Happy Stories From our customers

You’ve heard of facets before but now, as you’re poised to purchase an engagement ring, you feel like you should know more. We get it! So here’s a fast and furious lesson so you can be better informed.

The short story? Facets are the flat faces on geometric shapes. Gemstones have facets cut into them to improve appearance and reflecting light. Facets are seen in nature as well. Many crystals naturally grow in faceted shapes.

A faceting machine is used when cutting a gem–an art in and of itself. When its done right, there should a balance of brilliance (internal reflections of light) and dispersion (commonly referred to as “fire”). Lastly, those stunning brightly colored flashes from a gem, termed “scintillation.”

There are literally hundreds of facet arrangements but the most well-known is the the round brilliant cut, a cut with a long history:

This first early version of what would become the modern Brilliant Cut is said to have been devised by an Italian named Peruzzi, sometime in the late 17th century. Later on, the first angles for an “ideal” cut diamond were calculated by Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919. Slight modifications have been made since then, but angles for “ideal” cut diamonds are still similar to Tolkowsky’s formula. [Source: Wikipedia]

Round brilliants cut before the “ideal” angles are commonly referred to as “early round brilliant cut” or “Old European brilliant cut.” These cuts are considered by some as poorly cut, at least by today’s standards.

Other gem cuts with a long history include the “Old Mine Cut” which is similar to early versions of the round brilliant, but has a rectangular outline. Or the Rose Cut which is a simple cut consisting of a flat back and various numbers of angled facets on the crown, creating a faceted dome.

Hopefully that gives you a better idea of facets. But we’re here if you have any questions!

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.