Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips

Chocolate diamonds are becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. The warm, clear brown hues have recently become more prized as jewelry buyers continue to seek new and exotic materials. The hue and delicacy of these lovely stones is showcased brilliantly in this elegant graduated chocolate diamond pendant. Seven chocolate diamonds in graduated sizes are set in a simple yellow gold setting. This is a beautiful accessory for evening wear, and only $895 - much less than the $1800 retail price!

This stunning amazonite and silver bracelet is just the thing for a late-summer jewelry buy. Pastel, blue-green amazonite beads are connected by slender sterling silver links and accented with two silver circles, one polished and one set with shimmering clear crystals. This is a lovely, lighthearted bracelet that’s sure to charm and delight. A wonderful bargain for just $55.

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.

If you’re a regular reader, you already know that July’s birthstone is the ruby. The ruby is also the traditional gift for your 40th wedding anniversary.

If you’re celebrating a July birthday or a 40th anniversary a wonderful way to show how much you care would be with a gift of this 5/8 Carat Ruby and Diamond 14K White Gold Ring for just $195. This simply elegant ring features deep red rubies and diamonds channel set in a delicate white gold setting.

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!

The stone’s name derives (via Latin and French) from Greek molochitis, “mallow-green stone”, from molochē, variant of malachē, “mallow”. Malachite was used as a mineral pigment in green paints from antiquity until about 1800. The pigment is moderately lightfast, very sensitive to acids and varying in color. It is also used for decorative purposes, such as in the Malachite Room in the Hermitage, which features a large malachite vase. “The Tazza”, one of the largest pieces of malachite in North America and a gift from Tsar Nicholas II, stands as the focal point in the center of the room of Linda Hall Library.

If you love the unique look of malachite, you should check out this Sterling Silver Watch with Malachite by designer Julie Leah. This elegant watch features an oval Mother of Pearl face, beautiful Cabochon Malachite, Silver Hands and Hour Markers, a Sterling Silver Case, Crown and Bracelet with a Stainless Steel Caseback.

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!

Celebrate in July with its birthstone: the ruby. Believed to be the symbol of fire and passion, rubies are known as the “lord of the gems” because of their rarity and beauty. Rubies go particularly well with with fashion wardrobes featuring greys and wine colors.

For a little fun this HOT July, you can get her these festive 2 Carat Ruby, Green Garnet and Diamond 14K White Gold Chili Pepper Earrings! These colorful Chili Pepper earrings are a symbol of good luck and are simply delightful. This prong backed pair is crafted from 14k white gold and studded with rubies, green garnets and diamonds.

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.

Continuing with our series on gemstone facts, I’d like to share some interesting tidbits on aquamarine. Aquamarine (along with bloodstone) is the birthstone associated with March. It is also the gemstone for the 19th Anniversary. People in the Middle Ages thought that aquamarine could magically overcome the effects of poison. Ancient sailors traveled with aquamarine crystals, believing that it would ensure a safe voyage, and guarantee a safe return; they often slept with the stones under their pillow to ensure sound sleep. They believed the siren’s (mermaid) fish-like lower body was made of aquamarine.

If you love aquamarine as I do, you’ll fall for this 7/8 carat 14K white gold Aquamarine and Diamond Ring. Make a dramatic statement with the cool tones on display in this delicate ring. A single emerald-cut icy-blue aquamarine is prong set in a classical white gold setting and accented with sparkling 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.

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Like a garden full of summer flowers, this 2 1/2 Carat Multi Gemstone Sterling Silver Journey Pendant and matching chain is simply stunning. This festive pendant has an enchanting array of bright colored gemstones. Set in lustrous sterling silver, this charming piece is perfect for warm summer weather and can be worn day or evening. It’s the perfect piece of jewelry to take on vacation because it will match just about anything! At just $50 it’s easy on any budget.

Dear Leslie,

Molly in SC

Nature inspired jewelry is always in fashion. In the summer it’s fun to wear jewelry that is light and breezy or makes us think of upcoming vacations! This 18K Gold Over Sterling Silver Starfish Pin is just the thing! At $65 it’s a great bargain. This pin features a starfish - a symbol of good luck. The pin is simply delightful and perfect for any beach lover. Beautifully rendered in luminous 18K yellow gold over sterling silver, this versatile piece can be worn any time.

Dear Leslie,

Betsy in VT

Perfect for the beach, these $50 Sterling Silver Swirl Earrings remind me of ocean waves or spiral seashells. These earrings are all you need to take on vacation. A simple pair of sterling silver earrings is an essential for any jewelry wardrobe. Elegant and beautifully designed, this contemporary pair of silver swirls can easily be worn for any occasion and catch the light beautifully. They’ll work well on any seaside adventure.

As all my readers know, I’m always on the lookout for jewelry made out of new and unusual materials. Today, I was thrilled to find a necklace made of wood. This elegant rosewood and sterling sliver pendant is a beautiful piece. Richly hued and textured rosewood is oval-cut and placed into a cool, classic sterling silver setting. This is a great piece for an evening event where you feel free to show off some individual style and flair. This chic, exotic pendant is yours today for only $85.