Happy Stories From our customers

A historically famous jewelry lover, Marie Antoinette wasn’t known for her ability to rule fairly but certainly yielded power when it came to what she wore. Even 200 years later, her fashion choices reign supreme.

A pearl and diamond pendant belonging to the French Queen Marie Antoinette has been sold for $36m in what Sotheby’s auction house is declaring a world record for a pearl.

Says the BBC:

It was part of a major collection of jewellery sold by Italy’s royal Bourbon-Parma house.

Some of the jewels had not been seen in public for 200 years.

The pendant more than tripled the previous world auction record for a pearl, which was held by a necklace that once belonged to Elizabeth Taylor.

Additional auctioned items from this ill-fated Queen include a diamond necklace, a pair of pearl and diamond earrings as well as a monogram ring with a lock of her hair.

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#2: 1.50ct F, VS2 GIA
#3: 1.50ct G, VS2 GIA

The market is flooded with fake jewelry. And that’s not a bad thing: fake jewelry has its place and can be a fun and flamboyant form of adornment. But when you think you’re getting a particular metal or gem and its something else (like a cheaper grade metal or a fake stone) well, then you got yourself a problem.

This fairly in-depth video quickly and easily displays the ways you can detect fake jewelry so you don’t fall victim to a dupe.

Does your body type influence the kind of jewelry you choose? This recent Forbes piece spotlights a jeweler who believes embracing your body type and being bold about your jewelry choices is the best way to go.

“I used to be really afraid I would be taken less seriously in professional settings as a fat woman. And I think I tried to minimize my body size by wearing jewelry that was super tiny when I was meeting with new clients or going to a conference.”

We love the theme of this piece: embracing your true self and expressing as fully as possible. Its too easy for women to find themselves downplaying aspects of their bodies. This then reflects in choices (fashion or otherwise) that are small or less than they’d naturally choose to wear.

The message in this article remind us: we can dare to be the biggest, boldest and baddest self we can be!

It happens slowly. Over time. You may not even notice it at first. But soon that shiny piece of jewelry of yours becomes oxidized and dull-looking. It’s just nature running its course. Due to moisture and oxygen, residue gathers on your jewelry, taking away its original shine.

What to do??? 

You’ve heard that expression “a stitch in time saves nine”? Well here are some preventative steps you can take to make sure you don’t fall victim to the dreaded oxidized jewelry look.

Remove jewelry before swimming. Okay, this tip should be a given. But many people find themselves in situations that challenge this long-held rule of jewelry maintenance (like a late night hot tub). Chlorine can quickly and seriously discolor many types of jewelry. So take it off (the jewelry, that is).

Avoid taking your jewelry to the bathroom. Another sneaky little environment that contains moisture that can kick-start the oxidation process. Get in the habit of removing jewelry right before you enter the bathroom and placing it somewhere safely. Once the habit is ingrained, its easier to maintain.

Store your jewelry in closed containers. Enter the jewelry box. There are several practical and pretty reasons for a jewelry box. But one real reason a jewelry box protects your jewelry: it’s a dry, humidity-free space.

So there you go. If you want to keep all of your jewelry looking the best, these little steps go a long way!

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