Happy Stories From our customers

If you’re still processing last night’s Golden Globes awards, we’re right there with you. Between the quasi-political speeches (President Winfrey?) and glimpses of this year’s best films, there wasn’t nearly the focus on the fashion that we like.

But that’s fine. We get it. There’s a lot going on in today’s world and fashion can’t always be given the primary focus.

Besides, there was one fashion statement that simply couldn’t be overlooked. Most of the women in attendance wore all black.

According to Newsweek:

Transitional on the left, OEC on the right

You know it when it happens. That red circle around your finger when you remove your favorite ring. Or that itchy sensation around your neck after donning that seriously cute costume necklace.

Jewelry rash erupts whenever certain metals react with certain skins. More than just itchy, skin irritation from jewelry can discourage you from wearing that piece of jewelry…and that’s a fashion crime!

Our advice?

Invest in high quality jewelry.

There. We said it.

Jewelry rash is most commonly caused by cheap jewelry (mainly because of the nickel contained within it). And while we love the fun of costume jewelry like everyone else, we much prefer good jewelry that lasts longer and irritates less.

Affordable jewelry often has a coating that prevents irritating nickel from causing a reaction. But that coating wears off eventually. In the case of high-quality jewelry? No chipping or wearing away. And no irritation.

The takeaway? While we’d love to tell you to buy whatever jewelry strikes your fancy, when it comes to allergic skin reactions, you’re better off investing in solid jewelry built to last a long, long time instead.

Learning about gems is a science in its own right. But that doesn’t mean you have to go back to school to learn.

Education at Joseph Schubach Jewelers is quick, easy and best of all…free! 

So let’s talk luster. The terminology surrounding luster is a bit more complicated than the terminology surrounding brilliance (the amount of light reflected out of the crown of the gem to the eye). Brilliance is rather easy to describe: more or less. Luster language gets a little more dense.

But first, what is luster? Luster is the manner by which light interacts with the surface of a gem. The word holds its origins in Latin. Lux (meaning “light”) and generally implies radiance, gloss or brilliance.

A glass-like luster (called vitreous) is most frequently found in transparent faceted gems such as sapphire, emerald, ruby and tourmaline. Other “lustrous” names? Silky (such as tiger’s eye), resinous (think amber) and greasy (yep…that would be jadeite, unfortunately).

That was pretty painless, right? Better yet, just call us for more information on luster. We love talking shop!

(Okay, these necklaces are a bit more suited for summer fashion but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your necklace in winter and prepare!)

What we like about knot necklaces? The casual, textured look it provides. Unlike metal necklaces, rope knot necklaces capitalize on material, making it more of a simple extension of your outfit, like a collar.

According to the EPA, 80% of what people throw away during the time between Thanksgiving and New Years can actually be recycled.

If you’re anything like us, you have a ton of it around you at this very moment. And its not just gifts unfortunately. It’s packaging.

Before you go and toss that wrapping paper out (chances are, you can’t), take a listen to this helpful video: