October Birthstone Highlight

Individuals born in October get to choose between two birthstones – opal and tourmaline! October’s birthstones offer a full spectrum of gems to suit anyone’s personal style.

Opal & Tourmaline overview:

• Opal’s kaleidoscopic play-of-color can suit many changing moods and tastes to make this gem appropriate for anyone
• Dozens of opal varieties exist, but only a few like Fire Opal & Boulder Opal are universally recognized
• Color is the key factor of opal quality. Dark backgrounds provide more contrast against vivid play-of-color, making black opal more highly valued than milky white varieties
• The most expensive tourmaline are the green to violet colors that are often called “electric” or “neon” by the trade
• Tourmaline is desirable because of its range of color options, and it’s hardness makes for very wearable jewelry

Caring for & cleaning these gemstones:

Opal

• The only safe way to clean opal is with warm, soapy water
• Opals are sensitive to heat or excessive dryness

Tourmaline

• Warm, soapy water is the best method for cleaning tourmaline
• Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended

Gifting Ideas & Style Inspo

Opal makes a great gift for anyone born in October, but its array of colors makes this gem appropriate for anyone!

1. Perfectly paired 14K yellow gold opal jewelry set

2. Dainty 14K yellow gold opal ring

3. Shine bright in these opal and diamond halo studs

Learn more about these gemstones from the American Gem Society here!

September Sapphire Birthstone

Sapphires have been cherished for thousands of years for their color, durability, and luster! September’s birthstone symbolizes wisdom, loyalty and nobility.

Most think of the royal blue variety, but this gemstone can occur in all colors of the rainbow (except red, which is classified as a ruby). This gives September babies a full spectrum of options when choosing the shade that best represents them.

Here are some fun facts that we love:

• One of the world’s most famous blue sapphire engagement rings is the one worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, which previously belonged to the late Diana, Princess of Wales
• Sapphire comes in many colors, including the rare pinkish orange variety known as Padparadscha, meaning “lotus blossom”
• Long mineral inclusions that intersect can create the star effect when stones are cut as cabochons
• They are remarkably hard and measure 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond

Care & Cleaning for Sapphires:

• Warm, soapy water is always safe
• Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe for untreated, heat-treated, and lattice diffusion treated stones
• Fracture-filled, cavity-filled, or dyed material should only be cleaned with a damp cloth

Styling Sapphires

Sapphires make great gifts for anyone born in September or celebrating a 5th or 45th wedding anniversary. Whatever your reason for buying sapphire, you can’t go wrong with this brilliant gemstone!

1. Everyday staples laced with the beauty of blue sapphires! This perfectly paired set will make the perfect gift.

2. Sapphire and diamonds make the perfect pair – Layer up tennis bracelets for a stylish look heading into Fall!

3. Add a pop of color to any outfit! This sapphire and diamond ring is sure to make a statement

To learn more about sapphires – check out the AGS article found here.

 

August Birthstone Highlight

August not only has Peridot as a birthstone, but the recent addition of Spinel! Spinel was added to the August birthstone lineup in 2016, and it adds a multitude of color choices, while peridot was the original birthstone for August since 1912.

Some fun facts about these gemstones:

• Peridot was believed to ward off evil spirits by the ancient Egyptians who called it “gem of the sun”
• Peridot is one of the oldest known gemstones & thought by the ancients to protect against spells & curses
• Yellowish green is the most popular hue of Peridot but can range from brownish-green to pure green
• Peridot only measures 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs Hardness scale, but finished gemstones are fairly robust and easy to wear
• Ancient gemstone merchants revered spinel, and it was widely sought after by royalty. It was then known as ‘balas ruby.’ It wasn’t until the late 18th century that we developed the technology necessary to distinguish spinel as a separate mineral from ruby
• Spinel ranges in hues from orange to red, pink, purple to blueish-green – making this a very versatile stone. Vivid red is the most desirable color of spinel gemstones

Caring for & cleaning Peridot:

• Warm, soapy water is the best method for cleaning peridot
• Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not recommended for this gemstone

Peridot Style Inspiration

Whether you’re gifting this classic gemstone or incorporating it into your summer wardrobe, it will leave others green with envy! Check out our summer styling inspo:

1. Treat the August birthday girl to this perfectly paired pendant and ring set

2. Complete any outfit with this dainty 14KYG peridot & diamond pendant

3. Showcase your bold style with a gemstone ring that’s uniquely you

To learn more about these gemstones – check out the American Gem Society article here!

