The Underwoods Journal
It's All About Citrine
As the temperature continues to drop, citrine can add some much-needed warmth into your life. It is often called the “gift from the sun” because of its golden glow. Citrine is the birthstone for November and is the preferred gift to give your loved one on your 13th wedding anniversary.Citrine has a rich history and a fair amount of folklore. The name "Citrine derives from the word “citron”, which is the French word for "lemon". This refers to its lemony luster that is a perfect complement to the warm colors of the fall season. Throughout history, people have believed that citrine carried the power to calm tempers, soothe anger, and manifest desires. To leverage these powers, Egyptians used citrine gems as talismans, the ancient Greeks carved iconic images into them, and Roman priests fashioned them into rings. Citrine was enormously popular in the 1940s because of its sunny color and dramatic proportions that suited the bold styles of the era. Today, citrine is relatively plentiful, and available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, making it ideal for someone looking for the perfect piece of jewelry to go with any outfit. Citrine is said to benefit you by helping the heart, kidneys, digestive tract, liver and muscles. Citrine is also known to promote creativity, help personal clarity, and eliminate self-destructive tendencies. Modern jewelry designers love to set citrine in yellow gold and combined it with other gemstones. Here at Underwoods, we paired this citrine necklace with the warmer colors of smoky quartz and mokaite set in 18K rose gold. Overall, citrine is a timeless gemstone with plenty of interesting benefits, history, and folklore that we at Underwoods would be happy to help you discover more about. Visit us anytime for more information at our storefront in Fayetteville at 611 W. Dickson Street from 10am-6pm Mon-Fri and 10am-5pm Sat or through email or phone at info@underwoods.com or 479-521-2000. Shop online by visiting our website at www.underwoods.com. Drawn to color and character? Explore gemstone jewelry.
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Tour of Tourmaline
The tourmaline gemstone is commonly known as the “Gemstone of the Rainbow” because of its wide variety of colors; such as pink, orchid, blue, green, red, yellow, black, brown and watermelon tourmaline. The formations of these colors have many different causes. For instance, trace amounts of iron and titanium induce the green and blue colors found in tourmaline, which range from a soft light mint color to a deep rich forest green. These colors are unique because many of the green tourmaline gemstones have pleochroism- which is an optical phenomenon where different colors can be perceived at various angles.PleochrosimThe rarest of color is found in the Paraiba Tourmaline. It is one of the most sought-after in the world because none of the other gemstones, including other tourmalines, have the vivid blue glow found in Paraiba. The difference is the small amounts of copper apparent in its formation, causing an incandescent glow that appears to light up the stone from within. Paraiba comes in colors ranging from turquoise to majestic blue-green and is almost always custom cut because of its extremely high value.Paraiba TourmalineTourmaline’s spectrum of colors doesn’t stop there. When manganese is present in the formation, it produces beautiful reds, pinks, and even yellows. These Underwood pieces are a perfect example of different shades that tourmaline can have. Notice the bracelet featuring an entire rainbow of tourmaline hues, from a light-yellow to deep red, blue, and brown, as pictured below. Finally, Watermelon Tourmaline is a popular, but rare, kind of tourmaline that exhibits pink, white, and green colors all within one crystal. It is known as a Master Heart crystal because its green and pink colors represent the colors of the heart. It is also said to have healing energies that work well with the heart’s emotions and energy. Watermelon Tourmaline is often used to assist in balancing and merging all the other tourmaline energies because it exhibits its most common hues all at once.Visit us at Underwoods Fine Jewelers in Fayetteville or explore our online website to view all the colors of tourmaline we have to offer. Each item is custom-made and displays the gem in a way that is just as unique as the person you are looking for. If you have any questions, you can find us at 611 W. Dickson Street from 10am-6pm Mon-Fri and 10am-5pm Sat or contact us at 479-521-2000 and info@underwoods.com. Drawn to color and character? Explore gemstone jewelry.
