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  • September's Gemstone of the Month: Sapphire

    September's Gemstone of the Month: Sapphire

    As we transition from summer to fall, September is graced by the stunning allure of sapphires. These precious gemstones are revered for their deep blue hues and have captured the hearts of many throughout history.

    Elegance and Tradition: Sapphires have long been associated with nobility and elegance. They are often seen as symbols of loyalty, wisdom, and nobility. In fact, many royal engagement rings feature sapphires, including Princess Diana's and now, the Duchess of Cambridge's.

    Variety of Colors: While sapphires are best known for their deep blue color, they actually come in a range of hues. From cornflower blue to velvety violet-blue, sapphires offer diverse choices for those seeking to wear this exquisite gem.

    Durable Beauty: Sapphires are one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamonds. This makes them not only a symbol of enduring love but also a practical choice for everyday jewelry.

    Spiritual Significance: Throughout history, sapphires have been associated with spiritual enlightenment and inner peace. They are believed to bring calmness to the wearer's mind and promote focus and clarity.

    September's birthstone, the sapphire, is a timeless gem that continues to captivate with its deep beauty and rich symbolism. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or simply drawn to its charm, sapphires are a classic choice that never goes out of style.

    Stay tuned for our next blog post on October's gemstone of the month!

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  • August's Gemstone of the Month: Peridot

    August's Gemstone of the Month: Peridot

    Peridot, the radiant green gemstone, graces the month of August with its vibrant charm. Known as the "Evening Emerald," this gem has a rich history and unique qualities that make it a cherished addition to any jewelry collection.

    Origins and Legends: Peridot has been mined for over 3,000 years and was revered by the ancient Egyptians who believed it to be the gem of the sun. They even mined it on an island in the Red Sea called Zabargad. Legend has it that Cleopatra's famous emerald collection might have actually been peridot.

    Vibrant Green Hue: The signature color of peridot ranges from a yellowish-green to a deep olive green. Its color comes from the presence of iron in its composition. The intensity of green can vary, and the most valuable peridot stones exhibit a pure, vivid green.

    Spiritual and Healing Properties: Peridot is believed to bring good fortune, peace, and prosperity to the wearer. It is also thought to have healing properties, promoting harmony and reducing stress.

    Jewelry Delight: Peridot is a versatile gemstone that complements both casual and formal attire. It's often used in rings, necklaces, and earrings, adding a touch of nature's beauty to your ensemble.

    August's birthstone, peridot, is a stunning reminder of nature's beauty. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or simply drawn to its lush green allure, this gemstone is a timeless choice that captivates the senses.

    Stay tuned for our next blog post on September's gemstone of the month!

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  • Taking good care of your Jewelry is Important!

    Taking good care of your Jewelry is Important!

    At Prairie Jewelers I'm happy to help you keep your jewelry in great condition throughout the years.  By remembering to do a few things you'll be able to enjoy those pieces longer!

    Taking care of your jewelry, whether it's costume jewelry or fine jewelry, is essential to maintain its beauty and longevity. Here are some practical, hands-on tips for taking care of your jewelry:

    1. Remove Jewelry When Necessary: There are times when you should avoid wearing your jewelry to prevent damage. Remove your jewelry when applying lotions, sunscreen, or other beauty products. Avoid wearing jewelry while deep cleaning, swimming in chlorine-treated pools, playing contact sports, or gardening.

    2. Put Jewelry On Last: When getting dressed, put your jewelry on last to avoid tangling with clothing and coming into contact with chemicals like hairspray.

    3. Separate and Store Properly: Store your jewelry pieces separately to prevent scratching and damage. Consider using cloth pouches or individual cases for fine or vintage jewelry. For silver, use tarnish-resistant bags to minimize tarnishing.

    4. Regularly Check Your Jewelry: Before wearing your jewelry, take a moment to inspect it. Look for loose stones, clasps, or prongs that might need repair. If you notice any issues, avoid wearing the piece until it's fixed.

