Learning About Jewelry
The Truth About Sapphires, From the Gem Junkies at Parlé
Published: Sep 11, 2024
Jonathan and Brecken have the lowdown on September’s birthstone, and so many other gorgeous gems.
As we celebrate September and all the birthdays (SO MANY BIRTHDAYS!), Studio D wants to tell you about Parlé and their love for all things gems – especially sapphires!
Jonathan and Brecken Farnsworth have sapphires in their wedding rings (the stones traditionally symbolize heaven, truthfulness, and faithfulness), and now run the Idaho-based company founded by Jonathan’s father in 1973. Known then as Idaho Opal & Gem Corp., and specializing in Idaho-mined opal jewelry, the organization expanded into Australian opals as well in 1976.
By 1991, the family-owned-and-run business had expanded yet again, offering stones such as tanzanite and garnets, and had become Parlé. Jonathan joined the sales team in 2007, while Brecken began designing her own jewelry pieces in 2012. When her designs became popular with retailers Jonathan was visiting, they knew her innovative and elegant style would take the company to new heights.
With their shared love of all things gemstone and jewelry, and the company regularly winning jewelry design awards, the Farnsworth’s decided to share their knowledge and in 2018 launched the podcast Gem Junkies. With over 70 episodes available at this time, they’ve done deep dives into every sort of gemstone, picked the brains of other jewelers from around the world, discussed gem mining and history, gems from across the U.S., and more. Not only have we learned from them, but we love their nerdy humor, combined with genuinely interesting gem lore!
Since it’s September, we recommend starting to listen to them with this episode: The Finest American Gemstone – Montana Sapphire. Montana Sapphires were first discovered in 1865 by gold prospectors and were mined along with gold during the Montana gold rush of the 1870s. Montana Sapphires are typically pale and can be heat-treated to achieve an intense blue-green color. They are a 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, making them not only a beautiful gem choice but one that is relatively durable and wearable!
Other episodes include: “No Viagra, Just Get Fire Opal!”, “Leo Valentine, Aka Beyonce, Aka John Carter”, “The Bro’s Buying Guide”, and more! We think you will love them as much as we have!
Founded in Idaho in 1973, Parlé is known for thoughtful design, balancing unique artistic creations with elegance, earning numerous awards over the decades. Find them at www.parlegems.com, check out their always interesting podcast and stop in to see the Parlé collection in person at Studio D Jewelers!
As we celebrate September and all the birthdays (SO MANY BIRTHDAYS!), Studio D wants to tell you about Parlé and their love for all things gems – especially sapphires!
Jonathan and Brecken Farnsworth have sapphires in their wedding rings (the stones traditionally symbolize heaven, truthfulness, and faithfulness), and now run the Idaho-based company founded by Jonathan’s father in 1973. Known then as Idaho Opal & Gem Corp., and specializing in Idaho-mined opal jewelry, the organization expanded into Australian opals as well in 1976.
By 1991, the family-owned-and-run business had expanded yet again, offering stones such as tanzanite and garnets, and had become Parlé. Jonathan joined the sales team in 2007, while Brecken began designing her own jewelry pieces in 2012. When her designs became popular with retailers Jonathan was visiting, they knew her innovative and elegant style would take the company to new heights.
With their shared love of all things gemstone and jewelry, and the company regularly winning jewelry design awards, the Farnsworth’s decided to share their knowledge and in 2018 launched the podcast Gem Junkies. With over 70 episodes available at this time, they’ve done deep dives into every sort of gemstone, picked the brains of other jewelers from around the world, discussed gem mining and history, gems from across the U.S., and more. Not only have we learned from them, but we love their nerdy humor, combined with genuinely interesting gem lore!
Since it’s September, we recommend starting to listen to them with this episode: The Finest American Gemstone – Montana Sapphire. Montana Sapphires were first discovered in 1865 by gold prospectors and were mined along with gold during the Montana gold rush of the 1870s. Montana Sapphires are typically pale and can be heat-treated to achieve an intense blue-green color. They are a 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, making them not only a beautiful gem choice but one that is relatively durable and wearable!
Other episodes include: “No Viagra, Just Get Fire Opal!”, “Leo Valentine, Aka Beyonce, Aka John Carter”, “The Bro’s Buying Guide”, and more! We think you will love them as much as we have!
Founded in Idaho in 1973, Parlé is known for thoughtful design, balancing unique artistic creations with elegance, earning numerous awards over the decades. Find them at www.parlegems.com, check out their always interesting podcast and stop in to see the Parlé collection in person at Studio D Jewelers!