Our Jewelry Blog
Learn about precious stones and how jewelry is made, featuring some of our favorite pieces from our collection!
MAY BIRTHSTONE: EMERALD
Featured above : 7.5 carat Emerald with 2.5 carats of Diamonds, Color: G, clarity: G-VS2. Set in platinum
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Welcome to May and the celebration of one very special gemstone: the Emerald! Emerald’s are considered as apart of a very exclusive family of 4 “precious stones”, alongside only diamonds, sapphires and rubies. In fact, Emeralds are significantly rarer than diamonds, with some estimates suggesting they are 20 times rarer. We’ll get into the properties of Emeralds, their symbolism and what makes them special, but first…
A bit of history
The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all held emeralds in high regard, associating them with royalty, love, and eternal life. Cleopatra was known for her love of emeralds and used them extensively in her adornments
Quality emeralds
Clarity
More than most other gemstones, Emeralds typically are “cloudy” featuring inclusions (small particles or features within the stone), which are often considered a sign of the gem's natural origin and can even add to its beauty and value. These unique inclusions, often described as looking "jardin" or mossy, which add to their individual character. It’s easy to tell a lab Emerald apart from a natural Emerald – as lab grown Emeralds lack these natural inclusions.
Color
While the name "emerald" suggests a specific green, emeralds can actually range in color from light green to deep, saturated hues, with the richest greens being the most valuable. The rarest emerald gemstones will appear to be an intense green-blue color
A soft stone
Emeralds have a Mohs hardness rating of 7.5 to 8, making them relatively hard but also prone to cracking if mishandled. It is recommended to keep Emeralds in pendants and earrings. If you do wear an Emerald ring, be sure to handle with care, and avoid hitting it against other surfaces.
What is considered a high-quality Emerald?
At least 50% of the world’s emeralds come from Colombia, which is considered to be the location of the most prestigious Emeralds. Emeralds can also be found in Zambia, Brazil and Afghanistan.
Emeralds are often oiled to improve their color and clarity, and heated to achieve the same effect. However, unheated Emeralds are the most sought after, as many collectors and enthusiasts value the natural beauty and integrity of unheated gemstones
Why the “Emerald cut”?
Emeralds are among the most difficult stones to cut, as their natural inclusions can make them brittle and prone to breakage. Emeralds are cut in the emerald cut primarily because the shape was designed to protect the fragile gem from chipping and breakage during the cutting process. The cut's rectangular shape with truncated corners provides a stronger and more durable configuration compared to traditional brilliant cuts, which are more susceptible to damage on the edges of the gemstone
What do Emeralds stand for?
Emeralds have associations with clairvoyance. Could this be why Emeralds and the color green have been associated with magic? The Wizard of OZ in the Emerald City, the Wicked Witch of the West who is green…
In ancient Greece and Rome, emeralds were linked to Venus, the goddess of love, and were thought to symbolize love and loyalty. Like many gemstones, Emeralds have been associated with royalty and wealth throughout history. The green color of emeralds is linked to growth, balance, and harmony. In some religious traditions, emeralds are associated with rebirth, new life, and the divine.
Price:
Emeralds are perhaps the most expensive stones, after diamonds – especially for a high quality Emerald with that true Kelly green color and clarity. In 2025, high-quality emeralds can range from $2,900 to $9,800 per carat, with the most sought-after stones displaying a deep, vivid green with slight bluish undertones2. Some exceptionally rare emeralds can even reach $50,000 per carat
THE BLACK DIAMOND
Why are they so special?
Typically, diamonds are a single solid stone, but black diamonds are actually made up of millions of smaller black crystals, bound together by internal inclusions. Because of the high levels of inclusions in black diamonds, they don't shine by reflecting light like other diamonds. Instead, they absorb light, and this gives them their intriguing marble-like feature.
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Are they valuable?
Fancy black diamonds and Carbonados are both extremely rare. Only one in 10,000 natural diamonds are colored diamonds and only a portion of these colored diamonds are black. Because of their scarcity, natural black diamonds and Carbonados are the some of the most valuable and most costly
What do they represent?
