December Birthstones: Blue Topaz and Turquoise

December’s traditional birthstone is Blue Topaz. The name topaz is derived from the Indian Sanskrit word tapas, meaning fire. Another theory is that topaz derives its name from the Island of Topazos, in the Red Sea, where the Romans obtained a stone which they called by this name, but which was the modern chrysolite or peridot. Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine. Under the correct conditions, Topaz can grow to enormous sizes. Topaz typically occurs in cavities in rhyolite and granite, in pegmatite dikes, and in high-temperature veins in host rock.


Water Element Ring with Blue Topaz

Pure topaz is colorless and transparent but is usually tinted by impurities. Topaz can be found in varying shades of blue, yellow, gray, orange, red, brown, white, pale green, and pink. The crystals can have an opaque to transparent/translucent quality. While there are many colors of Topaz available Blue shades are the only stones traditionally associate with December. The blue hue is created with Topaz is heated, whether the heat sources is naturally or introduced manually by man. The three shades of Blue Topaz are Sky, Swiss and London Blue. Sky Blue Topaz, Swiss Blue Topaz, London Blue Topaz are names used in the gem trades to refer to the depth of color. Sky Blue is the lightest while London Blue is the darkest blue. The best deposits of Topaz can be found in Russia, Siberia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Africa and China, Japan, Pakistan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Australia, Mexico, and in the United States (in Maine, New Hampshire, California, Colorado, and Utah).


Elven Gemstone Earrings with Blue Topaz

Blue Topaz was believed to have cooling properties for both liquids and hot tempered people by ancient civilizations. The Greeks believed it had power to increase strength and to make its wearer invisible while the Romans believed it had power to improve eyesight. The Egyptians wore it as an amulet to protect them from injury. A 13th century belief held that a topaz engraved with a falcon helped its wearer cultivate the good will of kings, princes and magnates.


Necklace of the Celts with Blue Topaz

The element associated with Topaz is Fire and its planetary rule is the Sun. Blue Topaz is known as a stone of love and fidelity. When worn, Blue Topaz strengthens faith and optimism, relieves depression, anger, fear, greed, and all troubling emotions. It is also believe to assist in recognizing your own abilities, attracts helpful people, aids in charisma and confidence.


Princess Filigree Earrings with Gemstones - Blue Topaz

Decembers alternative birthstone is Turquoise. The name comes from a French word which means "Stone of Turkey", due to the fact that it was initially brought to Europe by way of Turkey. It is one of the first gems to be used in jewelry. It has been mined by early Egyptians since at least 6000 BC. Most specimens are cryptocrystalline, meaning that the crystals can only be seen by a microscope. It is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper an aluminum. The finest turquoise comes from Iran but is challenged by some southwestern United States specimens. Lower quality turquoise is often dyed or color stabilized with coatings of various resins. This process is commonly referred to as Stabilizing as the coating gives the lower quality turquoise added strength. The color can change with exposure to skin oils if the stone has not been stabilized and therefore, jewelry should be wiped clean to deter this. Besides Iran, turquoise can be found in Arizona and New Mexico, USA, Australia, Afghanistan and other localities in the Middle East.



Ring of Ladies with Turquoise

Turquoise is a sacred stone for the North American Indians as well as the Tibetans, it is often used by shamans in rituals and ceremonies. North American Indians have a deep and ancient relationship with Turquoise and used it mosaic inlays, sculptural works, and fashioned the stones into toroidal beads and freeform pendants. It was and is still today considered a sacred stone, protecting the wearer against evil and ill health. The Navajo tribe used ground turquoise and coral in creating sand paintings to bring rain to parched lands. The Pueblos laid turquoise under the floor in offering to the deities when a kiva was built. Other American peoples attached turquoise to bows to ensure accurate shots. It has adorned the rulers of Ancient Egypt, the Aztecs, Persia, Mespotamia, the Indus Valley and to some extent in ancient China since at least the Shang Dynasty.


