Jewelry Education and Advice

Most of us don’t think in terms of jewelry “fitting” our body type. Sure, we think that way when it comes to choosing bathing suits or pants…but earrings? Well, sure! Earrings that don’t match our face size can overpower or underwhelm.

Here are a few hints so you can choose a pair that suits you and that beautiful visage of yours!

Best Earrings for the Round Face Shape

Oval, square and long dangling earrings are the best match for the classic round face shape, since these draw attention to the cheekbones and jawline and can balance out a wider forehead. Round face shapes should avoid hoops of all sizes, since these can make the face look heavier and less sculpted.

Earrings for the Heart-Shaped Face

Tear drop earrings that fall just a couple of inches below the ear lobe and medium sized hoops are the best match for heart-shaped faces. Earrings in bold designs and bright colors will draw attention to the cheekbones, and work well with this face shape and an updo hairstyle. Avoid wearing studs or miniature hoops, since these can create a rounder or ‘chubbier’ appearance around the cheeks and jawline.

Best Earrings for the Long-Shaped Face

Chandelier earrings and small drop earrings are the best picks for those with long faces, since these will draw attention to the cheekbones and can help fill out the face. Avoid long and skinny earrings that fall at the jawline, since these will further elongate the face.

Earrings for the Oval-Shaped Face

Long, oversized dangling earrings are the best match for the oval face shape, but this ‘ideal’ face shape can get away with almost any type of earring design. Spiraled earrings, medium sized hoops and teardrop earrings are a good match by day, and the longer lengths work well with an updo for a glamorous touch.

Best Earrings for the Square-Shaped Face

Long tear drop earrings and oversized round hoops are the best match for square shaped face, especially if they fall right near the jawline. Square shaped faces need to be balanced with round, oversized earrings, so you can get away with large hoops or chandelier earrings by day or night.

Earrings for the Diamond Face Shape

The diamond face shape is already fairly balanced, so you’ll want to wear earrings that are simple and classic in design. Small drop earrings that fall right near the chin line are ideal for evening outfits, and small studs or hoops that fall right under the ear lobe are the best match for the day.

In our personal opinion, solitaires work for just about any face size. If you want to be sure a “right for all occasions and outfits” earrings, take a look at these. Whether its natural diamond, moissanite of Gemesis, solitaires shine brilliantly any time, any face size.

Style 1177MS-2.10ct

Cushion Cut Moissanite Stud Earrings

Antique cushion cut stud earrings, four prong wire basket settings with friction backs and Charles and Colvard created moissanite. 2.10ct t.w. (dia equiv, 6mm stones)

Oprah Winfrey – one of the most influential women in the entertainment history…and beyond! Her fashion choices matter. Every day, the average woman “checks in” with her look to see what Oprah’s wearing…and how they can wear it more affordably!

At Joseph Schubach Jewelers, we’re happy to take a celebrity look and make it distinctly your own. If there’s a pair of earrings on Oprah (or a necklace on Madonna or a ring on Beyonce) that you long for, but is out of your budget, we can make a piece tailor made for you…and your wallet!

Here’s a look at some of Oprah’s earrings, for ideas:

Joseph Schubach Jewelers can create pieces made in your mind’s eye: from a stunning moissanite solitaire necklace to a heirloom-inspired engagement ring. We’re in step with any current jewelry trends as well, such as the very “in” charm bracelets.

Charms are all the rage this season, popularized by pop star Gwen Stefani. Though of course, they’ve been in vogue for quite some time.

According to one Victorian website:

Queen Victoria may also get the lion’s share of credit for popularizing the charm bracelet and charm necklace, as we know it. She had a series of charms designed and produced to give as gifts to her extended family and circle of friends every New Year.

In 1861, Prince Albert died, and again Queen Victoria influenced the direction of jewelry design and production. She went into permanent mourning- only wearing black clothing and black jewelry for the rest of her life.

For several years all of England followed her example. Jet, a fossilized driftwood, suddenly became the material of choice for jewelry.  And what a stroke of luck that was for the good people of Whitby, on the coast of Yorkshire. They were sitting on the finest Jet deposits of the world. Carved Jet chains, Jet Crosses, Jet pins and earrings – indeed every style heretofore offered in colorful gems, glass and metal, were now produced in Jet.

Victorian double strand of jet beads and an ivory cherub brooch worn by Her Royal Highness. The Princess Louise, Marchioness of Lorne. She was the 4th of Queen Victoria’s daughters.

It’s arrived in its typical splendor and fashion. Summer. Time to show a little more skin and dress with a little more pizazz and color. Put your beige and navy blues aside and let some brighter hues shine through.

