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We wanted to take a moment to share with you the local happenings of our hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona, where our studio and office resides. Please feel free to contact us and stop by!

ArtWalk is a free event every Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m. ArtWalkers can “chill out” along Main Street, Marshall Way, Stetson and Sixth Avenue and throughout the Downtown Scottsdale Arts District which will be busy with artist demonstrations, gallery show openings, live music, prize drawings, delicious samples from great restaurants and more. There is plenty of nearby free parking, and easy access to local hotels or famed Scottsdale eateries. Click here for more information or visit Scottsdale Galleries .

SPECIAL ARTWALK DATES ARE:
Wearable ArtWalk – November 4, 2010 7-9 pm
Fiesta Bowl ArtWalk – December 30, 2010 7-9 pm
ArtWalk of Champions – January 8, 2011 1-4 pm (Saturday)
Rockin’ ArtWalk – January 15, 2011 1-4 pm (Saturday)
Glass Act ArtWalk – February 10, 2011 7-9 pm
Best of Scottsdale ArtWalk – February 24, 2011 7-9 pm
Native Arts ArtWalk – March 3, 2011 – 7-9 pm

SCOTTSDALE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS – 2010/2011 SEASON begins on July 28, 2010 and continues with wonderful performances and workshps through April 2011. See performers like Steve Martin, John Lithgow, Michael Feinstein, Bernadette Peters and much much more. Call 480-998-ARTS (2787) for more information and to purchase tickets or visit www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org.

LOCALMOTION” CULTURAL TROLLEY TOURS CONTINUE Free Cultural Trolley tours of Downtown Scottsdale take place at 10:30 a.m. the second Saturday of every month. The tours begin at the Old Town Farmer’s Market parking lot on the northwest corner of Brown and Second Street. From there attendees tour the Old Mission and then board a trolley for a two-hour guided tour of the arts district, Civic Center campus, Hotel Valley Ho, Southbridge and the Waterfront area. Reservations are required please call Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours at (480) 634-6850

OLD TOWN FARMER’S MARKET – Every Saturday starting October 23, 2010 and will continue through May 2011 at 2nd Street and Brown Avenue. The third year of the market will see it grow with more local growers, demonstrations, an educational component and much more. Hours are 8:30 am to 1 pm. Come see what the market has to offer! For more information visit www.arizonafarmersmarkets.com.

ARTBRIDGE Artisan’s Market – Every Thursday evening from 6-10 pm on the Marshall Way Bridge and Stetson Plaza. Enjoy live artist demonstrations, shop the local artists’ jewelry, art, and more. Enjoy music at the market and entertainment from time to time. Relax along the beautiful waterfront. This is a free event so join the fun at the Waterfront/SouthBridge area.

YOGA AT SUNSET – Thursday, November 11, 2010 – Enjoy yoga at sunset by the Stetson Plaza fountains. This is a free session sponsored by Studio Joy Li 7144 E. Stetson Drive. Check in at the studio at 5:15 p.m. with class beginning at 5:30. RSVP to 480-970-1043

FESTIVAL OF GREECE – Civic Center Mall November 12 – 14, 2010. Downtown Scottsdale will be transformed into a Grecian Village when the Scottsdale Festival of Greece celebrates the culture and ancestry of Greece through entertainment, Greek foods, and other activities for both adults and children. Proceeds benefit the Assumption Greek Orthodox Community and several local and national charities. For more information visit www.azgreekfest.com.

27th ANNUAL GRANITE REEF SENIOR CENTER ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR – November 20, 2010 8:30 am to 3 pm – The FREE event began in 1983 at the Civic Center Senior Center in downtown Scottsdale and provided local seniors with an opportunity to sell their original artwork. Over the past 25 years the fair has evolved into a large community event, with over 125 vendors selling a wide variety homemade crafts, paintings, jewelry, photography, holiday decorations, clothing, live entertainment and much more. The event is a terrific opportunity to get a jump start on holiday shopping. Don’t miss out! Visit the Granite Reef Senior Center at 1700 North Granite Reef Road (Granite Reef and McDowell). For more information go to their website.

CANAL CONCERT SERIES RETURNS – On December 5, 2010 the music will begin on Sundays from 2 to 5 pm at Stetson Plaza. Enjoy dining at a nearby restaurant shopping in the unique stores, or strolling along the waterfront and enjoy the weekly concerts. December’s line-up begins with Peppermint James December 5; Chris & Tony Putrino – December 12; Kenny Love & the Rockerfellas – December 19; and Jeordie & Friend – December 26. Check back for an updated listing of performances. For more information call the Downtown Office at 480-312-7750 or e-mail rlinyard@scottsdaleaz.gov.

