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Gemstones are beautiful, but what is the magical attraction that no woman can resist? Is it because they desire their beauty, rarity, and durability that can be enjoyed for generations? Or are we fascinated with their myths that have been revered in all cultures for centuries? Whatever your passion for jewelry, here in Los Cabos we are fortunate and proud to offer plentiful sources from which to select that perfect gem.
Diamonds International has six locations throughout Los Cabos: Las Tiendas de Palmilla, the Sheraton, Puerto Paraíso, two stores on the Cabo San Lucas’ main drag, and another one specializing in tanzanite. They are the largest duty-free jeweler in the world. A family-owned business, their reputation of value and trust has been growing since 1986. All major cruise lines recommend them for their precise selection of gemstones, which are purchased directly from the world’s largest mines, eliminating the middleman, thereby passing the savings to the customer.
Those leaning toward purchasing a fine jewel owe a visit to the luxurious UltraJewels located on the Cabo San Lucas Marina. You will be dazzled by the exquisite displays by such artists as Roberto Coin, who began marking his collections by setting a small ruby hidden within each piece so that the stone was directly in contact with the skin. This dedication is a secret gift of good wishes to every woman who wears one of his exclusive creations. UltraJewels is also the official and exclusive Rolex retailer and is offering its newest design, Yacht-Master II. This unique store also carries an outstanding collection from Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Chopard, David Yorman, Montblanc, Omega and other fine brands.
Throughout the ages, people have appreciated the beauty of gemstones, often assigning them special powers, and early on they became associated with the months of the year. Historians think that the first written record comes from the book of Exodus in the Old Testament. The modern birthstone chart was established in 1912, but the history of celebrating one’s birth with jewels goes back to the 15th century.
January’s deep-red garnet keeps pace with changes of style and color trends of fashion, thanks to their rich color spectrum. Once popular as a talisman, they are believed to protect from evil and disaster. Amethyst is for February, said to protect its wearer against drunkenness, coming from the Greek meaning “not intoxicated.”
Even if not born in the month of March, women the world over love aquamarine for its fine blue shades. If it’s diamonds you’re seeking, whether for those born in April, or any month for that matter, Diamonds International has the largest selection of single stones, as well as settings. Diamonds are invincible, so believed the Greeks of long ago. There is a mystical belief that the digit eight can change destiny. This tradition continues to this day in a diamond like you’ve never seen before––the “Eighty Eight”, a diamond with eight sides, 88 facets, and infinite brilliance, as opposed to a round diamond with only 58 facets. Go see for yourself! While there, treat yourself to witnessing four of the rarest timepieces in the world: Harry Winston’s new line.
The most radiant green that can possibly be imagined is the emerald, for the month of May. Pearl is the birthstone for June. Though not a gemstone, pearls have long been greatly valued as gemstones. Not all pearls are round! See the Yvel collection at Diamonds International, some of the most beautiful cultured pearls in fabulous settings. At UltraJewels you will find the epitome in pearls, the couture collection from Mikimoto. This world-renowned Japanese jewelry is celebrated for its fusion of dainty femininity and ornate decadence, some set with tiny bezels of diamonds, others whimsical, chunky, or playful in style.
Among natural gems, only the diamond is harder than the ruby, the birthstone for July. Like the diamond, the ruby is commonly judged by the “four C’s”: carat, clarity, color, and cut.
The vivid green peridot (pronounced “pair-uh-dot” or “pair-uh-doe”) for August is ideal to go with that light summer wardrobe, while sapphire, one of the four precious stones is for those born in September.
October’s opal, meaning “valuable stone.” reflects all the colors of the rainbow. Diamonds International has a showcase exhibiting the Asher collection from Australia, currently the classic opal country that attracts many men and women to the hot and dusty Australian outback to prospect. Opals love to be worn on the skin and should be worn as often as possible to receive the needed humidity from the air and from the skin of its wearer.
Topaz is for November, but you may want to consider it even if you are not a November child. It’s reputed to make men handsome and intelligent, and sterile women fertile and happy! December has two birthstones: ancient turquoise, dating back to 3000 B.C., and still fashionable today, or tanzanite, which again and again finds it way back into fashion.
There are innumerable synthetics and imitations in gemstones. You can protect yourself from “fakes” by purchasing from a reputable jeweler. Whether for the perfect gift of affection, as the complement to your current wardrobe, or an heirloom to be passed to future generations, fine jewelry should be sought after from a reliable source. If you or a loved one is celebrating a birthday, don’t leave Los Cabos unadorned!
By Sandra Berry
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