peridot - Leo Hamel

Did You Know Each Anniversary Has a Special Gemstone?

2024-02-162024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

An anniversary is a joyous occasion, a time to honor and celebrate the love that you and your spouse share. Whether you’ve been married for years, or are just beginning your journey as newlyweds, there’s no better way to mark your time together than with breathtaking anniversary jewelry. Jewelry is romantic and everlasting, a gift that can be cherished long into the future.

Best of all, each anniversary is traditionally marked by an alluring colored gemstone or precious metal, so shopping for anniversary jewelry is that much easier! If you’re in need of a little inspiration before you shop, we’ve put together a quick list of anniversary jewelry gift ideas that are certain to make your sweetheart swoon.

First Anniversary

The traditional gift for first anniversaries is gold, while the modern alternative is green peridot. Gold is commonly used for jewelry and watchmaking, meaning your options will be plentiful if you decide to go the traditional route. A gold bangle bracelet or gold hoop earrings is a gift that she can wear every day or give him a gold link chain that he may never take off. Set the gemstone peridot into gold jewelry, and you’ve got both anniversary markers in one. This enchanting green gemstone can be found in all types of anniversary jewelry. Surprise her with an elegant pair of peridot stud earrings for a unique gift that she surely won’t expect.

Fifth Anniversary

To mark the 5th wedding anniversary, you can give the gift of sapphire or pink tourmaline. Both richly colored gemstones make a spectacular surprise for the loved one in your life. A pink tourmaline pendant is a vibrant accessory to compliment her favorite outfit. Maybe he’d love a deep, blue sapphire ring that makes him look and feel like royalty. If blue is not their best color, not to worry! Sapphires come in a spectrum of colors like warm, golden yellows and enchanting, rich purples, so there’s something for every taste!

Tenth Anniversary

10^th anniversaries are traditionally celebrated with every woman’s favorite gemstone – the diamond! There is a wealth of options to choose from when it comes to diamond anniversary jewelry. Dazzle her with a delicate diamond pendant that she can wear with anything. Or perhaps a vintage diamond ring to symbolize your continued love and commitment to her. One or two diamond stud earrings make an elegant gift that any pierced man is sure to love. No matter what you choose, you can never go wrong with sparkling diamond anniversary jewelry.

Fifteenth Anniversary

Romantic red rubies are the traditional gemstone to mark 15^th wedding anniversaries, while alexandrite is the modern alternative. If you’re celebrating 15 years with your sweetheart, these two popular gemstones make a superb gift. She’ll look ravishing in a ruby bracelet, or even a charming ruby brooch. If he’s a sharp dressed man, give him ruby cufflinks. Rubies look great on their own but are exceptionally beautiful when paired with diamonds.

Alexandrite, on the other hand, has unique color changing properties that make it especially attractive in anniversary jewelry. This exotic gemstone is known as the “emerald by day, ruby by night,” appearing to be a greenish blue color in daylight, and a deep red to purple in darker environments. If she loves pieces that are uncommon, she’ll be mesmerized by a piece of alexandrite anniversary jewelry.

Twentieth Anniversary

20 years of marriage is quite an accomplishment, and a wonderful excuse to spoil your loved one. The traditional gemstone for 20^th anniversaries is emerald, and the contemporary alternative is yellow diamond. These vibrant, colorful gemstones look beautiful when they’re set in jewelry, and will surely brighten every day. A vintage emerald cocktail ring is an eye-catching statement piece that she’ll love to accessorize with, and his yellow diamond ring will be the envy of his friends. Or give her a special glow in a pair of brilliant yellow diamond earrings. What better way to show them just how much you’ve cherished the last 20 years than with splendid emerald and yellow diamond anniversary jewelry?

Thirtieth Anniversary

The 30^th year of marriage is celebrated with pearls and is known as the pearl jubilee. Pearls are classic and timeless, a fitting representation of your love that has endured for so long. An elegant strand of pearls makes a charming gift, one that she’ll wear for many years to come. If she prefers something with a bit of sparkle, opt for a pair of pearl earrings with diamond accents.

Pearls may be traditionally worn by women, but famous men in music and film are now wearing pearls, from chokers to earrings. Pearls come in a variety of colors besides the conventional white. Golden pearls, for example, have a warm, champagne colored glow that looks especially glamorous. She’ll be itching to get dressed up and show off her new pearl anniversary jewelry!

Fiftieth Anniversary

Not many couples can boast that they’ve made it 50 years with their better half. Imagine all the tender moments you’ve undoubtedly shared with someone after so many years living as one. 50 years should be celebrated spectacularly, which is why it’s known as the golden jubilee. For your first gold anniversary, you may not have been able to afford anything extravagant. After half a century together, you’re able to splurge on something truly special for your loved one. A luxurious gold watch always makes a wonderful gift for the man of your life, and a gold diamond bracelet is one perfect gift to completely dazzle your woman.

