Amethyst Gemstone Jewelry and Their History

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Last weekend on Ribbons and Pearls, the talk was of the lovely ruby gemstone and their history. Oh, and of course three nice ruby gemstones.

Tonight, we're going with amethyst, my birthstone. From beautiful deep violet shades to light lavender, I can hardly ever resist a long gaze at an amethyst stone -- doesn't matter if it's sitting on a shelf as a book end or a white gold band. I love em'! I think most of you would agree that amethyst is one of the most beautiful gemstones of all, right?

And they just so happen to have an even more interesting history than those pretty little rubies do! Let's just take a dive into the history of these babies, then you can scroll to see the lovely pieces of jewelry we've picked out as favorites this week. Of course it was a tough one considering how many beautiful pieces of amethyst jewelry that's available.

You know how some objects, like black diamonds were believed to ward off evil, or how symbols have been used throughout history as a means to protect the wearer from evil spirits and such?

Well, Amethyst was believed by Ancient Greeks and Romans to have this strange ability (and it's really strange. Just you wait!) to provide its owner with protection from becoming drunk or intoxicated. I'm not even kidding.

So, due to this strange belief, back in the ancient-y days, these Ancient Greeks and Romans would drink from cups made of amethyst  all because they believed they wouldn't get drunk! They also wore the amethyst gemstone as jewelry thinking this would suffice and they could drink themselves merry without actually... well, becoming very merry!

It's also been believed that carrying an amethyst stone gives one protection from harm or negative things like sickness, thieves, etc.

Aside from that interesting belief about the gorgeous gemstone, amethyst is still used today for its supposed healing properties, as are other things like crystals. I actually don't find this one so far-fetched as I tend to believe that stones do have energy, which explains my constant use of salt rock lamps.

Amethyst  has quite a few uses. It's been used as remedies for ailments, even acne (by spitting on the stone and applying or rubbing the stone on the affected area).  Amethyst is believed to detoxify the body, treat ailments of the nervous system and brain (think headache), to promote clearer thinking, and even stress,  insomnia and nightmares if the stone is  placed under the pillow at night and even melancholy.

Interestingly enough, people also use amethyst in ridding themselves of addictions because they say the amethyst has the ability to give one inner strength.

Those who are "in touch" with their pineal gland (very interesting stuff!) may find it interesting to know that amethyst is thought to be a "target" for this area and possibly be helpful in development of psychic abilities or things like manifestation or meditation.

Chinese Medicine uses the amethyst gemstone to treat stomach pain and nightmares.

These aren't even the full of what amethyst is said to be capable of when used by a person. It's really intriguing, so go take a look for yourself to read the full "properties" of this amazing gem. I wouldn't say it's crazy to believe something so old and beautiful could carry some kind of beneficial property. Would you? Some of the claims are a bit hard to fully believe, but I'd bet some of them are helpful. What do you guys think?

The best of both worlds for a diamond and amethyst lover, this Amethyst Diamond Gemstone Ring features a gorgeous violet shade amethyst along with a diamond encrusted ring setting. Can you say icing on the cake?

Who wouldn't be ecstatic to ward off negative events by wearing this hunk of burning beauty?

And you could always add an amethyst and crystal bracelet to that mix. You know, to be extra sure you ward off negative.

    

Equally as beautiful, especially for the person who loves heart-shaped jewelry, but has a collection full of the typical red is this one:

Favorite Ruby Earrings and their History

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A piece of jewelry's history is intriguing to me, and it's fun to know where your favorite diamonds and gems came from. Which brings me to what I want to share: tonight, we're talking gemstones baby!  Gemstones and their history... and a few of this weeks favorite gemstone jewelry pieces from Avianne and Co.

Rubies are categorized and priced first according to their colors. For instance, the most precious, and most expensive ruby is the "blood red" ruby, which obviously, is the boldest of the ruby colors. The next factor that determines a ruby's price  is its clarity, just like with diamonds. The carat and the cut of the gems are next in line of a ruby's pricing.

It has been said that the very first gemstones ever found were very possibly rubies. It's thought that they were found all the way back in 1914 - 1915 in East Africa, in an area called Merkerstein, although the biggest source for rubies was Upper Mayanmar for a very long time. 

Now they're found in several different places all over the world.

