April Birthstone: Diamond

Those born in the month of April are lucky enough to have the most valuable and precious gemstone as their birthstone: the diamond. Diamonds are the perfect gift for those born in April. Its unmatched shine and luster have made the glamorous diamond a favorite for both men and women for centuries. They are known for their toughness. In fact, diamonds are actually the hardest material in the world, and can only be cut by other diamonds. They add beauty and luxury to any situation, making diamond jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI the perfect birthday gift! Read on to learn more about this precious gemstone.

History of the diamond

Diamonds are formed below the surface of the Earth’s crust before being pushed upward, where they are later uncovered. Many ancient civilizations thought diamonds were lightning on Earth. This is likely how the stone became associated with having healing powers. The diamond was thought to cure brain disease, cleanse the body of toxins and relieve pituitary gland disorders. They first became prevalent in India, where they were mined from three major rivers in the 1400s. The diamonds were then sold throughout Europe. From there, diamonds became a jewelry staple known for symbolizing eternal and lasting love. Today, diamonds are found in Australia, Ghana, Zaire, Russia, Brazil and the United States.

The meaning of April’s birthstone

Diamonds are the birthstone for April, but they’re known for so much more than that. You likely know the stone’s association with love. The ancient Romans thought Cupid’s arrow had a diamond on its tip. Even today, some people believe diamonds can improve and even ensure the longevity of a relationship. Diamonds’ extreme strength has also led to the belief that they will increase the strength and courage of the wearer.

Diamond jewelry birthstone gifts

You can’t go wrong with giving anyone who was an April baby the timeless gift of diamond jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI. Here are some of our favorite April birthstone gift options:

  • Diamond pendant: A stunning diamond pendant is a guaranteed way to take someone’s breath away. Choose a classic clear diamond with a gold chain for a timeless staple the wearer will treasure. Another option is a bezel-set diamond flanked by an intricate sterling silver pendant.
  • Diamond stud earrings: A gorgeous pair of diamond earrings will be treasured for years to come, and they’ll look great on anyone!
  • Diamond tennis bracelet: There are so many different styles to choose from when it comes to tennis bracelets. You can opt for a classic 14k white gold tennis bracelet, or a trendy rose gold option. Either way, your loved one will absolutely adore their new diamond bracelet.

Looking for the perfect April birthday gift? Howard’s Fine Jewelry has an extensive selection of diamond jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI. Our professional team of jewelry experts will help you find a beautiful gift your loved one will be sure to wear and cherish for years to come. Come see us today to peruse our stock!

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

While there are two birthstones associated with the month of March—bloodstone and aquamarine—we want to take some time today to highlight the latter. Aquamarine gemstones sport a beautiful, clear blue color, typically an icy blue hue. How much do you really know about this birthstone? Let’s take a look at some interesting facts about aquamarine jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI to celebrate March:

  • Its name and what it’s used for: The name “aquamarine” comes from the Latin phrase “aqua marina,” which translates to “sea water.” This is the perfect title for a gemstone that has the color and clarity of the ocean. And if you follow astrology, then you know that some March babies are Pisces, as in water and fish. This gemstone has been used in decorative jewelry and protective amulets since as far back as 500 B.C., but has also been utilized for its supposed healing powers, especially its ability to soothe and calm a person’s nerves.
  • Its healing powers: In addition to the possibility that aquamarine can calm and soothe nerves, this gem is believed to work extremely well as a beneficial mediation tool. It is said that this beautiful gem stone can lead the meditator to his or her core spirituality. In ancient Roman times, it was thought that aquamarine stones could cure problems with the stomach, liver and throat, as well as reduce fluid retention. Folks in the Middle Ages used the gem to reduce anxiety and the toxicity of poisons.
  • It’s believed to have mystical powers: Wearing an aquamarine gemstone was thought to increase a person’s courage, happiness, wisdom and youthfulness, and was also used to protect against gossip. More modern-day beliefs treat aquamarine as a symbol of courage, faithfulness and friendship. Also, back in the day, sailors used the gem for protection and safety at sea. They believed it was a treasure from mermaids that could ward off illness and protect them from the devil.
  • Its color: Although typically pictured as a very blue gemstone, individual aquamarine gems actually range in color, from blue-green to sea-foam green to teal. The color depends on its hue, saturation and tone. Hue determines whether it will have a warm or cool shade, tone measures how light or dark the color is and saturation is the color quality, measuring whether it’s dull or bright and vivid.
  • Its properties: Aquamarine is a semi-precious gem from the beryl family, which includes morganite and emerald. These gemstones are graded using the same system for diamonds, judged by color, cut, clarity and carat weight. Aquamarine is also considered soft enough to be cut into a wide variety of styles and shapes.
  • It’s easy to clean: Because aquamarine is extremely durable, it does not require special care. Flawless aquamarine gemstone jewelry is safe to clean in ultrasonic cleaners, but you only need a soft brush and soapy water to care for it at home. Just rinse with water and wipe dry.

