Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips

Onyx is a form of quartz. The colors of its bands range from white to almost every color. Specimens of onyx available contain bands of colors of white, tan, and brown. Pure black onyx is common, and perhaps the most famous variety, but not as common as onyx with banded colors. It is usually cut as a cabochon, or into beads, and is also used for intaglios and cameos, where the bands make the image contrast with the background.

If onyx is cleaned with an ultrasonic device or cleaned with abrasive or ammonia based chemicals, discoloration of the stone may occur. So be careful wearing it when using cleaning solutions around the house.

The luminous, glow of cultured freshwater pearls is the perfect contrast to rich black onyx in this dramatically elegant Cultured Freshwater Pearl and Onyx Sterling Silver 16 inch Necklace. It’s a classic strand lovely enough to be worn with any outfit.

Sapphires and rubies are formed at great depth in the earth’s mantle or the lowest part of the crust. Although blue is considered the normal color for sapphires, they can be found across a full range of spectral colors as well as brown, colorless, grey and black. Those other than blue in color are considered fancy color sapphires. Some natural sapphires can be found as completely transparent, or “white.” White sapphires usually come out of the ground as light grey or brown and are then heated to make them clear. However, in very rare circumstances they will be found in a clear state.

This 5/8 Carat Sapphire, Black and White Diamond 14K White Gold Ring glistens with the vivid deep glow of sapphires, dazzle of traditional diamonds and the deep beauty of black diamonds that get their color from a special enhancement process. Precious gems make up this wonderful masterpiece.

Opal is a mineraloid gel which is deposited at relatively low temperature and may occur in the fissures of almost any kind of rock, being most commonly found with limonite, sandstone, rhyolite, and basalt. The water content is usually between three and ten percent, but can be as high as 20%. Opal ranges from clear through white, gray, red, orange, yellow, green, shore, blue, magenta, rose, pink, slate, olive, brown, and black. Of these hues, the reds against black are the most rare and dear, whereas white and greens are the most common.

The opal is the official gemstone of South Australia, The Commonwealth of Australia and Nevada.

Opal is the traditional birthstone of the month of October.

Opals are said to contain the beauty and sparkle of all the other gemstones combined. The fiery, lustrous opals in these luxurious 2 5/8 Carat Opal and 1/3 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Heart Earrings are beautifully complemented by halos of dazzling diamonds set in a heart themed design of gleaming white gold.

Obsidian is a naturally occurring glass. It is produced when felsic lava extruded from a volcano cools without crystal growth. Pure obsidian is usually dark in appearance, though the color varies depending on the presence of impurities. Iron and magnesium typically give the obsidian a dark green to brown to black color. Obsidian was valued in Stone Age cultures because, like flint, it could be fractured to produce sharp blades or arrowheads. It was also polished to create early mirrors.

Suspended from a delicate silver chain, this beautiful Sterling Silver Golden Shine Obsidian Pendant has a dark and enchanting obsidian stone. Obsidian is considered a protective gemstone that removes negative energy and heals illness. It’s at a great price right now for just $55!

Lapis lazuli (sometimes abbreviated to lapis) is a semi-precious stone prized since antiquity for its intense blue color. Lapis lazuli has been mined in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan for 6,500 years, and trade in the stone is ancient enough for lapis jewelry to have been found at Predynastic Egyptian sites, and lapis beads at neolithic burials in the Caucasus mountains, and even as far from Afghanistan as Mauritania.

Add the beauty of lapis lazuli this Sterling Silver Lapis Necklace. Vividly blue, lapis has been prized for thousands of years as a symbol of royalty. In this lovely bracelet, smooth polished beads of brilliant azure lapis shine from an elegant setting of gleaming sterling silver. A beautiful signature piece!

Sterling Silver is perfect for summer wear. Gleaming silver is on gorgeous display in this Polished Sterling Silver Heart Bracelet - a beautiful version of a modern classic. A stylized chain design is exquisitely crafted from lustrous sterling silver and enlivened with a romantic, heart silver charm. It’s a lovely, versatile look!

Jade was a rare and valued material in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The only source from which the various indigenous cultures, such as the Olmec and Maya, for example, could obtain jade was located in the Motagua River valley in Guatemala. Jade was largely an elite good, and was usually carved in a variety ways, whether serving as a medium upon which hieroglyphs were inscribed, or shaped into symbolic figurines. Generally, the material was highly symbolic, and it was often employed in the performance of ideological practices and rituals.

Today, Guatemala produces jadeite in a variety of colours, ranging from soft translucent lilac, blue, green, yellow, and black. It is also the source of new colours, including “rainbow jade” and the unique “Galactic Gold,” a black jadeite with natural incrustations of gold, silver and platinum.

This 14K Yellow Gold Jade Elephant Pendant and chain for just $60 is a wonderful way to add jade to your jewelry wardrobe. Crafted from pale green jade and 14k yellow gold, this elephant pendant is meant to bring luck and good fortune to its bearer. Suspended from a delicate yellow gold chain, this lovely jewel is symbolic of beauty and goodness.

