“I was very pleased with the service and am very happy with my ring. I felt that I was listened to regarding what I wanted to do with my mother’s diamond, I wanted a simple setting and the work was well done and quickly completed. Thank You!”
-Lorie K.
Collin & I have been high school sweethearts since tenth grade. Over the course of our relationship, we have enjoyed making the best of memories traveling, spending time with our families, and simply watching each other grow up and mature. Upon graduation in 2015, Collin began pursuing his work as an audio engineer and I began attending college for a degree in Elementary Education. This winter, I was on college winter break, and Collin was scheduled to take a work trip to Kissimmee, FL again for three weeks. I decided to make it a tradition to visit him here over the New Year’s Holiday, so I came down for the second year in a row. On January 1st, we took a road trip to Clearwater Beach, FL. While standing out on the beach soaking in the beautiful view, Collin asked me to hold his new Samsung 360 camera that he received for Christmas. As I was looking at the camera, slightly confused from his request, he got down on one knee and opened my heart and eyes to the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. We were both shaking and filled with the utmost excitement as I said YES!! He has by far given me the best start to a New Year and a new life with him!
In our 4c’s blog we talked about Carat Weight and how it is commonly confused with the size of the diamond. Diamonds are sold by weight and not by visible size or measured diameter. The size of a diamond refers to the dimension measurements, while carat weight is just that, the weight of the diamond. Size can be used to estimate the weight of a diamond and vice versa, but it is not always accurate because there aren’t set measurements for each weight.
The measurement most consumers are concerned about is the face up size, rightly so, since that is what you see the most of when looking down on a ring. The measurements and proportions that affect the cut grade and brilliance of the diamond are also very important. Size is determined first by the shape of stone the cutter wants the diamond to be made into, and second by how much weight the cutter thinks can be retained while still keeping an excellent cut grade and brilliance.
Just like snowflakes all diamonds are different. Even if two diamonds are the same basic shape and weight, their dimensions and proportions are slightly different.
If two diamonds are of the same average diameter and quality, but different weights, the heavier diamond will cost more. This is known as Weight Ratio, which is used by GIA in its Diamond Cut Grading system to determine hidden weight. For example, if you have two diamonds that both weight 1 carat, but one of them looks a lot smaller than the other that is because of dimensions and proportions. A deep cut is smaller in diameter and a shallow cut is wider in diameter. A shallow cut makes a diamond look bigger on the top (spread), but diamonds that are either too shallow or too deep sacrifice ‘Cut’ quality and therefore, brilliance. A deeply cut diamond has most of its weight hidden in its depth, making it appear smaller than a well-cut diamond of the same weight.
Just because the proportions of a diamond are a little off of ideal is not necessarily a bad thing. The most important part thing about the cut grade of the diamond you are considering is that it will have the most brilliance and have a reasonably sized visible area.
(Diamond Size vs. Carat Weight: What Is the Difference?, 2017); (Get to Know Your Diamond, 2017); (ILENE REINITZ, 2017)
Over the course of our relationship Matthew and I have hiked countless different trails, but Maryland Heights, has always been our favorite. The first time we ever hiked the trail, was our very first date, which we often dispute if it was even a date at all, or just an outing as friends. The second time we hiked this trail, we had been together for one year, and once we made it to the top it began to thunderstorm, despite the weather, it became one of the most enjoyable hikes we had ever been on. On October 6, 2017, Matthew and I agreed to take a break from the stresses of work and school and to once again hike up to our favorite location. For me, I was not in the mood to make the journey, but with the constant encouragement from Matthew we finally made it to the top, and it was definitely worth it. It was there, that Matthew asked me to marry him and spend the rest of our lives together. It wasn’t until after the fact that I realized the entire proposal was photographed, which made it even more perfect than it already was!
I cannot thank The Jewelry Shop enough for making the absolute perfect ring for us. It will always be a constant reminder of that very special day and the love I have for Matthew. It will definitely be cherished for the many years to come!