Gift Goddess Necklace, The Gift of Friendship - Turquoise

The element associate with Turquoise is Earth and its plantar rule is Venus and Neptune. Turquoise is seen as a very strong protective stone. It is commonly refereed to as the gemstone of friendship and luck. It is also believe to increase courage, health, and invite love to the wearer.


Spider with Gemstone Abdomen Web Necklace (Turquoise)


Posy Ring with Gemstone - Turquoise

November Birthstones: Yellow Topaz and Citrine

November’s traditional birthstone is Precious Yellow Topaz. The name topaz is derived from the Indian Sanskrit word tapas, meaning fire. Another theory is that topaz derives its name from the Island of Topazos, in the Red Sea, where the Romans obtained a stone which they called by this name, but which was the modern chrysolite or peridot. Topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine. Under the correct conditions, Topaz can grow to enormous sizes. Topaz typically occurs in cavities in rhyolite and granite, in pegmatite dikes, and in high-temperature veins in host rock.

Sterling Silver Celtic Hart Ring with Yellow Topaz

Pure topaz is colorless and transparent but is usually tinted by impurities. Topaz can be found in varying shades of yellow, gray, orange, red, blue, brown, white, pale green, and pink. Pink and Orange-red Imperial Topaz are among the rarest natural colors and therefore the most expensive. The crystals can have an opaque to transparent/translucent quality. While there are many colors of Topaz available Yellow shades are the only stones traditionally associate with November. Yellow Topaz ranges in color from a peachy blush to a deep cognac. The best deposits of Topaz can be found in Russia, Siberia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Africa and China, Japan, Pakistan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Australia, Mexico, and in the United States (in Maine, New Hampshire, California, Colorado, and Utah).


Sterling Silver Rococo Gemstone Necklace with Yellow Topaz

The Greeks believed it had power to increase strength and to make its wearer invisible while the Romans believed it had power to improve eyesight. The Egyptians wore it as an amulet to protect them from injury. Ancient Egyptians believed topaz’s golden color was the glow cast by the sun God Ra. A 13th century belief held that a topaz engraved with a falcon helped its wearer cultivate the good will of kings, princes and magnates.

Sterling Silver Elven Leaf Ring with Gemstone: Yellow Topaz

The element associated with Topaz is Fire and its planetary rule is the Sun. Topaz is known as a stone of love and good fortune. When worn, Yellow Topaz strengthens faith and optimism, relieves depression, anger, fear, greed, and all troubling emotions. It is also believe to assist in recognizing your own abilities, attracts helpful people, aids in charisma and confidence.

Sterling Silver Lord of The Rings Dwarven Ring of Power TM with Yellow Topaz

November’s alternative birthstone is Citrine. The name Citrine comes from an old French word, “citrin”, which means lemon. Citrine is a lovely yellowish gem belonging to the quartz family. Citrine ranges in color from a pale yellow to brown. Natural Citrine is one of the more rare forms of quartz. Citrine crystals are found in igneous metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Most Citrine is mined in Brazil, but can also be found in Ural Mountains of Russia, in Dauphine, France, and in Madagascar.

Sterling Silver Baroque Gemstone Necklace with Natural Citrine

Citrine has been popular for thousands of years and used to be revered for its rarity, though that has changed with time. The ancient Romans used it for beautiful jewelry and intaglio work. It was also very popular for jewelry in the 19th century. During the Art Deco period between World Wars I and II, large citrines were set in many prized pieces, including the massive and elaborate Art Deco inspired jewelry pieces made for big Hollywood stars such as Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford.

Sterling Silver Celtic Heart Knot Necklace with Natural Citrine

The element associated with Citrine is Fire and its planetary rule is the Sun. Citrine is seen as a Projective stone and aids in protection, intellectual powers, luck, success, will power, courage and self-confidence. Citrine can be worn at night to remove fear, to prevent nightmares and ensure a good night’s sleep.

