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Opal is mined in a variety of places. Australia boasts the world’s most prolific opal production for October’s birthstone. Other prominent areas include Mexico, Ethiopia, and Brazil. Additional opal deposits have been discovered in Honduras, Indonesia, Madagascar, Central Europe, Turkey, Peru, and the United States.

Tourmaline

Often called “nature’s kaleidoscope,” tourmaline is a gem of remarkable diversity and beauty. Tourmaline has been prized for centuries, with its name derived from the Sinhalese word “turamali,” meaning “stone with mixed colors.” It was often mistaken for other gemstones due to its wide range of hues.

Tourmalines come in a spectacular array of colors, from vivid pinks and greens to deep blues and reds. Some even exhibit multiple colors in a single crystal, creating a captivating effect.

The majority of tourmaline extracted in Brazil throughout history has originated from pegmatites located in the state of Minas Gerais. These underground magma intrusions serve as the wellspring for a diverse array of precious gem minerals. Tourmaline is also found in Pakistan, Mozambique, Madagascar, Kenya, and the United States, specifically California and Maine.

Fast Facts About Opal

• Opal is the gemstone traditionally associated with celebrating the 14th wedding anniversary.
• Black opal is considered prized and found in Lightning Ridge, a small town in Australia. This region receives minimal rainfall and experiences soaring summer temperatures. The climate is so relentless that miners frequently seek refuge from the harsh heat by dwelling underground.
• Opals are believed to enhance intuition, creativity, and emotional well-being. They have been said to have a deep connection to emotions and love. The Romans adored opals as symbols of hope and purity, while the Greeks believed opals were tears of joy shed by Zeus. Arab cultures thought opals fell from the sky in flashes of lightning.
• Opals contain water, up to 20 percent, which makes them sensitive to rapid temperature changes. This unique water content contributes to Opal’s play of colors.
• No two Opals are alike, making them perfect for those who cherish individuality.
• There are a number of famous opals, but the “Aurora Australis” stands as the world’s most prized black opal. Discovered in 1938 within the Lightning Ridge region, the beautifully oval-cut and polished gem showcases a captivating harlequin pattern, predominantly adorned with striking red, green, and blue hues set against a dramatic black backdrop. Its impressive weight is recorded at 180 carats.

Fast Facts About Tourmaline

• This gemstone is often given for eighth wedding anniversaries.
• Tourmaline is known to be pyroelectric, meaning it can generate an electric charge when heated or subjected to pressure. This property has led to its use in various scientific instruments.
• Tourmaline is often associated with positive energy and protection. It is believed to promote emotional stability and creativity.
• Among the Russian crown jewels, the pendant known as “Caesar’s Ruby” contains a gem that, surprisingly, isn’t a true ruby but a red tourmaline variety known as rubellite.
• In the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors stumbled upon green tourmaline crystals in Brazil, mistakenly identifying them as emeralds. This confusion persisted for centuries, with various cases of mistaken identity, until the 1800s when scientists finally acknowledged tourmaline as a distinct mineral species.
• Tourmaline exhibits crystallization in the trigonal system, distinguished by its unique three-sided prisms, a feature unparalleled among other common minerals.

October’s birthstones, opal and tourmaline, are a radiant pair that beautifully encapsulate the essence of this first full month of fall. Whether you’re drawn to opal’s ever-changing colors or tourmaline’s kaleidoscope of hues, these gems are more than just birthstones; they are symbols of individuality, hope, and the vibrant spirit of October. Whether you were born in October or simply have a passion for gemstones, the allure and charm of these dazzling gems are certain to entrance your senses.

Looking for a one-of-a-kind opal or tourmaline item? You can count on us. With an extensive and exclusive selection of gemstones and fine jewelry, Munchel’s Fine Jewelry can help you eliminate the guesswork and find the perfect piece.

About Munchel’s Fine Jewelry

Munchel’s Fine Jewelry Inc. is a family owned and operated business. We have been proudly serving Central Florida with quality jewelry and services for over three decades. Our commitment and dedication to our customers is what sets us apart. We offer a large selection of jewelry and collectible items, including coins, watches, lockets, and necklaces. In addition, we also buy, sell, and trade many types of timeless pieces. For more information, please contact us at (863) 619-6269 or visit our website at Munchels.com/.