Diamond engagement rings have always been the primary choice, but different shapes and styles of diamonds and bands have gone in and out of style. A round diamond set in a Solitaire mounting is always a safe choice, but over the past century there have been some daring styles of engagement rings. A video from Mode.com shows all the top style from every decade. We will also give you a breakdown of what all the styles are.
http://www.elle.com/fashion/accessories/news/a35012/100-years-of-engagement-rings/
Alternative metal bands are becoming a more common style of wedding bands because of their durability, customization, and they are hypoallergenic. There are still many different kinds of alternative metal wedding bands though so it can be confusing about which one is best for you, your job, and lifestyle. You could also be looking at Precious Metal bands, which could be right for you. Each type of metal band is graded on a scale from 1 to 5 for scratch resistance, crack resistance, weight, durability, being hypoallergenic, and customization. We will go over with you all the characteristics of the different metals and hopefully help you out on which is best for you!
Damascus Steel
Platinum
Gold
Cobalt Chrome
Zirconium
Tungsten Ceramic
Titanium
https://jewelryshopstg.wpengine.com/jewelry/lashbrook/
https://www.jewelers.org/education/jewelry-metals/platinum-guide
“An appraisal is a description and valuation of property. The value stated on the appraisal is the opinion of the appraiser based on his/her research and experience.”(GIA)
The most common need for an appraisal is for insurance purposes. That way if your jewelry is lost, stolen, or broken it can be replaced. Appraisals are also needed to know the fair market value to sell a piece, estate planning, or just so you know what your piece is worth. If you just want to know what your piece is worth you don’t need a written appraisal however, you could just get a spoken one.
If you are just starting out and want insurance for your jewelry we recommend a company named Jewelers Mutual. Jewelers Mutual is the company who insures our store and is now holding personal policies. They cover loss, theft, damage, and disappearance in the country and out of the country! You can get a free quote from them and compare it to other policies.
We do appraisals in our store so your piece never leaves the premises and goes into the locked safe every night it is here. Whoever is appraising your jewelry should have a good understanding of how jewelry is made and since we do all our repairs in house our appraiser understands the process.
When an appraisal is being done on your jewelry, you want it to be in the best condition possible so if some prongs need tipped or straightened, something needs sized, or the piece just needs cleaned, we will recommend it be done before the appraisal. That is part of why appraisals take so long to complete. If something needs repaired that needs to be completed first. All of the pieces need to be properly cleaned and possibly rhodiumed if it is white gold, before the appraisal is completed. The stones also need to be thoroughly examined and graded if we don’t have grading reports for them.
An appraisal report should include:
Appraisals are important to have for your treasured jewelry and you should always understand what is said in the appraisal you are given.
Summer can be particularly hard on your fine jewelry. Check out these tips for keeping your jewelry in good shape during the summer months, and beyond.
Top 5 Tips for Jewelry Care & Cleaning – Summertime
First of all, you are increasing your chance of losing your jewelry if you wear it in the pool, hot tub, creek, ocean, or lake. We especially don’t want you wearing it in chlorine or salt water because those elements can damage and discolor the metals and erode the polish and finish from gemstones.
