Happy Stories From our customers

Thumb rings are once again rising in popularity. Celebrities such as fashion guru Rachel Zoe, Nicole Richie, Vanessa Hudgens, Jessica Alba and Paul Walker can be seen sporting them.

But what do rings worn on the thumb signify and is it a look you’d like to try?

In his book “Mystic’s Musings,” Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev warned women to never wear any rings on their thumbs as it “will lead to attracting occult forms.” We’re not so sure about that. But it can send a message apparently.

According to Spiritual Cookie, thumb rings can signify power and dominance.

By putting a ring of strength on the finger of control, a person with a thumb ring may express a need to have control over things. They may have a strong need to do things their own way. An example of this could be a fashion stylist or designer who enjoys influencing  others regarding what to wear eg. fashion designer Rachel Zoe.

Some say that the placement of the ring signifies sexual preference or relationship status.

But perhaps the best “inner meaning” for wearing a thumb ring according to one wearer?

“I think it means I like thumb rings.”

Two thumbs up for that response!

We’re perfectionists here at Joseph Schubach Jewelers, but mistakes can happen. Custom design jewelry making is a creative process, after all. And like all artists, we need to push the boundaries to get the look we want. It’s those very boundaries that allow us to learn and improve…but its not always seamless.

This video details one student’s process where a mistake becomes just another form of education.

Now if we could only apply that same “it’s good to make mistakes” philosophy to life!

Obviously, we can’t stop extolling the virtues of custom design jewelry. And for many reasons.

But today, we’re going to focus one on aspect that we think is of the utmost importance:

You’ll never look at a premade ring the way you look at a custom design ring.

It’s true. And if you don’t believe us, listen to thousands of our happy customers over the years. When you choose every component of your ring, each part represents something to you personally. How could a box store ring ever compete with this kind of personalization?

A custom design ring becomes an extension of you–a symbol of your special love, your creativity. Like a fingerprint, there is only like it–and you’re wearing it.

Its that profound sense of uniqueness that makes a custom design ring feel extra special…and only grows in fondness as years go by.

This is an often disputed jewelry cleaning tip. Some swear by it, some swear at it (after they see the scratches it can cause).

This video points out some of the hazards of using toothpaste on jewelry (especially softer metals like gold).

We advise going to your jeweler and having your jewelry polished professionally…no toothpaste needed and no scratches!

The original brooches weren’t exactly adornment per se; they served more practical purposes, like securing clothes so they stay put. Early brooches were made of shell, bone, carved stone and wood.

But brooches evolved, as did most kinds of jewelry. Craftspeople began using higher quality and more precious metals. By the 1400’s, brooches were embedded with gem stones. At this point, brooches served as method to show wealth and status and became less about practical purposes (like keeping your coat closed).

By the 1940’s and 50’s, smaller “cocktail brooches” were often seen on the stylish lapel of its wearer. By the 70’s, brooches became more fun and reflected pop art of the time.

Today, brooches bring a touch of sophistication and elegance to even the simplest of outfits.

We’d love to custom design a brooch design from the heart. A wearable keepsake to pass down to generations.

Vintage Brooch Faux Pearls and Enamel Flowers.

If you wonder why I look forlorn, its the earrings!

Many of us wonder how our mothers wore clip earrings back in the day. Seriously, how did they manage to get through an entire evening without screaming “take these damn things off of me now!”

Cut to years later, when you find a pair of cute-as-heck clip earrings at a vintage shop. Can I withstand the pain, like my foremothers before me, you ask yourself?

Yes, you can! 

But there’s a secret your mom probably didn’t know about: foam backing.

Simply find the kind of adhesive-backed foam used for eyeglass nose pads, found in most eyeglass repair kits. (They’re also sold separately.) These little pads have a backing that, once peeled off, exposes a strong adhesive site. Trim the pad to fit the backing of your clip earring then carefully (after removing the adhesive strip) place on the back of your earrings.

Voila! Comfort.

Another tip to keep in mind: if you do choose clip earrings, opt for lighter or smaller size earrings. These will naturally put less weight and pull on the lobe.

What are screw back earrings and why would you choose to wear earrings that require a more effort to put on?

Screw back earrings are a type of earring back that requires being screwed on rather than pushed into a backing. The earring post itself is threaded, which enables the backing to be rotated until it is completely screwed on.

Why would you choose a backing like this? One reason, for sure: security. These earrings are near impossible to lose because they require the process of unscrewing to loosen them (unlike traditional backings which can work their way off the earring).

Screw backs are commonly seen on rings of higher value as well as children’s earrings (since children have an uncanny way of testing jewelry to its limits!).

How to wear screw back earrings comfortably? 

Of utmost importance is the level of tightness. Screw backs can be worn comfortably when screwed in tight enough to stay firmly in place but not too tight that it hurts within minutes of wearing it. Its a tough balance to strike, so keep experimenting.

1.50ct t.w. Moissanite, 14kt White Gold With Screw Backs Classic screw back, wire basket earrings with 1.50ct t.w. (dia equiv) Charles and Colvard created round moissanite, 14kt yellow gold.

This touching and distinctive video details one woman’s journey, as she seamlessly integrates heirlooms her mother passed down to her with more modern pieces. The common theme: gold and its deeper meaning for the woman who wears it.

The message is clear: all old earring “rules” are done and dusty. Same and simple is dull. Make room for more experimentation and creativity when decorating your ears. Throw an ear party! 

This fun (and well-edited) video showcases the many ways you can experiment with various earrings types and sizes, including popular statement earring looks.