Call for expert help (888) 724-8222

Jewelry News

  • Warren Buffet gives Thumbs Up to Gold

    Famous billionaire investor Warren Buffet announced that he has decided to begin investing in gold.

    Not so long ago Mr. Buffet, the world-renowned billionaire investor, was hardly interested in the precious metal. Mr. Buffet announced that he has decided to begin investing in gold by acquiring several gold miners and consolidating them into the newly formed Richline Group. The main target is to become the largest jewelry supply group in the United States. Among his bets are two jewelry manufacturing giants: Bel-Oro International and Aurafin.

    It is projected that combined, these firms will tally for 6% of the world’s gold jewelry market. The transaction is planned to close in fall of this year. The Richline Group is expected to hire 2000 workers and generate over 500 million dollars in revenue.

    Source: Jewelry Central

  • Harrods – Going for the Gold

    Looking to buy that special someone a practical gift this holiday season? Bypass the necklaces and the rings and go straight for the gold. That’s what you can do at Harrods. For under a half a million, you can purchase a bar of gold. What woman could say no?

    Gold jewelry has always been a high-end offering at London’s famous luxury department store – but now they’re offering shoppers the ultimate gold accessory.

    Gold has always been an attractive investment, whether you’re buying it to wear, to decorate your home or – for some investors – to store in your vault. With the price of gold cresting over $1,000 an ounce, many gold followers want to get in on the action – and Harrods, of all places, is answering the call.

    Harrods is betting that their customers will want to buy gold bars at the same place they buy their gold bangles. Go figure? They’re offering bars of pure Swiss gold bullion out of a miniature vault in addition to a selection of valuable gold coins from around the world.

    The new gold sales are part of a collaboration with the Swiss refiner Produits Artistiques Metaux Precieux. Customers can also buy online and then collect their purchase in person. A full-sized gold bar would cost about $466,000, and those who don’t have a place to store it can also arrange for a safe deposit box, vault or international service courier.

    Source: Jewelry.com

    Here’s a more affordable alternative:

    Style 6907WB

    Tri-Color Gold Wedding Band With Woven Design

    14kt tri-color gold wedding band, satin finished woven design with rope accents, high polished edges with 7.5mm wide.

    Trade Up

  • Faberge Makes a Comeback after 90 Years

    Fabergé, jeweler to the last Russian czar and creator of the legendary Imperial Easter eggs, made a comeback of sorts Wednesday when it presented its first jewelry collection in more than 90 years, even as other luxury goods makers are bracing for a tough year.


    A firebird brooch from the Fabergé jewelry collection.

    The collection is the result of a two-year effort by Fabergé’s owners, a group of investors led by the British private-equity firm Pallinghurst Resources, to revive the brand by reuniting it with two heirs of the Fabergé family.

    The firm also assembled a management and design team that includes Mark Dunhill, former president of Alfred Dunhill, a leather and accessories maker owned by the Swiss luxury goods company Richemont, and Frédéric Zaavy, an avant-garde Parisian jeweler.

    And in an unusual twist, Fabergé said it would not sell the colorful gemstone earrings, rings and brooches through retail outlets, but through its Web site and 15 sales representatives.

    “Rather than replicating inventory and investing capital in bricks and mortar, we can invest in making unique jewelry,” Mr. Dunhill said Wednesday.

    Created in St. Petersburg in 1842, Fabergé grew to become one of Russia’s largest and most successful producers of jewelry and art works. When Czar Alexander III commissioned Peter Carl Fabergé to make an Easter present for his wife, he created the first Fabergé egg; 49 more followed.

    The new collection does not include any eggs, but it is strikingly colorful and based on motifs, like flowers and animals, from collections created more than 100 years ago. Prices range from $40,000 for a ring to $7 million for a bracelet inspired by Monet’s “Water Lilies.” The company said it expected to turn a profit within five years.

    Source: NYTimes

  • The Basics or Bling – why not both?

