Peace Pendants

Dakota Fanning wearing a pendant which is the famous symbol for peace.

But where did this symbol originate?

The dove and the olive branch used to symbolize peace until mid twentieth century when the peace sign as we know it became the world recognized symbol for peace.

It was initially designed for the British nuclear disarmament movement by designer Gerald Holtom, the design was completed on February 21st 1958 for the 4 April march planned by the Direct Action Committee against nuclear war (DAC). The symbol was later adopted by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, then by the Anti-War movement in 1960 and then by the counterculture and finally by our popular culture.

The peace sign flag first became known in the US in 1958 when Albert Bigelow, a pacifist protester, sailed his small boat outfitted with the CDN banner into the vicinity of the nuclear test.

More on the history of the peace sign at wikipedia.org

Why You Should Consider the Mom & Pop Jewelry store!

Consider an independent jeweler before you rush off to the large jewelry retailer promising up to75% off. Independent jewelers are not dead, as some may believe, and the independent jeweler can often provide more to its customers than the large-scale jewelry store.

1. Quality

2. Low prices

3. Personalized service

4. Knowledge from an experienced jeweler on the premise

5. Exclusive jewelry pieces (not mass produced)

The overhead of an independent jeweler is much lower making it easier to offer great savings to their customers without hurting their bottom line. You might find a similar piece at both the independent as well as the large jewelry retailer, but you will surely pay more or less same regardless of their discount as their mark up was exaggerated in the first place. At Jewels Quest, we don't play the high mark-up game. And while you may find great bargains, be assured that the quality of diamonds may not be as good, it's easy to sell at low prices when the diamonds are commercial and of low quality. At family owned and operated jewelry stores such as Jewels Quest fine jewelry, customers also enjoy the benefit of a more relaxed atmosphere, and a more personalized service. An added benefit to shopping at an independent jeweler is that they often have exclusive pieces and also offer services you may not find at the larger jewelry chain store. Not to mention that you have an experienced jeweler right in front of you.

When it comes to special orders, the custom jewelry we design at Jewels Quest will usually be of better quality, and the customer will be more implicated in the process. Another very important aspect of our jewelry store, which sets us apart from others, is that all repairs on jewelry and watches are done on the premises rather than sent out. Customers once again benefit as the savings are passed down to them. Many customers don't want their four carat diamond ring or their Rolex shipped out and back to third parties, knowing that their item is staying in store reassures them.

So if you're in the market for diamond or gold jewelry, or even fashion sterling silver jewelry; consider the mom and pop jewelry store like Jewels Quest. Beyond the fact that you'll be supporting a local small business, you will definitely be benefitting by getting quality, savings and personal service by an experienced jeweler.

Topaz November's Gemstone

Topaz, such a magestic name, also known as the precious Imperial Topaz which is usually fine apricot orange. Birthstone of the month of November, Topaz is a symbol of love and affection. A true Topaz is rarely seen in jewelry stores. What most people know as Topaz is the Quartz Citrine.

Topaz occurs in transparent yellow, yellow brown, orange, orange brown, pinkish brown as well as light red and blue. The latter has increased in popularity lately, blue topaz work best in whote gold settings and the color is a bright blue. Most of these are heat treated and hard to determine from the non treated ones.

You will come accross many gemstones bearing the name Topaz but they are misleading as they are citrine and quartz. The following are some you may have heard:

Smokey Topaz

Spanish Topaz

Rio Topaz

Occidental Topaz

Scottish Topaz

Madeira Topaz...

Overall Topaz is a versatile, hard and brilliant gemstone with a range of colors. The orange Topaz has long been associated with the November gemstone but today you may wish your Topaz in any hue you desire.

October's Beloved Opal

Opal is the stone to give your loved one on your 14th anniversary (see other anniversaries).

For those opal enthusiasts, the World of Opals by Allen W. Eckert is a wonderful anniversary idea to accompany the opal jewelry.

The World of Opals

What determines the price of color gemstones?

As mentioned in a previous post, color plays a major role in the pricing of any gem, but there are many other factors to consider when buying a color stone.