Sadly, the person who happened across these lovely red stones isn't known. This has always disappointed me a little considering the person contributed to something huge -- finding the first gemstone. You have to admit, that's a big deal!  It has been said that it was a soldier who spotted the rubies.


The way the name came about for this bold red gem isn't as interesting. They were simply named rubies because the Latin name for "red" is "ruber," and somehow that was changed to "rubies" for the gems.

Now that we know a little bit about rubies and their history, lets look at a few of the favorite finds of Avianne and Co.'s ruby gem jewelry.




 

Ruby Diamond Gemstone Earrings

A second favorite pair have a similar design as the Ruby Diamond Gemstone Earrings shown above.

Ruby Diamond Designer Gemstone Earrings in White Solid Gold

These have a different setting, but for the most part, the cut, earring style and diamond/ruby mix is pretty close, and both very stunning.

The most extravagant pair was saved for last...

Ruby Diamond Designer Gemstone Earrings in White Solid Gold

Rest your eyeballs on this dangly, sparklin' set of perfection. 

I am not the biggest fan of rubies, to tell you the truth! I'm more of a sapphire and pink tourmaline and amethyst (if it's bold and not too dark or too light) and even emerald kind of girl. I love gemstones, and happen to think they make the most magically magnificent looking jewelry, but I am no big fan of the color red. That's all. 

As a jewelry lover, though, I can certainly appreciate their beauty. It's just  that when I get the opportunity, I always opt for those other colors. However, I love the pink tones in some rubies (sometimes they're called pink sapphires -- or pink tourmaline, which is not a ruby anyways -- but some jewelry items will have a pink tone, but still be called a ruby). The 3 favorites posted above appear to have some pinkish, perhaps maybe even some magenta tones in them, which explains partly why I favored them over the blood-red ruby jewelry on Avianne and Co. I know, I'm a sucker for pink!

So what about ya'll? Do you fancy ruby jewelry? What is your favorite gemstone? Does it just so happen to be your birthstone, too?

Infinity Jewelry

For the last week or so, it's been all about eternity here at Ribbons and Pearls. We've discussed and shared our favorite eternity rings for both men and women, and have even talked about the origins of the eternity ring and what the symbolism behind it is. Just in case you forgot or missed those posts, the eternity jewelry -- most especially eternity bands -- signify eternal love.

    Has anyone else noticed that there's a trend in the jewelry world that involves the infinity symbol, too?

  Since Christmas is coming up -- and Christmas is the time of year when lovers give gifts and focus on shiny, loving things -- we're going to dedicate this jewelry talk post on infinity jewelry tonight.

Avianne and Co. has infinity necklaces and rings donning the infinity symbol, so we're going to start with my favorite from their selection:

Elegant White and Blue Diamond Infinity Ring (from Avianne and Co.)

The Elegant White and Blue Fancy Colored Prong Set Diamond Infinity Ring. 

This infinity ring has a unique shape, but I'm not even going to tell you one of the reasons why it's my favorite of the selection...

Okay, yes I am. It reminds me of an owl face. Well, an owl's eyes anyway. The way the blue diamonds encircle the regular diamonds just resemble an owl's big ol' eyeballs (turned sideways) to me, and I have a penchant for owl jewelry (seriously, you should see my collection.) 

Image source: Idahoptv.org

Owls aside, the second infinity ring Avianne and Co. has to offer is the Women's Diamond Infinity Twist MicroPave Engagement Ring Setting. It too carries something very different about it -- its twisty shape.

White Solid Gold Women's Diamond Infinity Twist MicroPave Engagement Ring Setting

Since this infinity ring doesn't already contain its own diamond -- but is just the setting -- that means you can choose your own diamond to sit atop the lovely band. With the diamond filled, twisted band, it's easy to imagine the potential beauty this would have as a full ring. Heck, it's almost gorgeous enough to wear it as is! 


And we can't forget infinity necklaces. 

At the moment, there are two infinity pendants I've seen on Avianne and Co.'s website. Both of these will please the eye of a yellow-gold lover. 

Solid Yellow Gold Women's Diamond Infinity Pendant

This first infinity pendant has diamonds lining almost the entirety of the infinity symbol.

Yellow Solid Gold Women's Diamond Infinity Slide Pendant

The second one, pictured above features diamonds set further apart, and less of them than the first. The diamonds line one side of the infinity symbol giving the pendant a somewhat asymmetrical look.

I think the infinity trend (and the eternity) are trends that are hard to resist for us jewelry lovers. 

