Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Romancing the Stones!


With Valentine's just a couple days away, make your shopping easy at Gems N' Loans. We are offering 50% off heart jewelry and 40% off diamond jewelry. Come in and take advantage of this multiple savings opportunity. Some exclusions may apply, see our sales associate for more details. This sale is at all four Gems N' Loans locations, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista and Temecula.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Amethyst - February Stone of the Month

A new month brings a new Stone of the Month. The Stone of the Month for February is Amethyst.

Amethyst is the purple variety of the mineral quartz. They are associated with wisdom, spirituality and security. Amethyst is a lovely, affordable gemstone because of its widespread availability. It is also the birthstone of February.

Amethyst is found in large quantities in volcanic rocks in Brazil. It is also mined in South Korea, Austria and the United States. Gemstone jewelry featuring amethyst gemstones is valuable, but it is not expensive. Most amethyst is purple, but it can also be green. Purple amethyst gets its color from iron. When exposed to heat inside the Earth or heat-treated after it is mined, amethyst can turn yellow or green.


Amethyst jewelry was popular in Ancient Greece. The Greek word "amethystos" means "not intoxicated". It was believed that Dionysus, the god of wine, created this gemstone himself by pouring wine over white stone. Goblets were often carved from amethyst in Ancient Greece.
    

Amethysts are bold and highly saturated with color. Because it is affordable among gemstones, many styles are available. Amethysts are often set as large pendants or in cocktail rings. The beads make a lovely necklace or set of bracelets and stud earrings stand in for diamond studs when you want a punch of color. The gems can be carved, faceted or tumbled into round stones.

Saint Valentine was said to have always worn Amethyst. In the Middle Ages, if a knight presented his lady with an Amethyst, then the pair would be blessed with good fortune and earthly happiness for the rest of their lives.

Here at Gems N' Loans we take our gems seriously and Amethyst is no exception! Throughout the month of February we are offering 50% off the Stone of the Month. Come in today and take a look at our selection.