All About Gemstones

Gemstones are the staple of the jewelry industry. According to the American Gem Society, diamonds as the traditional engagement ring stone dates back to the late 1400s in Austria. However, in 1944, De Beers launched their “a diamond is forever” campaign, and here we are. Thankfully they launched that campaign after the depression, and it was the perfect economic time to take off just after WWII.

But gemstones have been used in jewelry since gemstones were found. The International Gem Society dates the earliest gemstones being worn 25,000 years ago - the oldest piece of jewelry ever found. Talk about history! And historians do just that - track jewelry through the ages to see who was wearing what and when. Sounds like an episode of Fashion Police that would be worth watching.

Regardless of who wore what and when, gemstones and precious jewelry were reserved for the wealthy and royal. So it comes as no surprise that these precious gems continue to have high value to this day. With this monetary value comes sentimental value, arguably raising the price even more.

Valina has an entire line dedicated to gemstone jewelry. While we have our gorgeous engagement rings and wedding bands, gemstone jewelry makes up an equally special portion of what we offer to our clients. Gemstones are for any occasion, especially for “just because”.

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A particular gemstone with an increase in popularity in the last 20 years is the blue sapphire. One could attribute this re-rise to renown because of the world’s love for Princess Diana and her son passing down her ring to the beloved Duchess of Cambridge, who wears this ring now. Valina offers many pieces of jewelry with this stone, but it is most popular in rings and paired with diamonds.

If you go by the colors of the rainbow, there is a gemstone for everyone. Or why just settle on one gemstone when you can have a multi-gemstone and diamond pendant? This is certainly a sparkler. (CGP166W-DMIX)

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A citrine gemstone is arguably the closest to orange, although it is rich and deep and much more romantic than your typical orange. On these sterling silver earrings with a touch of 18k gold, the citrine sparkles.(LZE275-CT)

An in-between yellow and green is a gorgeous green amethyst. It’s hue reminds this writer of a sunny summer day, limeade in hand.

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But for a more rich green, there is green onyx. This stone pairs well with other rich gemstones like it’s sibling black onyx, as in this black and green onyx pendant. (LVP693-SGNX) There are other greens, such as a more opaque green agate that is just a different look and up to your preferences.

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If you’ve ever been in any type of art class, you know that the rainbow is officially ROY G BIV. When it comes to the blue, indigo, violet, please bear with this writer in her artistic liberties, as it is her favorite color of gemstones. Sapphires were already discussed, so the blue of a lighter hue is next. London blue topaz is purely oceanic. It may not be the heart of the ocean as seen in Titanic, but it’s gorgeous nonetheless.

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There are also pinks, browns, and blacks in gemstones, to the delight of many. Morganite is a pale pink and looks absolutely stunning when paired with rose gold. (CGR083P-DMRG) Or you can find pink quartz, moonstone and smoky quartz all playing nicely together in these delightful drop earrings. (LVE690-SMFQRS)

Whichever color your prefer, there is a gem for that. Valina prides itself in ethically-sourced stones, so as you fall asleep with your amethyst and diamond ring on your finger, you can dream soundly.