To maintain the beauty and brilliance of sapphire jewelry, proper care is essential. Cleaning sapphires with a soft brush and mild soapy water is the go-to for most sapphire owners. However, it’s important to avoid exposing them to harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaning, as these can damage the gemstone or its setting.

Fast Facts About September’s Gemstone

• The Star of India is one of the most famous gemstones in the world. It is a 563.35 carat sapphire. The American Museum of Natural History designates this stone as one of the globe’s most renowned precious artifacts.
• Sapphires are often associated with faithfulness, truth, and sincerity, making them a popular choice for engagement rings.
• Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum, second only to diamonds in hardness. This durability ensures that sapphire jewelry can last for generations.
• According to the National Museum of Natural History, the Logan Sapphire stands as one of the world’s largest faceted blue sapphires. Derived from a crystal sourced in Sri Lanka, the awe-inspiring 423-carat gem holds the distinction of being the weightiest mounted gem within the National Gem Collection.
• In various cultures, sapphires are believed to have healing and spiritual properties. They are associated with mental clarity, inner peace, and protection from negative energies.
• Due to their hardness, sapphires have industrial applications. They are used as bearings in scientific instruments, watches, and even some high-end smartphone screens.
• Sapphires have long been associated with royalty and nobility. Many historical crowns and jewelry worn by queens and kings contain sapphires, symbolizing power, and virtue.
• Sapphires are traditionally given as anniversary stones for 45 years of marriage.
• In 1981, sapphire gained prominence as a symbol of royal affection when Prince Charles of Britain presented Lady Diana with a 12-carat blue sapphire engagement ring. In 2010, Prince William continued this tradition by giving the same ring to Kate Middleton upon his proposal.
• The term “sapphire” originates from the Greek word ” sappheiros,” which signifies the color blue, or blue stone.

Sapphires are truly captivating gemstones, known not only for their stunning beauty but also for their historical significance and cultural symbolism. Whether you appreciate their aesthetics, or the various meanings attached to them, sapphires continue to be cherished and celebrated around the world.

Looking for a one-of-a-kind sapphire item? You can count on us. With an extensive and exclusive selection of gemstones and fine jewelry, Munchel’s Fine Jewelry can help you eliminate the guesswork and find the perfect piece.

About Munchel’s Fine Jewelry

Munchel’s Fine Jewelry Inc. is a family owned and operated business. We have been proudly serving Central Florida with quality jewelry and services for over three decades. Our commitment and dedication to our customers is what sets us apart. We offer a large selection of jewelry and collectible items, including coins, watches, lockets, and necklaces. In addition, we also buy, sell, and trade many types of timeless pieces. For more information, please contact us at (863) 619-6269 or visit our website at Munchels.com/.

Spinel

Spinel is believed to have various healing and metaphysical properties. Gem connoisseurs value it for its brilliance, exceptional colors, and historical charm. It is a gemstone that has often been mistaken for other precious stones throughout history due to its resemblance to rubies. Spinel is a single mineral with a cubic crystal structure, and its colors can range from intense reds, pinks, and oranges to blues, violets, and purples. The primary sources of spinel are found in different types of rock formations and mineral deposits using methods such as open-pit mining, underground mining, alluvial mining, and explosive extraction.  Spinel is found in locations such as Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Myanmar.

Sardonyx

Sardonyx is a type of chalcedony, which is a variety of microcrystalline quartz. It is characterized by its distinct banding of colors, usually alternating shades of brownish-red or orange (sard) with white or black (onyx). Throughout history, Sardonyx has been highly regarded and used in ornamental and protective objects, as well as in personal adornment. Sardonyx is not typically mined as a separate gemstone like other minerals. Instead, it is formed as a part of larger chalcedony deposits. Chalcedony deposits are commonly found in volcanic rocks, sedimentary rocks, or as geodes in mineral-rich regions. Sardonyx can also form in silica-rich groundwater that fills cavities in rocks, eventually forming concentric bands of different colors. Sardonyx is found in places such as Brazil, Germany, Uruguay, the United States, Czechoslovakia, and Madagascar.