The “bigger is better” trend still continues when it comes to jewelry. It’s time to find a piece that really shows off. Subtly is for another day! This summer, find a piece that showcases all that Mother Nature has to offer: bright, blooming jewelry that practically grows on you!

According to one expert:

Charms, Charms, Charms

As sleeve lengths become shorter and necks become more exposed, expect to see necks and wrists dripping with colorful charms. Taking a lead from such celebrities as Gwen Stefani, charms are a way to express your individuality and your personal interests. Whether you wear a bracelet or necklace with a few carefully selected charms or chains overloaded with them, they’re sure to make a statement this year.

Silver

With the economy in the doldrums, a flash of silver adds a touch of brightness. Gold may be out of most people’s price range, but silver is still an affordable option. You can also expect to see silver mixed with other metals including brass, copper, and gold-filled for a fun and affordable jewelry alternative. Oxidized silver will give a slightly vintage look will be seen. The good news? Silver is timeless and never really goes out of style.

A Natural Touch

Although bright colors will dominate, stylish trendsetters still want their jewelry to have a natural, organic touch. Think natural beads and gemstones such as turquoise, jade, and coral for a splash of color straight from Mother Nature. A newer natural material that will be showcased in necklace and bracelet creations is bamboo which is the new “wood” for spring. Don’t forget about the standard semiprecious stones such as onyx. If it’s natural, it’s in for spring and summer 2009.

Botanicals

This is another play on nature. You can expect to see nature blooming on the wrists, ears, and necks of fashion forward women this spring and summer. Leaf and floral themed pendants and charm will bring fashion closer to nature while adding an elegant touch to spring fashions.

Drama

Jewelry for summer 2009 is anything but demure. If you can’t afford to make a statement with a new designer outfit, you can at least layer on the necklaces and bracelets for high impact. Expect to see multiple eclectic necklaces and bracelets worn on wrists and necks, creating visual drama. What better way to express yourself?

Focus on the Wrists

If you want to make a strong fashion statement this season, rediscover your wrists. From jewelery cuffs to bold bangles, wrists and arms will be in the spotlight. “Arm candy” is an inexpensive way to update your spring and summer wardrobe for 2009. Think statement making!

With so much jewelry excitement, you can quickly update your wardrobe without spending a fortune this year and still step out in style.

Here’s a Joseph Schubach Jeweler piece de resistance from our Joe Jeweler line that simply screams summer:

Style 7380GM

Yellow Gemesis Sun Pendant

“Sun” pendant with a 1/3ct Gemesis cultured diamond with fancy yellow or orange color, and .14ct t.w. natural round pave’ set diamonds. The pendant sits on a 16″ black rubber cord with a 14kt gold clasp. Approximately 5/8″ tall.

Available Metal: 14kt White Gold, Yellow Gold And Platinum
Available Stone Size: 1/3ct

While statement pieces have been all the rage this last year, it’s important to realize when you’ve overdone it! Many of these statement pieces, for instance, are meant to to standalone – meaning that piece and that piece only! Not only do you muddy the look of your central piece when you add too many extras, you also resemble a 3-ring circus desperately in need of a ring leader!

Here are some sage words of wisdom from Heather Edden, a specialist in the field:

Jewelry is one of the more commonly thought of accessories but there are simple rules that should be remembered with jewelry. There are classic pieces which everyone should have gold hoops and pearls. Pearls are especially important because they can go with most anything. A nice string of pearls can be used to make casual outfits look classier. Also remember when accessorizing with jewelry do not drown yourself in it. If you wear a thick/large necklace avoid wearing large hanging earrings, settle for simple studs instead. Like wise if you do decide to wear large earrings wear a thin chain or avoid a necklace all together and show off your natural neckline. The same can be said for wearing bracelets, though bangles are fun too many of them just becomes distracting. Remember pearls and diamonds go great with black, think Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Also pay attention to accents and buttons in your clothing. If the outfit you are wearing has gold buttons or accents try to wear gold jewelry with the same finish.

Here is a classic of ours that goes with just about anything:

Freshwater Pearls – 8.5mm – 11.5mm

Freshwater pearls, 17″ with 14kt yellow gold clasp

8.5mm-9.5mm: Now $299
9.5mm-10.5mm: Now $399
10.5mm-11.5mm: Now $499

Before Moissanite and Gemesis became popular diamond alternative, many people searched furtively for a way to make diamonds that didn’t require all that difficult and messy mining. They wanted diamonds on the easy, basically!

According to ABC Science:

The first successful synthetic diamonds were made in the mid-1950s by the General Electric Company in New York. They began back then with tiny industrial diamonds, and can today make tiny gems – but they are more expensive to make, than to dig the natural ones out of the ground.

