December’s birthstones are tanzanite, zircon and turquoise. The lucky individuals born in this month get to choose between three beautiful blue colors. These stones are all commonly found in jewelry. Make your special someone’s day with a birthstone gift in a hue that best represents their unique personality.

Tanzanite Symbolism

Tanzanite is named after the only place in the world it can be found, Tanzania. This blue or sometimes violet stone was only recently discovered (1967) and therefore has risen in popularity. It is easier to scratch than many other precious stones and must be handled with care.

What Does Tanzanite Represent?

Tanzanite is said to have calming and soothing properties. It is sometimes referred to a the “workaholic stone” because it’s supposed to help relax those who work too much. It also relieves depression and stress.

Zircon is a stone that naturally appears in almost every color, however it is most recognizable by its blue hue. This gem can be slightly radioactive, so it’s usually treated and stabilized. Zircon is mainly mined in Australia, which produces 37% of the world’s zircon mining.

What Does Zircon Represent?

Zircon is a grounding stone, used to balance the wearers dreams with reality. In addition, zircon is said to ward off negative energy and invite happiness into the wearer’s life.

Turquoise is a unique stone that can usually be identified by its spiderweb pattern. It dates back to the 13th century and was originally brought to Europe from Turkey. Today, the U.S. is the largest turquoise supplier and the stone is commonly found in Native American jewelry.

What Does Turquoise Represent?

Turquoise signifies wisdom, balance and truth. It is said to be the stone of protection, possessing the power to prevent injury. For this reason, many travelers carry turquoise amulets.

Sagittarius and Capricorn Traits

Astrological signs for December are Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) and Capricorn (December 22-January 19).

Sagittarius were made to travel the world. They are curious and energetic, able to turn their thoughts into actions. They have an open mind, enjoy freedom and aren’t constrained by details.

• A sagittarius woman is fun, outgoing, friendly and sometimes a little wild. She speaks her mind and values independence.
• A sagittarius man loves adventure and is excited by the endless possibilities life has to offer. He is a thinker, interested in philosophy, religion and the meaning of everything.

Capricorns are responsible, disciplined and have good self-control. They value family and tradition. Although they make for good managers, they are sometimes criticized for being condescending.

• A Capricorn woman is reliable, responsible and persistent. She is strong and therefore is a good person to lean on at any time. There is no task that she can’t accomplish.
• A Capricorn man is busy chasing realistic dreams. He is ambitious and reaches for the highest achievements. He values accomplishment and responsibility.

December has many important dates in history and is a month of many interesting celebrities, public figures and entertainers.

• The first official day of winter, called winter solstice, is in December. Winter solstice has the least number of daylight hours.
• In the Northern Hemisphere, the month of December has the fewest daylight hours.
• Some consider December 28th to be the unluckiest day of the year.
• A survey done in 2011 states that more dentists have birthdays in December than in any other month.
• The first artificial Christmas tree was made in Germany, created from goose feathers and dyed green.

Famous Birthdays in December

• Tyra Banks, television personality and model – December 4
• Walt Disney, entrepreneur and film producer – December 5
• Queen Mary, Queen of Scots, Queen of Scotland – December 8
• Frank Sinatra, singer and actor – December 12
• Taylor Swift, singer-songwriter – December 13
• Steven Spielberg, filmmaker – December 18
• Isaac Newton, physicist, mathematician, astronomer – December 25
• LeBron James, NBA star – December 30

Why Lab Grown vs. Natural

There are several reasons to choose lab-grown diamonds over mined diamonds. A popular factor for many couples the is price. You can often find the same quality in a lab-grown diamond as a mined diamond , but the lab-grown is more budget-friendly than its mined diamond counterpart. For many clients, this means they can shop for a higher quality diamond and stay within their budget.

The environment is on everyone’s mind today. More couples are searching for eco-friendly options, which is why many lean toward lab-grown diamonds instead of mined diamonds. Because lab-grown diamonds are grown in a lab, they’re environmentally friendly and conflict-free.

