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Variance Blog

Our blog on gemstone jewelry through the ages.

The Timeless Allure of Diamond Jewelry: A Brief History

The Timeless Allure of Diamond Jewelry: A Brief History

The Timeless Allure of Diamond Jewelry: A Brief History

The Timeless Allure of Diamond Jewelry: A Brief History

Diamond has a history of being everyone's favorite gemstone, almost becoming the default choice for jewelry, status, displaying wealth, and showing off your exquisite fashion taste from the ancien...

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History & Lore of Amethyst

History & Lore of Amethyst

Amethyst has a long and storied history and has been an exceptionally popular item for thousands of years. Given that amethyst mines are located all around the world, it is hardly surprising that m...

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Emerald Jewelry History Blog

Emerald Jewelry Through The Ages - History & Lore

Ancient Emerald Jewelry In or around 1500 BCE, the Egyptians began to mine for Emerald, mostly around Mons Smaragdus region of the eastern Egyptian desert.  By the reign of Cleopatra around 50 BC...

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Etymology, Varieties & History of Opal

Etymology, Varieties & History of Opal

Opal is one of the best-known and most highly sought-after gemstones and has remained popular throughout human history The multi-colored rainbow-like patterns evoke images of a dazzling firework ...

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Rutilated Quartz Benefits, Properties and Meanings

Rutilated Quartz Benefits, Properties and Meanings

Rutilated quartz is a variety of quartz containing acicular inclusions. These needle-like inclusions are of rutile, which is a mineral containing titanium dioxide and often contains iron oxide, in...

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Rainbow Moonstone Meaning, Properties and Uses

Rainbow Moonstone Meaning, Properties and Uses

Upon first glance, these gorgeous gems can be difficult to distinguish from 'proper' moonstone, however, rainbow moonstone is actually a variety of labradorite. Rainbow moonstone and moonstone a...

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Herkimer Diamond Properties - Uses, Appearance & Formation

Herkimer Diamond Properties - Uses, Appearance & Formation

Herkimer diamond - also known as Herkimer quartz - is a beautiful, crystal clear gemstone that has some interesting physical properties. If you're interested to know how it formed, what it looks l...

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What Is Moldavite Used For? - Meaning, Uses & Properties

What Is Moldavite Used For? - Meaning, Uses & Properties

Originating in the cosmos, moldavite crystal is believed to have formed roughly 15 million years ago when an asteroid hit the earth, and due to the intense heat and impact, a glassy gem formed in ...

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Quartz History & Uses - From The Ancient World to Modern Technology

Quartz History & Uses - From The Ancient World to Modern Technology

Quartz is a gemstone that does not need any introduction! Quartz is a crystalline form of silica which is known for its hardness, durability and versatility. It has a number of real-world applicat...

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Topaz Meaning & History - The Gemstone of Jupiter

Topaz Meaning & History - The Gemstone of Jupiter

Most people are already familiar with topaz, with it being one of the most iconic and well-known gemstones. Topaz ranges in color, from yellow to brown to red and even colorless topaz, with many s...

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