Father’s Day Love

Father’s Day is June 21st this year.

Make sure you take some time to stop and tell him you miss dancing on his feet, being swung high and free in his arms and that you can now look back and appreciate all of the nagging you thought was once unbearable.

To help you celebrate, GEMaffair.com is giving you 15% off any jewelry purchase over $25 (Coupon does not include watches – they’re already as low as they can go!). Just use code DADGRADS at checkout to receive your swanky refund. If you need help with ideas, just click the little “chat” applet on any product page and I’ll swing in to help you find the perfect doo-dad for your papa (and grandpapa too!).

Some Father’s Day Gift Ideas:
So dad doesn’t golf, fish or watch NASCAR – you may be thinking you’re in trouble, but you’re not.

1.  Think about a giving him a nice chronograph watch. Watches are great because you can tailor them to your dad’s specific needs.  If your dad plays a lot of sports, go for a sports chronograph with second hand subdial.  That way he can time the action and look good while he’s doing it.   If your dad is more refined, try the Bulova Oxford.  The leather strap and unique dial shape give this watch a sophisticated appeal that’s quite catching.

2.  Dad has no style you lament. Don’t worry – Father’s Day is the perfect time to update your dad’s look AND give him a present. Your best bet is a simple ring, like the grey quartz cat’s eye ring or a masculine onyx number. It will go with everything and is both casual and dressy. It’s a win-win.

3.   Even if your dad does like the above mentioned, dad-sanctioned activities, we’ve got the perfect thing to help him celebrate his hobbies all year long.   Try the golf money clip bill fold or a racing ring.  For more racing jewelry – both rings and pendants, check out our Racing Section.

Dads rock.  Let yours know too.

Jewelry Speaks

Before there were elaborate settings, ad campaigns and retail stores everywhere – mankind has used jewelry as a way to say to speak without ever saying a word.

• Jewelry says, “I love you.”
• Jewelry says, “I care.”
• Jewelry tells a story and sparkles on even the darkest days

It does this every single day.

This Mother’s Day (May 10), send your mom a constant reminder that she’s your rock.  Because remember, your mother

• Says, “I love you.”
• Says, “I care.”
• Tells you stories and shines even on the darkest days.

She does this every single day.

To celebrate moms, we’re offering free shipping and 15% off any order under $99 until May 10.  Just use code MUMRULES at checkout.  Find something that lets her know you still remember listening to “Where the Wild Things Are” as you were falling off to sleep.

The code says it all, moms rule.  Happy early Mother’s Day, moms!

Three-Stone Jewelry for Life

Past, Present and Future jewelry pieces are everywhere – from earrings to rings to pendants – but how did this simple three stone design get so popular?Introduced in 2000, past-present-future jewelry is basically a simple three stone setting, often with graduated stones, arranged vertically or horizontally.  Just like any trend, past-present-future pieces rose in popularity due to the simple beauty of their design.  While there is beauty in simplicity, it was the meaning behind the piece that caught the world’s attention. Each of the three stones represents a station in life or a milestone reached so the jewelry not only accents your wardrobe, but celebrates your life.

One stone represents the past- either as a couple or as an individual.

One stone represents the present- life as a couple now.

One stone represents the future- either as a family or as a promise to the future together.

The design reminds us that life is who we are.  We write our own stories.  While the past is set, it does help to shape the present, which in turn shapes the future.  The three are intrinsically linked to one another through eternity and so represented in the jewelry design.

The sentimental meaning behind the design makes it an excellent gift for celebrating special moments in life like anniversaries, engagements, weddings, graduations or births.

For anniversaries or weddings, a couple can use the design to symbolize their union by celebrating road they’ve been on, their position in life now and look forward to what may be.  For this reason, the three stone past, present, and future design is commonly used in engagement and wedding rings, but it also makes an excellent right hand ring as the ladies from Sex in the City taught us.

The design is also commonly given at the time of high school or college graduation.  The stones in the design symbolize the effort and hard work done, commemorate the moment, and give encouragement for the years ahead.

Families also seek the multifaceted design to celebrate the birth of a child as the stones represent the life as a couple, the birth of a family and the future joy the birth will bring.  While diamonds are often the most popular gemstone used in past-present-future jewelry, many choose to personalize this type with the child’s birthstone.

Whether it is a ring, pendant, earrings or bracelet, three stone past-present-future pieces will continue to remain popular because they are so versatile.  The design’s simple beauty complements every type of attire, can accomodate any number of different gemstone combinations and it can symbolize so many different lifetime milestones.

