July Birthstone

July Birthstone: Ruby 

Rubies are known throughout our culture for their brilliant red luster and high value. This month, take a moment to appreciate this amazing gem. Rubies are the birthstone of July, so if any of your friends or family are July babies, jewelry with rubies may be the perfect birthday gift.

Rubies are one of the four “precious gems,” along with emeralds, sapphires and diamonds. Thus, they often sell at a higher price than many other gemstones. Depending on the size of the stone, they oftentimes out-price even diamonds. This is because larger rubies are, in general, extremely rare.  

 

This intense gem was first discovered over 2,000 years ago in Asia. In Sanskrit, one of the world’s oldest languages, the ruby is called the “king of precious stones.” Ranging from dark to pinkish red, the sparkling ruby seems to have been mesmerizing people for countless centuries. There’s something about the deep and vibrant color that connects to people across the world, regardless of culture. This is because red is associated with our most strongly felt emotions: love, anger, power and desire. In fact, even seeing a red object has been shown to speed up a heartbeat.

Rubies were often an important part of various belief systems. In the Bible, they are associated with wisdom. In India, rubies were said to create peace between enemies. Across Europe and Asia, many rulers thought that it was a bad omen if their rubies turned a darker shade.  

Today the most desired variation is a full red ruby with a slight touch of blue. It’s not hard to find examples of high quality rubies being sold at steep prices. Elizabeth Taylor’s ruby ring sold for $4.2 million at an auction in 2011. And in May 2015, a 25-carat ruby ring was sold at auction for $32 million. Despite different trends in the jewelry world, one thing is for certain; rubies will continue to be one of the most sought after gems for years to come.

Egypt rose in its time to become a rich and developed civilization. With this prosperity came advances in agriculture, art and jewelry design. Most exquisite pieces were crafted to adorn the royal class, but ornamentation was also a prominent part of Egyptian culture in general. Mostly everyone in Egyptian society, from the poorest farmer to the Pharaoh, wore at least some kind of bracelet or necklace. Both men and women were decorated with various gems and precious metals. 

The two most common components of their jewelry were copper and gold, both in abundant supply. Egyptians discovered gold in their riverbeds and mined them for their use. Gold was an important element in their designs because it never loses its brilliance; even today the complex gold displays in their tombs look relatively untouched.

Egypt is the site of the largest excavations of ancient jewelry work. Tombs were filled with sparkling jewels, and mummies were covered in decorative gold coffins. Thankfully for us, most of these displays were perfectly preserved, intended only for

 use by the deceased in the afterlife. 

The tombs of Tutankhamun and other famous rulers show us their magnificent burial customs. Of course, the use of gold is important to represent immortality for the dead and to connect to the splendor of the gods. Other essential gems include lapis lazuli, turquoise, garnet, and obsidian. The Lapis Lazuli Scarab from the tomb of Tutankhamun is one famous example.

Most of these precious stones were imported from other kingdoms, but a few gems, such as emerald, were native to Egypt and just as popular. Emerald, which represents eternity and fertility, was Cleopatra’s gem of choice, and she was often depicted adorned with emeralds or offering them to others. Although much of her life is shrouded in mystery, we do know that she often wore a large, flat colorful beaded necklace, as well as her iconic jeweled headdress. Archaeologists hope to one day find her and Mark Antony’s tomb, so we can discover the true glory of her wealth and beauty. 

Egyptian jewelry design was so popular and innovative that it was also found in nearby territories such as Greece and Turkey. The Egyptians undoubtedly had an enormous impact on jewelry design in the ancient world, and the influence of their style and beauty still lives on to this day.  

Jewelry Trends for Spring / Summer 2016

The spring is a time to let go of last year’s fashion and jewelry trends and make way for the newest styles. Though we’ll see some remnants of the themes that captured the hearts of fashion lovers last year, 2016 is shaping up to be a unique and surprising time in the jewelry world.

OKG's spin on chandelier ear pieces

Fashion shows are the first places to look to spot any upcoming styles. As usual, accessories on the runways this year ranged from the simple and subtle to the bizarre. Models sported earrings inspired by colorful pop art from the sixties, as well as minimalist pearls. In general, earring displays were large and elaborate. Models also wore elegant jeweled tiaras, and similarly styled chandelier ear pieces. Industrial bangles and necklaces constructed from polished metals were another common addition, as were large gold and metal “chokers” worn around the neck. In steep contrast to this was colorful tribal-inspired jewelry. Influences from tribal African cultures were particularly in demand, and we saw a wide variety of these styles, ranging from bright red and yellow tasseled bracelets, to sharp, white unpolished necklaces.

But while there were definitely some eye-opening and original pieces that premiered on the runways, these trends will have a much more subdued influence on everyday fashion. That’s not to say we won’t see some direct parallels on the average jewelry wearer. For instance, wearing tribal-inspired jewelry will continue to be a common approach throughout the summer. But in general, popular everyday pieces will be more toned down than their runway counterparts.

