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
- 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 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
- 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 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
- 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...
ValerieBound
- Apr 16, 2020
- 4 min
The incredible story of Japanese bird pins
By now, you should all know how much I love brooches and pins. I have a great little collection of owls and other animal pins. But one...
ValerieBound
- Aug 1, 2019
- 4 min
Tennis Bracelets, anyone?
I know Wimbledon is over, but I’m still excited about tennis! And it’s a sport where jewelry is expected?! Even better! Today I walk you...
ValerieBound
- Jul 11, 2019
- 5 min
Jewelry to celebrate the Apollo Moon Landing
I know you probably didn’t think there would be a link between jewelry and walking on the moon, but I’m here to tell you THERE IS! If you...
ValerieBound
- Mar 7, 2019
- 4 min
Celtic Knots in Jewelry
Spring has me thinking of the Emerald Isle, Saint Patrick’s Day, and all things Irish. So I thought a post on Celtic knots might be...
ValerieBound
- Jan 16, 2019
- 5 min
A history of dragons in jewelry
I bet you didn’t know that today is Appreciate a Dragon Day! Yes, indeed, every January 16th has been decreed (by who, I wonder?) to...
ValerieBound
- Nov 29, 2018
- 6 min
Heirlooms and Mementos – From My Jewelry Box to Yours
This time of year always makes me feel incredibly grateful for the abundance in my life – family, friendship, and community. And one of...
ValerieBound
- Nov 22, 2018
- 7 min
Finders keepers – the story of a stolen diamond
Happy Thanksgiving, gem gals! Today is Turkey Day, where I eat myself into a coma, watch football, and visit with family. In my life,...
ValerieBound
- Jul 19, 2018
- 5 min
Rose Gold – Still going strong
I’ll be honest, I was slow to get on board with rose gold. I was convinced it was a fad, and so I stayed away from it, and tried to wait...