In the first century, Jewish historian Josephus connected the twelve signs of the zodiac, the twelve months of the year and the twelve stones on Aaron’s breastplate. Later, St. Jerome, referencing Josephus, stated the twelve stones would be appropriate for Christian usage, and associating a stone with each month’s attire began.
In 1912, the (American) National Association of Jewelers met in Kansas and officially adopted a list of birthstones. Associating a stone with each month, birthstones as we know them officially began. This was when the emerald was named as May’s birthstone.
Emeralds, like all colored gemstones, are graded using four basic parameters: Color, Clarity, Cut and Crystal. Crystal, the last “C”, is simply another way of representing the transparency of the stone. In the case of most stones, color is usually the most important way of determining the value, with the more vibrant hues adding additional value to the stone. In the case of the emerald, however, Crystal is a very close second, with transparency contributing to the value nearly as much as the color. Unlike the diamond, whose clarity is determined using magnification, an emerald’s clarity is determined by eye. Therefore, if no flaws are seen by the naked eye, the stone is considered flawless.
Associated with loyalty, faithfulness and friendship, this poem largely describes the significance behind May’s birthstone:
“Who first beholds the light of day
In spring’s sweet, flower month of May
And wears an Emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.”
By weight, the emerald is the most valuable gemstone in the world. A member of the Beryl family, it is elements of chromium in the stone which produce the rich green color. While the color can range from yellow-green to blue-green, only those with a medium to dark tone are considered emerald. Light-toned gems are known instead as green beryl. A favored gem in Victorian jewelry, emeralds are most often mined in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Bailey Banks and Biddle is proud to be able to present you with a beautiful selection of emerald jewelry. Perfect for May birthday presents as well as to give those who simply love the color green, our selection includes rings, pendants and earrings. For assistance with any of your jewelry purchases, whether emerald or otherwise, please feel welcome to contact our customer service specialist anytime.
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Birthstone,
Birthstone Jewelry,
Earrings,
emerald,
Emerald Earrings,
Emerald Jewelry,
Pendants,
rings
Do you know the history of Mother’s Day? Not many people do! At Bailey Banks and Biddle we love to enlighten you! Celebrations of mothers date back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held regular festivals to honor goddesses Rhea and Cybele. Later, an early Christian festival called “Mothering Sunday”, was celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent as a way for church-goers to return to their “mother church.” The celebration evolved into a day of children honoring their mothers with flowers and gifts until the holiday’s popularity faded.
Ann Reeves Jarvis restored the holiday’s popularity, particularly in the United States, beginning with her work prior to the Civil War. A co-founder of “Mother’s Day Work Clubs”, Jarvis organized events to teach mothers how to properly care for their children. After Ann’s death in 1905, her daughter, Anna Jarvis, evolved Mother’s Day into a day to honor the sacrifices mothers made for their children. The official first Mother’s Day celebration was held at a Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia.
Following the success of the celebration in Grafton, Anna began a massive campaign to have the holiday added to the national calendar. Arguing that most national holidays were biased towards males and their achievements, her persistence finally paid off in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday of May “Mother’s Day.”
Beginning in the 1960s, feminist groups began using Mother’s Day to highlight the need for equal rights and access to childcare. Perhaps more notably, in 1968 Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King Jr., used as the day to promote the causes of underprivileged women and children. Today Mother’s Day is one of the biggest holidays for consumer spending. From special church services to family reunion type brunches, spa days to mom’s day off, moms worldwide are honored for their hard work through cards, gifts and flowers.
If you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for the mothers in your life, Bailey Banks and Biddle is here to help. From rings to earrings, necklaces to bracelets, we have an extensive inventory full of beautiful jewelry pieces we know mom would LOVE to wear. For example, let Mom know she holds the key to your heart by presenting her with it! 46 diamonds are set in this sterling silver key, making it nearly as valuable as the price Mom puts on you.
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Cross Jewelry,
Diamond Pendant,
Diamond Pendants,
Earrings,
Emerald Earrings,
Emerald Jewelry,
Mother's Day,
Pendants
“We’re going to the chapel and we’re… Gonna get married!”