Visit Howard’s Fine Jewelry today to browse our selection of exquisite aquamarine jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI to celebrate the March birth of someone you care for!

February Birthstone: Amethyst Jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI

How much do you know about amethyst? If you were born in February, you may know more than the average person. If your birthstone is a different gem, you might not be as familiar with this beautiful stone. Since this is the perfect month to buy amethyst jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI, we thought we’d provide a few fun facts about amethyst.

Use this fact sheet to guide your jewelry purchases, gain a better appreciation of this gem or simply score some extra points in your next trivia game. Enjoy!

Basics

Amethyst is made of quartz, which can be found across the globe. It is often found in granite rock cavities and in geodes. Irradiation, trace elements and iron impurities give amethyst its purple hue. Its typical color can range from deep purple to light violet. Colors can vary within each stone. The gem rates fairly high on the hardness scale, making it a durable and lasting option for amethyst jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI.

Meaning

The word “amethyst” comes from Ancient Greek, from the word “methustos.” This means “intoxicated.” In ancient times, wearers of amethyst believed that donning this stone would protect them from intoxication.

Significance

Amethyst is frequently associated with the qualities of courage, peace, strength and stability. It is the birthstone for February. It is also used to celebrate the 6th and 17th years of marriage.

History

Amethyst has been central to many myths and legends throughout history. It has been used to symbolize royalty, ward off intoxication and keep wearers clear-headed. At times, it has been held in regard similar to diamonds. However, once abundant supplies of amethyst were discovered, it became more affordable and could be enjoyed by more jewelry lovers worldwide.

Fashion

Today, few wearers of amethyst jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI place this gem on their ears or fingers or around their necks in an attempt to remain quick-witted. They simply enjoy its beautiful hues. Its shade makes amethyst complementary to both warm and cool colors, offering a versatile look that works great in all seasons and with a full range of wardrobe styles.

Gifts

When is the best time to purchase amethyst jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI? As mentioned, February’s birthstone is amethyst, so this is the perfect birthday gift for friends and family who are celebrating this month. It’s also great for 6th and 17th anniversary gifts.

A versatile gem, amethyst is great for bold statement jewelry as well as for more subtle pieces. Its warmth and beauty can add something special to any jewelry box.

Where to Buy

Are you looking for the perfect amethyst jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI? Whether you want to celebrate a loved one or treat yourself, Howard’s Fine Jewelry offers a beautiful collection of amethyst jewelry. Visit our store today to view our dazzling amethyst collection or contact one of our expert jewelers with any questions about this gorgeous gem. We look forward to doing everything we can to make your February even more special!

December Birthstones: Blue Topaz, Tanzanite and Turquoise

The three birthstones for December are all varying shades of blue: blue topaz, tanzanite and turquoise. Each of these gems has their own unique properties and historical characteristics, and all are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to precious gems, despite having undeniable beauty.

Here’s a bit of information about each of these three December birthstones.

Tanzanite

Tanzanite is the blue variety of a mineral called zoisite that is only found in Tanzania (hence the name of the stone). Tanzanite was discovered relatively recently, in 1967, and has since rapidly risen in terms of worldwide popularity.

Most tanzanite you’ll find on the market today has been heat treated to minimize the brown colors that occur naturally in the stone. As a result, the blue shades in the stone get enhanced, and are capable of rivaling even sapphire.

Even with the greater awareness of tanzanite and the greater demand for the stone, it’s still only found in a very small area in Tanzania, close to Mount Kilimanjaro. The price and availability of the stone are therefore tied directly to the mines that produce it in an area of just a few square miles.

In terms of hardness, tanzanite in Sterling Heights, MI comes in between a 6.5 and a 7 on the Mohs scale, not nearly as hard as sapphire and making it a bit vulnerable to scratching. Therefore, it’s better for use in earrings and pendants than it is in rings.

Blue topaz

Blue topaz, also known as blue zircon, is a blue variety of a gem that commonly occurs in a brownish red color, which can make it popular for people looking for a stone with earth tones. The blue color results from heat treatment, which helps to stabilize the radioactivity that can occur in the stone.

The stone is found in a variety of locations, including Australia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Cambodia, Canada and the United States. The largest producer is Australia, where the stone dates back 4.4 billion years. About 37 percent of the world’s supply of the gem comes from Australia.

Fun fact: in the Middle Ages, people believed blue topaz in Sterling Heights, MI was capable of warding off evil, inducing sleep and promoting financial success and prosperity among its owners.

Turquoise

Most people are familiar with the beautiful light blue-green of turquoise in Sterling Heights, MI. It has been a staple of jewelry collections since ancient times, often referred to as the “Turkish stone,” and the color often referred to as “Persian blue.” Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula was an important historical source of turquoise, but today the United States is the world’s largest supplier, with turquoise being found and produced in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico. The stone’s prevalence in the Southwest made it a Native American staple.

Turquoise can be sensitive to direct sunlight and to solvents found in makeups and perfumes. It also only registers up to a 6 on the Mohs scale, which means it’s not ideal for use in rings.