The Significance of Masonic Jewelry

Born from an ancient fraternity of stonemasons, the Freemasons are a philanthropic

Masonic Cuff Links

brotherhood always striving to learn and improve their lives and the lives of others. Many are fascinated by the intrigue and mystery that surrounds them; they are one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the United States and much of the country’s foundation can be attributed to the organizations contributions to both American architecture, government and philosophy!

Wearing Masonic jewelry is one way members show both pride  and dedication. The signet ring is a traditional piece that has been worn for centuries, but contemporary pieces are also available. Cuff links, tie pins and clips, shirt studs, pocket watches and even pendants are made with Masonic designs. Gold or sterling silver Masonic jewelry is also available.

Masonic Ring

Symbols play a large part in the design of Masonic jewelry. The square and compass are the most recognizable symbols of the freemasons. These tools of the trade represent the cornerstone of the organization, the Blue Lodge. The letter “G” is displayed in the center and it signifies geometry, which is essential to building, and God. Many other symbols are available that represent degree levels, specific lodges and other principles of the brotherhood.

Whether it is antique Masonic jewelry passed down for generations or a gift from loved ones, these pieces are steeped in history and symbolism of the most storied organization in the world.

The Appeal of the Charm Bracelet

People have been wearing charm bracelets for thousands of years . In ancient times, different cultures placed stones, religious charms, coins and other items on a chain to ward off evil and bring good luck. Charms were also used as family identification and symbol of status in the community – the more charms one wore – more more presence they had.  Soon, people began wearing multiple charms at once and the charm bracelet was born.

While they’re no longer seen as talisman, there is a certain, shall we say, charm to them.  Today, men and women wear  charm bracelets more as a fashion statement and a unique way to express themselves than as a way to fend of spirits and bring good luck. The chain link charm bracelet is the traditional style.

You can buy the chain with the charms attached, like the bracelet on the right, or you can purchase the chain and add charms to it as you find ones that suit your tastes.  With these, the charms hook to the loops and dangle from the bracelet.

A more contemporary style is called an Italian charm bracelet. With this version, the the charms are affixed to the face of a flat rectangular link and lie flush with the rest of the bracelet.  Italian charm bracelets are sleek; nothing dangles from them because the band is made with interlocking expandable links.  This makes the piece stretchy so that the wear can slide the bracelet over the wrist without using a clasp. Regardless of which type, there are certain charms that remain the most popular.

• Horseshoe:  positioned with the points facing downward it means you are collecting luck.  Stored with the points facing up it means you are storing your luck.

• Ankh: The Egyptian symbol for eternity.

• Baby bottle: Represents a new child and ensures health.

• Elephant: Ensures your life will be full of wonderful moments to remember.

• Shamrock: Luck will be on your side.

• Flowers:  Roses stand for beauty, flowers for fertility, daisies for happiness and lilies represent a lost loved one.

• Owl: Represents wisdom

• Ship: Represents a dreamer and ensures adventure.

• Monkey: Represents mischief and fun.

• Fox: Stands for mischievous wisdom and can also represent protection.

• Skeleton Key: Ensures a happy home.

• Cross: Represents didactic purity.

• Angel: Ensures you will lead a blessed life.  Many also believe angel charms are small representations of one’s guardian angel.

• Padlock: Often given along with a key to symbolize the love of two people.  Padlocks can also represent the future which is yet to be seen.

• High Heel Shoe: Represents true devotion to style and fashion.

• Suitcase, airplane or car: Represents travel.

• Locket: Represents the desire to protect a love that has grown.

• Picture Charm: Pride in family and friends.

• Camera or paint brush: Stands for creativity.

• Typewriter: Represents a loquacious penman.

• Heart: Symbolizes love and friendship.

• Butterfly: Represents transformation, spring and beauty.

• Dove: Symbolizes peace.

• Pink Ribbon: Breast cancer awareness

• Flag: Represents pride in one’s country or heritage.

• Dragon: Symbolizes strength, the sublime power of nature and can also be seen as a protective spiritual guide.

• Lizard: In Greek times it represented both death and resurrection much like a phoenix.

• Lion: Lions stand for bravery, courage and resolve.  Recently, lions also represent Harry Potter’s Gryffindor house.

• Unicorn: Symbolizes healing, love, kindness, purity and beauty.

• Wishbone: Stands for hopes and dreams.  Wishbones are often paired with the horseshoe for added luck.

• Oroborus: The serpent eating its tail symbolizes the circle of life.

So, from a lucky horse shoe to a picture of a child to the oroborus, there are charms to commemorate special occasions and holidays, charms that become popular and obscure collectibles, charms that cater to quirky tastes and much more. A charm bracelet really allows a a person to express him or herself and, in gold, silver or two-tone, they go with everything. Finding the perfect charms to create a unique piece of jewelry is fun and makes for a bit of family history as it is passed down from one family member to the next.