#1 Gold Dealer in Texas
Tourmaline comes in a wide variety of colors, more so than almost any other gemstone species. In fact many of the Tourmaline colors have inspired their own trade names. Rubellite is a name for pink, red, purplish red, orangy red, or brownish red tourmaline, although some in the trade argue that the term shouldn’t apply…
The history of the birthstone varies, generally thought to have started with the 12 gemstones of Aaron’s breastplate. It appears that it has been decided that the Carbunkle stone may refer to Ruby or Garnet, and Sardius may refer to Carnelian, and Ligure refers to Zircon or Quartz crystal. Someone decided to modernize these gemstones,…
Some months have gotten away from what was considered the “traditional” gemstone, and have additional stones for a certain month, and the reason is the popularity or particular color of the stone or its unusual qualities. Although I have a bit of difficulty with bloodstone being added to March, then again I found some beautiful…
Throughout history, there have been many myths and legends associated with birthstones. Many cultures have believed that birthstones have magical healing powers or bring good luck. Not all cultures have agreed on which stones correspond to which months, though, so you can find different lists of birthstones over the course of time. Today, most jewelers…
The first century Jewish historian Josephus believed there was a connection between the twelve stones in Aaron’s breastplate, the twelve signs of the Zodiac and the twelve months of the years. Translations and interpretations of the passage in Exodus regarding the breastplate have varied widely, with Josephus himself giving two different lists for the twelve stones. George…
A recently discovered species of mineral will be named after John Koivula, veteran gemologist and researcher with GIA. A 1.16 ct. crystal of the new mineral—now christened johnkoivulaite—was found in the Mogok Valley of Myanmar by local gemologist Nay Myo. It was confirmed as a new mineral species by the GIA and California Institute of Technology,…
The vault at Saks Fifth Avenue the department store’s wildly luxe, basement-level fine jewelry bonanza. One of the many prestigious names that comprise this glittering tableau is Beverly Hills, Calif.–based couture jewelry designer, Martin Katz. Well known for his innumerable celebrity clients and longtime dominance on awards show red carpets, Katz’s Saks presence encompasses a curated boutique collection…
When Amazon started its prime shipping in 2005 that started a trend in shipping expectations from other retail merchants. 43 percent of those who shop online check out shipping charges and base many times base their purchases on what’s fast and free. The holidays are right around the corner and customers will be looking for…
Doris Payne has been a jewel thief since forever. She grew up with a father who physically abused her and her mother. When she stole her first diamond ring she sold it to get her mother away from her husband. In the years since, I, and many others have written countless stories about Payne’s six…
Once more families gathered at ground zero, where nearly 3,000 people died on that bright September morning. Once more, there was an outpouring of grief. Once more, there was the sound of a bell tolling in mourning. And there was the rhythm of names being recited. Eighteen years have passed since terrorists commandeered airplanes and the twin…