Happy Stories From our customers

Diamonds, sapphires, rubies…we know the gems and the mystique that surrounds them. But often we overlook the equally important metals in our jewelry. The metal is often behind-the-scenes, supporting and displaying its dazzling centerpiece – but each metal possesses a magic of its own.

This week, let’s focus on the many facets of gold:

GOLD

Gold is popular because it can be worked into almost any shape. Yellow gold jewelry of 18K and above does not tarnish and rarely causes problems for people with skin irritations. White Gold is popular for its appearance and price point compared to platinum alloys.

Technically there is no such thing as ‘White Gold.’ Gold can be lightened by combining it with light metals such as Rhodium; a member of the platinum family and the whitest precious metal after silver. This rhodium plating creates a hard skin with good resistance. Over time plating may wear through. Re-plating is a fairly simple process, depending on the condition of the piece. In most cases this will be done approximately as often as a platinum ring requires re-polishing, although a fine plating job may last longer than a polish on platinum due to the superior hardness of rhodium.

COMMON GOLD ALLOYS

24K gold (100% pure gold) does not work well for jewelry because it is too soft. A more durable option is 18K gold, which is 75% pure gold. It has the richness of 24K gold where some of the less pure alloys may not.

Identification

18K gold is the most recognized global standard and will be marked ’18K’ in the USA and ‘750’ in Europe.

1. 18K Yellow Gold

* 75% Gold, alloyed with Copper, Silver, Zinc and/or Cobalt
* Does not require plating
*  Very workable
*  Rarely causes skin irritation
*  Will wear down, but over a long period of time with heavy wear

2. 18K White Gold (nickel white gold)

* 75% Gold, alloyed with Copper, Nickel, Zinc and/or Palladium
* Requires rhodium plating and re-plating over time, depending on wear
*  Less workable, less ductile
*  Causes skin irritation for people with nickel allergies
*  Will wear down over a long period of time

3. 18K Palladium White Gold

* 75% Gold, 25% Palladium
* Requires rhodium plating and re-plating over time, depending on wear
* Very workable
*  Rarely, if ever, causes skin irritation
*  Will wear down over a long period of time
*  More expensive than 18K nickel WG

Comparison Photos

1. 18K yellow gold
2. 18K white gold, rhodium plated
3. 18K palladium white gold, not plated

Source: Pricescope Diamond Journal

Here’s our high-style, white gold gent’s engagement ring:

Style 7180WB

Gent’s 14kt White Gold Diamond Wedding Band

Gent’s 14kt white gold wedding band, diagonal design with .20ct t.w. channel set diamonds, high polished and matte finish, 7.75mm tapered.

Metal: 14kt White Gold
Width: 7.75mm
Stone Size: .20ct t.w.
Ring Size: 8.5 – 13

According to one fashion expert, the Oscars still honored a more subdued look in light of our economy.

Beth Bernstein believes that this is a good thing for a consumer: we can actually afford pieces or styles that celebrities are wearing without breaking the bank.

Of course, this requires some creativity: like using moissanite instead of naturally-mined diamonds or freshwater pearls or Gemesis – all considerably more affordable material:

Bling is no longer the thing at red carpet events.  Low key and subdued is the message A-List celebrities have been sending out for some time now. And, personally,  I think this couldn’t be better for our retailers.

What celebrities are wearing translate into understandable pieces that can easily be interepreted (at lower diamond weights and less tony price tags) into your customer’s wardrobes. And these divas, many whom I’ve watched for several years have had a range of faux pas and now have all come into their own.

I realize that some of my editorial counterparts might not agree, wishing to see more stand out pieces but once again the red carpet was the stage for earrings, cuffs and right hand rings and a few spectacular yet more delicate necklaces.

Earrings are always a way to light up a woman’s face and can easily be interpreted with varied collections you have in your stores. The cuff bracelets are perhaps harder to sell but are good stand out pieces to revolve a collection around. Buy one for impact.

When we finally saw necklaces they were choker length and we didn’t see too many but the styles we did see were breath-taking and less overwhelming than in the past.

