The name jade is applied to two distinct minerals; nephrite (a silicate of magnesia) and jadeite (a silicate of alumina) both extremely hard and usually green in color, a  More »

The name jade is applied to two distinct minerals; nephrite (a silicate of magnesia) and jadeite (a silicate of alumina) both extremely hard and usually green in color, a condition caused by the presence of iron. In a pure state, both jadeite and nephrite appear white, a condition so rare that white jade is considered priceless in the orient. The more common hues of jade range from bright, emerald green (called imperial jade), to spinach green, to a translucent golden yellow resembling early spring leaves, to blue, black, and mottled. Though jade is found in the western hemisphere and numerous Pre- Columbian treasures are carved from it (including ceremonial weapons) the stone enjoys its greatest popularity in china, where it is often worked for statues, jewelry, objets-de-vertu, musical chimes, and amulets. For thousands of years, the Chinese have had a passion for fine jade and collectors will go to enormous lengths to acquire rare examples. The individual character of each piece of the mineral is particularly prized, and jade is frequently carved to show its variations to full advantage. Besides it’s common use as a good-luck charm, jade is particularly valuable in helping those with intestinal problems, in curing kidney ailments, and relieving heart palpitations. Yellow jade is also useful for diseases of the liver. Jade's popularity continues to grow today in both east and west. - (FJ.5772)Origin: China, South Africa Collection: Jewelry Medium: Jade, Diamonds, Gold   « Less

This genuine Colombian cabochon emerald has been mounted in a modern 18 karat gold ring. A deep green member of the Beryl family; the emerald is the rarest of the so-called  More »

This genuine Colombian cabochon emerald has been mounted in a modern 18 karat gold ring. A deep green member of the Beryl family; the emerald is the rarest of the so-called precious gems. Though sources for emeralds are found in both the old and new worlds, a stone of good quality is still an elusive object. Emeralds without a flaw are almost unattainable, as the gem exhibits many natural inclusions, but these do not necessarily mar the stone's intense green beauty. The famous queen Cleopatra of Egypt mined emeralds near Zabara on the red sea coast in the first century B.C., wearing the jewels herself or giving them as gifts to favored friends. Julius Caesar particularly valued the gem, to which he ascribed strong curative powers. Emeralds were found in the buried roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum that probably came originally from Egypt. In Meso-America, emeralds were treasured by the native cultures, most particularly the Incas who worshiped them as sacred. When the Spanish conquistadors plundered the Inca Empire for gold and jewels, many remarkable large emeralds were taken to Europe, where they entered the treasuries of courts. Today, the major source for emeralds is South America and especially Columbia, where mines first worked by the Pre-Columbian cultures are still in use. The rarity of the emeralds has always made it a valuable and potent talisman. It is said to cure diseases of the eye, free the body from poisons, arrest physical decay of all sorts, stop dysentery, facilitate childbirth and end attacks of epilepsy. The bright green of this gem makes it as desirable today as it has always been throughout the ages. - (FJ.5902)Origin: Colombia Collection: Modern Jewelry Style: Gem Stone Rings Medium: Emerald and Gold   « Less

An 18 karat gold ring with a peridot and forty - eight diamonds. In the center of this spectacular ring is a large peridot: surrounded by an outer circle of twenty- four  More »

An 18 karat gold ring with a peridot and forty - eight diamonds. In the center of this spectacular ring is a large peridot: surrounded by an outer circle of twenty- four diamonds and an inner circle of the same number, though of slightly smaller size. Peridot is a form of olivine, famous for its bright green color. Known to the ancients as chrysolithos, it was believed capable of warding off evil spirits and other terrors of the night. The diamonds of course speak for themselves, and are here collected in a glittering array that beautifully compliments the gorgeous peridot. - (FJ.6534)Origin: Brazil, South Africa Collection: Modern Jewelry Medium: Peridot-Diamonds   « Less

Emeralds are a grass-green variety of beryl that are highly valued as a gemstone. The name comes indirectly from the Greek smaragdos, a name that seems to have been given to  More »

