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The intricate knots, whorls and endless patterns of Celtic jewelry have been coveted by jewelry lovers for thousands of years. The Celts were fine craftsman who worked with silver and gold, and their detailed jewelry designs spread far and wide during their reign in Europe through trade. Interestingly, although the Celts became famous for their use of the intricate woven knot designs, the designs first appeared in Rome. Historians believe that these shapes and symbols were introduced into the Celtic culture once the Romans began conquering former Celtic civilizations.

Though the Celts were not initially Christian, once Christianity was formed the churches began appropriating the use of the beautiful Celtic knots into their carvings and books. The spread of Christianity helped perpetuate the popularity of Celtic jewelry, and the symbols and knots were soon associated with the Christian faith as well as the Celtic people.  Many of the Celtic knots symbolize faith, virtue and the belief in God, which is why they are used so often in wedding bands. Celtic wedding bands are a captivating and unique choice for a wedding ring, and come in such a wide variety of Celtic designs that it is hard to choose just one.

Apples of Gold carries an impressive selection of the finest handpicked Celtic wedding bands for our customers to choose from. We have also recently added three new designs that we think Celtic knot lovers will truly appreciate:

Antiqued Celtic Triquetra Knot Wedding Band

This stunning Celtic wedding band (pictured at top left) features a unique variation on the popular Celtic trinity knot design. Crafted from 14K solid white gold, the Celtic knots on the wedding band blaze boldly against the dark antiqued background. With a convenient comfort fit design, this ring is sure to be an instant hit with those who appreciate Celtic artistry.

Antiqued Celtic Knot Wedding Band

This Celtic knot wedding band (at upper right) is an eye catching continuous design that symbolizes the perpetuity of married love as well as God’s unending love. As with the triquetra knot wedding band, this continuous design is set against a bold background that accents the Celtic design.

Antiqued Celtic Annan Wedding Band

The Celtic meaning for the word “Annan” is  “from the stream.”  The wedding band’s (at left) continous Celtic design is a subtle blend between the infinity symbol and the Ichthys, and early secret symbol for Christianity. 

The price of gold shot up on markets around the world as American markets reopened and people went back to work following a holiday weekend.   The news suggests that investors are still very skeptical of the market, skeptical of the dollar, and skeptical of investments retaining their value in a shaky world economy.

Gold is now pricing at $1003.20 on the New York Mercantile Exchange.   If you recall, the previous high was March 2008, when it rose all the way to $1033.90.

The precious metal is often purchased as a hedge against inflation and a safe-haven to other investments as players seek to shelter losses if the dollar is expected to weaken further.   This is what happened in February and March of last year as investors sought shelter against the weakening economy.  In fact, it was one year ago this week that the recession was finally claimed by the U.S. government’s economists, having officially arrived as defined by the gross domestic product having declined for two or more quarters.

This year, the economy is said to be recovering.  But so far, the job market has not recovered.  Unemployment numbers released last week showed 9.7% unemployment in the United States, which is the highest those figures have been in more than 20 years.

This latest peak of gold prices shows uncertainty over jobs and the dollars standing.

“It is mainly the reflection of the weakness of the dollar,” according to Julian Jessop, an economist with Capital Economics.

Jessop also believes that the price of gold is further strengthened by market expectations that global central banks will keep their interest rates low for some time to come, encouraging investors to put their money where they believe it can grow, or at the very least will not decline in real value.

Gold is always a good value, but if you are considering buying it as an investment, then now is an excellent time. Because the next few months may be too late.

Gold futures are up again.  Like a yo-yo that never fails to go, always on a string, they are moving again.  Investors are still rushing to gold, seeing it as the safest place to store their wealth.

The summer has seen a rise in the price of gold, traded on international markets.  With the U.S. government printing more money in an effort to boost the world out of recession, the gold markets show no signs of cooling, unlike the currency markets which continue to vaccilate.

“Investors are becoming increasingly keen to buy gold.  Notably, inquiries are coming from small, first time investors as well as seasoned financial experts.  Recommendations from financial advisors are fueling a rush to commodities and in addition, many people are insuring up to 40% of their investment portfolio is in physical gold,” according to Jason Cozens, Managing Director of Au.

Financial experts, some of whom have been reluctant to put their clients in precious metals in the past, are now flocking to the yellow metal.  Gold has always been a safe haven, and a recession proof investment.

Currently in the United States, consumers are seeing deflation.  But with the Treasury Secretary ordering additional printings and the release of additional dollars into the market to pay for the stimulus package and its myriad of projects, gold may be the safest of all prospects now and in the long term.

That’s because as a rule, it behaves in a trajectory that is inverse to the value of the U.S. dollar.  In other words, as the dollar falls, the price of gold rises.

