Lapis Lazuli and 18K Gold Hinge Necklace

Lapis Lazuli and 18K Gold Hinge Necklace - $ 950.00
Simply exquisite! This necklace is handcrafted in solid 18K gold with inlayed, Grade AAA Lapis Lazuli. The secret of this necklace lies on the unique hinge system. It allows it to be fully flexible: this necklace will lie flat against your body, following the contours of your neck. Also available in Malachite and Obsidian. This necklace measures 17 inches long.

Lapis lazuli 2-tier 6 mm bead necklace

Two Tier 6 mm Bead Necklace - $ 260.00
Outstanding! The beads are "knitted" between Solid 950 Sterling Silver segments to created a piece of extraordinary beauty. Solid 950 Sterling Silver chained closure. Length: 19.5 inches (50 cms)

Sterling Silver Blue Topaz, Brilliant Citrine, Peridot, Garnet, Brazilian Amethyst Pendant

Sterling Silver Blue Topaz, Brilliant Citrine, Peridot, Garnet, Brazilian Amethyst Pendant

Premium Artisan GemStone Jewelry ~ Handmade Pendant

Sterling Silver Colored Gem Bracelet

Sterling Silver Blue Topaz, Peridot, Garnet, Brazilian Amethyst Bracelet

Premium Artisan GemStone Jewelry ~ Handmade Bracelet

Sterling Silver Blue Topaz, Peridot, Garnet, Brazilian Amethyst Bracelet - Click here to buy

White gold male insignia ring

LP053

A vision in 18k white gold, this male insignia ring features a scintillating .25ct diamond for that touch of sparkle that everyone is looking for. This ring is 6mm in width and weighs 10gr. This ring arrives packaged in a luxurious presentation box.

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Unique 18K yellow gold wedding band

LP038

This uniqely handcrafted 18k yellow gold ring has a remarkable string-like design with a double channel of 80 round diamonds, totally .80 ct. This incredible piece is destined to become a classic. 11mm wide. To see this ring in white gold, please see LP037. This ring arrives packaged in a luxurious presentation box.

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White Gold Engagement Ring with Princess-cut Diamond

LH013

A striking 18k white gold engagement ring with a .50ct princess cut diamond as the center stone. The center stone crowns two trillion diamonds and eight princess cut side stones in a channel setting, totaling 1.22ct. The band is 2mm wide. All diamonds are of SI quality and H-I color. This ring arrives packaged in a luxurious presentation box.

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Amber Guide

Amber is sometimes called the "Jurassic gem" because its popularity soared following the release of "Jurassic Park," where scientists extracted DNA from an insect trapped in prehistoric amber. Most of the world's amber ranges in age from 30 to 90 million years old.

Amber is pine tree resin that fossilized. The two main sources in today's market are Baltic states and the Dominican Republic. Amber from the Baltic states is older and therefore preferred in the market; however, Dominican Republic amber is more likely to have insect inclusions (insects trapped in the pine resin and therefore fossilized with it), which became popular following the movie. The demand for amber is nothing new, however; artifacts have been discovered dating back to the Stone Age. It does wax and wane in popularity, however.

How to tell Amber from plastic

The commercial value of amber is derived from its scarcity, age, inclusions of extinct species and durability. Many people would love to buy real amber but aren't confident they can tell if it's genuine or plastic. Plastics are the most common amber imitations. However, it is possible to tell the difference.

A good test to separate amber from imitators is to float it in sea water or a salt-water solution (2 tablespoons of salt per 1 cup of water). Imitations of amber will sink in this solution, where amber will float. You can also try a rub test - amber becomes electrically charged when it is rubbed with a cloth and will attract small particles of dust, where imitations will not.

These two tests are best if you don't want to cause a blemish (or if the seller is nervous about blemish). Otherwise, you can perform a hot point test by holding a hot needle with tweezers and touching it to an unobtrusive part of the amber piece. Amber will burn and give off the odor of burning pine wood; imitations will smell somewhat like disinfectant camphor or carbolic acid. The hot point will make plastic sticky, but amber will become brittle and chip off.

Amber versus Copal

Some unscrupulous sellers will try to sell copal (an immature form of resin) as amber. Copal and amber are not the same thing. There are some tests you can perform to tell the difference.

If you put a drop of alcohol on the surface of copal, it becomes tacky; amber does not. Copal melts and liquifies when close to a flame; amber will soften and blacken on the surface, but not melt. Hopefully, a dealer would be honest about the origins and authenticity, whether copal or amber. If you like the look of amber but aren't particularly into it for the historical qualities, you might consider copal a less-expensive alternative for jewelry. However, you should never pay the higher price for amber if all you're getting is copal.

Caring for your amber

Amber has retained its beauty for millions of years. The polished luster can be retained indefinitely if a few precautions are observed.

Keep amber away from chemicals. Do not put amber jewelry on before applying hairspray or perfume. These will likely create a whitish coating on the amber that will be permanent.

Amber jewelry should not be stored where it rubs against metal or other jewelry; storage in a soft bag is best.

Never put amber jewelry in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner; it will shatter the gem. Never let amber come in contact with strong solutions: soaps, detergents, commercial jewelry cleaning solutions, perfume or hairspray. Don't shower, bathe, swim, go in a jacuzzi or spa or steam room while wearing amber. Keep amber away from items in the kitchen such as lard, salad oil, butter, and excessive heat of the oven and/or burners.

Do not place amber near heating ducts or in direct sunshine. Be aware that lighted showcases may place a high degree of heat on the objects in the showcase and ventilate accordingly if you are displaying your amber under lights. Avoid exposure to sudden changes of temperature, such as hot tubs, very cold water, reaching into a hot oven followed by cold water. Never wear valuable jewelry when cleaning, cooking or bathing or doing strenuous activities such as gardening or exercise.

