Jewelry News

As we saw at this 2010 Grammy award ceremony, people were ready to crawl out of the economy shell and be a little flashier.

None was this more evident than Beyonce’s hoop earrings (that must have felt like quite a relief to take off at the end of the evening):

Here’s what Sparkle Like the Stars had to say about the top jewelry looks for the evening:

1. Beyonce took home six Grammy Awards, including a Grammy for Record of the Year, and she accessorized her golden goodie with some killer diamond hoop earrings that went with her sequined silver dress. We love the hoops, though we’re sure that the critics will have a thing or two to say about the flashy frock.

2. Carrie Underwood wore a gorgeous gold gown for her performance during the show, and she accented the glamorous dress with pitch-perfect diamond jewelry. Our favorite piece was her glimmering diamond bracelet with a swirling design- though her engagement ring from hockey player Mike Fisher was a close second.

3. Sheryl Crow paired her simple brown dress with some gorgeous gold jewelry. The actress piled on the gold bangle bracelets on her left wrist that matched her large, golden pendant earrings. To balance the look Crow wore an emerald cocktail ring on her right hand.

The styles at the Grammys this year were decidedly a little more daring than last year, hopefully a small sign that our economic woes are slowly lifting and celebrities feel a little more comfortable “blinging” out.

Jewelry choice were chunkier and bolder, some with a decidedly futuristic slant.

As for the fashion, this experts sums up the top winners of the evening, including Lady Gaga’s celestial beast of a dress:

1. Beyonce– With the most wins of the night, the starlet is seen wearing a Stephane Rolland gown, Casadei Heels, and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.
2. Fergie– Fergie is stunning in a blue Emilio Pucci mini dress, Kwiat cuff, Jessica Robinson jewelry, Le Silla sandals, and a jeweled Judith Leiber clutch. Lately, I’ve seen Fergie in Emilio Pucci at several red carpet events. She surely is a fan of his and I’m sure he is of her. Maybe a collaboration sometime in the future?
3. Jennifer Lopez- JLo looks gorgeous in this silver chain Versace gown.
4. Mary J Blige– So happy to see her in some color and her dress is another unique cut-out neckline that I adore. The R&B star brights up the right carpet in a fuschia Gucci gown with a Gucci clutch, and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.
5. Lady Gaga– With Lady Gaga you wonder, “What is she going to pull of next?” She surely gave us an eye-popping look in this futuristic, Armani prive dress with towering, sparkly heels.
6. Miley Cyrus– Love her futuristic, rocker-chic style. Miley is wearing a short teal Herve Leger by Max Azria dress, Judith Leiber clutch, and gladiator sandals. Love it!
7. Pink– Now this is a change. Pink giving us old-Hollywood glamour? She looks amazing in a crystal-encrusted Tony Ward haute couture gown, Judith Leiber clutch, and Neil Lane diamond jewelry worth 2.5 million dollars. Wow!
8. Taylor Swift–  She brings extreme glamour in this shimmery blue Kaufman Franco gown, platinum and diamond jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz. I love the neckline of this dress!

Source: HotBeautyHealth

Our Keys of Love pendant necklaces have to be one of the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts of all time. Perhaps its because “love keys” are a hot fashion trend right now, worn by celebrities like Ashley Greene and Blair Waldorf :

Or maybe because Tiffany’s broke the ice with their pendant keys. (Frankly, we like ours much better!)

Our Keys of Love are affordable and adaptable. You can customize your key according to your every desire and every budget. If you want a certain stone studding your key or a different metal, we can tailor your necklace to give it that personal touch.

If you’re a little perplexed about the perfect gift for this Valentine’s Day, this gift is unique, sweet and personal.

Style 10362

Key of Love Necklace with Pave Set Stones

“With colored diamonds, it’s not about what’s beautiful to everyone else. It’s about what speaks to me and my personal sense of style.”

That’s what Randi Molofsky has to say, the author of “A Girl’s Guide to Buying Diamonds: How to Choose, Evaluate, and Buy the Diamond You Want.”

According the New York Times article:

Brown diamonds, better known by their more effervescent name, champagnes, were first offered to the trade in the early 1990s after a big discovery at the Argyle mine in Western Australia. Since they are small, marked with internal flaws and plentiful, they had only been used for industrial purposes. Retailers, the gatekeepers of the jewelry industry, disdained them.Years of training by the Gemological Institute of America had instilled in retailers the notion “that white was better,” said Elizabeth L. Chatelain, president of MVI Marketing, based in Paso Robles, California, which helped Argyle introduce champagne diamonds to the American market. “To retailers, these were off-color goods.”

