Jewelry Education and Advice

As we approach Halloween, we here at Joseph Schubach Jewelers love to indulge in the scary (and often perfectly tacky) traditions that make this spooky holiday particularly special. Today we focus on the the “evil eye” and jewelry that is meant to protect the wearer from it. As you’ll see, celebrities are carrying on the tradition.

The most popular method of escaping the evil eye’s effects in many cultures is by the use of evil eye talismans, evil eye symbols, and evil eye jewelry. These are meant to “reflect” the power of the evil look. The evil eye amulet originated in Greece, where it was known as an “apotropaic” amulet, meaning that it reflected harm. The most basic design of the evil eye, prevalent in the Middle East, is a talisman designed with concentric blue and white circles made to symbolize the evil eye, known as the nazar. It is often used on houses, vehicles, or jewelry.

Who thought of this brilliant idea of giving rings prior to betrothal. (What the heck is a “betrothal” anyway? ) When you buy your wedding or engagement ring, know it has a long-standing history…one you’re about to know more about!

 

Where did the tradition of giving a diamond ring for engagements originate?

At first, only one ring was used for both engagement and a wedding. Then in 1477, Maximillian of Austria decided to give an engagement ring to his wife-to-be, Mary of Burgundy

 

 

Why is the wedding rings worn on the third finger of the left hand?

Both engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because

it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart. (How sweet!)

 

Style 9585 Narrow Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring With Flat Sides And Single Groove Narrow cathedral style solitaire engagement ring with flat sides and a single groove (setting only, does not include center stone) On Sale! Save an additional 10% with purchase of a moissanite stone and setting. Use coupon code ‘Sale10’ at checkout.

 
 

 

Key rings have driven us close to the madness since the beginning of humankind. Okay, well that might be a slight exaggeration. But it can be annoying. So here’s a quick and easy technique to save your fingernails and mind.

Have you ever broken a fingernail or injured yourself trying to open a split key ring?

Some of them are so sturdy you can hardly slide a key onto them.

But here’s a simple everyday item that can easily open this type of key ring:

All you need is a regular staple remover (available nearly anywhere you can buy office supplies).

Just sink its fangs between the main part of the key ring and one of the ends – and the end spreads open easily so you can slide your key (or a decorative dangle) onto the ring.

You can quickly and painlessly load several keys, using this nifty little tool to hold the key ring open!

(Thanks to Rena Lingenberg for this advice.)

Easy Way to Open a Split Key Ring (Tutorial)

Clip-on earrings are experiencing a resurgence. But not just for the ears. Because of their vintage-y quality and unique craftsmanship, people are using them for other purposes, like sprucing up a hair-do or ponytail.

So blow the dust off of your grandmother’s clip-ons and try them out in your hair (as shown in the following video):

We all know by now that it’s all right to mix jewelry colors and metals. It’s more than all right–it can actually accentuate jewelry shades and add depth to your outfit. In this quick video, we learn the basics of mixing and matching. Try it today!

No one gives more detailed and exacting fashion advice than Marilyn Hellman. Take a few moments to listen to her words of wisdom and choose your earrings accordingly.

With statement necklaces continuing to trend this Fall, layering necklaces in the right way continues to matter. This video shows you how to layer bigger and more delicate pieces.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKO8hmbYs3A

The word carat comes from carob, a seed that is uniformed in weight.

Contrary to popular belief, family heirlooms aren’t always highly valuable pieces–at least not monetarily. They hold value because of their sentimental quality; they contain personal value.

So what are the most popular family heirlooms?(You can guess number 1!)

1. Jewelry
2. Stories
3. Furniture
4. Quilts
5. Weapons
6. Letters and Diaries
7. Photos
8. Recipes
9. Clocks
10. Musical Instruments

The Family Curator found that there are missing items from this list:

Top 15 Family Heirlooms

1. Bibles
2. Photos, Albums and Scrapbooks
3. Letters, Diaries, Datebooks
4. Clocks and Watches
5. Jewelry
6. Furniture
7. China and Silver
8. Weapons
9. Military Relics
10. Quilts and Samplers
11. Recipes
12. Clothing
13. Dolls and Toys
14. Musical Instruments
15. Christmas Decorations

 

 

Beautiful earrings don’t count for much if you can’t see them. Often earrings (especially studs) can be buried in a sea of hair, with only you appreciating their hidden beauty.

Here are a few simple hairstyle tricks to keep in mind when you want your earrings to stand out.