They represent strength, mystery, elegance, and unconventional love, making them a unique choice for various types of jewelry. Black Diamond is associated with the root chakra (Muladhara), which relates to security, stability and connection to the Earth.
Black diamonds can be considered cursed, though not as cursed as another famous diamond – the Hope Diamond (of Titanic fame)
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Price point
Natural black diamonds cost about $3000 to $5000 per carat, depending upon size and quality.
THE YELLOW DIAMOND
Made famous by Tiffany’s famous “bird”, yellow diamonds or “canary diamonds” or even “fancy yellow” diamonds, are a captivating gemstone with a vibrant hue caused by the presence of nitrogen impurities within their carbon structure. They are rarer than white diamonds, with only about 1 out of 10,000 carats being a yellow diamond.
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The first yellow diamond was apparently discovered in South Africa by a poor boy in the grass. His mother gave it to a neighbor as she was unaware of its value.
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What does it represent?
In Indian spirituality, yellow diamonds are used to unblock the Solar Plexus, also called Manipura, which refers to the third chakra. It promotes love and clarity in relationships, fostering commitment and trust. A yellow diamond is associated with happiness, joy, friends, love, and optimism
The most famous yellow diamond
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The Tiffany Diamond is one of the largest and most celebrated fancy yellow diamonds in the world. The 287.42-carat rough stone was unearthed in South Africa in 1877 and acquired by Tiffany & Co. founder Charles Lewis Tiffany a year later. The Tiffany Diamond has been featured in four designs, including the Ribbon Rosette necklace and the Bird on a Rock brooch, both designed by Jean Schlumberger.
Lady Gaga wore the diamond in a necklace at the 2019 Oscars.
The diamond is estimated to be worth $30 million and has never been sold, as an integral part of the Tiffany’s collection.
Price point:
A 1-carat yellow diamond's price can vary greatly, ranging from around $3,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on factors like color grade, supporting colors, cut, and clarity. Generally, you can expect to pay at least $3,000-$3,500 per carat for a decent-quality yellow diamond.
Pure yellow (like canary diamonds) or those with orange or green undertones can command higher prices, while brownish yellow diamonds may be cheaper.
APRIL BIRTHSTONE: DIAMOND
You don’t need to wait until April to wear this month’s timeless birthstone: the Diamond!
Did you know:
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Diamonds are the hardest mineral on earth – the only thing that can scratch a diamond is another diamond! Their name comes from the Greek “adamas” which means invincible or indestructible.
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Formed by heat and pressure below earth’s surface, most diamonds are 1 billion to 3.5 billion years ol
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Ancient Greeks and Romans believed diamonds were tears cried by the gods or splinters from falling stars.
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The largest diamond ever discovered—the Cullinan Diamond (3,106 carats!)—was cut into smaller gems, some of which now grace the British Crown Jewels.
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Beyond the classic white, diamonds come in a stunning array of colors—blue, pink, green, yellow, and even black—thanks to unique impurities in their crystal structure!
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Natural diamonds are a finite resource. The number of recovered natural diamonds peaked in 2005 and has been decreasing ever since. The total amount of one carat natural diamonds recovered annually could fit inside of one exercise ball.
Why are they used in engagement rings ?
In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria wanted to orchestrate a wedding proposal for his love, Mary of Burgundy. To ensure she knew how he felt, he commissioned an engagement ring to be made with a diamond—a resilient stone as beautiful and enduring as his love. That day, the diamond engagement ring was born, a symbol of everlasting love.
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Where are diamonds mined?
Diamonds are mined all over the world, although different coloured diamonds are more abundant in some countries, than in others. For example, purple diamonds are mainly mined in Russia, with occasional stones found in Canada, while most blue diamonds originated from the Cullinan Mine in South Africa.
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What are the price points of a diamond?
