We’ve seen many “oh my” moments when our custom design jewelry is unveiled to our clients. But we often miss the “big picture”, like when a client comes up with the idea behind it, reviews the 3D model and suggests changes to make it perfectly unique.

One of our team members and ace production manager, Jen Wood, created this piece for herself. She calls it Golden Girl. This allowed us to  peek behind the curtain and understand each and every phase of the custom design process intimately.

We co-created the custom design, made the 3D print (she wore the print for about two weeks) and fell in love with our Radiance stone. Our entire team had a fantastic time making this. It was really nice to see the stages of excitement firsthand.

Jen created this ring as a self-purchase; a celebration of her accomplishment. She’s a single, hard-working mom and this ring represented a celebration of her accomplishments.

We’re happy to see this trend more and more–women in particular realizing that rings don’t simply represent marriage but a vow to self–a celebration of self ring. If the ring could speak, it would say:

You matter.

I celebrate you.

You’re worth it.

And Jen, you certainly do matter. And we celebrate you too!

If you’re looking for a custom design ring that beautifully represents you, reach out to us. We’re expert at making jewelry dreams come true.

Many of us struggle to remember changing our earrings for the first time. Yet most remember having our ears pierced for the first time, right? Oh yes, at a dismal mall in New Jersey, circa 1980, at the Piercing Pagoda. My mom didn’t know (she believed only a grown woman should have pierced ears. Old school like that). It was a joyous pain, frankly. Like a fashion rite of passage. I hid my aching ears for the next several weeks.

What Activities Dull a Diamond?

A ring is designed to sparkle and look as beautiful as that he held your trembling hands and you said, “I do.” But unfortunately, a ring can lose that initial dazzle over time and wear.

But that’s okay. A ring, like any other investment, needs to be maintained.

Why has my ring lost its sparkle?

A ring can accumulate a build-up of lotion, make-up, hair products and other oily substances that slowly mask the brilliance of your gem. Let’s not forget hair spray, which can also slowly erode gold and dull the surface of diamonds and other gemstones.

Household products can also wreak havoc on jewelry. If those chemicals are strong enough to clean your kitchen floor, imagine what it does to a softer metal like gold?

Most know to remove your ring before you do the dishes, but many women will “sneak” a dish here or there. Don’t. Dishwashing liquid is another powerful detergent that clouds sparkle.

Certain activities can put your ring in jeopardy, like cooking (think oil and flour) and gardening (dirt, sprays, etc.)

To protect your ring, you need to create new habits and stick with them 100%. Remove your jewelry before certain activities; soon, it will be rote. Treat your ring as special as you treat your love: with utmost care!

Keep your ring looking like this

⬇

(To Margie)

We are blown away. Turned out way beyond what we could have imagined, it’s stunning! The fire and sparkle leaves me speechless, just wow!

So I have to say this experience has been bitter sweet and you know why, but somehow I feel at peace and can now enjoy this next chapter in my life and put the old pain away.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your part in helping us create something special that I can wear with new meaning and joy. I will always remember this journey and you are such a huge part in making this extremely special and meaningful for us. Thank you and my God bless you and keep you and shine His light upon you for all your days.

Truly all the best,
CFM

Charming 1940s Gold Vermeil Multi Coloured Rhinestone Flower Brooch

How Long has Costume Jewelry Been In Existence?

It may surprise you to know the answer but costume jewelry has been around for a long time–over 300 years specifically. Though if you think about it, it makes sense. For a long time, people haven’t been able to afford expensive jewelry yet they still want to wear the latest fashion statements.

In the 18th century, jewelers started making well-known pieces with glass, a much cheaper alternative to gold or silver. By the 19th century, semi-precious materials came into existence, making costume jewelry even more appealing to the masses.

But the real heyday for costume jewelry began mid 20th century, coinciding with the Industrial Revolution. Now, machinery could quickly reproduce cheaper jewelry at a much faster scale.

As costume jewelry continued to look better and better and reach more people, it appealed to more classes. After all, there was no shame in wearing a piece of costume jewelry since it was intended for fun, decorative purposes.

Perhaps branding came into play to reduce any stigma. Had it been called “cheap jewelry” not many would have wanted to wear it. But “costume jewelry” implies a fun, temporary wear.

So the next time you wear a piece of costume jewelry, remember: you’re in good company, historically speaking!