For centuries, coral-- like pearl, a gift of the sea-- was classed among the precious gems valued by man. Not strictly a mineral, coral is an organic substance, composed of  More »

For centuries, coral-- like pearl, a gift of the sea-- was classed among the precious gems valued by man. Not strictly a mineral, coral is an organic substance, composed of the skeletons of millions of tiny marine animals. In its natural state, coral is plantlike in appearance and grows in warm water at depths of up to ninety feet. It must be harvested live to retain its color. Though white coral is quite common, and forms the great reefs of the world, the rarer hues of red, orange, pink and black are much sought after as jewelry and amulets. Pink coral is particularly flattering to the complexion of the wearer and is called "angel skin". According to ancient sources, Assyrian glassmakers creating opaque colored glass in imitation of precious gems, were trying - to form red glass to resemble coral, rather than ruby. Examples of coral set in precious metals are known from the Biblical, Egyptian and Classical cultures, and its popularity has continued unbroken through the ages. The native jewelry of the Arabian peninsula makes excellent use of bright corals combined with silver. The therapeutic effects of coral have long been understood: it is used as a heart stimulant, an antidote for fevers and toxins in the system, a cure for colic and vomiting and a prevention for childhood diseases. In addition, it is believed to avert sterility. As with the pearl, coral's mysterious strength seems to derive from its organic source material, the accumulated energy of living things. - (FJ.4097)Medium: Coral-Gilt Silver   « Less

Stunning hessonite garnet weighing 35.86 carats sculpted in the lively image of an orangutan head mounted in a beautiful 24 karat gold ring. The garnet was highly prized in  More »

Stunning hessonite garnet weighing 35.86 carats sculpted in the lively image of an orangutan head mounted in a beautiful 24 karat gold ring. The garnet was highly prized in the Classical world. Its rich color, the reddish purple associated with royalty, made it especially sought after for jewelry. The garnet was also favored in the jewelry of the European Dark Ages and Medieval period. The famous Sutton Hoo Treasure found in England contains over 4,000 cut and faceted garnets. As with many gems, the finest varieties come from India, which was true in Antiquity as well as today. According to Talmudic legend, the only source of light on Noah's Ark was a single large garnet. Therapeutically, garnet is believed to keep the wearer free from wounds and to promote good health in general. It is especially useful for preventing skin disorders and giving a glowing complexion. This radiate reddish-brown garnet is sculpted in the lively image of an orangutan head. Delicately carved striations form the long strands of the primate's hair, which frame his highly expressive face. Mounted in a stunning gold ring setting, this miniature sculpture is truly a work of art, one that will most certainly be a pleasure to wear. - (FJ.5289)Origin: South Africa Collection: Modern Jewelry Style: Garnet Ring Medium: Garnet and Gold   « Less

Minerals of the feldspar group, of which moonstone is one, constitute over half of the earth's crust, but nature only rarely yields them as gemstones. Remarkable iridescence  More »

Minerals of the feldspar group, of which moonstone is one, constitute over half of the earth's crust, but nature only rarely yields them as gemstones. Remarkable iridescence is the hallmark of moonstone. The shimmer of the stone, caused by scattering of light from thin layers within, forms a subtle but beckoning adornment in soft illumination. Moonstone appeared in roman jewelry in about 100 A.D., and even earlier in oriental adornment. In India, moonstone was sacred and also had a special significance for lovers; if they placed it in their mouths when the moon was full, they could foresee their future. In Europe, the gemstone was thought to bring about lovers' reconciliation, as well as drive away sleepiness. Later in history, the gemstone was a favorite of art nouveau jewelers, and Cartier and Tiffany creations frequently contained the gem. - (FJ.5590)Origin: India Collection: Gem Stone Rings Medium: Moonstone/Gold   « Less

The garnet was highly prized in the Classical world. Its rich color, the reddish purple associated with royalty, made it especially sought after for jewelry. The garnet was  More »

The garnet was highly prized in the Classical world. Its rich color, the reddish purple associated with royalty, made it especially sought after for jewelry. The garnet was also favored in the jewelry of the European Dark Ages and Medieval period. The famous Sutton Hoo Treasure found in England contains over 4,000 cut and faceted garnets. As with many gems, the finest varieties come from India, which was true in Antiquity as well as today. According to Talmudic legend, the only source of light on Noah's Ark was a single large garnet. Therapeutically, garnet is believed to keep the wearer free from wounds and to promote good health in general. It is especially useful for preventing skin disorders and giving a glowing complexion. - (FJ.6110)Collection: Modern Jewelry Style: Garnet Rings Medium: Garnet, Gold   « Less

The name of this _exquisite purple quartz crystal comes from the Greek word meaning "not drunk" as the stone was believed in Antiquity to keep the wearer sober no matter how  More »

The name of this _exquisite purple quartz crystal comes from the Greek word meaning "not drunk" as the stone was believed in Antiquity to keep the wearer sober no matter how much wine he might consume. All the great ancient civilizations valued the gem, which was particularly popular in Egypt for scarabs and in Greece and Rome for intaglio rings. Because of its wine-dark color and its use to prevent intoxication, many were carved with the head of the Wine-God Dionysus. The oldest known stone in the Crown Jewels of England is an amethyst first worn in the 11th Century by Edward the Confessor. Even today, the rings of high-ranking ecclesiastics often have amethysts as their center stones. Many wonderful and therapeutic properties are ascribed to the gem: it can cure gout, it cleanses the body of impurities, it keeps the mind clear and alert and improves the memory, it gives the wearer pleasant dreams and keeps him immune from infection and contagious diseases. Because of its purple hue, amethyst is also said to have a soothing effect on the wearer, preventing outbursts of temper and making one generally amiable. It is also reputed to inspire creativity. Because it is a crystal, the energy level radiating from this translucent royal gem is particularly high, causing the wearer to feel wonderful both inside and out. - (FJ.5608a)Origin: South Africa Collection: Amethyst Ring Style: 18 karat Gold Ring   « Less