OKG takes on simplicity and minimalism

One prevalent theme is a fascination with the natural world. Perhaps as an antidote to our modern hectic lifestyle, jewelry with an appreciation for natural objects is continuing to grow in popularity. In the same way, simplicity and minimalism is an important motif to pay attention to. Just as on the runway, pearls will be a significant addition to many outfits this year. Unpolished, raw stones and gems, and any other simple, natural piece will be an important fashion statement. Another stylish approach is using thin wire for bracelets. This continues with the natural look, but adds an element of luxury when colored as or made with gold. Gold wire bracelets work well with gems or objects from the sea.

OKG's stackable selection

One prominent trend is that jewelry seems to be getting bigger with each passing year. This spring, however, although large jewelry may still be a favorite on the runway, expect to see smaller pieces in general. While there may be a decrease in size, a wider display seems to be in style. This means multiple necklaces of varying lengths draped over each other, and bracelets with cuffs of different shades stacked together.  

Headwear is a unique kind of jewelry that may be gaining in popularity this year. While some women are wearing headbands made from fabric, others are adorning their heads with jewel-studded bands. Jeweled headbands can cross the whole forehead, or be placed above the ear on one side. With hair accessories, of course, the idea is subtlety, so a full tiara in public is probably not the best approach.

OKG's pick for asymmetrical jewelry

Finally, there are some unusual fads this year in the fashion world that may catch on. For instance, asymmetrical jewelry seems to be in this spring. This means wearing earrings that are different lengths or sizes, or that contrast each other sharply. Most people want to express their individuality, and this is one interesting way to do so. “Neo brooches” are another unusual type of jewelry that’s currently in vogue. These aren’t your typical flower-shaped or ornamental pieces; instead, expect to see more experimental and unusual shapes. Lastly, ankle chains, or “anklets” are an uncommon and charming staple from last century. Anklets inspired by ancient Rome are a particularly unique fad, where the wire is wrapped between the toes. Maybe not everyone is wearing these, but we hope this one makes a strong comeback.

Of course, it’s best to always choose what matches you as an individual. Trends can be helpful for inspiration and to understand popular contemporary beauty, but it’s always important to adapt fashion and jewelry trends to your own unique style.

Spring 2016 Favorites!

 Spring has officially started, and we need to make sure we welcome it in style! OKG Jewelry has picked out our Spring 2016 favorites so you always look as beautiful as this weather makes you feel.

14K Letter Plate, can be customized to make the perfect gift.

These stackable bracelets are trendy and can be correlated with any outfit, pick one up in any color

22K Yellow gold and 18K white gold, a perfect thing to match blooming flowers and bright colors of spring.

this 14K Yellow Gold has a unique and classy combination of colored stones, screaming springs name.

we love stackable's ! These bracelets come in three variations and can dress up or dress down any outfit

The flower design of this pendant makes it an elegant addition to your March through May wardrobe

St. Patricks Day Favorites

St. Patrick's day brings out the Irish in everyone. Weather you celebrate traditionally, attend a parade, or just want to dress up, OKG has picked out our 2016, St. Patricks day favorites, so everyone knows  what kind of clover you are. 

This ring is an elegant addition to your St. Patrick's day dinner, it makes the perfect gift for a significant other. 

These earrings can dress up any outfit, making you stand out at your St.Patricks day party.

These fun, stackable rings are part of our favorites because of how well they match with any outfit and the balance between the black and green.

This 14K White Gold emerald and diamond bracelet is perfect to show off your pride.

We found the rainbow! this opal beaded necklace has a combination of colors sure to bring out the best in you

and you know what they say's waiting at the end of the rainbow... LOTS OF GOLD, in three different colors!                          

What To Wear On Your Wedding Day

           As big of a deal as wedding bands and engagement rings are, they're not the only things that matter on your wedding day. Finding the perfect set of earrings, or that diamond necklace can brighten up the entire ceremony, bring out the sparkles in your dress, or draw attention to your done-up hair. We've picked our favorite gem additions, suitable for all types of brides.

These simple studs in combination with a diamond necklace balance each other out perfectly 

We know your wedding costs a fortune! OKG provides gorgeous bridal jewelry at all costs. These beautiful, sterling silver earrings are perfectly affordable and would look gorgeous with any bride putting their hair up. 

This bracelet is practically made to accompany a bouquet of flowers, it could be the asset to walk you down the aisle, or just the right gift for your bridesmaid

This stunning necklace would fit perfectly with a heart shaped cut dress, or any strapless design

These earrings are extremely classy and would pair well with a simple diamond bracelet 

The intricate design of this necklace would pair perfectly with diamond studs. 

 Here at OKG we offer a large selection of incredible jewels created by Gary. We have the ability to handcraft jewelry making it personal, special, and timeless to be passed through generations of love.

THE SECOND LARGEST DIAMOND EVER FOUND

The second largest diamond ever found was recovered at Lucara Diamond Corp in Karowe mine, Botswana. Weighing 1,111 Carats, this is a type IIa diamond, found in less than 2% of all diamonds, making it even more unparalleled and unique. Type IIa diamonds are dear, usually costing 60k per carat. Despite the high list of buyers waiting to get their hands on the diamond, the company is in no hurry to sell it.