Happy Stories From our customers

Jewelry as a form of art and investment is becoming increasingly popular. Read on (and click on image below to enlarge):

What do the following trinkets have in common: Jackie O’s gold handbag; Joan Crawford’s Raymond Yard tennis bracelet; journalist and ambassador Clare Boothe Luce’s gold, diamond, and sapphire necklace; and automobile heiress Bernice Chrysler Garbisch’s Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and ruby earrings? If you guessed they were the inventory of a Hearst heiress’ safe deposit box, you’d be wrong. They’re all, ahem, valuable works of art.

These pieces are included in the Museum of the City of New York’s current “Notorious & Notable: 20th Century Women of Style” show. It’s the latest in a growing number of exhibitions treating vintage jewels and accessories as miniature sculptures and objets d’art.

With the art market still very much in recovery mode, collectors are turning to jewelry not only for its artistic value but also for its investment potential. “Since the start of the recession we’ve seen a growing number of new and established collectors come into the market with particular interest in buying jewels as an alternative asset or as a hedge against inflation,” says Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s head of jewelry.

Feeding the craze, museums and galleries around the world are hosting more historical and thematic exhibitions than ever dedicated to 19th and 20th century jewelry. Last year, Lalique and Cartier curated museum shows that toured the country. Next year, Van Cleef & Arpels will mount a retrospective of its work at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York. “The public’s perception of jewelry has absolutely changed. Clients and collectors now have a greater appreciation for fine jewelry as an art form,” says Kadakia.

To a point. Many savvy collectors are also drawn to such pieces because of the increase in the investment value of diamonds and gold, and recent auction sales have reflected this enthusiasm. Kadakia cites Cartier’s multicolored- gem-encrusted “Tutti Frutti” bracelet as an example of the market’s extraor- dinary growth. The limited-edition designer piece fetched about $300,000 at auction 10 years ago. Today prices consistently exceed $1 million. In April, Sotheby’s sold a gold, platinum, and diamond David Webb panther bracelet for $134,500, nearly three times its pre-sale estimate. That same month, Christie’s sold a diamond and emerald brooch once belonging to Catherine the Great for $1.65 million—$400,000 more than its anticipated price.

More experienced collectors are trending toward unique period jewels and pieces from top-tier jewelry houses. It’s a good strategy, Kadakia says, one that has canny buyers seeing positive returns over the long term. One example of a period piece with currency is the Bulgari Blue Diamond ring, a gold band flanked by two enormous triangular diamonds, which will headline Christie’s New York’s Jewels sale this month. Purchased for $1 million in the 1970s, when it was designed, Christie’s expects it to field more than $12 million this time around.

 

Read more at Bloomberg Business Week

We’re looking to add yellows, blues and pinks along with a few new shapes to our line of Radiance® diamond sims. Let us know what you think!

(above) One of the earliest shots of our store

Why buy jewelry online? Finding an online jewelry company you can trust seems like no easy feat.

I spoke with a friend of a friend a few days ago who didn’t know I was in the jewelry business. We began talking about shopping online. She said enthusiastically that she buys tons of items online…except for jewelry. When I asked her why, she said, “I just wouldn’t take that chance.”

I tried to explain to her that she could be taking advantage of the best prices out there – wholesale prices instead of retail. But she needed some more convincing.

We realize there’s some natural and healthy skepticism when it comes to buying jewelry online and trust. And we don’t blame them!

But we have plenty of proof of our trustworthiness:

• One hundred years in business. That’s right – you read correctly. I’m a third generation jeweler, deeply instilled with the same ethics of my father and grandfather: provide our customers with the utmost respect and offer the best value possible.

 

• Guaranteed Quality and Workmanship: We use the highest level of skill when creating each piece of jewelry we sell, regardless of its size or price. If you ever have concerns about the quality of your jewelry, rest assured that we will be there to help.

 

• Guaranteed Accurate Grading: We promise your diamond, moissanite or other gemstone will meet the size and grading standards listed on our website and in your invoice. If your gemstone doesn’t meet the standards you expected, call us and we’ll make it right.