The name of this _exquisite purple quartz crystal comes from the Greek word meaning "not drunk" as the stone was believed in Antiquity to keep the wearer sober no matter how  More »

The name of this _exquisite purple quartz crystal comes from the Greek word meaning "not drunk" as the stone was believed in Antiquity to keep the wearer sober no matter how much wine he might consume. All the great ancient civilizations valued the gem, which was particularly popular in Egypt for scarabs and in Greece and Rome for intaglio rings. Because of its wine-dark color and its use to prevent intoxication, many were carved with the head of the Wine-God Dionysus. The oldest known stone in the Crown Jewels of England is an amethyst first worn in the 11th Century by Edward the Confessor. Even today, the rings of high-ranking ecclesiastics often have amethysts as their center stones. Many wonderful and therapeutic properties are ascribed to the gem: it can cure gout, it cleanses the body of impurities, it keeps the mind clear and alert and improves the memory, it gives the wearer pleasant dreams and keeps him immune from infection and contagious diseases. Because of its purple hue, amethyst is also said to have a soothing effect on the wearer, preventing outbursts of temper and making one generally amiable. It is also reputed to inspire creativity. Because it is a crystal, the energy level radiating from this translucent royal gem is particularly high, causing the wearer to feel wonderful both inside and out. - (FJ.4608c)Origin: South Africa Collection: Amethyst Rings- 18 Karat Medium: Amethyst   « Less

Aquamarine weighing 12.85 carats set in a ring of 18 karat gold. The ancient Egyptians believed that aquamarine quickened the intellect and made the wearer bath relaxed and  More »

Aquamarine weighing 12.85 carats set in a ring of 18 karat gold. The ancient Egyptians believed that aquamarine quickened the intellect and made the wearer bath relaxed and fearless. A variety of the beryl family, the pale blue/green aquamarine has been likened to a thousand leagues of sunlit sea imprisoned in a cup; the Romans esteemed it because its color was that of a calm sea, a metaphor for peace. According to Eastern philosophy, the aquamarine is traditionally a stone of power, one that brings order and balance to the wearer. It is excellent for meditation and is said to have a soothing effect on bath the thymus gland and the heart chakra. Its pale but exquisite color is flattering bath to the wearer and to the eye of the beholder. - (FJ.4973)Origin: Brazil Collection: Aquamarine Ring Medium: Aquamarine/Gold   « Less

Aquamarine is a variety of the gemstone beryl, its name deriving from two Latin words meaning "water" and "sea." the history of aquamarine begins with the Greeks, who first  More »

Aquamarine is a variety of the gemstone beryl, its name deriving from two Latin words meaning "water" and "sea." the history of aquamarine begins with the Greeks, who first documented the gemstone's use between 480 and 300 B.C. aquamarine amulets were worn by the ancient sailors, rendering them fearless and protecting them from adversities at sea, especially if the stone were engraved with Poseidon on a chariot. According to later Christian symbolism, aquamarine was a symbol of happiness and eternal youth. It signified moderation and control of the passions to its owners. Today, aquamarine is believed to calm the nerves, while at the same time enhancing the clarity of the mind. It also aids in the act of creative self-expression. - (FJ.5552)Origin: Brazilian Aquamarin Collection: Gem Stone Rings Medium: Aquamarine/Gold   « Less

The Ancient Egyptians believed that aquamarine quickened the intellect and made the wearer both relaxed and fearless. A variety of the beryl family, the pale blue/green  More »

The Ancient Egyptians believed that aquamarine quickened the intellect and made the wearer both relaxed and fearless. A variety of the beryl family, the pale blue/green aquamarine has been likened to a thousand leagues of sunlit sea imprisoned in a cup; the Romans esteemed it because its color was that of a calm sea, a metaphor for peace. According to Eastern philosophy, the aquamarine is traditionally a stone of power, one that brings order and balance to the wearer. It is excellent for meditation and is said to have a soothing effect on both the thymus gland and the heart chakra. Its pale but exquisite color is flattering both to the wearer and to the eye of the beholder. - (FJ.5594)Origin: Brazil Collection: Gem Stone Rings Medium: Aquamarine/Gold   « Less

The Ancient Egyptians believed that aquamarine quickened the intellect and made the wearer both relaxed and fearless. A variety of the beryl family, the pale blue/green  More »

The Ancient Egyptians believed that aquamarine quickened the intellect and made the wearer both relaxed and fearless. A variety of the beryl family, the pale blue/green aquamarine has been likened to a thousand leagues of sunlit sea imprisoned in a cup; the Romans esteemed it because its color was that of a calm sea, a metaphor for peace. According to Eastern philosophy, the aquamarine is traditionally a stone of power, one that brings order and balance to the wearer. It is excellent for meditation and is said to have a soothing effect on both the thymus gland and the heart chakra. Its pale but exquisite color is flattering both to the wearer and to the eye of the beholder. - (FJ.5595)Origin: Brazil Collection: Gem Stone Rings Medium: Aquamarine/Gold   « Less