IMPORTANT: Most images provided in this online store are enlarged to show detail.  We often try to provide an image that is close to actual size on a 16" diagonal monitor. However always refer to stone sizes and ring/pendant width or other measurements provided to help determine the actual size of the item you are considering. An inches to millimeters conversion chart is provided below.  Most rings pictured are a finger size 6 1/2 in real life and most are set with simulated stones. 

* Millimeter measurements are rounded off to the nearest 10th.

   IF IN DOUBT, ORDER A SAMPLE TO VIEW PRIOR TO PURCHASE.  

Genuine Stones- Each manufacturer offers their own selection of genuine stones and the quality offered and pricing varies between manufacturers. Some manufacturers offer traditional birthstones while others offer their own selection of genuine stones so it's very important that you read the Production Information Page for each item you are considering. Each collection is different and has it's own product information section.

Stone Information- Information about
genuine, man-made and simulated stones.

1. What is the TRADITIONAL birthstone for each month?

2. Alexandrite- A scarce color-change birthstone...

3. Opals, Cultured Pearls, Moonstone, etc.

4. "Commercial Grade" stones... what does it mean?

5. What's the difference between genuine stones, synthetic stones, and simulated stones?

6. Descriptions of different stones. Online color charts may not be accurate on all computer monitors.

   • SIMULATED STONES- What color is this stone?

   • LAB CREATED STONES- What color is this stone?

   • GENUINE STONES- What color is this stone?

7. How do I properly care for specific gemstones?

8. How big is a millimeter?

9. STONE ADDITIONS- What happens if we have a new addition to our family and we would like to add stones in the future?

* Other stones may also be available.
 

Alexandrite- A Scarce Color-Change Birthstone

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One of the most often asked questions is about the June birthstone- Alexandrite.  Genuine Alexandrite, a color-change stone, is a scarce and expensive gemstone in a good quality.  It is only occasionally offered in mothers jewelry.  As with all genuine stones, Alexandrite comes in different qualities and price ranges that are generally based upon the color and color-change phenomenon, the cut and  the clarity of the stone.

Because of the price and availability problems associated with genuine Alexandrite, some mfrs. have selected their own genuine stone to represent the month of June.  Some manufacturers use Green Tourmaline to represent the green color of Alexandrite... another offers Color-Change Garnet because it too changes color based upon the light source. Others offer Smokey Quartz... and still others use Pink Tourmaline. These stones are offered by the mfrs. to help keep the price of their products affordable.  If you must have genuine Alexandrite, we recommend the collection below.  Note that stones have only limited availability and finer qualities may also be available (pricing is for "A Quality" Alexandrite).

• Click here for the collection that offers Genuine Alexandrite. Limited availability and not all shapes are available.

"Commercial Grade" means a lower quality of genuine stone which is most noticeable in Emeralds, Rubies and Sapphires. Other stones tend to be more acceptable in their appearance.  We offer a few collections that only offer commercial quality stones and the ratings we give them is usually a 3 (+/-) heart rating. 

Two important things determine a commercial grade stone...
Color: Emeralds may be very pale or very dark.  Rubies may be pinkish to purplish red. Sapphires are usually "inky" or very dark blue/black with no royal blue flash.
Inclusions:  Most commercial stones will have numerous inclusions that prohibit light from traveling past the table or top of the stone.  Only the top facets of the stone may reflect light so the stone appears "cloudy" with little sparkle.
 

Inclusions are a natural occurrence in genuine stones but especially noted in Emeralds.  You will find inclusions in most genuine stones.  We do not offer eye-clean stones, stones with no eye visible inclusions, like those shown on the "clear" side of the picture on the left. When searching for the mother's jewelry collection that is right for you, you want to find a balance between price and eye-visible inclusions (meaning inclusions visible with the naked eye or without any magnification).  When you have a stone that has fewer inclusions, light is able to pass through the table of the stone to reflect off the facets inside the stone.  It gives the stone more depth and sparkle.  With Commercial Quality or Commercial Grade stones, the light may only reflect off the top of the stone or there may be numerous inclusions that make the stone completely impenetrable by light. For the best quality emeralds and rubies that we offer, we recommend  collections with a 5 heart rating and look for stone qualities finer than "A".  Good qualities are also found in collections with 4 heart ratings.  Stones will still have inclusions however they will have a better overall appearance.

