The December birthstone is.......well, actually there are many stones that are listed as this month's birthstone.  Some of the most common gemstones used are turquoise , zircon, tanzanite and lapis. Look at all the awesome choices December babies have!  Today on the Charming Chick blog we will be looking at blue topaz because it is one the most popular gemstones used to represent this fun filled and frosty month.

 

 

 

The gemstone topaz comes in a variety of colors but today - thanks to an enhancement process developed in the 1970's - the most popular variety is the blue topaz. This dazzling December birthstone is available is several stunning shades of blue.

London Blue -- also known as Super Blue, is a deep rich color.

Swiss Blue -- is a mid-blue color

Sky Blue -- is a light icy-blue.

 

Believe it or not, the blue was once considered the rarest of the topaz colors. However, the use of irradiation and heat can turn a colorless or lightly colored topaz into the beautiful blue December birthstone known as blue topaz.

 

 

 

 

The blue topaz was named the state gem of Texas in 1969 to celebrate a small deposit of natural blue topaz that was found in the state. The blue is also reminiscent of the gorgeous, clear blue Texas sky.

 

 

The white metals such as sterling silver really compliment the coolness of the stone. A faceted blue topaz will also sparkle and dance as the light hits it.

 

Topaz was once believed to change color if there was poisoned food or drink nearby. It was thought to increase strength, dispel enchantment and make the wearer invisible -- but only if there was a emergency. That could come in very handy don't you think?

 

So as you can see the December birthstone is an amazing an interesting gemstone. If you know someone who has a birthday this month treat them to one of our stunning blue topaz jewelry items.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(via www.gemstone.org)

  

Peridot is the gorgeous green birthstone designated for the month of August. It is the perfect gemstone to represent this beautifully warm month. Its olive to yellow-green coloring is reminiscent of billowy summer fields. It is said to bring the wearer peace, luck, and success. It was also believed to bring success to relationships, calm anxiety, and make the wearer more articulate. Even if peridot isn't your birthstone -- you still might appreciate all that that it has to offer.

 

 

 

Something interesting that you may not know, is that the peridot has a very long and rich history. It was mined by the ancient Egyptians -- there are even ancient writings that document the mining of this gemstone as early as 1500 BC. It was mined for thousands of years from what was once known as St. John's Island -- along the  Egyptian Red Sea. It was refered to it as "gem of the sun" by the ancient Egyptians .

This dazzling gemstone is also said to glow a brilliant green when held under artificial light -- and is known to some as the "Evening Emerald". In fact, some jewelry pieces that were once believed to contain emeralds - including those from Cleopatra's jewelry collection - were later discovered to be peridot!  

 

 

 

Peridot is a type of olivine, which is a common mineral found in volcanic rock. While olivine is a very common mineral; the gem quality is much harder to find. Another fun fact about this grass-colored gemstone, is that it has even been found in meteorites! It is also happens to be one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color.

 

Peridot's stunning hues makes it a beautiful accessory for any season.  It also looks absolutely fabulous when paired with other semi-precious gemstones such as blue topaz, amethyst, citrine, pink tourmaline -- actually there aren't many stones that peridot doesn't look great with. When you pair it with other colored stones, it makes your jewelry pieces even more versatile.

Happy birthday August babies. Enjoy your beautiful birthstone!

Ruby is the birthstone designated for the month of July. No other gemstone would be as perfect, to represent this warm summer month -- the red-hot ruby had to have been the clear choice. This dazzling gemstone represents love and passion; which not only makes ruby a great birthstone -- but a wonderful engagement ring as well. It is also said that the ruby brings the wearer health, wealth and success. You lucky July babies!!!

 

There are so many great things to love about rubies! For one thing, they are a very hard stone, so they can be worn every day. However, you must keep in mind that with any stone, you will want use a reasonable amount of caution. While it is more resistant to surface scratches than most stones - if it takes a hit - it could chip or crack.

 

 

Another great thing about the ruby is how absolutely striking it is. Whether you find it in the highly sought after "pigeon blood-red "- or in a pink-red or purple-red tone - it is still gorgeous. The ruby is a stone that has been worn by royals all over the world - it was actually known as the "king of gems" for a time. In fact - in England - it was commonly used for coronation rings.

  

Rubies are  a variety of the mineral corundum. Corundum is also known as sapphire and comes is just about every color. So, the ruby is essentially a red sapphire --  but because of is beauty and prestige it is in a class all its own. Sapphires and rubies are identical in properties but the color is what makes them different.

 Ruby - along with emerald, sapphire and diamonds - are considered precious gemstones. They are classified this way because of their rarity and value. For rubies, the richer the color - the more rare and valuable the stone is. Another thing that is considered when pricing a ruby, is how free of blemishes or "birthmarks" it is.

People born in the month of June are fortunate enough to have three gorgeous stones to represent their birth month. Pearl is the primary birthstone.  Alexandrite and Moonstone designated as alternates. Today on the Charming Chick blog we will provide you some information about each one of these amazing stones.

