A – Z Guide to Gemstone Buying
Master gemstone buying with our A-Z guide covering color, clarity, treatments, and durability for confident purchases.
Loose Vintage Gems: The Best Antique Diamonds for Sale
Discover antique diamonds for sale with timeless sparkle, ethical sourcing, and expert guidance from Jewelry By Designs.
Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a 2 ct Radiant Cut Diamond Ring
Discover everything you need to know before buying a 2 ct radiant cut diamond ring, including quality, settings, and pricing.
What is June’s Birthstone?
The traditional birthstone of June is the pearl. Modern alternative birthstones for June include moonstone and alexandrite. Bonus
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What is May’s Birthstone?
The birthstone for the month of May is emerald. The Origin of the Emerald CutHave you ever wondered
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What is April’s Birthstone?
April’s traditional birthstone is diamond. It is now common to see more accessible white stone alternatives such as
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14K Rose Gold 1.43CTW Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Pendant Necklace
This 14 karat rose gold necklace features a vibrant cluster of pink and purple sapphires arranged in a playful, modern composition. An oval pink sapphire, emerald-cut pink sapphire, and round purple sapphire form the heart of the pendant, while three round diamonds add bright points of contrast. The warm rose gold setting complements the rich hues of the sapphires, allowing each stone’s color and shape to stand out within the clustered design.
The combination of different sapphire shapes gives the pendant a lively, artistic character, almost like a small arrangement of gemstones gathered together in motion. Soft pink tones meet deeper purple hues, while the diamonds introduce flashes of light that highlight the color of the sapphires. The result feels expressive and contemporary, offering a necklace that brings color, personality, and a sense of creativity to everyday jewelry.
Sapphires Beyond Blue
While sapphires are most commonly associated with deep blue tones, the gemstone actually occurs in a wide spectrum of colors known as “fancy sapphires.” Pink, purple, yellow, and green sapphires are all natural variations within the same corundum mineral family.
These colorful sapphires are prized for their vibrant hues and durability, ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. Their strength and wide color range make sapphires a favorite for designers who want to create jewelry that feels both durable and visually expressive.
14K Rose Gold 1.19CTW Oval Fire Opal & Diamond Halo Drop Earrings by Le Vian
Two vivid oval fire opals glow at the center of these striking Le Vian drop earrings, their rich orange color framed by a halo of round diamonds. The diamonds continue along the rose gold hoops, creating a continuous line of sparkle that draws the eye downward to the fiery gemstones. Crafted in 14 karat rose gold, the warm tone of the metal complements the vibrant opals while the lever backs provide a secure and comfortable fit.
These earrings feel lively and expressive, with the glowing fire opals acting as the heart of the design. The diamonds create a bright outline that intensifies the color of the stones, while the rose gold setting adds warmth and depth. They bring a confident pop of color to a simple black dress, yet feel just as natural paired with soft knits or warm neutral tones where the opals can truly stand out.
Fire Opal Jewelry Meaning and Characteristics
Fire opals are prized for their vivid orange, red, and golden hues, which come from trace elements within the stone. Unlike many opals known for their internal play-of-color, fire opals are celebrated primarily for their rich body color and luminous clarity.
Because of their bright, flame-like appearance, fire opals are often associated with energy, passion, and creativity. Their warm tones pair naturally with rose or yellow gold, allowing the gemstone’s color to feel even more vibrant and expressive in finished jewelry.
Estate 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Locket Necklace
This estate locket necklace is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and features a delicate round pendant finished with a classic Florentine texture. A small round brilliant diamond is set at the center, adding a subtle point of sparkle without distracting from the finely engraved surface. Measuring approximately 1/2 inch in diameter, the locket has a refined, petite scale that feels both intimate and timeless.
Quietly sentimental and endlessly wearable, this locket is perfect for holding a tiny photo or keepsake close to the heart. Wear it on a fine gold chain for an understated everyday look, or layer it with other necklaces to create a personal, collected feel. It’s the kind of piece that feels meaningful without trying too hard—elegant, nostalgic, and effortlessly charming.
Diamond Lockets In Estate Jewelry
Lockets have long been cherished for their ability to hold personal mementos, making them some of the most sentimental forms of jewelry. In estate pieces, small diamond accents were often added to elevate simple designs without overpowering their purpose. Combined with decorative finishes like Florentine engraving, diamond lockets strike a balance between personal significance and refined craftsmanship.
14K White Gold LeVian London Blue Topaz and Diamond Halo Necklace
Introducing a masterpiece of refined luxury — a Le Vian® 14K White Gold Diamond and London Blue Topaz Necklace that radiates timeless elegance with every facet.
At its heart rests a cushion-cut London Blue topaz, a gemstone celebrated for its deep, mesmerizing ocean-blue hue. Its rich color is amplified by the extraordinary brilliance of the cut, creating a captivating play of light that draws the eye instantly. Surrounding the centerpiece is a halo of dazzling white diamonds, meticulously set in luminous 14K white gold. These diamonds add an irresistible shimmer, enhancing the depth and sophistication of the topaz while offering a radiant frame of brilliance.
The pendant is suspended from a graceful 20 inch adjustable chain, accented with Le Vian’s signature Chocolate Diamonds® along the bail — a luxurious touch that introduces warmth, contrast, and unmistakable style. The combination of icy white gold, vibrant blue topaz, and rich chocolate diamonds creates a harmony of color and craftsmanship that feels both modern and timeless.
This necklace doesn’t just accessorize — it elevates. Whether worn for a gala evening, an intimate celebration, or as an everyday expression of refined taste, it exudes grace, sophistication, and a quiet boldness that only true elegance can command.
Engagement Ring Buying Guide
Engagement Ring Buying Guide Shopping for an engagement ring should be exciting, not stressful. We’ve created and compiled
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Where to Buy Authentic Vintage Jewelry: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
In the digital age, vintage jewelry has become available through a multitude of channels beyond jewelry stores, estate sales, and auctions. Unfortunately, it has also created the potential for scammers to sell you jewelry that claims to be vintage but actually isn’t.
So, where is the best place to buy authentic vintage jewelry? You may already have a few ideas in mind, but each option carries a risk level that should be considered. The most common places to purchase authentic vintage jewelry are jewelry stores, estate sales, auctions, online, private collectors, and pawn shops.