October's Birthstones: Opal and Pink Tourmaline

October's birthstone is Opal. Opal comes from the Latin word "opalus", which means precocious stone. Opals contain the full color spectrum like a rainbow with a white light broken up into may hues. It is a non-crystallized silica, a mineral found near the earth's surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once existed. As the spring dried up, layers of the silica that had combined with water, were deposited into the cracks and cavities of the bedrock forming Opal. Opal is a fairly common mineral found throughout the entire earth. Most opal does not have the play of colors that people are used to seeing in jewelry, most opal is a solid white. This non-color exhibiting mineral is referred to as Common Opal. When opal exhibits a color play it is called Precious Opal. Precious Opal refracts and reflects wavelengths of light and can be found in every color of the rainbow. Fire Opal is any Red or Orange colored Opal, most specifically referring to Opal found in Mexico. Most Opal is found in Australia, but it can also be found in Brazil, Mexico, Czechoslovakia and Nevada.


Designer Original 14k Gold Dolphin Opal Necklace

In the Orient, opal was called the "anchor of hope" and in Arabia it was said to have fallen from the heaves in a flash of lightning. The Roman's called Opal "Cupid Paederos", meaning a "child as beautiful as love”, and wore it a symbol of hope, purity, and love. To the Romans, Opal was valued second only to Emeralds as it was seen to embody all precious gems within itself.


Sterling Silver Nenya TM with Natural Opal

Traditionally Opal was the preferred gemstone used in engagement rings, that is until around the 19th century. A nasty, completely false rumor was started, many believed by diamond brokers, that opals were bad luck and would cause the wearer harm. This fear was heightened in 1829 when Sir Walter Scott published Anne of Gerstein. In this book the main character dies and her death is attributed to wearing Opal. During this time diamonds were being toted as the "pure" stone and the reputation stuck ever since.


Sterling Silver Scarab Ring with Natural Opal

Metaphysically, Opals are thought to bring out inner beauty of the wearer and are seen as a very powerful luck-bringing stone. Opal is seen as one of the most powerful stones. Because of its multicolor nature it is believed to hold the powers of all gemstones and all colors and is associated with all elements. Other common uses for opal are healing, soothing, de-stressing, attracting love, bringing wisdom and compassion, aiding in sleep and peaceful dreams, aiding in friendship, growth, and prosperity. Fire Opals are often used to draw money.


Sterling Silver Water Element Ring with Natural Opal

October's alternative birthstone is Pink Tourmaline. Tourmaline comes in the spectrum of all colors, but is most commonly found in green, pink and yellow. Tourmaline is a complex aluminous borosilicate mineral built of crystals with complicated aggregations of sodium, aluminum, boron, oxygen, hydrogen and silicon atoms. What determines the color of the tourmaline is the presence of other metals within the crystal structure. Pink tourmaline is caused by the presence of manganese. The highest quality of pink tourmaline is known as rubellite. Most tourmaline gemstones will change color under different types of light.


Sterling Silver Rococo Gemstone Necklace with Pink Tourmaline

Tourmaline has an unusual property than that of other gemstones. When the stone is warmed or rubbed it polarizes, that is one end becomes positively charged, and it will attracts small bit of paper, lint and ash. This happens because the gem becomes charged with static electricity. Benjamin Franklin actually used tourmaline in his studies of electricity. Exhibits of tourmaline at museums require frequent cleaning because the heat from the lights in the display cases creates a charge in the stone and then they attract dust.


Sterling Silver Celtic Hart Ring with Pink Tourmaline

The element associated in with Pink Tourmaline is Water. It is a stone that is thought to draw love and friendship to the wearer. Common metaphysical uses of Pink Tourmaline are for soothing and de-stressing, bringing wisdom and compassion to the wearer, aiding in eloquence and peaceful sleep, and helping with fertility and prosperity.