Understanding these factors will help you make a more confident decision when choosing your stone. Here is the list of factors that along with color will determine the value of a color gemstone:

Other factors that affect color stone price:

• Transparency

• Clarity

• Shape

• Cut (the style and quality)

• Carat weight

• Treatment (is it treated or untreated)

• Origin

The Cut of Color Gemstones

The cut is the way a stone was faceted, for instance a cabochon is a stone that has no facets, it is dome shapes with a smooth polish. These are less expensive except when found in antique jewelry when they can be prices higher than usual. There are many different styles of cutting but the quality of the cut is important as well. When a color stone displays even colors all through out, this is a good cut. You can easily determine the quality of the cut of your gemstone by observing it face up. A washed out surface that is flat and looks like a window is not a good cut. Nor is it good if there are too many black areas.

Let's put two stones that are the same size when you look at them from the top, one may be priced higher due to its weight, the deeper cut give a stone a fat and heavy bottom but it is also recommended in color stones for shallow cuts will create that flat window surface reducing its value.

• Transparency

• Clarity

• Shape

• Cut (the style and quality)

• Carat weight

• Treatment (is it treated or untreated)

• Origin

GEMSTONES: The Importance of color and symbolism

Color and gemstone have different symbolism depending on one main factor: who is wearing them, man or woman. While strong associations of different gemstones evolved so did the association of color. People should ultimately wear what they are attracted to wear, so to ask what color gemstone is the most valuable is often answered by which ever is the individuals preference.

However, when it comes to pricing, the value will depend in large part on whether a gem is less brown or grey, dull or saturated. Each gemstone has a range of hues and those closer to a pure red, green or blue will be far more valuable. Though not the only determining factor, color will play a major role and very important to evaluate a gemstone.

Today gems are worn for their beauty and aesthetic reasons. But let's, for a moment, turn our attention to color and their personal attributes:

Blue: (Sapphire, aquamarine, lapiz)

When the color blue is worn by men, it symbolizes great thought and wisdom. On women, it represents vigilance and politeness.

Red: (Ruby, garnet)

Men: nobility and high command.

Women: Pride, sexiness, attraction.

Green: (Emerald, tourmaline, peridot)

Men: Transitory hope.

Women: change.

In a way these two meet.

White: (Zircon, diamond, white sapphire)

Men: commitment, friendship, integrity.

Women: Purity and contemplation.

Black: (Onyx, opal, pearl)

Men: strength.

Women: consistency in love, perseverance.

And the list goes on. The above are the most common colors sought after in gemstones, and worn in clothing. In the end, your own fashion statement will come from different factors, the color of the season, which color suits your skin tone and ultimately which color makes you feel good! And the same goes for gemstones.

TRANSPARENCY of color gemstones

Question to ask when dealing with transparency: is the color gem hazy or clear? Is it translucent or opaque? You can yourself determine the answer to these by holding the gem up in the light, the opaque won't let light through. In most cases a higher transparency will make a stone more valuable But in the case of black opal and ruby the contrary is true, an almost opaque ruby for example will sell for more.

Other color stone factors that affect price:

• Transparency

• Clarity

• Shape

• Cut (the style and quality)

• Carat weight

• Treatment (is it treated or untreated)

• Origin

SHAPE of color gemstones

Whether the color gem is pear shape, round, oval or trillion, this will not have a greater impact on price than color, clarity or transparency would. The value of a gem's shape will be more a matter of demand. If round is the trendy shape of the season and higher in demand then a high quality round shape color gem will cost more than an thee high quality marquis shape.

Other color stone factors that affect price:

• Transparency

• Clarity

• Shape

• Cut (the style and quality)

• Carat weight

• Treatment (is it treated or untreated)

• Origin

CLARITY of color gemstones

Clarity is the degree of blemishes and inclusions found in a stone. Obviously the fewer flaws, the higher the price. We give more importance to clarity in diamonds than in color stones as flaws in color stones are welcomed signs that the color stone is natural.

