A ballet of joy and hope in jewelry

Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic ballerina clips danced onto the American stage in the early 1940s and were immediately embraced by the public, who saw them as refreshing symbols of joy and hope during the uncertain days of World War II. We could all use a bit of joy and hope right now, so let’s revisit some of these beautiful jewels.

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Phenomenal cat’s-eye and color-change chrysoberyl

When someone says “Cat’s-Eye” reference to a colored gemstone they are referencing a specific variety of chrysoberyl. Cat’s-Eye chrysoberyl and its cousin Alexandrite, also known as Color-Change chrysoberyl are gemstones which can display the following phenomenal optical properties.

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Pharrell Williams wearing pearls at the Oscars

Pearls and men and recent jewelry trends

Much of the 20th century passed by without much attention to men in pearls. Fortunately we have seen a notable uptick in red-carpet sightings of men sporting pearl bracelets, tie-clips, earrings and – with increasing frequency – pearl neckwear.

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Paintings or gemstone inclusions?

Are close-ups of gemological inclusions actually works of art, painted by Mother Nature in anticipation of our creative human inspirations? When exploring the mysterious spaces of crystals we must sometimes ask ourselves whether we’ve stepped into another area, the field of real art.

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A barrel of beryl

You know it as emerald, the birthstone of May. Today’s post celebrates all Maybies and Mayple (May babies and May people) with a focus on “your stone.” The largest high-quality rough emerald ever found, and the poetic story behind its provenance and sale.

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Extraordinary and unusual stones

Humans need variety right now. We’re always hungry for something new, sick of eating the same old thing. So let’s change things up. Set out your tableware, put on the candles and prepare for a nouvelle experience in three courses. Bon appétit!

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See a RAINBOW of 7 exceptional jewelry pieces

Some amazing, creative and vivid jewelry pieces from iconic designers at last year’s Couture show, presented to you in all the colors of the rainbow.

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Can you solve this heist online?

Living in our world’s new normal, is there a chance the thieves who shattered the Green Vault and plundered Dresden Castle would turn to e-Fencing or even outright anonymous sale?

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Statue of Neptune

Dear humans, you’re welcome.

Considered a gift from the mermaids, this translucent gemstone became worn by ancient sailors for the protection it was thought to offer at sea. As we bring March to close it’s fitting to visit the wonderful aspects of this month’s birthstone, the aquamarine.

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Why are we talking jewelry right now?

It’s a fair question. Health, safety and shelter must be our priorities right now. So why are people continuing to discuss, debate, and obsess over jewelry? Katherine, an active enthusiast in an online jewelry community, provided a response for the ages. Literally.

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Meteorites and diamonds from space!

Thousands of years ago in southwest Africa a party of Nama People discovered a field of odd iron fragments to use in tools and weapons. Imagine their shock if they were told those fragments had come from the very stars they worshipped.

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Largest diamond EVER. Who has it? Who wins?

The three largest diamonds ever found on planet Earth are under the control of three notable icons. So, where did they come from? How much did they cost? Where are they now? Take a look at three of the most unique and spectacular diamond crystals ever unearthed.

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New York Magazine touts IGI grading reports

10 writers and editors from New York Magazine’s Strategist tested the eCommerce jewelry experience firsthand. The article’s mission involved more than product quality. It was an exercise in consumer confidence.

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Never do this with your jewelry

You just had a wonderful night on the town. Happy, but exhausted, you set your rings and jewelry aside for the night. STOP…

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The marvelous magic of moonstone

Florida adopted the moonstone as it’s state gem in 1970. But our ancestors believed they could touch the moon long before humans ever traveled to outer space.

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Identifying isotropic vs anisotropic gemstones

When the Great Imperial Crown was made for the coronation of Catherine the Great in 1762 the court jewelers believed they were topping over 5,000 diamonds and pearls with an enormous 398 carat ruby. But it was never so. They had been fooled by a charming imposter.

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The ‘Secret’ of black diamonds

History’s most famous black-diamonds may be those included in the Fantasy Bra worn by Adriana Lima at the 2008 Victoria’s Secret fashion show.. That’s perfectly fitting, since black-diamonds have a “Secret” of their own, as we will reveal below…

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