The Gem.

The amethyst obtains its color from the presence of iron in its natural environment—this element is responsible for giving the stone its purplish hue. But depth of color comes from radiation—either by natural radioactive heating forces within the earth, or by heat treatment (irradiation) by a jewelry specialist.

Amethysts are not highly rare, but deep purple, gem-quality stones are. Brazil boasts a treasure trove of amethysts, but South Korea, Russia, India, Zambia, and Austria are also major producers.

Amethyst In History And Lore. The name amethyst comes from the Greek word amythtos, which means “not intoxicated.” Ancient societies such as the Greeks and Romans believed that amethyst protected one against drunkenness, thus it was common in jewelry and the making of drinking vessels. Some also sprinkled ground amethyst into vessels holding wine to protect the drinkers from the effects of overindulgence. Amethyst was also thought to guard a person from seduction and even to save crops from the attack of pests. 

During medieval times, soldiers donned amethyst stones to protect them as they went into battle. The gem was also favored by priests and clergy as it was known to symbolize piety.

Biblical Significance. In addition to the amethyst’s legendary protective properties, the stone was given great significance in the Biblical text. Beginning in the book of Exodus the amethyst was used to adorn the garments of priests serving in the temple. Amethyst represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Later in the book of Revelation, the amethyst is mentioned as one of the stones that will adorn the walls of the New Jerusalem.

As special and significant as it is stunning, the amethyst stone is a perfect gift for a February birthday!

Our Favorite February Birthstone Gifts

Amethyst and Black Diamond Royal Pendant in .925 Sterling Silver. (Above Left) Strong colors incorporated into a feminine design make this pendant both bold and captivating yet gentle and delicate. The center oval-cut amethyst stone of this beautiful piece weighs nearly four carats and measures 10mm. The surrounding 22 black diamonds, set in sterling silver, total 0.22 carats and give the pendant its unique floral look. The pendant comes with an 18’’ rope chain in gold-plated .925 sterling silver.

Double Pear Shape Drop Earrings with Amethyst. (Above right) These funky earrings feature a 5.5mm amethyst incorporated into a sterling silver wire teardrop design. Perfect for any age, these earrings are both fashionable and affordable—a perfect way to remember and celebrate a February birthday. 

Rustic Amethyst Ring in Sterling Silver. (Left) This ring is a perfect match to the earrings above—both feature a rustic, patina-finished sterling silver with loops and coil shapes. The ring also stands alone as an attractive everyday piece. Trendy and fun, this ring is perfect for a younger wearer. Its amethyst stone measures 11mm x 9mm.

Browse more Apples of Gold Amethyst Jewelry

Garnet takes its name from the Latin word, granum, meaning ‘grain’ or ‘grainy one’. This is an allusion to its internal composition, which resembles little bundles of grain. While red is the color traditionally associated with the garnet, this stone has a few more hues up its sleeve. The garnet family includes ten different gemstones, which is to say, these ten gemstones all share the same chemical composition. The color spectrum includes several shades of red as well as other earthy colors such as green, orange, and yellow.

While the color of many stones is enhanced and deepened by heat treatment and irradiation, garnets have shown themselves intolerant to heat methods. Found primarily in Africa, garnets of varying colors have also been mined in Russia, India, Czech Republic, and Latin America. Garnet is the state mineral of Connecticut and the state gemstone of New York and Idaho.

While there is no direct Biblical reference to the garnet, legend holds that Noah used a lantern of garnet to guide him through the storm. Garnets were also widely used in Greek and Roman times both for jewelry and as a stone of protection, or talisman. Sailors carried the stone to illuminate the night and to guard from them from danger.

Favorite January Birthstone Gifts:

Victorian Emerald-Cut Garnet Ring in 14K White Gold (Shown above left) This Victorian-style flora ring features an emerald-cut ruby measuring 10mmx8mm. This vintage ring is a special and stylish gift for a special and stylish woman. Shown here is 14K white gold, this ring is also available in sterling silver.

Garnet Stud Earrings, 14K White Gold (Shown above right) Simple, yet elegant, the garnet is center stage in these stunning earrings. Each stone is set in a basket setting to offset the stone in all its crimson glory and provide just a hint of metallic sparkle around the edges. These solitaire stud earrings also give you the opportunity to customize the look of your jewelry. Select the size of your stones: 6mm, 7mm, or 8mm, as well as the precious metal used in the earring posts and setting: 14K white gold, 14K yellow gold, or platinum.

Filigree Garnet Earrings In Sterling Silver (Shown above left) A total of twelve garnet stones are incorporated into these antique-styled sterling silver filigree earrings. This garnet gift that is attractive and affordable—perfect for a younger woman who loves jewelry with boldness and flair.

Browse More Garnet Jewelry From Apples of Gold!

