Happy Stories From our customers

Probably not much. But not to worry – we’re here to help. Zultanite is a trending gemstone that’s been showing its chameleon-like qualities in several prominent collections. Read on about this color-changing gem.

(above) Rhonda Faber Green’s Juliet flower ring is made in 18-karat yellow gold and features 19 carats of zultanite, 3.5 carats of diamonds and color-change garnet accents ($52,070).

Use of the color-changing stone zultanite was noticeable at Couture this year, as designers such as Stephen Webster, Erica Courtney and Rhonda Faber Green incorporated the gem into their collections.

Erica Courtney’s pyramid charm (above) is made in 18-karat yellow gold and features 28 carats of zultanite with diamonds ($62,000).

“I’m particularly interested in the phenomenon of color-change stones, and it’s compelling to be able to offer my customers a gem that has a point of difference from the marketplace,” Webster said.

Stephen Webster’s 18-karat white gold drop celestial earrings (above) feature zultanite and diamonds ($54,000).

Zultanite is marked by its chameleon-like nature, changing color from kiwi green with flashes of yellow in sunlight conditions to raspberry hues in candlelight, and a rich champagne color indoors. Named in honor of the 36 sultans who ruled the Ottoman Empire, the gemstone has been in commercial production since 2006.

John Buechner’s platinum ring (above) features a nearly 13-carat cushion cut zultanite and diamonds.

Only found at one location in the world, zultanite is mined from Turkey’s remote Anatolian Mountains exclusively by Ottoman Gem (Suisse), GmbH, at the height of just above 4,000 ft. Through increased mechanization, production of the stone is expected to double this year.

Daniel Gibbings’ 20-karat yellow gold teardrop earrings (above) hold nearly 34 carats of zultanite and ruby accents ($43,290).

According to Milenyum, most zultanite rough yields one- to three-carat gemstones and up, and is never enhanced. The company is a member of AGTA, MJSA, JBT and the International Colored Gemstone Association.

For more information, visit the official zultanite website.

Source: National Jeweler

It was amazing.  She could not have been more surprised or more excited.  Fits perfect and looks amazing on he finger.  Talk to you in 10 years when it is time for an upgrade;)

Jewelry, among other items such as clothing and accessories, fall under the category of adornment. The definition of adornment? Something that beautifies or adorns; an ornament. Of course, we know fashion runs deep and has greater implications than a simple ornament!

Here are some sagely words on the act of adorning:

The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens.  ~Author Unknown

These gems have life in them. Their colors speak, say what words fail of.  ~George Eliot

I have always felt a gift diamond shines so much better than one you buy for yourself.  ~Mae West

The finest clothing made is a person’s skin, but, of course, society demands something more than this.  ~Mark Twain

I base most of my fashion sense on what doesn’t itch.  ~Gilda Radner

If most of us are ashamed of shabby clothes and shoddy furniture, let us be more ashamed of shabby ideas and shoddy philosophies…. It would be a sad situation if the wrapper were better than the meat wrapped inside it.  ~Albert Einstein

People seldom notice old clothes if you wear a big smile.  ~Lee Mildon

It is an interesting question how far men would retain their relative rank if they were divested of their clothes.  ~Henry David Thoreau

When you can’t do something truly useful, you tend to vent the pent up energy in something useless but available, like snappy dressing.  ~Lois McMaster Bujold

Do not trouble yourself much to get new things, whether clothes or friends. Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts.  ~Henry David Thoreau

I don’t see how an article of clothing can be indecent.  A person, yes.  ~Robert A. Heinlein

Distrust any enterprise that requires new clothes.  ~Henry David Thoreau, Walden

If men can run the world, why can’t they stop wearing neckties?  How intelligent is it to start the day by tying a little noose around your neck?  ~Linda Ellerbee

Just around the corner in every woman’s mind  is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her.  ~Wilhela Cushman

A dress makes no sense unless it inspires men to want to take it off you.  ~Françoise Sagan

Any man may be in good spirits and good temper when he’s well dressed.  There ain’t much credit in that.  ~Charles Dickens

When in doubt, wear red. - Bill Blass

We’ve written many times here about the versatility, strength and beauty that is platinum. So we’re always happy to see designers showcase their skills with one of our favorite metals. Remember, if there’s a piece here that catches your eye, we can recreate it, with your personal touch. Thanks to National Jeweler for this piece:

Winners of the Platinum Guild International’s second annual 2011 JCK Platinum Innovation Awards were announced Sunday, June 5 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.Winners were chosen in six different categories, as well as two overall categories: “Best in Show” and “Editor’s Choice.” The 180 entries were reviewed by editors from leading bridal and fashion publications, and then voted on by retailers at the show.