For more information about these December birthstones, contact Howard’s Fine Jewelry or visit our jewelry store in Sterling Heights, MI today!

November Birthstones: Citrine and Topaz

It’s November, which means this is the month to bring out your citrine and topaz! People who are born during the month of November are able to choose between either of these gemstones to add a touch of color and brightness to what is otherwise a gray, chilly month in many areas. These stones are beloved for their warmth and calming energy.

It’s fitting that the two are both November birthstones—they are often mistaken for each other, despite being completely unrelated minerals. They look very similar in many circumstances, though topaz has a much wider spectrum of colors than citrine does.

Here’s a brief overview of citrine and topaz in Sterling Heights, MI, courtesy of the team at Howard’s Fine Jewelry.

Topaz

There was a long period of time where all yellow gems were classified as topaz, and all topaz was thought to be yellow. However, we have since learned that topaz comes in a wide variety of colors, and many of the stones that were first classified as topaz are not at all related to it.

The name “topaz” comes from “Topazios,” which was the ancient Greek name for St. John’s Island, located in the Red Sea. The island was famous for the yellow stones that were mined there, although ironically the stones that were pulled from the mines on the island were probably not actually true topaz.

Pure topaz is actually colorless, but its impurities tint it to take on any color you can think of. Precious topaz is generally considered to have a color range from brownish orange to yellow, and it can often be mistaken for citrine quartz or smoky quartz, even though these minerals are completely unrelated to each other. Imperial topaz is perhaps the most prized color—it features a bold orange with pink undertones. Blue topaz is becoming more common in the market, but does not frequently occur naturally—usually the blue topaz you’ll find in stores has been put through irradiation treatments.

Topaz measures an eight on the Mohs scale, which makes it hard and durable.

Citrine

Citrine also comes in a wide range of colors, from pale yellow to brownish orange. This variant of quartz takes its name from the citron (or lemon) fruit, thanks to its lemony shades of yellow.

Its pale yellow color is very similar to topaz, so the confusion between the two is understandable. This yellow color exists because of traces of iron found in the crystals. This does not occur frequently in nature—most of the citrine you’ll find on the market was made with heat treatments of other types of quartz. The vast majority of citrine on the market comes from Brazil, and the different regions of the world tend to produce different hues.

Citrine comes in at a seven on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable and capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear.

For more information about citrine and topaz in Sterling Heights, MI, contact Howard’s Fine Jewelry or visit our jewelry store today!

October Birthstones: Pink Tourmaline and Opal

If you or a loved one has an October birthday, then you probably already know that this month has two special birthstones: pink tourmaline and opal. While opal is much more well known than pink tourmaline, both of these stones have special properties and fascinating histories, making them the perfect gift for anyone with an October birthday—or anyone who appreciates beautiful jewelry!

From your go-to jewelry store, here are some interesting facts about October’s two birthstones, opal and pink tourmaline in Sterling Heights, MI.

Pink tourmaline

  • Name and origin: The name “tourmaline” comes from an ancient form of Sinhalese, the language spoken today in Sri Lanka. It should come as no surprise, then, that tourmaline can be found in its natural form in Sri Lanka, as well as the Middle East, Russia and parts of Africa. It can also be found in some coastal parts of the United States—California and Maine, specifically.
  • Color variety: While most gems only come in one or two basic shades, tourmaline can be found in a wide range of colors. This makes it a great birthstone, as you can choose a tourmaline piece that as a gift fits the recipient’s unique personality.
  • Ruby similarities: We mentioned that tourmaline comes in a wide range of colors. One of those colors—one of the most common for tourmaline, in fact—is a deep pink or red that resembles a ruby. In fact, there have been instances in history when famous designers and royalty have tried to pass off rubellite tourmaline as real rubies.
  • Ancient and modern uses: In ancient times, tourmaline was thought to bring insight and goodness to its wearers, and to warn users of impending danger. Today, African and Native American peoples still see this gem as a source of physical and emotional healing.

Opal

  • Formed by rain: How exactly opal forms still remains something of a scientific mystery. However, many believe that opal is formed by rainwater dripping in the crevices of a rock, creating a unique, beautifully colorful design.
  • Out of this world: Do you have a space enthusiast in your life? If so, opal jewelry might be for them, because this stone has been spotted on the planet Mars! It is one of only a few gems that have been found outside of this planet.
  • Ancient meaning: “Opal” is derived from the ancient Greek word “Opallios,” which means “ to see a change of color.” The Greeks thought opal came from the god Zeus’ tears of joy after winning a battle. Ancient Romans, meanwhile, considered opal to be a sign of good fortune.
  • Down Under: Ninety-five percent of the world’s opals today come from Australia. In fact, native Australian Aboriginals refer to opal as “God’s footprint.”

With two beautiful and fascinating birthstones to choose from, finding a jewelry gift for your loved one with an October birthday should be a piece of cake! If you are looking for quality opal and pink tourmaline jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI, please come by Howard’s Fine Jewelry, your locally owned jewelry store.