Call for expert help (888) 724-8222

Happy Stories From our customers

Read testimonials
  • This New Year’s Eve, Glam Out!

    Woo hoo! It’s time to put the conservative, recession-era mindset in a box for a night. No talk about wise, understated jewelry choices. No sir. It’s New Year’s Eve. It’s time for lavishness. Outlandishness. EXCESS!

    This New Year’s Eve, pull out that piece that seems a little too much and wear it, proudly. Trust me, this mentality only works for December 31. So why not overdo it this year?

    Pull out the stops, baby!

    Style 3366M

    Classic Three Stone Anniversary Ring

    Classic hand made three stone anniversary ring with hand applied filigree in the galleries. Available in any combination of center and side stone types, sizes or shapes. Shown with a 9 1/4ct radiant center and 4ct t.w. ruby trillion side stones

  • The Difference between a Mineral and a Gem

    Okay, boys and girls, time for your weekly jewelry lesson. Sit down…and take that gum out of your mouth!

    Go ahead, Mary Jane…ask your question. I can’t hear you. Speak up.

    What’s the difference between a mineral and a gem? Well, Mary Jane, since you asked:

    Interestingly, there is no geological definition for the word gem, because a gem is a human creation. Minerals are formed by geologic processes in rocks in their natural environment.

    When we excavate precious or semiprecious stones, cut, and polish them into specific shapes, they become gems. When a gem is set into metal to be worn on the body it becomes a jewel.

    Several key factors determine the value of a gem: To be considered worthy of jewelry, the mineral must have rarity, durability, attractiveness, size, and color.

    Okay, class dismissed!

    (above) Ocos Mineral Rock

    Source: Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture




  • Trending Jewelry of 2010

    Forewarned is forearmed. Make sure you know the upcoming trends for 2010 before your next purchase. Here’s what one expert has to say:

    Warrior princesses, sultry ladies of the early 20th century, and innovative blends of ethnic cultures, are driving jewelry style trends into 2010.

    Jaana Jatyri, founder and CEO of Trendstop.com, said at the International Jewelry London (IJL) trade show that Boadicea, fabled warrior queen of the Britons, was a symbol of a new style trend emerging in jewelry for the summer of next year.

    “The “Warrior Princess” theme is responding to the strong images of a more masculine trend in women’s fashion,” Jatyri told a seminar at IJL this week.

    She highlighted the use of wood with metal, and multiple chain arrangements reflecting the warrior princess style.

    Another key theme in jewel design, “Modern Boudoir” — a timeless look with “French chic” — was inspired by stylish women of the Art Deco period, such as Coco Chanel, the subject of two recent movies, and the movie star Marlene Dietrich.

    Jatyri outlined other trends including “Nature’s Alchemy — different ways of blending nature and technology; “Organic Anatomy,” the influence of organic structures such as snake skins and bones; and “The Witching Hour” — a dark and mysterious style, reflected in the use of dark crystals, fish hook earrings, and resin-encased insect designs.

    Jatyri also referred to a merging of cultures in jewelry design trends.

    “There will be more trends that are about mixing cultures, mixing French chic with Indian style or Asian styles,” she told Reuters television in an interview.

    “That way we can create something new, like fresh looks that combine different elements from different cultures.”

    She said, “By combining different cultures, for example you might have a metal chain with a wooden pendant from India, or even something like Buddhist beads, prayer beads or something like that. And you use them as a necklace.

    “So it’s taking elements from different cultures and creating something new and a bit more fashion-based.”

    © Copyright (c) Reuters

  • Fun Jewelry Quotes for Wednesday

    Much has been said about jewelry. That’s because it means so much to each of us. Whether it’s a fat diamond ring or a handmade bead necklace, jewelry is always so loaded with meaning.

