Birthstones of November: Topaz and Citrine

citrine fishhook earringsThe modern birthstone for November is the beautiful topaz. Attributed to Scorpio, it too can make a distinct statement. The thought of a topaz brings to mind it’s lovely honey color. In nature, topaz comes in other colors as well. You can find red, violet, green or blue topaz. The blue topaz falls into a different month, but is still beautiful.

The topaz is ideal for use in jewelry due to it’s extreme hardness. It is one of the hardest stones available and is difficult to scratch or damage. Some scientists claim that the original topaz was found in the 1700’s in Germany. Today there are topaz mines in Pakistan, Russia, Australia, Sri Lanka, Mexico and Africa.

Care needs to be taken when purchasing a topaz jewelry, as some disreputable vendors will substitute the less valuable citirine for the topaz. The citrine is the modern birthstone for November.

Topaz can be very large. A yellow topaz stone in the 31000 carat size was mined in Brazil.

Any jewelry that sports a honey colored topaz will be treasured for many years. They can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Most topaz are fairly common, but the rarer stones in pink or red are quite rare and revered. There price is also much higher than the honey colored stone.

Citrine can be used as either the traditional or modern November birthstone. It is a type of quartz that ranges in color from yellow to dark brown, with orange hues in between.

The majority of citrine is found in Brazil. However, the bulk of the Brizilian Citrine may be a heat treated version of the amethyst. Natural citrine is found in the Russian mountains, Madagascar, France and also in Dauphine. The lower grade topaz is heated to produce the brilliant reddish, sherry colored and orange stones.

Most of the citrines found naturally are a very pale yellow those of deeper hues are usually a heat treated stone and not a natural citrine. With heat, the amethyst turns to citrine. This heat can be natural or man-made.

Differences between Topaz and Citrine

The major difference between a true citrine and the yellow topaz is the presence of orange or brown hues which will darken the gem. Although not quite as hard as topaz, the citrine is still a hard stone. The Mohs scale puts its hardness at a 7.0.

Whatever the occasion, the topaz and citrine are beautiful gifts for any occasion. They fit well into any jewelry design and give a stunning presence.

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Are You Ready For Halloween?

Halloween is fast approaching. If you want to have jewelry to match a costume – or even simple pumpkin earrings, now is the time!

We have found that Halloween jewelry can be lots of fun! Some people wear Cleopatra bangles or Roman earrings; others enjoy wearing halloween themed jewelry such as spider pendants or black cat bracelets.

Halloween jewelry can be worn all of October to stretch the holiday – or you can simply wear it October 31st – the choice is yours. You can be who you want to be. Dream a little; play a little. Most of all have lots of fun!

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Super October Deals!

JeGem $10 off $150 or more ~ 125 x 125 Banner PromIt’s Fall in full swing .. and as such the jewelry deals are starting to pour in. Whether you want to celebrate Sweetest Day – or Halloween, getting jewelry on sale can really help your budget!

JEGEM

If you are wanting gemstone jewelry that is stunning unique and beautiful, JeGem.com allows you to save $10 off orders of $150 or more! Use Code: JGCJSAVE10. All their jewelry is already discounted – so this is an outstanding deal.

Weekly Savings at Ross-SimonsRoss-Simons

Now 25% off from Ross-Simons plus FREE Shipping! Use code 25OFF at checkout now through 10/17/2010.

Amazon

We found some great jewelry at: 50% off or more

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October Romance: Sweetest Day

On October 16th, there is a holiday called Sweetest day. It is a chance to tell friends and loves that you appreciate them. If you are looking for a romantic holiday to give a sweet gift, a promise ring or an engagement ring, this day may be just what you need.

Generally, days like this are too commercialized. Still, if the romantic in you is just wanting something special, here it is.

For those wanting an engagement ring but are on a budget, here are our favorite engagement rings under $500. May the love of your life smile with joy!

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October Birthstones: Opal or Pink Tourmaline

It is amazing how one birthstone can have such a mythical history. Once revered, opal was defamed by a novel written by Sir Walter Scott in which the main character died immediately after moisture hit her opal.

The myths continue, with some saying that the only time it is unlucky is if you were not born in October and others saying as long as the opal is surrounded by other stones, such as diamonds, it is safe to wear, even if your birthday is not in October. We have not found any truth to these myths. It seems wonderful to wear.