What is the difference between genuine, synthetic and simulated stones?

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Genuine Stones: Genuine stones come from the earth and have been created by God/Nature.  Many genuine stones are commonly treated by man to either bring about or enhance their beauty.  Some stones are rather unattractive until they have been treated.
Synthetic Stones: Synthetic stones are man-made or created stones that have approximately the same chemical and physical characteristics of genuine stones.  They are created in a laboratory by man.
Simulated Stones: These are stones that only look similar to a genuine stone... they imitate a genuine stone.  Note that simulated stones seldom look the same as genuine stones.
 

How do I properly care for specific gemstones?

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The type of gemstones you have or select determines the care they require. Some genuine stones have excellent durability while others require you to be more careful when wearing them.  For instance rubies and sapphires are considered an excellent choice for everyday wear while an opal or pearl require extra careful handling.  This is NOT to say that you can be rough or abusive with your jewelry.  You can break any stone including a diamond.  It simply means that some gemstones are more durable than others.  For a list of details about several varieties of genuine stones, please visit one of our manufacturer's websites at

Below are some general color descriptions for simulated stones.  These are only approximate color descriptions.  This online color chart may not be accurate on your computer monitor due to individual monitor settings.  What looks right on our computers may not look right on yours.  Note that simulated stones look different compared to genuine stones used for the same months.

Chatham® Lab Created Stones- Stones that are made by man.  Other "brands" of lab created stones from other manufacturer's may look similar.  Look for this name when ordering... not offered unless specifically indicated. These stones have about the same chemical make up of the genuine stone however they are made in a lab by man. They are much more expensive than the simulated stones above.  These are only approximate color descriptions.  This online colors may not be accurate on your computer monitor due to individual monitor settings.  What looks right on our computers may not look right on yours.

Actual colors will vary because of image reproduction and differences in computer monitors.	Chatham® Created (Man-Made/Lab) Stones (Look for the Chatham name)	General Color Description of Chatham® Created Stones
Gem Quality Pictured	Chatham® Created Alexandrite RI: 1.746-1.755 Hardness: 8.5 Specific Gravity: 3.73 Species: Chrysoberyl Optic Character: DR Phenomena: Color Change	Gem: Eye clean to very minimal eye visible inclusions; medium to dark greenish blue changing to purple.  Our Observations: Under florescent lighting it's more of a deep green/blue... a deep teal color.  Under incandescent lighting (a standard light bulb) it's more purple with some reddish purple.
Gem Quality Pictured	Chatham® Created Ruby RI: 1.762-1.770 Hardness: 9 Specific Gravity: 4 Species: Synthetic Corrundum Optic Character: Phenomena: Asterism	Gem: No eye visible inclusions; medium to dark Fine: Minimal eye-visible inclusions; medium to dark blood red; good cut
Gem Quality Pictured	Chatham® Created Emerald RI: 1.577-1.583 Hardness: 7.5-8 Specific Gravity: 2.72 Species: Beryl Optic Character: DR Phenomena:	Fine: Minimal eye-visible inclusions; medium to dark green; good cut Gem: No eye visible inclusions; medium to dark
Gem Quality Pictured	Chatham® Created Sapphire RI: 1.762-1.770 Hardness: 9 Specific Gravity: 4 Species: Synthetic Corrundum Optic Character: DR Phenomena: Asterism	Gem: Very minimal eye visible inclusions; medium to dark blue

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What color is this GENUINE stone?

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Below are some general color descriptions for genuine stones.  Genuine stones, being a product of nature, will vary even within the same mfr.  These are only approximate color descriptions.  This online color chart may not be accurate on your computer monitor due to individual monitor settings.  What looks right on our computers may not look right on yours.  Color ranges are provided below. Not all stones shown are available in all settings.  Click here for common genuine stone treatments.

