Happy Stories From our customers

Pearls will always remain a standard when it comes to jewelry choice. Every woman should own pearls as part of her jewelry warddrobe because it adds such a classic and stylish touch to just about any outfit.

But how much do you know about pearls? And how do you choose the right kind of pearl for you?

Read on:

Freshwater pearls and saltwater pearls differ in the type of luster, first of all. In appearance, freshwater pearls are noted for a softer luster, a glow that comes from deep within the pearl. Saltwater pearls include Akoya pearls, which may be a similar size to freshwater pearls but have a more brilliant superficial luster.

The difference is due to the type of mollusk used to produce the pearls and the thickness of the nacre. Freshwater pearls tend to have thicker nacre.

Classification of Pearls:

Pearls are classified in to two types:

1)     Natural Pearls

2)     Cultured Pearls

1) Natural Pearls: The Natural Pearls are further classified in to
two types:

a)     Salt Water Pearls

b)     Fresh Water Pearls

Salt Water Pearls and the Fresh Water Pearls: Salt water pearls are
mostly found oceans, gulfs, and bay areas. Fresh water
pearls are found in the rivers and the lakes. These two types of pearls are
produced under environmental and natural conditions.

Nowadays the natural pearls are very rare because of air and water pollution. Natural pearls are very sensitive to the weather conditions, so the production of the pearls has
fallen down. Because of less availability, natural pearls are very expensive. Natural pearls will have more thickness of nacre than the cultured pearls.

Cultured Pearls: Cultured pearls are also similar to the natural pearls. There are salt water pearls and the fresh water pearls. An irritant is placed in the mollusk and it creates a pearl in response to it. The production of these pearls has increased to 95% all over the world.

Single Strand Cultured Freshwater Pearls - 8.5mm - 11.5mm With Free Matching Earrings Single strand cultured freshwater pearls, 17" with 14kt yellow gold clasp and free matching earrings. (each strand sold individually)

Source: PearlDistributors.com

Adornment has been used since the beginning of time. But that doesn’t mean that it all works! Some forms of jewelry have worked for a time (mood ring, anyone?). Some pieces are classic and always retain their grace and style, like a pearl necklace. These pieces…well, you decide for yourself. Thanks Trendhunter.com!

Spock Ear Jewelry

Face chains - for the overly talkative girlfriend

Jewelry made from Potatoes

Mini-sculputure rings - with a LIVE princess inside!

Bobby Pin Jewelry

Bonsai Tree Ring

Industrial Material Bracelet (Oil Filter and Electrical Cable)

Laser Cut Wooden Bracelet

Personalized Audio Waveform Ring...wow.

Molecular Structure Jewelry - This necklace accurately depicts the molecular structure of human beta-endorphin.

Recycled Camera Bracelet - Say cheese!

I had a friend tell me at a party a few nights ago that she only wears silver.

“You mean sterling silver?” I gently directed.

“No. Silver. I don’t like the cheap stuff.”

Well, I didn’t want to embarrass her but it got me thinking that it’s time to clarify a thing or two about sterling silver – what it is and what it isn’t.

Pure silver is too soft for producing jewelry. It is alloyed with another metal to give it strength, generally copper, though other metals are often used as well, such as zinc, geranium and platinum. Sterling silver is made up of 92.5% mined silver and the rest, the chosen alloy. Tarnishing will occur in most sterling silvers because of the alloy ingredient, not because of the silver, which is non-reactive to oxygen.

Sterling silver is marked with a universal stamp at a manufacturing company for authentication purposes (see above photo). It can then be molded into various final products, such as jewelry and flatware. Because sterling silver is an alloy, it can tarnish and needs to be cleaned with silver cleaner.

Genuine silver is mined and comes from countries in South America such as Chile, Mexico and Peru. It can also be found in North America and across the US  (Michigan and Arizona).

Amethyst And Garnet Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings Sterling silver dangle earrings featuring genuine amethyst and Brazilian garnet stones.

A

Scanned these from a book we used to use in my Dad’s store. I grew up with this catalog, and several others like it. There are some 800 pages of Fabulous designs here with just this single company! Wild stuff, from broaches to cuff links to charms, etc., styles you won’t find anywhere today!

Thanks, M

Update: August 2011

Kim

I’m going to go out on a limb here. And I’m sure you’ll send me comments if you disagree. But when it comes to engagement and wedding rings, men don’t care to the same extent that women do. Yes, yes…they care. But they’re a little more flexible. Women often have a very fixed idea of what they want whereas men need a bit more guidance.

It got me thinking of an engaged couple I encountered a few months ago.  They were on a tight budget. She wanted a very specific pear-shaped diamond engagement ring. He wanted…whatever she thought was best. Though he did want a little sparkle. I suggested moissanite for him, diamond for her.

If you’re unfamiliar with moissanite, here’s a good definition:

Moissanite was first identified as a rare natural substance in meteorites. In the late 1800’s, Dr. Henri Moissan discovered the substance associated with a fallen meteor in Arizona. But it is only recently that moissanite was on the market for purchase. Today, moissanite gemstones are synthetically produced for jewelry. Moissanite’s durability and resistance to heat create it straightforward to figure with for jewelers. Many individuals are drawn to the stone’s original “otherworldly” origins, and diamond-like appearance.

Charles & Colvard is the sole manufacturer of moissanite. JC Penney now sells the line, calling it “one among the fastest growing decisions for jewels today.”

Moissanite also come with a lifetime warranty.

In short, it’s an ideal choice for a couple preparing for marriage who are on a tight budget but don’t want to sacrifice quality. The durability factor of moissanite is a real plus for the hard-working guy as well.

Source: DatingRomanceRelationships.com

(above) An original design by Joe Schubach. This solid 14kt white gold hand made, hand fabricated pendant features a 15mm natural gray Tahitian pearl along with 1/3ct total weight pave and bezel set natural diamonds. The piece hangs from a 16" black rubber cord with a 14kt white gold clasp.

As we prepare for Valentine’s Day at our shop in Scottsdale, we began uncovering the meaning behind certain pieces of jewelry. Valentine’s Day is loaded with symbolism and often, it’s reflected in the jewelry: hearts, keys, circles, etc.

Today, we wanted to share with you the information we found out about the Maltese Cross, inspiration for one of Joe’s most popular pieces (seen above):

According to one website:

The Maltese Cross is a symbol of protection and a badge of honor. Its story is hundreds of years old.

When a courageous band of crusaders known as The Knights of St. John fought the Saracens for possession of the holy land, they encountered a new weapon unknown to European warriors. It was a simple, but horrible device of war. It brought excruciating pain and agonizing death upon the brave fighters for the cross.

As the crusaders advanced on the walls of the city, they were struck by glass bombs containing naphtha. When they became saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens would hurl a flaming torch into their midst. Hundreds of the knights were burned alive; others risked their lives to save their brothers-in-arms from dying painful, fiery deaths.

Thus, these men became our first Fire Fighters and the first of a long list of courageous men. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow crusaders who awarded each hero a badge of honor – a cross similar to the one fire fighters wear today. Since the Knights of St. John lived for close to four centuries on a little island in the Mediterranean Sea named Malta, the cross came to be known as the Maltese Cross.

The eight points are said to symbolize the eight points of courage:

• Loyalty
• Piety
• Generosity
• Bravery
• Glory and honor
• Contempt of death
• Helpfulness towards the poor and the sick
• Respect for the church