by Michael Pope | Jun 21, 2017 | Alexandrite, Birthstone, BLOG, Uncategorized
The controversial history of alexandrite dates back to Imperial Russia, where it was first discovered in emerald mines near the Tokovaya River in Russia’s Ural Mountains. Its Finnish discoverer initially mistook it for emerald before realizing it changed colors under... by Michael Pope | Jun 15, 2017 | Birthstone, BLOG, Moonstone, Uncategorized
June’s third birthstone, moonstone, was named by the Roman natural historian Pliny, who wrote that moonstone’s shimmery appearance shifted with the phases of the moon. The most common moonstone comes from the mineral adularia, named for an early mining site near Mt.... by Michael Pope | Jun 8, 2017 | Birthstone, BLOG, Pearls, Uncategorized
Ancient Japanese folktales told that pearls were created from the tears of mythical creatures like mermaids and nymphs. Early Chinese civilizations believed that dragons carried pearls between their teeth, and the dragon must be slain to claim the pearls—which... by Michael Pope | Jun 2, 2017 | Birthstone, BLOG, Pearls
June is one of only two months that has three birthstones associated with it, giving the lucky people born in June a choice of gemstones between pearl, alexandrite and moonstone. June’s birthstones range from creamy-colored opalescent pearl and moonstone to the rare... by Michael Pope | May 23, 2017 | BLOG, Diamond Jewelry, Engagement Rings, Heirlooms, Uncategorized
A man presents his prospective bride with an engagement ring upon acceptance of his marriage proposal. Anthropologists believe this tradition originated from a Roman custom in which wives wore rings attached to small keys, indicating their husbands’ ownership.... by Michael Pope | May 3, 2017 | BLOG, Diamond Jewelry, Engagement Rings
Since the times of ancient Rome, it has been customary for a man to give a woman an engagement ring. It was put on the finger nearest the pinky of the left hand, for ancient scientists believed this finger held a vein that led to the heart. Indeed, a Roman fiancee was...