October Birthstones

Watermelon Tourmaline

Happy birthday, October babies! You have two birthstone options this month – opal and tourmaline. Learn more about the history and legend of each of these stones with a few fun facts:

Interesting Opal Facts

  • Historically, opals were included in crowns and other royal jewelry as the glittering orbs were thought to protect the ruler who wore them.
  • In 2008, opals were found on Mars! This discovery helped support NASA’s theory that life once existed on mars, as opals are created with water.
  • In Australian aboriginal legend, the opal was born when the creator of the earth stepped down at the base of a rainbow, in order to bring peace and balance to the people below.
  • Unlike other precious stones, an opal is judged primarily for its brilliance, color and clarity, rather than its size.
  • In addition to October birthdays, opals are the gemstone associated with wedding anniversaries for the 14th and 18th years of marriage.

Opal Stones

Interesting Tourmaline Facts

Watermelon Tourmaline

For all of your birthday, anniversary, and other gemstone needs, stop by Gold Unlimited. Our selection of vintage jewelry offers all you need for every occasion.

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September Birthstone: The Sapphire

Beautiful sapphire jewelry

Happy birthday, September babies! This month’s birthstone is the sapphire. Although it’s one of the most popular gemstones out there, there’s a lot that might surprise you about the sapphire. Read on and find out!

Blue not your color?

Although renowned for its brilliant blue color, the sapphire can actually come in a variety of hues, including pink, yellow and green. Sapphire gems can be found in almost every color, except red.

Colorful sapphires

Second Place.

Sapphires are the second hardest substance on the Mohs scale, used for scanners and spacecraft.

Spaceship control board.

 Trust me.

In the Middle Ages, the sapphire represented loyalty, and was meant to keep the wearer and the wearer’s loved ones safe from harm.

 

Beautiful sapphire jewelry

 Royal Approved.

A sapphire sits at the center of the most famous royal engagement ring- Princess Diana’s, that Kate Middleton now wears.

 

kate-middleton-enagement-ring
Photo courtesy of katemiddletonstyle.org

 What color is it?

A rare variety of color-shifting sapphire exists. This special gem is blue in natural light, but appears violet under artificial lighting.

For birthdays and all your special occasions, Gold Unlimited has the vintage and estate jewelry that you need.

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Sources:

http://www.bernardine.com/gemstones/sapphire.htm

http://www.gia.edu/sapphire#.V9LHYT4rJhE

http://www.wixonjewelers.com/education/gemstones/birthstones/

The Perfect Jewelry for Back to School

Diamond stud earrings

Whether you’re a student yourself or looking to celebrate someone heading back into the world of education, we have all the jewelry you need to make it through the school year.

1. Diamond posts

These posts are the perfect everyday look in the classroom. Just as classic as a pearl stud, they’re more durable and require much less careful handling. The student or teacher in your life can take these from the classroom to an outing, without worrying much about a jewelry transition. For the student-athlete in your life, diamond studs can even go from class to practice with little worry about damage or having a more dangly earring in the way.

Diamond stud earrings

2. A classic wristwatch

Let’s face it: being on time for class is half the battle. Give your student a leg up with a simple, classic wristwatch. They’ll be on time to their next period, whether or not the bell rings. Plus, any teacher will admire a student who still wears a watch- it suggests timeliness and a sense of organization.

Classic wristwatch

3. Something to remind your college student of home

Whether it’s a birthstone, a special piece of heirloom jewelry, or something entirely new just to show you’re proud of them, a gift makes all the difference. Something to take back to school with them let’s your student hold on to a little piece of home, whether it’s their first trip to college or their fourth.

Garnet ring
No matter what your student needs for back-to-school jewelry, Gold Unlimited has a variety of fine earrings, watches, gems, and more to suit your needs. Stop by our store or shop online to find the perfect piece today.

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Learn More About July and August Birthstones

peridot stone august birthstone

Born in July or August? — HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

If you are, or if  your loved one is, celebrating a birthday in July or August, you have the privilege of calling ruby and peridot your birthstone, respectively. As July winds to a close and August moves closer, we at Gold Unlimited wanted to take some time to celebrate these precious stones. Here is a bit more about the history, origin, formation and current uses of ruby and peridot.

July Birthstone – Ruby

Rubies are said to represent everything from love to health and wisdom, passion, courage and emotion.

ruby earrings

Ruby Facts

  • Ruby is regarded as one of the most valuable gemstones. It increases in value based on color and quality.
  • The stone is commonly refered to as the” King of all gems.”
  • Its colors range from red hues with purplish and bluish red to orange-red tones.
  • The most valuable version is a full red colored stone with slight blue hue.
  • Rubies are thought to have healing powers – specifically to energize and balance the heard.
  • Ruby represents passion and love, and is often an engagement ring for couples.
  • Most rubies are under three carats.