Opal is a soft stone. It is very low in water content and therefore often cracks on the jewelers bench or if it is hit sharply, exposed to radical changes in temperature or neglected. Since the opal is non-porous, you cannot soak it in water, rub it with oil or any other moist substance and expect there to be any change. You should avoid ultrasound cleaning, as this can also crack the stone.

If you are wanting to wear opal jewelry frequently the best choices are pendants or earrings rather than bracelets or rings which are subject to harder hits than earrings. However you have them made or choose to give them, they are a wonderful gift that shows fidelity.

The opal is the only stone that contains all the colors of the other birthstones. It’s array of color is unsurpassed. Even the white, milky opal has color in it that can be seen under light.

Opals are found primarily in Australia, but can also be found in Mexico and the United States and Africa. The most prized opals are considered the white and black opals. The black opal is not all black. If it is, it is worthless. The black opal have beautiful lines of orange, white and some other colors when under an overhead light. The milky white opal also has an array of colors in it.

The opals found in Mexico are the fire opals. They are by far the most brilliant of all the opals. They appear almost translucent except for the bright array of rainbow colors. A beautiful stone to be sure.

The rose tourmaline is the alternative birthstone for October. It is a soft pink most of the time, but some can be found in darker more brilliant hues. That would be another option for those opal earrings or necklaces that you are considering. You would have both October birthstones in one magnificent piece of jewelry.

The October born person is a Libra. A well balanced easy going person. However if you het to close to the cusp of Scorpio, I wouldn’t want to make them angry.

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How To Make A Jewelry Kit

Jewelry kits are great gifts for people who love crafts and/or jewelry. Depending on the person, you can make a simple or more sophisticated kit.

How To Make A Really Simple Kit

Simple kits are could be interchangeable chains and pendants. These are for someone with very little crafting skills but likes variety and personalization. Basically you include a few chains of different lengths and some pendants or Pandora beads to put on them. You could include a leather, stainless steel and/or ribbon for hanging a pendant on. Include a few different pendants or charms that fit their style to add to each necklace. If needed, be sure to include jump rings for the pendants.

For children, elastic string, plastic beads and safe scissors can often be enough to create a kit.

Creating More Advanced Jewelry Making Kits

A more advanced kit would include the makings for earrings, bracelets or perhaps sets. Often kits like to be centered on a color theme – so if you are using beads be sure that they can mix-and-match as desired. Often you include extra beads to allow more creativity. Usually more advanced kits include tools, a book (or link to a how to make jewelry video) as well as all the supplies needed to make 1-8 pieces of jewelry. (Of course the kit you make can be for any number of pieces and include whatever you deem necessary!)

If you are creating a kit for making earrings you could simply include all the materials listed on that page as well as the instructions. Giving them the URL would enable them to watch the video.

If you want to give jewelry – but want to save both money and time – making up a jewelry kit may be the answer you are looking for. They are simple and fun. Of course you can also buy a pre-made Jewelry Making Kit

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Labor Day Jewelry Sales

Weekly Savings at Ross-SimonsWe all love getting a deal. Here are some of the best jewelry deals out there with fresh jewelry coupon codes ready for this weekend. All are usable now if you want to start you weekend off right!

Amazon

End of Summer Sale – Extra 10% at Checkout – Now through September 9, 2010.

GoldenMine

Get 10% up to $100 off orders of $400 or more at GoldenMine.com for a limited time. Code: OF100 – Valid: Now – September 30, 2010.

JeGem

JeGem.com Extra 5% Off Coupon Code: CJSEP105. Valid for any order. This Coupon can be used in conjunction with any on-site sale! – Valid: Now – September 30, 2010.

JeGem.com $10 Off Coupon Code: CJSEP1010. Valid for orders above $150. This Coupon can be used in conjunction with any on-site sale! – Valid: Now – September 30, 2010.

Limoges Jewelry

25% off next Limoges Jewelry order with code LSLABOR. Valid now through 9.6.10

Ross-Simons

Great savings at Ross-Simons! Get an extra 20% Off clearance items! Use code LABORDAY at checkout now through 9/6/2010.

Super Jeweler

10% Off ALL Orders at SuperJeweler.com! Use Code SAVE10SJ at checkout to save. Expires 9/30/2010.

Szul

1.70 Carat All Natural Sapphire and Diamond Pendant – $48 FREE Shipping – through 9/4/2010

Hope you find a great jewelry deal that delights you!

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