Happy Stories From our customers

Barely a day goes where we don’t hear news about jewelry thefts of some sorts. Whether its a high-powered celebrity or a local break-in, no one is immune to prying hands.

Luckily, there are steps you can take when you travel to make sure your valuable jewelry is safe, leaving you to truly relax and enjoy your vacation.

First and foremost, take advantage of your hotel’s safe deposit box. This is where precious gemstones and jewelry belong when you’re not wearing it. Get into the routine of familiarizing yourself with the process so it becomes habitual and easy to integrate into your vacation schedule. Again, if you’re not wearing it, your valuables belong in a safe deposit box. 

When it comes to visitors, be selective. Most of us meet new people in public while on vacation. And that’s a great thing. But be aware: people who steal come in all shapes and sizes. As a matter of fact, thieves can be quite shrewd, charming and outwardly trustworthy. Get in the habit of meeting new friends out in public and not inviting them into your sanctuary: your hotel room.

A vacation is always a good idea. And bringing your amazing jewelry with you to show off to the world is part of the fun. It takes very little to accustom yourself to habits that will ensure the safety of your valuables. Some simple safeguards go a long way!

Anita Ko’s ‘Floating Diamond’ lobe cuff in 18-karat rose gold with white diamonds.

When you think about it, its amazing that we humanoids have figured out so many ways to adorn the ears. And we show no sign of stopping with the latest of ear decor hitting the mainstream. Spotlight on: the lobe cuff.

The lobe cuff is a fun, new earring style that’s basically a hybrid between a hoop earring and an ear cuff. A lobe cuff can be worn in the first or second piercing, fits snugly against the lobe and gives the appearance of wrapping into the ear. It can also be referred to as the “ear hook” (though we much prefer lobe cuff!).

Says jewelry designer Ara Vartanian (who creates lobe cuffs with larger stones):

“Customers love this style because the design is aesthetically different, and it helps balance the weight of the earrings with such a large stone.”

We think this jewelry trend may stick around for a while because the look itself has a classic, comfortable appeal.

If you’re interested in co-designing your own type of lobe cuff, reach out to us and let’s talk beauty!

[Source: The Observer]

Adornment can be anything you want it to be. When it comes to make-up, jewelry can be indicated with the use of the right placement of color and design.

Nobody does this better than fashion guru/celebrity Vanessa Hudgens, who wows the crowds at Coachella each year by donning her particular brand of distinctive desert fashion.

In this video, make-up expert Angel Marie demonstrates how you too can have that Hudgens-style bling feel via the right make-up art.

The Imperial State Crown is worn by the Queen at each State Opening of Parliament. It is one of the youngest crowns in the collection and holds a number of much older gems. The crown was remade in 1937 after the previous frame weakened under the weight of the gemstones (!)

Other facts about the Crown Jewels?

The British crown jewels include the massive Cullinan Diamond, the biggest ever gem-quality rough diamond ever uncovered. Discovered in 1905, it weighed 3,106.75 carats.

The Crown Jewels are kept in the Tower of London and are the ceremonial treasures acquired by English kings and queens. They have been used by English kings and queens since 1660 or earlier. The Crown Jewels are part of the national heritage and held by The Queen as Sovereign.

Elizabeth II after her coronation in 1953.

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We strongly advocate wearing jewelry as much as possible. (Why spend a single day unadorned afterall?) These easy jewelry hacks help you clean your jewelry easily (using household ingredients) and keep your jewelry safe and untangled (like using a simple straw).

Remember: the more you know about taking care of your jewelry, the longer it will last and look amazing!

There are many different cuts of gemstones; so many that our customers are often left scratching their heads when it comes to choosing a cut that is right for them.

We’re privileged to be working with The Diamond Foundry (a lab grown diamond company from San Francisco). One of their master cuts is the Rose Brilliant Cut.

So let’s clarify:

What is a Rose Cut?

Considered of one of the original diamond cuts of antique and heirloom jewelry, the rose cut dates as far back as the 1500’s and is considered a precursor to the brilliant cut.

The stones are cut to resemble a rose (hence the name) by reflecting the narrow, spiral effect of their petals. This means a flat bottom and a larger surface area to truly showcase the stone’s brilliance.

Historically, by the 1900’s, advanced technology made the brilliant cut popular, leaving the rose cut to fade away…at least for the time being.

Decades later, Tiffany’s created a popular rose cut solitaire setting, made with an open mount so the light could shine through even more and provide the utmost in dazzle effect. Some innovators added even more sparkle by baking thin layers of gold or silver with the stone, increasing the reflective capabilities.

Today the rose cut has once again seen a resurgence (everything old is new again afterall) with celebrities like Camilla McConaughey and her breathtaking Cathy Waterman Rose cut engagement ring.

What is a Brilliant Cut?

A brilliant is the name of a cut (not of a stone, as often misunderstood). It generally has 57 or 58 facets, which creates maximum reflection of light for the diamond. It is one of the most popular cuts since it provides extreme “dazzle” effect.

Okay, so what exactly is a Rose Brilliant Cut then?

The Diamond Foundry’s Rose Brilliant Cut is a modernized version of the Jubilee Cut (aka 20th Century Cut or Jubilant Cut) which was designed for Queen Victoria’s 60th Year of Reign for Diamond Jubilee.

This unique cut normally has a total of 88 facets (compared to the 58 facets found in round brilliant diamonds). There is no culet which provides an extra glittering effect. Some consider it the brightest cut you can find in a diamond.

Combining the sparkle power of a brilliant cut diamond with the historically dazzling beauty of the rose cut and Jubilee cut diamond, the rose brilliant cut diamond has a unique optical power of its own.

But enough of the shop talk. Simply let the video below do the talking!