Happy Stories From our customers

Thanks so much for the beautiful ring. My wife loves it. I just got back from England and now I am back in Kuwait where I am working for the rest of the year.

My brother in law picked me up at Gatwick Airport in England and hid me in the trunk of the car once we got close to my wife’s mothers house.

He had my wife retrieve a package from the trunk where I surprised her when she opened the trunk.

I gave her the ring and she loves it. She is not the flashy type but has been getting compliments for the past 2 weeks.

It is truly a beautiful ring.

Thanks again
J

The Surprise Ring (except with a 3ct)!

To choose moissanite or not to choose moissanite – that is the question. But what is the answer? Well, it’s not as clear cut (excuse the semi-pun) as you would like. It requires a little research, which you should do before a major purchase anyway.

Here are some of the pros and cons, as listed on the Diamonds-are-Forever website:

The Pros and Cons of Moissanite – The Pro’s

• • Cost – The cost of Moissanite is roughly an eighth of the price of natural diamonds but is generally more expensive that Cubic Zirconia at one tenth of the price of natural diamonds

• • Appearance – Moissanite is so optically close to diamond that even some jewelers cannot tell the difference without the aid of various tests

• • Clarity – Moissanite is not separated into different grades of Clarity like diamonds because each stone must meet set specifications before being released to distributors. The set specifications of Moissanite are comparable to diamonds which have been graded VS1-VS2 on the Diamond Clarity Chart

• • Inclusions / Flaws – Manufactured to appear more like diamonds, Moissanite gemstones have inclusions which is a plus-point when compared to the flawless Cubic Zirconia – the growing process produces tiny, unnatural, white, ribbon-like inclusions

• • Moissanite stones are equivalent to the H – J grades in the white Diamond Color scale. Moissanite is not as white-white like the Cubic Zirconia (which is equivalent to a perfect “D” and therefore less believable imitation, as white-white color diamonds are extremely rare.

• • Hardness – Hardness denotes resistance to scratching as opposed to Toughness which relates to the ability to resist breakage from falls or impacts. Moissanite is much harder than most natural gems, and Cubic Zirconia, at about 9.5 on the Mohs scale, however it is nowhere near as hard as a diamond at about 10.0 on the Mohs scale

• • Toughness – Moissanite is tougher than diamond because it has no natural fractures that can crack if the stone is subjected to an impact of some kind.

• • Moissanite has a slightly higher index of refraction (brilliance) and much greater dispersion (fire) than diamond. It retains its fire if it gets dirty, oily, or smudged, whereas Cubic Zirconia looks very dull when dirty. The excess fire is seen as a ‘pro’ by some and a ‘con’ by others

Moissanite – The Con’s

• • Investment – Jewelry containing synthetic gemstones like Moissanite are not a good investment – they do not hold their price.

• • Color – Can have a slight yellowish / greenish tint which becomes more noticeable with increasing gem sizes.

• • Fluorescence – An undesirable hazy effect that causes them to appear slightly green or yellow. The effect  of fluorescence on Moissanite is much greater under natural light or in sunlight.
    

• • Moissanite is highly birefringent (a birefringent crystal splits a light beam into two) which is a desirable quality in some optical applications, but is not desirable in gemstones. Moissanite jewels are therefore cut along the optic axis of the crystal to minimize birefringent effects

• • Fire – Has more ‘fire’ or brilliance producing a more synthetic effect. The high dispersion of 0.11 is apparent in Moissanite (nearly 2.5 times greater than that of diamond) and readily distinguishes it from diamond with a dispersion of 0.04 which is virtually unnoticed. The excess fire is sometimes considered cheap and fake looking.

• • Hardness – Diamonds are harder than Moissanite  which is 9.5 on the Mohs scale compared to a diamond at about 10.0 on the Mohs scale

• • Inclusions / Flaws – Manufactured to appear more like diamonds, Moissanite gemstones have inclusions. Natural flaws are absent in Moissanite replaced instead by tiny, unnatural, white, ribbon-like structures that are a result of the growing process.

• • Rarity – Moissanite is not rare and can be made quickly and in vast quantities, whereas natural diamonds take millions of years to form.

• • Symbolic Value – Diamonds have long symbolised love and purity – Moissanite has no such symbolic value yet.

Because our moissanite comes from Charles and Colvard, the creators and top manufacturers with the highest standards in moissanite, you can be assured your choice is a smart one. But again, research is key. A jewelry purchase is for life, and we understand that.

