Friday Fun: Our Bit for Equality!

Today is Women’s Equality Day. While the gap has closed a bit in recent decades, women are still paid only 80% on average of the gents’ compensation for the same work. We’d like to do our part to close the economic gap. Ladies, mention "EQUALITY" today or tomorrow and receive 20% off any in-stock items! (Sorry: Excludes diamond & Pandora items.)

Photo: Our daughter in "The Clown" at Centenary College's Young Performers Workshop.

Wednesday's Bride: Choosing the Right Setting

When choosing a style, consider the everyday lifestyle of the wearer, not just the desired look. For example, a high prong-set diamond (as seen in Craig's custom designed ring above) can be tough on an active woman's hand. Instead, active types might want to consider a setting that offers good protection for the stone and a smooth surface to avoid damaging or losing the stone and scratching other people.

The size of the wearer's hand should also be considered to select the most flattering style. Keep it in proportion: people with small hands and fingers may look overwhelmed with a huge ring; small rings make large hands look larger.

We agree with TheKnot.com, "Stones set vertically will make a hand seem longer; an oversized, broad ring will make it look shorter; a diagonal design -- or a multistone ring -- pulls the eye across the hand and gives the illusion of greater width. On the other hand (no pun intended), a broad ring can 'rein in' and balance long, thin fingers."

Tuesday's Trend Outlook: Necklaces "By the Yard"

Perhaps a result of their prominence on the red carpet, by-the-yard necklaces were everywhere at recent jewelry shows we've attended. Yes, they've been around for the last couple of years, but they're still going strong, maybe even stronger than before. So much so, they might just be the new staple of a jewelry wardrobe. Rightfully so: they're a smart investment in this economy, giving you several looks for one purchase.

These long necklaces with "stations" (gemstones, mini-medallions, or some sort of accent) every inch or two, are most commonly worn alone or layered with pendants on short chains. Very versatile, they can also be shortened with or without the use of an enhancer, creating a multi-strand look on their own. Some can be doubled over and threaded, creating a lariat or Y necklace effect. Wrapped around the arm, many also work as multi-strand bracelets.

Available in gold and sterling, with and without gemstones, by-the-yard necklaces are currently available at VALLEY JEWELERS. Even more varieties are coming in the fall. (Look for a enhancer giveaway special with BTY holiday purchases.)

Tuesday's Trend Outlook: Mix It Up!

As the price of precious metals continue to rise, designers are finding inventive ways to make great looks more versatile and affordable. In this case, interchangeable tops offer more freedom of choice and individuality at a fraction of the cost of a whole new bracelet. The base bangle can be worn alone or with one of countless tops available. Available in all 14K, sterling silver with 14K accents, or straight sterling alone -- something for everyone's budget.



All Photos: From The Touch's Sailor's Valentine Collection available at VALLEY JEWELERS.

Monday's Message: Win A $100 Gift Card!

Win a free $100 gift card to VALLEY JEWELERS by joining our blog! One of the first 100 members to sign up will be randomly chosen to receive a $100 in-store gift card! And we'd love to hear your feedback on the blog.

Photo: Freshwater Cultured Pearl & Diamond 14K Pendant by HONORA available at VALLEY JEWELERS.

Friday Fun: Blame It On The Brits

The word "sterling" is short for "Easterlings," a form of money used in 12th-century England.

Sterling silver, which contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, is used as the standard for quality for silver jewelry.

Photo: Oxidized sterling silver post earrings by Tamalon available at VALLEY JEWELERS.

Thursday's Thought: Add A Bit of Whimsy

According to designer Craig Brady, more and more clients are building something hidden into their custom pieces. A small diamond tucked inside a ring shank serves as a secret between groom and bride. Or, as with this pendant, the back is not the typical forgotten blank slate. Instead, Brady cut out a beautiful monogram from the flipside of a carnelian pendant.

Wednesday's Bride: "With This Ring..."

Custom designed by Craig Brady, this platinum ring is a work of art on your finger. When you choose a design like this, you are getting a masterpiece which will be admired from all angles. The intricacy in the engraving, millegrain work and pave diamonds give the ring an old-world charm while the clean top view is both tasteful and elegant.

Tuesday's Trend Outlook: Sterling Is The New Precious Metal

Designs in sterling silver jewelry are evolving rapidly with its growing popularity and affordability. Diamonds set in sterling used to be unheard of but now they’re relatively commonplace. Oxidized sterling is also gaining in popularity, as is sterling with touches of high-karat gold.

Photo: Sterling silver slide bracelet with 14K and gemstone accents by ANATOLI available at VALLEY JEWELERS.

Monday Morsel: Unique Floral Estate Brooch

With both statement pins and anything floral being hot, this timeless piece remains current. Boasting a center of .91ctw sapphires and .14 diamonds as well as gorgeous workmanship, this weighty 18K estate brooch is available at VALLEY JEWELERS for $1200.

Friday Fun: Sisters Shop for 25% Less!

Sunday, August 7th is Sister’s Day! So we’re making shopping a family affair… Stop into VALLEY JEWELERS with your sister today or tomorrow (Friday or Saturday, August 5th or 6th) and receive 25% off any in stock item when you both make a purchase! (Sorry, excludes Pandora.)

Thursday's Thought: Mother's Jewelry

Photos: A Birthstone Line Bracelet of Diamonds, Emeralds and Sapphires in 18KW by Craig Brady

"Mother's jewelry doesn't have to be so obvious. Sometimes just incorporating birthstones of the kids and/or grandkids can be enough to make a landmark birthday present -- like 50, 60 or 70 -- very, very special."

Wednesday's Bride: A Return to Simplicity

The clean lines of this 18KW custom-designed engagement ring by Craig Brady read modern yet timeless. Nothing distracts from the beauty of the princess-cut diamond (as well as none of the budget being diverted away from the main investment of the center stone).

Tuesday's Trend Outlook: Colossal Color

Splashy colors continue to dominate the industry. Depending on the cut, large colored stones in minimal settings are funky, elegant or glamorous.

Photo: 4.25ct Tourmaline surrounded by 1.02ctw Diamonds in 18KW; $2190.

Monday's Message: Spotlighting Peridot, August's Birthstone

Photo: 1.84ct Peridot Oval Surrounded by .19ctw Diamonds in 18KY Gold, $770.


Peridot is the only gemstone found in meteorites.

The history of peridot goes back to the ancient Egyptians who hunted the iridescent stone at night with lamps.

In the 1990’s it experienced a renaissance when spectacular mines were found in Kashmir.

In addition to being the gemstone of August, peridot is given for the 16th wedding anniversary.

Mention this blog and receive 20% off any peridot item in stock during the month of August! (Excluding Pandora.)