Aquamarine means "sea water" and was named by the ancient Romans because the color reminded them of the sea. Although aqua has been in use for more than 2,000 years, it has only become popular since the 19th century. This is partially because the art or faceting gems to show their play of light was a modern development. When mined, aquamarine is greenish-blue. It is then heated to turn it into the subtle shade of pale blue. It is the birthstone for March. Learn more about aquamarine in the accompanying Gemstone Profile. (The aquamarine is an 8x6mm faceted oval weighing over 1 carat. The tie tack measures approx. 5/16" high x 1/4" wide)

Gemstone lore: Men should wear aquamarine to balance their emotions and replace worry and doubt with calm and inspiration. Aquamarine helps to make good decisions.

Chrome diopside is a beautiful green gemstone that is mined in Siberia. The color is completely natural and does not come from the treatments used for most gemstones. This makes it particularly collectible, but, because it is rare, it is seldom found in jewelry. Bigger is not always better! Chrome diopside is most attractive in small sizes because the color becomes over-saturated in the larger gems making them appear black and lifeless. It is sometimes used as an alternative birthstone for May. Learn more about chrome diopside in the accompanying Exotic Gemstone Profile. (The chrome diopside is a 6mm round and weighs approx. 0.75 carats. The tie tack is about 1/4" in diameter.)

Gemstone lore: Men should wear chrome diopside to reveal the best of their inner-selves and to make people feel more comfortable in their presence.

Madeira is the rarest form of citrine and is difficult to find in the U.S. You will receive a madeira with top gem color meaning that as it is turned in light you will see flashes of gold, brown, and red. Citrine was worn or carried by the Celts and Scots as a protective talisman. It is the birthstone for November. Learn more about madeira citrine in the accompanying Exotic Gemstone Profile. (The madeira is an 8x6mm faceted oval weighing over 1 carat. measures approx. 5/16" high x 1/4" wide)

Gemstone lore: Men should wear madeira citrine to attract prosperity on all levels, especially business success. It can also increase a person’s motivation and improve their use of creative energy.

The olive green color of Moldavite is natural and does not derive from any treatment. It is believed that moldavite was created when a meteorite hit the Earth about 15 million years ago. It is a "single source" gem making it highly collectible. Learn more about moldavite in the accompanying Exotic Gemstone Profile. (measures approx. 5/16" high x 1/4" wide)

Gemstone lore: Men should wear moldavite to strengthen their ability to communicate with others.

Ruby is considered to be one of the "big three" in colored gemstones: ruby, sapphire and emerald. Ruby and sapphire are actually the same mineral species, corundum; different trace elements cause the differences in color. With rubies it is all about the red color. It should be slightly pinkish or purplish red. If the color gets too pinkish, the gemstone is called a pink sapphire not a ruby. A small ruby with good color and clarity can be much more expensive than an amethyst five times its size. Ruby appears to be unknown to the ancient world, but by the Middle Ages it had taken its place as the gemstone of royalty. Learn more about ruby in the accompanying precious gemstone profile. (measures approx. 1/4" in diameter)

TOP: Ruby is an 8x6mm cabochon (domed top), heat treated for clarity; tie tack measures approx. 5/16" high x 1/4" wide)
OR
BOTTOM: Ruby is an 8x6mm faceted oval gemstone; treatment unknown but may be heat diffusion or fracture filled; tie tack measures approx. 5/16" high x 1/4" wide)

Gemstone lore: Men should wear ruby when they want to be empowered and in charge of a situation, but care should be taken to appear “in control” and not controlling. In personal matters, ruby is one of the love gems and is thought to attract passionate love.

Although some people think sapphires are blue, they actually are found in every color except red. Star sapphires exhibit a six-rayed star when a light is shined directly overhead. Some other sapphires exhibit an optical phenomenon called color-change because they change colors when moved from sunlight to incandescent light.
(Sapphire is an 8x6mm oval faceted gemstone; the color is blueberry blue; it has been treated by heating/diffusion; tie tack measures approx. 5/16" high x 1/4" wide)

Gemstone lore: Men should wear sapphires to increase their natural creativity and intuition. Sapphires can help the wearer follow through and turn ideas into reality.

Amber was formed 20-60 million years ago when resin seeped out of a now extinct species of conifer tree. It is one of the few organic gemstones meaning that it was created as a byproduct of a plant or animal. A shiny white disk in a piece of amber is called a sun spangle and is an indication that the amber is authentic and not a plastic or copal fake.
(Amber is is a 10x8 oval cabochon; tie tack measures approx. 3/8" high x 5/16" wide)

Packaging: Tie tack comes packaged in a 1 3/4" x 2" crystal-style gift box with an insert describing the gemstone. See sample packaging.

Gemstone lore: Men should wear amber to calm negative emotions or anxieties and move to a state of harmony and intellectual pursuits.