Well, ladies and gentleman, the 2013 wedding season is actively upon us! For those of you brides and grooms who are still, actively and hopefully not franticly, trying to finalize the details of your wedding, we have a list of this season’s wedding trends to help you out. From flowers to cakes, wedding bands to favors, Bailey Banks and Biddle is here to make your wedding planning a little bit easier.
Color Scheme
A big trend in this year’s formal weddings is neutral color schemes. Alyssa Brown of Alison Events in San Francisco forecasts, “I see grey and taupe with pops of black.” From bridesmaid dresses to table linens, invitations to flowers, stick with a monotone, neutral color scheme to make a super-sized, elegant impact.
For less formal occasions, patterns will be sweeping your guests off their feet! Chevron and stripes will continue to be hot, however this year will see more gingham, paisley and even polka dots. Imagine the fun you could have coordinating the décor and accessories with a polka dot theme!
Desserts
Wedding cakes continue to be reserved for the bride and groom this season. Hire your baker to make you and your husband-to-be a small cake just for the two of you (don’t forget to make it large enough to have pieces to freeze for your first anniversary!), and have cupcakes or another desert made for your guests.
Are you looking for a way to bring color into your dessert station? How about an assortment of cupcakes in various colors and patterns? Not only will they be tasty, they will make your dessert station especially fun and festive!
Wedding Bands and Engagement Rings
Today’s wedding stylists are declaring that Platinum is trumping any color of gold. At Bailey Banks and Biddle we can happily help you find the perfect ring set for you and your beau. Whether you are wearing a solitaire diamond or an engagement band with side stones, we have coordinating wedding bands for nearly any style. Are you not yet boasting an engagement ring? Not to fear, Bailey Banks and Biddle even has bridal sets to simplify the coordination process.
Favors
Everywhere you turn you see products advertising their recycled content or recyclable containers. This year, green products are stepping down the aisle in a big way. From the stationary used for your invitations to your wedding favors, green-products are the way to go. These party favor boxes, for example, can be planted after your guest arrives home and will grow wild flowers. Consider your effort to use sustainable products a representation of how your marriage will sustain through better OR worse!
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Diamond Engagement Ring,
Diamond Engagement Rings,
Diamond Jewelry,
engagement,
Engagement Rings,
Wedding,
Wedding Bands,
Wedding Planning,
Weddings
On April 16, 2013, Christie’s New York, one of the world’s top auction houses, will be auctioning the ‘Princie Diamond.’ With origins tracing to the Golconda mines in south central India, this stunning 34.65 carat diamond is expected to sell for between 30 and 40 MILLION dollars!
First recorded as belonging to the royal family of Hyderabad, the capital city of India’s state of Andhra Pradesh, the Princie Diamond hasn’t seen an auction house since 1960. In 1960, the London branch of Van Cleef & Arpels purchased the diamond for 46,000 pounds (nearly $70,000 in today’s currency). The diamond received its name at Van Cleef’s Paris store, in honor of the visiting 14-year-old Prince of Baroda.
Today, colored, or ‘fancy’ diamonds are taking the world by storm. Hollywood’s biggest names are among those announcing their engagements by flashing their gorgeous fancy diamonds. Recently, Kelly Clarkson announced her engagement to Brandon Blackstock by tweeting an image of her canary yellow diamond engagement ring.
Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey were both presented with pink diamond rings when proposed to by Ben Affleck and Nick Cannon. Lopez’s diamond had an estimated value of $1.2 million in 2002, and Mariah’s 17-carat emerald-cut pink center diamond surrounded by 58 pink diamonds has a value of approximately $2.5million.
Are multi-million dollar fancy diamond jewelry pieces just a bit out of your budget? Don’t worry! You are definitely not alone! Bailey Banks and Biddle has put care and thought into assembling a fancy diamond jewelry collection that you will enjoy shopping from, and not have to fear breaking the bank while doing so.
Black, champagne and white diamonds combine to make a Bee-utiful piece of jewelry in this Bee Pendant. Set in 14K gold, ¼ carat of diamonds will fly around your neck and have your friends buzzing to see it more closely!