    Here’s some quotes about jewelry to get you thinking:

    I have always felt a gift diamond shines so much better than one you buy for yourself.  ~Mae West

    The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens.  ~Author Unknown

    Jewelry takes people’s minds off your wrinkles.  ~Sonja Henie

    These gems have life in them:  their colors speak, say what words fail of.  ~George Eliot

    There is in them a softer fire than the ruby, there is the brilliant purple of the amethyst, and the sea green of the emerald – all shining together in incredible union.  Some by their splendor rival the colors of the painters, others the flame of burning sulphur or of fire quickened by oil.  ~Pliny, about the opal

    I never worry about diets.  The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond.  ~Mae West

    There are worlds in an opal.  ~Astrid Alauda

    Perhaps time’s definition of coal is the diamond.  ~Kahlil Gibran

    As though pure white snow flashed and sparkled with the color of bright ruddy wine, and was overcome by this radiance.  ~Author unknown, about the opal

    Don’t ever wear artistic jewelry; it wrecks a woman’s reputation.  ~Colette, Gigi, 1944, translated

    No gold-digging for me; I take diamonds!  We may be off the gold standard someday.  ~Mae West

    This diamond has so many carats it’s almost a turnip.  ~Richard Burton

    I really think that American gentlemen are the best after all, because kissing your hand may make you feel very very good but a diamond and a sapphire bracelet lasts forever.  ~Anita Loos

    Gold! gold! gold! gold!
    Bright and yellow, hard and cold!
    ~Thomas Hood

    The jeweler allows me to wear the sapphire blue lake on my finger, the emerald green leaves around my neck, and take the citrine sunset with me wherever I go.  Jewelry has become my daytime link to nature in an office with no windows.  And if I have to work late, there’s nothing like diamond stars and a pearl full moon against an onyx night sky.  ~Astrid Alauda, “Office With No Windows”

    My husband gave me a necklace.  It’s fake.  I requested fake.  Maybe I’m paranoid, but in this day and age, I don’t want something around my neck that’s worth more than my head.  ~Rita Rudner

    Opal is the multi-gem.  ~Astrid Alauda

    Source: The Quote Garden

  • Brighten Up your Holidays with Dazzling Things

    The days are shorter. And you can feel the effects. A certain sluggishness pervades. Many experience can often experience depression caused by the lessening sunlight. It’s important to get out there and maximize the dwindling light…but there’s another way to trick the mind:

    Bring sunlight indoors. Of course, this could mean improving the lighting inside your home but it could also be as simple as wearing a bright and celebratory piece of jewelry.

    Here’s some pieces bound to lift your seasonally sagging spirits:

    Style 9026GM

    Filigree Diamond Pendant

    Hand engraved pendant with hand applied scrolls and a 3/4ct Gemesis cultured diamond with fancy yellow or orange color on an 18″ wheat chain. Pendant measures approx. 8mm in diameter.

    Available Metal: 18kt White Gold and Platinum
    Available Stone Size: 3/4ct

    Trade Up
    Our Guarantee

    Our Price: $3,995.00
    Sale Price: $2,796.50

    Style 8578CO

    Save 30% Now! Maltese Cross Tahitian Pearl And Diamond Pendant

    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.

    Internet Special: Save 30% now, In stock and ready to ship!

    For a larger view click here
    Matching earrings also available, click here

    Trade Up
    Our Guarantee

  • Textured, Layered and Natured Trends for 2010

    Trends are interesting phenemenoms. Some stick around for many years, some overlap and of course, they always seem to repeat themselves in one form or the other. As the old adage goes, “Everything old is new again.”

    As we approach a new year, 2010 jewelry trends seem to reflect much of what we’ve seen in 2009 – but with some new twists – sometimes literally:

    Fall and winter jewelry is trending towards bold, asymmetrical designs with lots of texture, and in colors that are often drawn from nature. Woods with visible grains are being used to make showy beads, and “striped” stones (like agate) are popular for adding visual texture. Overall, components may be mixed, but color and texture are both key elements in current designs.All-metal jewelry is hot, too, with chunky, often hammered components. You’ll find some nice examples in white metals, but yellows occupy the number one slot, and are popular in shades of rose to deep gold.

