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by Elizabeth Simpson

7 Times You Should Remove Your Jewelry

Jewelry, while made of fine metals like gold, platinum and sterling silver, is a little more delicate than you might think. If you choose to invest in pieces that you love, you should know how to care for them. We do a lot of appraisals and Of course, you should have your jewelry professionally cleaned and checked for loose stones at least every six months - more frequently if you wear pieces every day. You can wash it at home with warm water, gentle soap, and a soft toothbrush. Here are the 7 times you need to remember to take your jewelry off: 1. Always take your jewelry off before swimming and participating in active, strenuous activities. This rule applies to your costume jewelry, as well. You might even say it's especially crucial for costume jewelry. 2. Salt water and chlorine can damage all jewelry. When it comes to sterling silver, the residue from sweat can dull your sparkle. 3. Be sure to remove your favorite jewels when you apply bug spray or sunscreen. These sprays and lotions or oils can get into the crevices of rings, chains, and prongs. They also add a layer of film over your jewelry that can make it dull and dingy looking. 4. Take your jewelry off when you are going to be in direct sunlight for a few hours or more. You might not know it, but extended exposure to sunlight can bleach certain metals and materials - especially natural elements and stones, as well as some plastics. 5. Leave your rings at home in cold weather or when you're planning to spend time in cool water. Cold temperatures cause your fingers to shrink, which means rings can fall off without you even knowing. 6. Removing your jewelry also goes for chlorine pools and hot tubs! They can damage and discolor many gold and platinum pieces, and eventually erode the finely polished surface of various gems. 7. Take your jewelry off when gardening. Gardening is unusually abrasive and can cause extreme wear on delicate jewelry. You can permanently damage rings on dirt and rocks even when you're wearing gardening gloves. We frequently see family heirlooms come in with cracked stones and worn-down metals for exactly this reason. As a precaution, when it comes to being active - jewelry can stay at home or should not be worn. You'll still feel amazing, and your beautiful gemstones and fine metals will last significantly longer! Ready to see what your jewelry is worth? Schedule an appraisal today.

by Elizabeth Simpson

Colored Diamonds to Craft Your Signature Style

Is there such a thing as a real red diamond? Or a purple one? You bet! Luxurious colored diamonds occur naturally in all colors of the rainbow. The colors range from vibrant red, pink and orange, to brilliant blue, green, violet, and muted yellow, brown, gray – and even black. That being said, for every 10,000 carats of clear diamonds that are mined, only 1 carat of colored diamonds are found. The most frequently seen natural colored diamonds occur in shades of yellow and brown, including trade terms like "chocolate diamonds" or "champagne diamonds." A colored diamond can be a fun way to create your own statement piece of jewelry. What gives colored diamonds their color and what should you know about them? You've probably heard of the 4 C's: cut, color, clarity and carat, of course. These are traditionally used to understand any diamond’s value. However, with colored diamonds, there are additional parameters to be aware of. The value of colored diamonds is found primarily in the intensity or saturation of the color. The deeper and more saturated the color, the more rare - and therefore, more valuable - they are. It is common for diamonds to be treated to enhance their color, either to make them more white or to intensify or even change their primary color. Are color-enhanced diamonds good or bad? Neither- it's all about knowing what you are buying. Color-enhanced diamonds can make beautiful stones with intense colors and generally cost less than white stones of comparable quality. Naturally colored diamonds are judged on the quality of their color as well as the rest of the 4Cs. And while colorless or white diamonds are cut to emphasize their glittering sparkle, colored diamonds are cut to maximize their richness of color. We are so proud to announce our new line of colored diamond jewelry! These pieces are crafted especially with our discerning clients in mind. This is an exciting opportunity to determine your signature style and wear something that truly reflects your personality. Find YOUR ideal diamond and wear it proudly. We have shared a few of our favorite pieces featuring colored diamonds in this article. We can't wait to craft something special just for you! [contact-form][contact-field label="Name" type="name" required="true" /][contact-field label="Email" type="email" required="true" /][contact-field label="Website" type="url" /][contact-field label="Message" type="textarea" /][/contact-form]

by Elizabeth Simpson

Historical Jewelry Is Making A Massive Comeback

Jewelry from yesteryear often gets a facelift when it comes to things that make a massive comeback. This year is no different thanks to the recent royal wedding, jewelry is getting a facelift with some historical sculpted images. Think Medieval Times inspired religious cameos meets all that glitters. Cameos are have long since been a royal tradition in jewelry dating back to the Cameo Tiara Josephine wore that was a gift from Napoleon. Cameos are often seen today as the classical portrait of a lady and can be seen worn often by none other than Queen Elizabeth II. Recently, Dolce and Gabbana jumped on the bandwagon with their Alta Gioielleria collection boasting of 32 one-of-a-kind pieces, handcrafted to be presented this spring by the Italian house in New York. Cameos are classic, gorgeous and just what you should be wearing to accessorize your favorite outfits! Below are some of our absolute favorites. The Classic Vintage Cameo Pendant We really do adore this Classic Vintage Cameo Pendant that features the profile a a woman intricately carved into shell. Bezel set in gold backing, the surrounding 14 karat gold filigree that mimics little hearts, this pendant is absolutely stunning. Wear it pinned on the lapel or to a gorgeous scarf to really accent any outfit. Victorian Coral Cameo Ring This Victorian Cameo Ring in Coral Really adds a touch of color to any outfit. The piece features are carved Coral Cameo of a lovely young woman with her hair in curls. The Vintage Cameo Ring Set in 14 karat yellow gold, this Cameo ring is crafted with Romany style. Very much like the mysterious past of the Romany, the Vintage Cameo Ring is detailed with twisted rope and absolutely adorable. The Cameo Pendant Brooch The reason we absolutely adore this Cameo Pendant Brooch is because of the fact that the intricate and elegant 18 karat gold bail of dependent can flip up and be used on a chain or we push down and worn as a brooch. Click here to shop all of our vintage cameo collection!

