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Gem Colors of the Season – Happy Hanukkah!

by on ‎12-12-2017 10:50 AM

Nancy Blog 1.jpgI thought it would be fun to blog about gemstones that correspond to the colors of each major holiday during December:  Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanza.  Let’s start with Hanukkah since it’s celebrated first.

 

Hanukkah begins at sunset today, December 12th, and ends sundown on Wednesday, December 20th.  Since I celebrate Christmas, I needed to refresh my memory on the tradition and why they celebrate it.  It’s known as the “Festival of Lights”.  The miracle of Hanukkah was that they only had enough oil to light the temple lamp for one day, yet it lasted 8!  (I’d say that was miraculous!)  The colors associated with the celebration are Blue and White or Silver – the colors of the Israeli flag.  The white stands for the brilliance of brotherhood, virtue, light and peace; blue for faith, truth and the wonderful qualities of the heavens.

 

There are many beautiful blue gems like aquamarine, blue topaz, turquoise and more.  But, I’ve narrowed it down to the treasured sapphire.  Likewise, there are many beautiful white gems:  white topaz, white diamonds, ivory and…more.  In this case I’m going to focus on the pearl.  I’ll share a bit about each stone and then offer a few gift ideas that you can find on QVC.com.

 

The sapphire is one the four precious stones and stands in the presence of the diamond, the ruby and the emerald as the most beloved and famous gems.  The blue sapphire (sapphire comes in an array of colors) is known as the “Gem of the Heavens” and is the best-known blue gem.  It’s velvety blue color is by which all other blue stones are measured.  Did you know the finest quality of blue sapphire has minute inclusions?  Yep, those Kashmir beauties have tiny “imperfections” that give it its velvety luster, intense color and softness.  (Kind of like our imperfections make us who we are – beautiful!)

 

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J374851 - If your girl loves hearts, give her a heart bracelet filled with the gem believed to contain the goodness of heaven.

 

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J337169 - Surprise her with one of our premier sapphires set in gold and flanked by diamonds!

 

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J380934 - It’s okay to give her the look of sapphire.  The blue is just as intense, yet without the intense price tag!

 

 

Now to the white of Hanukkah that I will represent here as the coveted pearl! Pearls have been used as symbols of wealth and status for thousands of years.  How about this for a stat:  the oldest known mention of pearls was back in 2206 BC by a Chinese historian! Of course, these were natural pearls. Natural pearls are formed when a nasty little piece of sand, or other irritant, gets stuck in a mollusk by accident.  (Ouch!  It must be like getting a piece sand in your eye.  What happens to me?  Naturally, tears!)  Well, the poor little mollusk doesn’t want to hurt, either, so it drops “tears” of nacre around the irritant so it’s not so painful.  That painful little piece of sand, over time, becomes a beautiful jewel.  (Thought:  don’t poo-poo the irritants in your life.  They are creating a beautiful jewel – YOU!) 

 

Nowadays, cultured pearls have the stage. They are created with the same process.  The difference is the irritant was placed there on purpose.  Seems fitting they are known as the “Gem of Purity” with all that purifying going on!

 

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J351379 - When gifting this ring made in Israel, let her know how her internal beauty is a gift to you and should share it with others!

 

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J333068 - Considering how much this woman means to you, get her both the necklace and the earrings!

 

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J351539 - A timepiece she will wear every day.  Every day she’ll think of you, and smile, knowing it was you that gave her such a special gift!

 

Enjoy discovering more gorgeous blue and white gemstone jewelry on qvc.com or if you need help, please comment on my NancyHornbackQVC Facebook page!  I’m always happy to geek out on gems!  Look for my upcoming “Gem Colors of Christmas” blog!

 

Happy Hanukkah, Friends!

 

Nancy Hornback

QVC Program Host

Graduate Gemologist, GIA

 

Stay Connected with Nancy:

Email: n_hornback@qvc.com

Facebook: NancyHornbackQVC

 

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