Other color stone factors that affect price:

• Transparency

• Clarity

• Shape

• Cut (the style and quality)

• Carat weight

• Treatment (is it treated or untreated)

• Origin

TREATMENT of color gemstones

A stone will undergo several processes: cleaning, cutting, polishing and then most will also be treated in some way by man. They will be dyed, cavity filled and heat treated which is the more accepted treatment. A high quality untreated stone will be more valuable than a treated one unless the untreated gem is of low quality. You can easily assume that most emeralds for sale are treated because most have tiny fractures and need cavity filling. Find out more about heat treatment.

Other color stone factors that affect price:

• Transparency

• Clarity

• Shape

• Cut (the style and quality)

• Carat weight

• Treatment (is it treated or untreated)

• Origin

ORIGIN of color gemstones

The origin of a color gemstone will play the least role in price. However in some cases it will make it more valuable such as a Sapphire from Kashmir, as it is rare and has exceptional color. Tanzanite are found in one location making them high priced as well. Ruby and Emerald may also be considered more valuable depending their origin. In most cases origin will not matter.

Other color stone factors that affect price:

• Transparency

• Clarity

• Shape

• Cut (the style and quality)

• Carat weight

• Treatment (is it treated or untreated)

• Origin

The importance of color in gemstones

Essentially, the stronger and more saturated the color of a gem is the more valuable it will be. In the case of the blue Sapphire, we need to mention that there is a preference for the Sri Lanken Sapphire which is saturated but lighter than the Burma blue Sapphire, but both are equally valuable.

• Transparency

• Clarity

• Shape

• Cut (the style and quality)

• Carat weight

• Treatment (is it treated or untreated)

• Origin

Anniversary Gemstones, do you know which to offer on your seventh anniversary?

1st Anniversary: Gold

2: Garnet

3: Pearl

4: Blue Topaz

5: Sapphire (blue sapphire)

6: Amethyst

7: Onyx

8: Tourmaline (green or pink)

9: Lapiz

10th Anniversary: Diamond

11: Turquoise

12: Jade

13: Citrine (it rhymes)

14: Opal

15: Ruby

20th Anniversary: Emerald

25th: Silver

30th: Pearl

35th: Emerald

40th: Ruby

45th: Sapphire

50th Anniversary: Gold Jubilee

55th: Alexandrite

60th Anniversary: Diamond Jubilee

The colors of fashion and gemstone, what do they mean?

Color and gemstone have different symbolism depending on who is wearing them, man or woman?

While strong associations of different gemstones evolved so did the association of color. People should ultimately wear what they are attracted to wear, so to ask what color gemstone is the most valuable is often answered by: which ever is the individual's preference.

However, when it comes to pricing, the value will depend in large part on whether a gem is less brown or grey, dull or saturated. Each gemstone has a range of hues and those closer to a pure red, green or blue will be far more valuable. Though not the only determining factor, color will play a major role and very important to evaluate a gemstone.

Today gems are worn for their beauty and aesthetic reasons. Let's, for a moment, turn our attention to color specifically and how their personal attributes will vary whether it is worn by men or women:

Blue: (Sapphire, aquamarine, lapiz)

When the color blue is worn by men, it symbolizes great thought and wisdom. On women, it represents vigilance and politeness.

Red: (Ruby, garnet)

Men: nobility and high command.

Women: Pride, sexiness, attraction.

Green: (Emerald, tourmaline, peridot)

Men: Transitory hope.

Women: change.

In a way these two meet.

White: (Zircon, diamond, white sapphire)

Men: commitment, friendship, integrity.

Women: Purity and contemplation.

Black: (Onyx, opal, pearl)

Men: strength.

Women: consistency in love, perseverance.

And the list goes on. The above are the most common colors sought after in gemstones, and worn in clothing. In the end, your own fashion statement will come from different factors, the color of the season, which color suits your skin tone and ultimately which color makes you feel good! And the same goes for gemstones.

Do Gemstones have Healing Powers?