The Swarovski January Crystal Bead in Sterling Silver is the perfect (and affordable!) way to celebrate a special January birthday. Set in genuine sterling silver, this bead is a multi-stone pave design, bringing out that deep crimson color associated with the January birthstone. January beads also come in one-stone and six-stone styles.

If the recipient is just starting her bead collection, consider pairing the bead with a leather cord or silver chain to create a stunning bracelet or necklace that she can continue to add to for years to come. Browse Bead Chains and Necklaces.

Take a look at the complete line of Swarovski Crystal Beads!

Christmas shopping challenges the Christian. We want to find our joy in the gift of Christ, not just the presents and the seasonal traditions. So we seek gifts that have meaning and significance beyond the latest gadget or trinket.

Our Diamond Crosses bring together great natural beauty with the spiritual beauty and significance of the cross. Apples of Gold collection features a wide variety of styles and designs–there’s a diamond cross to suit all tastes. From modern, minimalist designs to ornate and intricate patterns and stone placement, the crosses are eye catching and elegant.

The 0.60 Carat Diamond Cross Pendant in 14K White Gold featured above is one of the most exquisite in our diamond cross collection. Featuring a line of larger diamonds surrounded by a string of smaller ones, the total carat count is 0.60 carats. The pendant also comes with a 14k white gold box chain.

This Christmas, give a gift of lasting significance and breathtaking beauty with a diamond cross from Apples of Gold.

We hear you. So we had the idea to create a few pages of special jewelry items that make great gifts. We call this section “Jewelry Gifts.” Browsing these pages will allow you to see our most present-ready pieces or help fuel your imagination to do a little more focused searching. These pieces range in style and price point—there’s a little something for everyone.

For example, the Byzantine Bracelet shown above is the perfect choice when you need the perfect gift. This piece, crafted of 14k gold is heirloom quality—sturdy, durable, and with a beauty that is designed to last for generations. The classic, intertwining pattern appeals to women of all ages.

Simplify your Christmas shopping—browse Apples of Gold Jewelry Gifts!

The Apples of Gold Set of 3 Tri-Color Gold Stackable 0.68 Carat Diamond Bands are each crafted of 14k gold—one white, one yellow, and one rose. Each band bears 16 close-set round diamonds for a total of 48 diamonds in the set. Worn together or separately, these bands are designed to represent love that lasts for eternity.

And gentlemen, here’s a tip: these rings are sold as a set of three. Buy the set but don’t give them all at once! Save them to surprise your wife at special, unexpected moments.

December is a unique month in that it has not just one official birthstone—but four! Join us throughout the month as we profile December birthstone jewelry.

Our second December gemstone is Tanzanite. If you’re new to this sparkly, blue gem, let us begin by saying, it is well worth making the acquaintance. Often called the ‘gemstone of the 20^th century,’ this gemstone is no less captivating in the 21^st.

Though naturally reddish-brown in color, when tanzanite is heated (gently, as the stone is delicate), it gives off a blue shade ranging the color spectrum from icy blue-violet to deeper periwinkle. The color is rich, captivating and unique from other blue stones for its purple hints and hues.

Tanzanite is a relative newcomer on the jewelry scene. Discovered in 1967 by Masai shepherds around the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro in the African country of Tanzania. When the stone was presented to Tiffany Jewelry Company they were immediately enamored with it. Their interest in the purplish-blue stone led to mass appeal. Though the stone’s original name is blue zoisite, Tiffany dubbed it Tanzanite, after the location of its discovery. And Tanzania is the only location in which this stone has been found, contributing to its exotic and exclusive nature.

In the same way that diamonds became the engagement ring default through slogans such as “A diamond is forever,” tanzanite has been linked to the slogan “Be born to tanzanite,” indicating that this is a stone that should be given to commemorate a birth. Whether celebrating a December birthday, the birth of a new baby, or another special winter occasion, Tanzanite is a stone that is sure to delight the wearer—its deep color, luxurious appearance, and exotic quality guarantee it!

Our Favorite Tanzanite Pieces To Celebrate December, Or A New Birth!

Tanzanite Stud Earrings Set In 14K White Gold. Available in 4mm, 5mm, or 6mm sized stones, these earrings give you tanzanite in its purest form, with nothing else to distract you from its beauty. These solitaire earrings make a perfect gift for a recipient of any age or fashion sense—the color is versatile and attractive on women with all shades of skin, eyes, and hair. The Tanzanite Stud Earrings can also be set in 14K yellow gold or platinum.

Oval Cut Tanzanite and Diamond Wrap Ring In 14K White Gold. Forty-eight round diamonds encircle this captivating nearly 1 carat center tanzanite stone. This ring, crafted on 14K white gold, makes a remarkable piece of fashion jewelry, not to mention a stunning engagement ring—December is, after all, the most popular month for wedding proposals!

