The Gem Gallery Blog

Who doesn’t own an earring, necklace, or pendant? Wearing a piece of jewelry can automatically make an outfit more special and fashionable. The plainest clothes can easily become dazzling with the help of a butterfly pin, or an elegant necklace. This is why accessories like opal butterfly jewelry are becoming popular for women of all ages.

Opal Butterfly Jewelry

One of the most fun pieces of jewelry is a butterfly shaped opal brooch. It has a classy and feminine touch that can be worn in different ways. During the early times, people believed that this gemstone had healing powers. They used this gem to ease eye diseases, depression and anxiety. Other types of butterfly jewelry includes: necklaces, earrings, and rings.

Opals are considered treasures, not only because they look stylish, but also symbolize clarity, hope, and confidence. Some local jewelry shops offer items that are not only for women, but for the gentlemen as well.

The different kinds of opals that are commonly used in jewelries are black opals, white opals, synthetic opals, crystal opals and boulder opals. Black opals are the hardest to find and are the most costly as well. The shades of white opals, on the other hand are lighter than the other types. Synthetic opals are the ones that are made with artificial material and relatively cost cheaper. They are brighter in colors compared to natural opals, and the spots of color are larger. Crystal opals have transparent surfaces, which some people find more appealing. All opal jewelry is beautiful, yet some types will appeal to you more than others.

Emerald is the birthstone of the fifth month, May. Sapphire and agate joins emerald, however, as the Mystical and Ayurvedic May birthstones, respectively. As May overlaps two star signs, Taurus and Gemini, and as with each sign there are multiple gemstones, the category of May birthstones expands even further. Taurus’ birthstones are sapphire, turquoise, amber, emerald, and blood coral; its planetary stones emerald and aventurine; its lucky charms sapphire and diamond. Gemini’s birthstones, on the other hand, are agate, chrysoprase, and peal;its planetary stone tiger eye; its lucky charms agate and emerald.

Emerald being the modern birthstone for the month of May, it is the more frequently turned jewelry for that purpose. Its name can be traced to Semitic origin through the word “izmargad” or the Sanskrit word “marakata,” which means “green,” pertaining to the gem’s color which may range from medium to dark green. It has a hardness rating of 7.5 on the Mohs Scale, but is not very resistant to breakage especially if with inclusions or surface fissures. It is often irradiated and oiled, because of this, to achieve clarity (no naked eye-visible inclusions). To clean emerald jewelry a soft, dry cloth must be used, sudden temperature changes must be avoided as well as hot, soapy water, household chemicals, and home ultrasonic jewelry machines and cleaners.

Emerald is used for emotional and physical healing as it is believed it can strengthen and soothe both aspects of the human body. Energy healers associate emerald often with the heart chakra. Some believe that it helps increase one’s flexibility and understanding so they add the gem to wedding rings, aside from the basis that the emerald is a symbol of fidelity and goodness. See more interesting facts about emerald.

Sapphire is assumed to be blue unless a color is attached to its name; the gem comes in every color except red, which is ruby. Found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Australia, India, Thailand, Nigeria, Brazil, Kenya, Malawi, among others, it is a durable gem, with a hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs Scale, and is used occasionally as a diamond substitute.

Sapphire rings given in engagement express commitment and loyalty. The gem also represents sincerity, truth, and consistency; it is used by energy healers for clear thinking.
Kings used to wear sapphire-encrusted necklaces which they believe defended them against harm, the stones attracting divine favor and negating the wearer’s envy. Enjoy more fun sapphire facts.

Agate is an unusual stone, considered classy and earthy, but included as one of the May birthstones. Its common types include blue lace, moss, tree, and petrified wood. It is commonly turned into beads for pendants, necklaces or earrings. It has a hardness rating of 7.

Agate is believed to guard its wearer from danger, endowing him as well with boldness of heart which was the reason behind warriors using it on their armors to be victorious in battle. It is also said to ensure pleasant dreams and protect from nightmares, hence they are sometimes given to children. Moss agate is ideal for gardeners as it is believed to bond one with nature; tree agate is believed to help one with introspection.

Like all women who like to have a variety of jewels in their jewelry cabinet, men also want to have jewelry of their own that definitely speaks of their personality. Either from a gold rope chain that speaks about how rich they are, their watch that speaks about their character (either adventurous or homebody) or even their rings that tells if they are single or already taken. Men also have their list of most desired or necessary jewelry that they can’t live without or are always attached on their body wherever they go. The top 3 most desired pieces of mens jewelry are watches, rings, and necklaces.

1. Men’s Watch. This jewelry together with wedding rings was used to be the only jewelry that men know about. Today there are lots of varieties of jewelry that men can select but watches are still on the top list. Men like to keep track of their time. Their time is already allotted to every work they have to finish in a day.

2. Ring. Wedding ring used to be the only ring that a man can wear. Today, there are lots of rings they can readily possess. It comes in different designs and sizes. Today, huge rings are common because it is easily recognizable. Compared with women’s rings, men’s are larger and bolder. Men’s rings are also inscribed with extraordinary adornment. Hip-hop guys also wears single rings in their nose, eyebrow and in their belly.

3. Necklace. This men’s jewelry bluntly speaks of their money in their pocket. It’s either made of silver or gold with high carats. Unlike most women who likes jewelry which are bright colored, men prefer to have dark colored necklaces that won’t can’t peoples attention. Other men also like beaded and even necklaces made of shells or glass.