Fast Facts About Peridot Gemstones

• Peridot is the gemstone that commemorates the sixteenth year of marriage, representing the enduring bond of a couple’s love.
• Peridot is often regarded as a stone of abundance, bringing prosperity and good fortune to its wearer.
• Once a peridot-bearing rock is removed from the earth, it undergoes several stages to extract the gemstones. These stages may involve crushing, sorting, and cleaning the ore to separate the peridot from the host rock and other impurities.
• Peridot is believed to possess strong protective qualities, shielding the wearer from negative energies, and promoting harmony and emotional well-being.
• Some historians suggest that peridot might have been a component of Cleopatra’s renowned emerald collection.

Fast Facts About Spinel Gemstones

• Traditionally, this birthstone for August is given as a 22nd wedding anniversary present.
• Throughout history, some of the most famous gems thought to be rubies, were actually spinel stones instead. For example, the Black Prince’s ruby in Great Britain’s Imperial State Crown, was later discovered to be a red spinel. It’s a 170-carat gem!
• Spinel remained relatively underrated for many years, often overshadowed by other gemstones. However, it has gained increasing recognition and appreciation more recently. Spinels are actually rarer than rubies!
• Be on the lookout for spinel lookalikes – synthetic spinel is quite popular and can trick many people.
• Similar to diamonds, spinel can often crystallize in flawless octahedral crystals. An octahedron is a three-dimensional geometric shape that bears a resemblance to two four-sided pyramids fused together at their base points.

Fast Facts About Sardonyx Gemstones

• Ancient civilizations believed that Sardonyx possessed protective properties and could bring courage, strength, and good fortune to its wearer.
• It was often used to create signet rings, cameos, and amulets in ancient Roman and Greek cultures.
• Practitioners of yoga have discovered its ability to aid in meditation practices, promoting a deeper and more focused state of mind.
• The layers of sard and onyx in sardonyx can give it a zebra striped appearance.
• Sardonyx is mentioned in various religious texts, and the Book of Revelation in the Bible cites it as the initial foundation stone of New Jerusalem’s walls.

August is an exciting month if you love gemstones! As mentioned above, each gemstone possesses its own unique beauty and symbolism, as well as a rich tapestry of historical significance. Whether peridot, spinel, or sardonyx – these beauties are cherished by both gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry aficionados alike. Looking for a one-of-a-kind peridot, spinel, or sardonyx item? You can count on us. With an extensive and exclusive selection of gemstones and fine jewelry, Munchel’s Fine Jewelry can help you eliminate the guesswork and find the perfect piece.

About Munchel’s Fine Jewelry

Munchel’s Fine Jewelry Inc. is a family owned and operated business. We have been proudly serving Central Florida with quality jewelry and services for over three decades. Our commitment and dedication to our customers is what sets us apart. We offer a large selection of jewelry and collectible items, including coins, watches, lockets, and necklaces. In addition, we also buy, sell, and trade many types of timeless pieces. For more information, please contact us at (863) 619-6269 or visit our website at Munchels.com/.

• Handle your rubies with care. Rubies, though durable, can still be chipped or damaged if subjected to rough handling. Avoid wearing ruby jewelry when engaging in activities that may expose it to potential damage, such as sports or heavy manual work.
• Store your ruby jewelry separately from other gemstones and harder materials to prevent scratching.
• Regular cleaning helps maintain the brilliance of your ruby. To clean your ruby jewelry, use a mild detergent mixed with warm water. Gently scrub the ruby with a soft toothbrush, then rinse it thoroughly and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Keep your ruby away from harsh chemicals and household cleaners that can potentially damage or dull the stone.
• While rubies are heat-resistant, extreme temperature changes can cause damage. Avoid exposing your ruby to sudden temperature variations, such as hot water or direct heat sources like open flames.
• Periodically inspect your ruby jewelry to ensure that the gemstone is secure in its setting. Loose or damaged settings can lead to the loss of your precious ruby. If you notice any issues, have your jewelry repaired by a professional jeweler like Munchel’s.

Fast Facts About Rubies

• The availability and quality of rubies can fluctuate over time, and new deposits may be discovered in different parts of the world.
• Rubies have adorned the crowns and jewelry of royalty for centuries. Notable examples include Elizabeth Taylor’s ruby and diamond necklace, as well as the famous “Sunrise Ruby,” the world’s most expensive ruby.
• The ruby has a special significance as a gift for couples celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.
• The majority of rubies on the market undergo heat treatment to enhance their color and clarity. This common practice helps bring out the ruby’s natural beauty and intensify its red hue.
• Rubies have historically been associated with wealth, power, and protection. They were believed to bring good fortune, enhance one’s status, and ward off misfortune.
• Occasionally, rubies exhibit asterism, a phenomenon known as the “star effect.” When light interacts with needle-like inclusions, it creates a star-shaped pattern, typically with six rays. Star rubies are highly prized and considered to be particularly rare and valuable.
• The word “ruby” comes from the Latin word “rubeus,” meaning “red.” It is derived from the mineral’s intense red color.
• Rubies are one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
• Long ago, warriors would wear rubies on the battlefield, believing that the stone would grant them courage, strength, and invincibility.
• A ruby that is too pink will probably be sold as a pink sapphire instead of a ruby!

About Munchel’s Fine Jewelry

Pearls are not actually mined like gemstones or minerals. Instead, they are produced by living organisms known as mollusks, particularly certain species of oysters and mussels. The process of pearl formation occurs naturally within these mollusks in bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Moonstone

With its glow and enchanting play of colors, moonstone evokes a sense of magic and mystery. There is a lot of mythology and folklore surrounding this gemstone, due to its metaphysical properties. Moonstone is a gemstone variety of the mineral feldspar, which is primarily composed of potassium aluminum silicate. Unlike traditional mining methods used for metallic minerals, moonstone is typically not mined from underground deposits. Instead, moonstone is usually obtained through surface mining and quarrying processes.

Fast Facts About Alexandrite Gemstones

• Alexandrite is renowned for its remarkable color-changing properties. It can exhibit a green or bluish-green hue in daylight or fluorescent light, but under incandescent light or candlelight, it transforms into a vibrant red or purplish-red color. This unique phenomenon is known as the “alexandrite effect.”
• Alexandrite is considered one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world. It is scarce in nature, and high-quality alexandrite gemstones that change in color demand high prices in the marketplace.
• Alexandrite was named after Tsar Alexander II of Russia, as it was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s on the day of his birthday. It quickly became the national gemstone of Russia and was highly cherished by the Russian nobility.
• Alexandrite is considered the gemstone for the 55th wedding anniversary.

Fast Facts About Pearls

• Unlike most gemstones, which are mineral-based, pearls are unique as they are organic gemstones formed within living organisms. Specifically, pearls are created inside certain species of oysters and mussels. This makes pearls one of the few gemstones that are derived from living creatures.
• Pearls come in a wide range of colors and shapes, offering a diverse array of options. While white and cream-colored pearls are the most well-known, pearls can also be found in shades of black, pink, lavender, blue, and even golden hues. Additionally, pearls can have various shapes, including round, semi-round, drop-shaped, button-shaped, and baroque (irregular) forms.
• Pearls have been associated with various symbolic meanings throughout history. They are often considered a symbol of purity, innocence, and femininity.
• In many cultures, pearls have represented wisdom, enlightenment, and a connection to the divine. Their soft and lustrous appearance has often been associated with the moon, further enhancing their symbolic significance.

Fast Facts About Moonstone Gemstones

• Moonstones are known for their unique optical phenomenon called adularescence. Adularescence is the shimmering or glowing effect that appears to move across the surface of the gemstone. It creates a captivating light reminiscent of moonlight, which is how moonstones got their name. This phenomenon is caused by the scattering of light within the stone.
• Moonstones were believed to bring good fortune, enhance intuition, and promote emotional harmony. In some traditions, moonstones were even thought to have connections to lunar deities.
• While moonstones are commonly associated with a milky white or bluish-white color, they actually come in a variety of colors. Moonstones can range from colorless to gray, peach, green, and even a rare and highly valued blue.
• Moonstones are found in several locations around the world, including Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Madagascar, and the United States.