Pearls

 

Pearls are magnificent little gems created for us by creatures of the sea. A pearl is created when an irritant - such as a piece of sand - enters a mollusk's (oyster, clam or mussell) shell. The mollusk then begins to secrete a protective substance called "nacre." Over the layers of nacre build up to create a pearl. Finding a natural pearl can be quite a challenge; which is when people started to insert an irritant -- such as a piece of mother-of-pearl into an oyster.  After several years the pearls are harvested to create beautiful jewelry. These pearls are known as cultured pearls.

There are many types of pearls; cultured pearls, freshwater pearls, Tahitian pearls, South Sea pearls, seed pearls, dyed pearls, and many more.

Alexandrite

 

Alexandrite is a magnificent stone. What makes it extra special is that in order for it to be created you have to have very specific geological conditions for the stone to form. When it was first discovered in Russia 1834, it was thought to be an emerald. Alexandrite appears green or greenish-blue in daylight but in incandescent light it usually appears red or reddish purple. The more distict the color change the more rare - and more valuable - the stone. Because alexandrite is hard to come by -- most of theses gemstones you see on the market are synthetic (lab created). Purchasing a synthetic alexandrite is also much more affordable.

Moonstone

 

Moonstone is a very unique and stunning stone. It is transparent with a colorless, bluish, greenish or brownish tint. It has what some have discribed as a "mysterious shimmer." It is a soft stone; which means that it must be worn with care. It can get scratched and loose it's luster but it can be repolished again. The price of moonstone can vary greatly and depends upon the color and luster.

Nature's Journey Peony Candle Holder

Spring is finally here!!! It's been a long winter for some of you and we are sure you are happy to say, "Goodbye winter! Hello spring!" Now is the time to chase away the winter blahs with some vibrate colors and fun accessories. So dust away the cob webs, open the blinds, pour yourself a glass of ice tea and take a look at some of the fabulous items we have here at Charming Chick.

  

Monogrammed Lime Green Umbrella

  

The April showers that bring May flowers won't bother you --  if you are carrying one of our super stylish monogrammed umbrellas. The automatic open and close feature makes opening this umbrella a breeze.  Embroidered with a monogram in your choice of styles, adds an elegant personalized touch. These also make fantastic gifts!

 

Polka Dot Personalized Tote

  

Are you headed to the beach, park, soccer, or baseball game? Why not tote your stuff in style with these sassy Polka Dot Totes. They not only look amazing, they are totally practical too. Another great thing about these stylish bags is that they can be monogrammed -- gotta love that! Be sure to check out our sophisticated blue monogram Tote which is made of a waterproof fabric.

  

 Multi-Gemstone Necklace

Add a splash of color to any outfit with this dazzling multi-gemstone necklace. Each stone is faceted so they dance and twinkle when the light hits them. This necklace is the perfect addition to any outfit. This necklace is available in several lengths and includes amethyst, garnet, citrine, blue topaz, and peridot.

SunBling Two-Toned Oversized Sunglasses

 

Now that the sun is starting to shine again - in many parts of the country - our SunBling Oversized Sunglasses are the perfect springtime splurge! They come in six stunning colors and at their reasonable price, there's no reason you couldn't pick up a pair or two for some variety.

Happy Spring!!!!!!

Sterling Silver Amethyst Earrings 

  

The birthstone for February is amethyst, and it is an absolutely stunning gemstone. It is also the anniversary gemstone for the fourth and sixth years of marriage.

With its regal color -- it is only natural that it adorns several prominent pieces of royal jewelry. Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz and is found in a range of shades including deep purple, lavender, violet, and mauve.  It is also the most valuable member of the quartz family. Amethyst is sometimes found mixed with citrine which forms the gemstone ametrine.

 

Amethyst is a seven on the Moh's scale  of hardness; which means it is a relatively hard stone and more resistant to scratches than other semi-precious stones. However, you must keep in mind that heat, can greatly affect the color. Long exposure to sun light - or other heat sources - can have an adverse effect on it. 

Sterling Silver Faceted Amethyst Pendant with Chain

The history and mythology associated with amethyst, is as fascinating as the stone itself. At one time it was believed to thwart intoxication and prevent addiction -- so often times wine goblets were carved out of this dazzling gemstone. In addition to preventing the wearer from succumbing to the effects of alcohol; it also has many other remarkable properties and uses.

 

Sterling Silver Amethyst Cuff Bangle

Amethyst is said to protect the wearer against evil, promote bravery, protect the wearer in battle, quicken intelligence, and cure insomnia. This gemstone has also been worn to symbolize faithfulness, humility, sincerity, and spiritual wisdom. It was even thought to have healing powers.

Sterling Silver Faceted Amethyst Ring

If you know someone who is fortunate enough to be born in the month of February, you should give them the gift of their birthstone. At Charming Chick we have several stunning pieces of amethyst jewelry for you to choose from. Most of the stones are faceted, so they sparkle and sizzle beautifully.

Even if a person isn't born in the month of February, these pieces make a fantastic gift! The richness of the stone, combined with .925 sterling silver is a magnificent pairing.