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Opals and What You Should Know
More than 90% of the world's precious opals come from Australia, and the rest can be found in other parts of the world such as Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, and the USA. With seasonal rains, silica deposits are carried underground between the layers of rock. When the water is evaporated, these deposits form tiny spheres. Opal’s flashing play-of-color is caused by dispersion of light by silica spheres stacked like tiny ping-pong balls in a box. There are many legends from ancient peoples that try explain this phenomenon. In Australia, they believed that the creator came to Earth on a rainbow, leaving these colorful stones where his feet touched the ground. Today, opal is prized for its unique play-of-color, which is how its value is determined. The finest opals possess broad patterns over the stone’s entire surface, in which all the colors of the spectrum are represented.Symbolism The ancient Romans and Europeans believed opal to be a symbol of love, hope, fidelity, and purity because it encompasses all the colors of all other gems. Many cultures have credited opal with supernatural origins and powers. The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and protected them from disease. Throughout most of history, opal has been regarded as the luckiest and most magical of all gems because of its many colors.Opal There are over a dozen variations of opal. White opal is the most common variety, displaying a milkier color with hints of the entire rainbow- making it ideal for statement jewelry that can be worn with anything. The piece we recommend to wear with any outfit is our 18K white gold ring with a 1.78 carat oval opal. It is adorned with 112 fully cut diamonds and takes on the timeless halo style.Black OpalBlack opal is among the most prized for its blue, gray, or black color. This type of opal has a darker base allowing for more rainbow colors to disperse- as shown in this custom-made ring. This immaculate ring is made in platinum and features a 4.35ct oval shaped black opal and has 42 fully cut diamonds.Fire Opal The Mexican Fire Opal gives off a glowing red-orange color, unique to its formation. It is created when water seeps into silica-rich lava. Then, under incredible heat and pressure, becomes trapped within itself. The result is a bold and breath-taking hue. Since the times of the Mayans and Aztecs, it has been regarded as giving its wearer confidence, energy, and joy. This Underwood pendant is made in 18K white gold and features a 3.04 carat cushion shaped Mexican Fire Opal and is surrounded by 25 fully cut diamonds.Boulder OpalBoulder Opal has a unique relationship with its host rocks in that you can see the formation behind them. The result is a surface of exotic patterns and celestial imagery. It is placed on creative display just as often as it is set in jewelry. For the boulder opal, Underwoods recommends this “trapeze” style necklace. It features a free-form shape 3.20 carat boulder opal made in 14K yellow gold that is surrounded in fully cut diamonds in the halo.Come see these amazing Opals and much more only here at Underwoods Fine Jewelers! Located at 611 W. Dickson Street in Fayetteville. Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm and Sat 10am-5pm. You can contact us at 479-521-2000 or info@underwoods.com. Drawn to color and character? Explore gemstone jewelry.