June truly is a month adorned with an extraordinary trio of gemstones – alexandrite, pearl, and moonstone. Their individual beauty, symbolism, and rich histories make them a true delight for gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry lovers alike. Whether you’re celebrating a June birthday or simply drawn to their enchanting qualities, these gemstones have a way of captivating our hearts and sparking our imagination.

Looking for a one-of-a-kind alexandrite, pearl, or moonstone item? You can count on us. With an extensive and exclusive selection of gemstones and fine jewelry, Munchel’s Fine Jewelry can help you eliminate the guesswork and find the perfect piece.

About Munchel’s Fine Jewelry

Munchel’s Fine Jewelry Inc. is a family owned and operated business. We have been proudly serving Central Florida with quality jewelry and services for over three decades. Our commitment and dedication to our customers is what sets us apart. We offer a large selection of jewelry and collectible items, including coins, watches, lockets, and necklaces. In addition, we also buy, sell, and trade many types of timeless pieces. For more information, please contact us at (863) 619-6269 or visit our website at Munchels.com/.

To preserve the quality of life for an emerald, certain precautions must be taken:

• Keep your emeralds out of the heat. This includes hot water.
• Do not use chemicals and cleaning products near or on an emerald.
• Avoid pressure changes while wearing an emerald. This would include not bringing your emeralds on an airplane.
• Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner for your emerald gemstones. Mild soap, a soft brush, and lukewarm water is all you need to clean these stones.

Fast Facts About Emerald Gemstones

• Cleopatra apparently had an affinity for emerald gemstones and adorned herself in them.
• The color of an emerald determines its value. According to the GIA, “The most desirable emerald colors are bluish green to pure green, with vivid color saturation and tone that’s not too dark. The most-prized emeralds are highly transparent.” *
• To enhance their color, lighter emeralds are dyed green.
• The majority of emeralds have inclusions. Emeralds without any inclusions are extremely rare.
• Even though emeralds can be considered delicate, the use of dynamite can still be commonplace in mining.
• Miners, especially in places like Columbia, must be flown in and out of the mines via helicopter to avoid potential violence from smugglers and guerrillas.
• Emeralds belong to the mineral variety called beryl. Other gemstones that come from beryl include morganite, heliodor, aquamarine, and pezzottaite.
• It has been said that placing an emerald under the tongue can help with intuition and clairvoyance.
• The “Emerald Buddha,” located in Thailand is not actually emerald, rather jade.
• The Emerald Unguentarium is one of the world’s largest emeralds. It’s a 2,860-ct emerald vase that was carved in 1641. It’s on display in the Imperial Treasury, Vienna, Austria.

Whether you love the color green, or simply appreciate an emerald for its stunning appearance and representation, May’s gemstone is one to marvel at.

Looking for a one-of-a-kind emerald item? You can count on us. With an extensive and exclusive selection of gemstones and fine jewelry, Munchel’s Fine Jewelry can help you eliminate the guesswork and find the perfect piece.

*Information quoted and sourced from the GIA, 2023.

About Munchel’s Fine Jewelry

Munchel’s Fine Jewelry Inc. is a family owned and operated business. We have been proudly serving Central Florida with quality jewelry and services for over 30 years. Our commitment and dedication to our customers is what sets us apart. We offer a large selection of jewelry and collectible items, including coins, watches, lockets, and necklaces. In addition, we also buy, sell, and trade many types of timeless pieces. For more information, please contact us at (863) 619-6269 or visit our website at Munchels.com/.

