Four Fine Jewelry Trends for Spring 2019

April 19, 2019April 16, 2019 / americangemsociety / Leave a comment

Spring is here and we’re ready for some jewelry trends to help us celebrate this much-welcome change of season! Now that the weather is warming up, what’s hot? We’ve gathered some season-sensational (We just made that up!) designs from our AGS members.

Quite possibly the most quintessential symbols of spring are flowers, butterflies, and bees. Naturally, their likenesses are found in a variety of fine jewelry designs.

: One-of-a-kind, Queen Bee Pendant, by Lord Jewelry.

: Butterfly Open Frame band, by Fine Jewels of NYC.

: Paraiba tourmaline and diamond flower ring, by Simon G. Jewelry.

Next on the list is chains. Big chains. Little chains. This trend is an ode to the Eighties and they’re everywhere!

: Diamond Chain Link hoop earrings, by KC Designs.

: Chain Band with diamonds, by Erica Courtney.

: Gold and diamond chain cuff, from Sloane Street by Gadbois Jewelry.

It’s been said that pearls never go out of style, but these aren’t your grandmother’s pearls! Modern designs have re-imagined the classic jewelry wardrobe staple.

: South Sea cultured pearl and graduated sapphire earrings, by Baggins Pearls.

: Golden South Sea pearl pendant with diamonds, by ASBA USA, Inc.

: Tricolor white cultured pearl ring with diamonds, by Mastoloni.

The warmer weather has us looking towards the sky and the sea for a much-needed getaway! Both celestial and nautical-themed designs inspire us to seek the outdoors (and beyond) for our next adventure.

: Diamond Whirl Shooting Star ring, by Carelle.

: North Star diamond pendant, by NEI Group.

: Diamond anchor pendant, by Shula New York.

Are you ready to add a bit of bling to your spring wardrobe? Find an American Gem Society jeweler member near you at www.ags.org/findajeweler.

It’s Only Natural

November 3, 2017March 15, 2018 / americangemsociety / Leave a comment

By Robin Skibicki

Not all gemstones are minerals with a crystalline structure. In fact, some were formed through biological processes of living organisms, such as plants and animals. These natural beauties are referred to as organic gemstones and include several varieties that are important to the gem trade. We’re talking about pearls, coral, amber, ammolite, and shell, just to name a few.

Pearls

Pearls are pretty much perfect for any occasion. It doesn’t matter if you’re dressed in silks and satins or khakis and jeans, they go with everything! There are several types to choose from, like freshwater or saltwater, natural or cultured, with such varieties as Akoya, Keshi, South Sea, and Tahitian.

: White Keshi freshwater pearl earrings with diamonds by Mastoloni.

: Tahitian drop earrings with cognac diamonds by ASBA USA.

Coral

There are hundreds of species of coral throughout the world, but only a few are used for fine jewelry. Corallium japonicum and Corallium rubrum are two varieties of red coral commonly used to produce jewelry, and Antipatharia, a species of black coral prized for its lustrous, black appearance after polishing.

: Carved salmon coral flower with a sprinkling of diamonds, from Gleim the Jeweler’s Estate collection.

: Coral and freshwater pearl “Pearl-On-Poppy” necklace by Sharon Wei.

Amber

Amber had its moment in the spotlight when it appeared as a source for “Dino DNA” in the movie, Jurassic Park. This fossilized resin of ancient tree sap dates back 25 to 50 million years, with some of the oldest known material dating back 290 to 350 million years ago. Amber comes in over 300 different shades, with the most common colors being honey, green, cherry, cognac, citrine, and butterscotch.

: Cabochon amber earrings from Long’s Jewelers Estate collection.

: Amber beads from Goldstein Diamonds Estate collection.

Ammolite

Ammolite is an iridescent gemstone material that comes from the fossilized shell of extinct squid-like creatures called ammonites. They only come from one place: Alberta, Canada. Although they have been forming for millions of years, ammolite first appeared in jewelry in the 1960s and was recognized in 1981 as an organic gemstone.

: Ammolite, emerald, and diamond pendant by Lika Behar Collection.

: Another view of ammolite pendant.

: Ammolite estate ring at Bay Street Jewelers.

Shell

Shell has been used for decorative purposes for centuries and was most likely the by-product of the search for food. It’s been used for everything from buttons to knife handles, from cameos to necklaces. In jewelry design, the two most familiar types of shell are abalone and mother-of-pearl.

Interesting facts: Abalone is composed of mother-of-pearl. Mother-of-pearl is called nacre, which makes the outer layer of pearls.

: “White Orchid” ring featuring checker-cut clear quartz over white mother-of-pearl, from Doves by Doron Paloma.

: Abalone doublet ring with checkerboard white quartz by Stuller.

Visit an AGS-credentialed jeweler near you and ask them to show you some organic gemstones!

AGS Member Spotlight: ASBA USA, Inc.

August 4, 2017August 4, 2017 / americangemsociety / Leave a comment

ASBA USA, Inc. is a prime supplier of Tahitian cultured pearls and finished diamond, colored stone, and cultured pearl jewelry.

For over 25 years, ASBA USA has been owned and operated by the Israileff family and are long-time members of the American Gem Society. Joshua, Nathan, and Nicolai Israileff carry on their family’s tradition of providing fine quality jewelry.

The following images are just a mere sampling of the artistic, whimsical, and one-of-a-kind designs ASBA USA creates with pearls—their specialty—or a variety of gemstones.