ICE SKATING IN DOWNTOWN SCOTTSDALE??? – Palavela Home at 4200 N. Marshall Way will provide a rink for your pleasure during the entire month of December. Enjoy this festive winter wonderland event with your friends and family. For more information call 480-946-1006.

HOLIDAY HARMONY “SNOW AND GLOW – Arizona winter is just around the corner, and that means it is time for the annual Holiday Harmony-Snow and Glow! This year’s event is on Saturday, December 11th from 3:30-6:30pm. Holiday Harmony, Scottsdale’s annual holiday tree lighting event, will be held at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 7380 E. Second Street. This is a free family-friendly festival featuring live performances, interactive booths, and fun for all ages. There is no entrance fee, but we will be taking donations for our holiday toy drive. Please bring an unwrapped gift and place it in one of the toy drive boxes located throughout the event. Bring your coats, mittens and beanies!

The event will have a snow play area where you and your family can have fun in this white winter wonderland. There will even be an area for some snow sledding adventure! Additionally this event will include a visit from Santa, live music and entertainment, and activity booths. Bring your creative edge for all of the holiday crafts available. There will even be a cookie decorating area! Vendors will be present selling food and drinks so bring a little cash if you want to enjoy that aspect of the event. The event finale is the Mayor’s tree-lighting at 6:15pm and fireworks. This event has become an annual tradition in Scottsdale and a great kickoff for the holiday season, you don’t want to miss it! For more information call 480-312-0217 or email eterre@ScottsdaleAZ.gov

MIRACLE OF THE ROSES PAGENT @ THE OLD ADOBE MISSION 3821 N. Brown Ave between 1st and 2nd Streets – Saturday, Decmeber 11, 2010 from 4 to 6 pm. Join us in honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe as we reenact the miracle that took place on Tepeyac Hill, Mexico on December 12, 1531. For more information please call Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 480-947-4331

NEW YEAR’S EVEN ULTIMATE BLOCK PARTY – On Craftsman Court, December 31, 2010; gates open at 6 pm. Enjoy this outdoor bash to ring in 2011 with all your friends. Enjoy bands, dj music, food, drink. A VIP entry is available this year with special seating and dining. Check back for more information.

NATIVE TRAILS – Every January through April the outdoor amphitheater at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, just north of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, comes alive with Native American music, dance, art and traditional food. Visit the website for more information.

SUNDAY A’FAIR – January through April 2011 – Sunday A’Fair is a free afternoon mini-festival that takes place on the beautiful grounds of the Scottsdale Civic Center, adjacent to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The event features concerts and performances by the Valley’s top entertainers, a diverse selection of arts and crafts available for sale, hands-on activities for children and families and free docent-guided tours of the sculptures on the Scottsdale Civic Center. Seating is available on the lawn, and portable chairs and picnic baskets are welcome. Delicious food and beverages from Arcadia Farms are also available for purchase. Visit the website for more information.

As we lead up to the only fun holiday (sorry Christmas and Thanksgiving, but you’re a bit more heavy-handed), we’ll be posting some Halloween pieces we found. Remember, we can make a custom made piece for you, using affordable and beautiful material such as moissanite and Gemesis (which looks great in Halloween jewelry). Some of these pieces can be worn all year round. Or it’s nice to know you have a special necklace, bracelet or pair of “fearrings” for this time of year, each year.

Buying jewelry online can be a scary prospect. There are a lot of scams out there and due diligence is firmly required. So what can you do to make sure your purchase is smart and secure?

* Research the company. Can you call the company easily? Do they have an easily, identifiable About Us page where you can learn more about them? What do others have to say? Do they have a long history of business or did they just magically appear last week? Do they have a guarantee for their product? A good return policy? Take the time beforehand to understand the company before looking at their product. Find the faces behind the company. Here’s the story of my company, including my father and grandfather, who founded and grew the business.

* Know your jewelry. It’s important to understand the grades, colors and quality of precious metals and stones you’re buying. Do you know the basics when it comes to buying diamonds or gold? This is done easily – most research can be done easily online by reputable sources. Or contact us! We’ll gladly answer any questions. Call (888) 724-8222 and someone will personally help you.

* Look for bargains. The good part about buying jewelry online is that e-commerce retailers have lower overhead and can offer you better prices than you’d find in a local jewelery store. Shop around for a similar piece – price compare for the best savings. Again, this is one of the big perks of buying your jewelry online – take advantage of it! If you’re getting married and you’re on a tight budget, buying online could be a perfect option.

* Ask questions. Send an email to the the jeweler. Ask a question and see the timely way in which it’s answered. It’s a great way to get needed information in addition to seeing the way in which the jewelry responds.