Tanzanite and Diamond Pendant in .925 Sterling Silver. For the woman who loves delicate, intricate, timeless, vintage-inspired jewelry, this heirloom-quality pendant is a perfect match. Twenty-seven round tanzanite stones combine with sixteen round diamonds to produce the classic teardrop-shaped pendant. The pendant is tarnish-resistant and comes with an 18” sterling silver chain.

Check out more tanzanite jewelry!

From heart-shaped pendants, to rings, earrings, and cross pendants bearing hearts, the heart is a classic symbol of love—God’s love for us in Christ and the love we are then to extend to each other. Here are a few of our favorite heart-shaped gems to celebrate your loved ones this Christmas.

The Cascading Heart and Cross Diamond Pendant in 14K White Gold (shown left) has the heart at the center of the cross symbolizing the motive at the center of Christ’s death: love. This pendant, crafted of 14k white gold and accented with diamonds makes a meaningful and memorable gift this Christmas. This piece comes with an 18” chain and is also available in 14k yellow gold.

Simple yet special, the Titanium Heart Pendant Necklace (shown right) is a perfect Christmas present for a woman of any age. The minimalist design of the necklace pairs well with the strength of the titanium from which it is crafted. Comes with an 18” steel chain.

Take a look at more heart jewelry!

Certainly we’re not advocating a ban on Christmas generosity and giving. Traditionally this is a time when we love to extend gifts and hospitality, and when we delight in merriment with family and friends. This is a beautiful thing. We are, however, offering a suggestion for making the season a little less stressful.

One way to simplify the season is to give fewer gifts, but more significant ones. There will always be one more toy, trinket, or gadget, but what about giving a very special gift that is certain to last—maybe even for generations?

Consider the gift of fine jewelry. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be posting some of our most meaningful and memorable pieces, designed to delight ever person on your Christmas list. Rather than several items soon to be forgotten, a piece of well-chosen jewelry is a gift that never stops giving.

Christian Jewelry is especially significant for remembering the true meaning of Christmas and for celebrating the coming of Christ. Cross necklaces are classic, but some of our favorite items also include the 14k Gold Bible Pendant With Lord’s Prayer Inside and the 14K White Gold Onyx Cross Ring.

Stay tuned for more special jewelry gift ideas to celebrate the season!

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The blue topaz is a member of the topaz family—a stone that is naturally colorless. But depending on the conditions of the environment in which it is found, topaz can take on multi-colored properties. From yellow to green to pink, topaz covers the colors of the rainbow. But it is the sapphire-blue variety that adorns the month of December.

Red Hot Heat Turns To Icy Blue

If topaz is naturally colorless, how does it get its deep blue color? Heat will turn the naturally colorless topaz a shade of blue. Intense heat in the natural environment or by the agency of a jeweler through irradiation results in the remarkable shade. This gemstone is usually seen in three distinct tones: the icy, sky-blue shade, a Swiss blue, and the darker, deeper London blue topaz.

This cool, icy stone is a perfect representation of its wintry month. But the shade is also calming and relaxing—a perfect set of characteristics in a month known to be one of the busiest of the year.

Biblical Significance

While the blue variety is not specifically referenced, the topaz makes an appearance in several places throughout the Bible. In the book of Exodus, topaz is one of the stones used to adorn the garments of the temple priests. In the book of Revelation, topaz brings sparkle to the wall of the New Jerusalem. Known for over 4,000 years, this stone bears a deep and meaningful historical significance, as well as a future, eternal one.

Interesting Facts About The Blue Topaz

In addition to being one of the official birthstones for the month of December, the blue topaz is also the state stone of Texas. Legend claims that this gem can turn men handsome, make women happy, calm a heated argument, cool boiling water, and protect against accidental death. But even if you don’t believe all that, you cannot argue that this is a stunning and attractive stone, certain to beautify and delight its wearer.

Our Favorite Blue Topaz Gifts For December Birthdays

Blue Topaz and Diamond Swirl Earrings In 14K White Gold. A very special December birthday calls for a very special gift. These earrings, composed of 1.77 carats blue topaz are attractively accented with diamonds, creating a piece that is a timeless treasure. The pear-shaped stones elongate the face and bring out the eyes of the wearer—especially is those eyes are blue!

Handmade Textured Round Blue Topaz Sterling Silver Ring. For the true blue topaz lover, consider this 11mm round stone. The shape of the sterling silver ring is unique, feminine, and a perfect compliment to the dramatic, icy stone. Also available with an oval-shaped or rectangle topaz stone.

Sterling Silver and 14K Gold Blue Topaz Cuff Bracelet. For the woman who likes to make a bold, stylish statement with her jewelry, this cuff bracelet is a perfect pick. Crafted of 0.925 sterling silver, the five strands bear blue topaz accents of various shapes and sizes. Classy and elegant, this piece is as stunning with that little black dress as it is comfortable with jeans and a blazer.

Take a look at more blue topaz jewelry!