Emeralds come in many shades of green and bluish green. There is a wide spectrum of clarity, dependent on the inclusions and fractures in the crystal. Clear stones with dark yet vibrant color command the highest prices. Almost all emeralds contain numerous flaws, cracks, and inclusions, which can negatively affect the clarity. These are given the name “jardin”, from the French word for garden. The value of an emerald depends on cut, color, clarity, and carat.

Emerald is regarded as the traditional birthstone for May, as well as the traditional gemstone for the astrological signs of Taurus , Cancer and sometimes Gemini. One of the more quaint anecdotes on emeralds was by the 16th century historian Brantome, who referred to the many impressive emeralds the Spanish under Cortez had brought back to Europe from Latin America. On one of Cortez most famous emeralds he had the text engraved Inter Natos Mulierum non sur-rexit mayor (Among them borne of woman there hath not arisen a greater Man. XI, 11) which referred to John the Baptist. Brantome considered engraving such a beautiful and simple product of nature sacrilegious and considered this act the cause for Cortez’ loss of an extremely precious pearl and even for the death of King Charles IX who died soon after.

If you’re in the market for beautiful emerald jewelry, you must check out this 3/8 Carat Emerald and Diamond 14K White Gold Pendant and chain for just $195. A vivid green emerald gives this glorious pendant a dash of dramatic color. Opulent and very elegant, a dangle design is rendered in gleaming white gold and enlivened with round, dazzling diamonds.

I receive many emails asking about various gemstones. Over the next few posts I’d like to try to answer many of your questions by sharing a few fun facts about a variety of gemstones. We’ll start at the very beginning with A for Agate.

In many traditions agate is believed to cure the stings of scorpions and the bites of snakes, soothe the mind, prevent contagion, still thunder and lightning, promote eloquence, secure the favor of the powerful, and bring victory over enemies. Persian magi are also known to have prized agate rings in their work and beliefs.

Some followers of Pagan religions also believe agate is a crystal whose powers can be used for love, mental clarity, and good luck in card games.

This Tiger Eye, Black Agate, Lemon Quartz and Citrine 14K Yellow Gold Necklace for $95 is a great way to add agate to your jewelry wardrobe. Bold yet understated, this beautiful necklace displays exquisite beads of tiger’s eye, black agate, lemon quartz and citrine along a fine 14K yellow gold chain. This lovely piece has timeless allure and delicate elegance.

Dear Leslie,

Will in San Antonio

Dear Will,

Opals require a little extra care, but the shimmering beauty of an opal is well worth the little bit of extra time they take. The absolute most important thing to remember about caring for an opal is to remove it any time it might be scratched or damaged. Opals are among the softest gemstones, about the same hardness of glass, so it’s important to keep them from hazards. To clean them, simply wife them with a damp cloth, with perhaps a little mild detergent. Never, never, never have an opal piece cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner, and this can crack them. Opals are most commonly seen in rings, but why not keep these delicate beauties out of harms way by choosing ones set into earrings? These opal and iolite gold earrings feature iridescent three-carat opals and rich, royal purple iolites in a simple gold setting. This is a gorgeous, regal piece that, at $225, costs far less than a king’s ransom!

Some kind folks have written in (thanks for your emails) and asked me about the perfect pendant for spring. Not to over-do the alliteration, but I have a passion for purple. I think that spring is the perfect time to wear all of your purple jewelry. There was a woman that I worked with once and purple truly was her signature color. She wore purple every day. Not only did she always looks great, she didn’t have to worry too much about putting an outfit together. Everything in her closet matched! Purple was her black.

This 3/4 Carat Amethyst and Diamond 14K White Gold Flower Pendant comes with its own chain. It’s affordable at just $125. Traditionally the stone of royalty, the regal purple hue of amethysts will make you or the one you love feel like a queen. In this gorgeous pendant, violet stones are set in a graceful flower design. It’s a feminine look that you’ll enjoy wearing every day - even if everything in your wardrobe isn’t purple!

Dear Leslie,

Carol in Durham

Summer weather can be rough on jewelry. Perspiration and sunscreen can quickly dirty any piece of jewelry. Insect repellent and perfumes are other ways we put our precious gems through the wringer. Springtime is great for pearls but when it gets really hot, you’ll want to put them away. Pearls can be damaged by those conditions I just mentioned. Brighter colors, like the flowers of summer, are appropriate when the weather gets steamy. Larger designs will allow you to clean the piece more easily.

This festive 2 1/2 carat multi-gemstone journey pendant in sterling silver is perfect for warm weather and can be worn in day or evening. It features a delightful array of enchanting bright gems including citrine, peridot, blue topaz, amethyst, and garnet. For just $50, this elegant pendant is perfectly priced for any budget.

