September's Birthstone - the Sapphire - has been admired and used for adornment for centuries. In the past, Deep blue Spinels were substituted for the more desired Sapphire, to prevent theft, loss, etc.

Sapphires can be found all around the world! Even here in the U.S.! Some of the most visible and well known - the Ceylon and Padparadscha - were originally mined only in Sri Lanka. However, the salmon colored gemstone is found elsewhere, and, regardless of the country of origin, this color is often referred to as Padparadscha.

Several years ago, a pocket was discovered in Montana, which produced a gorgeous medium blue gem. However, that supply appears to be all but gone.

Other colors, include Sunset Red (not Ruby, which would require traces of Chromium), Pinks, Purple, Green, Yellow, Orange, Black and White! Most gemstones in general receive some type of treatment, most commonly heating. But Sapphires are frequently exposed to a treatment called diffusion, which is similar to vapor deposition, used on Topaz (i.e. Mystic Topaz (tm).)

Not all sapphires stay one color! Some are truly phenomenal, and these color change gems are outstanding products of Mother Nature! We have one for sale right now - stop by and see!

In addition to the transparent - to - semi-transparent varieties, opaque gems - Star Sapphires - can be used as September's birthstone (stop by to see one!) The asterism - or Star - seen in the surface of the stone is the result of the cutter carefully shaping the cabochon so as to expose the intersection of needle inclusions within the stone!

All of these beautiful stones can be used to surprise that September baby in your life! Stop by to see our great selection - and stop by often! New ones will be added to our inventory over the next 7-10 days!

Gemstones are mined all around the world. They can be found in a rainbow of colors, and provide us with stimulating accents for our wardrobes!

The fashion industry often takes its que from Mother Nature's palette, reflecting the colors of the season. As we move into Fall, Russett and Earthen tones often appear. Look for the shades of falling leaves, deepening blue skies, vibrant sunsets, moss covered rocks, and grasses going dormant for the winter.

We also seem to reflect these colors in our choices of birthstones! September's Lapis and  traditional Blue Sapphire reflects the deepening blue skies, but Sapphires are also found in other shades that reflect nature's Autumn display, such as red and orange, and even green! October's Solid opal puts on a display of it's own, but Fire Opals reflect the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, as well as the brilliant sunsets. October's alternative Tourmaline is found in a rainbow of colors - including the rich blues of indicolite, the colorful purple-pink of Rubelite, and greens - from copper to chrome and everything in between - reflecting the various shades of greens in the moss and the fading grass. November sports the same beautiful tone - rich golden orange - whether choosing Citrine or Topaz - the COLOR is important, as it reflects the golden wheat, the falling leaves, the fading vegitation in our surroundings.

As we move closer winter, we'll update this section to cover December, January and February. so be sure to stop back soon!

These gemstones can range in price from a few dollars per carat to literally THOUSANDS of dollars per carat!

The Gemstones offered here, whether loose or mounted, have all been tested on a refractometer before being made available for sale. We want to instill confidence in our customers, by verifying the authenticity of every single stone, regardless of the supplier.

We offer a wide range of gems, from common-place Quartz varieties (such as Amethyst, Citrine, and some of those that may not come to mind, including Onyx, Chalcedony, and Jasper!), to Aquamarine (and other Beryls, including Emeralds!) We have Sapphires, Rubies (both Corundum), Chrysoberyl, Tourmalines (copper and non-copper bearing), Opal, Garnets (in several varieties and colors!), Diopside, Fluorite, Iolite, Kunzite (Spodumene), Topaz, Peridot, and even Tanzanite!

Some gems are mounted in Sterling Silver or Gold, some are loose, for those who would like to create their own One-of-a-Kind jewelry statement!

Please check out our "Guides" on any given gemstone for additional information about the stone or family, and then see what we have "in store" for you!