Infinity pendants offer a fun shape and look nice with every outfit. I don't think I know anybody who isn't loving this trend, so the only real question would be of preference (yellow gold, white gold, etc.) I tend to prefer white gold, so my eyes have been peeled for one.




What about ya'll? Are you guys loving the infinity jewelery, too? Do any of you already own pieces like these? If so, share, share, share! I can't wait to hear all about em'.

Eternity Rings for Women

Am I the only one fascinated by Eternity Bands? 

Didn't think so, and guess what else is fascinating about them? They have some history, although they don't have anything too creepy surrounding their use, their symbolism is sweet.

Although the history of the Eternity ring's design dates far back to the 18th century, they're becoming popular again, but added symbolism that was attached to them back in the 60's by De Beers.

An eternity ring only differs slightly from your typical ring. It's a ring that usually has diamonds or gems surrounding the entire circumference with a shape resembling a wedding band. The eternity ring was basically marketed by using the continuous strand of diamonds or gems that trail the entire band as a way to signify  "eternal love,"  which makes these  rings unique in their very own way. 

A "half-eternity" ring features gems or diamonds only across the face of the band rather than all the way around.

Eternity rings are often gifted as an anniversary or special occasion between spouses, or even as an engagement ring. Obviously, any ring can be a wedding ring, and eternity rings have been popular for that occasion as well. 

       "Eternity" jewelry doesn't end with finger-decor. You  can also show your everlasting love in the form of a necklace,    

if eternity jewelry is your preferred choice of showing this love.

 Can't have one without the other, so you will be seeing my most favored eternity necklaces Sunday night. In the meantime, let me share 5 of my absolute Avianne and Co. eternity ring favorites with ya'll.

Women's Diamond Baguette Eternity Band

Of all the beautiful Eternity bands I've seen, this Baguette Eternity Band really captured my eye because I am a sucker for baguette cut diamonds. The shape isn't quite as soft as a round cut diamond, but a little more modern-day bride. Then the smaller round cut diamonds that line the edges contributes to its elegance. The contrast of the two different cuts combined in the one band make this a total knockout.

But for the other side of me, who happens to fancy a nice round cut diamond on a nice, rounded band, this Women's Diamond Pave Eternity Band really "hits the spot."

Diamond Pave Eternity Band

The various shapes of round cut, pave-set diamonds create for you one big, rounded, finger full of diamonds. (And ain't nobody gonna' complain about that!)

The colorful side of me, which usually overrides my other tastes, can't resist the Vibrant Princess Cut Sapphire Round Prong Set Diamond Gemstone Ring (a mouth full!)

Those gorgeously princess cut royal blue (ahem, I mean Sapphire, but I tend to call this one royal blue) gems, against those perfectly rounded diamonds is truly breath-taking. That phrase is used a lot, but if ever it were to fit an object, this would be it... okay, a lot of jewelry is certainly breath-taking, but it applies here so well that I couldn't help but running the risk of sounding lame. Stop judging me and set your eyes on that beauty one more time before you scroll.

I could easily spend an eternity (pun intended) listing eternity rings that I adore, but nothing last forever, right? I mean, eventually, I would get tired or I'd become so old that I wouldn't even remember what an eternity band was, much less be capable of posting photos of the ones I like. So, I was pretty much lying. It would be impossible to spend an actual eternity showing off my favorites that I find, but the point is, we're coming to an end here and I've got one last beauty to share. 

Drum roll, please.

I said, drum roll, please! 

Now you see just how much that drum roll really was called for, huh?

This Women's Diamond Eternity Band is nothing short of stunning, and when I saw it, it struck me as the kind of diamond ring that pretty much every single girl would find perfect, no matter your taste. I could be wrong, but I'm almost comfortable speaking for all of us here!

Am I wrong, ladies? Would you wear this (or how about the others listed?) Eternity Band with giddy laughter and glee? Or could you take it or leave it? How about that Sapphire baby up there? 

Hope to hear ya'll's  opinions on Eternity Bands tonight (or whichever night/day you happen to read this post).

Do you already own yourself an Eternity Ring? If so, share how you were gifted it and what your thoughts were. Photos? Would love to see!

Jewelry Fit For a Princess

"Jewelry That's Fit For a Princess."

