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.
Second Place.
Sapphires are the second hardest substance on the Mohs scale, used for scanners and spacecraft.
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.
Royal Approved.
A sapphire sits at the center of the most famous royal engagement ring- Princess Diana’s, that Kate Middleton now wears.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Photo courtesy of bloglovin.com
Lipstick from the mother of the bride is a unique, quirky borrowed item.
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.
Gold Unlimited aquamarine earringsGold Unlimited blue stone rings
Blue shoes add a classic elegance to your otherwise all-white look.
Photo courtesy of destinationweddingmag.com
2016 has seen some subtle trends like this light blue nail polish.
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.
Crafting the perfect look on your big day means coordinating everything from your hair to your dress and your makeup to your jewelry to compliment the selected venue, colors, theme, etc. If you are planning on tying the knot in San Antonio, there are some beautiful wedding venues to choose from. After selecting the venue, the dress and your theme, it’s time to move on to jewelry.
At Gold Unlimited, we created a few wedding looks that incorporate venues, themes, dresses and pieces of fine jewelry that complete your perfect ensemble.
Photo courtesy of samuseum.orgPhoto courtesy of rebeccamccoy.comPhoto courtesy of praisewedding.com
What Jewelry To Wear
Gold Unlimited ‘something blue’ stone ring
As you move closer to your big day, trust that your wedding jewelry will be unique, memorable and of the highest quality. Meet the knowledgeable staff at Gold Unlimited for any of your wedding jewelry needs, and we will choose a unique piece suited specifically for you. If we don’t have the perfect item in store, we can custom create a piece.
A vintage piece of jewelry is timelessly beautiful, ecologically sound and fiscally practical. If you enjoy standing out from the crowd and are looking to make a statement that is authentic and meaningful, a vintage engagement ring, pendant, locket, brooch or avant-garde earrings may be perfect for you. Choose something completely unique with enduring allure.
The only question left to answer is – which era matches your personality?
JEWELS THROUGH THE AGES
Art Nouveau
Time: 1890-1910
Meaning: French for “New art”
Characteristics: Soft, mystical, romantic
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Soft, arched shapes inspired by plants and feminine curves were prevalent during this era. Jewelers utilized free flowing lines known as “whiplash” lines that communicated a romantic style with breathtaking detailing like hand-forged filigree. Nature-inspired motifs were combined with an intense use of color and mixed metals. Stones such as agate, moonstone, garnet and opal were incorporated and a variety of enameling techniques were used.
Graceful and elegant, some pieces from this era are so detailed that it appears the gemstones are set in lace. Designs saw an abundance of diamonds and are extremely feminine in appearance. Milgraining (a technique creating a row of tiny beads along the edge or boundary of a section of jewelry) was used extensively during this period. The extravagant and sophisticated reign of Edward VII were reflected in the high society jewelry of this period.
Art Deco
Time: 1920-1935
Meaning: Name taken from The Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris in 1925 (Decorative Arts and Architecture)
Characteristics: bold, geometric
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This style continues to be a source of inspiration in art, fashion and jewelry design today. The use of sharp lines, clean shapes and large gemstones was influenced by the architecture of Egypt, Greece and Rome. There was a strong desire to eliminate the flowing lines reminiscent of the Art Nouveau period, thus eradicating seemingly unnecessary ornament. The association of art and modern industry was illustrated in plentiful Cubism and Fauvisim-inspired pieces. Advancements in cutting techniques during this time also allowed for diamonds to sparkle brighter than ever.
Retro
Time: 1935-1950
Meaning: Surrogate royalty / Art Moderne
Characteristics: Bigger, bolder, glitz, glamour
Jewelry from this era saw yellow and rose gold pieces return to heightened popularity and transitional cut diamonds were common. Set against the drab realities of World War II, these pieces incorporated the fantasy and glamour of Hollywood. Cocktail jewelry, as it is sometimes called, became bolder, brighter and more lighthearted. Popular gemstones included aquamarines, topaz and citrines as well as rubies and sapphires. Huge rectangular cuts, oversized bracelets and patriotic-themed color combinations were popular.
Modern
Time: 1950-Today
Meaning: Contemporary, a break from the traditional
Characteristics: Flashy, dramatic designs
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Following the 1950s, jewelry designs underwent radical changes as customers sought fresh styles to distance themselves from the tumultuous past. Atomic designs reflected the nation’s focus on space exploration. Textured gold, Florentine finishes, twisted rope and braided wire were heavily used techniques. Economic growth and prosperity from this era is reflected in dramatic designs and a focus on diamonds. Other popular stones included amethyst, turquoise, coral and cultured pearls. Platinum, yellow gold and silver became the metals of choice.
At Gold Unlimited, we showcase a wide variety of vintage jewels in excellent condition. Explore the possibility of acquiring a show-stopping vintage piece to add to your collection.
