Happy Stories From our customers

It always important, especially when buying online, to know your seller. A company like ours has 3 generations of service under its belt and an impeccable local and online reputation.

But there are other ways to identify your product and ensure you are getting the real deal. Take gold for instance:

Here’s some information on how to tell if the gold on your bracelet or necklace is really gold. The chlorine in bleach is dangerous to gold jewelry, so it’s best not to test gold in bleach, or else you’ll ruin your jewelry. Stress points like where the metal has been hammered, bent over stones in prongs, formed by chain making machines and the like are the most affected by chlorine. Soldered areas are sometimes affected by chlorine. White gold is most easily damaged but apparently this happens with yellow gold also at stress points in the metal.

Chlorine will cause a darkening on gold, but on yellow gold it looks almost like a very pale gray color. White gold reacts the same way but sometimes goes darker. This is the chlorine reacting to the metals in karat gold. All jewelry metal of 18k, 14k and 10k has other metals in the recipe when the metal is made. Pure gold is mixed with mostly silver and copper (with nickel or palladium with white gold) to make metal strong enough for jewelry.

The karat mark shows how much pure gold is in the mix. For instance, pure gold is called 24k. Now, 10k will have 10 parts pure gold and 14 parts of the other metals, all adding up to 24 part. 18k gold will be 18 parts pure gold and 6 parts other metals, all adding up to 24 parts. That is how it goes with karats.

Yellow gold is not as dangerously affected by chlorine in bleach and a good buffing should make it okay, that is, if it is really gold. The best way to see if it is real karat gold is to have it tested. That means an acid test or a test using one of the newer electronic gold testers some jewelers use.

Girls Disney Snow White Tiara Bracelet

Girls Disney Snow White tiara bracelet with .12ct round brilliant diamonds and .29ct natural pink sapphires, 14kt yellow gold. Bracelet adjusts from 5″ to 51/2″

In this day and age, trends are becoming more intricately connected to what’s going on in the world around us. The terms being used have more of a socio-political feel and a deeper resonance with the buyer.

Here’s what one expert has to say:

Over the last year, Gem Visions’ international team of trend and jewelry experts explored a broad palette of socio-cultural implications to come up with four distinct “mega trends” that they believe are most likely to influence fine jewelry. For 2010, those trends are: false nudity, oversized games, pure chaos and divine chimeras.

The first features ultra-light, airy designs focusing on light and transparency yet counterbalanced by minute details and rendered in milky pastel colors such as pale olive green, sugar-almond tones, salmon pink and deep powder blue.

Designs in the “oversized games” category feature a theatrical stylization of nature with extravagantly sculptural, playful forms in shocking and acidic colors juxtaposed with cold, concrete neutrals.

Draped materials, layers and random imperfections in stones and metals will be some of the design characteristics for pieces that fall under the “pure chaos” category. A mix of multicolors and monotones will make up the color palette.

Finally, “divine chimera” designs will be expressed through mismatched materials and hot oranges, reds and corals complemented by opaque shades of anthracite and brown. Pieces within the category are meant to unveil personal identity and express fantasy and escapism.

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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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.

Source: About.com – Jewelry Trends

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

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.

We’re going to brag a little here. Joseph Schubach Jewelers made Phoenix Magazine’s list of the top 130 local businesses in the Phoenix area. Thanks to Kimber @ Local First AZ!