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Season of Sapphires
The month of September marks a beautiful seasonal change from summer to fall. Spectacular colors begin to reveal themselves, such as the burnt orange of pumpkins, the rust red of fallen leaves, the supernatural blues of the clouded sky, and the darker hue of green that covers the grassy fields. It is these colors, and more, that make an appearance in this month’s birthstone. Sapphire is known for its never-ending spectrum of colors, from its more common shades of blue to the gorgeous, and more rare, padparadscha sapphire. Whether you are looking for a way to compliment your look this season or want to liven up your style with a bold accent, the sapphire gemstone obtains a number of options to suit your needs. Our most popular sapphire piece is this multi-colored natural sapphire bracelet, which includes a wide range of colors- making it ideal for daily wear throughout the seasons. Sapphires come in almost every color except for red, and when it's red, it's considered to be a ruby! Sapphires are so versatile, you can wear them during every season. For Fall and Winter, wear bolder and warmer sapphires like orange, yellow and blue. During the Spring and Summer seasons, wear brighter sapphires like pink, purple and green. The best part is, sapphires are a nine on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means they are resistant to scratching and suitable for wearing every day. That is why, since the late 14th century, sapphires have been a favored precious jewel. They were often used as an alternative engagement ring by royal families, and that same trend continues today. Imaged below is Princess Eugenie with her beautiful light pink padparadscha sapphire engagement ring surrounded by a halo of diamonds. This colored sapphire is perfect for their fall wedding! After Princess Eugenie was engaged, padparadscha skyrocketed on social media and in jewelry stores. Kate Middleton is another royal bride who famously wears a blue sapphire ring- the same engagement ring that belonged to Prince William’s mother, Princess Diana. Blue sapphire is the most sought out with millennial brides who want an alternative engagement ring that will last a lifetime. Sapphires also have a great amount of symbolism. In the past, sapphires were thought to have healing powers. During the age of the Crusades, it was believed that a sapphire worn by an impure or deceptive person would fade, and so returning Crusaders would test the fidelity of their wives with sapphires. Today, sapphires symbolize wisdom, virtue, and good fortune – and in an engagement ring, they specifically symbolize faithfulness and sincerity. Here are some must have sapphires from Underwoods Fine Jewelers to get you through the upcoming seasons. Find the perfect shade of sapphire today! Visit us at 611 W. Dickson Street in Fayetteville, or contact us at 479-521-2000 and at info@underwoods.com. Start shopping our website today! Drawn to color and character? Explore gemstone jewelry.
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May Birthstone Reflects Green of Spring
The striking green emerald is a symbol of rebirth, making it the perfect birthstone for the month of May, with blooming flowers and green leaves in abundance. The word “emerald” comes from the Greek word for “green,” smaragdus. The hue of an emerald can fall anywhere between light green and a deep, rich green. Many emeralds are heat treated to deepen the color, as darker emeralds are more valuable. Emeralds are the rarest gemstones, and the rarest of the rare are a deep green-blue color. Emeralds have been prized throughout human history, and some estimate the oldest emerald gemstones are almost 3 billion years old. Ancient Egyptians began mining emeralds during the reign of Ramses II, around 1300 B.C., and used the gems both in jewelry and burial rituals, placing emeralds in the tombs of monarchs as protective symbols. Cleopatra treasured emeralds and even claimed to own all emerald mines in Egypt during her reign. In Colombia, the Muzo Native Americans had well-hidden emerald mines that Spanish conquistadors sought for almost twenty years before finding them. Today, emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan and Zambia. The largest and most famous emerald is the Bahia Emerald, which was found in Brazil in the early 2000s and weighs about 840 lbs., approximately 1,900,000 carats. This ring is made in 18k gold and platinum. It features a 2.08 carat emerald plus .74 carats total weight of diamonds in the halo and gallery. 14 karat white gold emerald and diamond earrings. Round emeralds are set in cushion-shaped halos with split prongs for a vintage look. This necklace is made in 14k gold and features a round .34 carat emerald plus .18 carats total weight of diamonds. This sweet ring features a bright .40 carat oval emerald and .32 carats of round brilliant diamonds in a delicate halo style. Drawn to color and character? Explore gemstone jewelry.