    5. Cleaning Jewelry: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean your jewelry after wearing it. This will help remove dirt, oils, and sweat that can accumulate. For more thorough cleaning, follow these steps:

      • Gold and Gemstones: Mix a mild dish soap with warm water. Soak the jewelry briefly, then use a soft brush (like a toothbrush) to gently scrub. Rinse and pat dry.
      • Silver: Use a silver polishing cloth or a silver cleaner designed for jewelry. Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch the metal.
      • Pearls: Wipe pearls with a soft cloth after wearing to remove sweat and oils. Avoid submerging them in water, as it can damage the string.
    6. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep your jewelry away from harsh chemicals, including household cleaners and beauty products. These chemicals can damage metals and gemstones.

    7. Store Properly: When you're not wearing your jewelry, store it in a dry and cool place. Avoid exposing jewelry to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or humidity.

    8. Professional Repairs: If you notice loose stones, broken clasps, or other issues, consult Prairie jewelers. They have the expertise and equipment to make necessary repairs and adjustments.

    9. Professional Cleaning: While you can clean your jewelry at home, consider having it professionally cleaned by Prairie Jewelers twice a year. They can also inspect it for any hidden issues.

    10. Travel Carefully: When traveling, use a travel jewelry case or a small pouch to protect your jewelry. Pack it in your carry-on bag to prevent loss or damage.

    Remember, proper care and maintenance can significantly extend the life of your jewelry, keeping it looking beautiful for years to come.

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  • Ruby: July's Gemstone of the Month

    Ruby: July's Gemstone of the Month
    Hello there, cheeseheads and gemstone buffs! We're overjoyed to greet you from our humble yet spirited Sun Prairie jewelry store nestled within the heart of Wisconsin. As the dog days of summer roll in, we're featuring a gemstone that captures the very essence of this sun-soaked month—Ruby. This splendid jewel, crowned as the king of precious stones, represents passion, protection, and prosperity.

    Just a stone's throw away from Madison, Sun Prairie may not be teeming with naturally occurring rubies, but our ties to these radiant stones are as strong as the global gemstone community we're proud to be a part of. Rubies, predominantly sourced from distant lands such as Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, exude a fiery appeal that complements the fervor of our summer months and echoes the gorgeous sunsets painting the skies over our beloved Wisconsin.

    Our ruby collection glistens with a beautiful range of pieces that reflect the diverse tastes of our Sun Prairie clientele. Whether it's a ruby ring etched with vintage charm, a modern pendant casting a scarlet glow, or a bracelet where rubies dance with twinkling diamonds, there's a piece here for every style.

    Now, as passionate as we are about our exquisite rubies, we also know that our customers sometimes have a unique vision in mind. That's why we're proud to offer Madison custom jewelry services to help make your jewelry dreams come true.

    Whether it's integrating a fiery ruby into your design, choosing another precious stone, or creating a piece that's entirely your own, our Madison custom jewelry services are here to bring your unique vision to life. We believe that your piece should be as special as you are, and we work closely with you from initial sketching to the final polish to ensure it tells your unique story.

    With our Madison custom jewelry services, you're not merely purchasing a piece of jewelry—you're investing in a wearable work of art, lovingly and meticulously crafted, right here in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Remember, a custom piece means it's designed and crafted especially for you, by folks who care about every detail.

    So, as we bask in the brilliance of July's radiant Ruby, let's remember that every gemstone, like each one of us, has its unique sparkle. What better way to let that sparkle shine than through a piece of Madison custom jewelry? We're just a short drive away, and we can't wait to help you find or create your perfect piece.

    Remember, folks, whether you're from Sun Prairie, Madison, or even the quaintest corners of Wisconsin, at our little Sun Prairie jewelry store, you're always part of our family. So here's to a sizzling July, filled with the glow of our warm Wisconsin sunshine and the enchanting allure of ruby-red gemstones!
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