July Ruby Birthstone

It’s officially summer and we’re excited to share the next gemstone in our birthstone highlight series! Referred to as the king of precious stones, ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum.

Check out some fun facts about this stunning gemstone:

• Color is the most significant fact affecting a ruby’s value – fine gems are vibrant red to slightly purplish red
• Corundum may show a star effect, which usually appears as a six-ray star pattern across a cabochon-cut stone’s curved surface
• It’s the symbol of wealth and nobility
• Ruby is the gem for the 15th and 40th anniversaries
• It’s relatively hard, which means it’s a more durable gemstone and great for everyday wear

Caring for & cleaning rubies:

• Warm, soapy water is always safe
• Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe for untreated, heat-treated, and lattice diffusion treated stones
• Fracture-filled, cavity-filled, or dyed material should only be cleaned with a damp cloth

Ruby Style Inspiration

We’re loving this vibrant gemstone for summer whether it’s paired with a fun outfit to make a statement or kept simple to add a pop of color.

1. Make a statement with this one-of-a-kind gold ruby ring from our Estate Collection

2. Keep is simple with this delicate ruby and diamond necklace

3. Hop on the vintage trend and mix and match styles – great for stacking or worn on their own

To learn more about rubies – check out the GIA article found here.

June Birthstone Highlight

June is one of only two months that has three birthstones associated with it, giving the lucky people born in June a choice of gemstones!

June’s birthstones range from creamy-colored pearl and moonstone to the rare color-changing alexandrite!

Some fun facts about these gemstones:

• A pearl is an organic gem that grows inside saltwater and freshwater mollusks
• Pearls are also gifted on 1st, 3rd, 12th and 30th wedding anniversaries
• Moonstone comes in a range of colors spanning yellow, gray, green, blue, peach and pink—sometimes displaying a star or cat’s eye
• Alexandrite is a very rare color change variety of the mineral chrysobery
• Alexandrite is also the traditional gift to celebrate a 55th wedding anniversary.

Take a look at some of our top gifting ideas!

1. Add-Her Pearl necklace

2. Gold pearl ring from our Estate Collection

3. Freshwater pearl earrings & lariat necklace

To learn more about these beautiful gemstone – check out the American Gem Society article found here.

 

 

April Diamond Birthstone

Happy birthday April ladies! Continuing on with our birthstone series, today we’re highlighting the diamond, the most prized gemstone of all!

Diamonds come in a variety of colors including yellow, red, pink, blue, and green. Generally speaking, the more saturated the color, the higher the value. Fancy-color diamonds are very desirable, but they’re more rare.

Some fun facts about this beautiful gemstone:

• Diamond is the only gem made of a single element – It’s typically about 99.95% carbon
• Over the centuries, diamond was thought to be an antidote to poison. It’s now the universal symbol of love!
• Whether you’re celebrating an April birthday or a 60th or 75th wedding anniversary, giving a diamond means giving a perfectly beautiful gift that will truly stand the test of time

Take a look at some of our top gifting ideas!

1. Bezel set diamond ring & pendant

2. Diamond heart friendship bracelet

3. Tiffany & Co diamond XO necklace from our Estate Collection

4. Yellow gold pear shape diamond ring

To learn more about this beautiful gemstone – check out the American Gem Society article found here.

 

2018 Jewelry Trends

Spring is quickly approaching, and we’re loving all of the fashion and accessory trends we’re seeing for the season! So to get in the spring mood, we’re sharing our top jewelry trends for 2018. 

Statement Pearls

We’re seeing pearls everywhere this season from embellishment on clothing to statement jewelry. This Tiffany & Co. pearl necklace is a great way to try out this trend. 

Brooches

Next, brooches are making a comeback in a big way! Brooches can be worn on the left or right over the bust, as an embellishment at the center of a buttoned collar, on a jean jacket, or on your favorite scarf. The options are pretty much endless. Try this platinum Edwardian Filigree Pin for a unique look.

