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!

Peridot - August's Birthstone

This citrusy lime green gemstone is distinctive in colour and structure. Most gems colour's are caused by the traces of other elements and their compositions. What's unique about Peridot is that it's beauty is caused by extreme conditions. Peridot is found in the rocks created by volcanoes and even by meteors that fall to earth. When there is tremendous heat and pressure, peridot is formed!




The ancient Romans called peridot "evening emerald" since its green colour didn't darken at night and was quite visible by dim light. Peridot was often used to decorate medieval churches carried back to Europe by the Crusadors. There are peridots that weigh more than 200 carats in size that adorn the shrine of the three magi at the Cologne Cathedral.

Peridot rates a hardness scale of 6.5 which is generally lower than most gems. Peridot should be handled with care and only cleaned with mild dish soap and water.

Peridot is said to keep the whole body from negativity. Egyptians believed that wearing the peridot gemstone would clean the body and heal the heart.

Ruby - July's Birthstone

The gleaming Ruby should adorn, 

All those who in July are born,

For thus they'll be exempt and free

From lover's doubts and anxiety.

July's birthstone has many biblical, historical and royal symbolism behind the Ruby stone. The gemstone's name came from the Latin work "rubber" translating in English to Red. Rubies colour can range from a light red to even a deep violet. The ruby rates second hardest to the diamond on the Moh's Scale of Hardness.

This beautiful gemstone has many powerful attributes. Most often used in the Victorian Ages as a symbol of strength and vitality the ruby is also associated with devotion, integrity, courage, and happiness. In it's earlier years the stone was used for it's healing properties for blood related health problems and increasing positive thoughts.

Join The Mokada Trend - Think Custom

Why wear something someone else has when our custom designed jewelry is tailored to your individual style, tastes and emotion? Symbolize who you are and what you love in one perfectly handcrafted peiece. We at Mokada take pride in the high-grade quality materials we use to make your dream peiece a reality.

Watch this video and see a little more about what we do! 

Unwavering professional integrity and unrivaled education is the backbone of our organization and the core of an extraordinary customer experience. 

Our creations are nurtured in an environment where customer satisfaction is paramount. Our suppliers and design team share the same values and integrity. Placing your business with us demonstrates that you believe it is important...and for that, Mokadä is extremely grateful.

Come in for a visit, sit down with us and lets talk jewelry!

We at Mokadä are happy to be apart of your milestone occasions.

Tips on How to Choose the Most Perfect Jewelry for Your Skin Tone and Face Shape

Women are so lucky to be able to exchange their favourite pieces with each other. I often find it frustrating when I see a beautiful piece on my best friend then to try it on and get a feeling that it doesn’t quite look right. Here are some tips on how to choose jewelry that will suit your skin tone and face shape:

Identifying your skin tone is easy. If you’re looking on the inside of your wrist just identify if you veins are a blueish or greenish colour. If your veins are blue you may notice that you have pinkish or rosy-red undertones when looking in the mirror, meaning that your skin tone is Cool. Warm skin is identified by green veins while having a yellow or golden skin tone.

Metals:

Cool skin tones favour silver, platinum or white gold.

Warm skin tones favour metals such as brass, copper, yellow and rose gold.

Colours:

Cool skin pairs better with white pearls and diamonds. If your looking into gemstones try to chose tones as pinks, purples, blues and reds.

Warm skin pairs better with coral and golden toned pearls. Gemstones should focus on more earthy tones such as browns, oranges, greens, yellows, peaches and corals.

Facial Shapes:

Heart/Triangular/Diamond shaped faces should keep with long dangly earring to help elongate the face. Shorter necklaces will help soften the sharp angle of the chin.

Round/Square/Triangular shaped faces should try long, accentuated shaped earrings such as tear drops and rectangular. Try to keep you necklace length to around 28″ to 32″ so it is well below the neckline.

Rectangular shaped faces should choose stud and round earrings to contrast a longer shaped face. Having short choker-like necklaces will help balance a long neck.

Oval shaped faces should keep with dangly earring at a medium length. Long or short necklaces can suit oval shaped faces.