Consigned to mass merchants, who sold them on the cheap, browns languished in the low-end market until the turn of the millennium, when opinions began to change and designers warmed to the idea of jewelry with the refractive brilliance of a diamond and the singular palette of a colored stone.

There was a bonus: At prices 15 percent to 25 percent lower than their white counterparts, champagnes were a bargain.

“It gave designers a way to do quite exuberant and elaborate diamond designs at a lower cost,” said Sally C. Morrison, director of the Diamond Information Center. “There are so many shades to create nuance and texture using browns. It’s a way to paint in color.”

What we can note from this article is that colored diamonds are seeing a well-deserved resurgence. They are affordable and reflect a personal style, plus the variations on what to do with a fancy-colored gem are endless.

“It’s been an interesting journey,” Mr. Le Vian said. “We’ve taken stones considered low quality and made them attractive to consumers.”

Take a look at our Gemesis page for some of our best and brightest:

Style GM1006

Yellow Cushion Cut Gemesis Ring With Pave’ White Diamonds

1.38ct deep fancy yellow cushion cut Gemesis diamond of VS clarity set into 18kt white gold single shank mounting accentuated with approximately .90ct t.w. round brilliant cut pave’ set diamonds.

Metal: 18kt White Gold
Stone Size: .84ct
Ring Size: 5 – 8

The Wittelsbach diamond, a 35.56-carat fancy deep grayish-blue diamond with a long history, was among the gems slated for auction at Christie’s “Jewels: The London Sale” last month. What was the asking price? Read on:

Officially known as “Der Blaue Wittelsbacher,” the diamond is one of the few that can claim 17th-century heritage.

In 1664, King Philip IV of Spain (1605-1665) selected the diamond as part of the dowry of his daughter, Infanta Margarita Teresa (1651-1673), upon her engagement to Leopold I of Austria (1640-1705), who later became Holy Roman Emperor.

The diamond subsequently became part of the Austrian and then the Bavarian crown jewels.

The diamond has been part of a private collection since 1964, and its appearance at the upcoming Christie’s auction marks its first offering to the international market in nearly 80 years.

“It is a great honor and a lifetime dream to handle a museum-quality stone such as the Wittelsbach,” said Francois Curiel, chairman of Christie’s Europe and international head of jewelry. “The appearance of a large blue diamond, among the rarest of colors, with a history that can be traced back to the 17th century and 300 years of royal connections will surely be a thrilling occasion for all collectors of exceedingly rare jewels and works of art.”

So what did the historic diamond go for? How about a record-setting $24.3 million! Recession? What recession?

“In the midst of these challenging times, we were thrilled to achieve an historic price for an historic diamond,” said Francois Curiel, chairman of Christie’s Europe and auctioneer for Wednesday’s sale.

The previous sales record was a mere $16.5 million for a 100-carat diamond in 1995.

Source: National Jeweler

Jewelry Insider

The debate continues: when a consumer is informed about the very real ecological and political dangers associated with mined diamonds, will he or she purchase a diamond or choose a diamond alternative?

This recent study shows that slowly but surely, people’s minds are changing:

Paso Robles, Calif.–A new consumer survey conducted by MVI Marketing’s Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council (JCOC) showed that a small but significant percentage of respondents have decided to snub mined diamonds, and an even greater percentage are planning to seek out “created diamond” alternatives.

According to a release from the JCOC, the council conducted a study called “Consumer Perceptions of Created Diamond Alternatives,” which was completed by 1,478 JCOC panel members between the dates of Dec. 26 and Dec. 31, 2009.

The study exposed survey-takers to some brief introductory information about the concerns surrounding diamonds and why those concerns have prompted some consumers to choose created diamond alternatives, including lab-grown diamonds and diamond simulants, instead.

“Mined diamonds are mined from deep in the earth,” a concept introduction provided to survey-takers said. “This has some environmentalists concerned about the destructive nature of mining and the chemicals used. Others are concerned about profits from illicit diamond mining being used to fund the purchase of arms in war-torn countries and contributing towards human suffering. Because of these issues, many people have opted for created diamond alternatives available in fine jewelry instead of mined diamonds.”

The JCOC release said that after learning about issues related to mined diamonds, a majority of respondents have taken actions that indicate they may be buying fewer mined diamonds in the future.