(VandenHouten, 2016)
(6 Summer Jewelry Care Tips)
(Should I Wear My Jewelry In A Pool or Hot Tub?, 2015)
My (now) husband and I were traveling to Florida to visit his sister in Tampa. I was super excited, but we took a trip there each year so I didn’t think much of it. We had an early flight around 5 am, so of course I wasn’t looking the cutest. When we arrived, we went straight to the beach and spent the day there. Chris got stung by a sting ray shortly after, so I spent the rest of the day with him by the tub bringing him food as he soaked his foot. I thought, “What a crappy way to start a vacation”. His sister is absolutely OBSESSED with watching the sunset, so when she mentioned going back to the beach to watch it, I also didn’t think anything of it. We packed our coolers filled with wine and (in the same clothes I was wearing to the beach earlier mind you) headed to the beach. We parked our chairs in the sand and wine cooler in hand, I finally sat to relax and enjoy the beautiful view. Not 30 seconds later, Chris asked me if I wanted to go and feel the water. I looked at him like he was a weirdo and thought “Why would you want to feel the water, we were at the beach all day”, but instead I smiled and agreed to go feel the water with him. We started walking towards the ocean, and I noticed that he kind of lagged behind me which I thought was weird. Then I saw him throw his wallet into the sand like he was going into battle, and run towards me. He grabbed my hands and just stared into my eyes and I thought “Is he drunk or something?”. When I noticed the tears welled in his eyes I knew what was about to happen. After saying some of the most romantic things (which never happens), he got on his knee and asked me to marry him. I of course said yes and we stood in the water for a while just enjoying the moment. What I didn’t realize was, we had an audience. When we started to walk back to our chairs, everyone started clapping and cheering. Chris grabbed my arm and yelled “She said yes!”. To this day that was one of the happiest days of my life. A year and a half later, we got married on the beach in Jamaica with 42 of our family and friends surrounding us. The beach will forever be our “thing”.
Let’s face it, we are in 2017 and almost anything can be bought online, especially jewelry. Some people love being able to avoid going into stores and interact with people while they are looking for their next purchase, while others enjoy going to the store to shop in person. Ultimately the decision on how to buy your jewelry is yours; we would like to present to you a few things to consider about purchasing jewelry online.
The main reason to be cautious about buying your jewelry online is , depending on where you are buying from, you don’t always know if they are being honest about the piece. This is especially true with diamonds because if the merchant isn’t using the GIA Grading system you won’t know exactly what the diamond will look like, or if it is even a real diamond.
Of course, you still take that chance with a brick and mortar store, but when you can see the diamond in person, you can get a better feel for the purchase you are considering. In fact, some online merchant sites never actually have the diamonds they are selling on their site; they are just supplying a marketplace for other sellers.
One of the other problems you could run into when shopping for diamonds online is not understanding what they are talking about when they use trade terms for grading. That is where buying at a physical store is better. Physical stores and the salespeople working there can help you better understand what you are looking at because let’s face it, not everyone is going to know what an SI2 clarity diamond that is G in color is supposed to look like or what any of those words really mean.
Fortunately for you, everyone here at The Jewelry Shop can help explain and demonstrate the 4 C’s of Diamonds. We have a microscope with which we can show you all of the unique characteristics contained within the diamonds you are interested in.
“With guidance you can find a great diamond that you connect with. (Yes, ‘connect with.’ This is your new life. Just go with it, okay?)” (ThePlunge) The Jewelry Shop prides itself in guiding you to the diamond that best fits you. We also educating our customers in everything diamonds so that even if they do buy online they know what they are looking for and what someone is trying to sell them. We maintain a great selection and variety of diamonds so that we can show you differences in grades and prices so you get the diamond best for you.
When you shop for your jewelry at a jewelry store, you have the opportunity to build a relationship with the jewelers who will help you maintain your new piece of jewelry in top condition. For example, when we sell an engagement ring, we advise the buyer to have her come in to see us about 6 weeks after she begins wearing the ring. This is so that we can inspect it, ensure it is sized correctly for her, and answer any questions she may have. It’s unlikely an online merchant will advise you in the same manner. Depending on the nature of the transaction, you may not be able to get their help with sizing or repair. In which case, you’ll be coming to a jewelry store anyway. So, why not start the purchasing process in the store as well?
The decision to buy in store or online is obviously yours, but with something as important as jewelry, why trust a seller you haven’t met, to sell you a product you haven’t seen in person? Buying diamonds and other jewelry is a big deal. Shouldn’t you make sure you are getting a good one?
http://www.theplunge.com/ringbuyingguide/what-is-the-best-place-to-buy-diamond-ring/
https://www.business.com/articles/retail-or-e-tail-buying-online-vs-buying-in-person/