 

Genuine Stone	Color Range
Genuine Alexandrite	A color change gemstone that is scarce and expensive in a good quality. Note that genuine Alexandrite may also have other colors depending upon the origin of the stone. Greenish Blue to Reddish-Violet color change stone... better grades have good color and good color change. Lower qualities are available (more cloudy with some color change). Good stones are scarce and more expensive. Only ONE collection currently offers this limited availability birthstone.   AB Quality: Fractures break the surface; varies in color and clarity. A Quality: Included, light green/greenish blue, weak/low color change. AA Quality: Slightly included, green/greenish blue, moderate/medium color change. AAA Quality: Eye clean, deep green/bluish green, bright to high color change.
Amethyst	Light to medium/dark purple
Aquamarine	Very pale blue to light blue
Citrine	Yellow to golden orange/yellow
Diamond, White Sapphire, White Topaz, White Zircon	Clear/white
Emerald	Light to medium/dark green, moderate to slightly included depending upon collection. Commercial grade emeralds are usually very included (cloudy).
Mozambique Garnet	Orange/brown to red/orange/brown
Rhodolite Garnet	Medium to dark pink/purple to raspberry
Color-Change Garnet	Very slightly grayish green, moderate color change to reddish purple.
Iolite	Pale to medium grayish purple
Opal	A cabochon- domed with no facets.  Looks different when viewed from the side when set next to a faceted stone.  Generally white background with some red, blue and/or  green accents. Commercial stones have less color.
Cultured Pearl	White to cream. Sphere/ball shape or sometimes  with a flat back. Only available in a round shape- other shapes are not available.
Peridot	Light to medium yellowish green
Smoky Quartz	Light tan to medium/dark brown.  Example shown on right.
Ruby	Medium red/pink to red. Commercial stones are usually very included (cloudy)
Sapphire	Medium to dark navy blue to royal blue
Blue Topaz	Sky Blue Topaz- Light blue     Swiss Blue Topaz- Vivid medium blue     London Blue Topaz- Muted darker blue
Pink Tourmaline	Light to medium pink
Green Tourmaline	Medium to dark olive green
Tanzanite	Light to medium/dark bluish purple
Blue Zircon	Light to medium blue (sometimes very similar to Aquamarine)

 

What happens if we have a new addition to our family and we would like to add stones in the future?

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IMPORTANT: Some of our manufacturer's do NOT offer a stone  addition or trade-in option!  Be sure to visit and read the "Product Information Page" located on each individual product page.

Many of our mother's and family rings, pendants, etc. can have stones "added" at a later date for an additional charge plus shipping as long as the design is still available.  Contact us for current pricing for this service- include style number, whether genuine or simulated stones are set, the number of stones in the ring you currently have and the new stone addition(s) required. Your existing ring is most often traded in for a new one with the new stone additions... you do not get your old ring back. One exception is the Original Mother's Ring®... this ring usually has new heads soldered in place for the new stone additions (note that existing stones must usually be removed and reset except for diamonds, rubies or sapphires because they will not take the heat.  See each product page for the maximum number of stones possible for that particular style. 

Note that the Original Mother's Ring is more expensive to add new stones to... this is one ring where the original setting is usually returned with new stones added.  See the product information page for The Original Mother's ring for important details before ordering.
 

How big is a millimeter?  (Approximate millimeter to inches converter.)

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Many pictures are enlarged to show the detail of our products.  Below are some approximate "millimeter to inches" conversions for stones and ring settings that should help you to visualize millimeter sizes.  Stone sizes are generally provided either on the product or index pages.  Almost all of these rings are made to accept only the specified stone size(s).  

 

Millimeters	1.6mm	2.4mm	3.2mm	6.4mm	9.5mm	12.8mm	15.9mm	19.1mm	22.3mm	25.4mm
Inches	1/16"	3/32"	1/8"	1/4"	3/8"	1/2"	5/8"	3/4"	7/8"	1"

* Millimeter measurements are rounded off to the nearest 10th.

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For question that is not addressed here...
We are here to serve you.  Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if we can be of service to you.  We will be happy to help.  Be sure to see our "Store Policies" for more information. Please visit this link for our contact information.

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Copyright 2003-12 J. Dunne.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Copying from this web site is a violation of copyright law.  Our pictures and content are for viewing only at this address and remain our property. They may NOT be copied, reproduced or modified in any form or manner. Use of this web site constitutes your agreement to our online store policies and terms. You must be at least 18 years of age to order from this store. We reserve the right to correct errors. Many of the items and designs are also copyrighted.  Orders must be placed through our website- orders placed through cached browser or cached search pages will NOT be honored.

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