    Necklace Trend

    “Layered necklaces haven’t disappeared, but styles are more compact than we’ve seen in recent seasons. When you surf the Internet, you’ll still see pics of celebrities wearing many necklaces, and they’re often super heavy, chunky designs.
    Most of us in the real world will opt for a more subdued look, for practical reasons (cost, uncomfortable weight) and because we aren’t providing billboard space for designers. But celebrities are usually on the cutting edge of style — jewelry they’re wearing today may be on retail racks in coming seasons.
    Layer away with these affordable and stunning freshwater pearls:

    Single Strand Freshwater Cultured Pearls – 8.5mm – 11.5mm

    Single strand freshwater cultured pearls, 17″ with 14kt yellow gold clasp.

    8.5mm-9.5mm: Now $299
    9.5mm-10.5mm: Now $399
    10.5mm-11.5mm: Now $499

  • Cold Weather Chic – Is it Possible?

    We all know the dilemma: cute outfits are a little tougher to sport when the thermometer drops below 30 degrees! Suddenly, your many-layered outfit starts looking a little “linebacker” – which is decidedly not chic!

    Here’s some pointers from the Budget Babe, so you can look cool, not cold:

    Invest in a heavy wool trench-style coat that hits A) mid-thigh or B) falls at or below the knee so you can wear it with dresses/skirts. This will keep you warm and stylish for a good 6 to 9 months out of the year.

    Next, invest in at least one thick, warm cashmere scarf, a cashmere/wool hat that covers the ears, and densely knit gloves or leather gloves lined in cashmere. Chicago winters are bitterly cold and you just can’t fool around with cheap polyester, it will do nothing against the cold wind.

    Also, you’ll need tall leather boots with a low heel for walking, if you can afford La Canadienne or Aquatalia, great. Either way, invest in a couple pairs of warm wool socks (I like cashmere or SmartWool, not so itchy) and possibly even silk longjohns from WinterSilks.com (thanks to Sal over at Already Pretty for the tip on those).

    Depending on how warm your office is, you can probably get away with long sleeve layering tees and cardigans, wool blazers, or pretty blouses topped with warm shawl collar cardigans. I mostly wear jeans all year round, just stick to dark washes for work. Black pants work well too.

    On “warm” days (over 40 degrees) you can have fun with colored or textured tights and dresses or skirts, so long as you have that warm trench to shield you.

    Hopefully this should be enough to get you started, then once you’re in the elements you’ll have a better sense of what you need. I always loved people watching while riding the El downtown or the bus (especially north-south routes near the lake). Admittedly, I always choose warmth and practicality over style (I know, blasphemy right) but that’s what growing up in the Midwest can do to a girl. Good luck!

    Here’s one of our specialty items, guaranteed to warm up any outfit:

    Style 8578CO

    Save 30% Now! Maltese Cross Tahitian Pearl And Diamond Pendant

    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.

    Internet Special: Save 30% now. In stock and ready to ship.

  • 7 Fashion Trends for Winter 2010

    Hopefully you took advantage of our over-the-top moissanite sale, which certainly fits the criteria for the “eco-consciousness” and the pricetag conscious aware this season. But what outfit will you wear your new, dazzling piece with? Here’s a quick look at the fashion trends over the next few months:

    Fashion Trend forecast for Fall Winter 2009 2010

    The following 7 trend predictions are what I gathered from being in the industry. I have spoken to consultants, buyers, showrooms, designers, fashionistas, and consumers. Everyone and everything seems to be pointing to the 7 trends I listed below.

    In talking with so many people in the industry I realized that pretty much all of it is affected by the recession. The following is discussed from my perspective in the graphic shirts industry but it affect the whole fashion culture.

    1. Lower price points. From online shops to brick and mortar stores everyone is lowering their price point. $100 tees or even $60 tees aren’t doing so good. I was told by a couple of big online stores that their lower priced tees are flying out but having difficulties pushing the higher price tag ones. This sentiment was also given to me from a big department store in the US. They are lowering the price points on tees but they are still carrying the big names like Affliction and Ed Hardy but just lower price point.