Rings for Men

We're back to talking about the gentlemen with this post, and its time to encourage the adoption of a little bling-bling in our male friends. While we're familiar with many guys who sport some very fine pieces of  male jewelry, the majority of men still believe that less is more (and by less we mean none at all!).

It's time to break that stigma and make men's jewelry into statements of style rather than objects of fear.

The best place to start is somewhere that men already feel comfortable. Whether they're single or married, many guys wear rings on a daily basis. At Mokada, we get excited at the prospect of designing or advising on the ring best-suited for male customers. Thinking of a reason to purchase a piece of jewelry for your man? Here's a short list to help you out with developing a great idea.

Rings for guys...

Education: High School Class Ring, University Class Ring

Occupation: Engineer's Ring, Military Ring, Emergency Services Ring

Personal: Memorial Ring, Birthstone Ring

Romance: Promise Ring, Engagement Ring, Wedding Ring

Sports: Team Ring, Championship Ring


For more ideas, contact us at Mokada! Cheers.

Alexandrite - June's Birthstone

Alexandrite was first discovered on April 30, 1830 in along the banks of the Russian rivers. The gemstone is a 45th and 55th anniversary stone as well as the alternate birthstone for June. Besides being named after its ever-changing red to green colours, it was also named after Czar Alexander II. Despite it's original location, it is said that the highest quality Alexandrite come from Sri Lanka. 

Alexandrite appears in various shades of green in daylight and appears in various shades of red in incandescent light. The more dramatic the colour change, the more valuable the gemstone. Brown or grey shades are known to devalue the stone. 

The gemstone is known to have multiple healing properties involving; the spleen, stomach, nervous system, ulcer problems and fighting low self-esteem. 

Guys and Jewelry

It's 2012, but let's face it: if you come across a guy who's shopping for jewelry, he's likely shopping for a woman. At Mokada, we understand that whether you're male or female, most people aren't experts when it comes to jewelry. That's why we're here for you!

Here's a few thoughts based on our experiences with men looking for jewelry.

A Knight in Black Onyx

Guys shopping for themselves.

As we continue to grow our business, we meet more and more men coming into the shop looking for jewelry for themselves. Some know exactly what they want, but for many, the concept of wearing jewelry is brand new. We recommend starting with something not too flashy. We've done a fair amount of leather pieces for men recently. The most popular choices have been leather-strapped pendants as well as masculine bracelets. Bracelets aren't just for guitar-rocking twenty-somethings anymore; they're trendy!

The most popular gem for men is certainly the black onyx. The stone is said to promote a healthy egotism and its dark colour conveys a sense of strength. Rings featuring a black onyx create a muscular, elegant statement for the modern day man. Mokada also does team rings for hockey and other sports team to celebrate championship or team anniversaries.

G308 Stainless Steel Bracelet

Guys shopping for someone special.

Not to offend the seasoned purchaser, but most men don't know where to start when it comes to jewelry. In fact, the even the word 'jewelry' can make them shudder in fear of the unknown. We're here to say, welcome.

Whether you seek direction and information about specific products or would like lots of guidance in choosing a lovely piece for someone close, we can help to become your personal shopper. Share some insight about your special someone with Katelyn or Mona and they will be happy to provide intelligent recommendations based on who you're buying for.

What's more is that we keep your purchase on file, so that the next time you're looking for jewelry, we can remind you exactly what you purchased last time, and perhaps suggest a matching piece!

The Perfect Gift for Mom..

Before the life of the women who feed us, bathed us and to whom we owe the people we’ve become today there were aspirations of boardrooms, groupie concerts and jet setting world travelers.

Deep down, your mom still has that alter ego.  She is adventurous, glamorous and deserving of celebration.  Our custom made Tahitian Peacock Pearl collection is the gift that will take her breathe away.  At price points as low as $29.99 for drop earrings, $79.99 for Y Style necklaces, $49.99 for bracelets and $299.99 for 72” strands she can be adorned with a Mother’s Day gift as exotic as she!

Emerald - May's Birthstone

Emeralds are quite the unique gem. The green gem's name derived from the Old French: Esmeraude which originated in Greek: σμάραγδος (smaragdos) which translates to 'green gem'.


