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I knew some girls during my late high school years and even into my early years at university who wore promise rings given to them by their boyfriends. At least everyone called them promise rings. Naturally, when my boyfriend gave me a ring I wondered if people would consider it a promise ring!

A promise ring is a symbol of love and essentially today’s version of the “pin.” To be quite honest, I don’t know much about pins and letterman’s jackets as they were a bit before my time, but I know boyfriends used to let their girlfriends wear their jackets and pins! A promise ring is a way to show that you are “taken,” so to speak.

This ring is crafted of 925 quality sterling silver. It has a central round cut accent diamond on the front and the word “FOREVER” etched into the inner band. It is a simple and loving way to show you care.

Bid on this promise ring today. Happy shopping!

In the world of gemstones, the most desirable are categorized as semiprecious or precious gemstones. But did you know that there are only four types of stones characterized as “precious”? It’s true. Of all the gemstones mined, collected, sold, traded and valued in the world there are only four valued enough to be considered precious! Amazing, isn’t it?

So which gems made the cut? Those four stones considered to be “precious” are emerald, diamond, ruby and sapphire. These four stones are highly valued worldwide for their hardness and rarity. Of course, diamond is the hardest mineral and though the gem itself is not entirely rare, the gorgeous clear white variety most preferred by jewelry lovers today is certainly difficult to come by.

There are also a few stones out there considered by some to be precious, along with the fab four mentioned above. Some enthusiasts consider both varieties of corundum and precious opal to be precious gems. In general, however, diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire make up the precious stone category.

Pieces including these gems are available in our auctions each day, so take some time to click around.

There are two categories of gemstones: precious and semiprecious. But did you know that there are only four types of stones widely accepted and characterized as “precious”? It’s true. Of all the gemstones mined, collected, sold, traded and valued in the world there are only four valued enough to be considered precious!

So which lucky four made the cut? Those four stones considered precious are emerald, diamond, ruby and sapphire. These four stones are highly valued worldwide for their hardness and rarity. Diamond wins for hardest mineral and though the gem itself is not entirely rare, the clear white variety most preferred by jewelry lovers today is certainly difficult to come by.

Though not accepted across the table as precious stones, there are a few more stones out there considered by some to be precious. These include both varieties of corundum and precious opal. In general, however, diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire make up the precious stone category.

Birthstones are a long-loved tradition. Most people know their own birthstone. Many mothers learn the birthstones of their children. Thought I don’t think it’s against the average consensus to say that most men don’t know their own birthstone…

When it comes to gift-giving, birthstones are a great thing to know about. When you give someone a gift that involves their birthstone in one way or another they will appreciate the thought and effort put into the gift. Below are the birthstones by month:

January: Garnet

February: Amethyst

March: Aquamarine

April: Diamond

May: Emerald

June: Pearl/Moonstone

July: Ruby

August: Peridot

September: Sapphire

October: Opal/Tourmaline

November: Yellow Citrine/Topaz

December: Turquoise/Topaz/Tanzanite (December is extra indecisive)

When researching gemstones you will often come across a hardness rating for that particular type of mineral. What does this mean? Here is a brief overview to educate you more on the Mohs Scale used to rank the hardness of gems.

The Mohs Scale of mineral hardness is used to illustrate the scratch resistance of minerals. Minerals are ranked from a 1 to a 10, 10 being the hardest and most scratch-proof. Diamond is ranked as a 10 on the harness scale (and happens to be four times harder than our rank 9: corundum), meaning diamond can scratch anything lower than a 10 and that only diamond can scratch diamond. On the other hand, Talc is ranked 1 on the harness scale and can be smashed up by any other mineral.

This scale and process of ranking minerals and gems was developed in 1812 by Friedrich Mohs, a German mineralogist. It is not the only scale used to rank hardness but is certainly the most widely known.

To give you a bit more perspective, a fingernail has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs Scale. That’s why it’s so easy to break up talc with your bare hands!

Did you know that there are only four types of stones characterized as “precious”? It’s true. Of all the gemstones mined, collected, sold, traded and valued in the world there are only four valued enough to be considered precious!

So which gems take the cake? Those four stones considered precious are emerald, diamond, ruby and sapphire. These four stones are highly valued worldwide for their hardness and rarity. Diamond wins for hardest mineral and though the gem itself is not entirely rare, the gorgeous clear white variety most preferred by jewelry lovers today is certainly difficult to come by.

There are a few stones out there considered by some to be precious, along with the fab four. These include both varieties of corundum and precious opal. In general, however, diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire make up the precious stone category.

When researching gemstones you will often come across a hardness rating for that particular type of mineral. What does this mean? Here is a brief overview to educate you more on the Mohs Scale used to rank the hardness of gems.

The Mohs Scale of mineral hardness is used to illustrate the scratch resistance of minerals. Minerals are ranked from a 1 to a 10, 10 being the hardest and most scratch-proof. Diamond is ranked as a 10 on the harness scale (and happens to be four times harder than our rank 9: corundum), meaning diamond can scratch anything lower than a 10 and that only diamond can scratch diamond. On the other hand, Talc is ranked 1 on the harness scale and can be smashed up by any other mineral.

This scale and process of ranking minerals and gems was developed in 1812 by Friedrich Mohs, a German mineralogist. It is not the only scale used to rank hardness but is certainly the most widely known.

To give you a bit more perspective, a fingernail has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs Scale. That’s why it’s so easy to break up talc with your bare hands!

Most people know their own birthstone. Many mothers learn the birthstones of their children. I don’t think it’s against the average consensus to say that most men don’t know their own birthstone…

Birthstones are a great thing to know when it comes to gift giving. When you give someone a gift that involves their birthstone in one way or another they will appreciate the thought and effort put into the gift. Below are the birthstones by month:

January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Pearl/Moonstone
July: Ruby
August: Peridot
September: Sapphire
October: Opal/Tourmaline
November: Yellow Citrine/Topaz
December: Turquoise/Topaz/Tanzanite (apparently December is extra indecisive)

Did you know that there are only four types of stones characterized as “precious”? It’s true. Of all the gemstones mined, collected, sold, traded and valued in the world there are only four valued enough to be considered precious!

So which gems take the cake? Those four stones considered precious are emerald, diamond, ruby and sapphire. These four stones are highly valued worldwide for their hardness and rarity. Diamond wins for hardest mineral and though the gem itself is not entirely rare, the gorgeous clear white variety most preferred by jewelry lovers today is certainly difficult to come by.

There are a few stones out there considered by some to be precious, along with the fab four. These include both varieties of corundum and precious opal. In general, however, diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire make up the precious stone category.

Bless you Bernie Mac. How we love to see a fine looking man wearing his jewelry proudly and boldly. Bernie Mac, making an appearance at the ‘Transformers” premiere in late June, sports a diamond encrusted cross with a simple silver hoop earring.

Does your man take glam seriously? Would you like to surprise whim some brand new, bold bling to add to his jewelry wardrobe?

Yes? Then there are some bold and striking men’s jewelry to be had in our online jewelry auction. And if your man’s style tends to the classic and the elegant, we have him covered. From watches to men’s bracelets, to necklaces, to earrings, you’ll find the one piece that will tell your man, that he is the man.
(Image:Fashion Wire Daily/Maria Ramirez)