Happy Stories From our customers

A ring that Bernhard Schobinger made in 2010 by impaling a chunk of smoky quartz on a countersink nail.

We would love to check out the latest installation currently running at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (but it’s a long drive from Scottsdale). It’s called “Beyond Bling” and presents jewelry worthy of the status of art, not mere adornment. This includes a ring that Bernhard Schobinger made in 2010 by impaling a chunk of smoky quartz on a countersink nail [pictured above].

“Beyond Bling showcases an extraordinary assemblage of contemporary studio jewelry from the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The exhibition, which features a selection of 50 works from the gift of over 300 pieces from collector Lois Boardman, explores the use of nontraditional materials and techniques, the ways jewelry can communicate personal or political messages, and the medium’s potential to shock and delight. The collection is the first of its kind to enter a museum on the West Coast.”

Save

All diamonds are not created equal. But you knew that, right? Our longstanding belief is that the more informed our clients are, the happier they are with their final decision.

This video highlights an important point: “not all diamonds which have the same grade of clarity are of the same quality when viewed under the microscope.” That means that simply because a diamond is given a grade of clarity, doesn’t mean they all look the same. There is a range within a certain grade that should be considered before committing to the purchase of the gem.

Understanding the source of the gems you choose for your engagement ring is key to making a sound decision prior to your purchase. Why? Because there’s a bigger global context to the gem trade you may want to consider. This smart little video gives you a glimpse into the world of gem mining and the effects it has on the land and people surrounding it.

“A brief look at the route gemstones take from mines to market in Burma (Myanmar), starting in the Mountains of Mogok and finishing at the Thai border. Hosted by Charles Lawson of Lawson Gems.”

It’s stunning!!! Thank you guys for everything! WOOT WOOT!!

I.C.

Understanding a ring’s anatomy is critical when deciding on an engagement ring. And while most focus on the size and cut of the gem, let’s us not forget the power of the prong!

Different ring designs demand different numbers of prongs. As you might guess, less prongs means less of the gem is covered meaning more access to light and more sparkle.

Four prongs create more a clean, linear and often square look whereas six prongs tend to showcase a rounded shape of a gem more effectively. Too many prongs can overwhelm a smaller gem and too few prongs can leave to an unsafe setting for your ring (something you definitely don’t want!).

Want a less visible look to the prongs on your engagement ring? Consider using white metal which not only highlights the metal but makes the gem appear larger (something you definitely do want!).

Here are a few examples of smartly placed prongs: