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Everything You Need to Know About January’s Gemstone

Everything You Need to Know About January’s Gemstone

Special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries give certain gemstones a unique meaning and purpose. If you enjoy learning about the origin of jewelry, then our newest blog series is for you! Over the next year, we’ll take each monthly gemstone and share fun and interesting facts. Before we get started though, we’d like to take the next few minutes to discuss the history of birthstones as well as how they might fit into your jewelry collection.

Birthstones are gemstones that represent the month a person was born in. These gemstones can be worn in a number of ways including in a ring, bracelet, earrings, or pendant necklace. In some cultures, gemstones are thought to be a sign of protection, prosperity, good luck, and health.

The most common argument for the origination of gemstones is the following: in the first century, there was a Romano-Jewish historian named Josephus, and he believed that there was a link between three things: the 12 months of the year, the 12 stones in the biblical and religious account of Aaron’s breastplate of judgement, and the 12 signs of the zodiac (which follow star constellations). Since then, there have been various updates and traditions adopted, and birthstones today hold many different values to the ones adorning them. Some might choose a birthstone simply because they like the color, while others may wear it because it symbolizes something momentous for them.

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/.

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We Can Buy Your Gold

We Can Buy Your Gold

If you own jewelry, especially gold or silver, chances are you have looked at a few of your pieces over the years and thought, “I don’t wear this anymore, I wonder if this is worth anything; should I donate it? Should I take it somewhere that buys gold?” We work with many clients who have come to us to have their gold evaluated, and many of them we have purchased from. With this, we have been met with a number of questions. In all our years of experience with buying and selling gold, we have come up with a list of five main questions that customers are usually looking to have answered in this process. Hopefully sharing these FAQ’s and answers will help you in your journey of buying or selling gold in the future.

Munchel’s Gold Buying FAQ’s & Answers

“Is my gold worth any money?”

From rings, bracelets, chains, and necklaces, to badges, old medals, match safes, and pendants, gold jewelry comes in a variety of styles. Typically, gold items are marked with numerical values such as 10K, or 18K, and even numbers like .333, or .417. If your gold has a number on it, there is a good chance it is worth something dollar-wise. However, even if it doesn’t have a number on it, it may still hold value. The best thing to do if you have a piece of gold that you’re in question about is to bring it in to us for evaluation. Our experts are able to quickly determine the value of a piece of gold by following checking the current spot price of gold, which is constantly changing throughout the day.

“How can I be sure you know the proper value of my gold?”

Understandably, you want to make sure that you are getting the best amount of money for your gold. Something to keep in mind is how the price of gold is determined in the first place. Of course, the weight of your gold, along with the karat number both play a role, but factors such as the current value of the dollar, and the supply and demand of gold, as well as precious metals, are the biggest determinants when it comes to establishing how much a piece of gold is worth. Our jewelers regularly keep up with industry trends and developments, they follow precise formulas, and are able to check the value of gold real-time to ensure that you receive the highest yield.

“How do I get paid for my gold?”

Munchel’s Fine Jewelry pays cash immediately upon an agreed estimate and bill of sale

“Do you also buy other items like silver or coins?”

Other than gold, we buy platinum and silver unwanted jewelry. Items that would fall into this category are:

  • Scrap gold, platinum, and silver
  • Bracelets and rings
  • Mountings, charms, and necklaces
  • Class rings and fraternal pins
  • Company rings and company pins
  • Jeweler’s scrap, bench sweeps, and dental gold

We also are proud to purchase any U.S. coins or currency including:

  • Any U.S. or foreign gold and silver coins
  • U.S. mint and proof sets
  • U.S. commemorative coins
  • Silver coins minted through 1964
  • Silver halves minted 1965-1970
  • Collectable coins and currency

Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) certified coins are preferred.

Additionally, we buy sterling silver flatware or holloware (broken or damaged), loose or mounted diamonds, gemstones, and watches.

“What if my gold or silver is in bad shape? Will you still take it?”

The beauty of gold and silver is that it can be melted down to make new pieces. So, in this case, the condition of your gold or silver jewelry is of little concern to us. We advise that you give us a call ahead of time to discuss the items you have, and to schedule an appointment. We are happy to provide appraisals and discuss buying options with you at the time of your appointment.

