Summer is in full swing and so is this beautiful gem, the turquoise, which is, at this time, having a moment. One of my favorite, all time gems, the turquoise is always a go to gem for summer. It always brings me joy and even when I am not thinking about it, tons of complement because I believe it not only makes the wearer happy, but also those who are around it.
In this beautiful ring and earrings below from my "Wanderlust" collection, I used turquoise together with black diamonds which I sprinkled with white diamonds for added flair. I used white gold because in this case it was perfect for the cool and calm vibe of this smooth and delicate ring.



Turquoise is the perfect gem to work with. I use it all the time, since I love that it has been used by many cultures as a talisman for centuries, I alway include it in my collections. From Native Americans to Persians, turquoise is an important gemstone, historically speaking, because it was always present in ancient jewelry. It was known to ward off evil spirits, attract money, and garner success. Its powers also include healing, protection, courage, friendship and luck. And if that doesn't turn you on to this magical gemstone, maybe knowing that it eases tension and relaxes the mind, will.


Turquoise has also inspired many other mythological properties through the centuries. For example it is believed to ward off the evil eye, and protect the wearer from falling or a fall. Some people believe it can help cure depression. Whatever the reason you choose, make sure you buy it from a reputable jewelry dealer. Because it is a popular gem, it is also one that is often imitated.




Since ancient times, turquoise has been used by indigenous people of Mexico and the U.S.. Worldwide, turquoise has been coveted for thousands of years, and it is believed to be one of the first minerals ever mined. It is often noted that turquoise has healing properties and a deep metaphysical meaning. People also believe that this gem can reveal the physical and emotional well being of the wearer by the way it changes hues.




These earrings below are very special. It is not often that you see turquoise used with such artistry and good craftsmanship. For this piece I used white gold and diamonds as the complementary materials and the results are spectacular. As you can see, turquoise in itself is very versatile because its hue goes with all colors of gold, and gemstones as varied as sapphires of any color to tsavorite, and of course the classic diamonds.




If you already have turquoise jewelry or are thinking of spoiling yourself with pieces such as the ones above, make sure you care for it adequately. Even though it is a summer gem, make sure you don't expose it to direct sunlight for too long. This might actually discolor and dehydrate the turquoise, making it brittle. Perfume, sunscreen and cosmetics can also attack the finish of turquoise, so watch out!

Take extra care when wearing this or any other type of gemstone. You won't be sorry and you will preserve your pieces for many generations, which to me is the point of having such precious pieces of wearable art.

Love Always

Dani K

Summer is almost here, so I wanted to do a post on one of the great gemstones of summer: Coral




 Even though it's not really a gemstone (chemically it is similar to the pearl), coral is the "stone" of the sea. It is also one of the most ancient gems, having been used since prehistoric times. Coral ornaments have been unearthed in tombs dating from 500BC. Ancient Chinese cultures used them to signify wealth and power, and oftentimes the emperors wore red coral in their belts and headdresses. In Ancient Rome, it was a custom to hang red coral from the necks of children to protect them from harm. This is how we get to the coral jewelry we wear today.
Coral comes in a ranges of colors, with red and pink being some of the most popular for jewelry designs. It is usually cut into bead or cabochons for use in the jewelry design trade, and its organic characteristics inspire what some call a natural or even summery look. Although coral has been historically used by many cultures for it's healing properties, it is still used today for the same purposes. It is said to help keep harmony, relieve tension and reduce fear. These are all very good reasons to wear coral jewelry year round, but I love coral because it has, from a design viewpoint, a lot of versatility. Coral can appear, depending on the design of the piece, exotic, elegant, natural, earthy classic or ethnic. In the earrings below, you can clearly see that this is an elegant and timeless piece, with the coral adding a splash of modern color.
If you prefer smaller pieces or are still afraid to wear a lot of color, the ring below is an option so you can at least have some coral in your jewelry box. The coral ties in perfectly with the flower theme, looking very natural and earthy, without loosing that touch of femininity. The diamonds take this piece from day to night in a flash, making this a very versatile piece.
Coral is much softer than other gemstones, so you do have to treat it with extreme care. Be careful around hot water, perfumes and chemicals, as coral is porous and may change in texture or color. Coral should always be stored properly, and protected from scratches or blows. Cleaning it is very simple, just wipe with a clean damp cloth, dry and store to keep its unique qualities.

Hope you are enjoying your summer. Here in Miami it seems to last forever, so don't forget to keep cool and hydrated.


XOXO
Dani K