Gone are the days of brand jewelry

Often customers will come in and ask for such and such name brand diamond, we don't carry branded diamonds and therefore we first try to understand why exactly they are focused on that particular brand, then we assure them that we can get the same diamond that is equally good.

Branded diamonds will cost more, after all they have a name and a whole lot invested in big marketing campaigns and advertising, and yes, they are laser inscribed. is that enough to pay more? Diamonds come in various clarity grades, color and cuts, you will eventually shop according to your budget. Whether they are branded or not, when you get a VVS clarity, D color (or colorless) and Ideal cut diamond, you are getting a great stone.

In reality, it all comes down to trust. People trust the brand they might be used to, and they are right to aim for the brand name when shopping in large mall jewelry stores. But they are paying for it. As an independent jeweler, we prefer to offer the non-branded merchandize at a far better value, and work hard to earn the customers trust. Once you have found that jeweler you are comfortable working with, and trust, you no longer need to misplace that trust in branding. You will save money and be better off buying locally.

Your diamond will turn heads either way. So why pay more? You can get equally quality stones buying generic diamonds. The important factor is the certification of that diamond (GIA recommended) and that you get the best sparkle for your budget.

For more information on diamonds click here

Peridot: The BIrthstone of August

If you were born in August you're in luck as it is assumed that the semi-precious gemstone Peridot brings good luck to the wearer. If you're going through hard times, either on personal matters or financial ones, wealth and prosperity is also attached to this gemstone's powers. So if you're feeling blue, reach for the green. The bright lime green gemstone set on a ring, earrings or necklace will surely encourage you to wear outfits that will compliment the stone and liven up your spirit consequently.

The Peridot color is fresh and very appropriate to celebrate a fun and light Summer season. One of the few gemstones to occur in one color though you will see many tints, from yellow green to the most valuable dark olive green. Peridot is a relatively soft gemstone with a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and therefore a better choice for pendants and earrings rather than bracelets and rings that get more easily scratched up during normal wear.

Ancient Hawaiians believed Peridot to be the tears of the Goddess Pele. In ancient Rome, Peridot was called the "evening emerald" because it didn't darken at night, both Romans and Greeks praise this gem then called Chrysolite. In medieval times, Peridot was used to decorate churches, at Cologne Cathedral in Germany, you will find over two hundred carat size stones in the Shrine of the three magi. When I think of Peridot, I think of Egypt where it was mined on the Island of Zabargad in the Red Sea. Today Peridot is mostly found in China and Sri Lanka, as well as Burma and Arizona.

So if you are an August child you should consider this often overlooked gemstone. And here's a bit FYI from Wikipedia:

Peridot crystals have been collected from some Pallasite meteorites. A famous Pallasite was offered for auction in April 2008 with a requested price of close to $ 3 million at Bonhams, but remained unsold.^[1] Peridot is the only gemstone found in meteorites.

Wax Model

Here is a wax model of a ring custom designed for customer who desired to change the setting of her center stone. We build the ring using 3D Matrix software. Once every curve, design element and overall look was approved by customer, design is sent to a milling machine directly from the computer to carve the wax model (as seen). The results are fine details and clean output. A model ready for casting. This wax model was cast in 14k gold and set in diamonds.

PS: It took over 8 hours for milling machine to create this wax.

Golden Rules for Buying Gold Jewelry

1. Know Your Karats*

The Karat mark tells you several important things.

First, that it's real gold. Buy from a reputable retailer. Buy solid or hollow. Buy rose or green or white gold. As long as it has a Karat mark and manufacturers hallmark, you know it's real.

The Karat mark also tells you the percentage of pure gold in the piece. 24K is 100% gold. Soft and somewhat easily damaged, it's not often used in gold jewelry today. Instead, gold is alloyed with other metals such as copper, silver, nickel and zinc, to give it strength and durability. (Different proportions of these alloys are what gives gold its rose, green or white colorations.)

18K is 75% gold, 14K is 58.3% gold, and 10K is 41.7% gold.*
The higher the karatage, the richer the color will be.

2. Know How to Tell When the Price is Right

Many elements determine the price on that little tag. Once you understand them, you'll be able to judge whether a particular piece of gold jewelry offers the value you're looking for.

Karats count, as you already know. Generally, the higher the karatage of the piece (that is, the percentage of pure gold in it), the higher the price.

But price is also affected by the total weight of the piece. So all else being equal, a larger, heavier piece is likely to be more expensive than a smaller, lighter one.

You can also expect to pay more for better design and construction. It makes jewelry both easier to slip on and off and more comfortable to wear.

Ornamental detailing, such as engraving or a diamond laser finish, or a special matte or florentine finish, also adds to the cost. And although nearly all gold jewelry is made with the help of special machines, some hand work is always involved. The more there is, the higher the price will be.

Now that you know the factors that increase price, here's some very good news. Through new manufacturing technology, large, dazzling pieces can be surprisingly affordable. And especially light, and comfortable to wear, too.

Ultimately, the way to make sure that you're getting the best value is to take your time shopping.

Try on various pieces. And compare karatage, craftmanship, and price before you buy.

3. Start Buying a Gold Wardrobe Now

Try thinking about gold jewelry as you would clothing. In both cases, you should start with great basic, that will give you a lot of wear and a lot of style.

To begin building your basic Gold Wardrobe, you need the following essentials: a necklace, a pair of classic button-style earring, and a pair of hoop earrings. And add -on pendants for a quick change of looks.

Choose these key pieces carefully, because you'll be wearing them so often. Try them on. Make sure they're comfortable - and that they fit well with your taste and your lifestyle, too.

Later, you'll go on from basics, adding special pieces for special occasions, for special drama, or just for joy.

- Courtesy of the World Gold Council

Monthly Blog - July

Lucky are the ladies (and men) born in the month of July! You have as birthstone one of the most highly prized gemstones. The eternal flame of the beautiful blood red Ruby will always be a symbol of everlasting love, sensual love as well as spiritual love.

Ruby comes from the variety of the mineral corundum. It is also known by ancient Hindus as the "Lord of Gems", the Greeks called it the mother of all gems, and the Romans "a flower among stones" The name Ruby comes from Latin rubeus which simply means "red". Found in Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Brazil; after the diamond, ruby along with sapphire are the hardest gemstones.

As with any gemstone, Ruby has healing properties. It promotes a stronger immune system, it is said to help people with low blood pressure, increase sexual energy and cure eye infections.

Ruby is a good luck stone for those seeking love. Symbolizing love and passion and promoting strong emotions and vitality.

Not bad having it as your birthstone is it?