6 replies to this topic

[LaurieH]

I know there is not (yet) a subsection for non-diamond jewelry, per se, but I'm curious what folks' favorite gemstone is BESIDES diamonds. Do you have a favorite colored stone? Is it your birthstone? Whatever it is, is it something you wear (that one's mostly for the gals, I guess!)? Why or why not?

I'm personally a huge fan of Garnet and Labradorite (and love them together in the same piece), and I have several pieces of jewelry that I've made with both those stones. My birthstone is Peridot, and I have some jewelry that I made with it, that I don't wear much, and treated myself to a rose gold ring with a nicely cut round Peridot center a couple years ago, but I don't wear it often.

I also LOOOOOOOVE Paraiba Tourmaline, but unfortunately, a good sized, well cut stone is out of my price point right now. But one day... In the meantime, I sometimes run across Apatite that is the same color and might have to have a ring made at some point if I find a nice one

[davidelevi]

That's a tough one. I like so many. I keep changing my mind among "the big 3", spinel and various garnets (tsav and spess first but demantoid a very close second), plus topaz, opal, oh, heck... but if I really had to choose, I'd pick jade.

Edited by davidelevi, 04 November 2010 - 11:40 AM.

[Zoara]

My birthstone is Garnet, which I've never warmed up to. It's definitely making a comeback with the whole Twilight fanaticism, but I've always been one for emeralds, pearls and turquoise.

I love emeralds especially when they are set in yellow gold, in any kind of jewelry: earrings, brooches, pendants, rings, you name it.
I've also got a soft spot for pearl strands and pearl studs.
And when I'm going for a more casual and summery look, I love turquoise set in sterling silver.

So I guess, emerald is my favorite..... but it's so hard to pick just one!!!

[davidelevi]

Zoara - have you seen good quality tsavorite?

[HeartAndStone]

My favorite gemstone is Sapphire, although my birthstone is Garnet.
I love everything about September.


Check this out...
By her who in January was born
No gem save garnets shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.

The February born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they, the amethyst will wear.

By her who in March was born
No gem save Bloodstone shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.

She who from April dates her years,
Diamonds shall wear,
lest bitter tears
For vain repentance flow.

Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet, flower month of May
And wears an Emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.

By her who in June was born
No gem save Pearls shall be worn
They will ensure her constancy
True friendship and fidelity.

The gleaming Ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they'll be exempt and free,
From lover's doubts and anxiety.

Wear a Peridot or for thee,
No conjugal fidelity,
The August born without this stone,
`Tis said, must live unloved; alone.

A maiden born when autumn leaves
Are rustling in September's breeze,
A Sapphire on her brow should bind;
To bring her joy and peace of mind.

October's child is born for woe,
And life's vicissitudes must know,
But lay an opal on her breast,
And hope will lull those woes to rest.

Who first comes to this world below
In dreary November's fog and snow,
Should prize the topaz amber hue,
Emblem of friends and lovers true.

If cold December gave you birth
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a turquoise blue;
Success will bless whate'er you do.

—Gregorian Birthstone Poems

Edited by HeartAndStone, 16 November 2010 - 04:45 AM.

[LaurieH]

That's so neat--I've heard some superstitions/lore about some gemstones, namely opals, but never anything that complex! very interesting

Oh...and tsavorites are amazing, too.

[davidelevi]

Not really. Bloodstone is a completely different mineral - green and red, not transparent and used predominantly to make carvings. Aquamarine is blue (or greenish blue), transparent and predominantly faceted.

However there is no agreement around "birth stones", and the tradition is relatively recent (invented in the early 20th century), so everybody has felt free to come up with his or her own list... result: some may list bloodstone, others aquamarine (though to be honest, I have never seen bloodstone other than for April/May, since it's linked to spring).