Happy Birthday July!

Like a perfect red rose, the Ruby's rich color speaks of love and passion. Called the "Rajnapura" or King of Gems by ancient Hindus, July's birthstone is among the most highly prized of gems throughout history. The Ruby was considered to have magical powers, and was worn by royalty as a talisman against evil. It was thought to grow darker when peril was imminent, and to return to its original color once danger was past—provided it was in the hands of its rightful owner!

Rubies were thought to represent heat and power. Ancient tribes used the gem as bullets for blowguns, and it was said that a pot of water would boil instantly if a Ruby was tossed into it. Ground to powder and placed on the tongue, this crystal was used as a cure for indigestion.

The word Ruby comes from the Latin "ruber," meaning red. It is a variety of the mineral Corundum, and is found as crystals within metamorphic rock. Corundum is the second hardest mineral, after Diamond. It comes in a variety of colors, and is considered a Sapphire in any color except red, which is designated as a Ruby. Rubies range in hue from an orangey red to a purplish red, but the most prized gems are a true red in color. Large sized Rubies are very rare and valuable.

The history of Ruby mining dates back more than 2,500 years ago. The most beautiful crystals are thought to be from Burma, but quality Rubies are also found in India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Kenya, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States.

It has been said that the Ruby's red glow comes from an internal flame that cannot be extinguished, making a gift of this stone symbolic of everlasting love. With its hardness and durability, it is a perfect engagement gem. And if worn on the left hand, ancient lore has it that the Ruby will bring good fortune to its wearer, too!
Article courtesy of www.about-birthstones.com

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FAQs About Gold!

Q ~ What is 14K Gold?

A ~ Gold does not always occur naturally as "pure". Trace metals and other impurities must be refined out and the result is 24K gold or 999.99 fine gold. Asian and Middle East sources market 22k to 24k yellow gold jewelry since nearly pure gold is easy to work with simple methods handed down for centuries. Long term durability is limited and shows wear and abuse readily because the gold is very soft. Most countries use alloys of copper, silver, zinc and nickel to harden the pure gold so it will last a lifetime of use and enjoyment. 14k gold has been alloyed with silver and copper at a rate of 58% pure gold and 42% alloy metals, creating the fine 14k yellow gold that we see in limitless designs today!


Q ~ What gives gold "colors"?

A ~ The alloys that produce different colors of gold are very subtle and best seen in side by side comparison. For example to produce "rose" gold, a blending of yellow gold and copper produces a pink to reddish color in the finished piece. Rose gold was very popular in the 1930's and has come back to life in recent years and is dazzling when set with Rubies and diamonds! Mixing silver, yellow gold and copper will produce a green hue and white gold is alloyed with nickel, zinc, copper and sometimes palladium and usually washed with a rhodium solution, a rare platinum metal that adds brilliance to white gold and soft sheen to the eye.

Q ~ How much gold is in my gold?

A ~ 24k = Pure Gold @ 999.%
18k = 75% Pure Gold and 25% Alloy
14k = 58% Pure Gold and 42% Alloy
10k = 42% Pure Gold and 58% Alloy
All gold marketed in the United States should carry the stamp of its karatage somewhere on the item that you are purchasing, ask to see this whenever you purchase fine gold jewelry!

Submitted by Diana Root - Sales/Ft Myers

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Happy Birthday June!

From one of the humblest of life forms, the mollusk, comes the pearl -- a gem of unsurpassed beauty and elegance. Ancient civilizations had many stories to explain the origin of June's birthstone, such as the Greek belief that pearls were the hardened tears of joy that the goddess of love shook from her eyes as she was born from the sea. According to Arab legend, pearls were formed when oysters were lured from the depths of the ocean by the beautiful moon and then swallowed moonlit dewdrops. And the Ancient Chinese thought that these gems originated from the brains of dragons.

The scientific explanation for natural pearls is almost as mystifying as folklore. When an irritant, such as a small parasite or a fish lodges in the flesh of an oyster, mussel, or clam, a protective substance called "nacre" is produced. Over years, layer upon layer of shimmering nacre coats the intruder, creating a lustrous pearl. Natural pearls are relatively rare, so a process evolved in which a piece of shell or bead was placed inside a mollusk to stimulate the production of nacre. This results in a cultured pearl, which accounts for about 90 per cent of the pearl industry.

Divers find natural pearls in The Persian Gulf as well as in the waters off Japan, the South Pacific Islands off northern Australia, and the coasts of Panama, Venezuela, and California. Most of the cultured pearl industry is in Japanese and Australian coastal waters. These gems come in a variety of colors, from pure white to pink, yellow, gray and black. They also come in different shapes and sizes.

Pearls have been a passion and even an obsession of people throughout the ages. They have been ground up and used in cosmetics and as a medicine to treat heart and stomach conditions. Some cultures swear by pearls as an aphrodisiac. These gems have adorned crowns, clothing, and temples, and were said to be a favorite of Cleopatra.