You have probably heard this statement, or something very similar to it. "Fit for a princess" is especially used when people refer to certain things or objects like jewelry or clothing such as gowns.  When referring to a  stunning dress, you may hear someone say "Ah, that dress is fit for a princess."

Well, the same applies to jewelry. With enough diamonds, gems and elegance, the word princess tends to come to our minds. This is exactly what I thought when I seen some of the items in my daily stalk session on Avianne and Co.

 

So, I've put together a list that consists of jewelry items from each jewelry category (earrings, necklace, bracelet) and posted them below for everyone to ogle over, just like I have been! And then you can tell me what your favorites are and we can keep going back and forth until not a piece of jewelry is left that our eyeballs have not rested upon. That is my goal in life. My life's journal. My calling.

 

I hope you enjoy these one-of-a-kind, fun-to-look-at, beauties!

These Diamond Stud Earrings with Black Diamonds reminded me a lot of the similar pair of sapphire earrings these royal ladies have been photographed wearing. The way the ring of diamonds encircle the black diamond (or sapphire in the case of the Princesses), turns a stud earring into something more extravagant.

 

Image source:

	Tim Graham
	May 3, 1988

  

Tim Graham

                               

May 3, 1988

I'm pretty sure we can all agree that sapphire is gorgeous. Here's a more closely matching pair of Women's Sapphire Diamond earrings that also brought the Princess Diana to mind:

Image source: EntertainmentDesktopNexus.com

And while this particular piece may be more fit for a Disney Princess, the Citrine and Amethyst Diamond Designer Gemstone Earrings still holds some princess power, and therefore, it makes the list.

 

 

 

 

 

Whether or not a real-life Princess has worn a piece of jewelry similar to this or not, I don't know, but I don't know a single person who would lay their eyes on something so gorgeous and not experience a moment of breath-taking awe. These Unique Amethyst Diamond Gemstone earrings are the princess of earrings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don't know about you guys, but I think this Women's Diamond Tanzanite Bracelet qualifies perfectly as a bracelet fit for a princess.

 

 

You can tell I have a penchant for the color amethyst/purple, huh? It's just so magnificently princess-y, wouldn't you all agree?

 

 

And so is Topaz.

 

If I were to be given the opportunity to choose a ring to slip on a princess' finger (ahem, or my own, for that stinkin' matter!) this Round Cut Blue Topaz Gemstone Ring would no doubt be in my top 100 choices.

 

 

 

I have to admit, though, this Unique Amethyst and Diamond Gemstone Ring does tickle my fancy equally as much as the beauty before it. But.. we were gifted with 10 fingers, so.

 

 

Now how's that for a fabulous band? All aspects of this ring are unique.

 

I'm thinking if it came down to it, and I managed to work myself up a big ol' ring collection, I'd say that would be  the very moment that the phrase "less is more" would become obsolete to me.

 

 I'd stuff a ring on every one of these chunky little fingers of mine!

 

So, when are we going to have a "Princess of the US?" If ever we do, vote me in!

 

 

 

What do ya'll think about them? Do you think any of the jewelry pieces I have listed today are "Princess worthy?" Or do you have your own gems and diamonds in mind? I'd love to hear your thoughts and for you to share your own favorites with me.

 

My Pearl of The Day: Diamond Earrings for Your Second Ear Piercings

I love all jewelry (bracelets, necklaces and rings), but often times, earrings are my grand finale. My big bang. My focus point piece of jewelry.

The reason I choose earrings as my "big bang" piece rather than, say a ring, is because earrings have what I think of as this magical ability to totally amp up anything I'm wearing.  

Out of all my jewelry, I always think it's my earrings that have the biggest impact on my appearance, and always in a positive way, unlike hair, it is impossible to have a bad earring day.

 Well, unless you were to lose one (or both), then that would be a bad earring day, I suppose.

And we were given ears for a reason, so why not put those ear lobes to good use?

Normally, I take advantage of getting to wear as many of my earrings as possible by using my first hole (the one nearest to the jaw) for my trendy, decorative pieces, and my second hole (furthest from the face) for a small, sparkly diamond earring. Always simple, but always lovely.

Since I  love vibrant colors and statement pieces, I like to go with colorful diamonds or a bold "dangly" earring. 

At this point, there's no sense in saying "also since I post bi-weekly about Avianne and Co. jewelry..." because ya'll know that by now. But there it is. I stalk their jewelry selection and share things that strike my fancy the most. 