by Elizabeth Simpson

My Top 3 Tips for Buying Diamonds

Buying diamonds can and should be a fun experience. To make the most of it here are my top 3 tips to make for a seamless shopping experience! Buy a diamond with a certificate. You need a diamond grading report or appraisal from a Graduate Gemologist- someone trained at the Gemological Institute of America. This will ensure your stone is graded to the highest standards and there’s no question of what you are getting. Buy a diamond, not a certificate! This might sound contrary to my first point but it isn’t. Some buyers study reports looking for the 4 C’s but buying a diamond just based on a report without seeing it would be like buying a car without a test drive. You can do it, but grading reports don’t always show you that sparkle, fire and brilliance we want from our diamonds. Find a jeweler you can trust (oh hey!) and ask them to bring in several stones for you to choose from. You’ll be surprised at the differences between stones. Consider factors beyond price. Buying a stone online might be cheaper but you get what you pay for. Retailers offer an in shop experience that allows you to look at multiple stones at one time. You also have the opportunity to see loose stones in different settings and retailers are the ones you go to for questions. Retailers also warranty their work and most can perform repairs. Once you find a jeweler that you trust, you will recognize the value of speaking to someone in person and getting help maximizing your budget. Happy Diamond Shopping!

by Elizabeth Simpson

What should you have in your basic jewelry collection?

Jewelry lovers and accessory aficionados unite! Whether you love jewelry or are just getting into it, there are a few signature pieces that you should have in your wardrobe to really elevate your style. So, what are the ‘must have’ jewels you should own when it comes to creating your basic jewelry collection? Read on for our suggestions: Stud Earrings You should definitely have a pair of simple stud earrings. Studs are versatile, and suit nearly every outfit. For instance, a pair of pearls can accent every color and be a great compliment to diamonds, gold, silver, and every other piece of jewelry you can think of! They are classic and elegant, and a great way to highlight your beautiful face without being too "in" your face. Consider these vintage diamond screw back studs for every day elegance. If you want something a little more 'blingy' we recommend these glittering 2.30ctw Moissanite studs. Dramatic Pieces Brooches and bracelets can be seriously dramatic pieces. Everyone should have one of these in their jewelry wardrobe. Why? They add a sincere accent to things like jean jackets, a cute sweater, and any smart outfit that just needs to be elevated. Think outside the box and go for something with loads of flare, a few gems, or just a chunky standout piece. This vintage Taxco sterling silver bracelet is gorgeously made has funky turquoise pottery inlaid in each link. We love this mysterious Victorian black intaglio brooch for a statement piece. The Statement Necklace That’s right! You need a piece of jewelry that makes a sincere statement. Whether it’s a one jeweled necklace or intricately woven podium style necklace with stones and gems - you’ll make one serious statement in all black with this one. We'd hate to see this gorgeous 5.05ctw Amethyst and Diamond pendant leave the shop, we know it's bound to find a wonderful home soon! This hand-hammered fire opal pendant from Mexico is a gorgeous statement piece! That Rare Find Your rare find might be a clustered pearl ring that stands out like no other. It also could be a pair of drop earrings that are like none other you have ever seen. No matter what, it’s a rare find and something everyone will compliment. While you might not feel comfortable wearing it everyday, this piece will make every outfit you own really, really pop! This stunning ring is a whopping 18 carats, and makes an amazing statement on your hand! These antique sapphire and seed pearl earrings are an amazing statement for an elegant night or for daytime delight. What is the one piece you can't live without?

by Elizabeth Simpson

What to Wear Right Now: Jewelry of the Moment

Jewelry styles come and go, but some are totally classy and timeless. So, what should you be wearing? Below are some genuinely amazing pieces that will have you accessorizing like a pro! Get All Choked Up Gorgeous chokers from the 80’s are more of a statement piece than the ribbon chokers and leather numbers that were all the rage last year. From fine wire chokers to chunky chain links, these are a great way to get heavy with your favorite metals. We love this fun diamond and white gold choker that is comfortable to wear and classy with anything. Elizabeth Taylor Inspired Pieces This woman, she was all about the jewelry and boy did she sparkle. Take a cue from the icon herself when it come to making anything in your wardrobe stand out. Diamond and emerald pendants can really make your face pop, no matter what color you are wearing. Just be sure to go big or go home when it comes to following in the jeweled footsteps of Elizabeth Taylor. Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend The classic diamond pendant necklace with a T-shirt really says, “I’m fabulous.” You can go all out on a necklace like this without breaking the bank. This is a great way to make a statement even in jeans and a sport jacket. It falls delicately below the hollow of the throat, and yet clears the collar on a basic tee shirt. It's really a piece you won't want to take off. Off The Cuff Cuff bracelets are all the rage when it comes to dressing up your latest trends. We think this vintage Moroccan sterling silver cuff is an excellent example of the pretty handiwork. What do you think? Ready to find your perfect statement piece? Click here to shop all of our vintage and custom design jewelry!

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