gemstones Archives

Jewelry and the Colors of Spring!

March 13, 2015

By Amanda L Colborn We’re finally reaching the threshold of spring! (Seriously…it really took its sweet time getting here.) And in celebration of spring, we wanted to share with you the latest style and color trends of the season, so when you hit the beach — you’ll be the hottest one there! Pantone recently released their Spring 2015 color scheme. The Spring 2015 palette includes ten colors for the season in varying shades and hues. Pantone says, “This season there is a move toward the cooler and softer side of the color spectrum. An eclectic, ethereal mix of understated brights,

March birthstone: Aquamarine

March 6, 2015

By Amanda L Colborn Aquamarine The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea. This gemstone was believed to protect sailors, as well as to guarantee a safe voyage. The serene color of aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded. Its pale, cool color beautifully complements spring and summer wardrobes. Aquamarine is most often light in tone and ranges from greenish blue to blue-green; the color usually is more intense in larger stones. This gemstone is mined mainly in Brazil, but also is found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia,

Celebrating Cushion Cut

February 20, 2015

By Amanda L. Colborn One of the most popular and consistently trending diamond and gemstone shapes is the cushion cut. Originally referred to as the “old mine cut,” the cushion cut is essentially a square cut with rounded corners, much like a cushion…hence it’s name. Arguably, one of the top most popular cuts today – the round cut diamond being the first – the cushion cut has been around for approximately 200 years. Cushion cuts have evolved over time, refinements have been made since the 1920’s to improve the brilliance and light return of the cut causing a big increase

Celebrating the birthstone of February – Amethyst!

February 5, 2015

By: Amanda L. Colborn Amethyst, the gemstone believed by ancient Greeks and Romans to ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus, also is said to keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted. Throughout history, the gemstone has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures. English regalia were even decorated with amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty. Amethyst is purple quartz, a beautiful blend of violet and red that can found in every corner of the earth. Historically, the finest amethyst were found in Russia and were featured in much royal European jewelry. Today, while Brazil is the primary source of this gemstone, fine

Facebook Favorites – January 2015

January 28, 2015

By: Amanda L. Colborn With January coming to an end, we wanted to take a moment to recognize some of the awesome engagement we have received on our American Gem Society Facebook page. January was one of our best months yet and features images from members including: Ritani, Forevermark, Steven Kretchmer Design, Omi Privé, Simon G. Jewelry and many more! Of the posts that were displayed in January, the following five received the top engagement, which includes likes, shares and comments: First up, we have gorgeous ring from Simon G. Jewelry. This ring features a huge emerald cut stone, set

So fancy!

January 16, 2015

By Alethea Inns, CG Did you know that diamonds aren’t just round? They are cut in all shapes and styles to suit any personality or occasion. With diamonds, a “fancy shape” is anything other than a round. Usually, the rough diamond crystal is shaped as an octahedron – a three-dimensional shape with eight faces, much like two pyramids stuck together at their base. When the diamond crystal isn’t the typical octahedron because of how it was formed in the earth or transported to the surface, diamonds are cut into fancy shapes to get maximum yield from the crystal. Fancy shapes

Finding Your Jeweler

January 2, 2015

By Alethea Inns, CG As a jewelry industry professional, I am often asked where to find a jeweler, how to find one that is trustworthy, or where to get professional appraisals. My answer is always the same. Find an American Gem Society credentialed jeweler or appraiser, and you are guaranteed a jewelry industry professional committed to your best interests. AGS credentialed jewelers are pledged to consumer protection, business ethics, and continued education. Jewelry stores that are AGS members are admitted to the Society after going through a series of approvals by an anonymous panel of fellow industry professionals, and their

Pantone announces the 2015 Color of the Year!

December 5, 2014

By Amanda L. Colborn You’ve likely heard that Pantone has released their Color of the Year for 2015, a warm and spicy shade called “Marsala!” Upon its release, the team at AGS noticed something very familiar about this shade…it perfectly matches the red garnet gemstone! Because the colors match so perfectly, we wanted to show you some jewelry options that would pair perfectly with Pantone’s Marsala. First is a gorgeous red garnet and 14 karat yellow gold ring from Parlé Jewelry Designs. This ring features a stunning, oval-cut center stone, surrounded by yellow gold and diamonds. Next, also from Parlé Jewelry Designs,

Tanzanite, Zircon and Turquoise – Oh my!

December 4, 2014

By Amanda L. Colborn Happy birthday December! We’re thrilled to feature three beautiful birthstones and talk a little bit about just what makes them so special. Tanzanite Discovered in the late 1960s in Tanzania, and found exclusively in this tiny area of the world, tanzanite exhibits a rich violet-blue color for which the gemstone is treasured; often it is heat-treated to achieve this color. Colors range from blue to purple, and tanzanites that are medium dark in tone, vivid in saturation, and slightly violet blue command premium prices. As tanzanite can be less expensive than sapphire, it often was purchased as

Celebrating the Birthstones of November!

November 7, 2014

By Amanda L. Colborn, Marketing Coordinator at AGS Topaz Topaz is a gemstone available in a rich rainbow of colors. Prized for several thousand years in antiquity, at the time — all yellow gems were called topaz. Often confused with citrine quartz (yellow) and smoky quartz (brown), quartz and topaz are separate and unrelated mineral species. The most prized color of topaz is called Imperial topaz after the Russian Czars of the 1800s and features a magnificent orange body color with pinkish undertones. Topaz also comes in yellow, pink, purple, orange, and the many popular blue tones. Citrine Citrine, the other birthstone for

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