Earth Day is approaching. Spring has sprung in many places. Mother’s Day is around the corner. I am feeling inspired by all of these events. Today I was feeling particularly “earthy” and wore some jewelry pieces that really expressed my connection with the planet. If you’re looking to get in touch with Mother Nature this spring, you should check out this lovely Irish Rose Red Agate Sterling Silver Pendant and Chain. This pendant is so sweet. It reminds me of jewelry my grandmother had. This piece definitely has timeless appeal. It’s available at a great price too - just $85. Agate is the most common variety of chalcedony which is a form of quartz. In this pendant, a large oval red agate is intricately carved with quartz to create a floral motif. Crafted in sterling silver and suspended on a snake chain it makes a very lovely look.

Dear Leslie,

Sandra, Nashville

For men, jewelry that is modern and sleek is always in style. You’ll want to consider tough metals and less intricate designs because if your husband is like mine, he won’t take off his ring before his hands get dirty. That means that he’ll appreciate a ring that is easy to clean.

This 1/6 carat diamond ring in 14K white gold is a perfect ring for any man. Simple and unique, this men’s ring features three brilliant white diamonds. It’s crafted from gleaming 14k white gold - timeless in nature, yet contemporary in design. It’s a sleek, comfort-fit ring he’ll treasure forever.

I don’t know if it’s just me or if everyone has Spring Fever! I went to the beach this weekend and it was just glorious! I love spring! All my jewelry choices lately remind me of spring flowers. Check out these lovelies - 18K rose gold over sterling silver emerald and pink tourmaline earrings by Andrea Barna! At a low, low price of just $85, These gorgeous one of kind Andrea Barna earrings feature tiny emeralds and pink tourmaline gemstones. Crafted from 18k rose gold over sterling silver, they’re a great pair of earrings for Spring!

Dear Leslie,

Thanks,
Tina in NM

I too love the look of smokey quartz! It’s not just for fall either. This elegant gem is perfect year-round. Smokey quartz looks particularly beautiful paired with yellow gold. It’s a classic combination that you’ll fall in love with! The rich tortoise shell color of smokey quartz reminds me of Hollywood glamor or even Jackie O.

Quartz is naturally occurring in a rainbow of colors. The wonderful browns of smokey quartz is just one of its forms.

Smokey quartz is also wonderful for bringing positive energy into your life.

You can add a beautiful piece of smokey quartz to your jewelry collection with this 4 3/8 Carat Smokey Quartz and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring. For just $195 you’ll get a large faceted oval smokey quartz that exudes a vivid brown fire and is haloed with dazzling diamonds in a delicate yellow gold setting atop a simple band.

Dear Leslie,

Thanks!
Ron in Houston

A great and useful gift for graduation is a watch. It’s a perfect way to keep the lucky graduate on time at their new job! For men I really like this Pulsar Mens watch with a stainless steel bracelet. This masculine watch features a stainless steel case and bracelet with a round black dial. The date is at 3 o’clock and it also has a convenient sweep second hand. This watch will stand up to any man’s schedule with a tough double locking clasp and water resistance up to 50 meters.

Recently I posted about the birthstone for May, the emerald. It’s a beautiful gem that makes a wonderful gift for spring. However, emeralds require more TLC than diamonds and some other gemstones. Because emeralds usually contain many cracks, fissures, and inclusions, the majority of these stones are “oiled”. This means that they are immersed in oil which reduces the visibility of the inclusions, and also improves the clarity. Oiling is almost universal and because it is so common today, it is not considered necessary to disclose this fact. Due to the oiling treatment and because emeralds are brittle stones, care should be taken when wearing or cleaning them. They should never be immersed in an ultrasonic cleaner or subjected to steam cleaning. Take your emerald jewelry to a professional jeweler when you think it’s time for a cleaning.

The pendent above is a wonderful example of how stunning emerald jewelry can be! At just $350, the 3/4 carat emerald and diamond pendant in 14K white gold adds dramatic color to any outfit. Very elegant a dangle design is enlivened with round, dazzling diamonds and suspended on a delicate chain.

Via a comment, Tony asks, “Do you have any merchandise for men?”

I think this titanium and 18K yellow gold bracelet is very handsome and perfect for any man. The metals are durable and will only become more unique with wear. A gentleman will not have to worry about having to take off this bracelet to wash his hands or for light work. At just $95 it’s at a great price that will fit any budget. Enjoy!

If these short, cold, grey winter days are getting you down, it’s time to add a little spring to your life! While the flowers of springtime may be several months away, you can get this lovely 5/8 carat emerald and diamond ring in 14K white gold as a reminder that spring will come again - eventually! I love the fluid design of this ring. Elegant waves of diamonds wrap around to great a beautiful setting for the deep green emerald. It’s stunning and will definitely bring you some cheer!

If you decide to get this ring be sure to read my post on how to clean emeralds and keep them looking great for years to come.

If emeralds aren’t your thing, check out these exotic green garnets I wrote about a week or so ago. They’re stunning too!