All along there was some invisible string tying Chris to me.

We both grew up and went to school in Greencastle; yet our paths never crossed until college. We realized that we had mutual friends, and since we both went to college close to home, we began to hang out a lot. We started dating in December 2018. I knew even before we started dating that one day I was going to marry him, and all of our friends knew it too. We have been inseparable ever since.

On 11.11.22, Chris took me to Great Falls Park in Northern Virginia. Over the course of our relationship we have developed a love of waterfalls and visiting National and State parks, so I was excited to go! In the pouring rain, he got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. Of course I said, “Yes!” It was the most perfect moment. I’m so excited to marry my best friend!

Thank you to the Jewelry Shop for creating to most perfect ring for us. It is a beautiful reminder of Chris’ love and that wonderful day. This ring will be cherished for a lifetime. Thank you!!

I was on an unexpected trip from Myrtle Beach, SC the last week of May. My diamond wedding ring had some severe wear I was concerned that the diamond may fall out. I am originally from Waynesboro but since moving to SC did not know a jeweler I could trust. I explained my short window on the repair as well as the short notice.  They repaired the ring 2 days earlier than quoted and the ring looks brand new.  You are the best and have no idea how happy you made me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

~ Cathy B.

“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.

• 1890-1900: The always popular solitaire diamond ring which at the time included an old European-cut diamond in a six prong 14K Yellow Gold mounting
• 1900-1920: Edwardian Period style with openwork filigree patterns along with diamonds in Platinum
• 1920s: The openwork mounting continues to take the show because of the reflection of geometry of the Art Deco period.
• 1930s: 18K white gold filigree mountings with a round old European cut diamond become popular
• 1940s: Yellow gold became popular again with rose gold also being popular and in 1945 the “War Bride Ring” was the ring every service man gave due to rationing of precious metals. It included a round brilliant-cut diamond set in 14K white or yellow gold.
• 1950s: white gold and platinum came back as the preferred metals with a round diamond in the center with round side stones set in the shoulders of the ring.
• 1960s: Platinum became the preferred metal, with fancy shape diamonds becoming more popular!
• 1970s: Marquise shaped diamonds set in yellow gold with channel set round diamonds on either side, and a matching wedding band with all channel set round diamonds
• 1980s: The solitaire comes back to the top with a round center stone, but a twist is added with baguettes set on each side of the center of a platinum mounting
• 1990s: The Radiant shape diamond becomes the preferred fancy shape set with triangular side stones mounted in 18K white gold
• 2000s: The Princess-cut has its turn as the center stone of choice set with round brilliant cut diamonds set on either side in platinum or white gold
• 2010-2015: Fancy colored diamonds with a Halo added around the center stone and round brilliant cut diamonds down the sides becomes popular in platinum or white gold

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

• Blend of up to 120 layers of two different types of stainless steel to make a beautiful, durable band
• This ancient metalworking skill has extra artistic value since no two rings are alike
• Lashbrook offers a classic pattern and four custom patterns in Damascus Steel
• Scratch Resistance- 3 out of 5
• Crack Resistance- 4 out of 5
• Weight- 3 out of 5
• Durability- 4 out of 5
• Hypoallergenic- 3 out of 5
• Customizable- 3 out of 5

Platinum

• Precious Metal
• Platinum is stronger than gold and silver so it protects your stones more
• One of the densest metals
• Scratch Resistant- 1 out of 5
• Crack Resistant- 5 out of 5
• Weight- 5 out of 5
• Durability- 2 out of 5
• Hypoallergenic- 5 out of 5
• Customizable- 5 out of 5

Gold

• Precious Metal
• Can be alloyed down from pure gold
• Can be alloyed to make white, or rose gold instead of yellow
• Scratch Resistance- 1 out of 5
• Crack Resistance- 5 out of 5
• Weight- 5 out of 5
• Durability- 1 out of 5
• Hypoallergenic- 2 out of 5
• Customizable- 5 out of 5

Cobalt Chrome

• Lustrous hypoallergenic metal
• Will stand up to wear and tear
• Is versatile enough to create stunning classic or contemporary styles
• Scratch Resistant- 3 out of 5
• Crack Resistant- 5 out of 5
• Weight- 3 out of 5
• Durability- 4 out of 5
• Hypoallergenic- 4 out of 5
• Customizable- 4 out of 5

Zirconium

• Zirconium is typically used in medical applications and nuclear reactors
• Creates lustrous black layer when heat treated, which makes it very scratch resistant
• Offers highest design versatility of any alternative metal
• Scratch Resistant- 3 out of 5
• Crack Resistant- 5 out of 5
• Weight- 2 out of 5
• Durability- 3 out of 5
• Hypoallergenic- 5 out of 5
• Customizable- 3 out of 5

Tungsten Ceramic

• Is very scratch resistant, but is also very brittle
• Scratch Resistant- 4 out of 5
• Crack Resistant- 2 out of 5
• Weight- 4 out of 5
• Durability- 3 out of 5
• Hypoallergenic- 3 out of 5
• Customizable- 1 out of 5

Titanium

• Lashbrook uses aerospace grade Titanium for ALL Titanium bands
• More than 50,000 styles in Titanium
• Light weight, but lots of strength
• Scratch Resistant- 3 out of 5
• Crack Resistant- 5 out of 5
• Weight- 1 out of 5
• Durability- 4 out of 5
• Hypoallergenic- 5 out of 5
• Customizable- 4 out of 5

https://thejewelryshop.biz/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:

• Date of the appraisal
• Client’s name, address and contact information
• Statement of the purpose of the appraisal
• Detailed and understandable description of the item being valued
  • Value of the item(s)
  • Statement/explanation of limiting conditions and assumptions. (estimated weight for mounted stones)
  • Disclosure statements
  • Signature of the appraiser
  • Appraiser’s qualifications
  • Names of anyone who assisted in either the evaluation or valuation process

Appraisals are important to have for your treasured jewelry and you should always understand what is said in the appraisal you are given.