Happy Stories From our customers

You might not know the word “Bakelite” but undoubtedly you’ve seen it.

Bakelite became popular in the 1930’s and 1940’s. It is a strong, fire resistant plastic invented by Leo Baekeland in 1909. At first it was used for industrial purposes until jewelry makers found that lightweight Bakelite made a perfect choice for designing inexpensive jewelry. Coco Chanel was one famous designer who created Bakelite jewelry and accessories.

Here’s are some Bakelite pieces in its various incarnations over the years.

Auctioneer John Haxell with the largest Bakelite object ever produced - a coffin with a guide price of £5,000 Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/mailonsunday/article-1082316/Plastic-fantastic-The-pre-war-Bakelite-auction-expected-raise-thousands.html#ixzz1Pv4vQzOr

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.