I like this minimalism. It doesn’t say jewelry isn’t important; it says don’t let your jewelry wear you.

Writer: Beth Bernstein

Kate Winslet with a Scaled Down Bling Look

Diamonds, pearl tassels, ruby earrings, mismatched piles of bracelets, sapphires…all were in abundance at last night’s Oscar ceremonies.

And while the ceremony itself was a real sleeper, the wardrobe definitely was lively. As we slowly creep our way out of a dark economic period, Hollywood reflects the change by showcasing some stunning, bold fashion choices.

The great part about the Oscars? If you see a piece you like, we’re craftsman who are more than happy to recreate the look at a fraction (and we do mean, a fraction) of the cost by using amazing alternative gems such as moissanite and Gemesis.

We’ll give you more creative “food for thought” throughout the week as we showcase more Oscar bling.

Zoe Saldana in Lorraine Schwartz

Sarah Jessica Parker in Fred Leighton

Miley Cyrus in Lorraine Schwartz

Pop star Rhianna started the trend: piling rings on top of one another for a fun, funky and ever so slightly over-the-top look.

New York–Pop star Rihanna lives on the cutting edge of fashion, fiercely stepping out in the latest runway trends and moving on to the next big thing just as everyone else starts to catch up.

So what jewelry is this taste-maker going for? It seems multiple rings side by side across three or four fingers are just the thing.

At the 2009 American Music Awards (left photo), the glamour girl accessorized a cut-out Marchesa gown with Sutra’s “3×3” rose-cut diamond ring flanked by black and colorless diamond rings set in platinum by Neil Lane.

At Glamour magazine’s “Women of the Year Awards”(center photo), she scooped up one of the night’s top honors while sporting two of her favored looks: an origami-style dress and rings on four fingers. The H. Stern “Stars” rings she wore are crafted in 18-karat “Noble” gold and are accented with diamonds.

Source: National Jewelry Network

How can you afford the same kind of look? Chances are, you have a few rings hanging out in your jewelry box already but we can put extra rings on your fingers that are affordable by using stones like moissanite or Gemesis.

Yellow Cushion Cut Gemesis Ring With Bezel Set White Diamonds

Fresh Water Pearls - Perfect for any Spring Outfit

Looks like the statement necklace is still making a showing, as well as layering jewelry (our Keys of Love pendant necklaces are perfect for that) and warm, neutral tones (which Gemesis is bound to accentuate.)

Remember, even on a budget, you can have the jewelry of your dreams for a fraction of the cost, using moissanite or Gemesis or even our fresh-water pearls, which are perfect for any Spring outfit.

Here’s what fashion expert Nan Napier has to say about the Spring showing:

• Be a lady in flirtatious fashions: Feminine flourishes abound. Look for peek-a-boo designs, ruffles, lace, touches of tulle, sheer insets and botanical prints. Silhouettes are “Mad Men” inspired: one-shoulder dresses, cap sleeves, sheaths and set-in waists. Femininity is always fresh and will be a key theme of this season.

• Make a scene in artful dresses: Day dresses are delightful and unusual with origami folds, asymmetric cuts, pleating and draping details. One of my favorites is the “tress,” what Vera Wang named the tunic dress. Surely it was a nod to “Tress” Mariposas, right? Wear a tress in a high-voltage graphic pattern over leggings or slim crop pants.

• Have fun with jumpsuits, playsuits and shorts: The variety is endless, the versatility is amazing. You can pick out a black jumpsuit for a cocktail party, a hooded playsuit or romper for the beach, or shorts in one of the new flattering lengths. Keep your eye out for the right items to add to your Spring 2010 wardrobe. This category is too, too fun!

• Lighten up with white lightning: White is right. Use white as a base for all other colors and white all over as a knock-dead look. White is right for 2010.

• Update with bright clean blues: Look for bright royal, cobalt, navy blue and turquoise. Color is the update that makes the most impact. This year’s fashions feature a whole variety of blues in an uplifting way. Combine all shades of blue with white for a crisp refreshing look.