 

• Guaranteed Customer Service: Our commitment to your absolute satisfaction doesn’t end after the sale. If you should ever need service or assistance with your jewelry, please call us. Whether it’s been weeks or years, we’ll be there to help.

 

• 30 Day Return Policy: If you are unsatisfied with your purchase for any reason, you can return it, no questions asked – and with no restocking fee.

 

• We are a BBB-accredited business.

 

We’re more than an online business. We’re a long-standing jewelry institution with a showroom in Scottsdale, Arizona. We have an intimate staff, hand-chosen by me – the best of the best. So if you’re like my friend and feeling a bit hesitant about purchasing your jewelry online, give us a call directly. Talk to a real, live human being – maybe even me. We can put your fears to rest and get you some of the best jewelry prices available.

I'm Joseph Schubach, a third generation jeweler...and a real, live person.

We love to show off other talented jewelry designers almost as much as we like to show off our own! There’s a twofold reason: jewelry design is a relatively small community. It’s good to support like-minded craftspeople. Secondly, if there’s a piece you see that you’d like to recreate, we’re glad to take a design as a starting point and build your own individual piece from there.

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Haute Betts:

Haute Betts is manufactured in the USA and is sold at many fine boutiques throughout Southern California. Founder and designer, Heather Betts has created each statement piece with names just as creative as the jewels themselves.  Betts, a native Angeleno has named her pieces after iconic figures that truly represent Southern California culture. The creative, flirty and edgy designs will make any outfit, whether elegant or casual, come to life. Haute Betts is a definite must have for one who exudes a fashion forward personal style – the true fashionista. For more information and to purchase Haute Betts please visit www.hautebetts.com.

Haute Betts, known for its designs inspired by the bohemian and rock n’ roll styles that have graced many Hollywood fashionistas, is pleased to announce its inclusion in the upcoming film, Beastly. Beastly stars Mary Kate Olsen and Vanessa Hudgens, both style icons for Haute Betts designer Heather Betts. Having both actresses don the Haute Betts collection throughout the film is a career accomplishment for Betts.The “Lindy” bracelet, a one-of-a-kind piece created especially for the film, captures the essence of Vanessa Hudgens character, Lindy, to perfection. An earthy, multi-chain, Jade-chip bracelet falls effortlessly on the beautiful star, as seen in the movie. The “Flutter,” also repeatedly adorned by Hudgens character is an added splash of color that compliments the whimsical yet down to earth nature portrayed by the role of Lindy.  “Flutter” is made of turquoise beads and gold butterfly charms. “Lust,” “Sacred,” “Outsider” and “Dream Catcher” also developed in mind for Lindy’s character add a distinguished allurement the beast is drawn to.

The “Immortal” bracelet developed with Mary Kate Olsen’s character Kendra in mind, brings forth a beguiling yet bewitching element to her performance.  Stockpiled on Kendra’s wrist throughout the movie, the gorgeous jewels enhance her temperament as well as her strong opinions and beliefs.  The “Immortal” is made from Ivory colored skulls and gold plated findings. All Haute Betts Jewels made for the film Beastly originate from the highest quality of gems, stones and findings. Each piece is meticulously created to enhance each characters mindset and fashionable persona and captures the dark and emotional spirit of Beastly.

"The Vamp"

Breast Cancer Awareness bracelet

(select 720 resolution for the movie!)

Moissanite is our number one diamond alternative here at Joseph Schubach Jewelers. And for good reason: We’re seasoned jewelers who understand the difference between a viable and remarkable diamond alternative and one that is simply beneath our standards.

We also understand the global community in which we live: moissanite provides a diamond alternative that is ecologically wise, all the while maintaining its strength and brilliance.

Moissanite stories

Recently we were approached by DiamondRing.com, who asked us for our best moissanite stories. Where to begin? There are hundreds to tell: couples who saved money on their wedding costs while never compromising taste or a dream piece of jewelry created by our custom jewelery designers that just wouldn’t have been possible with naturally mined diamonds.

So what’s your story? We figure it this way: the more positive moissanite stories that are shared, the more people can realize their jewelry dream affordably, without sacrificing quality and contributing to a healthier environment.

Drop by DiamondRing.com if you have a story to tell.