WHAT IS YOUR GEMSTONE? 

Let's look at some gemstones, shall we?

Every gemstone is a mineral that is made up of crystals which are in constant motion the emitting an energy signature. o wonder there was always this magical and symbolic connection that has existed between human beings and gems. 

Most gemstones are hard and the harder they are the more valuable they get, since they can be made into jewelry and they would not easily scratch and keep their shine. Having said that some gemstones are particularly valuable due to their soft structure, that allows the jeweler engrave certain patterns into them air even shape them like a sculpture. Like many aspects of our modern culture, fascination with gemstones and gemstone jewelry also started in Babylon (today's Irak), and became very popular in ancient Greece. Since then all the kings and queens adored them and wanted to wear these colorful minerals all the time. 

Gemstones are usually separated in to 2 categories. Precious and Semi-Precious. Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, Pearl and Opal is considered precious gemstones. 

Aquamarine, Peridot and Tanzanite is also considered precious in many regions of the world. 

On the other hand Amethyst, Citrine, Topaz, Garnet, Jade, Turquoise are usually considered as "semi-precious" 

Let's look at some of these stones:

Amethyst

Amethyst is a type of stone that is full of vibrant energy. It is great to wear amethyst jewelry, 

Oval Amethyst-Diamond Earrings, hand-crafted 14kt white gold, containing 2 Natural, Multi-faceted Amethyst 10.25ct tw, surrounded by .38ct tw round brilliant cut pave set diamonds with "huggie" style backs.

or even to use it in decoration. 

However, you should keep amethyst away from you when you are sleeping since it boost the energy levels of the body, you may not go in to a deep sleep if you have one of the decorative amethyst rocks in your bedroom. 

Amethyst is also believe to bring good luck and love to the person who is wearing it. 

Citrine

Citrine is a very delicious looking gemstone with it's beautiful orange color that resembles juicy Turkish delight (If you never tried Turkish delight, you definitely should!) Citrine contains traces of iron and that's where it's unique color comes from. It is called "success stone" since it is believed to bring success to the person who wears it. Citrine with it's sun-like properties relieves depression, draws away bad energy and stimulates circulatory system. 

Substantial Citrine and diamond ring, hand-crafted in 14kt two tone gold, centered by a 5.43ct tw cushion shape, checkerboard cut, multifaceted natural Citrine, surrounded by 28ct round brilliant cut .12ct tw pave set diamonds, created in a beautiful vintage cocktail ring style.

Caramel dark Chocolate Ring 
This ring is an eye candy! Hand-crafted in 14kt yellow gold with black rhodium overlay, it features a 10.9gr, checker board cut, multifaceted, natural citrine in the center, surrounded by .41ct tw prong set black diamonds in a halo style.  

Garnet

Rough Garnet 

With it's pungent red color garnet particularly represents sexuality. It is believed to increase fertility in women and help with hormonal imbalance. It is know as "the stone of health". Garnet was also used to relieve hemorrhages in the ancient times. This gemstone has been used since bronze age. Garnets are usually red however tsavorites which are vivid deep green also come from garnet family. 

The most interesting garnet was discovered in Madagascar which was blue. 

Jade

Jade is called the fidelity stone. They say the jade balances energy ad promotes peace and harmony. 

Turquoise

Turquoise takes its name from the country of Turkey with the turquoise colored seas surrounding this peninsula. The name originates from the word Turquie which refers to Turkey. This beautiful gemstone has anti negativity properties. It is believed to strengthen the body and prevent further injuries.

 

 Underwater Fantasy Ring with turquoise and white quartz

Turquoise is one of our favorite gemstones that we use in our jewelry. 

SAPPHIRE

Sapphire is the 3rd hardest mineral after diamond and moissanite in the Mohs scale. Sapphires are known as the "wisdom stone". Sapphires are believed to reduce mental tension and depression, as well as treating blood disorders.