Reaching a high mark around $1000 per ounce earlier this year and opening the week at $956, one could wonder exactly how much higher it will go.  Or conversely, how much profit an investor could reap by wisely investing in a physical asset.

The demand to buy gold by ordinary individuals is now said to be so strong that novel ideas for selling it are taking off.  Figures released by the World Gold Council show that total demand for gold, including gold bullion, rose 1,016 tons in the first quarter of 2009, which represents a 38% increase on last year’s figures.

The September birthstone is sapphire, the lovely and sparkling deep blue precious gem.  Composed of the mineral corundum, sapphires interestingly come in a rainbow of colors aside from their favored blue hue, including yellow, pink, purple, green, black and white.  The most desirable color for sapphires is a beautiful deep shade, although almost all sapphire gemstones on the market today are heat treated to intensify their color.

Sapphire History and Myth

The word sapphire originated from the Green word “sappheiros”, meaning blue.  Because of this, during much of the ancient world all blue gemstones were referred to as sapphires, even if they were technically different gems.  The irony is that, as mentioned above,  sapphires come in colors other than blue. Sapphires are actually the same mineral as rubies; whenever the stone appears in a red color it is known as a ruby and when corundum is any other color it is a sapphire. Blue sapphires have been long been favored by royalty as a symbol of wisdom, virtue and holiness, and many rulers have worn sapphire necklaces or pendants as a protection from harm. Supposedly the Ten Commandment tablets were actually made of sapphire, likely due to the sapphire’s role throughout history as a symbol of virtue and holiness.

Ancient Persians poetically believed that the earth rested on a large sapphire, and that the skies reflected the brilliant blue color of the gemstone. The sentiment that sapphires were symbolic of the heavens runs through many cultures in history, and even today many people feel that sapphires are a representation of heaven.

When Prince Charles proposed to Princess Diana he used a ring with sapphires, boosting the gemstone’s popularity in engagement rings.  Even today many engagement rings utilize sapphires, whether sapphires are flanking a diamond center stone, the center stone is a blue sapphire or the center stone is a clear sapphire used to mimic the appearance of a diamond.

Sapphire Mystical Properties

Perhaps due to their frequent use in engagement rings, sapphires are said to encourage respect, shared mutual trust and a loving relationship.  The September birthstone also retains its divine roots, and is worn to protect against evil, bring about good, aid in meditation and to increase clairvoyance.

Apples of Gold carries a number of stunning Sapphire jewelry pieces that will impress the September birthday girl in your life, from earrings and sapphire pendants to a myriad of sapphire rings.

Black Tahitian pearls are among the rarest, most beautiful pearls in the world. It takes years for an oyster to produce just one stunning black pearl and, due to the delicate nature of the oysters, not every oyster will be able to produce a Tahitian pearl.  Coveted for their exquisite beauty and large size, Tahitian black pearls are some of the most striking gemstones available for use in jewelry.  We’ve highlighted some of our favorite rings, earrings and pearl strand necklaces so far, but have yet to show off our new collection of Tahitian black pearl pendants.

Tahitian black pearl necklaces are undoubtedly lovely and rare, yet the downside is that they can cost a pretty penny. For women who have fallen in love with the unique allure of black Tahitian pearls, a black pearl necklace pendant is a less costly alternative to owning a black pearl strand necklace. Black Tahitian pearl pendants have the added benefit of showcasing one nearly perfect pearl specimen, which stands out on its own with no chance of getting lost among the other pearls in a traditionally strung necklace. The effect is quite striking, as a black Tahitian pearl has the ability to draw the eye directly to its luminescent orb for admiration of its beauty.

In our opinion, one of the only gemstones that rivals the rare Tahitian black pearl is a diamond.  And there are few combinations more stunning than diamonds and pearls used together in the same piece of jewelry. For a truly exquisite gift, our black Tahitian pearl and diamond necklace pendants are a delicious choice.  Set in 14K solid white gold, each pendant features the artistry of swirling white gold accented by pave diamonds and set with a single, massive black Tahitian pearl.

Our favorites include the sensual Tahitian pearl and diamond kiss pendant (at right), the contemporary Tahitian pearl and diamond Luciana pendant (at top) and the classic Tahitian pearl and diamond crescent pendant. All unique and lovely, waiting to be gifted to that special someone who only deserves the best.

With August coming to a close, the promise of fresh Fall fashion is upon us.  Deep jewel tones oozing with drama are one of the biggest trends for the upcoming season, and we have some beautiful new pieces that compliment a fashionista’s fall wardrobe to a tee.  Since deep jewel tones like eggplant purple, forest green and deep royal blue are complimentary to one another, many pieces of different jewel hues can be mixed and matched for a richly layered look. Wearing unexpected combinations liks a deep plum colored shift dress with dark sapphire flowered headband is the perfect fall look: completely fresh, style savvy and of the moment.

