Styles Archives - American Gem Society

Complete Guide to Art Deco Engagement Rings

September 24, 2021

By Star Gems Vintage has made a huge comeback in recent years. From retro clothes to antique jewelry, more and more people are shopping for things they feel are authentic. This is especially the case with engagement rings. With its timeless yet unique style, it’s no surprise that Art Deco rings have become an increasingly popular choice for future brides. In this article, you’ll learn a bit about what Art Deco jewelry actually is, and how to identify the different styles so you can make it your own. WHAT IS ART DECO IN JEWELRY? Art Deco is a style that

Dreaming of Gems

August 23, 2021

It’s not every day you get to see high-end or award-winning jewelry. Even if you may only be able to wear them in your dreams, they’re just as aesthetically pleasing when viewed from afar! For some fashion inspiration, we’re sharing a few jaw-dropping gems and some everyday pieces from members of the American Gem Society (AGS). X-Tension 2010 Winner by The Inspired Collection. An extendable bathroom mirror was the inspiration behind X-Tension, an award-winning white and yellow gold necklace holding a trillion cut green tourmaline, designed by Nigel Wong of The Inspired Collection. “Fascinated by the concertina-like movements of the extendable

Four Gemstones Rarer Than Diamond

August 6, 2021

Diamonds are well known for their rarity, but did you know there are other rare gemstones? Get ready to learn some interesting facts on four gems rarer than diamond. Tanzanite Tanzanite is a stunning blue and purple variety of the mineral zoisite that is only found in one area of the world, Tanzania, a small country in East Africa. When viewed from different angles, tanzanite can display various colors like violet, green-yellow, and even brown. Though most tanzanite goes through heat treatment to produce its attractive blue hues, this treatment produces a stable color that makes this gem desirable. Tanzanite

Pearl Insights: Baroque Pearls

March 5, 2021

By Baggins Pearls The word Baroque comes from the Portuguese word “barroco,” which refers to a pearl with an elaborate shape. It was during the Baroque Era (1600–1750) that these non-round pearls were first used in jewelry, hence the name, which doubles as a reference to the luxuriant art and architecture of the period. Baroque pearls are irregularly shaped or “imperfect” pearls and they come in almost all varieties of South Sea pearls; White or Champagne South Sea, Tahitian, and Golden. Their organic beauty captivates the attention. Each unique shape is more appealing than the other. No two Baroque pearls

Jewelry Styles for a Virtual World

February 1, 2021

In 2020 we embraced video meetings; that practice continues into 2021. Though it may not have the same connection of in-person meetings, there is a silver lining: the evolving role of jewelry and the resulting trends. Bold, colorful necklaces and earrings show well on camera, adding color and cheerfulness. Dressing for the camera means selective use of color and re-thinking the scale of jewelry; what we easily see in person is often lost on screen. Vivid colors and statement jewelry certainly help. So, as long as we are all under the eye of the omnipresent camera lens, remember the words

Pantone Picks Two Colors for 2021

December 30, 2020

By Isabelle Corvin, CG, Staff Gemologist at Panowicz Jewelers Last year wasn’t quite what anyone was expecting. Most likely, everyone is looking forward to 2021 and the start of a new year. With that in mind, let’s talk color. Specifically, Pantone’s color of the year. Pantone has chosen two colors this year: Ultimate Gray (17-5104) and Illuminating (13-0647). These two unexpected colors may seem like unusual choices, but Pantone picked them because they are “practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic.” Stability, optimism, warmth, and energy is what most need now, so they are fitting colors

Trend Alert: Big Links, Long Chains

December 9, 2020

Whether its a paper clip or a Figuro link, big links are one of this season’s must-haves. It’s on trend to wear them long or short, stack them or wear them single. Chains are both sexy and utilitarian. Wear them with knits, slip dresses or dress up your go-to athleisure outfit. Gold chains are a classic and make a statement. We see them as a staple going forward, so invest in a piece that you are sure to love years from now. Of course, American Gem Society designers have created some of this year’s favorite trendy trains. Here are four

Red Carpet Rules

January 24, 2020

The 92nd Academy Awards airs on February 9, and it’s a sacred day for jewelry! Never mind who wins—it’s the bling we’ll be watching for. If AGS was an acronym for “Academy Gem Stylists,” the nominees would be wearing these show-stopping Red Carpet earrings and accessories from a few of our American Gem Society (AGS) members. Cynthia Erivo Actress in a Leading Role Harriet Cynthia would rule the red carpet in this magnificent 49.79-carat diamond necklace by TAKAT. Renée Zellweger Actress in a Leading Role Judy Renée would complement her baby blues perfectly with Jack Abraham’s Ceylon sapphire and diamond

Got Chocolate?

November 4, 2019

We are in love with Chocolate Diamonds® from American Gem Society (AGS) member Le Vian. They’re sweet, so deliciously pretty, and ready to make your significant other swoon this holiday season. Now is the time to get your game on and find that special gift for your special someone. Your trusted AGS member jeweler can help with your selection on any budget. Let’s dip into this box of chocolates! What’s a Chocolate Diamond®? Chocolate Diamonds® are some of the rarest diamonds in the world yet remain affordable. Because they are only sold by Le Vian®, Chocolate Diamonds® are all set

Fascinating Phenomena in Gemstones

October 11, 2019

There are several varieties of gemstones that display optical phenomena, which describes the many ways light interacts with the structural features or inclusions (internal characteristics) in the gemstone. Often these gemstones will be fashioned in a particular way that best displays these effects. The science of optical phenomena can be fascinating, although the mystery and allure of these effects are what initially attract us! Below are six of the most familiar (and magical) displays of optical phenomena in gemstones. Play-of-Color Play-of-color is created by a combination of diffraction and interference, and is the result of the microstructure of opal: the

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