Sapphires come in many different colors and varieties the most popular being the Ceylon Blue Sapphire

 Sapphire Diamond Studs

Hand crafted in 14kt white gold, these earrings contain 2 raound brilliant cut, natural royal blue sapphires 3.26ct tw, surrounded by 1.05ct tw round brilliant cut prong set diamonds. These earrings are timeless. 

 

 Other popular colors of sapphires are yellow, purple, orange (usually called padparadscha) and even green sapphires. Here is a beautiful bracelet made with these color sapphires:



Multicolor Sapphire Bracelet
Ladies multicolor sapphire and diamond bracelet, crafted in 14kt yellow gold, containing 9 oval brilliant cut 6.30ct tw green-purple-yellow-orange and cornflower blue sapphires, surrounded by 2.35ct total weight pave set  diamonds in a halo style.

 

Here is a close up!

 

Pink Sapphire Bracelet

Ladies pink sapphire and diamond bracelet, crafted in 14kt yellow gold, containing 9 oval brilliant cut 6.20ct tw pink sapphires, surrounded by 2.35ct total weight pave set diamonds in a halo style.

  

Here is a necklace also with pink sapphire however this time the sapphire is kept rough and it is sliced as a thin layer instead of a gem cut. 

Sliced Natural Pink Sapphire Diamond Necklace, 

crafted in 14kt rose gold, containing 58.50ct organic shaped, multi-faceted pink sapphire, surrounded by .34ct tw round diamonds around the center stone and on the 14kt rose gold cable chain, attached from the sides. 16" long with 2" extension loop. the Pendant is 1 6/8"  by 1 2/8"

SO WHAT'S NEW IN OUR JEWELRY WORKSHOP?

So this is one of the things Gary has been unto last week. A beautiful pair of opal earrings which he had initially created 4 months ago. However that first pair was bought immediately by one of our dear customers, before it even made it to the showcase! She loved it so much that right after Gary showed it to her, saying "look what I just finished" she tried it on and did not take it off. So that was that! 

 Since we did not get the chance to show these gorgeous earrings to anyone else, Gary decided to make another pair last week. 

What seemed to be a crazy and basic sketch, ended up as an amazing piece of Jewelry which is Haute Couture at its best! 

Gary first started with designing the general outlines of the earrings. The next step was to decide what kind of Gemstones he will be using. Since he wanted to make them high end and festive at the same time, what could be better than iridescent and colorful jelly opals, contrasted by subtlety of blush color pink opals with a touch of diamond sparkle in between. 

Once the actual cast ion was created, Gary first set the diamonds in pave style,

and the next step was gathering together the matching size and color opals for the casting 

As you can see in the picture, the earrings were created with omega backs and a foldable post so that even if you don't have pierced ears, you can easily wear them as clip ons. There is also no risk of loosing the backs, since they are a part of the earrings. 

This is right before polishing 

And here is the finished piece on the ear. 

It is an amazing piece! Very substantial and very comfortable on the ear. 

What a journey from a simple sketch to a work of art! 

MOTHER'S DAY JEWELRY

Mother's Day is around the corner...

We are so proud of the moms in our local area. We have some customers that are incredible in regard to their maternal love and sacrifices they do for their kids and their own moms. Through the years we learned a lot from them and their experiences. Some travel great distances (sometimes different states) to take care of their grand kids since the parents work full time. Some spend their lifetime savings or work in multiple jobs to send their children to the best colleges. They give us inspiration. They show us righteousness and good virtues in action. We could never express our respect and appreciation good enough for these amazon women!

We have the best jewelry choices to make mothers very happy this season.
Our moms deserve the most wonderful things in life. I mean, seriously how can we ever pay back?

If you would like to cheer her up with a beautiful piece of jewelry, here are some suggestions for different tastes and budgets:

Mint and Ice Ring

This ring is so cool and fresh with its minty green amethyst center stone, in multifaceted rose cut and frosty diamond encrusted all over. It is hand crafted in 14kt white gold with pave setting. 

