Have you ever watched Fireplace TV? It goes a little something like this…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY3J3Y_OU0w

Deceptively relaxing, perhaps bordering on the boring, TV like this can have a positive effect on our brains.

According to Motherboard:

To some extent, escapism is just human nature, and TV offers it up on a silver platter. Media psychologist Pamela B. Rutledge agreed that a bit of distraction can be rejuvenating, and that anything that lowers stress can be a good thing. “Television provides an escape, since we travel into a new world, we have the sense of being present in the imaginary world.”

Watching jewelry spin around in circles would fall under the category of “peaceful TV” or “slow TV” where not much happens…but that’s okay. There’s also no violence, loud noises and rapid edits that tire out the mind.

Okay, time for full disclosure:

This is all a shameless plug for Schubach TV. Our videos have been watched close to a million times on YouTube. We theorize that not only do people like checking out jewelry to potentially buy, they also simply enjoy the quietude of watching pretty things spinning in circles.

Ready to unplug? Check this out!

absolutus infinitus symbol 

One of the most amazing aspects of jewelry? Throughout time and across history, the same symbols have appeared over and over again. We share a collective knowledge of its meaning, whether we’re conscious of it or now. Isn’t that special?

Take the Infinity Symbol, for instance. Its “sideways eight” shape has appeared in the cross of Saint Boniface (wrapped around the bars of a Latin Cross).

But its John Wallis who is credited with introducing the infinity symbol in 1655. Wallis didn’t detail his reasoning for use of this symbol but its theorized to be a variation of the number 1,000 (originally CIƆ, also CƆ) meaning “many.”

If we take a deeper dive, this symbol has become identified with a variation of the ouroboros, an ancient image of a snake eating its own tail. Its come to symbolize THE INFINITE, since like a circle, there is no end.

Wearing an infinity symbol as pendant signifies long-lasting love, whether its with a significant other, a family member or friend or something more spiritual, like an infinite love of self or a god figure.

If you’re considering a custom design piece with a specialized symbol like this one or any other, let us create one imbued with the meaning that’s special just for you!

As seasoned custom designers, we’ve seen three stone engagement rings wax and wane in popularity during our decades in business… but frankly, they only wane so much.

Visually, there’s the classic appeal of a three stone ring, with it’s dazzling “wrapping effect” around the finger.

But perhaps more importantly, there’s the deep significance that resides in a three stone engagement ring. Of course, there’s the obvious symbolism: a ring that represents the past, present and future of love.

Some opt for the middle stone to be the largest, to serve as a reminder of the importance of living in the present, not holding on to grudges from the past or worrying excessively about the future.

Three stones can also symbolize fidelity, friendship and love–a wearable reminder of the keys to a good relationship.

Lastly, three stone rings can also possess religious significance with the stones representing the Holy Trinity.

So as you see, a three stone ring can mean many things to the wearer. One thing it always means? Beauty.

Let us custom design a three stone engagement ring that’s right for you. We’re experts at translating your deepest wishes into a wearable reality.

If you have a significant male in your life, share this. So many jewelry mistakes can be easily avoided so YOU get the jewelry of your dreams.

The takeaway: an informed customer is a happy customer. When men spend the time to research and ask questions, the women in their life receive a lifetime benefit.

What is a bullet cut diamond?

Well you can guess what it’s named after so we won’t bore you with the backstory. Consider them baguettes with one narrow end cut into a V-shape.

There are two kinds of diamond bullets: tapered and straight. Tapered bullets are generally considered more attractive.

Step cut bullets pair well with Emerald and Asscher cut diamonds in the center (as seen in the example above).

Brilliant cut bullets pair well with brilliant cut center stones, including colored stones, a particularly fetching look.

If you’re looking for a custom design ring with bullet cut diamonds or diamond alternatives, let us shoot you in the right direction! 

Is your jewelry out of sight, out of mind? Upgrade your storage space!

As Christie Ressel comically describes, many women use an old box or drawer for their accessories, meaning they don’t have easy access–things are just too messy and cramped. This means less wear of more precious items. Out of sight, out of mind.

Why not expand your horizons and open up your jewelry storage space? Isn’t it time?

Nothing tickles our fancy more than pale gems with just the slightest hint of color. There’s something so perfectly subtle about them, as if they barely whisper, the wisp of unspoken words or romantic thoughts blowing in a light breeze.

Prasiolite is a green variety of quartz, a silicate mineral chemically silicon dioxide. Since 1950, almost all natural prasiolite has come from a small Brazilian mine though its also since been mined in Lower Silesia in Poland. Naturally occurring prasiolite has also been found in the Thunder Bay area of Canada.

Green quartz is often incorrectly called green amethyst. It is against the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines to call prasiolite “green amethyst.” Other names for green quartz are vermarine, greened amethyst or lime citrine.

The word prasiolite literally means “scallion green-colored stone” and is derived from Greek.

I love thrift stores. Its a fun and fairly inexpensive gamble. Will I find a treasure? Will it be a great price? Or will I just “donate” it back to the thrift store in less than a year? 

Luckily, a little knowledge goes a long way. You have to know what to look for in order to really “score.” And no one knows better about silver scores than this guy. He details the best ways to identify good sterling silver using easy techniques (keep an eye out for platters).

Most of us don’t think of accessories when it comes to the “slimming effect.” But accessories are “worn” just like clothing, right? Take a look at this video for some tips on wearing vertical jewelry to “keep the eye going down.”

Also, some great pointers on jewelry repurposing.

The world of metals is vast and confusing. But we’re about to make it a little easier. Prepare yourself for some metal education !

What’s the Difference Between Sterling Silver and Stainless Steel?

Well, let’s talk about what stainless steel and sterling silver have in common first: both are alloys (meaning they are metals made up a combination of two other metals).

Now for the differences:

Stainless steel is made up of steel and chromium. It contains within it the strength and durability of steel with the luster, easy maintenance and resistance to corrosion of chromium. Stainless steel is used in surgical equipment, cookware, architecture and jewelry, among many other uses.

Sterling silver is made up of silver and another metal, most commonly copper, though potentially zinc or platinum. Silver by itself is too soft for most functional purposes, hence why its alloyed with another metal. This means it has the strength and functionality of the alloyed metal with the beautiful and lustrous appearance of silver.

Sterling silver is used to produce cutlery, jewelry, musical instruments (some manufacturers prefer to use sterling silver over brass).

Differences between sterling silver and stainless steel also include:

Stainless Steel:

More scratch resistant than silver

Doesn’t tarnish

Less lustrous

Sterling silver:

Less scratch resistant than steel

Tarnishes

More lustrous

Lighter in weight

One of the main benefits of sterling silver is its appearance; it looks brighter and shinier. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is more durable and can last longer; it doesn’t tarnish but its also not as shiny.

Sterling Silver Tip: If you see a marking on that reads “.925,” this signifies the minimum fineness required for an object to be considered sterling silver.

A pure silver business card.