    2. Out with the bling bling. “No one wants to look like they have money,” I was told. People feel guilty when they shop and buy flashy clothing. So the trend is for more subdue and subtle aesthetics. This is not good for Juzd as we are all about the heavy graphics and bling bling. It’s funny, last year before the recession hit I showed the Juzd original to Holt Renfrew and they loved it and it turned out to be their best selling Juzd shirts. Now I design more similar pieces and they are like, “we are moving away from that now.”

    3. Cleaner aesthetics. There will always be a demand for graphic shirts, buyers are going for a cleaner aesthetics. Compare to other lines Juzd is is not as busy but buyers still put it in that category. As I have been trying to move to more of a busier all over prints, I am not moving back to the clean stuff.

    4. People still want to go shopping. Shopping is like a drug for most women and in our capitalist society there is a sense of gratification when we own something new. Ever notice how complete you feel when you go out shopping and come back with something, anything! It makes you feel like your time wasn’t wasted.

    Well people are still shopping and still want to shop, that’s one of the reasons American Apparel is so successful in recent years. Their items are inexpensive and you can easily buy several of the same items in different colors. This makes shopping easy so you’ll feel more productive.

    5. Mix of high end and low end. People are pairing high and low end pieces together. People are dressing up in thousand dollar leather jackets with $300 dollar jeans and $18 American Apparel tee. This may not be caused by the recession and have been happening before the recession but with what is happening, it is surely accelerated the trend.

    6. Eco conscious. You hear on the news, the radio, all over the internet and you are reading it here. Eco is not a fad and is here to stay. But those who are doing eco right are the established brands that added elements of eco to their collection. They come from afashion focused approach. Who is doing it wrong? The hippies! Those who want to save the planet with their organic cotton shirts that make you look like a hippie just like them. They are the innovators of the ecofashion movement, that is the reason eco clothing have not caught on.

    7. Vintage is in. I read that the inspiration for the current flannel craze originated from thrifty hipsters getting their cheap flannel shirts from second hand stores. Now all the lines are going after that has been and washed up look. While vintage and distressed has always been in vogue, the coming seasons you will see a lot more. The recession have put a lot more emphasis back on used worn out clothing.

    This season the eco movement have gain popularity as people are seeing it from a new angle. Instead of being eco to save the planet, people want to be self-sustainable. They are conserving energy and spending less on material goods. Even withfashion they are looking for items that will last and they can wear a longer period of time.

    Source: Squidoo

  • Jewelry Thief of the Celebrities Busted!

    What do these A-list celebrities have in common? No, it’s not their wealth, good looks or propensity to be at the right place at the right  time (or in Lindsay’s case, the wrong time!) They’ve all been burgled by the same ring of thieves!

    The Los Angeles police told E! News that they have shut down the sneaky operation that allegedly targeted several young Hollywood stars.

    Paris Hilton was the first victim to reach the public’s attention, with a hit that took place back in December of last year, resulting in the loss of nearly $2 million in jewelry. Lindsay Lohan, Audrina Patridge, Orlando Bloom and Rachel Bilson are among the other celebs thought to be targeted by the group.

    A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department says that 19-year-old Diana Tamayo, 18-year-old Alexis Neiers, 18-year-old Courtney Ames and a man named Roy Lopez were taken into custody last Thursday as part of a sting operation. The suspects were all classmates at the L.A.-area Indian Hills High School with Nicholas Prugo, the 18-year-old collared last month and charged with two counts of felony burglary related to thefts at Lohan and Patridge’s places.

    Another woman, 19-year-old Rachel J. Lee was arrested in Clark County, Nevada on charges of possession of stolen property and voluntarily surrendered in the Lohan/Patridge case.

    E! News reports that Lee had an obsession with young celebrities and was the mastermind behind the crime spree, planning the hits using info gleaned from Hollywood star maps and public-appearance schedules.

    Source: Jewelery.com