TUESDAY'S TREND OUTLOOK: Organics Are It!

Organic elements are hot in all jewelry categories! A slice of turquoise geode set in a sterling pendant. Polished, rough-cut sapphire earrings. A rose-cut colored diamond ring. The more one-of-a-kind, the better and that often means inclusions (imperfections) are obvious. It’s all part of a more natural, more casual lifestyle attitude.

Photo: One-of-a-Kind Necklace of Agate, Cultured Freshwater Pearl & Tribal Silver Beads from Heather Outlaw Designs available at VALLEY JEWELERS.

MONDAY'S MESSAGE: July's Birthstone is Ruby

Above: A round ruby is the centerpiece of this contemporary 18K cocktail ring custom designed by Craig Brady.

A ruby is a red sapphire. Traditionally a symbol of passionate love, rubies are nearly as hard and often more expensive than diamonds. Hindus believed that a fine ruby could boil water! The Black Prince's ruby in the British Crown Jewels is really a very fine natural spinel.

Below: Two pear-shaped rubies with diamond accents are the focal points in this 18K infinity pin custom designed by Craig Brady.

FRIDAY FUN: July 18th is National "Get Out of the Doghouse" Day!

Were you naughty? Looking for a way to make up and get back to the good life? Just maybe you can use this day to squirm out of it! Flowers are fragrant but fleeting. If you’ve got one shot to get out of the doghouse, your best bet is jewelry!

You've got 10 days until Monday, July 18th. Start planning! Start shopping!

THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS: A Designer's Perspective

Above: Modern Solitaire Diamond in 18K Gold.
Below: Sterling Silver Dog Tag featuring icons significant to client.

Both are custom designs by Craig Brady.

“I enjoy hearing a customer’s vision for their custom piece and the challenge of making that materialize. The focal point may be a gemstone, a symbol-- but the design is what intrigues me. People are always so amazed to see that idea they had actualized.” -- Craig Brady, Owner/Jeweler, VALLEY JEWELERS

WEDNESDAY’S BRIDE: Alternative Bridal Rings

Photo: Custom Designed Yellow Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K by Craig Brady.

The popularity of alternative bridal rings is emerging. For the center stone on their engagement rings, more and more brides are choosing colored diamonds in yellow, champagne, cognac and pink. Younger modern brides are increasingly picking sapphires -- made popular again by the royal wedding -- as well as other gemstones for the focal point of their ring.

For wedding bands, many couples are opting for wider, bolder looks with textural interest. There seems to be movement toward greater self-expression, craftsmanship and good design.

TUESDAY'S TREND OUTLOOK: Teardrop Earrings Big This Fall & Winter!

Celebrities on the red carpet and models on the runway are wearing teardrop earrings. From big colored stones to cut-out metals, geometric to feminine, antique to contemporary, they compliment almost every face shape. Dressed up or down, they’re a great way to update an outfit.

Photo: An Assortment of Teardrop Earrings in 14K & Semi-Precious Gemstones by Zoe B. available at VALLEY JEWELERS.

Huge Sale This Week!

‎1/2 off 100's of great items at our ANNUAL ANNIVERSARY SALE FRIDAY & SATURDAY, APRIL 15th & 16th! For those in-the-know, there's a PREVIEW DAY, APRIL 14th! Get here early for the best selection! Fine jewelry, estate jewelry, sterling! Precious & semi-precious gemstones! Shop early for Mother's Day and graduations!