Fast Facts About Diamonds

• There is an active diamond mine right here in the United States, near Murfreesboro, Arkansas. It is open to the public, and anyone can search for and keep their own diamonds!
• During the Middle Ages, people thought diamonds could cure certain ailments and bring healing.
• The American Gem Society calls the diamond, the “king of all birthstones.”
• A diamond’s quality is rated by the 4 C’s – color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
• Diamonds are found in every color! In fact, what gives diamonds their color is the presence of certain mineral impurities.   
• The word “diamond” comes from the Greek work “adamas,” which means unconquerable and indestructible.
• Not all diamonds that are mined are of the quality to be sold to consumers.
• The Cullinan Diamond is the largest gem-quality rough diamond that’s ever been found! It was located in South Africa and weighed 3,106 carats. It was later cut into smaller stones.
• In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave the first known engagement ring (in the shape of an M) to his wife-to-be, Mary of Burgundy.
• No surprise here – the United States is the world’s largest seller and consumer of diamonds.
• It is believed that there is a planet that is made up of at least a third of pure diamond – astronomers discovered the exoplanet, called 55 Cancri e, in 2004.

Diamonds speak a universal language without having to say a word at all. Whether you choose a diamond as a gift for someone else or a present for yourself, you cannot go wrong with April’s gemstone. Looking for a one-of-a-kind diamond item? You can count on us. With an extensive and exclusive selection of gemstones and fine jewelry, Munchel’s Fine Jewelry can help you eliminate the guesswork and find the perfect piece.

About Munchel’s Fine Jewelry

Munchel’s Fine Jewelry Inc. is a family owned and operated business. We have been proudly serving Central Florida with quality jewelry and services for over 30 years. Our commitment and dedication to our customers is what sets us apart. We offer a large selection of jewelry and collectible items, including coins, watches, lockets, and necklaces. In addition, we also buy, sell, and trade many types of timeless pieces. For more information, please contact us at (863) 619-6269 or visit our website at Munchels.com/.

Fast Facts About Aquamarine

• It is the gem for a 19^th anniversary.
• It is believed that if you wear aquamarine, you will be protected during battle or a legal process.
• Some folk tales say that aquamarine has the power to strengthen marriages and make people more pleasant.
• Aquamarine can be treated by heat to change its color and make it more intense.
• This gemstone is found all over the world, but especially mined in Brazil, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Mozambique.
• One of the most famous aquamarine pieces was given to U.S. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1936 by the Brazilian government. You can find this 2.86 lb., emerald cut beauty in New York at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
• The largest aquamarine gemstone ever mined was named the Dom Pedro and weighs 10,363 cts.

Bloodstone

Bloodstone, or heliotrope, is dark green with flecks or “veins” of red, which are made of iron oxide. It is typically opaque with a bright shine. Bloodstone is a member of the quartz family. During ancient Roman times, bloodstone was used as a “good luck charm” to stop bleeding after an injury.

Bloodstone represents having a courageous spirit and has been believed to help ward off evil and negativity.

Fast Facts About Bloodstone

• It is the gem for a 14th anniversary.
• Some have believed throughout history, that if you wear bloodstone, you could redirect spiritual energies or become invisible.
• Some wearers of bloodstone say that the blood red color represents the foot of the cross during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Medieval Christians named bloodstone the “martyr’s gem.”
• The Aztecs used bloodstone to try to regulate blood flow and circulation.
• Bloodstone is found embedded in rocks or along riverbeds in India, Australia, the United States, Italy, South Africa, Germany, and Brazil, among other places.
• It can be ground up into a powdered form; in fact, during the Middle Ages, people used the powdered form to treat tumors and remove venom from snake bites.
• One of the most famous bloodstone gems is on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris. It was the seal of German Emperor Rudolf II.
• Bloodstone is considered to be more valuable by having a solid green color and easily visible red spots. Stones with brown spots or very little red are generally considered less valuable.

Although these stones are vastly different from one another, they can both be worn and appreciated in a variety of ways. Happy celebrating in March with either, or both stones! With an extensive and exclusive selection of beautiful, handcrafted jewelry, Munchel’s Fine Jewelry can help you find your perfect gemstones for any occasion.

About Munchel’s Fine Jewelry
Munchel’s Fine Jewelry Inc. is a family owned and operated business. We have been proudly serving Central Florida with quality jewelry and services for over three decades. Our commitment and dedication to our customers is what sets us apart. We offer a large selection of jewelry and collectible items, including coins, watches, lockets, and necklaces. In addition, we also buy, sell, and trade many types of timeless pieces. For more information, please contact us at (863) 619-6269 or visit our website at Munchels.com/.