Sterling Silver Skull and Crossbones ring with Gemstone Eyes

Tips From the Badali Jewelry Jewelers - Tarnish Happens

It's true, all forms of Silver (including Sterling Silver), Copper, Bronze and even Gold, all tarnish with time and exposure. But what exactly is tarnish? Tarnish is a a thin layer that forms over the surface of metals as their outermost layers undergo a chemical reaction. These reactions are typically due to time, humidity and chemical exposure. To get a better understanding about tarnish, lets look at each metal one at a time.

Silver - Remember how mom and grandma had to polish the good silver every Thanksgiving because in the year it had set in its box it became discolored? It's the same thing with silver jewelry. Silver tarnish can look gold, yellow, brown, black or even green in color. Silver is quite resistant to corrosion, but is tarnished by materials containing sulfur, such as eggs, mustard, rubber and air. The more humid the air the more quickly tarnish will form. Silver tarnish contains only black Ag₂S, since silver resists oxidation and does not form a carbonate.


An example of tarnish on Silver.

Copper/Bronze - Copper and Bronze can either form tarnish or patina on its surface with time and exposure to the air. The CO₂ in moist air creates a layer of CuCO₃·Cu(OH)₂, a basic copper carbonate called verdigris of a greenish color, called a patina, considered to be attractive. Otherwise, as in most copper and bronze used in jewelry as well as household goods, oxygen and sulfur make a film of black CuO or CuS tarnish. This happens very slowly, and the copper or bronze is not corroded.


An example of Copper tarnish and bright Copper finish.

Gold - It is rarer to see tarnish on gold, because it is naturally resistant to tarnish, but tarnish on alloyed golds does happen. Tarnish on gold usually looks brown or black. Typically tarnish on alloyed gold forms due to highly acidic perspiration, lotions, perfumes or other beauty products building up on the jewelry. The amount of alloy in a piece of gold also effect how reactive it will be. Gold is a relatively soft metal and needs to be alloyed in order to be used in jewelry. The higher the karat of gold, the lower the amount of alloy in the piece. People who have allergic reactions to gold typically need to wear a higher karat. Typically the highest karat gold offered in jewelry is 18k or 22k gold. Any higher then that and the pieces is far to soft for daily wear. It should also be stated that the higher the karat of gold, the softer the metal is.


An example of a tarnish on a piece of Gold jewelry.

So lets look at the most common reasons for tarnish, keep in mind tarnish is a natural occurrence. Temperature, the warmer a piece gets the quicker the reaction occurs. When you perspire, fats and fatty acids released in the perspiration can cause tarnish and sometime an allergic reaction called the green finger effect (for silver and gold). This problem can be worse in seacoast areas, where chlorides combine with the perspiration to form a corrosive element that discolors skin. Lotions, perfumes, body mists, makeup and other beauty products can cause your jewelry to discolor. Chemicals like chlorine are killers for jewelry. Not only will the chlorine discolor your jewelry, it will corrode or eat away at your jewelry. We always recommend removing any jewelry on when you go swimming or hot tubing. Even smog fumes will gradually tarnish jewelry and its effect is evident as tarnish that rubs off on the skin. And lets not forget the biggest and most unavoidable culprit in tarnishing, time. There are traces off all the chemicals that will cause metal to tarnish in the very air we breath and over time they will slowly react and form tarnish.

Here's the good news, tarnish is not a big deal. Tarnish can be quite easily removed by using chemically treated polishing cloths or dips. We recommend using the polishing cloths as the dips tend to leave a film on jewelry and can even make them tarnish quicker. You can find jewelry polishing cloths at any jewelry counter or jewelry store. Sometimes thicker grimier tarnish forms on jewelry, this tarnish is usually caused by lotion, make up or some other substance. You typically can remove most of this tarnish by hand with a cloth, but if its particularly stubborn just take it to a jewelry and let them clean it for you. The jeweler will most likely place the piece of jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner which will pulverize any grime that has formed on your jewelry. After the bath the ring will typically be rinsed off using a steam cleaner, removing any trace of cleaning compounds.