    It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why jewelry sales have been slumping these last few years. People are more concerned about meeting expenses, so bling is taking a serious backseat:

    Jewelry “sales were down 10 to 20 percent last year — I can’t imagine they won’t be again this year,” said Dione Kenyon, president of the Jewelers Board of Trade, a credit-reporting agency for the industry. “I hear people say, ‘Oh, things will [improve] and go back to the old days.’ You don’t go back to the old days — there is a new order.”

    There is a new order…and maybe that’s not such a bad thing. The economy as well as an ever-emerging eco-consciousness is shifting. Jewelry purchases now include non-mined gemstones like Gemesis or moissanite, whose quality is only increasing. These are not “wannabes” gems. They are spectacular stones in their own right, surpassing the diamond in certain areas.

    Maybe this new movement isn’t such a bad thing. The consumer still gets his or her “bling thing” for a better price and a greener world.

    Stop by our MOISSANITE GALLERY and our GEMESIS GALLERY.

    Be part of the new order!

    Prong Set Seven Stone Moissanite Wedding Band

    Seven stone, prong set wedding band with Charles and Colvard created round moissanite. This ring has the look of an anniversary band without the stones going completely around.

    Available Moissanite Total Weight: .35ct-1.75ct

  • A One of a Kind Diamond Destined to make Two People Very Happy

    The person who receives this diamond will love it for its beauty and mystique and the joy of wearing it. The person giving it will love the incredible deal and the smiles it brings. However, there’s only one diamond like this, so when it’s gone, it’s gone.

    Pear Shape Diamond
    5.01ct Pear Shape Diamond (14.5mmx9mm)

    A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

    As we are seeing in the current real estate market, unprecedented deals on important gemstones are popping up, where prices are marked significantly below average. We are able to present this rare and beautiful natural pear-shaped diamond for less than it would be wholesale in today’s market and markedly less than its retail price of a year ago.

    This diamond weighs 5.01 carats, has a color of F, a clarity of VS2 and is accompanied by a Gemological Institute of America (GIA) diamond grading report. The color places it in the highest “colorless” category according to the GIA diamond grading system. The clarity assures you that there are absolutely no visible inclusions to the eye.

    The beauty of this particular diamond lies with the cut, or the way this diamond is proportioned: to reflect the most amount of light that enters the stone. Unlike round diamonds, fancy-shaped diamonds do not have an exact mathematical formula or set of parameters to follow to allow for maximum brilliance. The diamond cutter is the artist, when it comes to creating fancy-shaped diamonds. It is his or her knowledge, expertise and skill that ultimately determine how brilliant and bright the diamond will be.

    And brilliance, after all, is what a diamond is all about. Brilliance is what makes a diamond speak to you or what captivates you.

    This particular pear-shaped gem has one of the prettiest cuts we’ve seen. It has an elegant, graceful, elongated shape and the radiance this diamond exudes is breathtaking. The color is crystal clear (again, it falls in the top “colorless” category, according to GIA.) These two factors – the fire and the color – assure you that this diamond will be a constant eye-catcher.

    To add to its rarity, this is a naturally occurring diamond, found in nature and not man-made. The size and quality of this stone make it even more rare. A search on a leading online diamond dealer shows a similar diamond with one color grade better costing over $100,000.00 more than the price of this diamond. One can only imagine the price this would command from any of the leading national or international jewelry houses.

    And again, to assure you of the quality of this diamond, it is accompanied by a Diamond Grading Report from the Gemological Institute of America, the world’s foremost authority on diamonds and diamond grading. A report by the GIA far outweighs any other kind of diamond grading report. The GIA is the final authority when it comes to diamond grading and identification. After all, they are the originators of the grading system and the place gemologists go for their training. Any important diamond sold in the market, whether wholesale, in a retail store or at auction, is accompanied by a GIA report. For more information visit the GIA website.

    A diamond of this quality would be stunning in a hand-crafted ring or necklace or would be a great addition to an investment portfolio. In the diamond world, as in real estate, this is a “buyer’s market.” If you can take advantage of this rare opportunity, the time to act is now.

    For additional information and pricing, contact Joe Schubach personally at 888-724-8222.