Emerald's green colour is caused by small amounts of chromium and iron but unlike other gemstones with the same components, emeralds almost always are included and flawed. These flaws are not looked at negatively as in the emerald they are considered to be a part of their character. Diamonds and most gemstones are usually inspected under a loupe (hand-held magnifier under a power of ten) however, emeralds are inspected by the naked eye. The ability to see inclusions can assure the owner of the purchase of a natural stone. Emeralds score a 7.5 out of 10 on the Moh's Hardness Scale and are not considered to be a strong gem due to it's high inclusions.


There are many myths associated with the emerald. It was once believed to prevent epilepsy, stop bleeding, cure fever and ease anxiety. The Ancient Romans dedicated emeralds to the goddess Venus because the gem was said to symbolize the reproductive forces of nature. 

Beautiful 1950's cluster style diamond ring with  a unique single row of emeralds. Gorgeous.

     

It was believed that emeralds had the ability to foretell the future...

Talent Should Be Seen!

Kyle Wild was contacted by CTV to do an interview involving the new label Adan Ballou that is only carried at Mokada. Earlier that morning he was with the other designers (including my very favourite Lennard Taylor) at Opera Ultra Lounge promoting the Virulent Solstice event being held there on Sunday evening. When we received the call we immediately got excited and started preparing the studio for Kyle's and CTV's arrival. Within the hour they were here and even if it wasn't about us, we were beaming with anticipation for Mokada's first television debut! We were blown away at how cool and collected Kyle spoke about the Winnipeg's growing fashion industry and the unique Adan Ballou leather and brass line. We knew how professional, relaxed and knowledgeable he was but after watching him with the media it really showed us why the social media guru/graphic designer/promoter/fashion enthusiast quit his 9-5 to do what he does best. Their team after all get an Adan Ballou custom hand bag into the hands of Lady Gaga. Enough Said.

Thanks Kyle Wild and CTV! Come down anytime, really.

Diamond - April's Birthstone

The name diamond comes from the ancient Greek αδάμας (adámas), "proper", "unalterable", "unbreakable", "untamed", from ἀ- (a-), "un-" + δαμάω (damáō), "I overpower", "I tame". The ultra unique stone was first recognized in India for at least 3,000 years but it is lead to believe that the stone dates back to 6,000 years.


There's no denying that diamonds are a traditional symbol of romance and love. Historically, the stone had originated with deep religious roots and was commonly first used as a tool for engraving. Diamonds have a rate of 10 on the Moh's hardness scale, making not only it's beauty an obvious choice for "forever" jewelry but it will also stand the test of time. 


Diamonds are mostly clear and transparent resulting in a colourless light reflecting stone. Slight defects and impurities can make colour changes to the gem. It is rare but diamonds can be naturally coloured blue, pink, yellow, brown, orange and red. 


The jungle is dark but full of diamonds
A diamond is rough and hard to the touch
It's dark there, but full of diamonds

Arthur Miller

Push Presents - Practically Necessary

'Push Presents' are an increasingly hot trend for moms-to-be.


According to Linda Murray, the executive editor of babycenter.com, "It’s more and more an expectation of moms these days that they deserve something for bearing the burden for nine months, getting sick, ruining their body. The guilt really gets piled on." Now, not that many women think of child bearing as "bearing the burden" and "ruining their body" and often women will say that the gift of their child is a present enough. But wouldn't it be nice to receive a gift as a kind gesture and small token of thanks from your partner? When studied, 38% of women received a push present, 55% of women wanted one and 40% of women think it's materialistic only when demanded. In a recent article regarding the subject Jenny Atkinson says, "I certainly don’t “expect” a gift, but I think it would be a wonderful gesture for a husband to do to show a woman how much they appreciate what they’re putting their bodies through to help build their family."


In recent pop culture news it is rumoured that Jessica Simpson's former NFL'er dad-to-be, Eric Johnson has purchased a push present of $30,000 worth of jewels from a store in Italy, where they first fell in love. This by no means sets the bar for your partner to break the bank. Go for a gift that is personalized and stamped with meaning. A small family ring to look down and recall your thoughtfulness when she's away from you and the little one; or a pendant with your new baby's fingerprint for her to remember just how small that finger once was.

                                                       Photo credits by Elle Magazine.