Each zodiac has a gemstone that rules its sign and conducts its energies. However, the traditional astrology also mentioned that a single gemstone cannot control an entire zodiac sign which is why there are several gemstones that conduct energies with a single zodiac sign.
With all that in mind, it’s time to find out which gemstone represents your zodiac sign and the meaning of it:

Aries (March 21-April 19): The main gemstone is Ruby (although some believe it is diamonds) and it represents personal qualities like primal energy, daring, initiative and self assertiveness.

Taurus (April 20- May 20): The main gemstone is Sapphire and it represents personal qualities like pure substance, physical beauty, stewardship and passive force.

Gemini (May 21- June 21): The main gemstone is Topaz and it represents personal qualities like dualistic, facile intelligence, mimicry and instinctual mind.

(From Geology.com)

Cancer (June 22- July 22): The main gemstone is Emerald and it represents personal qualities like motherliness, protective and fertility.

Leo (July 23- Aug 22): The main gemstone is diamond and it represents personal qualities like self assertive, playfulness, sexuality and love, pleasure seeking and chance taking.

Virgo (Aug 23- Sept 22): The main gemstone is Jasper and it represents personal qualities like discrimination, conservativeness, attention to detail, hygiene conscious.

Libra (Sep 23- Oct 23): The main gemstone is Aquamarine and it represents personal qualities like cooperativeness, businesslike, persuasiveness.

Scorpio (Oct 24- Nov 21): The main gemstone is Black Opal and it represents personal qualities like Metaphysical, passion, violence and destructiveness.

(From Opal33.com)

Sagittarius (Nov 22- Dec 21): The main gemstone is Garnet and it represents personal qualities like philosophical, expansive and extravagant, expended conscious and independence.

Capricorn (Dec 22- Jan 19): The main gemstone is Topaz and it represents personal qualities like organization, constructiveness, serious and materialistic.

Aquarius (Jan 20- Feb 18): The main gemstone is Turquoise and it represents personal qualities like humanitarian, socialistic, progressive and idealistic.

Pisces (Feb 19- March 20): The main gemstone is Amethyst and it represents personal qualities like self- sacrificial, sensitive, vague and emotionally receptive.

What is your zodiac sign? Did you find yourself nodding in agreement to the personal characteristics mentioned it this post? Did this information change your perspective towards gemstones?

The Oscars is a fairly conservative award ceremony, and that is probably the reason why big statement jewelry weren’t anywhere in sight on the red carpet. In fact- minimalism was the bright star of the ceremony- most celebrities chose not to wear jewelry at all or just settled for a nice pair of decorative diamond earrings instead.

(Jewelry Insider)

Take Oscar winner Sandra Bullock for example- her only accessories were a hot pink lipstick and very subtle diamond earrings. Same goes for Jennifer Lopez: Lopez is usually the queen of drama but this year she decided to tone herself down a little bit by wearing a beautiful Armani dress with large stud diamond earrings.

As far as the other jewelry departments are concerned, we were able to spot some diamond tennis bracelets on celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Mariah Carrey and some gentle necklaces on starlets such as Kate winslet and the lovely Helen Mirren.

Some stars allowed their dresses to steal all the attention as they chose not to wear any jewelry at all- like the amazing Kristen Stewart: Although Stewart’s navy dress was truly a vision- we feel that the presence of chandelier earrings or a gentle necklace might have upgraded her performance to a perfect 10.

(Jewelry insider)

In terms of jewelry no big surprises were seen on the red carpet, it appears that no one wanted to make a big splash in this department (and the preference was to concentrate on the dress instead) and we can’t help but fondly remember Angelina Jolie’s beautiful emerald earrings that she paired up with an amazing black corset dress in the Oscars a few years ago. This Oscars ceremony had a no color policy and we think it’s quite disappointing.

(Etsy.com)

On a different note- you may have noticed the latest global buzz regarding Tim Burton’s recreation of “Alice in wonderland”. We might have gotten used to the fact that elements taken from the film have already sunk into the world of fashion but the latest news is that the jewelry world has also been affected by the highly anticipated film: nowadays you can find bunny necklaces, hat rings, key hole earrings, “Drink me” bottle necklaces and of course- the watch pedant necklaces in every fashion store. We can’t wait to embrace a necklace with a romantic pedant to ourselves while watching the movie.
Go Alice!

