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Interesting Jewelry Facts: Gold

Ten interesting facts about gold

1.  The mineral pyrite has a similar appearance to gold has its nickname fool’s gold.
2.  China has recently surpassed South Africa as the biggest producer of gold.
3.  The largest gold nugget was found in Australia and weighed over 200 pounds.
4.  Karat is the measurement used for how much solid gold is in an item.  If an Golditem is 100% gold, then it is 24 karat.
5.  Pure gold is always yellow.  Rose gold has been combined with copper.
6.  It is believed that only about 20% of the earth gold has been discovered.
7.  Western jewelry is typically 14 karat versus jewelry from South Asia which is usually 22 karat.
8.  American brides receive gold and diamonds 75% of the time.
9.  Astronaut’s visors on their helmets receive a coating of gold to reduce glare and heat from the sun.
10.  The world’s largest accumulation of monetary gold is located at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York.

Courtesy:  Love and Pieces

#Gold  #JewelryFacts #DElegante

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Anniversary Gemstones & Symbols

An anniversary is a special occasion to celebrate one’s love for their spouse.  Each anniversary can be represented by a gift of gemstone or special symbol signifying the years of marriage.  D’Elegante can help you choose just the right gemstone or gift to celebrate your special occasion.

AnniversaryGemstoneTraditional SymbolModern Symbol
1Gold JewelryPaperClocks
2GarnetCottonChina
3Cultured or Natural PearlsLeatherCrystal, Glass
4Blue TopazFruit, FlowersElectrical Appliances
5SapphireWoodSilverware
6AmethystCandy, IronWood
7OnyxWool, CopperDesk Sets
8TourmalineBronze, PotteryLinens, Lace
9Lapis LazuliPottery, WillowLeather
10Diamond JewelryTin, AluminumDiamond Jewelry
11TurquoiseSteelFashion Jewelry
12JadeSilk, LinenPearls, Colored Gems
13CitrineLaceTextile, Furs
14OpalIvoryGold Jewelry
15RubyCrystalWatches
16PeridotChinaPlatinum
17Watches
18Cat's Eye
19Aquamarine
20EmeraldChinaPlatinum
21Iolite
22Spinel
23Imperial Topaz
24Tanzanite
25Silver JubileeSilverSiler
30Cultured/Natural Pearl JubileePearlDiamond
35EmeraldCoralJade
40RubyRubyRuby
45SapphireSapphireSapphire
50Golden JubilieeGoldGold
55AlexandriteEmeraldEmerald
60DiamondDiamondDiamond

Credit:  American Gem Trade Association
                 Rose Floral & Greenhouse

#Anniversary #GemFacts

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Interesting Jewelry Facts: Amethyst

  • Amethyst is the birthstone for February and celebrates the 6th and 17th year of marriage.
  • The name comes from the Ancient Greek, derived from the word “methustos” which means “intoxicated”.
  • The gem is composed of quartz which is the second most abundant material found in the Earth’s crust.

Amethyst Legends: 

  • Ancient wearers believed the gemstone could protect them from drunkenness.
  • Leanardo da Vinci once said the amethyst helps to quicken intelligence and get rid of evil thoughts.
  • It is said the Saint Valentine had an amethyst ring carved with an image of a Cupid.

Credit:  American Gem Society

#Amethyst #Birthstone #GemFacts #Anniversary

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Interesting Jewelry Facts: Tourmaline

  • Tourmaline come in a wide variety of exciting colors. Tourmaline has one of the widest color ranges of any gem species, occurring in various shades of Tourmalineevery hue.
  • Some tourmalines show a cat’s-eye effect call chatoyancy.
  • Tourmaline is the birthstone for October, along with opal.  It is the gem of the 8th anniversary.
  • Tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese (Sri Lanka) word tura mali which translates as the stone of mixed colors.

Tourmaline legends:

  • The wide range in colors of the tourmaline is said to be due to it traveling along the rainbow and gathered the rainbow’s colors.
  • Tourmaline is believed to strengthen the body and spirit, especially the nervous system, blood and lymphs.
  • It is said the stone inspires creativity and was used extensively as a tailsman by artists and writers.

Credit:  Bernardine Fine Art Jewelry

#Tourmaline #Birthstone #Anniversary #GemFact

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Interesting Jewelry Facts: Sapphire

  • Sapphire is the birthstone for September and traditionally marks the 5th and 45th anniversaries.
  • Sapphire is most commonly known for its blue color, but it also comes in every other color except red (red is ruby).  Some sapphires also have viable stares or change color in different kinds of light.

Sapphire Legends: 

  • Traditionally, sapphire symbolizes nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness.
  • In ancient Greece and Rome, kings and queens were convinced that blue sapphires protected their owners from envy and harm.
  • One of the most famous blue sapphires is the engagement ring worm by Kate Middleton and Princess Diana.

Credit:  Gemological Institute of America

#GemFacts #Sapphire #Birthstone #Anniversary

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Interesting Jewelry Facts: Garnet

  • The word “garnet” comes from the 14th century Middle English word “gernet” meaning dark red.  The word is derived from Latin “granatum” which means seed and is called so because of the gemstone’s resemblance to the beautifully red seeds of the pomegranate.
  • Garnets are the birthstone for January and gemstone for the 2nd year anniversary.

Garnet legends:

  • Garnets are said to bring peace, prosperity and good health to a home.
  • Symbolizes deep and lasting friendship.

Credit:  American Gem Society

#Birthstone #Garnet #January #Anniversary #GemFact

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Birthstones

Birthstones are traditionally associated with a month of the year.  The origin of birthstones is believed to date back to the breastplate of Aaron which contained twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel.  The current list dates back to 1912 with only one addition since then – The tanzanite was added to December.

There are numerous legends and myths about birthstone healing power and their therapeutic influence.  According to these legends, wearing a gemstone during its assigned month heightened its healing powers.  For the full effect, individuals needed to own all twelve and alternate them monthly. 

January – Garnet
February – Amethyst
March – Aquamarine and Bloodstone
April – Diamond
May – Emerald
June – Pearl, Alexandrite and Moonstone
July – Ruby
August – Peridot, Sardonyx and Spinel
September – Sapphire
October – Opal and Tourmaline
November – Topaz and Citrine
December – Tanzanite, Zircon and Turquoise

Credit:  American Gem Society

#Birthstone #GemFacts

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Interesting Jewelry Facts: Ruby

  • Ruby is the birthstone for July and the 15th and 40th anniversaries.

Ruby Legends:     Ruby

  • In India, people believed rubies enabled their owners to live in peace with their enemies.
  • In Burma (now called Myanmar), warriors owned rubies to make them feel invincible in battles.
  • Medieval Europeans wore rubies to promote health, wealth, wisdom and success in love.

Source:  Gemological Institute of America

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Interesting Jewelry Facts: Emerald

  • Emerald is the birthstone for May and traditionally marks the 20th and 35th anniversaries.
  • The oldest emeralds are almost 3 billion years old.

Emerald Legends:

  • Placing an emerald under the tongue gives the ability to foresee the future, reveal the truth and protect against evil spirits.
  • Emeralds are believed to cure diseases like cholera and malaria and make the wearer an eloquent speaker.

Source: Gemological Institute of America