Sami Blog

The end of Summer and beginning of Fall is ushered in with Sapphire! This gorgeous gem is one of the most sought-after gems, and if you happen to be born in the month of September, you’re lucky to have it as your birthstone! It has been used in engagement rings and crown jewels, and even has a history of spiritualism. Even if it’s not your birthstone, sapphire has been used throughout history in adornments and jewelry. Read on to explore this breathtaking gem! 

With vibrant glowing green hues and a sparkle that is unmatched, it’s easy to see why peridot is August's most beloved birthstone. It is one of the oldest gemstones mined and used  in jewelry, with ancient records documenting the mining of peridot as early as 1500 B.C. The main source of peridot in the ancient world was an island in the Egyptian Red Sea, and some historians believe that Cleopatra's famous emeralds were actually peridots. From antiquity to today, this sparkling stone is the perfect way to celebrate August birthdays and special occasions! 

It’s officially July, and the heat is on here in Arizona! As the summer starts to sizzle, we’re celebrating with this month’s birthstone, the ruby. The deep red of a ruby is associated with intense and powerful emotions: love and anger, passion and fury. Because of these associations, rubies have been nicknamed the “King of Gems!” Take a look at some of our favorite styles featuring this gorgeous and sought after stone.

You know that Sami’s is the home of the Arizona Amethyst. However, after a wildfire in the area surrounding the mine, COVID inactivity, and difficulties mining, we haven’t seen a ton of new material coming from the Four Peaks… Luckily, a new discovery has been made - and it’s vintage! 

March is the true transitioning month from winter to spring. Although the weather is still a bit cool, the sunshine often makes us feel warm within. Similar to the weather is this month's birthstone, aquamarine. Aquamarine gemstones are often cool-toned, however, the stone’s beautiful shine and brilliant sparkle are adored by all. Read on to learn some interesting facts about this gemstone as well as take a closer look at all of the beautiful aquamarine pieces we have to offer here at Sami’s!

Although the Christmas season is over, it doesn’t mean the jolly red hues of the holiday have to end! Luckily, garnet is the beautiful birthstone of January, giving us some extra time to enjoy the cherry-wine red color. Garnet has been an adored gemstone for generations past and is sure to be treasured for the decades to come. Read on to learn more about the history and lore of garnet, and maybe even sneak a peek at the gorgeous pieces we have on hand here at Sami’s!

Although October is coming to an end, its colorful birthstones will be beautiful staple pieces for the rest of the year until forever! October brings about feelings of bliss and excitement as the holiday season approaches and the month's birthstones truly display those feelings in full effect. Opal and tourmaline both have beautiful, shining hues that are perfect for adding the perfect pop of color into fall and winter neutral outfits. Continue reading to get inspired by our gorgeous opal and tourmaline pieces that are perfect for the upcoming season. 

While many states in the country begin to experience cooler weather and a taste of autumn, Arizonans long for the fall season to slowly approach during the month of September. Luckily, the elegant birthstone of the month, sapphire, delivers a gentle reminder that cooler weather is on the way! Its beautiful blue hues and graceful sparkle are sure to suggest that a new season is upon us. Read on to learn more about this lovely gemstone, discover all of its history, and even take a peek at our gorgeous Montana Sapphire pieces here at Sami’s!

There are few things more magical than looking up at the sky and watching butterflies float past. Symbols of love, renewal, and joy, these creatures are among some of the most beautiful! Many of us have wanted to somehow capture the mesmerizing colors and patterns of butterfly wings, but they are hard to replicate. Nothing quite comes close enough to the real thing. That’s what has inspired the brand Butterflies and Myths - finding a way to honor the beauty of the butterfly, while making breathtaking jewelry.

July has the fiery ruby as its birthstone - the King of Gems! The deep red version of a sapphire, the ruby has been one of the most sought after gemstones for centuries. From the British Crown Jewels to Elizabeth Taylor’s spotlight ruby jewelry, this gemstone’s beauty continues to withstand the test of time.

There are a lot of questions that come up when shopping for jewelry. What’s the most secure style? Will this piece fit in with what I already have? While it can be fun to imagine yourself wearing new styles and mentally planning new outfits, another question might arise. Where did these gems even come from? With the American Gem Collection, we have the answer.

If you’re lucky enough to be born in June, you have two birthstones to enjoy! One is the classic and timeless pearl, while the other is the lesser-known and unique alexandrite. Both are rare beauties in their own right, but why would one month have two wildly different gems representing it? Why do particular gems get particular months? With our combined guide to both pearls and alexandrite, we’ll dive into these questions, and help decide which gem is right for you! (But really, why not have both?)