Just like in the world of fabrics and clothes- the designers are usually the ones that dictate which jewelry we would want to purchase next season. However, we can’t just credit the designers for morphing our stylish taste- celebrities have an important part in it as well.
How many times have we seen your favorite celebrity wearing a piece of garment or jewelry that you immediately wanted to have?
The designers may decide which jewelry will be trendy next season, but the celebrities are the ones that literally take off the jewelry from the runway and eventually make us fantasize about those wonderful pieces.

What are the current trends in the jewelry world?  Here is a sneak pick:

Colorful diamonds- It was probably Jennifer Lopez that made this trend such a huge success back in 2001 when she received an amazing pink diamond engagement ring from her than fiancée- Ben Affleck.
Ever since we began stepping out of the traditional world of clear diamonds and into a world filled with colors.
Nowadays if we take a look at the red carpet we can spot multicolor diamond necklaces and earrings and so it’s safe to say that this trend is here to last.

Eco friendly jewelry- it has been very trendy to become aware of our environment and therefore it’s no wonder that this trend has also touched the allegedly superficial world of fashion: from the growing population of vintage clothes and jewelry to the predictions of an ecological end to the planet by designers such as Alexander McQueen RIP and Vivienne Westwood in their collections- it was only a matter of time before this trend will find its way to the world of jewelry as well. Vintage jewelry, jewelry made of organic parts or recycled pieces are now all the rage in the world of the precious bijoux.
The most important trend in terms of jewelry is the growing awareness to the blood diamonds issue which is becoming more and more important for jewelry consumers all over the world.

The statement necklaces- statement necklace is the easiest way to make an appearance with no effort. You can wear a simple black dress and add a dominant necklace to the ensemble and surprise, surprise- you end up looking amazing.
The leader of this trend is undoubtedly the Parisian fashion house of Lanvin- they were putting jaw dropping necklaces on the runway before this trend became a worldwide mania. Although many of us can’t afford a piece of jewelry made by Lanvin, surely we could find a similar interpretation that will suit our taste.

Cuffs- when we think of basic jewelry, bracelets are probably the last to pop in mind after rings, necklaces, earrings and diamonds. However, these days the cuffs are a popular trend and we cans spot on every fashionable lady’s arm.
Cuffs from all sizes, colors and textures are currently all the rage in the world of jewelry and they came to replace the classic tennis diamond bracelets most of us learned to love so much.

Although it’s nice to purchase a trendy jewelry now and then- nothing can replace a timeless classic piece.
We encourage you not to invest huge amounts on jewelry that might run out of style during the course of the season and to invest it in jewelry that will forever be classic. Nothing is quite as classy like diamonds.

Many of you must wrinkle your forehead in fear at this point, wondering how it is possibly better to purchase an engagement ring online than in a “real” store. Buckle your sit belts because your entire world is about to be turned upside down once you will discover the magical world of online shopping:

Criss Cross Bridal ring sets

»  It’s much more discreet- unless your day jobs include serving as a Federal agent- you will probably find it difficult to purchase the engagement ring without the knowledge of you future wife. Online shopping allows you to keep your project entirely to yourself without ever raising a suspicion.

The only obstacle at this point is to find your wife’s finger measurements, an obstacle you will have to face weather you have decided to purchase an engagement ring online or not.

Our recommendation is to borrow one of your wife’s rings and to take it for professional measurements. This clever act will assure that your hunt for the engagement ring shall remain top secret.

You can use the measurement table here.

Cathedral engagement ring

»  Much easier to concentrate- purchasing an engagement ring is a confusing task for most men: They aren’t likely to know what their future wife would like to receive and their knowledge regarding diamonds and rings is well, mostly poor. That is why online shopping can do great service to one lost soul.

Purchasing an engagement  ring in a store might guarantee many distractions that the groom to be should have to avoid in order to select the perfect engagement ring – whether it’s the other costumers loud voices, the over enthusiastic sales person or the huge variety to choose from- many elements can confuse a guy in his big decision.

Online shopping allows the man to sit comfortably with a cup of coffee in front of the computer screen at the privacy of his own home and in peace.

Online shopping allows the costumers to narrow down results based on different elements in order to make the selection easier.

Online shopping allows you to consult 3rd party only when you need help instead of having to hear a bungle of irrelevant advice while trying to choose.

