history – Artful Gems

Koh-i-Noor diamond

Posted on October 24, 2020October 24, 2020 by Artful Gems

The Koh-i-Noor diamond is 186 carats of colorful gem history. It is known as the mysterious and terrible stone of emperors. Its name which means “mountain of light” in Persian, is the perfect example of a cursed gem. The diamond has been owned by many over the years, many who have lost their empires and Read More

Viking’s Rewind

Posted on January 26, 2020January 26, 2020 by Artful Gems

Last year, I wrote a little about the Vikings. The plan was to prelude the addition of some Viking pieces. However, life happened and I did not get around to it. Well, I’m trying again, and instead of rewriting, I thought I should just send you there. I am very, very hopeful that I will Read More

Citrine

Posted on November 6, 2019November 6, 2019 by Artful Gems

Citrine is November’s birthstone and the 13th anniversary gemstone. It is a variety of quartz that ranges from pale yellow to brownish orange in color. Its yellow hues are caused by traces of iron in quartz crystals. These transparent crystals are found in all sizes as geodes, points, and clusters. The largest producer of this quality Read More

Abalone

Posted on August 2, 2019August 2, 2019 by Artful Gems

Although not a Gemstone, Abalone is cherished as such and used in jewelry. It is nicknamed the Sea Ears because of its flattened, oval shape with iridescent interior. They are also known as Paua, Mother of Pearl, and Nacre. Abalone is a single-shelled, uni-valve saltwater mollusk, native to the Pacific Coast of California stretching up Read More

The Power of the Hamsa

Posted on December 6, 2018 by Artful Gems

Hamsa All is Well Today I wanted to write a quick post. I’ll write these once in a while and talk about a symbol or a culture, or just a quick motivation. I began the blog and planned to continue adding to the Cultures and Symbols page, but honestly, it has been hard to keep Read More

Topaz, November’s Birthstone

Posted on November 3, 2018November 4, 2018 by Artful Gems

Topaz is November’s birthstone. Use the blue variety to celebrate the fourth wedding anniversary. It is a colorless gem that has aluminum fluoro-hydroxy silicate. Impurities may vary the intensity of color. Most of the gems are wine, yellow, pale gray, reddish-orange, or blue brown. Blue Topaz does occur in nature, but is rare and almost Read More