Happy Stories From our customers

Last week, you learned a little about platinum and its finer points. This week, we shift the spotlight to palladium, the lesser known “little brother” to platinum. What is this wonder metal and how can it add to your jewelry wardrobe?

According to Wikipedia:

Palladium itself has been used as a precious metal in jewelry since 1939, as an alternative to platinum or white gold. This is due to its naturally white properties, giving it no need for rhodium plating.

It is slightly whiter, much lighter and about 12% harder than platinum. Similar to gold, palladium can be beaten into a thin leaf form as thin as 100 nm (1/250,000 in).

So not is it only highly durable, it’s affordable – making it quite popular during a struggling economy. According to Pierce Mattie Public Relations:

A sure sign of its rise to fame came at the 2009 American Gem Trade Association Spectrum Awards where they announced that Palladium is finally gaining more acceptance in the designer world.  Many designers including Tenthio, Sasha Primak, and Michael Sugarman will be developing an entire palladium collection in conjunction with high-karat gold and platinum lines.

Additionally, retailers can expect to see an increase in palladium pieces at upcoming trade shows.  Solidifying the trend, some of the most highly acclaimed names in the design world will also be adopting the metal, including Robert Lee Morris, Paul Morelli, Zoltan David, Alishan, Michael Bondanza, and Barry Kronen.

(above) Wedding bands were in demand during the 1940s, and many were made of palladium. This diamond-set eternity band is engraved “E.A.E. & M.O’R. Oct. 20, 1943” and “Palladium – Tiffany & Co.” (see inset). Courtesy of Kurt Rothner, Excalibur, West Hollywood, CA.

 

Here are a few other stellar examples of palladium pieces:

Leave your children at home for this one: the infamous Hope diamond will be stripped of it’s current setting and show off its true colors for all the world to see.

That’s right- the world’s most famous gem is getting naked to celebrate it’s 50 year birthday at the Smithsonian.

To honor the rare 45.52-carat blue diamond, the museum is designing three possible new settings for the stone, inviting the public to vote for their favorite by visiting:

http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/smithsonian/hope.html

The winning setting will be announced this fall, and the gem will be shown in its new digs starting in May to celebrate the premiere of a Smithsonian Channel documentary on the diamond.

In the meantime, The Hope will be hanging out in the buff – a first for the storied gem.

“This is a rare and exciting opportunity for people to see the Hope Diamond as it has never been seen before,” said museum director Cristian Samper.

Formed more that a billion years ago, the diamond was mined in India and is believed to have been part of the French crown jewels. It later came into the possession of Henry Philip Hope, whose name it carries.

The Hope Diamond was long thought to have a curse, bringing bad luck to its owners, but Smithsonian officials say it has been kind to them, drawing throngs of visitors.

Source: Jewelry.com

Platinum is a bit of an elusive metal. We all have a historical understanding of gold and silver but platinum can seem like the odd man out. What is it exactly? And why would you choose platinum over other metals for a wedding band or other fine jewelry? Well, here’s a few points on platinum to ponder prior to purchase:

All the platinum ever mined would fit in the average size living room!

Annually, only about 133 tons of platinum are mined, compared to about 1,782 tons of gold.

Louis XVI of France proclaimed platinum the only metal fit for royalty!

10 tons of ore and a five month process is needed to make up one ounce of platinum.

lthough Platinum may seem new, it is also legendary. The Ancient Egyptians and South American Incas prized it. France’s Louis XVI proclaimed it the only metal fit for royalty.

egendary jewelers such as Cartier, Faberge and Tiffany created their timeless designs in Platinum. The world’s famous diamonds, including the Hope, Jonker I and Koh-I-Noor, are secured by the permanence of Platinum.

latinum reached its peak of popularity in the early 1900’s, when it was the preferred metal for all fine jewelry in America. When World War II began, the U.S. government declared Platinum a strategic metal and its use in non-military applications, including jewelry, was disallowed. To appease consumers, who preferred Platinum’s white luster, white gold was substituted in Platinum’s absence.

It is very fashionable to wear Platinum with your gold jewelry. In fact, many Platinum designs combine the two metals. Platinum’s white color beautifully contrasts with yellow gold and adds versatility to your jewelry wardrobe.

No other jewelry metal is more precious, more lasting or more appealing than platinum. Its rich white luster and understated elegance are beyond compare.  Discover why platinum is the metal of choice for today’s discriminating jewelry buyer.

It is the heaviest of the precious metals, weighing almost twice as much as karat gold. Its strength ideally secures diamonds and other precious gems.

Even after many years, platinum will not wear away or wear down. For example, after many years of wear, a gold wedding band’s shank will wear down and become thinner. This is not the case with platinum.