* Understand the return policy. You could do all of the right things and still not like your piece. But guess what? It’s not a big deal if the return policiy is flexible and clear. Often one round of returns is all it takes to correct something you didn’t like, like the length of a necklace for instance.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to purchase online. There are ways to protect yourself and save big.

Take a look at this piece below. You just can’t find prices like this easily in a bricks-and-mortar store:

Style 9505M-

Rose Gold Diamond and Pink Moissanite Ring

Stunning, delicate 14kt rose gold engagement ring set with a 1.0ct (dia equiv) Charles and Colvard created round moissanite color enhanced to spring pink surrounded by 1/3ct t.w. white diamonds. Matching earrings also available.

Trade Up
Our Guarantee

MSRP: $2,169.00
Our Price: $1,505.00

1. Realize the importance: Moms consider jewelry from a son or daughter to be a prized possession – something to be cherished for a lifetime. Take your time in making this purchase. Check your local jewelers and research jewelry online. Ask other family members for input by sending relevant links, images, etc. And don’t wait until a week before her birthday!

2. Recognize her style: Jewelry is not one size fits all! If your mother has hundreds of earrings, you might want to consider an engraved necklace or ring. Are her tastes classic or edgy? Is she a practical or romantic sort? (If practical, an oversized piece of jewelry might not be the way to go, for instance.) Look at her wardrobe. Is she a flashy or conservative type? What colors does she lean  toward?

3. Go ask your mother! There are ways to find out about your mother’s tastes without giving away the secret. Ask about a ring she’s wearing and why she likes it. Take a look through her jewelry box (discreetly, of course!) Again, ask other family members. In short, go to the source.

Giving the gift of jewelry to your mother is a big deal, simply because it’s from you. Why not make it really special by taking some time to research, asking around and picking just the right piece?

An interesting story about the amazing Cindy Chao (Taiwan) and the induction of her stunning butterfly pin inducted into the National Museum of Natural History:

Amongst the Earth’s rarest and most beautiful creations are precious stones, in which beauty not only remains undiminished with time but accumulates history. Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of Natural History features the most significant and famous pieces of gems and minerals in the world; the esteemed collection includes the deep blue Hope Diamond, Napoleon Diamond Necklace, Marie Antoinette’s Earrings, Inquisition Necklace.

The melding of creation – first the natural process that occurred more than a billion years ago that formulated these stones which are then taken and crafted by artisans into a new creation – thickens the layer of history and lore into the precious stones as they pass through human hands.

Cindy Chao’s 2009 Royal Butterfly Brooch perfectly exemplifies this melding of creation, her detailed masterpiece entailing over 2 years time. Heralding a unique usage of rough diamonds, her work representing a breakthrough in the art of jewelry craftsmanship. The annual creation of an iconic butterfly symbolizes the ongoing metamorphosis in the advancement of Cindy Chao’s craftsmanship and techniques in utilizing rare gemstones.

The vibrant “Royal Butterfly,” is balanced by a pair of rough diamonds on the scales; features more than 20 color gradients, precisely 2,318 diamonds, colored diamonds, color-changing sapphires, colored sapphires, rubies, and tsavorites, meticulously set on both the front and back.

In 2010 this classic piece was inducted by the National Museum of Natural History, the world’s largest educational and research museum complex serving as the global beacon for the diffusion of public knowledge. This contemporary art jewel was created not only of the hopes of the artist that this art can be appreciated in a new medium, but will also inspires people to dream and create, always continue to contribute to the evolution of culture and the world around them.

Source: BusinessWire

Picking out an engagement ring can seem like a costly gamble. Will she love the proposal but secretly dislike the ring? How will you know? Forewarned is forearmed. This great piece relays the important cues you need to look for, whether you choose a moissanite dazzler or a traditional diamond engagement ring:

Number 1: Pay Attention!

Paying attention to her jewelry likes and dislikes is the first big step towards finding her the perfect engagement ring:

What metal color does she wear now? Most women have a definite preference. If she loves white gold or platinum, don’t even look at a diamond or other stone mounted in a yellow gold ring setting.

What style of jewelry does she wear now? Is it contemporary-looking, with bold styling? Does she prefer vintage looking rings? Or would you say that the jewelry she wears is classic, resembling those timeless pieces that never go out of style?

The best indication of her tastes is the jewelry she wears all the time, not items she only wears occasionally, because it’s the full-timers that she’s most comfortable with.

Number 2: Has She Hinted at her Likes and Dislikes?

Has she ever mentioned her favorite jewelry styles or pointed out engagement rings when you’re shopping together? If not, take her shopping. It isn’t difficult to steer yourselves towards the jewelry stores. If you want to be subtle, say you’re looking for a new watch, but be sure to pause at the engagement ring counters.Maybe she has a friend who recently became engaged. Does she like her friend’s engagement ring? Why or why not?