Amethyst is a variety of quartz. Some other varieties include citrine, smoky quartz and rose quartz. Amethyst has been used as a gemstone since Egypt's First Dynasty in 3000 BC. The ancient Greeks thought that wearing an amethyst could prevent drunkeness not matter how much wine was consumed.
(Amethyst is an 8x6mm oval faceted gemstone; tie tack measures approx. 5/16" high x 1/4" wide)

Packaging: Tie tack comes packaged in a 1 3/4" x 2" crystal-style gift box with an insert describing the gemstone. See sample packaging.

Gemstone lore: Men should wear amethyst to increase their sense of satisfaction and happiness. Amethyst is a powerful gemstone that can instill a sense of calm and happiness and is also thought to bring good luck.

Most topaz is colorless, but is also mined in shades of yellow, pink and blue. The popular shades of blue topaz seen today are created by irradiating colorless gemstones. The shades range from a pale sky blue similar to aquamarine, to an electric Swiss blue to a dark blue known as “London blue.” Topaz was unknown in the ancient world. Curiously, the ancient Greek and Latin word "topaz" actually referred to the green gemstone called peridot. Gemstones may be worn for their beauty and rarity or for their spiritual and healing properties.
(Blue topaz is an 8x6mm oval faceted gemstone in a very light sky blue; tie tack measures approx. 5/16" high x 1/4" wide)

Packaging: Tie tack comes packaged in a 1 3/4" x 2" crystal-style gift box with an insert describing the gemstone. See sample packaging.

Gemstone lore: Men should wear blue topaz to make them more perceptive of the world around them which will improve both intuition and self-expression.

Lapis lazuli is one of the few gemstones that can be called a "rock" in geological terms. Your lapis lazuli will be top gem quality with handsome shades of lazurite and gold pyrite flecks and no visible calcite. Lapis lazuli is one of the most ancient gemstones and was greatly valued by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and other civilizations.
(Lapis lazuli is a 10x8mm oval; tie tack measures approx. 3/8" high x 5/16" wide)

Packaging: Tie tack comes packaged in a 1 3/4" x 2" crystal-style gift box with an insert describing the gemstone. See sample packaging.

Gemstone lore: Men should wear lapis lazuli to increase vitality and virility by releasing pent up tension and anxiety. Wear lapis lazuli when you wish to attract a better job.

Although some people think sapphires are blue, they actually are found in every color except red. Star sapphires exhibit a six-rayed star when a light is shined directly overhead. Some other sapphires exhibit an optical phenomenon called color-change because they change colors when moved from sunlight to incandescent light.
(Sapphire is an 8x6mm emerald cut faceted gemstone; the color is Midnight blue; tie tack measures approx. 5/16" high x 1/4" wide)

Packaging: Tie tack comes packaged in a 1 3/4" x 2" crystal-style gift box with an insert describing the gemstone. See sample packaging.

Gemstone lore: Men should wear sapphires to increase their natural creativity and intuition. Sapphires can help the wearer follow through and turn ideas into reality.

Citrine is a variety of the quartz mineral species. Crystals can grow quite large, but may not always be suitable for jewelry because of a streaking effect called "color zoning." Citrine has been used for jewelry since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans. In the 19th century, Queen Victoria popularized the use of the citrine mined in the Cairngorn Mountains of Scotland in jewelry.
(Citrine is an 8x6mm oval faceted gemstone in a golden-orange hue; tie tack measures approx. 5/16" high x 1/4" wide)

Packaging: Tie tack comes packaged in a 1 3/4" x 2" crystal-style gift box with an insert describing the gemstone. See sample packaging.

Gemstone lore: Men should wear citrine to attract prosperity at all levels, especially business success. It can also increase a man’s motivation, self-confidence and improve his use of creative energy.

color except blue, but the best known color is the deep red that is called pyrope garnet. Garnets were introduced to the West after Alexander the Great brought his army to India. The ancient Greeks loved garnets and had them carved for signet rings. In the Middle Ages, soldiers would embed garnets into their shields and sword hilts in the belief that the gem could protect them from injury. Garnets mined in Bohemia in the 18th& 19th centuries were collected by the wealthy who wore them as talismans for protection. It is the birthstone for January.
((Garnet is a dark red 8x6mm oval, approx. 1.25 cts or more; tie tack measures approx. 5/16" high x 1/4" wide)

Packaging: Tie tack comes packaged in a 1 3/4" x 2" crystal-style gift box with an insert describing the gemstone. See sample packaging.

Gemstone lore: Men should wear rhodolite garnet to enhance their personal productivity. It should also be worn as a protective stone by travelers, soldiers, police or anyone facing danger.

Peridots are an untreated gemstone with color that is completely natural. It was first discovered off the coast of Egypt in the second century B.C. and was valued by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Today the rarest and most sought after peridots are the ones that came from outer space in meteors that have struck the Earth. It is the birthstone for August.
(Peridot is an 8x6mm oval, 1.20 carats; tie tack measures approx. 5/16" high x 1/4" wide)

Packaging: Tie tack comes packaged in a 1 3/4" x 2" crystal-style gift box with an insert describing the gemstone. See sample packaging.