Where you have bumblebees, you need a flower! And since we’re talking diamonds, how about a stunning diamond flower ring? Once again black, champagne and white diamonds have combined to make a piece of jeweled art. With a total of 1.5 carats of diamonds, this ring will attract all the busy bees at your next social engagement!
Are you hoping your beau will pop the big question to you in the near future? If so, don’t think Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey are the only belles lucky enough to receive fancy diamond engagement rings! With a little bit of hinting from you, this beautiful 1.25 carat total weight halo engagement ring could be yours! Surrounded by 60 colorless and brilliant white diamonds, this 7/8 carat, cushion-cut yellow diamond is set in a platinum and 18K white gold band.
Tagged as:
Diamond Engagement Ring,
Diamond Engagement Rings,
Diamond Jewelry,
diamond rings,
Diamonds,
engagement,
Engagement Rings,
Fancy Diamonds,
Pendants,
Princie Diamond,
Yellow Diamonds
Women born in April have it made. April Fools Day plays a joke on women who were born outside the month of April by making it possible for women born inside the month’s boundaries to ask for diamonds all year round. When asked what type of jewelry they want, an April woman may answer “Birthstone jewelry!” and receive diamonds in return. They don’t have to wait for a man to propose before they receive their first diamond. According to the calendar, they’ve been empowered by their birthstone since birth.
Surprisingly, the history of birthstones can be dated back thousands of years. In the Bible’s book of Exodus, the Breastplate of Aaron featured twelve gemstones, each one representing a tribe of Israel. Later, the writings of Flavius Josephus (1st Century AD) and St. Jerome (5th Century AD) made the connection between the 12 stones of the breastplate and the 12 signs of the zodiac. It wasn’t until 1912, however, that the National Association of Jewelers developed the modern list of birthstones.
Pendants
Considering she is entitled, based upon her birth date, to ask for diamond jewelry anytime, an April woman may be just the female to wear this Diamond Crown pendant. Embellished by ten diamonds and set in Sterling Silver, any woman wearing this pendant will truly feel like a princess.
Unfortunately, a feeling of diamond entitlement may also make an April woman quite difficult to deal with. While she may be the best friend/girlfriend you could image, she may also be quite the hell-raiser. If this is the case, this Diamond Devil pendant will be quite the appropriate addition to her diamond jewelry collection.
Rings
Fortunately for every woman, diamond rings are no longer limited to only engagement rings. Right handed diamond rings allow even single ladies to flaunt their fingers during an evening out. Black and white diamonds will accessorize just about any attire perfectly when the fashionista is wearing this ring. Boasting a carat of diamonds, this ring is nothing short of spectacular.
A fun feature for today’s diamond wearer is the ability to purchase diamonds in a variety of colors. April babies aren’t limited to the typical white diamond. Fashion diamonds are available in a variety of colors ranging from red to blue, brown to green, and a whole lot more inbetween. This ring could be described as a chocolate covered strawberry fashion ring, as it is 14K Strawberry Gold embellished by over a carat of Chocolate Diamonds
Bailey Banks and Biddle has an incredible selection of diamond jewelry for our customers to shop from. Whether you are an April baby, a man about to propose to his love, or an individual looking to add a spectacular new piece to your jewelry collection, we invite you to visit our webpage anytime.
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Birthstone,
Birthstone Jewelry,
Bracelets,
Diamond Jewelry,
diamond rings,
Earrings,
Fancy Diamonds,
Fashion,
Fashion Jewelry,
Gemstone,
Gemstone Jewelry,
gifts,
necklaces
Gents, we have a feeling some of you may need this post. You’ve been thinking about proposing to your amazing girlfriend for some time now, but for whatever reason… You just haven’t. You’re stuck. You want to do it perfectly, but let’s face it: You need our help. Read on, and you will find that Bailey, Banks and Biddle has all the proposal answers you are looking for.
Asking for Permission
Admit it. The thought of asking for her parents’ permission to marry their daughter makes you shake in your boots. She’s Daddy’s Little Girl, and while you’ve always seemed to get along with them, you still fear that her parents will say “no.”