No, we’re not talking about copper jewelry that turns green from oxidation. Eco-friendly jewelry is becoming an increasingly popular term in our world.

More and more people are become aware of the damaging effects of mining around the world. And many are opting for jewelry that has an “eco-friendly” status. But what does that mean exactly? Is your jewelry of a lesser quality?

From our website:

Are recycled metals as high quality as non-recycled metals?

Precious metals can be repeatedly recycled with no degradation in quality.

Gold and other metals are refined in order to remove impurities. Since gold and silver are elements, they are the same in the pure form, regardless of the source. There is absolutely no difference in the quality of the product you buy.

But there is a difference in how you feel purchasing recycled metals. It’s good to know that your jewelry purchase did not harm the ecosystem and you’re doing your part for this green planet!

Joseph Schubach Jewelers prides itself in our responsible, earth-friendly practices and a deep sense of community awareness. That means we care about the effect our business has on the planet.

In conjunction with the Harmony Metals program from Hoover and Strong, one of the greenest metal suppliers in the industry, we create pieces of jewelry that make you feel good on the outside and the inside!

Here’s a stunning example of an eco-friendly engagement ring made of 100% recycled material. Notice any difference? We didn’t think so:

This piece is made using 100% recycled metals and is proudly made in the USA. We strictly follow the Kimberly Process guidelines.

Eco-friendly Round Engagement Ring With Side Stones

Thank you again for that fantastic quality, and working so hard with me to finalize such a custom design! I know S. is madly in love with it, fantastic craftsmanship:)

In honor of the 4th of July celebrations in the states, we wanted to take a moment and review the fashion of our forefathers and foremothers.

Oh yes, these fashion choices seem a little constricting (and just damn hot) but somebody had to wear this stuff, right?

The lady wears strapless stays over a pink chemise. Her petticoat has pocket slits to access the free-hanging pocket beneath. "Tight Lacing, or Fashion Before Ease", 1770–75

French silk sack-back gown with closed bodice and panniers, trimmed with padded bands of blue satin, chenille blonde lace, flowers of gathered ribbon, feathers and raffia tassels, 1775–1780

Marie Antoinette was one of the most influential figures in fashion during the 1770s and 1780s, especially when it came to hairstyles.

Happy Fourth of July Weekend, from Joseph Schubach Jewelers!

Went out to dinner last night with a few girlfriends, they admired my new (stunning) engagement ring! My husband and I are really happy with the way it turned out. I’m registering my stone today, as well as having it (re) insured.

You see the label all the time. Or perhaps you see it less frequently than you remember. But what does “Made in the USA” really mean when it comes to your jewelry purchase? What if your necklace is made in the US but the gems were imported from India (as in the case below)?

These latest rulings will give you a clearer idea (hopefully) on the real meaning of the label:

To illustrate the point, consider two example cases (loosely based on actual inquiries) addressed by the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) below.

Two inquiries on origin

In the first inquiry, a manufacturer’s representative asked the JVC if the company could advertise a white gold sapphire necklace produced in New England as “Made in the USA.” The sapphires for the necklace were cut, polished and imported as loose stones from India, but the findings and chain were from a U.S. source.

The second inquiry involved finished rings that were imported from Thailand, checked for quality control at their U.S. destination, then boxed and shipped to retail stores. The wholesaler asked if he was required to provide “country of origin” information on the rings by marking or other means.

Before you read about the outcome, it’s important to understand a little bit more about the prerequisites of a “Made in the USA” claim:

First, for a product to qualify as “all or virtually all” made in the United States, the final assembly must take place in this country. To justify a “Made in the USA” claim if foreign articles are used in the manufacturing process, they must be substantially transformed in the United States, resulting in a new article of commerce that has a new use.

Even if the article is substantially transformed here, if the resulting product is then assembled or processed further, outside the United States, the FTC will not consider that product to be one that is “Made in the USA.”

So what happened in the cases mentioned above?

In the first matter, regarding the necklace, the imported material–gemstones–will be combined with domestically sourced materials to make a necklace. While the final manufacturing process will take place in this country, the gemstones were cut and polished in India. For that reason, a qualified origin claim, such as “Made in the USA of U.S. and imported material” is appropriate.  Had the stones been sourced from India in rough form, then “substantially transformed” here by cutting and polishing, a “Made in the USA” claim for the bracelet would more likely meet FTC standards.

