There are several types of pearls, each with its unique characteristics and value. Here are some of the most common types:

Deco Pendant with Cultured Tahitian Pearl

Routine inspections and cleanings help assure that your jewelry is in good condition. During an inspection, we will look for broken or worn prongs, weak clasps, or other damage before you lose a diamond or break a strand of pearls.

What are the main types of cultured pearls and what are their distinctive characteristics?     Akoya pearls are the small white pearls that most people picture when they think of pearls. They are saltwater pearls, and are usually round and white or cream, with a pink overtone and high luster. They are typically less than 9.00 mm.    … The post A Quick Overview of Pearl Types From GIA appeared first on Official Jewelry By Design Website.

Are you homeschooling or looking for something different to do with the kiddos? Our partner and fabulous gemstone cutter, Roger Dery has provided us with games for kids of all ages. Link here to find your games! Scroll down for grown-up games.   Some of you may remember our GEMSTONE ROUNDTABLE EVENT with Roger and Ginger Dery several years ago.… The post Gemstone Games During Quarantine, or Anytime! appeared first on Official Jewelry By Design Website.

This post is from the Gemological Institute of America’s website, one of the most accurate sources of gemological information available. https://www.gia.edu/ruby-history-lore If you are interested in learning more about gemstones, we recommend checking out this site. (You can ask us anything too!) History of Ruby Red is the color of our most intense emotions—love and anger, passion and fury. It’s associated with objects of power and desire—like fast cars and red roses. Early cultures treasured rubies for their similarity to the redness of the blood that flowed through their veins, and believed that rubies held the power of life. Ruby is one of the most historically significant colored stones. Rubies are mentioned four times in the Bible, in association with attributes like beauty and wisdom. In the ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj, or “king of precious stones.” In the first century AD, the Roman scholar Pliny included rubies in his Natural History , describing their hardness and density. Ancient Hindus believed that those who offered fine rubies to the god Krishna were granted rebirth as emperors. Hindus divided ruby into four castes, calling the true Oriental ruby a Brahmin. Someone in possession of a Brahmin was believed to have the advantage of perfect safety. Ruby has accumulated a host of legends over the centuries. People in India believed that rubies enabled their owners to live in peace with their enemies. In Burma (a ruby source since at least 600 AD—now called Myanmar), warriors possessed rubies to make them invincible in battle. However, it wasn’t enough to just wear the rubies. They had to insert them into their flesh and make them part of their bodies. The name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, which means “red.” The glowing red of ruby suggested an inextinguishable flame burning in the stone, even shining through clothing and able to boil water. Ruby has been called the most precious of the 12 stones created by God. Ruby retained its importance with the birth of the western world and became one of the most sought-after gems of European royalty and the upper classes. Many medieval Europeans wore rubies to guarantee health, wealth, wisdom, and success in love. Desire for ruby is just as great today as it always has been. As a symbol of passion, ruby makes an ideal romantic gift. Consumers are drawn to the lush color because it also signifies wealth and success. Source: GIA.edu

There are numerous legends and myths about birthstone healing powers 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 January birthstone is garnet and thought to keep the wearer safe during travel. It was also used… The post Birthstones and Lore of Gemstones appeared first on Official Jewelry By Design Website.

Peridot The fresh lime green of peridot is its distinctive signature. Its spring green color also is ideal with sky blue. Peridot, along with Spinel, is the birthstone for August, and is harder than metal but softer than many gemstones.   Peridot is treasured in Hawaii as the goddess Pele’s tears. The island of Oahu even has beaches made out of… The post Peridot is August’s Birthstone appeared first on Official Jewelry By Design Website.

Betty Sue King, The Pearl Goddess, inaugurated King’s Ransom in 1979. After 14 years of classroom teaching she left the profession and created her wholesale business. Renowned for having pearls that extend the boundaries of opulence, she travels overseas several times a year to source her remarkable collection. Betty Sue King, was honored with the Women’s Jewelry Association 2017 award for… The post Cultured Pearl Round Table 2017 appeared first on Official Jewelry By Design Website.