Dust and perspiration can be removed from amber with lukewarm water and a soft flannel cloth. The amber can be dried and rubbed with olive oil, then rubbed with a soft dry cloth to remove excess oil and restore the polish.

Lapis Lazuli Guide

This opaque, deep blue gemstone has a history as fantastic as the Arabian Nights. It was among the first gemstones to be worn as jewelry.  It has been prized since antiquity for its intense blue color peppered pyrite, which shimmers gold and looks like stars on the deep blue night sky of the lapis lazuli. At excavations in the ancient centers of culture around the Mediterranean, archaeologists have found decorative chains and figures made of lapis lazuli among the grave furnishings. Countless signet rings, scarabs and figures were wrought from the blue stone which Alexander the Great brought to Europe.

For many years - until synthetic pigment was made - lapis lazuli was ground to a powder and combined with binding agents to make the brilliant aquamarine blue found in Old Masters paintings. Unlike other pigments, it does not fade in light - in many museums, the aquamarine ting made with lapis lazuli shines through.

The blue stone is said to encourage harmony in relationships and help its wearer to be authentic and give his or her opinion openly. It was used in ancient Egypt to make cabochons of the sacred scarab. Lapis lazuli, in the shape of an eye set in gold, was considered an amulet of great power. In ancient times, lapis lazuli was known as sapphire, which is the name that is used today for the blue corundum variety sapphire.

At the Hermitage, in St. Petersburg, Russia, there are some beautiful examples of artwork of lapis lazuli, like this vase. These pieces took years to create. Once the stone had been selected, a craftsman would begin the work of turning the stone into designs set by the Tsar's Imperial Cabinet. When the vases were completed, they were exhibited on the Jordan Staircase in the Winter Palace at Easter and Christmas and the Tsar would select the ones he wanted; the rest were given away as gifts. This vase and other fantastic pieces of lapis lazuli, malachite (a green stone), jasper, pink rhodonite and others from the Ural Mountains can be found on display in the Italian Skylight Hall.

The best raw stones still come from the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan. In good quality, lapis lazuli is rare, which is why even small pieces can be very expensive. Prices depend largely on the beauty and intensity of the color, with the most popular being an intense, deep blue. Look for the sprinkling of pyrite that shines like gold stars in the deep blue of the lapis lazuli - this will increase the value of the gemstone. A rough or blotchy grain decreases the value.

Genuine Pearl Guide

Because of their beauty, rarity and difficulty harvesting, pearls have been called the "diamonds of the ocean." They are considered a gem, in the precious category. Pearls are amongst the oldest and most universal of all gems. They are the oldest jewels known to man, and the only gem made by a living animal. The oldest surviving pearl necklace is nearly 2000 years old, found in the sarcophagus of a Persian princess. There are many references to pearls in the Bible and its comparison to great value.

In any discussion about pearls, assume the pearls being discussed are cultured pearls, as natural pearls are extremely rare and expensive and not typically found for sale in the retail jewelry market.

Types of Pearls

If you are considering purchasing pearls, whether in a string or as an ornament in jewelry, become familiar with the different types of pearls.

Japanese Akoya Cultured Pearls: These are investment-grade saltwater pearls with a symmetric round shape and sharp reflection.

Chinese Akoya Cultured Pearls: These are saltwater pearls cultured in hybrid oysters. Their reflection is rather dull and they are not investment grade. They are typically used for jewelry in lower-end stores.

White South Sea Cultured Pearls, Black South Sea Cultured Pearls and Golden South Sea Cultured Pearls: Like the Japanese Akoya, these are also investment-grade saltwater pearls with symmetric round shape and sharp reflection. The difference in appearance refers to the color of the pearl, with white being a classic pearlescent white, the black being a luminescent black and the golden having a distinctive yellow gold hue.

Freshwater Cultured Pearls: These are not investment grade and are used to create jewelry for lower-end stores and boutiques. That's not to say they aren't beautiful - but they are not investment quality. They have a sharp reflection and irregular shapes that make them quite unique.

High Grade Freshwater Cultured Pearls: These freshwater cultured pearls are from China and although not investment grade, have a round shape and sharp reflection. They can be found in lower-end jewelry stores and departments.

Determining Quality

Luster: Luster is the amount of light reflected from the pearl's surface. Pearls with sharp reflection have more luster than pearls with dull reflection. Luster manifests in the surface glow so characteristic of pearls, as well as the mirror-like reflection of light. When buying pearls, you look first for this distinctive pearlecent luster.

Surface perfection: Tiny marks found on pearls are part of their natural texture and are proof of the genuineness of a cultured pearl. These blemishes are produced by outside sea particles and objects that find their way into the oyster and brush against the pearl. Although surface imperfections are expected - indeed, looked for - the more minimal the surface imperfections, the greater the value of the pearl.

Color: Pearls have a wide spectrum of colors, including cream, gray, green, blue and pink. The most popular colors are pink and rose, as they flatter the widest range of skin tones. Obviously, black pearls should have a deep, rich black color and golden pearls should have the luster of yellow gold.

Shape: Perfectly round pearls are the rarest and most valuable. Button pearls are round on one side and flat on the other. Other shapes, such as teardrop and baroque, are prized for their uniqueness. Freshwater pearls are irregularly shaped, so shape is not a factor in determining quality.

Size: The larger the size of the pearl, the higher the price. Large pearls are more difficult to cultivate. Pearls are measured in diameter increments of millimeters (mm).

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