14K White Gold Created Sapphire and Lab Grown Diamond

Pendant 5.36 carats total Heart Shape

$374.99

14K White Gold Created Sapphire and Lab Grown 

Diamond Ring 5.68 carats total Oval Shape

$554.99

14K Gold Created Alexandrite and Lab Grown Diamond Two-Tone

Ring 3.19 carats total Cushion Cut

$574.99

14K White Gold Created Colombian Emerald and Lab Grown 

Diamond Pendant 4.77 carats total Trillion Cut

$644.99

14K White Gold Created Colombian Emerald and Lab Grown 

Diamond Ring 2.61 carats total Round Shape

$624.99

Lend a Hand to Little Ones

Children’s hospitals have many volunteer opportunities that range from rocking newborns in need of a cozy cuddle to adding to the hospital’s arsenal of inexpensive art supplies and games.

Invite Someone Over

Know of a lonely relative? A neighbor far from home? A student unable to go home for the holidays? Consider offering up a seat at your dinner table this Thanksgiving. 

Organize a Food Drive

Enlist your neighbors in your effort to give back and offer to handle logistics. Pass out fliers listing suggested donation items, your on-porch pickup time and the local food bank or shelter where you will deliver the donations on your block’s behalf.

Thank Your Mother (Earth)

Adopt or step up an eco-friendly habit for a week, month or the entire holiday season. Toting your own reusables, such as travel mugs and cloth shopping bags, goes a long way.

Employ Your Skills to Help the Jobless

Giving back is easier when you apply your own skills and talents. Share your computer software skills or resume-building knowledge with job-seekers at your local library or community center. Or search for ways to extend opportunities to those in need. Did you know, as part of his movie contracts, Robin Williams required each studio to hire five homeless people?

Entertain the Elderly

Visit a nursing home to spend some hang-time with residents who would love a companion for reading, letter writing, taking a stroll, using a computer, storytelling, warm-hug giving and more.

Plan a Day of Giving

Break $5, $10 or $20 into dollar bills and give them away throughout the day to those who could use a buck. Perhaps even lend an ear and listen to their story. You just might change the course of someone’s day with your generosity.

Find a New Cause

Websites like VolunteerMatch.org provide resources for people who want to help, but might not know exactly where to start. Search by city, causes you care about — even browse by subject, such as disaster relief, literacy or hunger. Don't see anything you like? Sign up for email updates about new causes that might make a better fit. 

We all know that animals are cute and we just can't resist the urge to adore them. From owls, elephants, to giraffes and others, our animal themed collection is a our current favorite trend in jewelry. Check out the hottest trends of animal-themed jewelry that is transitional from fall to winter.

It's the perfect addition to your jewelry box. The unique swan design gives it a distinctive aura and feel, while the sterling silver chain has an amazing feel. All women alike will fall in love with this fashion accessory at first sight.

As with owl jewelry, there are a handful of beliefs surrounding this behemoth that makes it a perfect good luck charm. In western culture, an elephant with an upward trunk has a meaning of good fortune. It also symbolizes a lot of virtues such as determination, loyalty, patience, responsibility, level-headedness, as well as strength, honor, and stability.

The owl is such a popular jewelry option because it holds so many layers of symbolism. The most popular characteristics associated with owls are wisdom and knowledge, mystery, protection, and secrets.

Who said that you cannot take those underwater world creatures with you? Our list for the hottest animal-themed jewelry will be doused by lovely sea animals such as dolphins, turtles, crab, seahorse, and octopus. There are many beliefs surrounding this creature that makes them a perfect lucky charm for anyone.

 Turtles roamed the oceans since before the dinosaurs. They represent longevity on many levels, as they have been known to live up to 150 years. Hawaiian legends exalt the green sea turtle as the mythical mother and protector of all children. Celebrate a long, joyous life with our turtle pendant.

The birthstones for November are Citrine and topaz. Citrine, the primary birthstone is named after the citrus fruit due to its yellow-orange color. Topaz is also commonly yellow and easily confused for Citrine. 

Citrine and Topaz Symbolism

What does Citrine represent? Citrine is said to reduce anger and create calmness in the mind. It is a self-healing stone, cleansing the body of any negative attributes. It harnesses the power of the sun, bringing happiness to one’s life.

November’s other birthstone option is topaz. This stone is often confused with Citrine and for a while it was believed that they were the same. This is due to the yellow color.

What does topaz represent? Topaz represents love and affection. It is said to be the bringer of abundance, granting the wearer a happy and fulfilled life.

Scorpio and Sagittarius Traits

Astrological signs for November are Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) and Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21).

Scorpios are direct, assertive, and passionate people. They seek answers and will persevere until one is found. Scorpios value longtime friendships, but it’s necessary to be honest and direct to stay in their good graces.