 Champagne and Chocolate Earrings 

A luxurious combination of champagne and chocolate. These earrings are hand crafted in 14kt solid yellow gold, centered by 2 oval shape multifaceted smoky quartz, and surrounded by round brilliant cut champagne diamonds in prong setting. There is also a fine line of pave set diamond halo that creates a bright and cool contrast. 

Golden Raindrops Earrings 

These dangling earrings are perfect expression of elegance. Hand crafted in 14kt white and yellow gold with a skillfully hammered texture these earrings contain a pave set diamond center drop and a diamond hoop for easy wear. 

Circle Starburst Earrings 

Beautiful circle earrings with mat finish and a hand engraved starburst, featuring pave set round brilliant cut diamonds in the center and on top. Crafted in 14kt two tone gold. 

"Rose Drops" Earrings

If your mom likes small and simple pieces, this particular pair of earrings is a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance!

And for religious moms, we have a great collection of pendants in our showroom:

Diamond Crosses

Skillfully hand-made ladies diamond crosses in different size and styles. We have many more in the store!

Star of David - Chai Pendants

Beautiful Hai and Star of David pendants hand made in gold and silver or even sterling silver with cz if you'd prefer!

Even something universal, Hand of God, Hamsa, Hand of Miriam or Hand of Fatima

This particular talisman is popular in may different cultures and religions. It is generally used as a good luck charm. 

How about a pretty little pendant that she can enjoy everyday?

Lace Pendants

Left: Swirly Diamond Pendant from OKG's new LACE COLLECTION is crafted in 14kt solid rose gold, containing .41ct round brilliant cut bezel and pave set diamonds, surrounded by a swirly, lacy filigree and milgrain detail.  

Right: Rose Gold Pave Diamond Pendant contains 37 Round brilliant cut .10ct tw pave set diamonds. The weight of the 14k gold is 1.2 grams. Diamonds are hand-selected, brilliant cut, G-H color, Very good cut. This pendant is great for layering or on its own.

3/8\ diameter

This necklace is also available in 14kt yellow or white gold and your choice of length 14kt gold(any color) chain.

As a token of our appreciation to moms, we would like to offer this beautiful pendant at $290 instead of $535 until May 12, 2014

Amethyst Halo Pendant

This beautiful pendant is hand crafted in 14kt rose gold, containing 2.15ct multifaceted natural pink amethyst, framed by .10ct tw round brilliant cut pave set diamonds complemented by a rose gold cable style chain.

It is available in yellow gold with smoky quartz as well. 

We also have this beautiful "infinity" necklace at a very special price!

Beautiful diamond infinity necklace with 0.14ct round brilliant diamonds and 2.27 grams of white gold for just $290 -- In sterling silver and cz for $55 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! 

WE HAVE ALIENS IN OUR STORE!!

Yes, you heard it right! We have extraterrestrials in our Little Neck, NY showroom.

You don't believe?

Here it is!!

Ok the skull face is carved by humans, but the "stone" is from outer space. It is called Moldavite.

Moldavite is an olive green substance created by a meteorite impact. It was first discovered in 1800's in a small town called Moldauthein in Bohemia, Czech Republic.

Doesn't it look like Kryptonite in this picture? I guess Superman won't come to our store :)

It is believed that Moldavite can raise the vibrational level of both the Earth and humans, while enhancing the healing process in many situations.

If that wasn't unique enough about Moldavite, which is also called "green fire", we would like to also tell you that when this interesting stone is heated under certain conditions, it transforms into a gorgeous red ruby color gem.

Gary recently purchased some beautiful "diamond cut" moldavites from an exclusive jewelry/ gemstone expo along with some gorgeous Ceylon blue natural sapphires, and created a small but spectacular hand-crafted jewelry line.

Here is how he started:

 First he put together the materials, including the custom-made settings, right size diamonds and the moldavite and sapphire gemstones.

 After matching the center stones to the settings that were specifically created for them Gary started setting the stones. 

