Celebrating Earth Day: Discovering Gemstone Formation

Posted by Sara Guerrero on

Kasia has always been inspired by nature and as Earth Day approaches, we would like to reflect on the natural wonders that surround us. From towering mountains to vast oceans, the Earth is a true marvel. One of the most stunning examples of natural beauty lies beneath the planet’s surface: gemstones. These remarkable stones are formed deep within the Earth and are a testament to the incredible forces of nature. In this blog post, we will explore the formation of five natural gemstones that you can find within our collection - emerald, tourmaline, aquamarine, and sapphire - along with their unique qualities.

Emerald: A Precious Gemstone from Ancient Times

Let's start with one of the most recognizable and valuable gemstones - emerald. Emeralds have been cherished for centuries for their range of vivid green colors, from light tones such as that of our Esmeralda ring (pictured below, right side) to deep hues like the one seen in the Medium Diana ring (pictured below, left side). These variations in color are caused by the presence of chromium and vanadium.

They are formed in metamorphic rocks, which are created when rocks are introduced to intense heat and pressure. In the case of emeralds, the rocks that produce these precious stones are typically shales, marbles, or schists. The process of emerald formation begins when magma rises from deep within the Earth and heats up the surrounding rocks. This then causes the rocks to transform, which then creates cavities or fractures in the rock. As the magma cools, fluids containing the elements needed to form emeralds seep into these fractures and cavities and over time, these fluids crystallize, forming emeralds.

Emeralds are found in many parts of the world, including Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, and Zimbabwe. 

Tourmaline: A Colorful Wonder of Nature

Tourmaline is another gemstone that is loved for its array of colors; even the name itself comes from the Sinhalese word "tura mali," which means "stone with mixed colors". This stone can be found in shades of pink, red, green, blue, and even black.

Tourmalines are formed in a variety of ways, including through igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary processes. The specific conditions under which a tourmaline is formed are what determine its color. For example, green tourmalines such as the Brazilian tourmaline center stone of the Eunice ring (pictured below, left side) are formed in igneous rocks that contain a lot of iron, while pink (Suki ring pictured below, right side) and red tourmalines are formed in metamorphic rocks.

These stunning gems are highly valued by collectors and are a favorable alternative engagement ring center stone due to their hardness!

Aquamarine: The Stone of the Sea

Aquamarine is a beautiful blue-green gemstone that is closely associated with the ocean; its name means "water of the sea" in Latin. If you know us, you know the ocean in particular holds a special place in our hearts with our Cardiff showroom being just steps away!

Aquamarines are formed in pegmatites, which are igneous rocks formed by magma that cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface. As this process occurs, it forms large crystals, including those of beryl. Aquamarines are formed when the beryl contains traces of iron and is exposed to high-pressure fluids which contain other elements such as aluminum and silicon. These trace elements are what determine the tone of blue in each individual stone such as the light hue of our Elsie ring's center stone (pictured below).

Fun fact: Aquamarines are a type of beryl, the same mineral family as emeralds.

Today, aquamarines are found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, and Pakistan. You can also find them in the heart of Cardiff at our showroom! Discover aquamarine collection pieces here.

Sapphire: The Gem of Royalty

Sapphire is a gemstone that has been treasured for thousands of years primarily for its deep blue color and association with royalty. This regal stone, much like Tourmalines, can also be found in a wide array of shades such as pink, yellow, green, and even white. Our collection of sapphires covers a broad range of these shades from the rich yellow tone of a Sri Lanka Sapphire in our Joss ring (pictured below, left side) to the mesmerizing bicolor tones of the Madagascar Sapphire in our Dew ring (pictured below, right side). 

 

Sapphires are formed in metamorphic rocks, such as schists and gneisses, and much like the previously mentioned stones, these are created under intense heat and pressure. Aside from their range of unique shades, Sapphire is another favorite gemstone in our collection due to their hardness, making it an excellent alternative engagement ring center stone. Discover Sapphire collection pieces here

The Beauty of Natural Gemstones

There is something truly magical about natural gemstones. From the intricacies surrounding the formation process to the uniqueness of each individual stone; no two having the same story of formation and journey to the Earth's surface. When we look at a gemstone, we are seeing a testament of Mother Nature's force. 

Our collection of fine jewelry features natural gemstones in a variety of styles and settings. Whether you prefer the rich green of emeralds or the brilliant blue of aquamarines, there is a gemstone that speaks to your unique style, personality and story. As we celebrate Earth Day, we honor the beauty and power of nature, and the incredible gemstones that remind us of it every day.