A diamonds’ price is determined primarily by the 4 Cs of the diamond: Cut, clarity, colour and carat.. On the wholesale level, diamond prices are first based on a diamond shape and size range (e.g. 1.00ct – 1.49ct). After that, it is broken down by color and clarity and then priced per carat. That price is then multiplied by the specific weight of the diamond. Other qualities impact the price as well such as cut, fluorescence, types of imperfections, etc.
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Diamond Carat Weight Price (as of February 2025)
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0.50 carat: $990 – $5,000 per carat
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1.00 carat: $2,000 – $14,000 per carat
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1.50 carat$3,300 – $24,000 per carat
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2.00 carat$4,200 – $29,000 per carat
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3.00 carat$7,200 – $51,000 per carat
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4.00 carat$8,400 – $71,500 per carat
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5.00 carat$9,600 – $67,500 [er carat
Source: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/diamond-prices/#diamond-price-chart
MARCH BIRTHSTONE: AQUAMARINE
Spring is (almost) here, and we are saying goodbye to dark jewel tones and bringing in spring colors. First up: March’s birthstone, Aquamarine!
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Did you know:
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Aquamarine is often associated with the sea. The ancient Romans believed that aquamarine could protect sailors and ensure a safe voyage. In ancient folklore, aquamarine was believed to originate from the treasure chests of mermaids.
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It was also thought to enhance the happiness of marriages, making it a popular choice for bridal jewelry.
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Aquamarine has a calming influence, promoting mental clarity and emotional balance. It is said to alleviate stress and anxiety, making it a popular choice for those seeking a sense of tranquility in their lives.
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While aquamarine is not as rare as some other gemstones, high-quality specimens with intense color and exceptional clarity command a premium in the market.
FEBRURARY BIRTHSTONE - AMETHYST
Welcome to February! We are celebrating the start of the (shortest) month with a few fun facts about its birthstone : Amethyst!
Did you know:
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Amethyst is a quartz stone! When exposed to high temperatures (500+ degrees Celsius), it turns into the dark yellow or orange stone known as Citrine!
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Ancient Greeks and Romans believed this purple stone could help them avoid a hangover. Drinking cups carved from amethyst or decorated with it were standard in ancient times.
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Amethyst is said to hold the secret to love and beauty. Saint Valentine and Cleopatra were known to wear amethyst rings. Amethyst makes a great Valentine’s Day present, which is perhaps why it is February’s birthstone!
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Amethyst used to be considered a precious gemstone, in the same category Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies, and Emeralds. However, that changed in the 18th century once large amethyst deposits were found in Brazil.
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Now, it’s classified as a semi-precious stone with reserves in Russia, Zambia, Uruguay, South India, the United States, and South Korea.
JANUARY BIRTHSTONE: GARNET
The deep red stone that represents the month of January is often mistaken as a ruby, but it is in fact, a garnet!
What is garnet?
Though garnets come in many different colors, red is the most common. In fact, its name comes from the Latin “granatus”, which means pomegranate. This was primarily due to its similarity in red color and the formation and size of the commonly found gemstones. Garnets have been used since the ancient Egyptians, who adorned their pharaohs with garnet jewelry in their tombs. One of the oldest garnet necklaces was found in an Egyptian tomb and is believed to be over 5000 years old. The Crusaders used garnets as protection during battle and legends suggest that garnets were used to illuminate Noah’s ark from the Bible. By the 1500s, garnets became a staple for European royals and their fine jewelry collections, cementing its status as a regal gem.
During the late 19th century, Garnets were widely used in Bohemian jewelry design. Bohemian Garnet jewelry became immensely popular, and the intricate designs featuring these deep red gemstones are still admired today.
Where does it come from?
Garnets are found in various parts of the world, including the United States, India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Brazil, to name just a few.
What is its meaning?
Garnets have long been associated with love and passion. In ancient times, warriors would wear Garnet amulets for protection and to fuel their courage in battle. The fiery red color was believed to stir the heart and kindle desire, making it a symbol of love and attraction.
Did you know?
Garnet holds a special place in the state of New York. It’s not only the birthstone for January but also the official state gem. The state’s nickname, the “Empire State,” is often associated with the deep red color of Garnets found in the Adirondack Mountains.
