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Jewelry Education and Advice

  • Jewelry – The Original Adornment

    Humans. We’re weird animals. We’re the only living creature that feels the need to adorn our bodies. And it’s been going on for some time. How long? Oh just 75,000 years – give or take a centuries.

    Jewelry was not only used for adornment but protection. Certain stones and natural objects were endowed with magical powers that could heal the sick or protect the hunter or keep the sky from falling (really bad thunderstorms concerned our ancient relatives!)

    The next time you choose a piece of jewelry, think in terms of its power and what you want your new heirloom to represent. Perhaps it signifies ever-lasting love. Or good luck. Or protection. Or wholeness.

    Whatever you decide, remember, jewelry is a powerful form of adornment. Buy or better yet, design a piece, with that in mind! Whether its moissanite or natural diamonds or Gemesis or sapphires or rubies – all gems and metals possess a certain energy, shaped by your desires and wishes.

    Oldest Jewelry

    The oldest jewelry recorded in history is made of tiny Mollusk Nassarius kraussianus. Scientist discovered that primitive humans used this tiny mollusk as beads to decorate themselves.

  • Sizing your Ring Finger

    Sizing your ring finger correctly is key to a happy relationship between you and your new work of art. A ring that doesn’t fit correctly is more likely to fall off or simply be a constant nuisance. Take the time to do it correctly with the tips below:

    • Find a piece of string or strip of paper no wider than 3/4 inch. Wrap it around the base of the appropriate ring finger. Use a pen to mark the point on the string/paper where it overlaps, forming a complete circle. With a ruler with millimeters (mm), measure the length from the starting end of the string/paper to the pen mark. This is your ring size in millimeters. Now use the chart below to determine your ring size.

    Ring Size
    (USA)

    Measured Size
    (mm)

    3 44.1
    3.5 45.4
    4 46.7
    4.5 48.0
    5 49.2
    5.5 50.5
    6 51.8
    6.5 53.1
    7 54.3
    7.5 55.6
    8 56.9
    8.5 58.2
    9 59.4
    9.5 60.7
    10 62.0
    10.5 63.3
    11 64.5
    11.5 65.8
    12 67.1
    12.5 68.3

    Some more tips?

      • Don’t measure cold fingers, as this is when fingers are their smallest.
      • For the most accurate reading, measure the finger at the end of the day when the finger is the largest.
      • If you’re buying the ring as a surprise, ask your partner’s mother or a friend if they know the finger size.
      • Borrow one of your partners rings and slide it down a tapered candle. Then measure according to the chart above.

    And here’s a ring that fits any woman’s heart:

    Moissanite Ring

    Style 9193MR

    Round Moissanite Ring With Two Side Baguettes

    This delicately styled, hand made classic has a round Charles and Colvard created moissanite and a .21ct baguette moissanite on each side.

    Available Moissanite Total Weight: 1.42ct-2.42ct

    Call for Platinum Pricing

  • Vintage Wedding Jewelry – Create your Own Heirloom

    Moissanite or Gemesis can take the place of diamonds. Even Cubic Zirconia will do. When you create your own vintage piece of wedding jewelry, you don’t need to stick to tradition that much! It’s a new day and age. Eco-conscious people in the know understand that they can get their million dollar look for a fraction of the cost. At Joseph Schubach Jewelers, we can create an heirloom from the materials (and price) you choose.

    And let’s not forget actual vintage pieces. Your grandmother’s wedding ring saves you and your spouse much needed moola while adding history to your nuptials.

    Here are some genuine vintage engagement rings:

  • What Earrings Suit your Face?

    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)


  • What do Queen Victoria and Gwen Stefani have in Common?

    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.
    A vintage Charm piece from the Victorian era

    Today’s Charm Bracelet
  • The Micro Pave Movement

    “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

  • The MTV Awards – What Stars Shined


    The trend at star-studden ceremonies such as the MTV Music awards last week still remains subdued: a little understated but dazzling nonetheless. Many fashion critics raved over the Cameron Diaz’s simple but effective wide, textured metal white-metal cuff, sprinkled with diamonds set in yellow gold. More yellow gold encircles the cuff’s outer edges.

    Vanessa Hudgens kept it simple as well with two pendant necklaces:
    moissanite-sweetheart-pendant-necklace-joseph-schubach-jewelers
    Sandra Bullock accented her outfit suitably, with little fanfare, with these mixed metal cylindrical earrings:

    And any star in the know knows they can’t go wrong with diamond stud earrings, like these worn by Hayden Panettiere:

    Take a look at our diamond stud earrings, bound to please any loved one and accent any outfit perfectly, whether its the red carpet or a simple night out on the town:

    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)

  • Ugliest Engagement Rings Ever!

    Many people walk into Joseph Schubach Jewelers, confessing they know very little about engagement rings. Of course, we're more than happy to help them through the process. An ill-executed engagement ring, well…could end up in a lack of an engagement!

    So here, for your amusement (and warning!) are several photos of some of the worst engagement rings we could find:

    Engagementring
    Ugliestengagementrings

    Eyes
    Eggs

    Attachment 

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    Addon

    Okay, now erase those images from your memory…please. And take a look at one of our decidedly non-ugly engagement rings…so you know the difference:

    Joseph-schubach-engagement-rings

    Cushion Cut Moissanite Ring With Pave' Diamonds And Six Genuine Sapphires

    Gorgeous
    pave' diamond and cushion cut moissanite ring. This ring contains one
    Charles and Colvard created moissanite with diamond accent stones and
    six genuine blue sapphires for a total gem weight of over 3.50ct!

     

  • Jewelry Trends for 2009 – an Eye toward India

    As our collective purse strings pull a little tighter, luxury items like jewelry may begin to seem out of reach. But actually, this is the time to treat and adorn yourself. It's sort of an "outside in" approach; when you feel better about your look, you attract more plenty.

    That's right. Look rich and get rich!

    The nice part with the trends of this season is they are affordable as well. At Joseph Schubach Jewelers, we're happy to work with you to create jewelry that is distinctly yours.

    So what are some of the hot looks for jewelry this year?

    Look toward India for the answer. As our global awareness increases, India and it's bright, rich colors are bedecking more and more women around the world. The palette of colors? Warm, with corals, yellow and turquoise taking the foreground.

    Take a look at the photo below for colorful inspiration.

    Joseph-schubach-custom-made-jewelry

     


  • Joseph Schubach Jewelers Christens its New Facebook Business Page

    Even though we have 3 generations of stellar jewelry service under our belt, we know the importance of changing with the times. Facebook has seen a massive increase in traffic in the past year. Just look at some of the statistics:

    • More than 150million active users
    • Average user has 120 friends on the site
    • More than 3 billion minutes are spent on Facebook each day (worldwide)
    • More than 15 million users update their statuses at least once each day
    • More than 3.5 million users become fans of Pages each day

    If you haven't joined Facebook, it's time to get with the program…literally! It's easy to join and allows you to connect with friends and businesses on a global platform.

    Once you've joined, come visit our Joseph Schubach Business Page and become a Fan. It's an more intimate way we can connect with our favorite customers!

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