SAVOR THE SPARKLE!
Recent guests of private Sparkling Tasting experiences were treated to an experience like no other!
Just as wine experts talk of “terroir” (French for “of the earth”), gemstones are also an expression of the earth!
Sparkling Tastings are not just a memorable way to discover the rare, elemental qualities that make some more valuable than others - they are about human CONNECTION!
Sparkling Tastings can be gemstone-only experiences, as well as being paired with wine, whisky, tequila, tea, or even chocolate!
RESPONSIBLY SOURCED GEMSTONES
As many of us make more intentional investments, the series explores what responsible sourcing means for wine, chocolate, gemstones, and jewelry - and how what you choose can align with your values, be it UN Sustainable Development Goals or climate action.
ARTISANAL CHOCOLATES AND GEMSTONES: A WELLNESS TASTING
October 25th, 2024
AQUA-HUED TASTING: AQUAMARINE vs TOURMALINE vs ZIRCON
August 18th, 2024
VALENTINE’S DAY:
THE SPARKLE OF LOVE
February 10, 2024
HOLIDAY SPARKLE: FESTIVE WINES + GEMS
December 9, 2023
FALL HARVEST WINES + GEMS
October 28, 2023
ROSÉ + RUBY HUES
August 5, 2023
UNEXPECTED SPARKLE: SPARKLING WINES + GEMS
February 26, 2023
ORANGE WINE + ORANGE GEMSTONES
November 13, 2022
ETHICALLY SOURCED RUBY TASTING
July 13, 2022
WARM-HUED GEMSTONES: MANIFESTING SPRING
March 1, 2022
PEARLS: A DIGITAL TASTING
February 7, 2022
RUBY-HUED TASTING:
RUBY vs SPINEL vs GARNET
December 1, 2021
SAPPHIRE + CHARDONNAY
(by women wine makers)
November 25, 2019
WHAT DOES RESPONSIBLY SOURCED MEAN?
In the same way that we know where our food is from and who made our clothes, why not jewelry?
Responsible sourcing goes beyond ethically or sustainably sourced. This encompasses conflict-free, traceability, protecting people, their skills, and the environment be it land or sea. This is an open, evolving conversation worth having, as we all seek to make choices that align with our values.
As much as possible, the designers in this community do their best to choose jewelry “ingredients” that honor this.
3 RIVETING Q&As
WHAT GEMSTONE IS A GOOD INVESTMENT?
The one that is uniquely beautiful to you!
Similar to collecting art or cars, invest in what you love while understanding what aligns with your reasonable expectations of a “return on investment”.
Watching high-profile jewelry sales at auction houses will offer an understanding of the market for particular gemstones at the collector level.
Rarity is one of the greatest factors that affect value. Being aware of gemstones that are no longer being mined (or soon to be no longer mined) could be one strategy such as Argyle colored diamonds or Tanzanite.
Examples of other rare, investment-worthy gemstones are Padparadscha sapphires, demantoid garnets, conch pearls, and trapiche emeralds.
ARE GEMSTONES STILL BEING FORMED TODAY?
This is such a good question and a complex one to answer.
What I can say is the earth is ever-changing and different gemstone species require different environmental conditions to form.
A current geological study suggests the oldest gemstone material known is Greenland Ruby, forming 3 billion years ago.
GIA Graduate Gemologist® Adrianne Sanogo shared an enlightening article on the ages of diamonds.
The conclusion appears to be that gemstones are eternally being formed, although what is being formed today will not materialize for millions or billions of years.
WHAT IS THE BEST JEWELRY CLEANING SOLUTION?
You already have it at home!
The best cleaning solution is mild dish soap (not detergent) and water with a soft toothbrush or a soft cloth.
Personally, I do not recommend ultrasonic cleaners. They can crack opals, shatter pearls, or damage gemstones that are treated. While it may be safe to clean hard gemstones, such as diamond engagement rings, it can result in loosening prongs over time.
Keep in mind, different gemstones require different wear and care considerations. Among these are soft or brittle gemstones such as emerald, pearl, opal, turquoise, and Tanzanite.
Get the full scoop HERE!
STATEMENT JEWELRY:
A CURATION OF COVETED PIECES DESIGNED BY WOMEN
YOUR INTENTIONAL FINE JEWELRY CONCIERGE
Whether delivering keynotes, presenting in boardrooms, or other leadership spaces, consistently wearing signature jewelry that intentionally connects you with your inner power ensures you are seen, remembered, and taken seriously.
The Brilliant Concierge is a personalized experience that protects your time and provides peace of mind when investing in your jewelry collection.
My styling services can help you:
• Edit your current jewelry wardrobe and help you reconnect with key pieces in your collection.
• Identify jewelry wardrobe needs for your next investment to amplify your visibility and bring what's inside out.
• Sourcing discerning designer jewelry with intention and connection for you, or a luxury gift for your wife or partner.
These blue moonstone drops glow with a soft inner light, accented by two sparkling sapphires. Crafted in rich 22k gold, they feel refined, memorable, and easy to wear.
Why they belong in your collection
• Luminous blue moonstone paired with sapphires for radiant contrast
• Hand-fabricated in high-karat gold with heirloom-level craftsmanship
• Scaled for everyday elegance and effortless evening polish
Details and dimensions
• 6.22 carats blue moonstone flat briolettes (approx. 8.15 × 12.75 mm)
• 0.14 carats blue sapphires
• 22k yellow gold with 18k yellow gold posts
• Approx. 3/8" wide × 1 1/4" high
About the designer
Elizabeth and Jack of Zaffiro select gemstones for personality and presence. “Some gemstones just speak to us.” These moonstone earrings showcase their mastery of granulation, the ancient art of applying tiny spheres of precious metal to create texture and depth, a technique practiced for over 4,000 years in Greece and Italy. The result is jewelry that feels powerful, wearable, and deeply personal.
FAQ
What services do luxury jewelry concierges offer?
You receive tailored guidance, vetted options, and insider access. From selection to delivery, the process is personal and efficient so your jewelry feels intentional and distinctly yours.
Looking for moonstone and sapphire earrings that feel truly you?
Book a private call with Melissa to explore these and other heirloom-quality jewelry that tell your story with intention and connection.