    38ct D color, flawless clarity pear-shaped diamond necklace owned by Christina Onassis

    38ct D color, flawless clarity pear-shaped diamond necklace once owned by Christina Onassis

    Pear-shaped diamond ring29ct D color, Flawless pear-shaped diamond ring offered at Sotheby’s

  • Luxury Goods – Moving the Party to Hong Kong

    A billboard advertising the recent Sotheby’s auction of a wine collection at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Center.

    In what the New York Times is calling a “tectonic shift,” luxury goods traditionally auctioned off at houses based in New York City or Geneva are now moving the activities to Asia. This includes the upcoming auction of the bubble-gum 5 carat “Vivid Pink” diamond, which will take place in Hong Kong:

    Christie’s and its rival Sotheby’s say that within the past few years, their hub in Asia, in the financial center of Hong Kong, has emerged as a top location for their sales of top-dollar jewelry, gems and fine wines. Asians have also become major buyers of ultraluxury goods at the auction houses’ sales in cities like London, New York and Geneva.

    Rolls-Royce, which did not even have dealerships in Asia until 2003, immediately got 20 orders for its new $250,000 Ghost when it presented the car in Hong Kong last month, despite taxes that effectively double that price.

    For Christie’s and the others, moving auctions and business to Asia is a calculated decision reflecting the shift in the consumer base.

    In May last year, Christie’s sold its clear 101-carat Shizuka diamond in Hong Kong for $6.2 million. That sale and the one coming Dec. 1 of its big pink diamond “are both great examples showing how important this market has become at the very top end,” said Vickie Sek, head of jewelry at Christie’s Asia.

    “Both stones would have been offered in New York or Geneva just a few short years ago,” she said.

    Hammered by the financial crisis last year, many of the world’s economies are struggling to grow. Billionaires in Russia and the Middle East are taking a hit from lower oil prices. And consumers in the world’s traditional spending powerhouse, the United States, are weighed down by debt and expected to be much more cautious about opening their wallets for quite some time.

  • 507 Carat White Diamond Found in South African Mine

    Some mines have all the luck! Take Petra Diamonds, who just stumbled across this beaut:

    JOHANNESBURG — Mining group Petra Diamonds has discovered a 507.55 carat white diamond at South Africa’s Cullinan mine, one of the largest high-quality rough diamonds ever found, the firm said on Tuesday.

    “This spectacular gemstone was recovered on Thursday 24 September and is currently with experts for analysis,” said a statement released by the London-listed company which operates mainly in Africa.

    Initial examinations of the diamond which weighs just over 100 grams (3.5 ounces), have shown it to be of exceptional colour and clarity.

    The diamond is undergoing colour grading, but is believed to be a rare Type II diamond, with very low traces of nitrogen — considered an impurity — making them among the most transparent and colourless of the gems.

    “The Cullinan mine has again given the world a spectacularly beautiful and important diamond… we now eagerly await the findings of the expert analysis,” said Johan Dippenaar, Petra?s chief executive.

    The precious stone was found alongside three other special white gems of similar colour and clarity, a large diamond of 168.00 carats and two other stones of 58.50 and 53.30 carats.

    The mine which was previously owned by diamond mining giant De Beers, is renowned for the discovery of the famed Cullinan Diamond in 1905, which is part of the British crown jewels and weighed 3106 carats.

    In May 2008, the mine produced a sparkling 101.27 carat diamond, roughly the size of a ping-pong ball.

    The Cullinan Diamond Mine is the third richest diamond producing mine in South Africa.

    Source: Canada.com

    If a weighty diamond is a little out of of your fiscal comfort level, take a look at our Moissanite gallery. Not only is moissanite highly affordable, its quality is unsurpassed and eco-friendly.

  • Affluent Households Still Buying Jewelry

    Just when you think just about everyone is pulling their purse strings a little tighter, a new report shows that the wealthiest in the U.S. still consider jewelry a priority and are still spending:

    According to JCKOnline.com:

    Affluent households, those making $100,000-plus a year, have spent roughly 3 percent of their annual discretionary income on watches and jewelry so far this year. With 20 percent of American households categorized as affluent, 15.1 million affluent adults spent $21 billion on fine watches and jewelry, with almost $16 billion spent on fine jewelry alone, according to the 2009 Mendelsohn Affluent Survey.

