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Jewelry Expert: Overgaard Jewellers

Overgaard Jewellers

2960 Kingsway Drive

KitchenerOntarioN2C 1X1

GEO: 43.425177, -80.44013

Phone: 519-894-0883

Grant OvergaardGraduate Gemologist

Here is why they are an Expert

Overgaard Jewelers have been in business since 1989 and in their current location in Fairview Mall since 1993. Owner, operator Grant Overgaard is not only a leader in his field he is passionate about helping his clients find that perfect piece of jewellery – when it has to be special. Grant wants the products he sells his clients to provide them with value and enjoyment, so he only sells high quality products that he will be proud to say you bought from Overgaard Jewelers – forever. Grant carries they type of fine jewelry that becomes family heirlooms. He knows because not only does Grant have a business degree from Laurier, he is a graduate gemologist. Grant’s commitment to excellence in his field is demonstrated by the types of suppliers who have chosen Overgaard Jewelers to carry their exclusive products. Companies like Rolex, Gucci, Tag Heur Watches, Mont Blanc, just to name a few.

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Tips of the month

1. Peridot is a yellow green gemstone that has been mined for an estimated four thousand years or more. Peridote is mentioned in the Bible under the Hebrew name of pitdah. Peridot is perhaps derived from the French word peritot which means unclear, probably due to the inclusions and cloudy nature of large stones. It could also be named from the Arabic word faridat which means gem. Ancient Egyptians called them the "gem of the sun," because of their dazzling brilliance when seen in the desert sun. It was believed that the Peridot glowed with light even as darkness fell, which is why miners were said to have scouted for these gems during the night, marking their location, and returning in the light of day to retrieve them. Perhaps this legendary mining method is the reason that the Peridot is sometimes called "evening emerald." If fire appears to leap from the vibrant green surface of the Peridot, this may be because this gem is formed as a result of volcanic activity. Many years ago, natives discovered Peridot crystals in the black sands of Hawaii, explaining their presence as tears shed by Pele, the volcano goddess. Throughout history, August's birthstone has been used as a means to connect with nature. Early Egyptian priests drank a stimulating beverage called Soma from cups made of Peridot, believing this practice to draw them closer to Isis, the goddess of nature. Historical legend has it that peridot was the favorite gemstone of Cleopatra.
   
   
2. The gemstone ruby is the red variety of the mineral Corundum , the second hardest natural mineral known to mankind. All colours of corundum other than red or white are called sapphire. The red colour in ruby is caused by trace amounts of the element chromium. The best shade of red for ruby is often given the name "pigeon blood red", but ruby can be any shade of red up to almost pink. It is said that the best Rubies come from Burma, but good gemstones are also found in Thailand, India, Madagascar, Zimbabwe and the U.S. to name a few. Like most gemstones from the antiquities, Ruby is one of the Biblestones. In Exodus, the Breastplate of Aaron is described as containing a "sardius", the ancient name for ruby. Called the "Rajnapura" or King of Gems by ancient Hindus, July's birthstone is among the most highly prized of gems throughout history. The Ruby was considered to have magical powers, and was worn by royalty as a talisman against evil. It has also been said that the Ruby's red glow comes from an internal flame that cannot be extinguished, making a gift of this stone symbolic of everlasting love. With its hardness and durability, it is a perfect engagement gem. And if worn on the left hand, ancient lore has it that the Ruby will bring good fortune to its wearer, too!
   
   
3. June has three birthstones, based on modern and mystical charts. They are Alexandrite, the pearl and the moonstone.
   Alexandrite is named for the former czar of Russia, Alexander II, and was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia, supposedly on the day of his birth.
   Chromium gives alexandrite its color and while, in most minerals, a trace element like chromium would provide only one color to the mineral, in alexandrite it gives it two!
   If the light is natural sunlight or fluorescent light, the crystal will be green; however, if the light is incandescent light from a common indoor light bulb, then the crystal will appear red.
   In Russia, the stone was also popular because it reflected the Russian national colors, green and red, and was believed to bring good luck. The Pearl is an organic gem, formed inside mollusks such as oysters and mussels. They are formed when an irritant such as a tiny stone or bit of sand gets inside the mollusk's shell. A lustrous substance, called nacre, is secreted around the object to protect the soft internal surface of the mollusk. As layer upon layer of nacre coats the irritant, a pearl is formed. Light that is reflected from these overlapping layers produces a characteristic iridescent luster. This process of building a solid pearl can take up to seven or eight years. Cultured or freshwater pearls are considered to offer the power of love, money, protection, and luck. Pearls are thought to give wisdom through experience, to quicken the laws of karma and to cement engagements and love relationships. They are thought to keep children safe. The moonstone is believed to be named for the bluish white spots within them, that when held up to light, project a silvery play of color very much like the moon. When the stone is moved back and forth, the brilliant silvery rays appear to move about, like moonbeams playing over water. The ancient Roman natural historian, Pliny, said that the moonstone changed in appearance with the phases of the moon, a belief that persisted until the sixteenth century. The ancient Romans also believed that the image of Diana, goddess of the moon, was enclosed within it. Moonstones were believed to have the power to bring victory, health and wisdom to those who wore it
   
   
   
4. Emeralds
   Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May. Emerald is the only stone, besides Topaz, that is listed in all of the ancient birthstone tables. It is also suggested as an anniversary gift for both the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries. The name Emerald is derived from the French "esmeraude" and the Greek root "smaragdos" which means "green gemstone". Top quality emeralds are a deep grass green with a slightly bluish cast, but many lesser quality stones are lighter shades of green and can have a more yellowish tone. The two major producers of Emeralds are Columbia and Brazil. Emeralds were used as amulets to ward off epilepsy in children and thought to cure diseases of the eye. Folklore suggests that these stones will improve memory, intelligence and enhance clairvoyance thus helping to predict future events.
   Emeralds are also worn to enhance love and contentment. Cleopatra prized emeralds above all other gems.
   
   

Most recently answered questions

I have a lot of old jewelry in my jewelry box, is it possible to re design it to something I would actually wear?

Yes, we can. We have had great success in helping clients find joy and pleasure from old jewelry. Whether you want to just have a new setting, or bring us in a picture and change the piece completely. We have talented goldsmiths that will help you create something unique just for you. This is also helpful if you have a bracelet and just need it to be a bit longer, or if you want to design a piece of jewelry to remind you of a person or experience.

Can you actually see the difference between a fine quality diamond or one of lesser quality?

Yes, we welcome you to come visit us and we can show you the difference. As a starting point, one characteristic that reflects the quality of a diamond is the colour. The whiter the diamond, the better quality it is. The more flaws there are in a diamond, the lesser the quality. These characteristics impact the quality of the diamond because a better quality stone will appear brighter, clearer and sparkle more.

When I buy a fine quality watch am I just paying for the name?

This is an understandable question, but the answer is actually no. There are several features of high quality watches that do deliver strong benefits and long term value. Just to give you some examples, if the watch has a sapphire crystal it will be scratch resistant. If the watch has a screw down crown that will make the watch water proof. This is also true if the watch has a screw on back. Another feature that will greatly impact the quality of a watch is whether or not it is made of stainless steel as it will ensure the watch lasts much longer.

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