Birthstone of the Month: Blue Zircon, December’s birthstone

Blue Zircon image

HISTORY OF BLUE ZIRCON

Though it is generally accepted that the custom of birthstones originated from the Breastplate of Aaron, a religious article which held twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel, over the years different cultures have interpreted the instructions for fabricating the breastplate differently resulting in a variety of birthstone lists. And though it is also probable that these stones were assigned according to astrological sign, in recent times it has become popular to appoint the variety of birthstones to the months of the year. The month of December, the final month of the year, is certainly no different in this respect and has a number of possibilities.

The modern birthstones for December have been Turquoise or Tanzanite, but in recent years Blue Continue reading

Birthstone of the Month: Peridot, August’s Birthstone

Peridot

APPEARANCE OF PERIDOT

The Peridot (pronounced: pair•a•doe) is the yellowish to olive green gem variety of the mineral olivine. Olivine itself is comprised of two other minerals, fayalite and forsterite, the main composition of each being iron and magnesium, respectively. Though most Peridot is the magnesium rich forsterite, it’s the amount of iron in olivine which contributes most to the final color of Peridot, with amounts less than 15% resulting in the higher quality gems. Other trace elements that contribute to its color are nickel and chromium.

Like other gemstones, Peridot crystals are formed by intense heat and pressure beneath the Earth Continue reading

Black Hills Gold Valentine Jewelry


What better way to say I Love You than with a beautiful piece of Landstroms Black Hills Gold Valentine jewelry? With Landstroms heart jewelry, romance is always in the air! Remember, Valentine’s Day is February 14th and it’s only a month away!