Meet George, America’s first gemologist
Learn about America's first gemologist, George Kunz, and how he changed the colored stone market in America through his work at Tiffany's.
Stories of Gems
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Stories from history and current events - about fabulous jewelry, gemstones, designers, and collectors
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Tips for buying jewelry, and jewelry trends
I'd love to hear from you, so send me an email! hello@storiesofgems.com
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ValerieBound
- Jul 8
- 2 min
The Best American Jewelry is ….. Italian?!
It's true! The best American jewelry is made by Italian designer Bulgari. Learn the history of their Stars & Stripes collection.
ValerieBound
- Jul 1
- 5 min
After the Revolution – American Jewelry Style
It’s that time of year again! When we celebrate the Fourth of July, I always try to tell stories that have a uniquely American...
ValerieBound
- Jun 24
- 3 min
What are salt and pepper diamonds?
Gem gals, I recently became aware of salt and pepper diamonds. I guess they’re incredibly popular! Now, you may be wondering, just like I...
ValerieBound
- Jun 18
- 3 min
6 Reasons Why Turquoise is Always in Style
Turquoise is one of my favorite stones! And lucky me, I’m seeing it everywhere! Of course, in my view, turquoise has never gone out of...
ValerieBound
- Jun 10
- 5 min
Father & Son Hopi Jewelers
Today I'd like to feature a very particular father and son who are jewelry designers. Fred and Michael Kabotie are Hopi silversmiths and...
ValerieBound
- Jun 3
- 3 min
Morganite and other engagement ring trends
Friends, I am not in the market for an engagement ring, but SO MANY other people are! I know plenty of millennials excited for an...
ValerieBound
- May 27
- 5 min
Earrings go back farther than you think!
Besides my wedding ring, there’s another piece of jewelry I wear daily – earrings! In my opinion, they’re one of the most versatile kinds...
ValerieBound
- May 20
- 5 min
7 Iconic Looks from Van Cleef & Arpels
Today let's talk about one of the most influential jewelry design houses, Van Cleef and Arpels. A favorite of royalty and celebrities,...
ValerieBound
- May 13
- 4 min
Today’s watches owe their thanks to a Countess!
Today, watches and jewelry are often grouped together, sold together at department store counters and combined in lots at auctions....
ValerieBound
- May 6
- 4 min
Montana sapphires – 5 reasons to love them
I am not much of a rockhound. Truth be told, I am not very outdoors-y in general. But I can make exceptions when jewelry is involved! So...
ValerieBound
- Apr 22
- 4 min
Tiffany’s orchids from Paul Farnham
Everything is green now that spring is officially here! And that has me thinking about flowers! I recently came across this designer I...
ValerieBound
- Apr 15
- 3 min
Citrine at the Smithsonian
One of my favorite ways to look at jewelry is in museums. You can browse to your heart’s content, price is irrelevant, and there’s...
ValerieBound
- Apr 8
- 4 min
Faberge was much more than eggs!
First off, I love Faberge eggs! Beautiful and exquisite, I have been fascinated with the history and tragedy behind these amazing objects...
ValerieBound
- Apr 2
- 4 min
Brazil is a literal gold mine for gems!
What do you know about Brazil? When I think of Brazil, I think of the Amazon rain forest and their capital Rio de Janeiro, where the last...
ValerieBound
- Mar 4
- 4 min
The creativity of Suzanne Belperron
For Women’s History Month, the story that’s been resonating with me the most is that of Suzanne Belperron. She was a French jewelry...
ValerieBound
- Feb 25
- 3 min
Signet Rings: Now & Then
Rings, rings, and more rings. Today let's talk about signet rings, because I have been seeing them everywhere. And I think it’s because...
ValerieBound
- Feb 18
- 3 min
History of Irish Claddagh Rings
Today we're talking about rings again. I grew up in an Irish Catholic neighborhood and these little claddagh rings - you know, it’s that...
ValerieBound
- Feb 12
- 3 min
Thank you! I would love a Cocktail…. Ring!
This month we're continuing our conversation about rings. And cocktail rings are up next on the menu! I love these rings because they...
ValerieBound
- Feb 4
- 3 min
Halo Rings: Now & Then
This month, we're focusing on rings. YAY! And today's topic is halo rings. Some of you may wonder what halo rings are. Basically, the...