According to the study, 11 percent of those who participated said they have decided not to purchase or request jewelry crafted of mined diamonds.

Eight percent said they won’t give mined diamonds as a gift and 18 percent reported that they have made family or friends aware of the issues.

A total of 16 percent of survey-takers said they seek created diamond alternatives when looking for jewelry.

“Clearly consumers are becoming more aware of the challenges faced in the mining of diamonds,” MVI Chief Executive Officer Mart Hurwitz said in the release. “It is only natural for the consumer to consider man-made alternatives if their concerns about those challenges grow.”

Source: National Jeweler

Moissanite, in our opinion, is a phenomenal product – highly comparable to diamonds – and exceeding in some characteristics. We sell moissanite because we recognize this societal shift and the importance in finding a diamond alternative for people concerned with global issues.

Style 645MR

Classic Tiffany Style Round Moissanite Solitaire

Round Tiffany style solitaire engagement ring with Charles and Colvard created moissanite.

It can often be intimidating when entering a jewelry store. There’s a common language you need to understand to make the most of your purchase. Here at Joseph  Schubach Jewelers, we’re able to personally advise you if you visit our showroom in Scottsdale, Arizona or give you advice on the phone or via email.

Here’s a few definitions you might want to familiarize yourself with:

Cut

This refers to the actual cut of a gemstone, which includes both its basic shape (teardrop, pear, etc.) and the actual style and quality of the work itself. Because cut can have such a dramatic effect on a stone’s clarity and color exhibition, it can also affect its price.

The most common cutting techniques are tumbling, drilling, lapping, grinding, sawing, sanding and polishing.

Tumbling

By placing a gemstone in a rotating tumbler filled with water and chemical or natural stone abrasives, this technique polishes the stone to define its shape. Modern techniques also include contemporary vibrating machines.

Drilling

Drilling allows the cutter to drill a hole through or into a stone, and the tools are either actual rotating drills or high-tech ultrasonic.

Lapping

The lap is a lapidary’s, or stone cutter’s, most essential tool. The lap is a flat disk that creates flat surfaces on a stone by either vibrating or rotating very quickly.

Grinding

Using diamond and silicon carbide grinding wheels, gemstones are ground into a form and particular shape.

Sawing

Using a steel or copper blade enhanced with a diamond grit edge, sawing allows the cutter to make hard cuts. Oil or water is used in this technique to prevent the stone and the blade from overheating.

Sanding

Like grinding, but with finer abrasive substances, sanding is often a finer follow-up that allows the gem worker to remove cosmetic scratches and polish the stone’s surface.

Clarity

The clarity of a stone refers to its translucency and subsequent absence of flaws. Flaws like blemishes, which appear on the surface, and inclusions, which are internal feathers or fissures, can affect the stone’s clarity and subsequently its value.

When a jeweler refers to a stone’s clarity, he or she is referring to the abundance or lack of flaws within the stone.

Carat

Carat is a term that simply refers to a stone’s weight. Except for pearls and corals, all gems are weighed in carats. It’s important to remember that carat is a measurement of weight and not size. A one-carat ruby is going to be differently sized than a one-carat diamond.

Source: JewelryFashionDesign.com

We’re often asked how our business is faring in a trying economy. And there’s no easy answer to that question. Overall, we’ve maintained because we have a loyal customer base who’ve come to depend on our stellar service and high-tiered craftsmanship.We realize the importance of fostering our relationships with our customers…and after three generations, we think our formula works.

Looking at the jewelry market overall, you’ll find some mixed news, such as this Wall Street Journal piece:

Consumer electronics products were strong sellers in December, rising 7.3%, SpendingPulse said. Luxury merchandise, excluding jewelry, grew 5.5%, turning positive after a 7.3% decline in November, and jewelry sales rose 6.9%, their fourth consecutive monthly gain, SpendingPulse said.Still, high-end items are not capturing the most consumer dollars. Discount mass merchants like Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST) and BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. (BJ) are again expected to show the most comparable-store growth for December, at 3.9%, while teen and children’s apparel retailers are pegged for the biggest decline, at 4.3%, Thomson Reuters said.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) is part of the mass merchant group, but will not be reporting same-store sales after halting the practice last year. Jefferies Group feels the nation’s biggest retailer had strong December results. Wal-Mart delivered a “clear holiday sales message, combined with more aggressive pricing and easier comparisons” that produced a low-single-digit percentage gain, putting Jefferies’ quarter-to-date estimate toward the upper end of Wal-Mart’s forecast for a 1% gain to a 1% drop.