One thing to remember is that all gold buying businesses are not created equal. With over 30 years of industry experience, Munchel’s Fine Jewelry is your reliable source for buying and selling jewelry. Our extensive and exclusive selection in-store is always evolving, and you can count on us to provide certified and authentic jewelry, along with top-notch customer service.

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/.

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Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Diamond

Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Diamond

Feel confident of your next diamond purchase by learning more about the 4C’s and what they mean.

Undoubtedly, diamonds are beautiful and timeless; and are likely treasured by all who own them. At first glance, it may be difficult to discern the true value of a diamond. Unless you’re an expert gemologist or you’ve acquired a vast knowledge of the 4C’s, you may have found or will find yourself in a predicament of overpaying and compromising on quality for a diamond purchase. Never guess again – learn more about the four factors that distinguish the most important parts of a diamond.

The 4 Cs

The 4Cs were originally developed in the 1940s by Gemological Institute of America (GIA) founder Robert M. Shipley as a mnemonic device to help his students. Since then, the 4Cs have revolutionized the diamond industry, and through continuous research and education, jewelers have been able to decode the best practice of determining a diamond’s quality.

Color

A diamond should have “an absence of color” to be considered chemically pure and structurally perfect, according to the GIA.  The degrees of colorlessness of a diamond range from D (the highest value and the clearest) and fluctuate down to a Z (the lowest value and can look light yellow or brown). The slightest color imperfections can make the biggest differences in price and value. Because of this, it’s important to have an expert gemologist look at the diamond to verify the correct color grade range you are looking for.

Clarity

Clarity stands for the quality of transparency or purity. When a diamond has internal inclusions or external blemishes, it rates lower on the GIA Diamond Clarity Scale. This scale has six categories and a total of 11 specific grades:

  • Flawless (FL) – There are no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10 times magnification.
  • Internally Flawless (IF) – There are no inclusions visible under 10 times magnification.
  • Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) – Inclusions are so slight, they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10 times magnification.
  • Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) – Inclusions are observed with effort under 10 times magnification but can be characterized as minor.
  • Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) – Inclusions are noticeable under 10 times magnification.
  • Included (I1, I2, and I3) – Inclusions are evident under 10 times magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance.

These guidelines help jewelers and gemologists assess the diamond for customers so they can make an informed decision on which diamond is the best choice for their budget and desired look.

Cut

A diamond’s cut quality is often what makes it the most attractive. The cut of a diamond refers to how symmetrical the stone is, along with its weight, diameter, durability, brilliance, and luminosity. A poorly cut diamond will often appear dull, while a well-cut diamond will easily reflect colored light. The cut of a diamond does not refer to the actual shape such as a round brilliant, princess, oval, or pear. However, the round brilliant diamond is one of the most popular diamond shapes due to its maximum sparkle and contrast.

To determine a diamond’s cut grade, a gemologist will review the diamond under magnification and compare it to the GIA’s Diamond Cut Scale. This scale includes fire (the distribution of white light into all the colors of the rainbow), brightness (the white light reflected from the diamond), and scintillation (the amount of sparkle a diamond produces when light moves). Upon appraisal, the gemologist will then determine if the diamond is excellent or poor, or anything in between.

Carat Weight

A carat is the unit of weight used to measure the size of a gemstone, including a diamond. To approximate the carat weight of a diamond, your jeweler will need to have a scale that measures stones precisely. You may think you want a stone with a high carat weight because it means the diamond is more valuable – however, this is not always the case. For example, a one-carat diamond may be worth more than a three-carat diamond due to factors such as its superior cut, clarity, and color. It’s best to choose a diamond not solely based on its weight.

The End Result

It’s important to determine a diamond’s value using all four of the 4Cs instead of merely one or two independently. You may love the cut and carat weight of a diamond, but if the clarity and color are mediocre, you may end up regretting your purchase in the long run.

When it comes to selecting the perfect diamond for your price range and style preferences, Munchel’s Fine Jewelry can help ensure you make the best decision by utilizing the 4Cs.

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/.

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Ask the Experts: Diamonds 101

Ask the Experts: Diamonds 101

What are the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds?