Emeralds are a grass-green variety of beryl that are highly valued as a gemstone. The name comes indirectly from the Greek smaragdos, a name that seems to have been given to a number of stones having little in common except their green color. Many virtues were formerly ascribed to emeralds. When worn, the stone was held to be a preservative against epilepsy, and when held in the mouth it was believed to be a cure for dysentery. It was supposed to assist women at childbirth, to drive away evil spirits, and to preserve the chastity of the wearer. Administered internally, it was reputed to have great medicinal value. Its refreshing green color was said to be good for the eyesight. The physical properties of emerald are essentially the same as those of beryl. Its refractive and dispersive powers are not high, so that cut stones display little brilliancy or fire. The magnificent color that gives extraordinary value to this gem is probably due to small amounts of chromium. - (FJ.9000)Origin: Colombia Collection: Jewelry Style: Gem Stone Jewelry Medium: Emeralds, Diamonds   « Less

Origin: Egypt Collection: Egyptian Collection Style: New Kingdom Style Condition: Extra Fine

Origin: Egypt Collection: Egyptian Collection Style: New Kingdom Style Condition: Extra Fine   « Less

The sacred beetle of ancient Egypt, the scarab is an emblem of the creator, Khepera. The word kepher denotes Being, Existence, Creation, or Becoming, and the god Kephera is  More »

The sacred beetle of ancient Egypt, the scarab is an emblem of the creator, Khepera. The word kepher denotes Being, Existence, Creation, or Becoming, and the god Kephera is the self-existent maker of all things. The worship of the scarab, which is symbolic of resurrection and fertility, dates from the earliest period of civilization in Egypt. Carved scarabs served two major functions: as amulets with protective and religious powers, and as personal seals, which designated the property and authority of the individual whose name was placed upon them. In both cases, the power ascribed to the scarab was very great—in life they served as the signature of their owner and were thought to bring prosperity, and in the afterlife they ensured rebirth through eternity. - (FJ.0002A)Origin: Egypt Collection: Egyptian Jewelry   « Less

Origin: Afghanistan, South Africa Collection: Modern Jewelry Style: Tourmaline Rings Medium: Tourmaline, Diamonds

Origin: Afghanistan, South Africa Collection: Modern Jewelry Style: Tourmaline Rings Medium: Tourmaline, Diamonds   « Less

Collection: Modern Jewelry

Collection: Modern Jewelry   « Less

Collection: Modern Jewelry Style: Pearl Rings Medium: Pearl, Diamonds

Collection: Modern Jewelry Style: Pearl Rings Medium: Pearl, Diamonds   « Less

These genuine diamonds weighting 1.35 carats and genuine rubies weighing 2.4 carats have been mounted in a lovely 14 karat white gold ring. Perhaps no gem delights the senses  More »

These genuine diamonds weighting 1.35 carats and genuine rubies weighing 2.4 carats have been mounted in a lovely 14 karat white gold ring. Perhaps no gem delights the senses like the diamond. This most precious of stones seems to burn with a fire deep within. Crystallized carbon, formed under tremendous pressure over millennia, the diamond is famed for its everlasting hardness. In this capacity, the gem has come to symbolize eternal faithfulness and is the traditional focus of the engagement band. Because early cultures lacked the technology to facet the diamond, the gem has only become popular in the last two centuries. Diamonds are normally colorless, but they are also found in shades including yellow, pink, and blue. In eastern belief, the diamond is said to enhance the full spectrum of energies in the body, mind, and spirit. Within the circle of gems, the diamond defines the standards of beauty, rarity, and preciousness. The ruby was considered in the ancient east to be the luckiest of gems, able to confer protection from all misfortunes manmade or natural. A member of the corundum family, ruby is primarily found in India, Burma and Ceylon. Sanskrit writing refers to it as "the king of gems." because of its rich red color, ruby is thought to avert diseases of the blood and the stomach. In eastern philosophy, ruby promotes peace and prosperity for its owner, and grants invulnerability from evil. Its warm glow casts a spell over the heart of all who behold it. - (FJ.0274)Origin: South Africa and Ceylon Collection: Jewelry Style: Gem Stone Rings Medium: Diamond and Gold   « Less