As with all precious metals (gold, silver, etc.), platinum can be scratched. However, with platinum, there is actually no material lost from the scratch as there is with gold. If your platinum jewelry becomes scratched, simply take it to your jeweler for a quick polish.

In America, platinum jewelry contains either 90% or 95% pure platinum. By comparison, 18 karat gold is 75% pure and 14 karat is 58% pure gold. Platinum will never tarnish or lose its rich white luster.

Ten tons of ore must be mined to produce a single ounce of platinum. It takes five months to process platinum ore into pure platinum. Only after this time can skilled hands work their creativity and craftsmanship, transforming platinum into pieces of wearable art.

Platinum jewelry is as versatile as it is beautiful. The choice is yours: platinum with karat gold accents for breathtaking new versatility or, for the purist, the subtle look of all platinum.

Whether inspired by classic or contemporary themes, platinum jewelry is perfect for any occasion under the sun, moon or stars. A quiet luxury in today’s world. A treasure to be worn.

Source: History of Platinum

Style 6813WB

Platinum Comfort Fit Band With Hammer Finish And High Polished Sides

Platinum comfort fit wedding band, hammer finished center, high polished sides, 6mm wide.

Nothing feels worse than a lost ring, whether it’s a family heirloom or a natural diamond or moissanite engagement ring or even a simple silver band that your high school sweetheart gave you – you feel as if a part of you has been lost as well.

This story will remind that even when chances seem slim, there is always a glimmer of hope:

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – A New Zealand man who promised his wife he would find his wedding ring after it fell into the capital’s murky harbor has succeeded — 16 months later.

Ecologist Aleki Taumoepeau was checking Wellington harbor for invasive plant species in March last year when the ring went into 10 feet of water.

“It flew off into the air and everyone on the boat was looking at it and said it was like a scene from Lord of the Rings in slow motion,” Rachel Taumoepeau was quoted as saying in Thursday’s Dominion Post newspaper.

He tossed an anchor overboard to mark the spot and pledged to Rachel, his wife of three months, that he would find it.

She offered to buy a replacement. “I just said ‘No, I’ll find it,'” he said.

An initial search three months after the loss failed, but Taumoepeau was determined. He returned again recently for another dive, risking chill midwinter temperatures.

“I was getting cold and tired, so I said to God, it would be really good to find the ring about now,” he said.

He spotted the anchor — with the ring lying just inches away.

“I couldn’t believe that I could see the ring so perfectly,” he said. “The whole top surface of the ring was glowing” in the normally murky waters.

Friends have taken to calling Taumoepeau “Lord of the Ring.”

Source: NowPublic.com

Not surprisingly, male engagement rings are on the rise, albeit quietly. More women are popping the question and engagements are extending, some lasting for years. And same-sex marriages are slowly becoming more commonplace. Plus, a men’s engagement ring adds a certain element of stylish flair prior to the big day.

According to one expert:

“Along with this shift, we see an uptick in the sale of men’s engagement rings, letting the world know that a man has been claimed and that he is unavailable….many opt for palladium, titanium, tungsten and black diamond rings.”

So if you’re looking for something that’s trend-setting and love-lasting, consider a male engagement ring designed by you – or you and your spouse-to-be. Why shouldn’t the man of your life experience the same joy and thrill an engagement ring offers? And one crafted by the two of you?

Here’s are some examples to get those creative juices flowing:

Fall 2009 jewelry trend experts predict a “warming” trend that has nothing to do with our climate problems. Metals like silver will take a back seat to warmer toned metals like gold, brass, and bronze.

Jewel tones, like amethyst, will be seen on more skin as well. According to one necklace expert:

Deep, warm, regal hues dominate both clothing and accessories. Think of colors that look especially elegant in velvet . . . dark amethyst, royal blue, camel, burnt orange, ruby red, and eclectic greens from hunter to olive.

Most of these colors can work together or alone, so experiment with mixing and matching. In addition to jewel tones, jewelry trends have embraced clear crystals and even natural elements like wood (crossing over from last summer’s hottest styles).

Nothing says “warm jewelry” like our regal Gemesis gems, which add a rich and unique look to any wardrobe.

Style GM1000

Yellow Gemesis Pendant With Round And Marquee White Diamonds

.93ct deep fancy yellow round brilliant Gemesis diamond of I clarity accented by 1/3ct t.w. of marquee and round white diamonds, set into an 18kt white gold pendant on an 18″ cable chain.

Metal: 18kt White Gold
Stone Size: .93ct

If you’ve recently invested in a fine piece of jewelry, whether its moissanite, Gemesis or natural diamonds or whether it’s platinum or gold, tending to your jewelry ensures a long, brilliant life.

Here are some basic tips to remember to keep the sparkle in your bling!