During the last several years, lab-grown diamonds have received a lot of attention. Reasons for their popularity include their price, sustainability, and durability. To the naked eye, it is fairly hard to tell the difference between a lab-grown and natural diamond. Many feel that manufactured diamonds aren’t considered “real” diamonds, however, we believe this to be a fallacy. Lab-grown diamonds have remarkably similar clarity grades, natural inclusions, and properties to those of natural diamonds. When deciding on which type of diamond you should purchase, you’ll want to consider all the advantages and drawbacks of choosing a lab-grown diamond over a classic, mined diamond.

What is a Lab-grown Diamond?

Unlike cubic zirconia, white sapphire, and moissanite, diamonds grown in a lab are in fact real. The main difference between natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds is the origin in which they are created. Most commonly, lab-grown diamonds are made using two types of methods: high pressure, high temperature (HPHT), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD).

An HPHT diamond is formed by imitating the process that natural diamonds go through within the earth. It starts with a small diamond seed made of carbon atoms. The seed is put into a carbon source like graphite or diamond powder and endures high heat and extreme pressure. Once the pure carbon starts to melt, a diamond forms around the starter diamond seed. From there, the diamond is cooled, cut, and refined.

A CVD diamond is formed by taking a tiny fragment of a diamond seed and placing it into a carbon-rich gas mixture in a gas chamber where it is heated to 800 degrees Celsius. The gases are ionized into plasma and the pure carbon attaches to the original diamond seed. As the carbon continues to build, a new, larger diamond is formed.

Both above types manufactured diamonds are almost identical to natural diamonds in their appearance.

What are the Advantages of Purchasing Lab-grown Diamonds?

Believe it or not, lab-grown diamonds are graded and certified on the same scale as natural diamonds. A few diamond certification labs you may be familiar with include the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL), and International Gemological Institute (IGI). These organizations look for the four C’s (color, cut, clarity, and carat), and accredit each lab-grown diamond accordingly.

Benefits to opting for a manufactured diamond include:

  • Price. Because lab-grown diamonds don’t have to go through the same supply chain demands of a mined diamond, often they can be less expensive and easier to find in the style you are looking for. By no means are lab-grown diamonds considered an “outlet item,” however they may save you a healthy chunk of change.
  • Sustainability & Ethical Responsibility. Some natural diamonds are still mined in a dangerous way, which can initiate violence and turmoil among minors and their families. When purchasing a lab-grown diamond, you can feel good knowing that there was no harm or conflict during the creation and production process. Additionally, most companies specializing in lab-grown diamonds pride themselves in doing everything possible to remain environmentally conscious and cruelty-free.
  • Durability. Just like mined diamonds, the quality of lab-grown diamonds won’t change or deteriorate over time. In fact, lab-grown diamonds are just as hard, strong, and durable as natural diamonds and rank a 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Lab-grown diamonds also test positive on a diamond tester because they are made of crystallized carbon.

What are the Disadvantages of Purchasing Lab-grown Diamonds?

Most expert gemologists have a hard time differentiating between lab-grown and natural diamonds. A series of tests must be performed to identify the derivation of the diamond. When you are out and about, it is likely that no one will be able to tell whether the diamond you are wearing is lab-grown or natural. With that said, there are a couple of drawbacks to purchasing a lab-grown diamond over a traditional one.

  • Long-term Value. Lab-grown diamonds are considered “new” to the jewelry and gemstone industry. Because of this, a set long-term value has not been determined yet and a lab-grown diamond may not hold as much worth as a natural diamond. As time goes on, this may change, but this fact remains uncertain currently.
  • Mass Production. Since lab-grown diamonds are manufactured and not created from the earth itself, your diamond won’t be considered rare and one-of-a-kind like a mined diamond. On the contrary, lab-grown diamonds can still be considered unique in color, shape, and size, because they are made to order, one at a time. When choosing the route of purchasing a man-made diamond, you can often choose the specificity of the kind of diamond you want created.

Where Can I Find Lab-grown Diamonds?

If you are considering purchasing a lab-grown diamond, it’s important to find a reputable jeweler that offers superior products backed by excellence. At Munchel’s Fine Jewelry, we can help you make the best choice in choosing a diamond whether it’s lab-grown or traditional.

Munchel’s Fine Jewelry can also assist you with carefully selecting the perfect diamond that matches your budget and style preferences all while keeping quality a top priority. We also have superior expertise and technology to determine if diamonds are lab created or natural. 

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/.