Hot or Not – Volume 11

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

Have you ever heard of asterism?  This term refers to a star-shaped concentration of light reflected or refracted from a gemstone.  It appears when a stone is cut into a cabochon (shaped and polished, but not faceted).  When a gem exhibits this phenomena, it is called a star + the gem (i.e. star sapphire, star ruby or even star spinel). 

Star sapphires are the most well-known.  The sheer popularity of this unique sapphire inspired the Linde Air Products Company of New York to create a synthetic version marketed as the Linde Star Sapphire (or Lindy).  Invented in 1946, Lindy stars are still one of our most requested items.  In normal light, the Lindy star showcases a perfect six-pointed star.  

And while I can admit that Lindy stars have a charm of their own, there is nothing like the beauty of a natural star sapphire.  This impressive gemstone ring is a perfect example.  The phenomena is visible normally, but when a pinpoint of light is held on the stone, the star shines.  Moving the light causes the star to dance across the surface of the sapphire.  It’s a truly beautiful sight to behold.  

In size alone, this ring is impressive…  a true knuckle-duster.  Set in 14-karat white gold and held in place by four prongs, this enormous star sapphire weighs approximately 16.00 carats.  To showcase the color of the gem, it has been encapsulated by a halo of faceted blue sapphires and white diamonds.  There are ten round brilliant diamonds with a combined weight of 1.25 carats and ten sapphires with a total weight of 1.00 carat.  

Shown in profile, it’s easy to appreciate the sheer size of the stone.  The ring rises nearly three-quarters of an inch off the hand.  Made in the 1960’s, this ring is in excellent condition.  Surprisingly, I find it to be quite wearable.  Often, customers dismiss these physically large rings for a multitude of reasons…

  • It’s too big.
  • Where would I wear it?  We don’t go anywhere.
  • It’s ostentatious – I could never wear that!
  • It’s too expensive.
  • It doesn’t look nice on me.  

Let me address your concerns… Can a gemstone ring EVER be too big?  Answer – No!  You can wear it absolutely anywhere, even from the kitchen to the family room.  If you wear it, you won’t think it’s ostentatious for long.  Priced at just $4,950.00 – we can find a way to make it affordable (that’s my job, not yours).  This ring looks great on everyone!  

Curiosity has gotten the best of me, and I have to ask…  what do you think of this beauty?  Is it hot?  Or not?

“You can go to a museum and look or come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

His and Hers – Volume Seven

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling, and Complementary Rings

Matching wedding bands… is that even a thing anymore?  To be honest, I think the last pair I sold were from an earlier edition of this blog…  His and Hers – Volume Three.  I wrote that piece over three years ago about a wonderfully romantic pair of gleaming gold bands from 1907.  I was completely smitten with the initials and dates engraved inside those antique beauties – and I was delighted when a couple of longtime customers purchased them.  I knew that Chad and Paige would treasure them as much if not more than I did.

I find myself feeling sad that I cannot think of another pair of matching bands that I have sold since then…  it’s such a romantic tradition.  It’s a visual connection – a symbol of promises made.  A close second to matching bands are rings that are complementary, like these…

While they are not exactly alike, there’s no denying the similarities.  “His” ring is made from 14-karat white gold featuring a natural star sapphire as the center stone.  Artfully sculpted into a tall cabochon, this shimmery pastel blue stone weighs approximately 20.00 carats.  Perfectly fitted into each shoulder is an engraved triangle that is set with a round diamond.  These two diamonds have a combined weight of .30 carat.  

“Her” ring is made from 18-karat white gold with a cabochon oval star sapphire in the center.  More gray than blue, this silky stone weighs approximately 4.25 carats.  It is completely surrounded by a halo of single-cut diamonds.  These eighteen sparklers have a combined weight of .66 carat.  Both sapphires showcase the mystical phenomenon known as asterism.  When the small needle-like inclusions align and intersect, they produce a star.  Tilting and rotating these unusual gemstones in direct light allow the stars to truly shine.

“His” ring is moderately priced at $2,875.00 while “Her” ring is available for just $1,450.00.  Together, this dynamic duo are an excellent choice for wedding rings, anniversary rings, or just because rings.  They may not be matching, but they are ideal complements for each other.  If you’ve fallen under the spell of these glimmering stars, give us a call to make them yours.

“You can go to a museum and look, or you can come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

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