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    News — GIA

    Birthstone of May

    Birthstone of May

    The birthstone for the month of May is the emerald, a green gemstone that is the green variety of the mineral beryl. Emeralds range in color from slightly yellowish green, to pure green, to slightly bluish green, with pure green emeralds being the most popular and valuable.[1]
    Emeralds are mined in Colombia, and the May birthstone is often treated to improve its color or clarity. Common treatment methods include dyeing, where paler emeralds with multiple fractures may be dyed green to enhance their color. [1]
    In addition to being the birthstone for May, the emerald is also said to symbolize love and rebirth.

    Sources:
    1. Geology. "Birthstones by Month: Chart and Photos. <https://geology.com/gemstones/birthstones/>

    History of the Emerald

    History of the Emerald

    Emeralds have been treasured for their lush green color for thousands of years, with the first known emerald mines located in Egypt where they were worked as early as 3500 BC [1][2] In ancient times, emeralds were believed to soothe souls and protect against possession by demons [1][3]. Cleopatra, the famous queen of Egypt, was known for her passion for emeralds [4]. Today, the most desirable emerald colors are bluish green to pure green with vivid color saturation and good clarity [2]. Mining of emeralds became more regular during Cleopatra's reign [4]. Colombia has now become the primary source of emeralds, but before the start of mining at the Colombian sources, most emeralds came out of Egypt [5].

    Sources:

    1. <https://www.gia.edu/emerald-history-lore>
    2. <https://www.gia.edu/emerald>
    3. <https://www.gemsociety.org/article/history-legend-emerald-gems-yore/>
    4. <https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/emerald-facts-2042967>
    5. <https://www.gemsociety.org/article/emerald-origins/>

    Rose Cut

    Rose Cut

    Rose cut diamonds began making an appearance in the 1500’s, white rising and falling in popularity this diamond cut pairs with other antique cuts with ease. Rose cut diamonds are covered with petit triangular facets that cover the entirety of the gem. These triangle facets are only covering the tops, the bottom of this diamond cut is flat. These diamonds are excellent at looking large, with the domed top and the flat bottom they can look upwards to twice their actual carat weight. While still being cut by hand and candlelight these Rose cuts can be easier on your pocketbook. With multiple triangular facets covering the diamond, these cuts typically shimmer rather than sparkle. Each facet catches the light and immediately reflects it back to you.

    Just like other antique cut diamonds, these Rose cut diamonds come in all shapes and sizes. Making beautiful accent gems for jewelry from all eras. Rose cuts lost popularity when cuts like the Old Mine and Old European cut came to be. These cuts had more shine rather than shimmer. Imperfections are easier to be detected in cuts like the Rose cut, there for diamonds used for Rose cuts are chosen carefully to ensure its beauty. Rose cut diamonds come in may shapes are highlight the rough diamond in its simplest form. Beautifully hand cut, each antique diamond cut showcases its natural beauty.

     

    Old European Cut

    Old European Cut

    The Old European or Old Euro cut is a round diamond cut most used in the Art Deco era, or between 1890 – 1930. The Old European cut is what inspired the Round Brilliant cut that is the most popular cut today. This shape diamond was cut by hand with candlelight in mind but was cut for carat weight. Unlike other cuts that focus on brilliance.  Each antique cut diamond has a unique charm, each diamond cutter must rely on their hands rather than technology, making each diamond one of a kind. The diamond cuts in this era also had beautiful warm hues, relevant to the location that they were mined. Around the 1900’s diamonds began to be mined in South Africa; this is where about ninety percent of the diamonds are collected. With some still coming from Brazil and India.  Antique diamond very in warmth for color due to where they are mined, hue is determined by minerals and resources available in the growth of the crystal. Old Euros were cut with carat weight in mind rather than brilliance.

    Old European cuts have a large crown and a small table allowing most of the diamond weight to be at the head. And unlike the Old Mine cut diamonds the old Euros have a flat culet instead of a tip, this allows the culet to be seen through the table. The steep crown allows for more fire to be shown off in the Old European cut diamonds. This is complimented by the deep cuts of the facets encouraging lite to travel farther, encouraging light to be reflected to your eye. Although with pros come cons, with greater depth there comes more light leakage. Making these antique cuts not look as bright as todays modern cut diamonds. These old European cuts are more symmetrical than other antique cuts and are exceptional in antique engagement rings. Antique diamonds cut by hand, by candlelight are unique and beautiful, allowing their natural beauty shine.

    Engagement Rings for Men

    Engagement Rings for Men

    Engagement and Wedding rings are not just for woman. Typically, in the US men get women engagement rings and then later add a wedding band to that initial ring. Who is to say that men shouldn’t have an engagement ring as well? In some European cultures it is encouraged for men to also wear an engagement ring alongside their partner. Due to tradition, men can feel uncomfortable or embarrassed to wear a ring before the wedding. There are still some that do not wear a ring even after nuptials because of their career, comfort, or other numerous reasons. Back in the 1900’s and earlier men and woman did not wear wedding or engagement rings. This was due to costs, safety, etc..  

    In the 20th century is when it all began. During the World Wars men began to wear wedding rings as a means of remembering their loved ones. After the Korean War wedding bands took on the meaning that they have today.  Wedding and engagement rings are a symbol of one another’s love and devotion. A piece that is treasured for a lifetime. Men’s rings are typically simple in design with a comfort fit, but don’t let the norm dull your zest. The options are as endless, find the perfect ring that highlights his/your personality. Diamond, Gold, Platinum, colored gems let us help you find the perfect piece.