November Birthstone Highlight

Individuals born in November can choose between two sunny gemstones to brighten up the month! Both of November’s birthstones, citrine & topaz, are fairly abundant and affordably priced, even in large sizes.

Citrine & Topaz overview:

• Citrine is a variety of quartz, which has been used in jewelry for thousands of years
• It’s most popular shade is an earthy deep brownish or reddish orange, and the finest citrine color is saturated yellow to reddish orange free of brownish tints
• Citrine is often mistaken for topaz, but quartz and topaz are actually unrelated mineral species
• Topaz features a variety of colors, from yellow, orange, light blue, violet, pink, etc.
• It’s also given to celebrate 19th wedding anniversaries, and certain types (blue and Imperial, respectively) acknowledge 4th and 23rd wedding anniversaries, as well.

Caring for & cleaning these gemstones:

Citrine

• They can be safely cleaned with warm, soapy water
• Ultrasonic cleaners are usually safe except when the stone is dyed or treated by fracture filling

Topaz

• Warm, soapy water is the best method for cleaning topaz
• It’s important to avoid steam or ultrasound

Gifting Ideas & Style Inspo

Whether shopping for a November birthday, a 13th wedding anniversary, or just an affordable piece of jewelry, Citrine makes the perfect gift!

1. A pop of color never goes unnoticed

2. The perfect pair – our new citrine birthstone jewelry set features a dainty, two-tone design that’s great for everyday wear

3. Add some sparkle to your look with this citrine & diamond ring

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

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.

 

Hint Hint

Okay, so you’ve found your dream engagement ring from Michaels Jewelers. In order to take home that bling, you’ll probably want to drop a hint.

Design your own engagement ring

Subliminal Sparkle

If you want to distract your partner with something shiny, here are some surefire ways to drop a hint.

Drop a Hint: Instagram Inspo!

Share your sparkling find via Instagram by browsing our feed for inspo, and save your favorites to a dedicated engagement ring collection. A DM is your best best if you’re trying to keep things low-key.

You can also tag your significant other in an Instagram post using #michaelsjewelers.

Drop a Hint: Repin on Pinterest

Pinterest is a great source for engagement ring and wedding inspo. Once you’ve figured out your unique style, it’s time to drop a hint.

Pin a ring or two to your board or repin one of our curated pins. Make your board public and share it with your significant other or keep it private and invite them to be a collaborator.

Have your hopes set on a ring from Michaels Jewelers? You might want to save these popular pins to your board:

White Gold Solitaire 

Radiant Cut Halo

Oval Cut Halo

Platinum Marquise 

White Gold Crossover 

Drop a Hint: Love at First Site

You can also drop a hint via our website. If you find yourself torn between a few rings, add them to your wishlist and share it with your significant other! Simply find a ring you like and click the heart icon next to each ring to add it to your wish list.

Pro tip: To save your list for future reference, either create an account or log in.

Let us know how you popped the suggestion in the comments below or on our social channels: Instagram or Facebook

Make an appointment with one of our specialists today!

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!

Pro Tips: Diamond Fluorescence

Have you ever noticed the term “Fluorescence” when shopping for a diamond? Did you know that some diamonds show effects under ultraviolet light?

For most people who purchase diamonds, fluorescence will be a non-issue, but some might be confused by the term. Diamond fluorescence is a characteristic in which a diamond displays a glow (usually blue) when exposed to ultraviolet light. More rarely, they emit a yellow or orangy light. According to the GIA, about 25% to 35% of diamonds exhibit some degree of fluorescence.

Source: GIA.edu

Our expert Blake, General Manager Michaels Jewelers Trumbull, shared the effects of diamond fluorescence and what to look for when selecting a diamond.