In the entry platinum engagement ring category, Uneek Fine Jewelry Collections won with the platinum engagement ring featuring a diamond halo and shank (below), retailing for $2,495 (center stone not included in price).

In the modern platinum engagement ring category, Stuller was recognized with the platinum engagement ring with a diamond melee (below), retailing for $3,666. This entry also won in the Best in Show Category.

For the vintage-inspired platinum engagement ring category, Lieberfarb took first with the platinum engagement ring featuring a double-halo design and pave diamonds (below), retailing for $3,710 (center stone not included in price).

In the platinum wedding band category, Carlex by Crown Ring’s platinum 11-mm band with 100 diamonds (below) won, retailing for $10,000.

For the platinum fashion ring category, John Apel was recognized with his platinum flower ring with rose-cut, old miner and full-cut micro-pave diamonds from the Fleurette Collection (below), retailing for $22,000.

In the platinum fashion earrings category, A Jaffe’s platinum floral motif earrings with diamonds (below) placed first. The earrings retail for $15,000.

Parade Designs took first in the Editor’s Choice category, with the platinum engagement ring featuring a cushion-cut diamond center stone with interlaced diamonds (below), retailing for $2,495 (center stone not included in price).

My reset diamond is absolutely gorgeous- the new platinum setting is fantastic! And since my husband bought the original ring from Joe’s dad years ago, the family connection is a lovely sentimental bonus. GREAT service and GREAT price. Thanks!!
E.

The winners of the annual Couture Design Awards were announced several days ago to a standing-room-only crowd of 800 retailers and designers at the Wynn Las Vegas. This is the best of the best, when it comes to custom design jewelry. And this year, the bar was raised yet again with some of these stunning pieces:

Shaun Leane took top honors in the Colored Gemstones Above $20,000 category with his “Queen of the Night” collar, featuring more than 15 carats of pear-shaped purple sapphire, 174 carats of sapphire pave, 35 carats of diamond pave and more than 6 carats of ruby pave, all set in 18-karat blackened gold.

Federica Rettore took first place in the Colored Gemstones Below $20,000 category, with her 18-karat gold earrings (below) with rose cut and brilliant cut diamonds, more than 6 carats of multi-colored sapphires, fossil coral and gun-barrel stainless steel. (1st Runner Up: Sutra; 2nd Runner Up: Carelle)

La Reina won first place in the Diamonds Above $20,000 category with her ring with flat and oval diamonds, illustrated in a sketch below. (1st Runner Up: Sally Sohn; 2nd Runner Up: Imperium)

Designer Moritz Glik took first place in the Diamonds Below $20,000 category with his necklace in 18-karat yellow gold and blackened silver (below) with more than 2 carats of rose cut diamonds and more than 4 carats of brilliant cut diamonds. (1st Runner Up: Rodney Rayner; 2nd Runner Up: Yewn)

In the Gold category, Elena Votsi won with her gold ring with brilliant cut diamonds and garnet (below). (1st Runner Up: Roberto Coin; 2nd Runner Up: Paul Morelli)

Sevan Bicakci was recognized with first place in the Pearls category with his octopus ring/cuff (below) made in 24-karat gold and sterling silver with more than 3,000 hand-set multi-colored diamonds, 164 hand-set seed pearls and one South Sea baroque pearl. (1st Runner Up: Mikimoto; 2nd Runner Up: Yael Sonia)

The winner in the Bridal category was Stefan Hafner, with a ring made of white gold and 7.5 carats of rubies and diamonds (below). (1st Runner Up: Michael B; 2nd Runner Up: Jolie B. Ray)

Isabelle Fa took first place in the Platinum category with earrings made in platinum and diamonds. (1st Runner Up: Henrich & Denzel; 2nd Runner Up: Harry Kotlar

The winner in the Silver category was Atelier Zobel, with a cuff made with silver, platinum, onyx and black and champagne-colored diamonds. (1st Runner: Aida Bergsen; 2nd Runner Up: Arman Sarkisyan)

Read more about the other winner at National Jeweler.