Healing with gemstones and their stimulating effects on body and mind have been known for thousand of years. Each stone produced by Earth has its unique properties and characteristics, each release a specific energy that have an effect on the psyche and the body. A great source for understanding the powers of over 140 different stones is Healing Crystals and Gemstones: From Amethyst to Zircon

Jewelry that Empowers

Another beautiful hand crafted bracelet. This one combines fiery carnelian popping out among the Fluorite, Aquamarine and Chrysoprase.

Chrysoprase was one of the most sought after stones during the middle ages. This magic stone was recharged outdoors at half moon to ensure good health and happy marriages. St Wenceslas chapel in Prague has decorations made with Chrysoprase. It has the healing power of balancing body, mind and body. If you suffer from high blood pressure, wear this stone against your skin. Chrysoprase calms you down and also clears the mind, you'll begin to think more clearly. It is believed to be an important stone for those born under the sign of Cancer. It provides balance between the conscious and subconsious.

Aquamarine will always be a great facilitator to meditation, aquamarine also symbolizes peace and promotes love and friendship. One of its many benefits is the effect it has on the tyroid gland.

Carnelian is one of the oldest gemstones in history. In ancient Egypt it was placed in tombs as a magic armor. The healing properties of the carnelian are promoting a good digestion and great for woman who suffer from abdominal pain. Carnelian is a great stone to wear during pregnancy. It increases vitality and zest for life, gives strength to carry on daily tasks. Activity and courage are associated with carnelian.

There are many more attributes to these stones, the Healing Crystals and Gemstones is a great book to own if you enjoy discovering the nature of earth's gems.

Jewelry That Empowers

Custom bracelet hand crafted with Rose Quartz, Amazonite and Amethyst. Wear this bracelet and awaken the many healing properties attributed to these stones. Each of these sterling silver bracelets are created with a purpose, to assist you in your process and empowerment.

Rose Quartz is the most effective stone against radiation, if you work on the computer all day, wearing rose quartz can prevent eye fatigue and headaches. It can vitalize your sex drive and is also known to strengthen friendships. Rose Quartz helps in all affairs of the heart.

Amazonite used as an accent has the healing power to treat metabolic disorders. If you suffer from migraines, make amazonite a priority stone to wear against the skin. It has a calming effect, it lifts depression and reduces anxiety.

Amethyst is another migraine alleviator, combined here with the amazonite makes this part of healing stronger. It is also believed to improve concentration, well once your headaches are gone for sure you'll be able to focus better. Mysterious purple amethyst helps the wearer get in touch with his subconscious power.

For more information about the power of crystals and gemstones and learn further about their many magical and healing properties, we recommend you get Healing Crystals and Gemstones: From Amethyst to Zircon.

Retailed at $87.00

BUY

Opal is October's Birthstone

When Sir Walter Scott published "Anne of Gerstein" back in 1829, a myth begun about the opal that one would be very unlucky if wearing an opal unless she was born in October, because the main character of the book dies and her death is attributed to the opal.

It really doesn't matter what month you were born in, you should wear the gems that speak to your heart above all. Usually personalities will be attracted to a particular gem according to how it makes them feel and look. Sometimes a certain color stone might not show as brilliant against a certain skin tone, other times a gem is chosen by a wearer because of a sentimental attachment.

If you enjoy wearing the fiery opals, it is my pleasure to tell you that you must be a person of such positive and happy energy because in modern days, opals are said to project the wearers energy back to them. Therefore if you harbor negativity, sadness, bitterness, simply touching the opal will not feel right and you will turn away from it.

Opals are soft and difficult to care for, when we work with opals, we take extra caution as it should be kept away from heat and cold. We cannot place it in an ultrasonic cleaner, and if we need to repair the setting, it must be removed. It required very delicate care.

The name opal comes from the latin 'opalus' which means precious jewels. Called 'Cupid Paederos' by the Romans translated to a child as beautiful as love. Fallen from heaven in a flash of fiery light, is one of the legendary explanations of the opal's origin. Worn by kings and monarch alike, believed to bring protection and ward off the eviel eye. Opals were set in crowns and necklaces.

It is better not to set them in rings as they are soft stones and can damage easily. Most of opal deposits are found in Southern Australia. Other sources are Mexico, Brazil, Nevada and Czechoslovakia.

Another giant diamond, this one depicts Lord Ganesha

A foreigner discovered this diamond in one of Orra's factories, Orra is a world known diamond company and it recently showcased this idol of Lord Ganesha. It is the biggest idol of Ganesh made of diamond. The stone was left in its raw form unpolished. It has created a main attraction in Pune where it is displayed, Supreya Sule a member of the parliament in Pune has also visited the showroom to see the interesting Deity, which is one of the most worshiped deities in the Hindu pantheon. Devotion to Ganesha goes beyond India to Buddhists, and Jains.

Ganesha, Lord of beginnings, Lord of obstacles, deva of intellect and wisdom, is honored before rituals and ceremonies. Identified by its elephant head, it is widely revered as the remover of obstacles.

This Ganesha made of diamond weighs 514 carat - no less!

507-Carat Diamond Found at South African Mine

JOHANNESBURG —

A chicken egg has been found

at South Africa's Cullinan mine.

The first thing you might wonder is "what is its value?" The rough diamond held here in the photo by the CEO Johan Dippenaar is 507.55 carat and weighs a little over 100 grams. No value has yet been given but it is considered among the world's top 20 high quality gems.

Discovered at a mine northeast of Pretoria, it is said that its color and clarity is exceptional. This same mine is where the Cullinan, 3,106 carat stone came from and now is set in Britain's Imperial Scepter as part of the Crown Jewels.

This is yet another huge discovery by the company Petra Diamond Ltd.

source: foxnews

Pegasus Coin

Pegasus, who's never heard of this winged horse born from Greek Mythology? Pegasus was born from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa when Perseus beheaded her. The role of Pegasus is to bring the thunder to Zeus. Most often described as a large white stallion with wings. Pegasus has been depicted in fantasy art for generations. Here depicted in a beautiful jewelry piece.

The name is believed to have derived from the word 'pegai' which means 'spring' or 'fountain'. As for 'sus' this is pre-greek word and means 'bridled horse'. So we can say that Pegasus can litterally mean "Fountain Horse". A term perfectly matched with its mythology. In ancient Greek mythology, Pegasus is said to well forth the fountain of the Muses on Mount Helicon with a stroke of his hoof.

The winged horseshoe is the symbol of Pegasus

Today, Pegasus symbolises the immortal soul and protector of the spirit in its journey to the astral plane. The winged horse represents the power of natural forces and the capacity of inverting evil into good.

As a Christian symbol, Pegasus went from the attribution as the mount of Apollo the God of pure light, to the symbol of Christ risen and as revealer of mysteries. In Revelations, Pegasus takes on the symbol of the "white horse".

Through the many interpretations of Pegasus, today it remains the beautiful mysterious and powerful winged horse regarded as the symbol of poetic inspiration.

shown here: a sterling silver piece set in 24k gold retailed at $259.00

PRESS RELEASE

Jewels Quest Receives 2009 Best of Thousand Oaks Award

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Jewels Quest has been selected for the 2009 Best of Thousand Oaks Award in the Jewelry Stores category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@us-ca.org
URL: http://www.us-ca.org

Sapphire is the Birthstone of September

From its capacity to bring mental clarity, reducing fevers and depression, guarding you from danger to taking away long-standing misfortunes; this precious gemstone has been given many duties such as representing the planet Saturn known for regular gains, bring longevity, and relief from the chaos of professional ups and downs.

Did I get your attention?

Sapphire is September's birthstone. Also the gemstone of Virgo. Sapphire will always maintain second most popular stone after the diamond. It belongs to the corundum group (aluminum oxide) with hardness that is only surpassed by the diamond. Because of its hardness (9 on the moh scale), sapphires are easy to care for, and very tough.