So we’re seeing a little hope on the horizon, economically speaking. People are beginning to buy again, slowly but surely. At Joseph Schubach Jewelers, we realize budgets are tight and can find you a piece tailor-made to fit your checkbook. You name the price, we name the piece – it’s that simple.

Check out these earrings below. These are a phenomenal deal and a store favorite:

Save 60% Now! Martini Style Moissanite Earrings

Martini style three prong earrings with Charles and Colvard created round moissanite.

SAVE 60% while supplies last.

2.50ct t.w. (dia equiv) Reg. $1649 Now $659.60

Use Coupon Code “Discount60” at checkout.

It always important, especially when buying online, to know your seller. A company like ours has 3 generations of service under its belt and an impeccable local and online reputation.

But there are other ways to identify your product and ensure you are getting the real deal. Take gold for instance:

Here’s some information on how to tell if the gold on your bracelet or necklace is really gold. The chlorine in bleach is dangerous to gold jewelry, so it’s best not to test gold in bleach, or else you’ll ruin your jewelry. Stress points like where the metal has been hammered, bent over stones in prongs, formed by chain making machines and the like are the most affected by chlorine. Soldered areas are sometimes affected by chlorine. White gold is most easily damaged but apparently this happens with yellow gold also at stress points in the metal.

Chlorine will cause a darkening on gold, but on yellow gold it looks almost like a very pale gray color. White gold reacts the same way but sometimes goes darker. This is the chlorine reacting to the metals in karat gold. All jewelry metal of 18k, 14k and 10k has other metals in the recipe when the metal is made. Pure gold is mixed with mostly silver and copper (with nickel or palladium with white gold) to make metal strong enough for jewelry.

The karat mark shows how much pure gold is in the mix. For instance, pure gold is called 24k. Now, 10k will have 10 parts pure gold and 14 parts of the other metals, all adding up to 24 part. 18k gold will be 18 parts pure gold and 6 parts other metals, all adding up to 24 parts. That is how it goes with karats.

Yellow gold is not as dangerously affected by chlorine in bleach and a good buffing should make it okay, that is, if it is really gold. The best way to see if it is real karat gold is to have it tested. That means an acid test or a test using one of the newer electronic gold testers some jewelers use.

Girls Disney Snow White Tiara Bracelet

Girls Disney Snow White tiara bracelet with .12ct round brilliant diamonds and .29ct natural pink sapphires, 14kt yellow gold. Bracelet adjusts from 5″ to 51/2″

Forewarned is forearmed. Make sure you know the upcoming trends for 2010 before your next purchase. Here’s what one expert has to say:

Warrior princesses, sultry ladies of the early 20th century, and innovative blends of ethnic cultures, are driving jewelry style trends into 2010.

Jaana Jatyri, founder and CEO of Trendstop.com, said at the International Jewelry London (IJL) trade show that Boadicea, fabled warrior queen of the Britons, was a symbol of a new style trend emerging in jewelry for the summer of next year.

“The “Warrior Princess” theme is responding to the strong images of a more masculine trend in women’s fashion,” Jatyri told a seminar at IJL this week.

She highlighted the use of wood with metal, and multiple chain arrangements reflecting the warrior princess style.

Another key theme in jewel design, “Modern Boudoir” — a timeless look with “French chic” — was inspired by stylish women of the Art Deco period, such as Coco Chanel, the subject of two recent movies, and the movie star Marlene Dietrich.

Jatyri outlined other trends including “Nature’s Alchemy — different ways of blending nature and technology; “Organic Anatomy,” the influence of organic structures such as snake skins and bones; and “The Witching Hour” — a dark and mysterious style, reflected in the use of dark crystals, fish hook earrings, and resin-encased insect designs.

Jatyri also referred to a merging of cultures in jewelry design trends.

“There will be more trends that are about mixing cultures, mixing French chic with Indian style or Asian styles,” she told Reuters television in an interview.

“That way we can create something new, like fresh looks that combine different elements from different cultures.”

She said, “By combining different cultures, for example you might have a metal chain with a wooden pendant from India, or even something like Buddhist beads, prayer beads or something like that. And you use them as a necklace.

“So it’s taking elements from different cultures and creating something new and a bit more fashion-based.”

© Copyright (c) Reuters