Here are a few tips to help avoid advancing the tarnish of your jewelry. Keep your jewelry out of humid places, like in your bathroom. Keep your jewelry somewhere cooler, remember temperature quickens the tarnish process. Take your jewelry off (but take a care where you put it) whenever you apply lotions, perfumes or other beauty productions, this keeps the build up of these materials to a minimum. Never wear your jewelry swimming or hot tubing. Just remember, chlorine is bad, bad, bad for your jewelry, especially gold. If you plan on putting your jewelry away for awhile it never hurts to store it in a small plastic or air tight bag. This will help limit the amount of air that your jewelry is exposed to.

We hope this information has proven useful. As always, please feel free to contact us if you should ever have any questions.

September's Birthstones: Blue Sapphire and Lapis Lazuli

Sorry everyone that this is so late. September has been a bear of a month for us, a good bear, one that you would love to pet and keep forever, but a bear none the less.


Sterling Silver LOTR Vilya

September's birthstone is Blue Sapphire. The name Sapphire comes from the Greek word "Sapphirus", meaning blue. You may be asking yourself "I thought all Sapphire's were blue?" Not so. Sapphire is a verity of the mineral Corundum, which is the second hardest natural mineral known to mankind. Corundum comes in just about every color you can imagine, with Red being identified as Ruby, all other colors are identified as Sapphires. Blue colored Sapphire's are the traditional birthstone of September and are the most highly prized color of Sapphires. Sapphire is found in Australia, Sri Landa, Kashmir, Myanmar, Thailand, Burma, Kampuchea, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, China, and the United States.


Designer Original 14k Gold Natural Sapphire Necklace

Ancient legend believe that the world is set upon a giant sapphire and it is it's reflection which colors the sky blue. The folk name for Sapphire is Holy Stone and the ancient Greeks identified it with Apollo. Sapphires were worn by the Greeks when consulting oracles such as the famous oracle at Delphi. It was and is still warn today to stimulate the third eye for the purpose of expanding psychic awareness. Sapphires have been favored by royalty and priests because of because its symbolic nature of wisdom and purity. Sapphires are prominently used among the British Crown Jewels.


Sterling Silver Snake Knot Ring with Gemstone Eyes

The element associate with Sapphire is Water and it's planetary rule is the Moon. When worn it is believed that the stone promotes fidelity and attunes the feelings between lovers. It is also believed to be a guardian stone, protecting from "devils and evil" and promoting health, peace, and wisdom in the wearer. Sapphires are also believed to draw money and success to it's owner.


Sterling Silver Sovereign Lord's Ring with Natural Lapis Lazuli

Septembers alternative Birthstone is Lapis Lazuli. The name is composed from "lapis", the Latin word for stone and "azula" the Arabic word which means blue. Sometimes abbreviated as just Lapis, it is a stone that has be highly prized throughout time for its intensely blue color. Lapis Lazuli usually occurs in crystalline marble as a result of contact metamorphism. The finest specimens are intense blue with a light spattering of small flecks of golden pyrite. The best Lapis has been mined for more then 5000 years in Hindu Kush in the north-east of Afghanistan. It can also be found in Russia, in the Chilean Andes and in smaller amount in Italy, Mongolia, the USA, Canada, Myanmar and Pakistan.


Sterling Silver Large Nouveau Fairy Necklace with Gemstone

It is believed to be one of the first gemstones used as jewelry. In ancient Egypt Lapis Luli was a favorite stone for amulets and ornaments like scarabs. It was also used by the Assyrians and Babylonians for seals. In a powdered form, Lapis was used as eyeshadow by Cleopatra. In ancient times, it was commonly called Sapphire. More recently, up until the 19th century, it was ground to a powder and processed to make ulramarine pigment for tempera paint and sometimes oil paint. Many paintings of the Madonna used pigments made from Lapis Lazuli due to the vibrant hue of blue it created.