Pink princess sapphires side stones engagement ring

»  Online shopping: a window to endless information- this statement is not only truthful regarding search engines and online encyclopedias- it’s also true about the world of online shopping: while shopping in a “real” store, one might encounter sales people that are so eager to sell the product that all kinds of important facts might be unmentioned during the conversation.

When it comes to purchasing an engagement ring- it’s crucial to know all the full objective information regarding the ring’s specifications. Online diamond store are just as eager to self their products with the small difference- they realize how important it is to allow the client an access to the complete information regarding the product.

The virtual store will elaborate all the important details in an accessible list that will allow you to decide if this particular ring is the right choice for you.

Three Princess diamond ring

»  It’s cheaper! Most online shops offer their clients bigger discounts and more attractive prices than “real stores”. Although the merchandise in online stores and in regular stores is similar- the reason for the price range differences has to do with the fact that online stores aren’t obligated to pay fees and taxes for the rental of a store which allows them to cut the prices and to allow more attractive numbers for their clients.

As you might see- fearing online shopping is unnecessary. We live in a high tech world and we need to be open to technological changes instead of fearing them. Once you will overcome the initial fear, you will realize how easier and more comfortable it is to shop online.

Status symbol- It is no secret that diamonds are quite expansive. In our society, especially with the financial recession we have been suffering from for the past year- many people can’t afford a sparkling diamond.
Diamonds, similar to a sports car or to a fancy apartment- are the instant symbols of wealth and riches.
We know that diamonds are a privilege to those who can’t afford it and we long for it so much because it’s expansive and it’s an indication of a successful lifestyle.

“Look at me!”- Every woman loves to stand out in the crowd and be noticed not only by men but by other women as well.
The most instant and the most visible way to draw attention is by the woman’s physical appearance. There’s nothing that says appearance quite like a sparkling diamond. Wearing a beautiful diamonds can assure that all eyes will be on the woman in question and especially on her piece of jewelry.

Simply beautiful- regardless of how we might choose to analyze our fascination with diamonds, the most legitimate reason for our love for these rocks is the fact that they are beautiful.
Many people, especially women, are automatically drowned to esthetic jewelry and nothing can be more esthetic than a lovely diamond.

Will you marry me?- A diamond is a very solid and expansive foundation and because of that fact, it is being considered that gifting a diamond is a sincere symbol of commitment.
That is also why most men offer marriage with a diamond engagement ring since it appears that nothing spells love quite like diamonds can.

Men love it too!- although it’s considered that diamonds are a territory belonging strictly to women, in the past few decades men learned to appreciate diamonds as well, and nowadays it is more and more common to spot men who are wearing diamonds.

Weather you wish to buy diamond jewelry to draw attention, to manifest your loving emotions or to prove how successful you are to the world- you should be able to agree that purchasing diamonds can enlighten your day and enrich your jewelry collection.

Diamonds have been featured in the Hollywood cinematography as early as 1932, in the film “Night after night” when the hat-check girl remarked to the character portrayed by legendary actress Mae West “Goodness! What diamonds!” which Mae respond to by saying “Goodness have nothing to do with it, dear!”.
Ever since, the role of the diamonds began to consistently grow in Hollywood roles until the point where diamonds “grabbed’” the leading roles in several of them!
From a symbol of good wealth and romance, diamonds have also been a subject of heists and robberies in such classical movies like “To catch a thief” starring Grace Kelly and the “Pink panther”.

In the year 2000, diamonds played a leading role in the dark witty comedy by Guy Ritchie named “Snatch”. The comedy thriller told us the story of gangsters, followed by orthodox Jews, followed by Gypsies all on the pursuit for 80 carat diamonds.
Seven years later, in 2007, diamonds still had a leading role in the drama “The loss of a teardrop diamond” that revealed a story based on turmoil, romance and conflict followed by the lost of a precious diamond.

The most important movie ever made about diamonds was without a doubt the 2006 “Blood diamonds” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie is based on a true story that took place in Sierra Leone and reveals the life story of a man who made himself a key character in the conflict diamonds business.  The movie takes place during the Political unrest in Sierra Leone in 1999 and describes very accurately how conflict diamonds affected (and still affect to this day) the tense situations in Africa.
Besides playing a leading role in the awareness raising movie “blood diamonds”, DiCaprio is also a well known activist regarding the issue of conflict diamonds.

