Sami Blog

Amethyst is one of the best known birthstones. With a vibrant, dark purple color, it’s easy to see why this gemstone was once considered among the most precious of gems! While this gemstone can be readily found all over the world, we’re impartial to amethyst that can be found right outside our own backyard - the Arizona Four Peaks Amethyst. Read on to discover some of our favorite Amethyst facts, and see our must-have jewelry designs!

As January comes to a close, we wanted to do a spotlight feature for this month’s birthstone: garnet. Most of you know about Arizona Anthill Garnet. This deep red gemstone has been nicknamed the “Arizona Ruby.” We can’t help but want to brag on gemstones that are mined locally! But, did you know that garnet can be found throughout the U.S., and all around the world? We’re spotlighting some of our favorite garnet jewelry that features not only Arizona garnet, but garnet from all over the world!

With so many of us travelling less and thinking a bit harder about what we choose to invest ourselves in, we thought it was a good idea to ask our staff what their top 10 pieces of jewelry are! These are timeless pieces that we think will be kept for generations. This list is perfect for gift inspiration, or keep it as a list of jewelry goals! 

Fall in Arizona is such a treat for all who live here. The weather has finally cooled down and the outdoor activities can begin! While we may not have colorful leaves falling before our eyes here in the Phoenix area, November’s beautiful birthstones, citrine and topaz, make up for the lack of color with their bright, fun, and energetic hues! These gorgeous gemstones are loved and cherished by many and both have unique stories and amazing properties that make them so special. Read on to dive deeper into the meanings and histories of November’s stunning birthstones.

Although October is usually known for its auburn fall color palette, it’s birthstones say otherwise! Opal and tourmaline are the birthstones for October, and their beautiful array of colors tells a different story. Rather than being limited to warm, autumn hues, opal and tourmaline feature several bright and lively shades. You are sure to “FALL” in love with all of the history, properties, and colors that these gemstones have to offer! 

Turquoise is perhaps the best-known gemstone to come from the Southwest. Today, it’s a hallmark of Native American jewelry and sculpture, as well as artisan jewelry and fashion. Read on to learn about the two main sources of Arizona turquoise that we carry - Bisbee turquoise and Kingman turquoise, and some practical turquoise knowledge.

Who doesn’t love the bright green gemstone that represents the sunny month of August? With its beautiful color, amazing history, and unique spiritual properties, peridot is a gemstone loved by many.

Some have said that tourmalines represent the full color spectrum of the rainbow - and, essentially, they’re right! This versatile gem can be found in a full spectrum of hues. In California, this remarkable gem can be found throughout the state, but most mines are concentrated within San Diego County. This gem has been used in jewelry and relics for ages, and it’s beauty is still timeless and enduring. It’s no wonder that the California Tourmaline is one of our most popular American Gems!

Ruby is the July birthstone – and it’s one of the most coveted of gems. Called the “King of Gems” since it gained status in Ancient India, today it can command the highest per-carat price of any colored stone. Here’s what you need to know about this beautiful gem!

Covering your face with some kind of mask isn't everyone's favorite thing before heading out, but it's become necessary. Though it may not be for everyone, wearing a fun face mask, and getting a bit elaborate with accessories, can be one small way to make a bad situation feel a bit more fun. Read on to see how we style unique masks with beautiful jewelry!

Being located in the Southwest, it’s easy to think immediately about the staple southwestern gem: turquoise. We want to dig a little deeper into another gemstone that reminds us of the red rocks and legendary sunsets of the desert: Garnet. That’s right, January’s birthstone can be discovered in Arizona, too! Though it’s only found in small amounts in Arizona, this gem has gained a cult of popularity for one reason. It’s mined almost exclusively by ants.

Pearls, one of June’s three birthstones, are one of the world’s most fascinating and unique gemstones! While the other two birthstones of June, alexandrite and moonstone, are equally as beautiful, pearls are most popular and are the “official” birthstone of this summertime month. Unlike every other gemstone in the world, pearls have never been “rocks.” Astonishingly, they are created by creatures in the ocean called mollusks, more commonly known as oysters. Read on to discover more about the gemstone and its amazing history, properties, and benefits!