Read more →

KJ Couples: Danae and André

Posted by Sara Guerrero on

We love your love! That is why we have decided to reach out to a few of our amazing Kasia Family members, new and returning, to tell their stories. Love is powerful, beautiful, diverse and worthy of honoring through your unique story. By sharing these openly with you, we intend to spread joy in a time when we need it the most. We understand the privilege it is to be a part of your story, and we hope the sincerity of these couples will reflect the very special relationships we aim to have with everyone who walks through our doors (whether in-person or virtually).

Next up, we have Danae & André. Two ballroom dancers that tangoed their way into each other's hearts! 

When did you know that your partner was THE ONE?

This is a funny one where we both have pretty different answers. We met each other at work, at a ballroom dance studio. One of their coworkers, who was a bridesmaid at the wedding, remembers a day where André asked her “I want to marry a girl like Danae. Do you think I have a chance?” to which the coworker responded “No way!” So for him, he knew very early on! I was more cautious, and took a while to even accept a date. However, once I gave him a chance, I was very quickly won over. I don’t think there was a specific moment I knew, but I know that one thing I noticed early on and loved about him was how great he is with kids…I remember watching him and thinking not only would he make a great husband, but also an amazing dad to our future children. 

What is one thing you love about your significant other?

André about Danae: I love that she does everything to the best of her ability. Whether it’s dressing up for an event, completing a work project, or helping a friend…she always goes all out. 
Danae about André: I love how genuine he is. He is always 100% himself and that confidence is something I respect and admire so much.

What is an activity you love to do together?

We are fortunate enough to share a passion for dancing. That’s how we met and something we continue to do together. Not only do we compete professionally, but we also really enjoy an evening out salsa dancing! On our honeymoon, the resort bar had a few vocal performers, and we couldn’t help ourselves, but get up and dance to the music. Aside from dancing, we love spending time trying out new dog friendly spots around San Diego with our pup Jack Jack!

How did you two meet? (Give us as many details as you’d like!)

We met at a ballroom dance studio, where André was a teacher and Danae a student. Eventually Danae joined the staff, and that’s when André decided to shoot his shot! Danae was nervous to date a coworker, so André had to be persistent, but he eventually won her over with his sweet smile and infectious laugh…the rest is history.

How did he/she propose?

André and Danae we visiting her parents in Northern California for Christmas 2021. André had always really wanted the proposal to be a surprise, and he certainly pulled it off! Since they’d been together for a while and had discussed marriage many times, every big holiday, Danae would get her hopes up a bit that he’d pop the question, and this time especially, she thought she had caught onto some hints! However Christmas came and went, and still no ring, so she assumed she had just misinterpreted the signs. On the 27th, the family had planned a trip to a winery. Danae and Andre took a separate car, and began tasting while waiting for her parents and sister. While waiting for the others to arrive, André took Danae outside and proposed in the vineyard, just the two of them, then turned around saw not only Danae’s family, but also Andre’s there to celebrate! 

How does Kasia Jewelry fit into your story?

As a lover of fashion, jewelry, and all things wedding, Danae started looking at wedding bands pretty early in the relationship. She knew she wanted something that was a little bit unique, and when she found Kasia, she knew it was the perfect place. For years she followed their Instagram page admiring others’ stories and stacks…and when it came time to find her own, she couldn’t wait to make her appointment. André and Danae both found their rings (the Large Fera and Abe). Danae looks forward to expanding her stack in the future as she and André go through life together!

Photography by @laurenogdenphoto

Read more →

Our Jewelry Do’s, but Mostly Don’ts

Posted by Pamela Burton on

One of the most important things anyone should know about their fine jewelry is exactly in the name- it is fine jewelry. Some may be surprised to find a lifted prong, dents, scratches, or even a break in their jewelry. The reality is that accidents can occur if not practicing mindful, proper care of your piece. This is especially common with rings, as we tend to forget just how active we are with our hands, and with everyday tasks. The good news is that these oopsies can certainly be avoided as long as you keep some best practices in mind!

We’ve listed what we believe are 6 of the most common ways that you can unintentionally mishandle your jewelry, also known as our KJ Jewelry Don’ts. We've outlined them here in order from the least, to the most common ways we’ve seen pieces be mishandled: 

 

Don’t #6: Touch your stone/ring from the top

Avoid touching your diamond to prevent getting fingerprints/dirt on it, and avoid loosening of the prongs by pressing directly on the stone (remember, diamonds are strong and can damage metals). What we recommend instead is to handle your ring from the sides (see the photo). This helps keep your stone clean and shining, while preventing any added pressure to the prongs as you handle it. 

 

Don’t #5: Rub your jewelry against each other

Avoid wearing rings right next to each other, as the pieces can easily rub against one another and cause damage over time. Additionally, diamonds can easily scratch and further damage other diamonds when worn next to each other (yes, diamonds can damage other diamonds). We recommend alternating fingers when wearing multiple rings.