The best way to guarantee a “yes” followed by a handshake and a hug is to be yourself. Don’t be afraid to shed a tear while professing the love you feel for their daughter, and certainly tell her parents how you will do whatever it takes to make her happy. No, we don’t expect or want you to become a criminal for her, however her parents should believe you would be willing to.
The Ring
Hopefully by now you recognize your love’s style preferences and know whether she’s a Yellow Gold, White Gold or Platinum girl. Clueless? Take a peek in her jewelry box. If all her earrings are Yellow Gold, you know a bit more than you did five seconds before. If the design of her ring still intimidates you, feel free to bring her jewelry box in to Bailey Banks and Biddle and we will be happy to help you pick out a ring that will work well with her current jewelry. Or, you can always surrender yourself to a weekend full of shows and movies on the women’s television network, during which the two of you will inevitably see several dozen jewelry store commercials and you can attempt to pick up clues as to which ring she is eyeing.
The Proposal
Despite whether or a not a woman likes surprises, it’s hard to believe that any girl or woman doesn’t dream of her surprise marriage proposal from her Prince Charming. Whether you propose during an out-of-town vacation getaway, or a romantic weekend at home, do your best to make sure you sweep her off her feet with romance and heartfelt sentiments. Your grandchildren will be hearing about how you proposed someday, as will all her friends and family on Facebook within ½ hour, so make sure your proposal is romantic and heartfelt.
Bailey Banks and Biddle will be here after she says “Yes!” to help the two of you find your perfect wedding bands. In the meantime, you are always welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns during your engagement ring purchasing process.
Tagged as:
Design Your Own Ring,
Diamond Engagement Ring,
Diamond Engagement Rings,
Diamond Jewelry,
diamond rings,
engagement,
Engagement Rings
When Irish eyes are smiling, sure ‘tis like a morn in spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter you can hear the angels sing,
When Irish hearts are happy all the world seems bright and gay,
And when Irish eyes are smiling, sure, they steal your heart away.
~Chauncey Olcott and George Graff, Jr. (lyrics), Ernest R. Ball (music)
Celebrated on March 17 every year, St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with Leprechauns and Four-Leaf Clovers. Celebrated in Ireland for the last thousand years, however, St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday to honor the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. Credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland, the anniversary of St. Patrick’s death is remembered through dance, drink and feast.
For ‘tis green, green, green, where the ruined towers are gray,
And it’s green, green, green, all the happy night and day;
Green of leaf and green of sod, green of ivy on the wall,
And the blessed Irish shamrock with the fairest green of all.
~Mary Elizabeth Blake
Occurring in the midst of the Lenten season in which many Christians, particularly Catholics, have given up the consumption of meat and alcohol, St. Patrick’s Day became a one day guilt-free feast day. Irish bacon and cabbage, also known as corned beef and cabbage, has become recognized world-wide as the standard St. Patrick’s Day meal.
Originally, the color associated with St. Patrick and St. Patrick’s Day was blue, however over the years, St. Patrick’s association with the clover helped the holiday become more affiliated with the color green. It is believed that St. Patrick used the shamrock, a three-leafed plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the Pagan Irish. The four-leaf clover, an uncommon variation of the three-leaf, is said to bring luck to anyone who finds one, especially accidentally. According to legend, each leaf represents something: the first is for faith, the second for hope, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck.
Although not associated with St. Patrick, leprechauns are associated with St. Patricks Day due to their roots in Irish Folklore. Primarily linked to the Tuatha De Danaan of Irish mythology, leprechauns are thought to enjoy creating mischief, and are shoemakers who store all their extra coins in a hidden pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.
To protect your treasures from the mischievous leprechauns, it is highly recommended that you keep your valuables locked up with this diamond and emerald key pendant.
You already know where your treasures lie, and now you can have treasures of gold. Sparkling with nearly a half carat of diamonds and nearly two carats of Emeralds, these 14K Gold earrings will hang from your ears like your own lucky pots of gold.
