Happy Stories From our customers

We’re super pleased about this recent custom design engagement ring. Yellow gold married with an intricate leaf design and a simply dazzling center stone. If this ring interests you, reach out to us so we can create a piece that suits your needs.

What’s the Custom Design Process Like?

Having a piece of jewelry custom made is a lot of fun and our goal is to make sure you get exactly what you envision. I’m involved with every part of the custom design process, from the initial idea to the design to the final stunning piece, making sure that every detail is in place.

From engagement rings to wedding bands to necklaces to earrings, we’ve custommade them all with precision and care.

You can take an idea from designer brands, antique or vintage pieces or a design on Pinterest and build upon it, making an inspired piece that’s uniquely you.

An interesting look at simple ways to test jewelry using household items like a magnet, vinegar, chalk and iodine, among other things. Good video for those who shop at thrift or antique stores frequently and want a quick method to test for authenticity.

Sure we can look at jewelry found thousands of years ago through museum glass, but there’s something about jewelry used in a painting that gives us a more intimate look. Let’s take a piece from The Jewelry Loupe that uses this example.

The artist: Dante Gabriel Rossetti (English, 1828–1882).

The painting: Bocca Baciata (Lips That Have Been Kissed), Oil on Panel

Isn’t it exquisite? The model (one of the artist’s favorite) is wearing a Revivalist gold necklace and earrings in addition to an earring attached to beautiful head of hair. Apparently the artist collected Revivalist jewelry himself so its no surprise it made its way into his paintings. Perhaps he even loaned several of his pieces to this model, for the sake of his work.

Revivalist jewelry, popular in the later half of the nineteenth century, consisted mainly of adaptations of earlier jewelry styles.

Anklets and pantyhose – a cringeworthy combination for most of us. Though some still sport the look.

But don’t do it. Just. Don’t.

On top of it being a fashion faux pas extraordinaire, there’s this practicality: anklets often ruin your pantyhose or tights. Best tip: don’t combine the two. Ever.

Thinking of a custom designed anklet this summer? We’re happy to create one especially for you, so you can rock the warmer temperatures in style.

Because of the name, you might assume that semi-precious stones are of less value than precious stones. But that’s not always the case. Some kinds of semiprecious stones such as opal and jade can sell for higher prices than certain precious stones. Take the Aurora Australis Opal which sold for $1 million dollars in 2004, a price which equated to over $5500 per carat (!).

Gemstones were first placed into categories of “precious stones” and “semiprecious stones” in the mid-1800s. These terms quickly picked up speed and to this day, are commonly used among jewelers and jewelry lovers alike.

Though many people in the jewelry industry feel these terms are limiting, creating an unfair “class” system. Most would naturally assume a precious stone is more valuable than a mere “semi” precious stone. Wouldn’t you?

But these categories will continue to exist so we must adapt.

There are four types of precious stones: diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Some consider opal, jade or pearls to be in this category as well, but there’s not worldwide acceptance.

Semiprecious stones include gemstones created from: agate, amber, amethyst, aquamarine, aventurine, chalcedony, chrysocolla, chrysoprase, citrine, garnet, hematite, jade, jasper, jet, kunzite, lapis lazuli, malachite, moonstone, obsidian, onyx, peridot, rhodonite, sunstone, tiger’s eye, tanzanite, topaz, turquoise, tourmaline and even more.

Each semiprecious stone holds its own beauty and desirability.

In short: all stones are precious!

If you’re interested in a custom design piece using a semi-precious or precious stone, contact us and we’ll create a piece that goes beyond your dreams.