• A Scorpio woman is fascinatingly complex. She is forceful but can also be secretive. Don’t let this mislead you, although she may come on strong she has great capacity for kindness.
• A Scorpio man loves a challenge. He wants the chase and to be seduced, but still seeks honesty in relationships.

Sagittarius’ were made to travel the world. They are curious and energetic, able to turn their thoughts into actions. They have an open mind, enjoy freedom, and aren’t constrained by details.

• A Sagittarius woman is fun, outgoing, friendly, and sometimes a little wild. She speaks her mind and values independence.
• A Sagittarius man loves adventure and is excited by the endless possibilities life has to offer. He is a thinker, interested in philosophy, religion, and the meaning of everything.

November has many important dates in history and is a month of many interesting celebrities and public figures.

• November is known as National Beard Month or Movember in the US and Canada.
• US Presidential elections are held every 4 years on the first Tuesday in November.
• The Holland Tunnel, the first mechanically ventilated underwater tunnel in the world, opened in November 1927 in New York City
• In Indiana, November is the month in which people are most likely to hit a deer while driving.

Famous Birthdays in November

• Emma Stone, actress-November 6
• Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone-November 6
• Marie Curie, first woman to win a Nobel Prize-November 7
• Gordon Ramsay, chef and restaurateur-November 8
• Grace Kelly, film actress-November 12
• Ryan Gosling, actor-November 12
• Jimi Hendrix, singer and musician-November 27

Halloween gets fabulous this year with Oravo's collection which includes some styling animal designs and glamorous fall gemstones  And not just for October 31st, wear these awesome pieces anytime you want.

Baltic Amber Sterling Silver Fox Pendant Necklace Cognac Color

Its sly look and curious eyes are highly detailed, and a handcut cabochon tail made of translucent golden cognac colored Genuine Baltic Amber is the ideal touch.

$39.99

Baltic Amber Waffle Pattern Dangle Earrings Sterling Silver Multiple Color

Genuine Baltic Amber, Multiple Colors - Dark Red, Cherry Red, Dark Cognac, Light Cognac and Honey Yellow, 50 pieces.

$59.99

Baltic Amber Tree Pendant Necklace Sterling Silver Multiple Color 

Genuine Baltic Amber, Rich Cognac Color, 5 pieces. Pendant: 6.00 grams pure 925 sterling silver, Includes 18 inch Sterling Silver Box Chain Necklace

$49.99

Baltic Amber Owl Gold-Tone Sterling Silver Bolo Adjustable Bracelet

An owl-inspired bolo bracelet is always a wise choice, especially when it's made with genuine Baltic amber.

$46.99

Baltic Amber Owl Pendant Necklace Sterling Silver Multiple Color 

Genuine Baltic Amber, Rich Cognac Color, owl shape. Pendant: 4.00 grams pure 925 sterling silver, Includes 18 inch Sterling Silver Box Chain

$34.99

Baltic Amber Star Leaf Ring Multiple Color Sterling Silver

Genuine Baltic Amber, 3 pieces, Multiple Colors - Cherry Red, Olive Green and Rich Cognac, Ring: 2.30 grams pure 925 sterling silver.

$24.99

Many Colors of Opal

The opal naturally occurs in a variety of colors, including

• Black
• White
• Gray
• Red
• Yellow
• Blue
• Green
• Brown

The black opal is the rarest color, and therefore the most valuable. While white opals are more common, high-quality white opals can also be quite valuable and are more popular than any other color in many parts of the world.

Opal Symbolism

Opals are also considered the birthstone for the month of October. The Greek root of the word ‘opal’ means, “to see a change in color.” It was given this name due to the rainbow of colors one can see in an opal stone. Although wearing the gem is viewed as good luck, the superstitious believe that the luck is reversed if you were not born in October.

What do opals represent? The opal represents confidence and faithfulness. The stones are worn to keep away evil and protect eyesight.

Libra and Scorpio Traits

The astrological signs for October birthdays are Libra (September 23 – October 22) and Scorpio (October 23 – November 21).

Libras are fair and peaceful people. They value relationships and find balance in compromising. Libras prefer to keep the peace when possible, so asking them to choose a side will not go over well.

• A libra woman is charming and solution-oriented. She enjoys surrounding herself with people she can speak with who will also listen.
• A libra man is attracted to beauty, which can sometimes deem him superficial. He values confidence but is intimidated by deep or emotional talks.