• Most amethyst gemstones are cost-effective because of their availability.
• If an amethyst gets too hot, it can actually lose its color!
• Amethysts are the traditional sixth wedding anniversary gift.
• The crystal structure for an amethyst is hexagonal.
• The amethyst is the zodiac birthstone for Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20), and the natural birthstone for winter solstice (Nov. 21 – Dec. 20).
• For centuries, amethysts have been used in crowns, scepters, and jewelry by the royal family.
• Amethyst is known as a gemstone that encompasses loving energy.

Amethysts can be worn as jewelry, kept in your purse or pocket, or placed around your home. However you choose to appreciate February’s gemstone, we hope you will consider stopping by Munchel’s to find the perfect one. With an extensive and exclusive selection of gemstones and fine jewelry, Munchel’s Fine Jewelry can help you eliminate the guesswork and find the perfect piece.

About Munchel’s Fine Jewelry
Munchel’s Fine Jewelry Inc. is a family owned and operated business. We have been proudly serving Central Florida with quality jewelry and services for over 30 years. Our commitment and dedication to our customers is what sets us apart. We offer a large selection of jewelry and collectible items, including coins, watches, lockets, and necklaces. In addition, we also buy, sell, and trade many types of timeless pieces. For more information, please contact us at (863) 619-6269 or visit our website at Munchels.com/.

In addition to the above, there have been many myths, legends, and lore surrounding birthstones and the months each color represents. In today’s culture, jewelers have come together and agreed on a standardized 12-month calendar year of gemstones. Because of the evolutionary process, some months have more than one gemstone associated with them. We will get into that calendar in the coming months. Stay tuned.

The Gemstone for January

January’s gemstone is garnet, which embodies the spirit of tranquility and strength. Garnet is the name of a group of silicate minerals (rock-forming) that vary in color – from red, to green, orange, pink and even blue. Red garnet is the most popular and is found in rocks that are transformed by heat and pressure. A rarer garnet such as green, or tsavorite, takes a little more energy from the rock formation process and isn’t as easily accessible.

Fast Facts About Garnet

• Red garnet is found on every continent.
• There are more than 20 garnet categories, which are called species. 
• A large number of garnets are chemical mixtures of two or more types of garnet species.
• Garnet has gained popularity as an industrial mineral used for waterjet cutting, filtration, and blasting.
• Some garnets are colorless or change colors depending on the light and source of light (natural or artificial).
• Many garnets have inclusions that make them distinctive like diamonds.
• Garnet can be cut and set into several types of jewelry.
• Brighter shades tend to cost more than darker ones.
• Ancient Egyptians acknowledged garnets as a symbol of life and used it for many medicinal purposes in the Middle Ages. It was also very popular for pharaohs to wear red garnet necklaces.
• Garnet is known for being the commitment stone in a relationship and symbolizes a couple’s second wedding anniversary.
• The name garnet comes from the Latin words punica granatum, which means pomegranate.
• Garnets and other red gemstones called carbuncle were thought to be a gift from God to Solomon in ancient times.
• Garnets are mined in Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Czech Republic, Madagascar, North America, and India.

Garnet is a stone that embodies peace, friendship, love, and healing. It doesn’t matter if you were born in January or not, everyone can definitely find a way to appreciate this beautiful gemstone.

Looking for a one-of-a-kind garnet item? You can count on us. With an extensive and exclusive selection of gemstones and fine jewelry, Munchel’s Fine Jewelry can help you eliminate the guesswork and find the perfect piece.

About Munchel’s Fine Jewelry

Munchel’s Fine Jewelry Inc. is a family owned and operated business. We have been proudly serving Central Florida with quality jewelry and services for over 30 years. Our commitment and dedication to our customers is what sets us apart. We offer a large selection of jewelry and collectible items, including coins, watches, lockets, and necklaces. In addition, we also buy, sell, and trade many types of timeless pieces. For more information, please contact us at (863) 619-6269 or visit our website at Munchels.com/.