Nature makes diamonds some 200-or-so kilometers underground, where the temperature and pressure are high enough. Then a strange geological phenomenon called a Kimberlite Pipe erupts, a little bit like a volcano, towards the surface, carrying diamonds with it. At the surface, the cooled-down Kimberlite pipe is anything from 100 to 1,000 metres across.

Once you have found your Kimberlite, you’re on Easy Street. You just dig into the hard Kimberlite, bring all the rock to the surface, and extract the diamonds. In Kimberley in South Africa, the Big Hole has been dug out to a depth of about one kilometre.

Worldwide, the current annual diamond production is split – the mines give us about 20 tonnes of industrial diamonds and 6 tonnes of gems, while the labs provide about 100 tonnes of synthetic diamonds.

Today, more people are concerned about the ecological damage that diamond mines cause as well as the political implications in fractured countries. Diamond alternatives such as Gemesis, moissanite and Cubic Zirconia are extremely high quality – offering the full diamond experience for a fraction of the price.

Take a look at some of our moissanite offerings, for instance:

Style 8714M

Hand Made Cushion Cut Moissanite Ring With Pave’ Diamonds

Custom made fashion ring featuring a 2.50ct (dia equiv) Charles and Colvard created cushion cut moissanite and 1/3ct t.w. pave’ side diamonds with a bezel set diamond on each end in platinum. This piece is hand made and has hand applied filigree engraving and scroll work on two sides, approximately 5mm wide at the top. Also made to accomodate round, cushion & princess center stones starting at 2.0ct

Metal: Platinum
Stone Size: 2.50ct
Ring Size: 4 – 8
Call For Pricing

Style 6851M

Genuine Yellow Sapphire And Moissanite Ring

Customized and handcrafted version of style 1250M: 6.80ct yellow sapphire center with 1.50ct (3.0ct t.w. dia equiv) moissanite trillions on either side set into 14K white gold.

Metal: 14kt White Gold
Stone size: 6.80ct
Ring size: 4 – 8

“Micro pave is the next generation of hip hop jewelry. You can get that diamond look without paying diamond prices. Some of our customers are entertainers who could easily afford diamond bling style jewelry, but choose to wear micro pave jewelry as the quality is practically indistinguishable from diamonds.” – Tom Diep of King Ice Jewelry

Yes, even the most diehard bling wearer is feeling the pinch of a tight economy. But all is not lost. There are alternatives – amazing alternatives like moissanite and Gemesis and Cubic Zircona – that offer that over-the-top jewelry experience for a fraction of the cost.

The tough economic climate also offers jewelry designers an opportunity to showcase their creative sides.

Take a look at some of these fun, micro pave pieces that let your bling sing!

Source: SoJones

So you received your dream moissanite engagement ring or a Gemesis necklace beyond compare. You show it off wherever you go. It dazzles in the sunlight and you hate taking it off at night. But guess what? The dream doesn’t stop there. You need to take good care of your piece. It’s an investment and deserves some proper tending to!

Here are some tips from Gem-Fashion to keep your piece sparkling for years to come:

Spots. To avoid dark spots, which appear when your wet skin influence the metals, clean your jewelry after taking it off with the wet flannel. It is recommended to take the jewelry off if you apply skin bleach as the substances it contains darken the jewelry. Iodine leaves dark spots on the jewelry. The spots can be cleaned with the help of hyposulphite solution. Take 1tbsp. of the substance for a glass of water.

About dust. To remove the dust from under the stone of your ring take cotton buds soaked in cologne or glycerin and wipe the stone. Then polish the ring with the flannel. Never clean the setting of the stone with sharp objects. Take off rings when washing your hands to avoid clogging.

How to clean gemstone jewelry. Stones have different levels of hardness. Diamond, aquamarine, sapphire, topaz, emerald and others have the point 5 in the level of hardness. Jewelry with these stones should be cleaned in the solution of any washing powder with the help of a soft brush, if the metal is gold or platinum. Then you can wash the jewelry in distilled water. Stones with the level of hardness under 5 are moonstone, malachite, turquoise, opal, apatite. They should be cleaned in the same way as the previous group with the only difference that instead of washing powder you should use soap. This method can be used with anything except coral and pearls, as the soap foam is extremely harmful to them. Try not to expose them to perfume, soap and hot water.

Never take medicinal baths wearing the jewelry. Don’t forget to take off the coral jewelry before going to a sauna, as the heat is destructive to it. Pearls and turquoises don’t like high humidity. At home you can wash them in the solution of ethyl alcohol and water (1:1) and then flannel them dry. However, it’s much better to have your jewelry cleaned at the professional jeweler’s.