Scorpios are direct, assertive, and passionate people. They seek answers and will persevere until one is found. Scorpios value longtime friendships, but it’s necessary to be honest and direct to stay in their good graces.

• A scorpio woman is fascinatingly complex. She is forceful but can also be secretive. But don’t let this mislead you, although she may come on strong, she has great capacity for kindness.
• A scorpio man loves a challenge. He wants the chase and to be seduced, but still seeks honesty in relationships.

Fun Facts

October has many important dates in history and is a month of many interesting celebrities, holidays and public figures.

• The end of October is the only time when the four major American sports (MLB, NHL, NFL, and NBA) have games at the same time.
• The second Monday of every October is Columbus Day.
• October is sometimes referred to as the presidential month because more presidents have been born in it than any other month, including Teddy Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower.
• October contains the famous holidays of Halloween and Oktoberfest. October 3rd marks the end of Oktoberfest, the world’s largest folk festival located in Germany. October 31st is celebrated in the US as Halloween, a day where people dress up in costume and eat candy.

Famous Birthdays in October

• Mahatma Gandhi, leader of Indian Independence Movement-October 2
• John Lennon, singer-songwriter for The Beatles-October 9
• Carrie Fisher, actress known as Princess Leia in Star Wars-October 21
• Drake, rapper-October 24
• Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter-October 25
• Julia Roberts, actress-October 28
• Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft-October 28

September's Birthstone is Sapphire. Our Sapphires come in many color variations , but they are mostly known to be light blue hue. A brilliant blue Sapphire is the perfect birthstone gift for your loved ones this month especially if they were born in September. The unique color will be eye-catching to the person wearing it.

Sapphire Symbolism

The word Sapphire comes from Greek and Latin roots which mean blue. It has a significance throughout history in many different religious contexts. Rulers or ancient Persia in 800 B.C. believed the sky got its color from the reflecting sapphire stones. And the Greeks wore a sapphire at Delphi when they wanted to seek wisdom from the Oracle at Apollo's shrine. Kings also wore them to ward off negative thoughts and as a form of protection.

Sapphires represent royalty, wisdom, and protection from harm and evil. The stones are said to eliminate nerves and will help to provide you with a clear mind to make important decisions.

Astrological Signs: Virgo and Libra

The astrological signs for September birthdays are Virgo (August 22 - September 22) and Libra (September 23 - October 22)

Virgos are known to be hard workers who are very detail-oriented. They are loyal and kind and ready to help any friend in need. They are sometimes also known to be very critical or themselves and others.

• Virgo women possess common sense and a caring nature. She eases into relationships and will only committ if she is sure.
• Virgo men are very intelligent and capable. He is ready to better the world around him.

Libras are fair and peaceful people. They value relationships and find balance in compromising. Libras prefer to keep the peace when possible. Don't ask them to choose sides.

• Libra women are charming and love to solve problems. She enjoys surrounding herself with people she can speak with and who will listen.
• Libra men are attracted to beauty which can sometimes be superficial. He values confidence but is intimated by deep or emotional talks.

Birth Flower Symbol: Aster

September's birth flower is Aster. Aster comes from the Greek word "star." In ancient times, the plant was used for medicinal purposes. These flowers can be found in full bloom during the fall and can be found in pink, red, white, or mauve. 

Asters symbolize faith, love, and wisdom. The purple color embody wisdom and loyalty, while the reds and pinks epitomize undying devotion which is perfect for occasions like anniversaries and weddings.

Fun Facts

• September marks the beginning of Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of Spring in the Southern Hemisphere
• Month used to be seventh month of the Roman calendar, containing 29 to 31 days. It was later changed by Emperor Augustus to 30 days.
• The most well known holiday in September is Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of the month.

Famous Birthdays in September

• Beyoncé, singer-songwriter – September 4
• Jimmy Fallon, actor, comedian, and TV host – September 19
• Stephen King, author – September 21
• Bruce Springsteen, singer-songwriter – September 23
• Will Smith, actor – September 25
• Serena Williams, tennis champion – September 26
• Confucius, renowned Chinese teacher and prophet – September 28

It's Women's Equality Day! Many American women were granted the right to vote 96 years ago, thanks to the 19th Amendment. This day is a celebration for how far we've come, but also how far we still need to overcome. In 1971, Congress declared August 26 Women's Equality Day and 45 years later, we are fighting for gender equality. Whether we are an advocates for wage gape, access to healthcare, or the ballot box, we have a long way to go so here are some inspirations on how you can celebrate this special day.