 

 

August Birthstone – Peridot

One of the only birthstones that exist in a singular color – lime green – peridot is a beautifully unique stone with ancient records documenting its mining from as early as 1500 B.C.

peridot ring

Peridot Facts

  • Peridot has been said to bring magical powers and healing properties to its owner. It also protects against nightmares when given as a gift.
  • The stone is used as a 16th year anniversary gift.
  • Peridot is the national gem of Egypt.
  • The stone brings happiness and good cheer, attracts lovers and is said to aid in friendships.
  • The deeper the green shade, the less iron in the stone.
  • Peridot forms deep in the ground and comes to surface through from volcanic eruptions.
    • Hawaiian beaches have millions of tiny peridot. These are either too small for use or locked away in a rock that is too hard to mine.

 

Now that you’ve learned a bit about July and August’s birthstones, be sure to visit Gold Unlimited to select a birthday piece that’s right for you or your loved one. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Don’t worry. We will work with you to custom design a signature piece that’s just right.

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Sources

http://www.wixonjewelers.com/education/gemstones/birthstones/

http://www.jewelsforme.com/peridot-meaning

http://www.jewelsforme.com/ruby-meaning

https://www.americangemsociety.org/en/august-birthstones

https://www.americangemsociety.org/en/july-birthstones

http://www.gemselect.com/other-info/history-peridot.php

Old, new, borrowed, blue: Wedding Traditions and Trends

something borrowed wedding veil

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue…

This traditional rhyme has been recited at weddings near and far. It outlines four objects that a bride adds to her wedding outfit or carries on her big day that will bring good luck to her marriage and the wedding itself. Whether it is in jewelry, attire or accessories, see how brides in 2016 have been displaying these good luck charms.

Something Old

Tie or pin a photo of the bride’s parents or grandparents to the base of the wedding bouquet.

something old wedding photo
Photo courtesy of weddingandweddingflowers.co.uk

Whether a brooch, hair pin or bracelet, wear a breathtaking piece of vintage jewelry on your wedding day.

vintage old bracelet jewelry
Vintage Gold Unlimited bracelet

 

Made from the mother of the bride’s wedding gown, this pearl-adorned clutch makes for a beautiful wedding day accessory. This “something old” is sentimental and gorgeous.

something old wedding
Photo courtesy of theknot.com

Something New

Always a fabulous reason to get a few new  pieces of jewelry, snag something original in the form of diamonds.

diamond earrings jewelry
Gold Unlimited diamond earrings
gold unlimited jewelry diamond necklace
Gold Unlimited diamond necklace

 

Something Borrowed

 A veil from a relative of the bride or a best friend is the perfect “something borrowed.” It symbolizes that marriage doesn’t mean the end of old relationships.

something borrowed wedding veil
Photo courtesy of bloglovin.com

Lipstick from the mother of the bride is a unique, quirky borrowed item.

best-lipstick-colors-wedding
Photo courtesy of womangettingmarried.com

Something Blue

Aquamarine and sapphire – blue stones in gorgeous settings of all sorts add a bluish hue without distracting from the bride and the dress.

aquamarine earrings gold boutique
Gold Unlimited aquamarine earrings
gold unlimited jewelry blue stone rings
Gold Unlimited blue stone rings

Blue shoes add a classic elegance to your otherwise all-white look.

wedding-inspiration-caribbean-beach-wedding-antigua-abbey-something blue
Photo courtesy of destinationweddingmag.com

2016 has seen some subtle trends like this light blue nail polish.

the-new-something-blue-5-creative-ideas blue nails wedding
Photo courtesy of en.paperblog.com

As you move closer to your big day, trust that your wedding accessories are unique, memorable and of the highest quality possible. Come meet our knowledgeable staff in person for any of your wedding jewelry needs, and we will choose a unique piece suited specifically to you. If we don’t have the perfect item in store, we can custom create a piece that is tailored to fit exactly what you have been envisioning.

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Sources

https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-traditions-the-meaning-of-something-old

http://www.destinationweddingmag.com/blogs/wedding-inspiration-kathi-and-joes-beach-wedding-in-antigua?src=SOC&dom=PIN

http://en.paperblog.com/the-new-something-blue-5-creative-ideas-for-your-wedding-578271/

http://www.weddingandweddingflowers.co.uk/article/2220/8-super-sweet-something-old-ideas-for-your-wedding-day

https://www.theknot.com/content/creative-something-old

https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/dust-jacket-11619201/wedding-inspiration-rose-glow-4465338399

Read Real Reviews About Gold Unlimted

If you’re thinking about visiting Gold Unlimited for any of your jewelry needs, hear what a few previous customers have to say about our service and selection. Taken straight from a few of our social media accounts and various review sites, these unedited reviews are from satisfied Gold Unlimited clients.

