myanmar.  Faceted Peridot should be a lively lime green, without a brownish or olive cast.

Peridots were favored by pirates, who considered them to be powerful amulets against all evil, and when set in gold, were said to protect the wearer from the terrors of the night.  It was believed they had medicinal uses, too.  If fashioned into a chalice from which medicines were drunk, they intensified the effects of the drug.

Care should be taken to protect peridot from scratches, sharp blows, household chemicals and extreme temperature changes.  To clean your Peridot jewelry, use only approved mild jewelry cleaner, do not use a home ultrasonic machine.  And as always, you can bring in your Peridot jewelry for a professional cleaning!

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

Have a sparkling day!

Kate Dunstan

July

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

Ruby is the accpted birthstone for July.  It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th year.

Ruby is known as the “Lord of the Gems” because of its rarity and beauty.  It’s name is derived from the Latin word “ruber”, which simply means red.  Ruby, like sapphire, is a variety of corundum and is only a true red in color.  The finest color is a vivid, almost pure spectral red with a very faint undertone of blue, as seen in Burmese rubies which are considered the finest.

The highest quality Rubies are said to protect their owners from all kinds of misfortune.  A fine Ruby assured the owner he would live in harmony with his neighbors, and it would protect his stature in life, his home, and land.  It’s protective powers were said to be intensified when set in jewelry and worn on the left side.  Many believed Rubies possessed an inner flame which burned eternally.

The finest Rubies emanate from Burma, and have been mined there since ancient times.  Other sources include Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Cambodia, Afghanistan and India.  As part of the customary fashioning process, virtually all Rubies are heated to permanently improve their color and appearance.

As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.  To clean your Rubies use only an approved jewelry solution or bring them in to our store for a professional cleaning.

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

Have a sparkling day!

Kate Dunstan

June

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

Pearl is the birthstone for the month of June.  It is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 3rd and 30th years of marriage.

A pearl is the product of an oyster’s defense mechanism.  When a foreign irritant is introduced either by man (cultured) or naturally, the oyster immediately surrounds it with layers of a substance called nacre.  This forms the exquisite gemstone know as pearl.

Pearls come in a wide range of colors.  They should be relatively free from skin blemishes.  The most valuable pearls can be caracterized by their perfectly round shape, supreme luster or “orient”,  and more considerable size.  Although, recently, irregular shapped pearls of all different lusters and sizes have become increasingly popular.  Some of these other varieties include but are not limited to the stylish mabe pearls (large hemispherical cultured pearls), fresh water pearls (oblong in unique shapes and colors), and the highly esteemed South Sea Pearls (large cultured pearls 10mm and up from Australia’s and Indonesia’s waters).

Pearls have been recognized as the emblem of modesty, chastity, and purity.  Additionally, They have come to symbolize a happy marriage.

When wearing your pearls it is important to avoid household chemicals, cosmetics, hair sprays, and perfumes.  When not wearing your pearls, store them in a protective chamois pouch or tissue paper.  To clean your pearls you can wash them with an approved pearl cleanser and water.  Don’t use ultrasonic cleaners.

Because of the unique nature of June’s gemstone, Alexandrite has become recognized as an additional alternative birthstone for the month of June.

Alexandrite is a rare and incredibly coveted gem because of it’s unique optical feature, it actually changes color in different lights.  The most common form of Alexandrite has a green or bluish-green hue in daylight, and turns a soft shade of red, purplish-red, or raspberry red in incandescent light.

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

Have a sparkling day!

Kate Dunstan

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.