We love taking the jewel toned trend to the next level by adding a stylish piece of gemstone jewelry that echoes the look.  After all, since the trend is named after jewels, is there a better way to embody the spirit than wearing gorgeous, richly colored gemstone jewelry? We think not, which is why we have been lusting over this spectacular 5.2 carat emerald-cut blue topaz cocktail ring with matching emerald cut earrings.

The blue topaz cocktail ring is modern in design and vintage in spirit, with .4 carats of emerald cut diamonds flanking the whopping topaz center stone for a stunning sparkle. Add to the mix the solid 14K white gold setting with delicate band, and the effect is irresistibly delicious. If this ring were being picked for a team, it would undoubtedly be picked first. If it were in a beauty pageant, it would be crowned the winner. And if it were the one piece of jewelry purchased this fall, it would unquestionably be the best wardrobe decision of the year.  Not only because it is absolutely stunning and encompasses the loveliest of fall’s trends, but also because this is the kind of ring that you wear a lifetime and pass down as an heirloom. Not only because it’s beautiful, but also because it is a complete steal at the current price. And now that we’ve convinced ourselves of its undeniable beauty, value and usefulness, please excuse us a moment while we add it to our shopping basket….

Gold prices are hopping, once again.   Amid months of downturn in the economy and worries over weakness in the dollar, the price of gold has turned and gone upward, increasing the metal’s appeal as an alternative investment.   But there’s more to it than that.

Analysts say that gold mining companies are seeing an increase in profits, up 84% at Newcrest Mining Ltd, (Australia’s largest gold mining company) which says sales are soaring.

The American dollar is reportedly under fire, according to the Irish brokerage, GoldCore Ltd, which said in a note to clients, “Gold is taking up the slack.”

We’ve all been watching the play back and forth between gold prices and the economy and wondering how it would play out.

“Gold prices continue to track currency movements and bounce back above the $950 an ounce level,” according to Suki Cooper, an analyst at Barclays Capital in London.

U.S. retail sales fell 0.1 ercent in July from June, according to the U.S. Commerce Department.  Most economic forecasts had called for an increase of 0.8 percent.

The economic situation is confusing, to say the least.  The Federal Reserve has extended its program to purchase U.S.  Treasuriers, or so-called “quantitative easing” for another month as they aim for a smooth transition in the markets.  And the Fed left the target rate for overnight bank lending at between zero and 0.25 percent, near record lows.

So the Fed is trying to transition the government’s involvement out of the markets, but not feeling strongly enough to withdraw completely.  What’s next?

Gold “should remain supported by the inflationary impact of the Fed’s rate decision, in addition to the boost to general risk sentiment,” according to James Moore, analyst at TheBuillionDesk.com in London.  And expectations for a weaker dollar over the next six months continue, with the price of gold likely to stay aloft through that period.

The price of gold has been inching up again.  It hit $953 per ounce this past week.  And then just as glibly, it floated back down to $940.  It’s been doing that little “up-down-dance” for the past several months and shows no sign of making major climbs, or declines for that matter, anytime soon.  It just is what it is.

But what about silver prices?  Now here is a metal that many people are bullish about, in spite of itself.  It’s currently opening the week at $14.40 per troy ounce and expected to climb.  In fact some are seeing an opportunity.

Gold, as we have discussed here on this blog numerous times, is extremely tied to stability in the markets and the broader economy.  It is viewed by many investors as a good place to put cash when the markets are falling.  Gold is steady and stable and holds its value, if in fact it doesn’t increase because of the uncertainty.

But silver is often more volatile.  It’s value is of course, a fraction of the value of the same portion in gold.  The metal is also softer, tarnishes easily, and is often made into what we used to call in Southern California “beach jewelry.”  It’s also the favored metal of a lot of individual jewelry artisans in the American Southwest, which give it their own designs, shine and patina that are very popular with a lot of people.  Silver and turquoise jewelry made by Native Americans from the Southwest was particularly popular in the United States during the 1980’s and 1990’s, and to some extent it still is stylish.

And certainly part of the popularity has been the lower price of silver jewelry.  Silver has a history of following gold, but years ago, it was decoupled from the price.  It fell further and faster, widening a gap that some think was undeserved.  And still others believe may be possible to close that gap, even if just a little, once again.

Some investors believe that silver is an excellent metal to invest in.  If you do, you would do well to think in terms of silver as a commodity for investment rather than as an accessory.  Where gold’s value can be enjoyed around one’s neck and then resold as the price and need become expedient, silver is more of an investor’s metal.

And right now, it seems to be an investor’s market.

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