Three Jewelry Box Essentials - Part 1 of 3

Wondering what to get her this Christmas?  Unlike most other gifts, fine jewelry is treasured for years, even decades, or generations.  To simplify your shopping, use our three-part checklist to identify what’s missing from her jewelry collection.   Today we'll tackle earrings!

1. Diamond Studs
Classic and versatile, these sparklers can go from jeans to bridal gown. And you can get them in sizes and diamond grade to fit most budgets.  These are heirloom jewelry that will get a lifetime of wear and can even be handed down to the next generation. 

2. Pearl Studs
For the more conservative woman or the more conservative career path, pearl studs are perfect when you just don’t want naked earlobes!  Again, you can dress them up or down. Go for Akoya white, Tahitian black or more funky with colored freshwater pearls. Available in gold or sterling silver for any budget, pearls are experiencing a huge surge on the runways right now.

3. Hoops

Whether they’re plain gold, sterling silver or paved with diamonds, hoops never go out of style.  Just be sure to choose the size that fits her style and stature. Modern choices include various versions of warped and accented hoops, but first she should have a classic circular pair.

She has these already?  Stay tuned for Part 2 of Jewelry Box Essentials...

Buyer Beware: There's More To Know Than the 4 C's

Okay, you understand the basics of color, cut, clarity and carats so you're ready to buy a diamond, right? Well, not so fast. These days, you also need to watch out for color-enhanced, clarity-enhanced and even synthetic diamonds. Unfortunately, these are often undetectable to the eye.

Briefly, many types of gemstones including diamonds can be heat treated to improve their color. This process and the resulting effects vary greatly in permanence and stability, so over time your beautiful purchase may fade.

The black spots ("inclusions") found in diamonds are sometimes drilled out and replaced with a clear resin to improve the gemstone's aesthetic. This compromises the diamond's integrity and makes any repair or remounting tricky because the resin can melt and run out of the gemstone when heated.

New synthetic diamonds, particularly Moissanite, can be very convincing imposters. Cases have been in the news of unsuspecting consumers learning they purchased a fake after the seller is long gone.

The solution?
Protect your investment by buying from a long-standing brick & mortar store in your community. Independent jewelry stores are often family businesses operating in the community for decades. In today's retail climate, particularly after the recent economic downturn, a main street jeweler has survived by being trustworthy, offering great service and competitive prices. We want to help you find your next family heirloom.