 

Don’t #4: Get Caught on your clothing

Some jewelry pieces have prongs or pronounced contours that can get caught on heavy knits, or against pockets and other clothing accessories. Make sure to practice care when getting dressed or wearing clothing that can easily snag.

Take note if your piece is repeatedly snagging, as a prong may have lifted and is in need of attention.

 

Don’t #3: Slam your doors or cabinets

This everyday move is so common, we forget just how quickly we can easily hit or jam your fine jewelry! Watch out for washing machine doors, too!

 

Don’t #2: With  your furry friends

Whether it’s wrapping the leash around the hand to hold on to our furry friends, or playing around with our loved ones, our energetic family members can surprise us at any moment. All it takes is one, “...Squirrel!”

Don’t #1: Wear your piece when heavy lifting

This is one we know all too well! Just the right amount of pressure while carrying or moving something can result in misshaping and damage to a piece of fine jewelry. Keep in mind, 14k gold is a malleable, fine metal that can become damaged by just the right amount of pressure! 

Our Biggest Do’s:

Handle your piece with love and care

Be sure to remove your piece when applying lotions/perfumes, or working with harsh chemicals- and be sure to store your piece in a safe space. Make sure you keep these best practices in mind and be weary of some common mistakes that can occur.

Schedule “Oil Changes”

Get regular check ups as often as every 6 months here 

Refer to our Resources

Always refer to our care guidelines, or check out our other blog post regarding proper care and cleaning.

 

Read more →

KJ Couples: Stephanie and Brandon

Posted by Sara Guerrero on

We love your love! That is why we have decided to reach out to a few of our amazing Kasia Family members, new and returning, to tell their stories. Love is powerful, beautiful, diverse and worthy of honoring through your unique story. By sharing these openly with you, we intend to spread joy in a time when we need it the most. We understand the privilege it is to be a part of your story, and we hope the sincerity of these couples will reflect the very special relationships we aim to have with everyone who walks through our doors (whether in-person or virtually).

Next up, we have Stephanie & Brandon. Two friends who reconnected years later to create their forever love story!

When did you know that your partner was THE ONE?

Steph - I knew Brandon was the one shortly after we started dating. I really don’t know how to explain it but it just felt “right”. Other guys I had dated it felt like so much work and with Brandon, it came easy. He felt like my best friend and it was a no brainer.

Brandon - I knew Steph was the one for years before we dated, but the stars were never aligned. When our paths finally crossed and that opportunity became available it just made perfect sense.

 

What is one thing you love about your significant other?

Steph - I love how hard working and kind Brandon is. He treats everyone he knows as if they are special and will go above and beyond for all of his friends and family.

Brandon - Steph is so loving and kind to others. She is also so fun to be around and her smile is contagious!

 

What is an activity you love to do together?

We love to travel together. We’ve been to France, Costa Rica, Bahamas, Maldives, Tulum and more! Brandon is a professional photographer so that takes us to a lot of places, but also just traveling for fun is something we love to do. We love experiencing new places! Just as much as we love to travel we also love to just hang out at home and watch a good movie or documentary. I think that’s what makes our relationship so great; we really just love to do anything as long as it's together!

 

 

How did you two meet? (Give us as many details as you’d like!)

We met in High School the summer before freshman year, back in 2005! We were in the same math class. We went to a small private school, so we frequently had classes together and hung out with similar friend groups. We did not start dating until January 2014. We were always friends and never lost touch between high school and college. When it was finally meant to be for us, it was just right! Stephanie was living in San Francisco at the time and Brandon was in Los Angeles. Brandon had an opportunity to go to football game up north and invited Stephanie to attend. The rest is history!

 

How did he/she propose?

Brandon proposed October 2019 a few days after Stephanie’s Birthday. Steph had planned a trip to San Luis Obispo (her college town) to go wine tasting and visit with old friends. Little did she know Brandon had a plan of his own! The two of them and a friend went on a hike in Montana De Oro. This was a place Brandon had taken some photos of a few years back. Brandon had remembered one photo he had taken of Stephanie there and remembered how beautiful and happy that moment was, so he wanted to recreate it. Stephanie was completely shocked when Brandon got down on one knee and proposed on the gorgeous ocean cliffs during sunset.

 

How does Kasia Jewelry fit into your story?

Stephanie has always admired Kasia Jewelry for their unique pieces. She always knew that she wanted a super traditional classic engagement ring, but when it came time to pick the band she wanted something with a little more character. Her and Brandon drove down to San Diego to visit the bands on site and they both fell in love with their bands immediately!!

Photography by @love_is_wed

Read more →

Getting to Know Inclusions

Posted by Sara Guerrero on

Intro to Inclusions


One of our favorite things about natural gemstones is that each one is completely unique. No two stones will ever be the same, no matter how alike they may appear on the surface. In fact, each stone contains a world of its own, much like the special stories each of our clients have. We love that a gemstone can be a beautiful reflection of your own complexity and individuality. 