• Energize with high-voltage prints: They are bold and beautiful with a modern twist – swirling abstracts, botanicals, batiks, ethnic and polka dots.

• Get the skinny with skinny pants: This is a trend with legs, as they say. The proportion rule applies here: If the bottoms are slim, balance with a flowy, looser top or tunic. Leggings and skinny jeans continue to be important this season. Something about the look of an ankle-length slim pant always has appeal. Perhaps it’s the Audrey Hepburn visual reference.

• Go with the flow with caftans and butterfly-sleeve tops: Flowy tops are perfect with slim pants and instantly update your wardrobe. A billowy top is slimming with butterfly sleeves and waist ties. Caftan-style tunics have easy batwing flowing sleeves. Shop for tops that encompass the spring trends: gorgeous blue hues, unusual prints, flowy and feminine.

• Do your feet a favor with fanciful flats: Comfort is chic – what a great idea! Worn with slim ankle pants, jeans, shorts or a fun dress, this is a modern winner. Consider gladiator-inspired strappy sandals to infuse yourself with strength and bravery.

• Go heavy on the hardware: Look for metal baubles, studded bags and shoes, chains and more chains. Adorn your wrists with large important bracelets and cuffs. Make a statement with bold necklaces.

Girls Disney Cinderella Diamond Tiara Necklace

Girls Disney Cinderella Diamond Tiara necklace with .16ct round brilliant diamonds on an adjustable 16″ chain, 14kt white gold.

Our Children’s Jewelry from the Disney Precious Collections has been a real feather in our cap. We’re one of the few licensed retailers chosen to sell this fine children’s jewelry.

But more than that, we really admire its craftsmanship. Take a look at this piece above. Real diamonds (or moissanite, if you so choose) stud a simply designed crown. The necklace is white gold, delicate looking but sturdily made. We also have chains in other materials such as silver or gold.

If you need a special gift for a little angel in your life, we stand behind these pieces 100%. Whether it’s an upcoming birthday or other celebration, these pieces are meant to dazzle and delight!

We ran across this great testimonial on moissanite on another blog. It’s so good we had to share it with you on ours. Let us know what you think.

Recently I gave my now fiancée a 4 carat Round Brilliant cut synthetic diamond in a striking 14K gold filigree solitaire ring which she has been showing off regularly. This ring has been examined and studied by friends and family in awe at its perfection. She has also been flaunting  it when we go to dine out, at her job, while at the mall, nightclubs, various special occasions, and many other public places that its in can constantly be under examination. A couple of times she was even stopped walking on the street or in a store by strangers to compliment her on how beautiful it is. An incredible amount of people have had a chance to analyze and dissect it, and each is left astonishment at how beautiful it is. However, still after such examination and seeing how big and beautiful it is, no one has asked if it’s real or fake! (read the entire post here)

At Joseph Schubach Jewelers, we’re not too shy to hide our star quality! With the Olympics in full gear, we figured we’d share a few shots of us with some real hot shots!

These were taken at the ESPY awards not too long ago. The annual ESPY Awards allows sports fans worldwide to join in an online vote for their favorites in such categories as Best Male Athlete, Best Female Athlete, Best Coach/Manager and Team of the Year.

Joseph Schubach Jewelers donated some jewelry to this great ceremony.

Here I am, with a few of my new friends:

Lance Armstrong and Joseph Schubach

Shaun White

Inside Out Hoop Earrings With Round Stones

Prong set inside out hoop earrings set with round brilliant stones.

If practicality and fashion are both important to you, then these simple yet stunning earrings are a must-have.

Hoop earrings are held securely in the earlobe, decreasing your likelihood of loss. And they feel light to wear as well. Their circular design is eye-catching and goes with just about any outfit. The “inside out” design makes these earrings a cut above other hoops.

We can semi-custom design these earrings so they’re personalized to your tastes…and wallet! You choose the metal, you choose the stone. Whether it’s moissanite or natural diamonds or sapphire or platinum or silver…or anything else you have in mind, we can custom design this must-have jewelry to fit your exacting tastes.