Although it’s nice and fun to have references to diamonds in comedies and thrillers as the embodiment of wealth or romance, we actually prefer the more elaborate witty thrillers and the important dramas that showcase what can happen when our lust for diamonds gets out of proportions.
Since diamonds have been following us in modern cinematography for nearly 100 years, it’s safe to presume that diamonds will continue to play leading and supporting roles in films for many years to come.
Why the Hollywood industry is so obsessed with diamonds is uncertain but what is certain is that we enjoy films with references to diamonds and we are curious towards which roles the diamonds will continue to portray in the future.

What is your favorite diamond movie?

The question is- what are “conflict diamonds”?
“Conflict diamonds” also known as “blood diamonds” are diamonds that are minded in war zones and are being sold in order to finance war efforts, murders and weapons- usually in Africa.
We have seen evidence to such usage of diamonds in the civil war in Angola (2000-2007), in the civil war in Liberia (1989-2001), in Congo, Zimbabwe and many other conflicted African countries.
Since the situation in those countries is fragile as it is, and we constantly hear in the news about battles, merciless murders and Genocides- it’s crucial that we won’t give our hands to this unfortunate situation by purchasing conflict diamonds.

How can we know if the diamonds that we purchase are conflict diamonds?

The most certain way of knowing if your diamond is a conflict diamond is by questioning the store owner or the diamonds dealer who is selling you the diamonds. It is important that the store owner or the diamond dealer will be aware of the conflict and you shouldn’t settle for any hesitated answers that might indicate that the diamonds in question are in fact conflict diamonds.
Most diamond dealers are very passionate about this issue and are willing to guarantee their clients environmentally responsible diamonds with every purchase.
Such diamond dealers will be able to willingly supply their clients with the information about ‘conflict diamonds’ so that you could rest assure that your diamond is conflict free.
Here at Diamonds- usa, we have no tolerance towards the subject of conflict diamonds and as honest diamond dealers we feel very strongly about this matter.
We perform out best efforts to track the rough diamonds from the mine to the market with the association of the UN, the government and additional organizations in order to supply conflict free diamonds for our clients.
Diamonds are considered beautiful and pleasing and we find it in our best interest to maintain them in this manner without any associations to wars and murders.
We guarantee our clients conflict free diamonds and we are constantly working on raising awareness and spreading this issue as far as possible (and that’s even without Leonardo DiCaprio’s help!)

Recently Hollywood has also has been recruited to raise awareness about conflict diamonds.  All the diamonds that the celebrities wore on recent red carpets in the Oscar ceremony for example are conflict free diamonds and celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio (who has also stared in a film about conflict diamonds) and Jennifer Connelly are trying to have a positive impact on society by raising the important awareness to this matter.

We encourage you not to support the war and the killing in Africa by not purchasing conflict diamonds for the chance that someday in the future we will be able to create a better global environment for all of us.
You can find further information about ‘conflict diamonds’ here: http://www.diamondfacts.org/conflict/index.html

It was the famous writer Marc Twain that was quoted saying: “Let’s not be too particular, it’s better having second hand diamonds than not having diamonds at all”.

Shirley Bassey has even taken it a step further as she was quoted comparing between men and diamonds, saying “men leave you, diamonds never do!”

(From Diamonds-usa)

Apparently, we are much more respectful to the diamond rings that we receive than to the men that gift us with them. This matter can be explained quite easily: diamonds are known as the most solid foundation in the world, as for marriages- we all know that every third marriage ends up in court so perhaps the sympathy towards diamonds in this situation is understandable.
Diamonds are also used as a reference for the benefits of hard work, as George S. Patton explained: “Pressure makes diamonds”.
Ron White however used diamonds for a more chauvinistic purpose when he was quoted saying: “Diamonds – that’ll shut her up… for a minute!”- How inappropriate!

(From diamonds-usa)

It seems as if diamonds are an important part of our culture for many years now, as they appear in movies, in songs, in metaphors and in famous quotations. Diamonds are no longer just a sign of affection but a simple that represents status and wealth.

Joan Rivers was referring to diamonds in her next quote: “I don’t exercise. If God had wanted me to bend over, he would have put diamonds on the floor”. This quote might explain the special relationship women are having with diamonds.

Although it appears that diamonds are also growing popular over the years with the male population, women are undoubtedly their main targeted audience.

(From diamonds-usa)

Diamonds have a significant role in our pop culture and it would be hard imagining our lives without jewelry and diamonds.