So this weekend, I hope you will join us in celebrating Women’s Equality Day by getting ready for the upcoming election. Here are five things you can do right now:

1. Register to Vote. Act now!

2.  Write a Thank You Letter to Influential Woman in Your Life.  Be honest and heartfelt because a few words of gratitude go a long way.

3. Support a Local Business Owned a Black Woman. August is also Black Business Month! You can support by shopping in your local city or online. There are several online directories to help locate black-owned shops.

4. Mentor a Young Girl. There are plenty of local mentorship and after-school programs that already exist. Become a positive influence in a young girl's life and help provide her with the guidance and support that could make all the difference.

5. Express a Social Issue on Social Media That Matters to You. From Twitter to 
Facebook or Instagram, social media can be an effective tool to help enact social change. The scale of online communities makes it possible to join a global conversation like gender inequality, workplace discrimination, sexual harassment.

More than ever, we need to continue to show the world how strong women truly are. Women's Equality Day is an opportunity to do that. We have to continue fighting against unfair wages, domestic violence, under-representation in politics and gender bias in the workplace

Peridot Symbolism

The peridot’s stunning lime green glow is very recognizable. Some believe its name comes from the Greek word “peridona” which means “giving plenty.” The mineral itself is lime green, which is different from most gems that get their color from the trace impurities. Peridots protect against nightmares and can bring peace.

What does peridot represent? Peridot represents strength, bravery and balance. It is known to provide healing energies to those with a troubled spirit. There are ideas about how you should wear peridot. According to the Romans, one is to wear the peridot on the right hand in order to posses its magical powers. Others believe that if it’s set in gold, the peridot can protect you from a bad dream.

The spinel is referred to as “the daughter of the ruby” because of its rich cobalt blue hue. Spinels are very rare, more so than the ruby. If you are looking for an even more rare version of a spinel, they also come in yellow or brown. It can be mistaken for other gems such as the sapphire and tanzanite.

What does the spinel represent? Spinel represents physical energy, prosperity and immortal beauty. The spinel is often used to heal energy blockages and speed recovery for muscles and joints in the body. If you are looking for something that brings you self-healing, the spinel is supposed to give a renewed sense of being and ward off bad influences. It’s also known to sooth sadness and reconcile differences.

Leo and Virgo Traits

Astrological signs for August are the Leo (July 23 – August 21) and Virgo (August 22- August 31).

Leos have high self-esteem, and are charming and generous. They love to be the center of attention and are pretty straightforward about their feelings. They can also seem a bit possessive and demand the same loyalty they give.

• A Leo woman is fearless, powerful and self-confident. She likes to be lavished with attention. However, she is very sensitive and her feelings are easily hurt. Leo women enjoy fashion and aren’t worried about standing out.
• A Leo man is ambitious and likes to be a leader. Often times he is seen as a motivator and is outgoing and energetic. Usually, a Leo man is pretty extreme. Any emotion will be amplified.

Virgos have great attention to detail. They are hardworking,very practical and are not very keen on asking for help. Virgos are also perfect caregivers who love animals, books and nature.

• A Virgo woman is modest, loyal and very caring. She likes to solve problems and take care of things for others. The downside to that is that she is often seen as controlling. In relationships, a Virgo woman likes to be swept off her feet.
• A Virgo man is dedicated, smart and self-sufficient. He likes to provide for his family and will make sacrifices to make those around him happy. Unfortunately, Virgos tend to be very insecure about their feelings and often change their mind about important things. 

August has many important dates in history and is a month of many interesting celebrities and public figures.

• August was named after Caesar Augustus, the first emperor of Rome.
• The TV series “Shark Week” airs every year in August.
• President Richard Nixon announced his resignation on August 8, 1974.
• David Letterman first premiered his late night show on August 30, 1993.

Famous Birthdays In August

• Charlize Theron, actress best known for her role in Monster – August 7th
• Barack Obama, 44th president of the United States – August 4th
• Robert DeNiro, actor best known for his legendary role in Taxi Driver – August 17th
• Kristen Wiig, actress known for her hilarious skits on Saturday Night Live – August 22nd
• Michael Jackson, recording artist and legendary “Moonwalk” dancer – August 29th