Sterling Silver Ring of Ladies

The element associated with Lapis is Water and it's planetary rule is the Venus. The stone is believed to be a strong healing and soothing stone. It is said that by simply touching the body with this stone it improves your mental, physical, spiritual, psychic and emotional condition. It is also believe to be an uplifting stone, the deep blue color reflecting peaceful vibrations and is useful for relieving depression and stimulating gentleness. Wearing Lapis Lazuli is also believed to promote joy, love, fidelity, protection and courage to the wearer.

Jewelry Background Post - Thor's Hammer, Mjolnir (Mjollnir/Mjöllnir)

This month’s Jewelry Background Post is about our Thor's Hammer Necklaces. At the end of this entry there will be a special coupon code good for 20% off both the Plain Thor's Hammer Necklace and the Thor's Hammer Necklace with Enamel (in Sterling Silver and 14k Gold).


Thor's Hammer Necklace in Sterling Silver.

Our Thor's Hammer necklaces were created by Jeweler Ryan Cazier in the early 2000's. A self proclaimed Norse Mythology buff, Ryan created the original Thor's Hammer by hand using carving wax. The design was inspired by the shapes of old Scandinavian Thor's Hammer necklaces found in ancient graves. Ryan incorporated lightening blots at the very top of the hammer, acknowledging the fact that Mjollnir is a symbol of lighting itself. The rough pattern on the handle was meant to symbolize that the hammer could not be picked up with bear hands, as even Thor had to grasp the hammer with magical gauntlets. Mjollnir is written on the hammer using Elder Futhark runes and reads right to left, like ancient Norse script. Only one L appears on the hammer, as the ancient Norse people did not traditional spell using double letters. The enamel that is used in the hammers, is hand mixed one color at a time. Each color is specially formalized by Ryan Cazier. Once mixed, the enamel is applied by hand and heat treated to give it a durable, glossy surface.


Thor's Hammer with Red Enamel in Sterling Silver

And now for a bit of Mythology on Thor and Mjollnir.

Thor is the Norse god of Thunder, Storms and Farming, but more then that Thor was the God of the warriors and the common people. Though his father Odin was of higher rank, Thor appeared to be the most loved and worshiped of all the Norse deities. He was the protector of both the Gods and humans from evil, mainly the giants and Jormungand, the Midgard Serpent. When the Norse people saw thunder and lightening they believed it was Thor fighting evil forces or riding his chariot across the sky.


Thor's Hammer Necklace in 14k Gold

Thor's chief weapon was his mighty hammer Mjollnir, made for him by the dwarfs Brok and Eitri. Originally commissioned by Loki in a bet, Thor was given the hammer by the dwarfs. Mjollnir was a fierce weapon, capable of leveling mountains. When thrown in battle Mjollnir would magically return to Thor's hand like a boomerang and was a symbol of lightening. Mjollnir also had the power to restore life to the dead. The connection of Thor's hammer with life gave rise to the Norse custom of placing a hammer in a brides lap on her wedding day and of raising a hammer over a newborn child. The ancient Norse people wore small depictions of Thor's hammer around their necks as symbol of Thor, a protection charm, and to ensure fertility. The practice of wearing a hammer as a symbol of Thor lasted well into the Christianization of Scandinavia. As Christianity spread across Scandinavia the Thor's hammers that were worn started to resemble crosses more and more, supporting the theory that ancient Scandinavians though sworn to Christian rule were still paying homage to the Norse deities. It is still common practice in most Scandinavia countries that young boys are given a hammer necklace as a part of ancestral tradition and as a symbol of protection.


Thor's Hammer Necklace with Sapphire Enamel in 14k Gold

The discount coupon code for this month is: BLG8THR and will be good until 9/17/2010 for 20% off either our THOR-01 and THOR-02 in both Sterling Silver and 14k Gold. Enter the coupon code during the check out process online or mention the code with any phone order.

A Geek Love Story - Forging a Comic-Con Engagement Ring

This story starts off like most; boy meets girl, girl falls for boy at Comic-Con '09, boy asks girl to marry him in Hall H in front of 6,000 people at Comic-Con '10. Ok, so maybe it's not a classic love story, but it is a true blue love story and we were lucky to play a part in it.