Vintage Pieces

Vintage jewelry is truly one-of-a-kind, and you can discover unique cuts of diamonds and intricate designs that may have come over from Europe hundreds of years ago. Check out this vintage Tiffany & Co necklace that just arrived in our Estate Collection!

Learn more and browse our Estate Collection at Michaels Jewelers here!

The Chain Drop

The chain drop earring has become a celebrity staple on the red carpet this award season! It’s sleek, yet it still makes a statement. These Freshwater Pearl drop earrings are a great affordable option to style this trend.

Cameos

Cameos have become a street style favorite in fashion’s flashiest cities, and we will see more of this trend throughout the season! This 10K white gold cameo pin has beautiful detail, and allows you to style two trends in one – the brooches.

Inlay & Enamel

Lastly, we’re seeing jewelry incorporating color and illustration with the use of enamel and inlay. They’re definitely having their moment in the style spotlight. This stunning Hidalgo ring features diamonds and blue enamel.

Discover unique, one-of-a-kind pieces like these during our Spring Estate Event! Our touring trunk show will be visiting each Michaels Jewelers store a different weekend showcasing hundreds of designer, era & signature pieces. View the full event schedule here.

Be sure to check out our Spring Estate Catalog below!

That wraps up our top jewelry trends for 2018. Be sure to let us know in the comments which trends you’ll be trying out! 

 

 

Tips to Restyle Your Outdated Jewelry

Do you have any outdated, broken jewelry or perhaps something that just isn’t your style? Transform your jewelry into something new with these restyling tips. 

1. Add gemstones – By adding diamonds or colored gemstones you can turn your jewelry pieces into contemporary and chic designs.

2. Change the form – Earrings can be made into pendants, and gemstones from outdated rings can be incorporated into a new design to create a contemporary necklace or bracelet.

3. Create multiple pieces – Re-design outdated jewelry pieces to create heirlooms for your family members. For example, a pair of earrings can become two pendants and can be given as a meaningful gift to children and grandchildren.

4. Change the primary metal – The original materials from your heirloom  can be incorporated into a new design alongside modern materials used in fashion-forward design, such as enamel and titanium. 

Redesign Event

Its time to clean out your jewelry box! Transform your jewelry into something new during Michaels Jewelers’ One-Day Only Jewelry Styling & Redesign Event! Our specialists will work with you to create the perfect jewelry design and our skilled craftsman will make your new design come to life while you wait!

Check out the full event schedule here.

 

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate the loved ones in your life. Whether it be a significant other, family member or friend, spread the love with the perfect gift from Michaels Jewelers. With Valentine’s quickly approaching, we’re sharing our top Valentine’s Day gift ideas they’ll cherish all year round.

Gifts For Her

1. 14K yellow gold Puff Heart Necklace – $179

2. Sterling silver Diamond Heart Soulmate Pendant – $249

3. Two tone Love Disc Pendant – $49.50

4. 14K white gold Diamond Bezel Ring – $399

Gifts For Him

1. Citizen Eco Drive Calendrier Watch – $356

2. Visconti Rembrandt Pen – Prices May Vary

3. Bulova Watch – Prices May Vary

Click below to check out our full Valentine’s Day Catalog!

Gifts For Gal Pals Under $100

GIFTS FOR GAL PALS

Galentine’s Day is an increasingly popular holiday where women celebrate their incredible friendships. What better way to show your gal pals how much you value their friendships than with an amazing Galentine’s Day gift. 

Find the perfect Galentine’s Day gift for your BFF’s:

1. Friendship Jewelry for proud BFF’s – Alex And Ani Best Friends Bangle Set – $48 & Be Yourself Bangle – $38

2. ❤ Jewelry – PANDORA Two Hearts Ring – $45 & PANDORA Rose Two Hearts Ring – $60

3. Crown Jewelry – PANDORA Rose My Princess Ring – $80 & PANDORA Rose Timeless Elegance Earrings – $100

4. Keys to Friendship – Alex And Ani Key To Love Necklace – $38