DECEMBER BIRTHSTONE: TANZANITE
​ Welcome to December! As we head into the icy-cold weather, we celebrate one of nature’s most beautiful icy-blue stones: Tanzanite!
What is Tanzanite ?
Fun fact – Tanzanite is one of the most recent gemstones known to man – discovered for the first time in 1967 by a Masai tribesman in the hills of Mount Kilimanjaro. He first believed it to be Sapphire, until this stunning blue-violet stone was further examined and discovered as a variety of the mineral ziosite. One year later, in 1968, Tiffany & Co. would lay claim as the sole distributor of the stone and shortly thereafter unveil the world’s newest gemstone: Tanzanite. Tiffany & Co. chose the name as a tribute to its country of origin. Tiffany & Co. advertisements for tanzanite quickly went multinational. All of which marketed the fact that tanzanite could only be found in two places worldwide, “in Tanzania and Tiffany’s.
Did you know?
54 years later and you might be wondering, where else is tanzanite found? To this day, northern Tanzania is the only known source of tanzanite raw and rough stones. What’s even more mind-boggling is that the global supply of tanzanite comes from a modest 14 square kilometer area. Due to the stone’s rarity, geologists estimate that the world’s supply of tanzanite will deplete within the next 20 years.
What is its meaning?
Like most blue gemstones, tanzanite symbolizes peace, calmness, and royalty — a darker stone alluded to higher value and therefore greater luxury. It is often associated with transformation and spiritual growth. Many consider tanzanite a stone of transformation, helping to dissolve old patterns and encourage new beginnings.
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In addition to Tanzanite, Blue Topaz, Turquoise and Blue Zircon are also considered December's birthstone.
November Birthstone: Topaz & Citrine
November is a month of warmth and golden hues, perfectly embodied by its two stunning birthstones: Topaz and Citrine.
Topaz, often found in a spectrum of colors, is most cherished in its golden-yellow form, symbolizing strength and resilience. Some believe that the word “Topaz” comes from the Sanskrit word Tapas, which means “fire,” while others trace it back to the Greek “Topazos.” Historically, it was believed to bring protection and healing, with ancient Greeks attributing it with the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of trouble. During the Renaissance, it was thought that wearing a Topaz amulet on your left arm would protect the wearer from dark magic. I wonder if this explains the choice of Topaz for November –the month of All Saints/Souls day, and directly following Halloween!
Citrine, on the other hand, is known for its vibrant, sunny disposition. This gem is often associated with prosperity and success, believed to carry the power and energy of the sun, bringing warmth, energy, and clarity to those who wear it. The word “Citrine” is thought to come from the French “citron” meaning “lemon”. Egyptians used Citrine as talismans, and the ancient Greeks would carve images into the Citrine stones. In the Victorian era, Citrine was a popular choice for Scottish jewelry.
Did you know?
The yellow-orange hues of Topaz that we often see in jewelry stores is known as “Precious Topaz”, whereas “Imperial Topaz” usually refers to pinkish-orange to pink and purpose to even red colors! It is believed that the Russian Royal Family insisted on keeping the finest, deepest of Topaz for their own exclusive use, thus coining the name “Imperial Topaz.”
Where is it Found?
Brazil produces more Topaz than any other country in the world; the state of Minas Gerais, has been mining Topaz for over two centuries! It is also found in Mexico, Colorado, California and Utah! Imperial Topaz was mined mostly in Russia’s Ural mountains, in the 19th century.
Citrine, on the other hand, is often a product of the heat treatment of amethyst (February’s birthstone) and smoky quartz. It is mined in Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, Mexico, and Uruguay. Amethyst that’s typically heat treated to a Citrine color is mined mostly in…Brazil!
Price Points
Both Citrine and Topaz are considered “semi-precious” stones, and have a lower price point than diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Between the two stones, Topaz is considered rarer and more valuable, particularly in deeper shades.​
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Interested in learning more? https://www.cosyjewelry.com/news/november-birthstones-a-227.html