Then, it always leads to really sparkly conversations with ya'll and I can't get enough of jewelry-talk with like-minded people. 

You seen it coming, but I must say it anyway:

 

Here are three of my favorite diamond earrings (this week) that are perfect for wearing in second earring holes without giving you earring-overkill, if you happen to have more ear piercings:

 Every time I go on a "favorite jewelry binge," I always end up with black diamonds.  These beauties are the Black Rhodium Plated Black Diamond Solitaire Studs. Studs -- very fitting because these guys could certainly be considered studs.

I love them because aside from your typical diamond earring, a pair of black diamond earrings ride perfectly in your second earring hole (or first, for that matter!) while your first holes sport a more bold design. 

Of course these are gorgeous alone, without other earrings, but I was looking around for earrings that could be worn in my own "second holes" while I still wore a pair of larger, dangly earrings in my first holes.

 

For the colorful, sophisticated lady in me, these Solid Blue Diamond Studs suffice.

Who am I kidding? There's no such thing as this "sophisticated lady" anywhere inside me. But I would still wear the heck out of these square-shaped studs.

And while we all love a good diamond earring, no matter the cut, this Diamond Solitaire Stud earring that resembles a flower offers something a tad more unique, shape-wise than your typical cut.

So, which are your favorite earrings to wear as a second-hole set? Do you prefer one earring per ear, or are you like me and tend to get as much use out of those lobes as possible? Love hearing from ya'll!

Black Diamonds and Mythology

                                   

Ya'll must know by now, the extent of which I adore black diamonds. I think they are gorgeous and I’m seduced by the mysterious look black diamonds carry. 

 

(Image source: www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk)

Perhaps this "mysterious-ness" I get from a piece of jewelry encrusted with black diamonds comes from knowing that their history dates all the way back to the medieval times, and well, the medieval times definitely have a mysterious air about them.

Black diamonds, in their smoky, dark beauty give me the feeling of temptation, and something about them just screams "lusty."  Or maybe it’s my weird mind that causes me to see a piece of jewelry and associate it as  something “lusty,” “seductive,” or “mysterious.” 

It’s only jewelry! 

But I can’t help it. Don’t judge me.

If you look, don’t you notice that those three words suit a black diamond eerily well? See, it isn’t just me.

It is possible, also, that  I associate black diamonds with mystery because of the strange mythology surrounding them.  

For example , in some places, like  India, black diamonds were thought to be cursed and owning them could even result in death! Perhaps it's the black color that makes people think of death. It is true that dark colors, especially black, are associated with death (example: black clothing is worn at funerals).

Or it could also be that black diamonds are impure  forms of polycrystalline diamonds, and the word “impure” does somewhat indicate negative things, and well, death is about as negative as things can get.

Negativity aside, in Italy, black diamonds are a completely different story.

There, it was believed that black diamonds, when touched, had the ability to "fix" marriage problems for a couple by, basically, "absorbing" the troubles of their marriage after rubbing the  black diamond.

Mythology such as that surrounding black diamonds, (the creepy type) has always intrigued me, but throw in the beauty of black diamonds and you have me hooked! I could certainly find myself absorbed in a fiction novel of this topic.

Since we’re on the topic, let's have a look at some of the totally breath-taking black diamond jewelry (from Avianne and Co., of course!)

Black Diamond Jewelry has always stood out to me, and since Ribbons and Pearls often posts for Avianne and Co. I thought I'd dedicate this particular post to lovely black diamonds, starting with the almost retro-ish Heart Pendant with BlackDiamonds: 

And with what almost appears to be tiny slivers of silver ice sandwiched between rectangles of black diamonds, the Women's Diamond Pendant featured below took my breath away at first click.

This is what I call a one-of-a-kind statement pendant.

For those of you who never thought a black piece of jewelry could be so intriguing (or should I use the word "mysterious" again? It is fitting, you have to admit!), I present to you:

The Women's Diamond Onyx Ring

Okay, the glamorous Onyx ring does not feature actual black diamonds, but the gem is black and plenty gorgeous enough to make the list of breath-taking black jewelry!

 The onyx gem -- from that particular angle -- has a velvet-y appearance.

The onyx, lined with diamonds couldn't have been more perfectly crafted, from the shape to the texture to size.

The Onyx gem comes to a sharp point in the center, which is unique in itself, then you have the texture of the gem -- also unique.