Blue Topaz - December's Birthstone

Although the colours red and green come to mind when we think of December, it's true colours are shades of blue. December has three birthstones; turquoise, tanzanite and it's most popular blue topaz. Topaz becomes blue when it is heated, a process that can happen naturally or artificially, and results in three shades of blue that varies in its intensity. The more intense and deep the color is, the more valuable the blue topaz is, although the most deep shade, London Blue, never occurs in nature. Slight changes in the mineral composition can create hues of green, yellow or pink. 

 Although topaz is a very hard gemstone, an 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, it can be split with a single blow and should be protected from harsh wear. 

During the Middle Ages topaz was thought to heal both physical and mental disorders and prevent death. The Greeks believed it had power to increase strength and to make its wearer invisible while the Romans believed it had power to improve eyesight. The Egyptians wore it as an amulet to protect them from injury.

 

Citrine - November's Birthstone

Citrine is the traditional birthstone for November, and is the traditional given gift for the 13^th  and 17^th wedding anniversaries. Citrine is known as the "healing quartz". This golden gemstone is said to support vitality and health while encouraging and guiding hope, energy and warmth within the wearer. Citrine is associated with the values of hope, cheerfulness, youth, health, and fidelity.

Citrine is any quartz crystal or cluster that is yellow or orange in colour. Although it is a common gemstone, citrine is actually somewhat rare in nature. Most citrines on the market have been heat treated. Citrines whose colours have been produced by artificial means tend to have much more of an orange or reddish cast than those found in nature, which are usually a pale yellow. Much of the natural citrine may have started out as amethyst but change to citrine by natural heat.

Opal - October's Birthstone

"October's child is born for woe, 

And life's vicissitudes must know,

But lay on opal on her breast, 

And hope will lull those woes to rest."

The word opal is derived from the latin word "opalus" which means "a stone". The gemstone presents a unique play of colours and delicate tints. Opal also means "to see an change in colour". The opal occurs in several types of colours. The white opal is often associated with the pastel glints of the colours in a rainbow. The black opal has a blue, tray or black attributes. Fire and the crystal (also known as water) opal is colourless and almost transparent with sudden bright flashes of colour.

The October's birthstones traditional traits are said to be associated with hope, innocence, happiness, faithfulness, loyalty and confidence. The opal is reputed to have benefits related to health problems relating to the eye's vision and eye infections. Opals were used to enhance visualization, imagination, dreams as well as healing. 

Gifts for Generations

A very close friend of ours (Mona's best actually) had struggled with cancer for a number of years and although the outcome was bleak we had still called Grace a survivor. Over the past few visits Mona had  been dealing with the estate as well as specific items she would have liked passed down. Clothes, furniture, decor, even adorned trophies and monies were not the first to be discussed as to who would receive them once passed; jewelry on the other had was one of the first. After every visit, Mona would return with handfuls of pieces that were to be refurbished, redesigned or resized and given to loved ones upon her departure from us. On each piece that we work on I get to learn more about Grace - the story behind each piece Mona is now wearing or learning about her little nieces that are so lucky to be receiving gold bangles and rings with an engraved message from Auntie Grace. Clothes will wear, dinnerware will eventually be put away, money will disappear but jewelry really does last forever.

In the happier circle of life my very best friend has recently been married. As a wedding gift I had designed a gold ring surrounded by her wedding date cut out in roman numerals. I liked the design and as a jewelry designer I had greater access to give her something special; but I didn't realize how special this gift could potentially be. I had overheard the wedding photographer ask Breanne if she was wearing any pieces of significance (something borrowed, something blue or a family heirloom) that she would like to be photographed and she immediately took off the ring that I had given her that morning and passed it to the photographer. I was so touched; but it made me think of Grace.

Over the months events I realized out of all items of inheritance, jewelry is one of the only items that can be passed on from generation to generation in much of the same condition as it was originally purchased. Jewelry signifies life's celebrations and turns of events. It represents a story and a moment and that's something to be cherished forever.

Mokada Survivor Ring | CancerCare Manitoba

Mokada is very excited to announce their partnership with CancerCare Manitoba and has designed this powerful yet delicate "Survivor Ring". The five stones represent your first five years of remission. The pink stones representing breast cancer are to be replaced each year your are celebrating being a survivor. A portion of the ring sales will be donated to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. Mokada recognizes the desire to design a unique creation for your loved one while tailoring to the needs of your budget while satisfying the highest quality. Here is our very own Mona and Katelyn speaking about the design and importance of the cause in this Shaw TV interview.

Please visit Mokada Jewelry's Facebook page and share this great cause with your friends and family! 

Sapphire - September's Birthstone

This beautiful gemstone has been popular since the Middle Ages, and according to folklore will protect your loved ones from envy and harm. One of the most popular Sapphire jewelry is undoubtably Princess Diana, and now Kate Middleton's 18 carat deep blue oval sapphire engagement ring which is surrounded by fourteen diamonds. Prince Charles created quite the stir when presenting his bride with this ring  by choosing a sapphire over a diamond, a long standing tradition that was not welcomed by the royal family.

As sapphires are gemstone varietal of corundum, which is naturally white, sapphires can occur in a wide range of beautiful shades such as blues, pinks, purples and even yellows. Sapphire is pleochroic, displaying a lighter and more intense color when viewed at different angles. Some pleochroic Sapphire is blue when viewed at one angle, and purple at a different angle. Sapphire is a tough and durable gem, and the only natural gemstone harder than Sapphire is Diamond. Despite this, Sapphire is still subject to chipping and fracture if handled roughly, and care should be taken to ensure it is properly handled. Sapphire was first synthesized in 1902. The process of creating synthetic Sapphire is known as the Verneuil process. Only experts can distinguish between natural and synthetic Sapphire. Sapphires score a 9 on the Moh's Hardness Scale.

Additionally to being September's birthstone Sapphires are also a common gift for 5th, 23rd and 45th anniversaries. 

A Cut Above The Rest.

The shape of a diamond is something that should reflect your individual style. It should be something you fall in love with every time you look down at your hand.

Here is a chart of the variety of different diamond-cuts! We've picked three great cuts to talk about today! Enjoy!

Emerald-Cut

Emerald-cut diamonds are unique in their long and slender shape. For a classic, elegant look this cut, which has a large surface face  and fewer detailed but deeper, more dramatic cuts that therefore highlight it's clarity. 

Oval-Cut

One of the rarest cut diamonds is the Oval! Round cut diamond will always remain classic but the oval is something exciting and unique in the ring world. It's gives a modern and funky twist to your typical ring. 

Princess-Cut

The Princess-cut style diamond ring is one of the most common diamond cuts. If you’re looking for something contemporary and timeless, consider the Princess-cut. It has qualities from both the square and round cut diamonds, but combined with a subtle shape from the emerald with pointed edges and a range of detailed dimensions that give the diamond that extra sparkle.

Come see us at Mokada and let's talk more about what cut would best suit you!