    Based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s current population surveys, the Mendelsohn Affluent Survey estimates that there are 43.1 million affluent heads of house living in an estimated 23.9 million households. As of the start of 2009, the estimated 20 percent of affluent American households have a total household income of $4.6 trillion; that’s just over half of the $8 trillion the U.S. government estimates is the total household income for all Americans, according the recent survey.

    Of that $4.6 trillion, the survey estimates there’s annual discretionary spending of $1.2 trillion spent in 120-plus categories. The top-three discretionary spending categories are “home-related” (19 percent), “personal insurance” (8 percent), and “travel” (16 percent). “Watch and jewelry” purchases account for 3 percent of that discretionary spending pie, which is tied with “personal care and wellness.” Affluent Americans spend 2 percent of their discretionary income on “weddings” and “alcohol” and spend more on “computers and electronics” (5 percent), “leisure, entertainment and dining” (7 percent), and “apparel” (10 percent).

    Additionally, the 2009 survey also measures close to 1,000 name-brand products and services (including fashion and apparel brands, watches and jewelry brands, home electronics brands, travel brands, financial service brands, etc.). Of the 43.1 million affluent households that shopped at a store in the past year, 6 percent shopped at Tiffany & Co. with 1.2 percent shopping at Bailey, Banks & Biddle.

    The percentage of affluent households that shopped at exclusive jewelry designers and watch shops include Cartier (6 percent), David Yurman (1.3 percent), Tourneau (0.7 percent),Van Cleef & Arpels (0.3 percent), and Harry Winston (0.2 percent).

    The results of the 2009 Affluent Survey are based on 13,275 completed questionnaires from male and female heads of house with household incomes of $100,000 or more.

    If you’re not of the upper crust, not to worry – jewelry can still be a priority in your life. Tell us what you can afford and we can create a hand-crafted piece of jewelry with your budget in mind. View our custom jewelry designs for inspiration!

  • The Hope Diamond, in the Buff

    Leave your children at home for this one: the infamous Hope diamond will be stripped of it’s current setting and show off its true colors for all the world to see.

    That’s right- the world’s most famous gem is getting naked to celebrate it’s 50 year birthday at the Smithsonian.

    To honor the rare 45.52-carat blue diamond, the museum is designing three possible new settings for the stone, inviting the public to vote for their favorite by visiting:

    http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/smithsonian/hope.html

    The winning setting will be announced this fall, and the gem will be shown in its new digs starting in May to celebrate the premiere of a Smithsonian Channel documentary on the diamond.

    In the meantime, The Hope will be hanging out in the buff – a first for the storied gem.

    “This is a rare and exciting opportunity for people to see the Hope Diamond as it has never been seen before,” said museum director Cristian Samper.

    Formed more that a billion years ago, the diamond was mined in India and is believed to have been part of the French crown jewels. It later came into the possession of Henry Philip Hope, whose name it carries.

    The Hope Diamond was long thought to have a curse, bringing bad luck to its owners, but Smithsonian officials say it has been kind to them, drawing throngs of visitors.

    Source: Jewelry.com

  • Russian Folkloric – Jewelry Trend for 2009

    Russian what?

    Not to worry. Perhaps this term will help a little more: bohemian.

    Think gypsy gone high fashion. This look captures bold, saturated colors like purple, ruby, gold, black, and cobalt blue. Amidst these rich colors are embellished decorations, charms, pearls, tassels and glittering stones, like rubies, sapphires and fancy colored diamonds. (Have you seen our fancy colored Gemesis, at a price just about anyone can afford?)

    Chandelier earrings will be a real hit with this nuevo Gypsy look. But more importantly, chandelier earrings are a superb addition to any wardrobe, with a classic feel that withstands trends.

    Consider designing your own chandelier earrings this fall. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Remember, we specialize in creating more than just replicas of jewelry, but jewelry to distinctly call your own: your idea, your choice of metal and stone, your style!

    Actress Emma Stone, MTV Music Awards