Anniversary Jewelry in San Diego

Shopping for an upcoming anniversary with your loved one? We can help you to make it an event to remember! Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth, Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers is your go-to San Diego jewelry store for beautiful, one-of-a-kind anniversary jewelry. Our selection of gemstone jewelry is vast, so there’s no shortage of options when choosing the perfect gift!

The Perfect End of Summer Birthstone

2023-08-042024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Peridot, the birthstone for August babies, is sure to make you green with envy. A gem variety of olivine, peridot is composed primarily of two minerals: fayalite and forsterite. The presence of iron, which is rich in fayalite, is what gives peridot its signature green hue. Peridots are one of the few gemstones that occur in one consistent color. However, they can be found in shades ranging from light yellowish green to deep olive. Celebrating the August born in your life? Learn all you need to know about gorgeous green peridots here!

Is Peridot from Outer Space?

Peridot crystals have been discovered in meteorite particles left over from our solar system’s conception! Olivine traces have also been found in stardust, indicating that this gemstone can form even in the cosmos. If you’re looking for a truly otherworldly gemstone, peridot is for you!

Here on Earth, peridot is the only gemstone other than diamond that is found within the earth’s inner mantle rather than originating from the earth’s top layer crust. Peridot is commonly mined in Egypt, China, Myanmar, the Red Sea, and Mexico. In the 1990s, peridots experienced a revival of popularity when new deposits were unearthed in Pakistan.

They are mined within the U.S. as well, specifically in Arizona. The state is home to the San Carlos Reservation – the largest peridot producer in the world. However, its most ancient sources originate from St. John’s Island, also known as Zabargad Island, off the coast of Egypt. This gemstone is particularly revered in Egypt, where it is the country’s National Gem. Also, it was the ancient Egyptians who referred to peridots as “gems of the sun.” In fact, some modern historians believe that Cleopatra’s beloved emeralds may have in fact been peridots.

August Birthstone Meaning

Known to the ancient Hebrews, peridot also has biblical references and was later used by Europeans after the crusades to embellish churches and cathedrals. Ancient lore said the peridot would bring the wearer good luck, relieve anxiety, and inspire confidence. It was worn as a talisman to ward off evil spirits, night terrors, and other dark magic.

It is believed that peridots have the spiritual properties to help heal relationships during times of conflict. This is because it is thought to clear the mind and open the heart. Peridot is also known for relieving stress by helping one balance their emotions. It has often been referred to as the “evening emerald” because ancient miners would search for peridot in the evening when its color would shine as brightly as emeralds under lamplight.

Along with being the birthstone for August, peridot is also traditionally gifted for a 16^th wedding anniversary. It is a magnificent gem, not only for its beauty and spiritual properties, but because it is also very affordable. If you’re looking for an alternative to an emerald, peridot might fit the bill! Some of the deeper green variations of peridot do resemble emerald.

Visit Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers in San Diego today to shop for the perfect peridot jewelry for your August born loved one, or maybe to celebrate 16 years of wedded bliss! Whatever occasion you’re shopping for, you’re sure to find a peridot piece they’ll love here at Leo Hamel’s!

What Properties are Gemstones Associated With?

2022-10-262024-05-28 by Rylee Kahan

Have you ever wondered what properties certain gemstones hold? Or maybe you’ve been wanting to surround yourself with gemstones that are associated with certain feelings. There are many feelings and properties that gemstones can be associated with. The main four are: Love, Protection, Anxiety, and Wealth. Let’s talk about where these stones come from along with the ancient deities and property they’re connected to.

Love

Rose Quartz – Comes from Japan, Madagascar, Brazil, and the USA. Linked to Aphrodite and Adonis. Speaks to every kind of love: healing communication with family, developing a deeper connection with a spouse, or guiding you through self-love.

Rhodochrosite – Comes from Argentina, South Africa, Peru, Montana, Russia, China, Mexico, Gabon, and Japan. Linked to Aphrodite and Persephone. Tied to the heart chakra, this stone encourages you to put yourself first and will help you sort through emotions.

Pink Tourmaline – Comes from the USA, Brazil, Nigeria, Mozambique, Madagascar, Afghanistan, and Namibia. This stone encourages you to heal old wounds and open your heart chakra. It brings comfort and compassion when you need it.

Yellow Jasper – Comes from Africa, Brazil, India, Madagascar, South Africa, Russia, Venezuela, Australia, Uruguay, and the USA. Linked to Persephone. Encourages learning and attracts positive energy for building self-confidence.

Garnet – Comes from Brazil, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Russia, the USA, and China. Linked to Artemis, Ares, Persephone, and Hestia. This stone is connected to your root chakra and is great for building last relationships. It gives the confidence you need to ask for what you want and to avoid jealousy in relationships.

Aventurine – Comes from India, Chile, Spain, and Russia. Linked to Dionysus and Persephone. Aventurine bring prosperity and luck in love, and is great to have when you’re looking for a relationship.

Moonstone – Comes from Sri Lanka, Southern India, Australia, Armenia, Mexico, Brazil, and the USA. Linked to Artemis, Nyx, and Selene. If you’re looking to find that missed connection or rekindle an old relationship, this is the stone to keep. Moonstone brings the balance and calm needed to mend relationships.