Sapphire comes from the Greek word sappheirios which means blue. There are many legends surrounding sapphires; for instance, in ancient Persia, they called sapphires "Celestial Gemstone", because they believed earth stood on a giant sapphire and the reflection of it colored the sky. There are also stories of lovers giving sapphires to their partner believing that the gemstone would no longer shine if there was unfaithfulness on the part of the wearer. Sapphire was also chosen for kings and high priests. And the prominent gemstone in the British Crown Jewels.

As with any gemstone, sapphire's value will be determined by its color, the rich blue (but not too dark) will be the highest prized. But sapphires don't have to be blue to be beautiful, they also come in other colors such as pink, yellow, and colorless. In fact in the corundum group you will find many colors, except red, that's what we call Ruby. But mainly when one seeks out a sapphire, that perfect blue is the target.

Sapphires are found in Kashmir, Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, Madagascar and also in the US. Given usually on the 5th and 45th anniversary. Symbol of fidelity, honesty and loyalty makes the sapphire a popular choice for engagement rings, promise rings and bridal jewelry. When you wear a Sapphire, you'll know that you are wearing one of the most beautiful and prized gemstones.

FIND OUT OTHER INTERESTING STORIES ABOUT SAPPHIRE ON OUR FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

Gone are the days of brand jewelry

Often customers will come in and ask for such and such name brand diamond, we don't carry branded diamonds and therefore we first try to understand why exactly they are focused on that particular brand, then we assure them that we can get the same diamond that is equally good.

Branded diamonds will cost more, after all they have a name and a whole lot invested in big marketing campaigns and advertising, and yes, they are laser inscribed. is that enough to pay more? Diamonds come in various clarity grades, color and cuts, you will eventually shop according to your budget. Whether they are branded or not, when you get a VVS clarity, D color (or colorless) and Ideal cut diamond, you are getting a great stone.

In reality, it all comes down to trust. People trust the brand they might be used to, and they are right to aim for the brand name when shopping in large mall jewelry stores. But they are paying for it. As an independent jeweler, we prefer to offer the non-branded merchandize at a far better value, and work hard to earn the customers trust. Once you have found that jeweler you are comfortable working with, and trust, you no longer need to misplace that trust in branding. You will save money and be better off buying locally.

Your diamond will turn heads either way. So why pay more? You can get equally quality stones buying generic diamonds. The important factor is the certification of that diamond (GIA recommended) and that you get the best sparkle for your budget.

For more information on diamonds click here

Peridot: The BIrthstone of August

If you were born in August you're in luck as it is assumed that the semi-precious gemstone Peridot brings good luck to the wearer. If you're going through hard times, either on personal matters or financial ones, wealth and prosperity is also attached to this gemstone's powers. So if you're feeling blue, reach for the green. The bright lime green gemstone set on a ring, earrings or necklace will surely encourage you to wear outfits that will compliment the stone and liven up your spirit consequently.

The Peridot color is fresh and very appropriate to celebrate a fun and light Summer season. One of the few gemstones to occur in one color though you will see many tints, from yellow green to the most valuable dark olive green. Peridot is a relatively soft gemstone with a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and therefore a better choice for pendants and earrings rather than bracelets and rings that get more easily scratched up during normal wear.

Ancient Hawaiians believed Peridot to be the tears of the Goddess Pele. In ancient Rome, Peridot was called the "evening emerald" because it didn't darken at night, both Romans and Greeks praise this gem then called Chrysolite. In medieval times, Peridot was used to decorate churches, at Cologne Cathedral in Germany, you will find over two hundred carat size stones in the Shrine of the three magi. When I think of Peridot, I think of Egypt where it was mined on the Island of Zabargad in the Red Sea. Today Peridot is mostly found in China and Sri Lanka, as well as Burma and Arizona.

So if you are an August child you should consider this often overlooked gemstone. And here's a bit FYI from Wikipedia:

Peridot crystals have been collected from some Pallasite meteorites. A famous Pallasite was offered for auction in April 2008 with a requested price of close to $ 3 million at Bonhams, but remained unsold.^[1] Peridot is the only gemstone found in meteorites.