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Diamond Dazzles as April Birthstone
April is a special month, marked by the most prized gem of all: the diamond. This Underwoods custom necklace is made in 14k white gold and 18k yellow gold. It features a 1.42 carat round ideally cut diamond plus .39 carats total weight of ideally cut accent diamonds. These hoop earrings are made in 14k yellow gold and feature 1.30 carats total weight of fully cut diamonds.of 1.80 carats. They are surrounded by fully cut round halo diamonds with a total weight of .46 carats. This spectacular Underwoods custom designed ring is made in platinum and 18k rose gold. It features a rectangular radiant shaped diamond that weighs 2.62 carats. This is accented by two pear shaped natural fancy pink diamonds surrounded by halos of pink and white diamonds. Diamonds have an amazing ability to shine. The reflection and refraction of light within each faceted diamond creates the sparkle and brilliance you can see from across a room. The diamond is legendary for its hardness, it is 58 times harder than anything else found in nature! This is why it can only be cut with another diamond. If cut and polished with skill, diamonds have the ability to shine very brightly with fire and brilliance. Diamonds can come in a variety of colors, from yellow, pink, and red to blue and green, and generally those with the richest color are highest in value. Some historians estimate that diamonds began to be traded as early as 4 BC. Diamonds first became popular in India, when the Moghuls and Imperial Colony were able to mine them easily from deposits along major rivers. Some ancient cultures believed diamonds were the physical incarnation of lightning, and this association may be the root of the belief in the healing powers of the gemstone. Diamonds were thought to cure brain disease and draw toxins out of the blood. In many cultures the gem has been a symbol for eternal love, leading to its use in engagement rings. Did you know? One of the most famous diamonds is the 140.50 Carat Regent, said to be the most beautiful diamond in the world for its exceptional cut and shine. Thomas Pitt, the Governor of Madras, acquired the uncut gem in India in 1698 and sent it to England to be cut. The Regent purchased the diamond from Pitt for the French Crown, and it was first set in the band of Louis XV’s silver gilt crown at his coronation in 1722. It was then worn on Louis XVI’s crown in 1775; set in the hilt of the First Consul’s sword in 1801; set on the Emperor’s sword in 1812; set in the crown for the coronation of Charles X in 1825; then was used to ornament the diadem of Empress Eugenie. It is now on display at the Louvre in Paris. The largest cut diamond in the world is the Great Star of Africa at 530.20 Carats. It was cut from the largest diamond crystal ever found, the 3,106-carat Cullian discovered in Transvaal, South Africa, in 1095. Joseph Asscher and Company of Amsterdam examined the crystal for six months before deciding how to cut it, and ultimately divided the crystal into nine major and 96 smaller stones. Legend suggests that the Cullian was part of a larger crystal, but the “missing half” has never been found. The Great Star of Africa is set in the Royal Scepter, which is kept with the other Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. With its prominent history and beauty that speaks for itself, the diamond is a truly special birthstone. To explore our diamond selection and find a setting perfect for that special someone born in April, visit our shop on Dickson Street in Fayetteville or call 479-521-2000 to set up a consultation for a custom design today. Ready to see Underwoods diamonds in person? Explore diamond engagement rings.
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January Birthstone Adds Warmth to Cold Season
Although garnet can be found in a variety of colors including bright orange, vibrant green and most rarely blue, the most recognized color is the deep red Pyrope garnet . Appropriately so, because the word “garnet” comes from the Middle English word gernet, meaning “dark red.” The Middle English word is derived from the Latin word granatum, meaning “seed,” which refers to the gem’s similarity to lustrous red pomegranate seeds. Spessartite Garnet Rhodolite Garnet Tsavorite Garnet Garnet has a long history of symbolism in several cultures. Ancient Egyptians used garnet to inlay jewelry and carvings and considered it a symbol of life. Romans often used garnets for signet rings and Roman warriors carried garnets into battle as talismans for protection. It was also believed that garnet could ward off pestilence and plague, and healers would place garnets on wounds to facilitate recovery. It was sometimes called the “Gem of Faith” because those who wore it and did good actions would draw more good fortune upon themselves, but those who wore it and did bad actions would draw bad fortune. Folklore suggests that the gem brings peace, prosperity, and good health in the home, and those who wear garnet jewelry will enjoy eternal health, wealth, and happiness. Today, the garnet is considered a symbol of lasting friendship and trust. Garnets are 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale and are so strong that fragments of garnet have been found from jewelry dating back to the Bronze Age. Garnets can be found in Wyoming, Czech Republic, Greece, Russia, Tanzania, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and India. The fiery reds of the well-known Pyrope garnets and brilliant oranges of Mandarin garnets add a splash of warmth during the cold month of January, both because of its color and because of the warmth of friendship it symbolizes. The rare green Tsavorites make stunningly unique pieces that sparkle with the chilly hues of the season, but are likewise a reminder of friendship and togetherness that warms the heart. A symbol of friendship and trust as durable as the gem itself, garnet jewelry makes a beautiful and meaningful gift for anyone from friends to siblings to spouses. Visit our shop on Dickson Street in Fayetteville or call 479-521-2000 to learn more about our wonderful selection of garnets! Drawn to color and character? Explore gemstone jewelry.