1. Strong fluorescence can make a diamond look hazy/milky and oily with less transparency in natural light. It may appear like a film on the stone, almost as though there are really bad finger prints you can’t wipe off

2. Slight fluorescence can actually improve the appearance of color in a diamond to make it look naturally whiter – This may save a little bit on the cost of the stone. However, to ensure the best reflection, refraction and dispersion, and to maximize these aspects of a diamond with superior cuts, you ideally don’t want any fluorescence conflicting with that

3. Overall, fluorescence is neither good nor bad. A diamond’s beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Leave us a comment below with any additional questions related to diamond fluorescence and what you’d like to see next in our Pro Tips series!

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.

Expert Tips On Jewelry Care & Service

Jewelry is one of our most intimate and cherished accessories. Understanding how to care for and protect your jewelry can make a world of difference in maintaining its beauty and keeping your pieces sparkling for years to come! Take a look at our tips to best care for your jewelry:

1. Did you know jewelry should be cleaned & inspected by a professional every 3-6 months?

Oils from lotions, soap & even touching your jewelry can cloud the appearance of your precious jewelry and in many cases can mask visibility to damage.  Our professional cleaning systems are far superior than any home treatment and allows our experts to properly inspect your jewelry for things such as loose prongs or clasps and chips or cracks in your gemstones. By having your jewelry cleaned & inspected on a regular basis, you can ensure your jewelry is well maintained & sparkling bright!

2. Did you know your discolored white gold can be easily fixed?

You may notice over time that your once bright white gold is starting to look a bit yellow.  Without proper care or even just natural wear, discoloration can occur.  Gold is naturally yellow and to achieve white gold, it is mixed with alloys to develop that bright white color.  If you have any discolored white gold jewelry, it can be easily fixed by having your jewelry plated with Rhodium.  Rhodium is naturally white metal and can make your jewelry look brand new!

3. Properly store your jewelry

We often find jewelry that has been tangled with knots, tarnished or damaged and could have easily been avoided.  Invest in a simply jewelry box to properly organize & store your precious jewelry.  Get in the habit of cleaning your jewelry before stowing away to prevent oils and dirt from setting.  Keep your sterling silver in anti-tarnish pouches which keeps air exposure out.  Lastly,  give each piece of jewelry it’s own place – this way they wont rub against each other causing wear or damage & you’ll always know where to find them!

4. Take your jewelry off when you take your shoes off!

Every day tasks can be rough on your precious jewelry.  Working out with weights can shift prongs and warp your rings, harsh cleaning chemicals can tarnish your metals & lotions and soaps can make your gemstones appear cloudy.  Invest in ring dishes or a safe container (for the gym or traveling) so that you have a safe place to store your jewelry – get in the habit of keeping your jewelry in one place, the only thing worse than dirty jewelry is missing jewelry!

5. Have your jewelry re-appraised every 5-7 years

Most insurance companies require an up to date appraisal.  The market changes daily and the value of your jewelry vary – you don’t want to over pay on a premium for your jewelry or worse, find out that your jewelry is worth more than your insurance covers.  Our Certified Gemologist Appraisers from the American Gem Society have over 35 years experience in appraising jewelry

Trust Michaels Jewelers to take care of all your jewelry service repair and needs. Our master goldsmiths offer a full range of professional jewelry repair, refinishing and refurbishment services to recapture the pleasure your jewelry was meant to bring!

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.

 

 

May Emerald Birthstone

Happy birthday May ladies! May birthdays fall right in the heart of spring, and the emerald is the perfect gem to symbolize and celebrate this month.Today we’re highlighting the Emerald, prized for its brilliant and beautiful green color.

Emerald color can range from light green to a deep, rich green. The most desirable emerald colors are bluish green to pure green with strong to vivid color saturation and medium to medium-dark tone.

Some fun facts about this beautiful gemstone:

• Emerald is the symbol of rebirth, and is believed to give good fortune, foresight, and youth
• The emerald was mined in Egypt as early as 330 BC, but some estimate that the oldest emeralds are 2.97 billion years old
• These gems are highly prized and intensely colored ones can be quite rare

Take a look at some of our top gifting ideas!

1. Emerald & diamond  halo pendant

2. Emerald & diamond halo earrings and pendant

3. Gold emerald & diamond pendant

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