Diamond Shopping Guide – April Birthstone
The April birthstone happens to be one of history’s most revered and sought-after gemstone, the diamond. Derived from the Greek word, “adamas”, which means invincible, the diamond often symbolizes this definition. In fact, couples use diamonds in engagement rings, to…
Aquamarine Shopping Guide
Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers has created an Aquamarine Shopping Guide, highly appropriate given our relationship to Lake Michigan. Aquamarine gemstones were believed to keep sailors safe by calming the sea. The beautiful light blue to bluish-green hues of the stone, whose name…
Amethyst Shopping Guide
While typical color associations for the month of February are white, pink and red, the February birthstone is amethyst, a beautiful stone known for its deep purple hues. In fact, the “patron of romantic love, [St. Valentine], wore an amethyst…
Topaz Buying Guide – November Birthstone
With the holiday season fast approaching, at Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers we want to share with you one of our favorite gemstones. Topaz jewelry known for its versatility in wear, strength and broad range of colors, is why we love the gem…
October Birthstone – Tourmaline
October Birthstone The October birthstone is actually two birthstones – opal and tourmaline gemstones. While both are beautiful and have unique characteristics, each is drastically different in its composition. The opal is a soft and delicate stone requiring very special…
Sapphire Shopping Guide – Jewelry
The Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers sapphire shopping guide will help you easily navigate what to look for when purchasing sapphire jewelry. In fact, Human civilization has long loved sapphires for their beautifully unique characteristics and storied past. Jewelers and the American Gem…
August Birthstone – Peridot Jewelry
Peridot is the August Birthstone, and according to ancient Egyptians, is the Gemstone of the Sun. Since peridot is typically found “in lava, meteorites and deep in the Earth’s mantle” (GIA), the GIA considers peridot to be one of the…
Ruby Buying Guide | Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers
As Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers welcomes in the beautiful month of July, we want to share a ruby buying guide. Although completely different in appearance, the ruby shares many similarities with a diamond. One, is the hardness. While the diamond ranks in…
Pearl Earrings Guide
Pearl earrings are classy, timeless, and a favorite among many women. Pearls are perfect gifts for June birthdays. They symbolize virtue, purity, and modesty. Furthermore, pearls have been used for decoration for thousands of years. Having an idea what to…