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Opal and Tourmaline Offer Dazzlingly Unique Birthstones for October
Opal Opals are the most individual gemstones. Every opal is as unique as a fingerprint, with a one-of-a-kind combination of colors. Long ago, opal was called the “Queen of Gems” because the colors of all other gems can be found inside it. An ideal opal includes every color of the rainbow, but some hues may be more prevalent than others in individual gemstones. From those swept up by oceanic blues and greens to those blazing with reds and yellows, there is a unique opal to fit every person’s preference. The word “opal” comes from the Greek word opallos, meaning "to see a change (of color),” and the source of this name becomes clear as you rotate an opal and watch the colors shift in the changing light. Tourmaline Tourmaline, from the ancient Singhalese phrase tura mali, means “stone with mixed colors” - an apt name for a gem that can be several colors at once. An old Egyptian legend explains this mixture of colors by saying tourmaline, journeying up from the center of the Earth, passed over a rainbow and assumed all the colors of the spectrum. Still called the “Gemstone of the Rainbow” today, tourmaline comes in a dazzling spectrum of hues, from bright red and magenta to delicate pink and orange, from vibrant yellow and forest green to ocean blue and violet. Bi-color and tri-color tourmaline gems come in many different combinations. You can even find a multi-color variety called Watermelon Tourmaline, which has green, pink, and white bands. Jewelers cut this gemstone to resemble a watermelon, with each slice sporting a pink center, white ring, and green outer edge. Both opal and tourmaline gemstones come in a dazzling array of unique colors and combinations, ensuring that you will find the perfect gem to represent you or your loved one. To find a birthstone gem as unique as the person wearing it, visit our shop on Dickson Street in Fayetteville or call 479-521-2000 for more information. Drawn to color and character? Explore gemstone jewelry.
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Rings are for Much More Than Marriage
Yes, it is true, every girl has fantasized about the day the man of her dreams gets down on one knee and opens a box with sparkle inside. This ring is very important, but it is probably not going to be the only ring in your life. Whether you are a father, mother, or significant other, a ring can still make a great gift for any event. Birthdays are for Birthstones For the perfect birthday gift, try a ring with her birthstone. Her stone can be paired with diamonds for an extra touch, or it can be set by itself for a clean, simple look. Here is a list of months and their stones: January – Garnet February – Amethyst March – Aquamarine April – Diamond May – Emerald June – Pearl/Alexandrite July – Ruby August – Peridot September – Sapphire October – Tourmaline/Opal November - Topaz/Citrine December - Tanzanite/Zircon/Turquoise Wedding Anniversaries Anniversaries are a perfect time to add a little sparkle to loved one’s jewelry collection. With an anniversary gift, any precious gemstone can be the centerpiece. It can be a gem that resonates with you, or a mix of several. We can help you choose a ring that will compliment her wedding ring. Promise Rings Promise rings can symbolize many different promises, ranging from a promise to save yourself for marriage or a promise to your grandfather to never settle. Promise rings should be simple, yet elegant and can be worn on any finger. Promise rings can be given anytime, by anyone. Promise rings are a great way to show the special girl in your life you care about her and are always thinking about her. No matter what ring you are after, Underwoods is here to help. Our specialized staff will help you to choose the perfect ring for any occasion. Check out or extensive ring collection here. Or contact us to set up a consult for a custom design. Looking for a gift that feels personal? Shop fine jewelry gifts.
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