Jewelry Education > Special Occassion Jewelry
SPECIAL OCCASSION JEWELRY
Jewelry is the perfect gift for recognizing and celebrating special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries. A thoughtfully selected gift of jewelry can be passed down and enjoyed through generations.
BIRTHDAYS
Birthstones, which make great birthday gifts, serve as reminders of the beauty and mystery of life as well as the unique qualities of the wearer's birth month. Various lists that associate one or more gemstones with seasons and months have been developed through the centuries.
Birthstones
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January: Garnet
In nature, Garnets are found in every color except blue. The most popular color is a beautiful, deep red. It was believed that the wearer of garnets was kept in good health and protected while traveling. Garnets are worn to signify truth and faith.
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February: Amethyst
This member of the quartz family was prized by royalty in ancient times for its regal, purple color. The amethyst is said to bring good luck and to radiate love.
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March: Aquamarine
Found in a range of blue shades from pale to dark, this gem embodies the beauty of the seas. It was thought to bring its wearers knowledge, foresight and inspiration.
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April: Diamond
Diamonds are the most brilliant of gemstones and the hardest substance in the world. They have been cherished for more than 6,000 years. In ancient times, diamonds were thought to be pieces of stars that had fallen to Earth.
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May: Emerald
Known as the queen of gems and treasured since ancient times, this vibrant green stone has long been regarded as a symbol of fertility, rebirth and springtime. Emeralds were believed to protect the wearer from the perils of long journeys.
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June: Pearl
These jewels of the sea are indigenous to the waters surrounding Japan and China. In those warm, calm waters, the oyster produces pearls in a wide range of shades, from creamy white to black. |
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July: Ruby
A prized possession of kings and queens throughout the ages, the ruby has been known for centuries as a symbol of love and immortality. In some countries, engagement rings are set with rubies instead of diamonds.
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August: Peridot
Mystics have claimed that this lustrous green stone drives away evil and has special healing properties. Peridots have been found in meteorites and volcanoes.
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September: Sapphire
The name sapphire is derived from the Latin word for blue, "sapphirus." Ancient Persians believed the Earth rested on an enormous blue sapphire, and its reflection caused the blueness of the sky.
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October: Opal
The opal's special characteristic is a rainbow-like play of color that changes with the angle of observation. Colors vary, but it is the iridescent property that creates the very special play of color called "fire." |
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November: Citrine
The name citrine comes from the French word for lemon, "citron," which describes this stone's yellow hue. In ancient times, citrine was revered as a gift of the sun and believed to be a powerful antidote to a viper's venom.
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December: Blue Topaz
Topaz comes in many colors, including light blue, pink, yellow, red and green. The most popular color is an enhanced blue. This gorgeous gemstone was said to act as a protector and make the wearer invisible in emergencies.
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ANNIVERSARIES
Wedding anniversaries are commemorated with materials, such as linen and paper; decorative pieces, such as clocks and pottery; and jewelry that includes gemstones and precious metals. Celebrating anniversaries with jewelry is a time-honored tradition.
These are the most recognized gifts and jewelry for each wedding anniversary:
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ENGAGEMENTS & WEDDINGS
Choosing an engagement ring is a very personal process. Fortunately, this momentous decision need not be difficult or mysterious. A few basic facts and guidelines can help make this important purchase enjoyable and satisfying. For diamond rings, start with the diamond shape and carat weight that best fit your preference and budget. (Visit our Diamonds page to learn more about choosing diamonds.)
Next, consider the setting. High-prong settings can make the diamond stand out beautifully. But if you lead an active lifestyle, you may want to consider a lower-prong setting or a bezel setting.
Common types of settings:
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Prong
Four or 6 evenly spaced prongs of precious metal encircle the stone and hold it securely in place.
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Bezel
The stone is placed in a lip of precious metal that is hammered around the edge of the stone.
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Channel
A number of small gems are set in a groove that is carved into the metal.
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Invisible
Stones are grooved in the ring and set close together without visible prongs. |
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Pavé
From the French word meaning "to pave," many tiny diamonds or cubic zirconia are imbedded close together to "pave" the surface of the jewelry so it shimmers.
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Bar
Bars of precious metal hold the stones in a channel-set fashion.
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Chevron
V-shaped prongs hold the points of a marquise or princess-cut stone.
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Classic bands of gold or other precious metals or bands accented with diamonds or colored gems are popular options for the bride-to-be. (Visit our Precious Metals page to learn more about precious metals.)
For the bridegroom, the classic wedding ring is the familiar band in gold or other precious metal. Also popular is a more elaborate design accented with diamonds. Engagement and wedding rings are often sold in bridal sets. His-and-her wedding ring sets are also available
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GRADUATIONS
Classic jewelry, such as a cultured pearl necklace, diamond-stud earrings or a watch, is an excellent choice to commemorate the graduate's achievements.
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VALENTINE'S DAY
Surprise your valentine with jewelry that is heart-shaped and/or contains a red gemstone, such as a ruby or garnet, or an amethyst (February's gemstone).
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MOTHER'S DAY
For Mom, jewelry with her birthstone or the birthstones of her children is sure to warm her heart. Heart-shaped jewelry also makes a lovely gift for Mom.
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CARING FOR YOUR FINE JEWELRY
Cleaning
For cleaning fine jewelry, we recommend using a cleaner or detergent bath, steam cleaning or using an ultrasonic cleaner. Do not boil gemstones.
Emeralds and Opals: These are very delicate stones. Emeralds should be cleaned only with a soft brush. Opals may be cleaned in a mild, soapy solution. Jewelry cleaner, ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning are not recommended.
Blue Topaz: Clean blue topaz gemstones in a warm, mild, soapy solution with a soft brush. Steam cleaning is permissible. Do not boil or use an ultrasonic cleaner.
Pearls: Do not wear pearls while applying cosmetics, hair sprays or perfume. It is best not to wear pearl strands while bathing, because water can weaken the string. Wipe pearl strands with a damp cloth after each use. Do not clean cultured pearls with chemicals, abrasives or jewelry cleaner.
Storing
Keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined case or a box that has individual compartments. If you use ordinary boxes, such as department store gift boxes, wrap each piece of jewelry in tissue paper. Important: Do not let your diamond pieces tumble around with other jewelry. Diamonds can scratch other gemstones, precious metals and even other diamonds.
Traveling
When traveling, pack your jewelry with care. Many types of travel cases specifically designed for jewelry are on the market. These carryalls come in various sizes, shapes and fabrics. Most have velvet pads inside to hold pins and earrings, and compartments for bracelets and necklaces.
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