Diamonds

Soak for 20 minutes in a solution of one cup warm water and 1/4 cup ammonia. Then gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush, getting into the small areas between the diamond and the setting. Rinse with warm water, and lay on a tissue to dry. If your diamonds are set in platinum, this method will also clean the setting.

Pearls

Rub each pearl individually with a soft, clean cotton cloth dampened with a solution of two cups warm water and a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid, like Joy. (Soaking strands of pearls can cause the string to stretch.) Let air-dry overnight.

Silver

Rinse in warm water and pat dry. If silver is tarnished, use a silver-polishing cloth or a jar of silver-cleaning fluid, such as Goddard’s Silver Dip (available at drugstores). (Silver cleaner won’t harm gold and platinum, but it won’t clean them, either.) For jewelry with intricate designs, use a silver-cleaning paste, which can get into small crevices. (Don’t use toothpaste or other abrasive cleaners, which will scratch.) Wipe with a clean, soft cloth.

Turquoise

Dip in warm water. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Rinse with warm water. Let air-dry.

Gold

Soak for 15 minutes in a solution of two cups warm water and a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid, like Joy. Gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Rinse with warm water, and dry with a soft cloth.

Source: RealSimple.com

14kt Rose Gold Earrings Set With Pink Moissanite And White Diamonds

Beautiful, one of a kind 14kt rose gold earrings with 1.0ct t.w. (dia equiv) Charles and Colvard created round moissanite color enhanced to spring pink, surrounded by 1/3ct t.w. white diamonds.

It’s easy to celebrate cornerstones in your life but often harder to memorialize them. Custom design jewelry can help you mark a special moment in your way and in a permanent way – something a generic gift or party can’t do.

We live in an age where most of the items we buy are mass-made. You might love that dress of yours – but you know full well that its worn by millions of others. It doesn’t have that deeply personal feel.

When I received my first custom made piece of jewelry, I had no clue how much it would mean to me. It was one of a kind. And it was designed with me in mind. It’s a simple piece but it really exemplifies my personality. When I wear it, it’s a distinctly different feel than my other necklaces. It’s mine.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion in your life, consider a piece of custom design jewelry from Joseph Schubach Jewelers.

We are professionals at making personal jewelry.

(Above) An existing customer of ours, Mary Beth, upgraded to a magnificent handmade platinum oval diamond ring, entitled simply Platinum Dream.

Is it a bracelet you wear while playing tennis for good luck? Or perhaps what an in-step fashionista wears after a game, while sipping a mint iced tea in the tennis club? Or maybe none of the above.

The actual story is rather interesting:

Tennis bracelets got their unusual name from an incident involving professional tennis player Chris Evert during a match in 1987. Evert had been wearing an expensive bracelet featuring an inline string of individually-set diamonds. When the clasp snapped, she asked the officials to stop the match until the jewelry could be found. Since that day, bracelets featuring an inline array of diamonds have been called tennis bracelets.

In the jewelry world, tennis bracelets are the perfect accessory for formal occasions because of their sparkle – an “upscale” bracelet. Individual diamonds (or moissanite or Gemesis) are placed in square settings and then strung into a bracelet held together by a clasp. The settings and support wiring may be constructed from silver or other metal.

The nice part about tennis bracelets are their comfortability. They provide “give” while wearing and glide on the wrist elegantly and smoothly.

Here’s one of our favorite tennis bracelets:

Style 1857M

Bezel Set Moissanite Tennis Bracelet

Bezel set tennis bracelet with Charles and Colvard created round moissanite, standard 7″ length.

Available Moissanite Total Weight: 3.0ct-8.0ct

Gold is one of the most versatile jewelry metals around. It never goes out of style, looks good on just about anyone and feels warm and rich to the wearer. Pure gold doesn’t react with other elements to create tarnish and while people who may have allergies when gold is combined with metals rarely have a problem with pure gold.

Gold can be manipulated in numerous ways as well, so if you are custom designing a piece with Joseph Schubach Jewelers, you choose a metal whose varieties are infinite.

Here are some pointers to remember about gold:

• 24K gold is pure gold.
• 18K gold contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 75% gold.
• 14K gold contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 58.3% gold.
• 12K gold contains 12 parts gold and 12 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 50% gold.
• 10K gold contains 10 parts gold and 14 parts of one or more additional metals, making it 41.7% gold. 10K gold is the minimum karat that can be called “gold” in the United States.
• Palladium or nickel can be added to create white gold. Adding copper produces a rose or pink tint, while silver gives gold a greenish cast.When metals are added to the gold the result is an alloy, a blended mixture. Solid gold is a term that can be used to describe an item that’s at least 10K (in the US) gold all the way through. Even though it’s a gold alloy–18K, 14K, or anything down to 10K–it can be called solid gold.

Gold, in the Raw