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Bracelets,
Earrings,
emerald,
Fashion Jewelry,
Gemstone,
Gemstone Jewelry,
Gold Jewelry,
necklaces,
St. Patrick,
St. Patrick's Day
Congratulations! You made it through the big marriage proposal season without giving into the expectation of a Valentine’s Day proposal. A week into the month of March, the staff at Bailey Banks & Biddle knows this would be the perfect time to surprise your leading lady with the proposal of her dreams.
X’s and O’s… Hugs and Kisses. You’re getting ready to share a lifetime of hugs and kisses with the woman of your dreams. Start the rest of your life with a kiss by putting a ring of diamond X’s on her finger! The Diamond Open Lattice Flower Ring in 14K Gold combines old world charm with classic diamond beauty.
For the busy bride who will undoubtedly micro-manage each and every facet of her wedding planning, this bridal set will undoubtedly provide more than a second of relief. You and your fiancé will be spared from hours of wedding band shopping when you present her with an engagement ring accompanied by a matching wedding band.
A classic romance deserves a classic solitaire engagement ring. Crafted in a classic 6 prong platinum setting, this near colorless 1 carat marquise-cut solitaire diamond will have jaws dropping all over town. Whether your future fiancée is artsy or business-like, a country girl or a city chick, a solitaire diamond like this promises a sure-fire “yes”.
If you and your girlfriend are the modern day equivalent of Wesley and Buttercup, you will want your future fiancée to feel like the Princess Bride on her wedding day. This Norman Silverman Oval-Cut Braided Diamond Engagement Ring is extra-ordinarily beautiful with its 83 diamonds totaling 1.31 carats. The beauty of the center oval cut diamond is shown off even further by the elaborate diamond band.
Is your bride-to-be addicted to the comings-and-goings of Hollywood celebrities? If so, she has undoubtedly seen Kelly Clarkson’s Canary Diamond engagement ring. Make your love feel like an American Idol winner and the star of your life that she is by presenting her with her own Yellow Diamond engagement ring. 1.25 carats of diamonds set in platinum and 18K Gold will have her smiling like a superstar and quickly broadcasting the news of your engagement on Twitter.
We, the staff at Bailey Banks and Biddle welcome you to visit our website anytime to view our much more extensive engagement ring selection. With a gorgeous inventory full of engagement rings and bridal sets, we and our customer service team are certain we can help you find the ring of your love’s dreams.
Tagged as:
Diamond Engagement Ring,
Diamond Engagement Rings,
Diamond Jewelry,
engagement,
Engagement Rings,
Wedding
It’s been a long, cold winter in the Northern Hemisphere, and the winter storms don’t seem to be letting any corner of our continent remain unscathed. If you’ve been busy all winter long planning your wedding, we at Bailey, Banks & Biddle are sure you can’t wait to see sunshine, flowers and warm weather on a daily basis. Your countdown has begun, and we’re here to help you through the last days of icy weather and down your path to the altar!
Wedding Party Gifts
Your bridesmaids, flower girl and maid of honor have undoubtedly spent a pretty penny in preparation for your wedding. Make sure they know how much their participation in your special day means to you by honoring them with one of our special gifts!
Flower Girl
She’s a pretty little princess who is thrilled to be a star on your day. And what princess wouldn’t love a new pair of earrings (pending her parents have already pierced her ears) on this big day? Not only will these Pearl Earrings look great in her ears, they will serve as a great foundation for her new jewelry collection!
Bridesmaids
Your bridesmaids would undoubtedly love a more sophisticated token of appreciation on your wedding day, and one they can enjoy well into the future. What better way to appreciate them in a sophisticated manner without going overboard than with this beautiful pair of diamond earrings? Not only will they look gorgeous on YOUR big day, but she’ll be able to wear them many times in the years to come!
Maid of Honor
Whether she’s your sister, cousin or best friend, undoubtedly she means the world to you and has supported you through the thick and thin. Remind her she’ll be your best (female) friend for years to come with our Ice Flowers Diamond Fashion Earrings in 14K White Gold. A step up (or five) from your bridesmaids’ solitaire earrings, there will be no doubt in anybody’s mind that she is your leading attendant!