Only those with royal status once wore pearl jewelry, but eventually these gems were seen among all classes of people. They continue to be viewed as a mark of taste and refinement as well as a symbol of purity, and they are often given to celebrate a marriage or the birth of a child. Pearls are nature's perfect gift, suitable for all ages, and elegantly worn with everything from jeans to an evening gown. - www.about-birthstones.com

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Happy Birthday May!

Emerald gems have fascinated mankind since they were discovered. Green in color, these stones are a composition of the mineral Beryl. Emerald gemstones are also the May birthstone, that is, people who are born in the month of May can wear an emerald. Emerald gemstones can be worn in rings, in pendants, in brooches, and so on. That list is endless.

There are many stories and qualities linked to the emerald stone. Come find yours at Dunkin's Diamonds.

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Dunkin's Diamonds Giving Back!

Free Mother’s Day Charm Bracelets from Dunkin’s Diamonds to those who are unemployed or had foreclosure on their property

April 16, 2010
Beginning April 30th-May 2nd Stuart Dunkin, Owner of Dunkin’s Diamonds is pleased to announce a giveaway of 100 Sterling Silver Bracelets for Mother’s Day to those who are unemployed or had foreclosure on their property.

Mother’s Day is an occasion for everyone to celebrate and honor their mother or the mother of their children. Dunkin’s Diamonds wants to do their part and make it special for those who are in an unfortunate situation.

“This is a way to give back to our communities,” says owner, Stuart Dunkin, “we want everyone to know we understand and we are here for you.”

These beautiful Mother’s Day Bracelets are crafted of sterling silver with a decorative locket that can hold a picture of a loved one and is valued up to $119 each. Dunkin’s Diamonds will give-away 100 bracelets on a first come first serve basis.

Each bracelet is presented in a jewelry box.

For complete details, visit Dunkin’s Diamonds nearest you.

About Dunkin’s Diamonds
For over three generations, Dunkin’s Diamonds has offered an experience unlike any other in the jewelry industry. Known for their standard of excellence, Dunkin’s Diamonds is also known for providing a fantastic selection of high quality jewelry and outstanding customer service. You can shop at Dunkin’s Diamonds with peace of mind because they personally guarantee the quality and craftsmanship of every piece of jewelry they sell.

Dunkin’s Diamonds makes every effort to ensure you enjoy your shopping experience with them. www.dunkinsdiamonds.com

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The Economy and The Diamond

Last week as I was wrapping up a new bridal set for a couple's anniversary, the husband leaned close to me and asked "So, with the economy so tight, how is your business?". He was such a nice man, and so truly concerned, that I almost felt bad having to tell him that our business was really doing very well. Everything you hear about the luxury business seems to be bad, however, people often forget that the few businesses to come out ahead even during the "Great Depresssion" were jewelry stores. There will always be love, engagements, marriages and anniversaries, birthdays, with new babies being added to the mix. There are always special occassions in which jewelry is the right and cherished gift, and the small list above just scratches the surface.

I have found in this "tight economy", most men will still pop that question with a 1 carat diamond. Those particularly painful birthdays (the one's ending with a 0) are always less painful when accompanied by that pretty "Dunkin's Diamonds bag" with it's shiny silver foil peeking out the top. Anniversaries are celebrated every day. Ask any woman about any piece of jewelry she is wearing and she will tell you exactly when and for what occassion she received it.

There will never be anything like a diamond to make your special someone feel cherished.

So, in this "tight economy" feel free to come in - we've got you covered.

Kim, Manager, Lima, Ohio

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Happy Birthday April!

April's birthstone is remarkably simple in composition, yet stunning in its unique ability to reflect and refract light into vivid flashes of brilliant color. The ancient Hindus called the Diamond "Vajra," meaning lightening, both because of the sparks of light thrown off by this gem as well as its invincible strength. The Diamond is harder than any other substance on earth.

Diamonds have been revered throughout history. Used to embellish such items as crowns, swords and emblems as well as jewelry, they've even been part of national holidays. Queen Victoria declared the celebration of her 50th year of reign a "Diamond Jubilee." Diamonds have also been credited for having certain medicinal properties. During the middle ages, these gemstones were thought to heal illness, but only if the ailing person took the Diamond into bed to warm it up first!

Formed deep within the earth where there is intense heat and pressure, Diamonds are simply crystallized carbon. Volcanic activity of centuries ago brought these gemstones to the earth's surface, where they are found either within volcanic rock formations or washed out into rivers. India is thought to be the first river-bed source of Diamond mining, but today these gemstones are found primarily in Australia, the Soviet Union, and Africa.

No more notable it its uncut state than a plain pebble upon the beach, the true beauty of the Diamond was not revealed until the 16th century, when gemstone cutting and polishing techniques were perfected. Prior to this time, it was considered taboo to modify the original state of a Diamond. Today, the value and appeal of this stone depends largely upon how skillfully it is cut and faceted.

A gift of a Diamond is symbolic of everlasting love. There is no more convincing a promise of an enduring relationship than the brilliant gemstone that has endured in people's hearts throughout the ages.

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