How to clean gold. Use the washing powder solution (washing powder without the whitening effect). You can add 2-3 drops of liquid ammonia.

How to clean silver. Apply the previous method. Use the washing powder without active oxygen and chlorine. You can add liquid ammonia as well.

How to clean rhodium plated metal. Clean it with the soft cloth. Though rhodium is a precious metal, time rubs it out, so it’s important to be careful when cleaning it.

How to store the jewelry. All the jewelry should be kept in closed jewelry boxes. It’s necessary to keep the jewelry far away from the heating. You should be especially careful with amethysts, colored topazes and pearls. UV-rays make their color less intense. Don’t expose rubies and garnets to sun, too. Gemstone jewelry shouldn’t be exposed to temperature drops. For instance, ruby can completely lose its color when heated. Never store your jewelry in the bathroom (esp. silver jewelry) because all the metals and stones are afraid of damp.

The Art Deco movement introduced styles that focused squarely on bold colors and sharp geometric shapes. Technology was evolving and Art Deco became part of the emerging look.

According to one Art Deco Jewelry website:

The economic and social pressures that immediately followed the First World War brought with them a new mood for a rigorous and clean-cut look.

Art Deco was an innovative design style popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Its sleek, streamlined forms conveyed elegance and sophistication. It was the age of the Flapper, the Jazz and the Machine Age.

Materials used ranged from rubies, gold, and pearls to plastic, chrome and steel. Platinum was the new luxury metal used with opaque stones like coral, jade, onyx and lapis lazuli. Costume jewelry became even more popular and outrageous.

Trend-setting couturiers were Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli. Influences were Pharaonic Egypt, the Orient, tribal Africa, Cubism, Futurism, machines and graphic design.

However, jewelry of the 1920’s and 30’s was in thrall to geometry: circles, arcs, squares, rectangles and triangles and so on. René Lalique, who created glass jewelry in the 1920’s and 30’s, created romantic designs from nature.

If you want to step back in time and create your own piece of Art Deco jewelry, contact us and we’ll create a piece from your mind’s eye. Custom design jewelry is our specialty.

Here are some ideas, to get the creative juices flowing:

Art Deco Ring
photo courtesy of Sandra Smith

Art Deco Diamond Clips
photo courtesy of Richard Whitehouse

French Art Deco Silver &Paste Clip & Pin

1920s Theodor Fahrner Earrings
photograph courtesy of Ramona Tung

At Joseph Schubach Jewelers, we want to create jewelry pieces for life. Whether its moissanite or diamond, Gemesis or other gemstones, we’re in it for the long haul.

And we know how personal jewelry can be. From a lucky pendant to a beloved heirloom, you become “one” with your piece.

Brides.com has this to say, regarding the color of your jewelry and the deeper, mythic meanings:

A vibrant hue on your hand can be striking. Many members of the British Royal family would agree: Diana Spencer wore a sapphire engagement ring; Sarah Ferguson sported a ruby. As gem expert Antoinette Matlins, points out, “Colored gems are a more personal choice for brides, because [variations in tones make] each individual stone distinct from any other.”

Red has long been a popular choice, for its connotations of the heart and love. One of Matlin’s favorite crimson stones is the red tourmaline, which is an affordable alternative to the ruby. Others include spinel and garnet, and if money isn’t a consideration, red emerald. The rarest of the scarlet rocks, it’s only found in one spot in the world: Utah.

Green expresses faithfulness and continuity, but Matlins warns against choosing an emerald for everyday use. “Since most people don’t have the budget for stones of rare enough quality to be durable, it’s wise to buy them only in pieces of jewelry that will be worn on special occasions.”

In lieu of an emerald, she recommends tsavorite. This stone, which is found in Kenya, comes in a wide range of greens and is considered to be more brilliant and durable than emeralds, not to mention a tenth of the price. Many experts believe it’s poised to replace the emerald as the most popular green stone.

If you’re looking for a large selection of colors, your search ends with the sapphire. Not only is it one of the most durable stones available, but it also comes in an array of shades from yellow and peach to brown and black. For something that represents spirituality and purity, stick with the true-blue sapphire. Just make sure you go for a lighter shade. “Choose a sapphire in a rich blue color, but not so dark that it looks blackish,” Matlins says, since blackish stones are usually lower quality.

If you want something closely connected with love and marriage, an obvious choice is pearl. For 3,000 years it has been an emblem of modesty, chastity, and purity. Like emeralds, however, only the most expensive pearls are considered durable enough for everyday use, so Matlins suggests wearing them on your wedding day in the form of a necklace, earrings, or bracelet.

Our Latest Arrival – Gemesis

A High Quality Sapphire gem