Bride
If you’re the groom, we know your wedding day is one of, if not THE biggest day of your life. How about surprising your bride with one last ring before she walks down the aisle? The Ice Flowers Diamond Fashion Ring brilliantly displays over a carat of diamonds in a 14K gold setting, and will be the perfect right hand accessory on your big day!
Groom
Ladies, too many men’s wrists are being neglected these days due to the growing capabilities of the smart phone. It’s time that your man be able to accessorize himself again as nicely as you accessorize yourself. Giving him this Philip Stein watch as his wedding present won’t just make him on time to your wedding, but he’ll be able to set a second time zone for your honeymoon as well!
Tagged as:
Bridesmaid Gifts,
Bridesmaid Jewelry,
Diamond Jewelry,
diamond rings,
Earrings,
Fashion,
Fashion Jewelry,
Flower Girl Gift,
gifts,
Gifts for Her,
Jewelry,
Maid of Honor,
Pearl,
Pearls,
Right Hand Ring,
Watches,
Wedding Party Gifts,
Weddings
In recent years, the pages of celebrity and style magazines have seen an increase in the number of colored diamonds, or fancy diamonds, decorating their pages. Celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Kelly Clarkson proudly showed off their fancy diamond engagement rings as they became engaged to Ben Affleck and Brandon Blackstock. While white, or clear diamonds, were previously the most sought after, fancy diamonds are now stealing the spotlight on various styles of jewelry.
Leading the pack with their gorgeous Chocolate Diamonds is LeVian. One of America’s oldest jewelers, LeVian knows what is popular on the red carpet and off, and designs breathtaking fancy diamond jewelry for the world to see. Bailey, Banks & Biddle is now proud to offer our customers a beautiful selection of LeVian masterpieces to shop from. Featuring not only Chocolate Diamonds but also a wide variety of other gemstones, our LeVian selection is sure to have a piece to suit everyone’s style preferences.
Pendants
Perfect for dressing up everyday wear and evening wear, pendants are a must-have in any girl’s jewelry collection.
This 14K Strawberry Gold Ocean Wave Gladiator Pendant will make just about anyone hunger for its beauty with 0.93 carats of Chocolate Diamonds and 0.18 carats of Vanilla Diamonds. Perfect for accessorizing a little black dress or a black tee and jeans, this pendant would be a perfect addition to any jewelry collection.
Adding to their Chocolate Diamonds and Vanilla Diamonds, LeVian adds a punch of color to this beautiful pendant by adding 1.25 carats of Cotton Candy Amethyst and 0.87 carats of Raspberry Rhodolite. Add in 0.23 carats of Chocolate Diamonds and 0.13 carats of Vanilla Diamonds and you have the gorgeous 14K Strawberry Gold Pendant!
Rings
Rings are no longer reserved for the married, engaged, or grocery store 25-cent machines. Whether attached or not, every girl deserves to have one (or a few) amazing right hand rings in her jewelry box.
With 2.00 carats of Sea Blue Aquamarine, 0.55 carats of Chocolate Diamonds and 0.20 carats of Vanilla Diamonds, this 14K Vanilla Gold ring will have your friends swimming in jealousy.
Earrings
Earrings have been worn by men and women since prehistoric times, but as citizens of the 21st century, we are very fortunate to be wearing fancy diamonds rather than bones in our ears.
LeVian made the perfect earrings for any occasion when they designed these 14K Vanilla Gold earrings. Dressed casually or for an evening on the red carpet, hair up or down, your ears will pick up plenty of whispers about the beauties you are wearing when accented by 0.54 carats of Chocolate Diamonds.
Bailey Banks & Biddle is thrilled to offer not only the LeVian pieces we have just showcased, but lots of others as well. To view our full selection of LeVian jewels, you are invited to visit our website anytime.
Tagged as:
Designer Jewelry,
diamond rings,
Diamonds,
Earrings,
Fancy Diamonds,
Fashion Jewelry,
Gemstone Jewelry,
LeVian,
Pendants,
Right Hand Ring