Gemstones for Protection

Obsidian – Comes from Mount Hekla in Iceland, Eolie Islands off the coast of Italy, and Obsidian Cliff in Yellowstone National Park. Linked to Pele, Hephaestus, and Hades. Obsidian is the protector of the heart and helps you by bringing safety into your relationships.

Lapiz Lazuli – Comes from Afghanistan, Chile, Serbia, the USA, and Myanmar. Linked to Aphrodite, Athena, Zeus, and Hera. This stone provides the protection needed to speak as your authentic self and is connected to your throat chakra.

Black Tourmaline – Brazil, Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, and Namibia. Linked to Aradia and Hecate. Black Tourmaline releases negative energy from your mind and inspires a positive attitude.

Smoky Quartz – Comes from Mozambique, Switzerland, Brazil, the USA, Madagascar, Australia, and Scotland. Linked to Persephone, Ares, and Gaia. Protecting you from fear, negative thoughts, instability, and depression, this stone is often used for grounding.

Amethyst – Comes from Brazil, Uruguay, South Korea, Russia, the USA, and Southern India. Linked to Dionysus and Artemis. Providing healing energy and peace, amethyst is often kept after a breakup to nurture self-worth.

Carnelian – India, Brazil, Egypt, and Uruguay. Linked to Pele, Hephaestus, and Apollo. Carnelian protects you from fear and provides a sense of safety to take risks and try new things.

Hematite – Comes from sedimentary deposits in Lake Superior, Brazil, Venezuela, and Canada. Linked to Hephaestus, Ares, Hades, and Aradia. This stone protects you from negative energies of those around you and it kept to boost self-esteem, confidence, and willpower.

Anxiety

Amethyst – Comes from Brazil, Uruguay, South Korea, Russia, the USA, and Southern India. Linked to Dionysus and Artemis. In respect to anxiety, amethyst encourages balanced emotions, courage, and decision-making.

Labradorite – Comes from Canada, Poland, Norway, and Finland. Linked to Hecate. Labradorite helps you see the light at the end of the tunnel and provides new perspective.

Rhodonite – Comes from Russia, Sweden, New South Wales, California, and New Jersey. Linked to Aphrodite. Clearing away past emotional wounds, rhodonite eases the anxiety of new relationships.

Kyanite – Comes from Myanmar, Cambodia, Kenya, Nepal, Tibet, Brazil, Switzerland, Russia, and Virginia. Linked to Nemetona. Kyanite brings tranquility to anxious minds and encourages meaningful communication.

Howlite – Comes from Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Canada, Turkey, Mexico, Germany, Russia, and California. Linked to Selene. This stone is a calming stone and rids you of rage, pain, and stress. Howlite also teaches patience, calm communication, and emotional expression.

Selenite – Comes from Mexico, Poland, Russia, Greece, Japan, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, and the USA. Linked to Artemis and Selene. Selenite promotes mental clarity and deep healing, minimizing the weight that anxiety holds.

Shungite – Comes from Shunga Village in Karelia, Russia. Linked to Bacchus. This stone helps ground you and eliminate bad luck and bad energies.

Gemstones for Wealth

Pyrite – Comes from Italy, Spain, Kazakhstan, and the USA. Linked to Apollo, Hephaestus, Athena, and Persephone. This stone enhances connection, protection, and security to bring good fortune and prosperity.

Green Jade – Comes from Myanmar, New Zealand, Canada, Taiwan, Guyana, Surinam, Southern Europe, Russia, and China. Linked to Dionysus and The Fates. Green Jade brings the wholesome and nurturing nature of the Earth to increase physical prosperity and wellbeing in your life.

Amazonite – Comes from Brazil, Peru, Pike’s Peak in Colorado, and Virginia. Linked to Athena and Artemis. Connected to the heart and throat chakra, amazonite brings self-discipline, creativity, and compassion to help make dreams a reality.

Peridot – Comes from China, Myanmar, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, and the USA. Linked to Pele and Apollo. Peridot rids you of a bad conscious to assist you with your mistakes and provide space for great prosperity.

Malachite – Comes from Congo, Gabon, Zambia, Namibia, Mexico, Australia, and Russia. Linked to Hathor. Malachite helps you recognize and use your power, protects against harm, and brings wealth.

Citrine – Comes from Brazil, Russia, and Madagascar. Linked to Apollo, Hestia, and Demeter. Citrine promotes positivity, drives personal growth, and improves motivation to help you increase self-esteem, optimism, and good luck.

Tigers Eye – Comes from Griqueatown West in South Africa and Wittenoom Gorge in Western Australia. Linked to Ares. Tigers Eye is tied to the root and sacral chakra which help you get grounded. This stone helps you build a safe and strong foundation to increase motivation and bring good fortune.

Gemstones in San Diego

If you’re looking to increase these qualities in your life, visit our showroom on San Diego Avenue to find the perfect gemstone jewelry piece!