Category Archives: Birthstones
It was such an honor to do engagement rings for the second generation and now it brings us great joy to say Congratulations to Davis and Caitlin, and the whole family, on the birth of your beautiful daughter!
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What’s Your Royal Style?
Many of the most current requests and in demand jewelry items are Royally inspired. Find out your Royal Style in this months NYCWD Jewelry Report
Full Jewelry Report
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Jewelry Highlights from 2018 Golden Globes
With the “Times Up” movement sweeping through Hollywood, we were all interested as to how much affect this would have on the night’s Red Carpet fashion. With all of Hollywood’s leading ladies opting for black dresses, we were excited to see that many of the celebrities went with oversized, statement, and stand out diamond jewelry pieces. One of the most noticeable trends of the night was the Emerald, and we have to say, we love how these ladies made the night all about those sparkling accessories! We are predicting that diamond statement earrings are going to be a big client request in 2018!
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Sapphire, the September Birthstone
Last updated: August 31, 2016
Traditionally, sapphire symbolizes nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. It has decorated the robes of royalty and clergy members for centuries. It’s extraordinary color is the standard against which other blue gems—from topaz to tanzanite—are measured.
For centuries, sapphire has been associated with royalty and romance. The association was reinforced in 1981, when Britain’s Prince Charles gave a blue sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana Spencer. Until her death in 1997, Princess Di, as she was known, charmed and captivated the world. Her sapphire ring helped link modern events with history and fairy tales.
In ancient Greece and Rome, kings and queens were convinced that blue sapphires protected their owners from envy and harm. During the Middle Ages, the clergy wore blue sapphires to symbolize Heaven, and ordinary folks thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings. In other times and places, people instilled sapphires with the power to guard chastity, make peace between enemies, influence spirits, and reveal the secrets of oracles.
In folklore, history, art, and consumer awareness, sapphire has always been associated with the color blue. Its name comes from the Greek word sappheiros, which probably referred to lapis lazuli. Most jewelry customers think all sapphires are blue, and when gem and jewelry professionals use the word “sapphire” alone, they normally mean “blue sapphire.” In reality, pink and yellow sapphires are magnificently popular around the world as well.
A special orangy pink sapphire color is called padparadscha, which means “lotus flower” in Sinhalese, the language spoken in Sri Lanka. Stones from Sri Lanka were initially the only ones labeled with this marketable name. There’s no telling how many padparadschas have been sifted from Sri Lankan river gravel throughout history. Sri Lankans have a special affection for the color that’s traditionally been linked with their country.
Sapphires (and Rubies) are the hardest gemstones in the world with the exception of diamonds. This along with the fact that blue sapphires blend well with all clothing and accessories make them ideal for Engagement Rings. NYC Wholesale Diamonds carries a complete selection of Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Rings, Wedding Bands, Earrings, Necklaces, and Tennis Bracelets. Call 1-800-BIRTHSTONE for a quote.
A unique, personal jeweler who works nationwide, Keith Saxe is GIA and FIT trained and has been a trusted high end diamond jewelry specialist for 28 years. He is the founder and president of NYC Wholesale Diamonds located at 47 West 47th Street Suite 3A in the New York City Diamond District. His website is www.NYCWD.com and he authors a blog at www.NYCDiamondBlog.com. Keith has recently been named to The Diamond Council of America, is a member of the Jewelers Board of Trade, and Jewelers of America. He offers GIA Certified Ideal Cut Diamonds, and state of the art fine jewelry designs at low wholesale prices. Keith has been named the N.Y. Diamond District’s Favorite Jeweler by the N.Y. Post’s Savvy Shopper column, had his diamond education articles published, been recommended in the New York Times, national gift reporter Robyn Spizman’s ‘Perfect Present Guide’ and ‘The GIFTionary’, as well as having his Diamond Halo Engagement Ring design featured on ‘The Knot.’
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Peridot, the August Birthstone
The ancient Egyptians mined peridot on the Red Sea island of Zabargad, the source for many large fine peridots in the world’s museums. The Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun.” Today this gem is still prized for its restful yellowish green hues and long history. Large strongly-colored, examples can be spectacular, and attractive smaller gems are available for jewelry at all price points.
Peridot has always been associated with light. In fact, the Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun.” Some believed that it protected its owner from “terrors of the night,” especially when it was set in gold. Others strung the gems on donkey hair and tied them around their left arms to ward off evil spirits.The word peridot comes from the Arabic “faridat,” which means “gem.” Most peridot formed deep inside the earth and was delivered to the surface by volcanoes. Some also came to earth in meteorites, but this extraterrestrial peridot is extremely rare, and not likely to be seen in a retail jewelry store.
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