Here are all the pieces after the setting process. They still have to be polished and turned into pendants and earrings.

Don't they look edible?!

Gary turned some of them into studs, 

Some into drop earrings, 

He also created amazing Moldavite necklaces  in 14kt yellow gold, surrounded by round brilliant cut diamonds as well as on the chain. 

Here is a simpler version of the same necklace without diamonds on the chain. 

 You can usually find these beautiful Moldavites in museums but why bother going there. You can always stop by in OKG Jewelry's  Little Neck,  New York location and view this gorgeous collection, even try them on!

If you stop by on a Friday or Saturday, you can actually see Gary during his creation process!

ART-DECO EARRINGS DESIGN

HIGH-END ART DECO OPAL SAPPHIRE DIAMOND CHANDELIER EARRINGS

Our fascination with opals is no secret. This magnificent gem has so many different shades and characters that we can't get enough of making different pieces of jewelry with it.

This time OKG's exclusive Designer/Diamond setter Gary Azatyan has been working on amazing opal and sapphire earrings with a diamond halo around each opal. A while ago Gary got these 2 beautiful pair of organic shaped Australian opals from an exclusive gemstone expo. He has been thinking about turning them into earrings but they were so rare and beautiful that he did not want to rush the process and decided to wait until he figured the perfect style and setting for them. For a while he thought about making 2 separate pairs, however the impact of all 4 in the same pair of earrings would be much bigger of course. So he came up with the idea that gives us the best of both worlds (We will explain how!)

As usual, we started with sketching the general outlines of the design, in order to figure out the actual proportions and the type of gemstones needed to create them.

Here is the sketch. It already started looking beautiful even in this black and white drawing. We are super excited in the workshop. Can't wait to see the actual thing!

Next step was to show the sketch to our CAD designer and review all the details and the angles of the piece before he starts creating a 3 dimensional rendering of it. After long hours of playing with the dimensions, this is how the rendering looks.

Once Gary approved the design, the casting house casted the earrings in 14kt solid white gold and "pre-polished them". After that, he first secured each piece into shellac and started setting the diamonds and the sapphires. What in the world is shellac?? Well it's a trade secret we can't talk about. If we tell you, we have to kill you!

Just kidding!!

Shellac is a resin which is usually used as a brush-on, high gloss protective varnish or sealer. It is scraped from the bark of the trees and is sold as flakes. It is used in many different industries such as woodworking, dental, watchmaking even in construction. We won't tell you what it is made out of but let's say it is all organic and considered as one of nature's miracle products.

Once shellac is exposed to high heat, these flakes melt like hard candy melts and when it is cooled down, it goes back to its rock hard candy type solidness. This allows the jeweler to wrap this sticky resin around a piece of wood that he uses to hold the jewelry in place and secures the casting that will be worked on. Once the shellac cools and dries, nothing can separate the jewelry from the shellac, this way Gary can firmly grip the handle and start setting the stones.

Once the stones are set, Gary applies heat and separates the pieces from the shellac before setting the opals (opals are super sensitive to heat and they would burn and crack almost immediately if he were to set them in the center of the earrings and try to separate them from the shellac!)


Here is how it look s so far:

It already looks amazing! 

 Now that all the other stones are set, Gary will set the center opals and put the pieces together.

Aaand it is finished!! It is absolutely spectacular. This piece of jewelry is a traffic stopper! It is high end, absolutely unique, the quality of the gemstones are to live for. It is a red carpet piece as is. 

However, it gets even better! Like we mentioned at the beginning of our post, since Gary wasn't sure if he wants to make 1 pair or 2 separate pairs of earrings with these 4 opals, he created the earrings in a way that you can actually detach the bottom part and use them as studs for a less formal occasion or even for a lunch with girlfriends. 

 This is how it looks as stud.

No matter how you wear them,  these earrings are a once in a lifetime piece!

Gary decided to call them "Majestic Ocean".