Gemstone lore: Men should wear peridot when they feel they will be under stress because of the stone’s calming influence. It is also helpful for making a man open for new challenges and to help discover his purpose in life.

Turquoise is found in colors ranging from yellowish-green to greenish-blue to light blue. The ancient Egyptians pharaohs loved turquoise and used it as beads or inlay in exquisite gold jewelry. Turquoise became very popular in the Middle Ages and was set alongside the most valuable gemstones. Today turquoise is often associated with the Native American jewelry of the U.S. Southwest. It is the birthstone for December.
(Turquoise is a 10x8mm cabochon, treatment color stabilized; EACH turquoise tie tack will be slightly different due to different patterns of black veining on the gem; tie tack measures approx. 3/8" high x 5/16" wide)

Packaging: Tie tack comes packaged in a 1 3/4" x 2" crystal-style gift box with an insert describing the gemstone. See sample packaging.

Gemstone lore: Men should wear turquoise to enhance their sense of generosity and affection. The uplifting influence of turquoise can help to heal wounds between friends, lovers or even enemies.

Malachite is an opaque gemstone with stripes or swirls in contrasting shades of dark & light green. Each color band represents the growth of the malachite crystal as a new layer of molten mass cooled & adhered to the previous band. Malachite was first used as a gemstone over 4,000 years ago. It was mined in both ancient Egypt and Israel where it was carved into gems or small ornamental items. It was also crushed into a powder and used as eye shadow and as a coloring agent for glass.

(Malachite is a 10x8mm cabochon, untreated ; EACH gemstone will be different, but all will have dark and light green bands and/or swirls; tie tack measures approx. 3/8" high x 5/16" wide)

Packaging: Tie tack comes packaged in a 1 3/4" x 2" crystal-style gift box with an insert describing the gemstone. See sample packaging.

Gemstone lore: Men should wear malachite to repel misfortune such as illness or accidents. It can also help them to sleep better.

Jasper is an opaque variety of quartz that formed naturally in many colors. Picture jasper is tan with lines and spots in black and brown that make an abstract design. The “picture” was created when bits of other mineral species got embedded in the molten quartz as it cooled. Jasper is an ancient gemstone. It has been cut into beads & gems for thousands of years. Picture jasper is mined in the U.S. and often found in Southwestern jewelry.

(Picture jasper is a 10x8mm cabochon, untreated ; EACH gemstone will be different, but all will have black and brown lines and spots on a tan background; tie tack measures approx. 3/8" high x 5/16" wide)

Packaging: Tie tack comes packaged in a 1 3/4" x 2" crystal-style gift box with an insert describing the gemstone. See sample packaging.

Gemstone lore: All jasper is thought to strengthen a person’s overall health. Men should wear picture jasper, in particular, to help them to recall people and things from the past that are relevant to their current situation.

Rose quartz is a ‘milky’ pink or translucent gem. Light shines through it making the gem glow, but it is not transparent. The gemstone may be filled with tiny fractures, giving it a crackled effect. Although naturally pink, it is sometimes dyed to darken the shade of pink. Rose quartz has been used in jewelry since the 9th century B.C. The Egyptians used it for beads and the Romans had the gem carved and set into signet rings. But most rose quartz is mined in the ‘new world’ so the pastel gem did not gain popularity til mining began in the Americas.

(Rose quartz is a 10x8mm cabochon that may be treated to enhance the color ; EACH gemstone will be very slightly different due to variations in the internal characteristics of the gems, ; tie tack measures approx. 3/8" high x 5/16" wide)

Packaging: Tie tack comes packaged in a 1 3/4" x 2" crystal-style gift box with an insert describing the gemstone. See sample packaging.

Gemstone lore: Rose quartz is known as the ‘love gem.’ Men should wear rose quartz to attract true love and affection.

Obsidian is a natural glass gemstone that was created when lava from a volcano cooled too quickly to form crystals. Although black is the most common color for obsidian, it naturally occurs in many colors such as blue or yellow. Sometimes when lava cools, tiny bits of another mineral are trapped inside creating a pattern such as the white spots of snowflake obsidian. In ancient times, shards of obsidian were used as knives because of their sharp edges. By Roman times, obsidian was carved into seal rings and ornamental objects.

(Snowflake obsidian is a 10x8mm cabochon, untreated ; EACH gemstone will be slightly different, but all will have grayish white spots on a black background; tie tack measures approx. 3/8" high x 5/16" wide)

Packaging: Tie tack comes packaged in a 1 3/4" x 2" crystal-style gift box with an insert describing the gemstone. See sample packaging.

Gemstone lore: Men should wear snowflake obsidian to help them see things clearly and think more logically.