“Love Sam and his shop. We have been going here for years, and the staff are always so kind and courteous. They have been making our family’s jewelry for at least 14 years. I would go nowhere else.” – Deonna

“I am a rolex collector and usually buy and sell on Ebay, but I stopped in Gold Unlimited to see their inventory – it has to be one of the best used inventories I have seen. I usually do not buy locally to avoid paying tax, but the owner made me a deal I couldn’t refuse on a Rolex President. The watch was in great condition and the owner gave me a better deal than I have ever seen on Ebay. Follow up service has been great, I have even taken other Rolexes to them since to have them service them. Very Very reasonably priced. Very secure feeling environment. Excellent customer service. If your a Rolex fan, stop by this place. You’ll be impressed.” – rolofan79

rolex gold unlimited

“If you ever have old or broken gold jewelry, DON’T GO TO A PAWN SHOP, GO here. They offer much better prices than a pawn shop could ever hope to. On top of that, the gentlemen working there couldn’t have been more kind. Highly recommended.” – Paul

“Staff is certainly friendly and helpful… excellent atmosphere to create your custom designs and make your loved ones wishes come true by putting a smile on their face….very true Sam is the man…if he doesn’t have it, you won’t find it anywhere else. All of my repairs were beautifully done in a timely manner. Sam always stays in tune with the newest fashion, and classic pieces are his Forte. He makes your experience remarkable, unforgettable, exciting and ALWAYS FUN” – Briana

group of women jewelry store

“Love this place and Sam is the greatest. It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for if Sam doesn’t have it, your not going to find it.” – Evelyn

If you have visited us previously, feel free to leave us a review on Facebook! We love to hear from our clients about our experience. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for announcements and helpful tips.

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Sources

http://www.yellowpages.com/san-antonio-tx/mip/gold-unlimited-9367006

http://www.yelp.com/biz/gold-unlimited-san-antonio?utm_campaign=search_listing&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=yahoo

https://www.facebook.com/GoldUnlimitedSA/reviews/

Learn About June Birthstones: Pearl And Alexandrite

string of pearls

Happy birthday to you!

If you are celebrating your birthday this month, you have the privilege of calling pearl and alexandrite your birthstones. Moonstone is also sometimes referred to as the birthstone of June, but it isn’t as widely accepted.

Here is a bit more about the history, origin, formation and current uses of pearl and alexandrite.

 

PEARL

pearls in oyster

Pearls are unique as they are the only gems from living sea creatures and require no faceting or polishing to reveal their natural beauty. In the early 1900s, the first successful commercial culturing of round saltwater pearls began.

Since the 1920s, cultured pearls have almost completely replaced natural pearls in the market. This process requires that shell beads are placed inside an oyster and the oyster is returned to the water. When the pearls are later harvested, the oyster has covered the bead with layers of nacre. Most cultured pearls are produced in Japan. Freshwater pearls are cultured in mussels, mostly in China.

The quality of pearls is judged by the orient, which is the soft iridescence caused by the refraction of light by the layers of nacre, and lustre, the reflectivity and shine of the surface.

pearl jewelry ring earrings

ALEXANDRITE

alexandrite stones

A relatively modern gem, Alexandrite, was first discovered in the emerald mines of Russia in the 1830s during the reign of its namesake, Czar Alexander II, and is extremely rare with chameleon-like qualities. Its color is a lovely green in both daylight and fluorescent light; it changes color to a purplish red in incandescent light. This unique optical characteristic makes it one of the most valuable gemstones of all.

Alexandrite is very scarce because of its chemical composition. It is basically a chrysoberyl, a mineral consisting of colourless or yellow transparent chrysoberyl, chrysoberyl cat’s eye and colour-changing alexandrite. It differs from other chrysoberyls in that it not only contains iron and titanium, but also chromium as a major impurity. It is this very element which accounts for the spectacular color change. Rarely, vanadium may also play a part.

alexandrite ring

 

Now that you’ve learned a bit about June’s birthstones, be sure to visit Gold Unlimited to select a birthday piece that’s right for you or your loved one. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Don’t worry. We will work with you to custom design a signature piece that’s just right.

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Sources

https://www.americangemsociety.org/en/june-birthstones

http://www.gemstone.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=141:sapphire&catid=1:gem-by-gem&Itemid=14

http://www.gemstone.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=127:sapphire&catid=1:gem-by-gem&Itemid=14

New Arrivals: The Finest of Fine Jewelry at Gold Unlimited

At Gold Unlimited, we receive new arrivals regularly. These fine jewelry pieces can range anywhere from gorgeous diamond necklaces to unique engagement rings, to colorful earrings and men’s watches. Below are a few of our newest pieces to marvel at. Visit us at our San Antonio storefront for more information and to speak with our jewelry experts.

 

Diamond Necklace

gold unlimited jewelry diamond necklace

 

Diamond Encrusted Pendant

gold unlimited jewelry gold pendant

 

Selection of Men’s Gold Rings

gold unlimited jewelry men's rings

 

Selection of Diamond Rings

gold unlimited diamond rings jewelry

 

Aquamarine Earrings and Ring

gold unlimited jewelry aquamarine earrings ring

 

Variety of Blue Gemstone Rings

gold unlimited jewelry blue stone rings

 

 

Visit Gold Unlimited to receive professional advice on selecting your next breathtaking piece of jewelry. It is our pride and joy to send you home with the perfect piece, custom made or selected to suit your fine taste.

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