As to the second inquiry concerning whether the Thai-made rings need origin markings, the one-word answer is “yes.” The imported rings must be marked, or tagged, as “Made in Thailand” to comply with U.S. Customs law.

The JVC provided the inquiring jewelers with information about the relevant law and guidance as to country-of-origin descriptions for their products.

Joseph Schubach Jewelers has taken “Made in USA” seriously for three generations. Nearly 100% of our jewelry has been produced right here in the states.

The difference between precious and semi-precious gemstones may seem self-explanatory (“Precious gemstones are just more…precious!) And to some extent, you would be right. But it depends on when you ask the question. Precious and semi-precious gemstones have changed titles, in a sense, throughout history:

In modern usage the precious stones are diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald, with all other gemstones being semi-precious.

This distinction is unscientific and reflects the rarity of the respective stones in ancient times, as well as their quality: all are translucent with fine color in their purest forms, except for the colorless diamond, and very hard, with hardnesses of 8-10 on the Mohs scale. Other stones are classified by their color, translucency and hardness.

The traditional distinction does not necessarily reflect modern values, for example, while garnets are relatively inexpensive, a green garnet called Tsavorite, can be far more valuable than a mid-quality emerald. Another unscientific term for semi-precious gemstones used in art history and archaeology is hardstone. Use of the terms ‘precious’ and ‘semi-precious’ in a commercial context is, arguably, misleading in that it deceptively implies certain stones are intrinsically more valuable than others, which is not the case.

So as you can see, “precious” and “semi-precious” are terms with changing meanings. And of course, whatever gem you like is precious to you!

Save 40% Now! Round Moissanite J-Hoop Earrings

J-hoop earrings with just under 1 3/4ct t.w. (dia equiv) Charles and Colvard created round moissanite available in 14kt white gold only.

On Sale! Save 40% on select items.
Use coupon “Discount40” at checkout. (Discount will be calculated at checkout)
While supplies last

So you just read the title and you’re sighing already. Spiritual power of gemstones? How is that possible? What kind of new-agey post is this?

But think of it: people do become deeply attached to a piece of jewelry. Many consider it their “good luck charm.” So maybe there’s some truth to it afterall. Take a read…wait. Let’s light a candle first:

Ahh…that’s much better. Nothing like a little ambiance:

Gem stones hold onto energies. It is this which makes them so helpful in magical tasks and healing. They act as containers for magical energy. This makes gem stones ideal as altar tools and charms for spells.

For healing, stones are willing to have disease transferred into them. They then hold onto it until it can be safely flushed away. Healing stones don’t need to be gem stones – river and lake stones work wonderfully.

This ability to hold onto energy also means that new gem stones aren’t “fresh.” They are holding energies from past owners, people who mined them, people who polished and set and sold them, and people who held them in the shop before you picked them up . . .

So take care to cleanse all new stones thoroughly before using them.

Popular Gem Stones And Their Meaning

	Amethyst	Healing on all levels – body, mind, and spirit. Raises vibrational frequency and protects against negative energies.
	Amber	Transmutes negative energy into positive. Bridges conscious self to the Divine.
	Diamond	Purifies. Amplifies thoughts and feelings – both positive and negative.
	Hematite	Grounding. Clarifies thought, improves memory, and calms anxiety.
	Lapis Lazuli	Deep wisdom and intuition. Opens the third eye and leads to enlightenment.
	Moonstone	Balances yin and yang. Enhances the inner feminine, and acceptance for yin attributes.
	Opal	Amplifies emotion, insight, and spontaneity. Very potent, and can cause difficulties with the wrong person. Each colour of opal has its own properties.
	Pearl	Pure mind and heart. Balances emotions and reduces stress.
	Quartz Crystal	Attracts, amplifies, and sends energy. Easy and safe. Useful for all kinds of healing.
	Rose Quartz	Balances yin and yang, restoring harmony after emotional wounding.
	Turquoise	Highly spiritual yet grounding. Uplifting to unconditional Love. Aligns chakras and opens heart.

Precious Metals

	Gold	Symbol of the Sun and the God, as well as purity of spirit and eternity.
	Silver	Symbol of the Moon and the Goddess, the soul, and the beauty of the Wheel of Life.
	White Gold	Symbol of the pure and eternal Light of the Divine, the union of Goddess and God in One, the Spirit manifest in physical for

Source: Wicca Spirituality