As stones form over thousands, if not millions, of years, they develop different inclusions, which are trace elements within the stone that make it truly one of a kind. These inclusions act as a sort of fingerprint, vital in the process of grading stones and in identifying one from another. Here, we will explore some common types of inclusions – and why we always celebrate them. 


Keeping It Natural 


Inclusions occur more often in natural stones compared to synthetic stones. However, certain inclusions in lab-developed gems are the specific result of their growth process, therefore serving as a way to distinguish a synthetic gem from a natural one. The inclusions in natural stones also relay important details about them; the presence of specific materials in a stone can indicate where and when it was formed. This is what makes these naturally-occurring inclusions so special. They help tell the story of every single stone, a story that begins long before a stone finds its way to a Kasia Jewelry design. Keeping nature’s lingering touch present in every piece. 

Types of Inclusions

There are four main types of inclusions commonly found in stones. They not only help to determine key facts about the stone, but also help craft its unique identity – which is then thoughtfully highlighted through specific Kasia Jewelry designs. 

Needles

Among the primary types of inclusions in diamonds and colored stones are needles, which appear like long, thin rods under standard magnification. These rods are actually crystals made up of a mineral other than that of the stone, formed along with the stone itself. Most needle inclusions are much too small to see without a microscope, but still set a stone apart and help distinguish one stone from another. 

Clouds

Clouds are another type of inclusion, formed by many clustered needles or pin-points, which are crystals in the form of tiny dots. These clouds can look like a small hazy patch in the stone, creating a unique and striking visual effect. Cloud inclusions can occur in a wide variety of natural stones. 

One of our favorite examples of a beautifully cloud-included stone is the salt-and-pepper diamond. This special diamond gets its name from the black carbon inclusions and unique characteristics it holds. These speckles can be sparse, leaving areas of clear stone; dense, with a dark and stormy appearance; or anywhere between. We love featuring salt and pepper stones in our designs for their endless uniqueness and captivating complexity. If you’re seeking a stone as one-of-a-kind and captivating as your story, consider a salt and pepper center stone. 

Fluid

Another inclusion that occurs regularly is fluid. Fluid inclusions consist of liquid or gas that became encapsulated within the formation of the stone as it developed. These inclusions can sometimes take on fantastical shapes within the stone; microphotography of fluid inclusions even produces beautiful pieces of art. Some stones even contain little bubbles of water or air, perfectly preserving a piece of the earth from millions, if not billions of years ago. 

Crystals

Finally, crystal inclusions are highly common within stones. While needle and cloud inclusions are technically crystals as well, the term applies to crystals of more apparent and irregular shape. These inclusions are almost as if a microscopic gem was contained within the stone. Emeralds, a commonly included stone, often contain pyrite crystals. These appear as small, dark prisms within the emerald, creating a complex interior world. Crystal inclusions give each stone its own special look. 

Imperfectly Perfect 

Diamonds have a unique relationship with inclusions because, more than any other stone, they are graded based on their clarity – their lack of inclusions. Clarity is one of the 4C’s used to determine a diamond’s value. However, a diamond that is truly without inclusions is extremely rare. The majority of diamonds used in jewelry are considered “‘eye clean,” which means their inclusions aren’t visible to the naked eye and therefore don’t impact the appearance of the diamond. When grading a stone with a microscope, though, a gemologist sees any inclusions and makes a diagram of the interior of the stone. Just like a fingerprint, this chart means that the diamond is completely unique and can always be identified. 

Inclusions are often what gives a colored stone its beautiful appearance. We’ve mentioned emeralds and salt-and-pepper diamonds, but there is a wide variety of stones whose own inclusions greatly enhance their allure. 

For example, inclusions are also what give rubies and sapphires their color! Both stones consist of a mineral known as corundum. The presence of chromium inclusions in the corundum creates a red hue - such stones are categorized as rubies. Any other inclusion and the stone is considered a sapphire, prized especially in its classic deep blue or in vibrant pink. 

Whether you choose a diamond or a colored stone, the inclusions that your gem contains are an integral part of its identity. Visible inclusions enhance a stone’s complex beauty; the ones too small to be seen are an important part of what makes your stone completely unique. 

One-of-a-Kind, Every Time

There is an infinite variety of inclusions that can be seen in stones. Every gemstone has a different quantity and prominence of inclusions, something that is taken into account when selecting a piece for Kasia Jewelry. We champion this variety and are endlessly inspired by the range of beauty in these nature-made stones. Our collection features gems that are as perfectly individual as their wearers, stones through which nature tells its long and beautiful story. With a Kasia Jewelry piece, you get to create your own story. 

Read more →