White metals, specifically white gold, have been extremely popular over the last few years, leaving yellow gold to play a supporting role as mostly an accent in jewelry pieces. Some jewelers predict that the trends in 2012 will push yellow gold into the forefront of preferred metal color. Do you expect yellow gold to warm up your spring and summer, or will white gold still be your jewelry staple? Comment here or find our Facebook page and let us know.

150 ct Sapphire Necklace

Sapphires have been valued by cultures for thousands of years. Their variety of color ranges from the ever-popular blue sapphire to orange, pink, purple, green, and even colorless. Red “sapphires” are actually rubies because of the addition of chromium to the aluminum oxide structure. As a result of their range of colors, sapphires are a great choice for any type of jewelry and can combine all colors for a beautiful rainbow gradient.

A featured necklace from Peter Storm’s visit to CMI in June featured a 150 carat, multi-colored, briolette cut sapphire necklace. This is a great example of his craftsmanship, but also of the way different colors of sapphire can be used together. An engagement ring from the same collection used two princess-cut blue sapphires to accent a stunning, round diamond center.

Sapphires also make a great center stone for an engagement ring or for a 15th, 30th, and 50th anniversary gift. They are also the traditional birthstone for September. For more information on birthstones and the colored stones we offer, visit our website at http://www.cmijewelry.com/birthstones.php. You can also call or come in anytime to browse our large selection of sapphire jewelry.

Carolina Emerald

Well, not exactly. But, in North Carolina, we have a rather rich source of natural gemstones. In fact, the state precious stone is an emerald in recognition of a rough emerald crystal found in Rist Mine at Hiddenite, NC in 1969 weighed 1,438 carats. The same mine gave us the emerald-cut, 13.14 carat Carolina Emerald. The large variety of gemstones found in our state also includes amethyst, garnet, moonstone, opal, ruby and sapphire. But you are not going to find these all shiny, polished and “ring ready” in the wild. They are often a bit dull and very rough when found. They can be quite stunning in this condition, but for those who want a refined gem you can send it to a lapidary service to be cut, polished, and set.

If you do not want to go through all the trouble of finding a lapidary, or cannot decide what shape would be best for your new-found, rough stone, bring it in to our store for some suggested designs and lapidary services. We also have a variety settings and mountings to satisfy any style of jewelry you may have in mind. Also, feel free to bring any already finished gemstones or precious stones you have to discuss options for settings. It could make the perfect gift without the extra expense of buying a piece with a gemstone already in it!

And for those of you who are interested, gold is also a natural resource found in North Carolina. As you may have heard, the price of gold has shot up in the last week. This is your opportunity to collect your neglected, never-worn, or broken jewelry and bring it in to see what it is worth. The alternative to that is to get out in the river and start sifting through the pebbles and dirt.

If you know any good places to look for gems or gold, or have a story to share on the matter, feel free to leave a comment or two. You are also welcome to post pictures of you gemstone treasures!

For more information about birthstone gems check out our website at http://www.cmijewelry.com/birthstones.php .

Below are sources used for some of the facts and list locations of mines across North Carolina:

http://www.ashevilleguidebook.com/wnc/outdoor-recreation/rock_hounding.htm

http://www.geology.enr.state.nc.us/Mineral%20resources/mineralresources.html

source:picture: http://www.northcarolinaemeralds.info/HiddeniteDistrict/NAEMMine/NAEM.htm

The Mogok Ruby

As we all know, July is one of the popular summer months for weddings and engagements; truly a month for love and lovers. So what better way to represent your passion for the love of your life than with the diamond of colored gems? That’s right, give them a deep, sparkling, fiery ruby.

How can we know if it is a genuine ruby? Well, ruby is red corundum. Any other color of corundum is considered a sapphire. The red color is the effect of chromium on the aluminum oxide structure. This combination absorbs yellow-green tones and reflects red, resulting in the shades of ruby. These range from reddish, purplish, pinkish, or brownish coloring. The most valuable ruby color is a bright, pure red and purple is a preferred hue because it enriches the red color. Though the color of the ruby generally depends on where it was mined.

Famously Included Delong Star Ruby

The most popular locations ruby mining over time have been Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Vietnam, Tanzania, Madagascar, and in the United states in Montana, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

All rubies that are mined are considered natural. Synthetic rubies are made from the same mineral, but are made in a lab instead of formed in the earth. These rubies are distinctly different by their clarity. It is rare to find a natural ruby that is as clear as a synthetic ruby for the same price if all other factors are the same.

At CMI Jewelry Showroom we carry only natural rubies. So whether you are shopping for a birthstone piece or just love rubies, we have a beautiful selection of rings, earrings, and necklaces to fulfill your gifting desires.  Or if you want to deviate from the diamond norm, a ruby engagement ring is a very romantic alternative with the same stunning effect.

Another practice that is coming into style is buying a wedding band with just as much presence as the engagement ring would have. The goal of this wedding band is to compliment the engagement ring while being able to stand alone when the engagement ring is not worn. This option is highly beneficial to anyone who works with their hands a lot and has the fear of knocking out that beautiful diamond they were just given.

A simpler, and more convenient, path to take is just to bring in the band you purchased from us and we will help you find the matching band. And if you have a specific idea of what you would like just come on into our store and we will help you find the perfect wedding band to seal your matrimony.

I am the receptionist at CMI Jewelry Showroom. I greet you at the door and on

This time of year, the air is thick with betrothals and weddings. A lot of couples pour into our store looking for what is in style right now or for something completely their own; some want a little of both. A hot-seller this season is the halo-set engagement ring. Nothing sets off one of our quality diamonds quite like a halo of smaller diamonds set in white gold or platinum. If your taste is a little simpler we have solitaire settings and can always custom design or order you the perfect ring and stone.

Speaking of stones, why do we even buy them? Sure they look nice and they make women swoon, but where did the tradition come from? In fact, why get a ring at all? The tradition was thought to have begun when circular pieces of metal, usually iron, were presented at a wedding in ancient Rome. The use of iron thinned out as gold became a more popular and plentiful metal. The first diamond engagement ring was presented by Archduke Maximillian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. Since then the designs of our rings have become much more refined and extravagant. Though diamonds did not become popular on this side of the pond until the 1930s. But when they did, people fell in love with them, and are still in love today.

So whether you are getting engaged, newly-wed, or celebrating an anniversary, come down to CMI Jewelry  Showroom today and find the perfect ring or gift for your loved ones.

A special note for June:

Come in to see our 10,000 square foot showroom and register to win a $5000 “Rock My World” engagement ring from Peter Storm’s “Rock My World” Bridal Jewelry Collection. This prize features design appointments with Peter Storm himself to customize his design. Other prizes include an electric guitar signed by Trey Anastasio of Phish. And if you do not end up getting those, there are many other prizes you could win! For more information visit our profile and follow our link to the company website.