One thing is certain- if this amazing rock wasn’t discovered, we would never have heard all these lovely quotes, for example: “I never hated a man enough to give him diamonds back.”- What a lovely saying by the legendary Zsa Zsa Gabor.

It appears that all the fair ladies that represent old Hollywood had a true fascination with diamonds that led to our interest with these rocks even today.

“Last year my boyfriend gave me a painting – a very personal one. I really prefer personal gifts or ones made by someone for me. Except diamonds. That’s the exception to the rule.” – this quote by modern star Minnie Driver proves how much women are still drown to diamonds and how much they love jewelry.

(From diamonds-usa)

To conclude this matter we might add that diamonds have an affect not only on the jewelry that decorates our neck but on our entire culture as well.
How would the face of our society looked without its unique relationship with diamonds in uncertain, however- as long as diamonds exist we shall continue to enjoy them.

Elizabeth Taylor- Taylor is well known for her many failed marriages, especially to her beloved Richard Burton with whom she married twice.
Despite having a string of marriages, Taylor’s most famous diamond ring is without a doubt the one she has received from Burton himself for her 40th birthday. The ring made headlines all over the world at the time, due to its massive size and shape. The diamond ring was found in South Africa, weighing 48 grams. It was a pear shaped diamond, cut by the famous diamond Diller Harry Winston.
It was the first time the whole world has shown a true obsession regarding diamond rings, and it appears than ever since- the interest and the fascination with diamonds keep growing as the time goes by.
Elizabeth Taylor’s ring may have caused a precedent in terms of our attitude towards jewelry and diamond rings, but ever since many celebrities became more famous for their choice of diamonds than for their work.

Elizabeth Taylor

(from gemstone-directory)

Similar diamond ring at diamonds-usa

Madonna-the famous pop singer received a three store antique Edwardian diamond ring with a platinum band from her ex- husband, the noted director, Guy Ritchie.

Madonna

(From weddingbee)

Similar diamond ring at diamonds-usa

(From diamonds-usa)

Paris Hilton- the famous  heiress to the Hilton wealth, was engaged to a fellow billionaire, Paris Latsis, with not one but two famous engagement rings: the first is a canary diamond ring of 24 carats and the second ring is a white emerald –cut diamond of 15 carats. The estimated worth of both rings is over 7 million dollars.

(from Thefrisky)

Similar diamond ring from diamonds-usa.com

(from diamonds-usa)

Jeniffer Lopez- the singer/actress got engaged to actor Ben Affleck with a beautiful pink diamond ring of 6 carats. It was Lopez’ exquisite taste that set a new trend of wearing rings with colorful diamonds.

Jennifer Lopez

(from Thefrisky)

Similar diamond ring from diamonds-usa.com

(from diamonds-usa)

Many celebrities get divorced just briefly after saying “I do” and many of them don’t even make it to the altar before breaking the relationship, however- The diamond rings that they receive accompany them even when the promises brake off and the love vanishes.
That’s the beauty of diamond rings – they escort you no matter what, even as boyfriends and husbands come and go- they are always there for you.

Don’t be afraid, it might seem to be an impossible mission at first, but you will soon find out that it’s not that hard, really:

1. What’s her style?

Make sure you know what’s your girlfriend’s style. A good thing to do is go and snoop around her jewelry box and see what kind of diamonds she has already, which ones she wears more often than others, etc.

2. Hints

We hope you actually listened when she gave you hints about the things she wants. Some girls spill it out for you, and some only give you minor hints. Yet it’s those minor hints that might save you in the store – she might have mentioned her size, her favorite metal, shape and other important facts that will surely assist you when it’s time to actually purchase.

3. Loose diamonds

If you think you know which shape she loves, consider buying a loose diamond to show her when you ask the big question. The two of you can shop together later for the perfect engagement ring setting. Think about it – it’s original and very considerate of your girlfriend’s personal style.

4. Your budget

When seriously considering buying a ring, you should put your budget above all other decisions involved. You shouldn’t stress out over it, as it’s more han possible to find an affordable ring. All you need is patience, and you will surely find your one.

You can take a look at these, you might find something here that answers to all of your wishes!

Here’s a peak to our diamond engagement rings:

Cartier replica engagement ring 0,2 carat

Hand engraved designers solitaire diamond engagement ring

Three princess stones diamond ring

Tiffany engagement ring

Good luck and have fun while buying your perfect engagement ring!

Diamonds-usa.com