September Birthstone: Sapphire

Sapphire, the September birthstone, has been popular since the Middle Ages and, according to folklore, will protect your loved ones from envy and harm.  Medieval clergy wore sapphires to symbolize heaven, while commoners thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings.

Blue sapphire engagement represent loyalty and devotion. As such, sapphires are a stunning and particularly meaningful choice for bridal jewelry. September’s birthstone is formed in a wide range of colors, from the popular blue to more unusual pink, yellow and purple. Blue sapphires range from very light to very dark greenish or violetish blue, as well as various shades of pure blue.  The most prized colors are a medium to medium dark blue or slightly violetish blue. At 9 on the Mohs scale, diamonds are at 10, they are the third hardest mineral and are therefore durable. This means they can be worn daily, as long as they are cared for over time.

Each centering a heart-shaped sapphire within a lozenge-shaped surround of tapered baguette and round brilliant-cut diamonds; each signed Van Cleef & Arpels; estimated total sapphire weight: 3.20 carats; estimated total diamond weight: 2.30 carats; mounted in eighteen karat gold; length: 11/16in.

A beautiful diamonds, sapphire, rubies and 18 k yellow gold ring. Signed Mauboussin. Sapphire weight: 3,74 cts.

Designed as a flower, the petals of invisibly-set sapphires, with round brilliant-cut diamond cluster stamen, baguette-cut diamond stem and pavé-set diamond leaves; signed Van Cleef & Arpels. Estimated total sapphire weight: 15.75 carats; estimated total diamond weight: 3.30 carats; mounted in platinum and eighteen karat gold; length: 2 1/8in.

With true elegance, a vivid blue sapphire, 0,30 cts, is set in a dazzling platinum and diamond halo.

Centering a cut-cornered rectangular-cut sapphire, weighing 24.16 carats, with baguette and single-cut diamond scrolling shoulders and a bifurcated mount; mounted in fourteen karat white gold

Sapphire is a variety of the gem species corundum and occurs in all colors of the  rainbow.  Pink, purple, green, orange, or yellow corundum are known by their color (pink sapphire, green sapphire).  Ruby is the red variety of corundum.

by Jean Amr

The Meaning of Colored Gemstone Engagement Rings

 

 

Boucheron classic 3.91 carat briljant cut diamond platinum engagement ring

While diamond engagement rings remain as popular as ever, some people prefer colored gemstone engagement rings as a vibrant alternative. Each precious gemstone has its own meaning, with their symbolism often being a factor in selection. Here are some of the meanings behind colored gemstone engagement rings.

A true classic, for men and women: Tiffany & Co Jean Schlumberger 16 Stone Diamond Platinum Gold Band Ring

Ruby engagement rings are said to symbolize love, passion and courage – perfect for a colorful engagement ring that represents your relationship. For those born in July, ruby rings are particularly poignant. If your loved one’s birthstone is the ruby, it is worth considering whether a ruby center stone or side-stones would be a gorgeous choice for their engagement ring.

Tiffany & Co 18kt yellow gold, ruby and diamond engagement ring

Blue sapphire engagement rings  represent loyalty and devotion. As such, sapphires are a stunning and particularly meaningful choice for bridal jewelry. September’s birthstone is formed in a wide range of colors, from the popular blue to more unusual pink, yellow and purple. At 9 on the Mohs scale, diamonds are at 10, they are the third hardest mineral and are therefore durable. This means they can be worn daily, as long as they are cared for over time.

18kt White gold, blur sapphire and diamond halo ring

Representing truth and trust, pink sapphire engagement rings are a distinctive alternative to blue sapphires. These romantic gemstones are most stunning when set in rose gold, as the coppery hue of this metal accentuates the warm tones in the center stone.

18kt Rose gold, pink sapphire and diamond halo ring

The green gemstone peridot is associated with rebirth, renewal, prosperity and compassion. This makes is a stunning , yet rare, choice for gemstone engagement rings, symbolizing the next chapter in the wearer’s life. Women with August birthdays might enjoy receiving a peridot engagement rings, in particular.

Peridot diamond gold engagement ring

Blue topaz engagement rings have traditionally been believed to encourage clear, calm communication, personal growth and the desire to learn. Since communication is key in any marriage, it’s clear to see why topaz might be a wise choice for your engagement ring. November’s birthstone is naturally formed in a wide variety of colors and intensities, so it’s likely you’ll find the perfect gemstone ring for you.

14kt White gold, blue topaz and diamond engagement ring

From fiery orange to mysterious green, garnet gemstones are naturally found in a variety of vibrant hues and tones. A garnet engagement ring is said to ensure good health, prosperity and enduring happiness. Red garnets are often compared to rubies, representing passion and love with their depth of color. Orange garnets (called Spessartite) is said to channel the energy of the sun, suitable for creative dreamers. Green garnet is believed to instill confidence in the wearer. As January’s birthstone, garnet engagement rings are particularly sought after those born in the first month of the year.

18kt Rose gold, cushion cut spessartite garnet and diamond halo ring

Purple amethyst engagement rings are said to promote happiness, contentment and peace. If you and your partner value a calm relationship, free from tension and disagreement, an amethyst ring might be a style to consider. Amethyst is the birthstone for February, and thus would be extra meaningful for those born in the month.

Vintage milgrain 14kt yellow gold, amethyst and diamond engagement ring

Do you love colored gemstone engagement rings? Which gem’s meaning is most significant to you?…..

by Jean Amr

 

From Paris with Love Van Cleef & Arpels bumblebee

From Paris with Love: Van Cleef & Arpels ‘mystery setting’ bumblebee brooch 

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Mystery setting, also known as invisible setting, was originally created by Van Cleef & Arpels in 1933. An amazing technique crafted only by a skillful hand of paving precious stones without any visible claws, the gems themselves take the ‘center stage’ in the creation.

This superb quality bumblebee brooch, 25mm (1″) long x 40mm (1 9/16″) wide at wing spread that does not fall short of Van Cleef and Arpels quality set in the body and head with forty-nine natural blue sapphires with a total weight of 8.50ct. Gorgeous spread wings paved with the total of twenty-eight round brilliant diamonds totaling 1.10ct. The bumblebee is further enhanced with two cabochon ruby eyes, totaling 0.12ct. A precious masterpiece!

Van Cleef & Arpels ‘mystery setting’ bumblebee brooch made of 18k yellow gold, platinum, Sapphires, diamonds and rubies 

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• Sapphires, 49 square shaped in mystery setting, totaling 8.50ct, dark blue color
• Diamonds, 28 round brilliant diamonds, totaling 1.10ct, color: F-G, clarity: VS range
• Rubies 2 cabochon rubies, totaling 0.12ct

The 1″ (25mm) long x 1 9/16″ (40mm) wide at wing spread brooch gross weight is 11.6 grams.

by Jean Amr

Van Cleef & Arpels Art of Clip

For our Russian viewers, or those who are visiting Moscow this month, Van Cleef & Arpels invites you to the “Art of Clip” exhibition at the GUM boutique in Moscow from September 3 to 30. A unique selection of brooches from the 1910s to the 1970s gives an overview of the evolution of Art, Decorative Art and Fashion through the 20th century

Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Peony’ platinum, diamond and ‘mystery set’ rubies brooch, 1937

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Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Passe Partout’ ruby, blue and yellow sapphire flower brooch, circa 1939

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Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Camargo’ diamond, ruby and emerald brooch, 1945

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Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Camellia’ emerald and diamond brooch, circa 1975

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Find out more at: http://www.vancleefarpels.com/ru/en/store-locator.html

by Jean Amr