Birthstone of The Month: the Diamond, April’s Birthstone

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Diamond solitaireAPPEARANCE

Everyone is familiar with April’s birthstone, the Diamond, so where do we begin? Well, how are they formed? Diamonds are formed by intense heat and pressure acting on carbon atoms over millions of years. These carbon atoms come from either trapped carbon dioxide gas or from the melting of pre-existing rocks deep (at least 75 miles) beneath the earth’s crust. Over time volcanic forces push the diamonds to the earth’s surface revealing the intensely clear cubic crystal structure. Scientists believe that the oldest diamonds are somewhere around 3 billion years old.

But not all diamonds are clear. In fact some of the most valuable diamonds have colors ranging from pink to blue, and most colors in between. During formation, intrusion of atoms of nitrogen, boron and phosphorous creates colored diamonds; nitrogen and boron causing the yellow and blue color, respectively. However, given that the diamond is the most transparent of all known solid and liquid substances, it’s not a surprise that clear diamonds are the most popular and sought after.

HISTORY OF THE DIAMOND

It is believed that the first diamonds were discovered in India some 3000 years ago and were initially used for simple decoration because of their clear, crystalline beauty. They would soon come to be worshiped by the Greeks for being indestructible.

In fact, the word diamond comes from the Greek word, “Adamas” which means “unconquerable”. Continue reading →

Birthstone of The Month: Aquamarine, March’s Birthstone

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Aquamarine ringAPPEARANCE

Aquamarine is actually a bluish-green variety of the mineral beryl. Pure beryl is a transparent mineral consisting of aluminum and beryllium. But when iron finds its way into beryl’s crystal structure, the resulting range of colors equals that of the sea. This is the gemstone we know as Aquamarine.

In fact, the name Aquamarine is derived from the word “seawater”: ‘aqua’ (Latin for water) and ‘mare’ (Latin for sea).

With colors ranging from a pale blue to a deep sea-blue, it is the clearest, most saturated blue color of Aquamarine that is the most desired and the most valuable.

HISTORY OF AQUAMARINE

In ancient times the Aquamarine was believed to have come from a mermaid’s treasure chest and was thus considered by both the Romans and the Greeks as a lucky stone for sailors. The Romans believed the stone brought about both cheerfulness and friendliness and was considered to ensure a happy marriage as well as to promise health, prosperity and clearness of mind. Continue reading →

Birthstone of The Month: Amethyst, February’s Birthstone

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Amethyst gemAPPEARANCE

Amethyst is recognized by its alluring purple color that scientists believe comes from the stones natural radioactive properties and its long pyramidal crystals combined with its elemental iron makeup. However, though always purple, Amethyst exists in a wide variety of violet shades and is known to change color both when viewed in different lighting conditions as well as when heated.

HISTORY OF THE AMETHYST

Ancient Greeks believed that the Amethyst could avert the effects of alcohol, and crushed Amethyst would even be mixed in one’s drink to accomplish this cause. Amethyst has also been thought to protect its wearer from disease, violence and anger and the stone was believed to endow its wearer with intelligence, sobriety and clear thought.

Being a widely available and brilliantly colorful variety of quartz, Amethyst has been used for sculpture and jewelry throughout history. According the Greek mythology, the origin of the amethyst resides with the Greek God of wine and celebration, Dionysus (Bacchus). Continue reading →

Elegant and Beautiful Black Hills Gold Valentines ideas for your Sweetheart

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Black Hills Gold heart pendantIt’s not easy finding the perfect gift that conveys exactly how you feel, or what you want to say to your sweetheart or special loved one on Valentines Day. With this special occasion right around the corner, it’s time to start looking for the ideal gift that not only communicates your love for her, but also serves as a token of your devotion and commitment to her. And nothing says “I love You” quite like Black Hills Gold jewelry does! With a huge selection of fine quality, hand-made jewelry, you are sure to find that perfect and unique gift that expresses exactly how you feel about your special loved one.

Shop BlackHillsGoldSource for Your Valentine’s Jewelry Gift

Made by Landstroms in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Black Hills Gold jewelry is a quality made product that is perfect for your Valentine or special someone. Landstroms, the original Black Hills Gold manufacturing company, has been creating beautiful designs for over 130 years in their family-run South Dakota factory. Located in Rapid City, the factory is known for their quality hand-made jewelry that has been cherished and sought after for generations. In addition, since each piece is hand-made, no two pieces are alike, making this jewelry collection a very unique gift idea.

BlackHillsGoldSource.com provides fast, easy on­line shopping for Black Hills Gold Continue reading →

Birthstone of The Month: Garnet, January’s Birthstone

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Every month this year we will be posting a short essay: Birthstone of The Month. The first  is devoted to the Garnet, January’s Birthstone.

Garnet gemsAPPEARANCE

The Garnet is typically recognized by its deep, rusty-red color but there are actually over 29 known varieties of them. While they all have essentially the same cubic crystalline structure, the different types of Garnets vary in chemical makeup and other physical properties resulting in colors that range across the spectrum. While it’s true that the deep red variety is the most commonly occurring, the color of Garnet can range from earth tones to yellow, orange, red and even vibrant green, such as the brilliant Tsavorite. Because of these chemical and physical properties, the only color that Garnets are not available in is blue.

HISTORY OF THE GARNET

The mythology of the Garnet can be traced back to ancient Greece where it was believed that Garnets held many special powers. The Romans associated the Garnet with Mars, the god of war. Continue reading →