Our contribution to James and Se Young's love story started near the end of June when we received an email from James inquiring if we make custom engagement rings. His plan was to surprise the love of his life, Se Young, in asking her to marry him at Comic-Con '10. We jumped at the chance to aid James in his proposal and quickly started into designing a ring that would center around the concept of time. James, with the help of Se Young's best friend, obtained a few images of rings that Se Young had been interested in and forward them onto Janelle. With the aid of the images Janelle created a design that seemed to blow James's socks off.



The upside down set diamond was used to represent a sun dial and the roman numerals around the ring and tracer bands were to represent a clock face. When the tracer bands are added to the ring, they complete the clock face, symbolizing the culmination and unity of time and eternity.



The ring was executed to perfection by our lead jeweler and founder, Paul J. Badali. The entire ring was created by hand in a not-so-simple sequence of steps. Once the ring was completed it, took the breath away of everyone here at the shop. Loria even cried a little. Granted, she's pregnant and really prone to emotional outbursts.



The ring was set safely in a box and was not let out of the BJS Inc crew's sight the entire way to San Diego. On Saturday, Janelle had the pleasure to met up with James outside of the convention hall, hand delivered the ring and wished him luck. That night in front of 6,000 other Comic-Con attendees during the Kevin Smith panel, James asked Se Young to spend the rest of their geek lives together. Cheers and camera flashes filled Hall H as James sank to one knee and pulled out the ring. Although you could not hear her answer over the cheers of the crowed, we know she said yes as James slipped the ring on her finger and she kissed him fervently. They embraced and then were offered by Kevin Smith to have him marry them at next years Comic-Con.



As cool as that was, the only thing Janelle and Paul could think about was, "Does she like the ring?" They found out the next day when James and Se Young came by the booth to officially meet both of them. Both Paul and Janelle were delighted to hear that Se Young loved her ring and though that it was absolutely beautiful.



The experience is one that we all will never forget. We have the opportunity to create custom pieces for people every now and then, but we rarely have the chance to meet the people who purchase and receive the items in person. It touches us deeply to see that our work aids in creating such personal and important memories. We know that a piece of jewelry has the power to embody memories, but this is the first time that we have been able to witness the creation of one of those moments.

Congratulations and thanks again to James and Se Young. We at Badali Jewelry Specialties wish you the longest and happiest of lives together. We feel truly honored to have been the Lords of your Ring.

August's Birthstone: Peridot

August's birthstone is Peridot. Its name comes from the Arabic word "faridat," meaning gem. Peridot is a mineral named Olivine, magnesium iron silicate. Peridot crystals form in magma from the upper mantle (20 to 55 miles deep), and are brought to the surface by tectonic or volcanic activity where we find them in extrusive igneous rocks. The color is found in a variety of greens, ranging from light yellowish green to a dark olive. Early mining for this gem was done on Saint John's Island near Egypt around 1500 BC. Today, Peridot is mined in Burma, Norway, Brazil, Australia, Hawaii, the Congo, North Carolina and in Arizona.


Rococo Gemstone Necklace

Ancient Egyptians referred to Peridot as the "gem of the sun," because of their dazzling brilliance when seen in the desert sun. Peridot is sometimes referred to as an “Evening Emerald”. One myth to explain this name is that it was believed that the Peridot glowed with light even as darkness fell. Ancient Hawaiians believed that Peridot found in the black volcanic sands were the tears shed by Pele, the volcano goddess.


Elven Necklace

Peridot is strongly associated with nature and the Goddess. The Goddess represents the female, nurturing, creative aspect of the universal force. Understandingly, the element associated with Peridot is Earth.


Elven Gemstone Earrings

It is believed that when worn Peridot will help with physical detoxification. It is used to attract love, calm raging anger, soothe nervousness and to counter the effects of negative emotions. It is also used to heal emotional and physical pain, and to lighten suffering. If worn to bed it is believed to aid in restful sleeping.


Skull and Crossbones Ring with Gemstones