Does she like diamonds? Some women don’t. Sapphires and rubies are both durable gemstones that are often set into engagement rings for women who don’t like to wear diamonds.

Number 3: What Looks Best on Her Hands?

An elongated diamond, such as a marquise or oval, can make short fingers look more sleek–but be careful not to overdo the look or it could have the opposite effect.Wide bands usually make fingers appear even shorter than they are, so think proportional:

Women with long fingers can easily wear bold ring styles.

A setting that’s extremely delicate could get lost on large hands, over-emphasizing their size and making the ring look smaller.

Number 4: Choose the Right Shape & Setting

Round diamonds are the number one shape chosen by brides, but maybe not your bride. She might prefer an elongated marquise, oval or pear-shaped stone, or an square or emerald cut diamond. Fancier shapes, such as hearts, are another option.Do you think she’d like a solitaire diamond, set alone in a band, or would she prefer a cluster of stones? Her current jewelry can give you clues about her preferences.

Number 5: Consider her Lifestyle

How will the ring fit in with her lifestyle? Does she work in a profession where fussy jewelry would look out of place? Even if she doesn’t, remember that a pointed gem with high prongs could snag clothing (and people) and is harder to keep clean. Save that type of ring for gifts that will be worn on special occasions, not every day.

Number 6: What’s her Ring Size?

Does she have rings that she wears on her engagement finger? Maybe a friend or family member could get hold of one of them long enough for you to have it sized. Of course, you’ll have to swear the messenger to secrecy.

Number 7: Consider a Loose Diamond

If you think you know which shape she loves, buy a loose diamond to show her when you ask the big question. The two of you can shop together later for the perfect engagement ring setting.Now that you have a better feel for the style of ring she might prefer, it’s time to consider the diamonds that will go into it. Start with the Four C’s, then take some time to browse other topics in Diamond Basics and Engagement Ring Resources. If she’s not into diamonds, start with the articles in Colored Gemstones.

Number 8: Consider Your Budget

Your engagement ring budget is a top consideration. Don’t stress if your budget is tight, because you can buy an affordable engagement ring. There are lots of excellent options, from solitaires to rings with multiple diamonds or other gems.

Source: About.com

Style 9577

Knife Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring

Knife edge solitaire engagement ring (setting only, does not include center stone)
On Sale! Save an additional 10% with purchase of a moissanite stone and setting. Use coupon code ‘Sale10’ at checkout.

You know them when you see them. You can’t help watching, like a fashion train wreck, slowly unfolding before your eyes. Jewelry mistakes can happen to the best of us. Luckily, these fashion faux pas can easily be avoided with a few tips on what not to do:

1. Jewelry Overkill – Unless you’re Liberace, too much jewelry distracts from your outfit and ultimately from you. Often one single, well-crafted piece of jewelry is all that is needed to make a statement. This doesn’t mean there isn’t a time and place to be a little excessive. Layering bracelets can look great, for instance. But you may want to stop there!

2. Wrong Jewelry/Clothing Combo – If you’re wearing a delicate, sheer top and an over-sized, clunky necklace, you may want to think again. Your choice of jewelry should enhance the overall tone of your outfit. A classic example of the right combo? A black cocktail dress with a string of freshwater pearls. Or that delicate, sheer top with a simple gold necklace.

3. Wrong Jewelry/Body Type Combo – If you’re a petite gal, a large piece of jewelry can overwhelm your look and make you seem weighed down. In turn, a larger woman may seem strangled by a thin, short necklace. It’s about proportion ultimately. The same holds true with the size of your face. An elongated face type will just seem that much more drawn by long, dangling earrings.

4. Dirty or Just Plain Old Jewelry – Vintage jewelry is one thing but tarnished jewelry or jewelry missing stones just sends an “I don’t care” message. Nowadays, it doesn’t take much to shine up a necklace or your replace stones in your grandmother’s earrings. You can do it yourself or have it done by a professional for a very reasonable price.

5. No Jewelry at All – There is a time and place for no jewelry, don’t get me wrong – like when you’re hiking, for instance. But for the most part, jewelry is an adornment that can bring you and your outfit to life…and just make you feel good. If you’re the type of person who thinks jewelry is too much of a bother, a simple piece might be just the right choice for you, like our Keys of Love pendant necklace.

And remember…there was only one Liberace!

Interestingly, some trends just don’t seem to be going away. Statement necklaces and cocktail rings have been “all the rage” for a few years now, for instance. As the summer fast approaches, the jewelry tends to lighten in weight and brighten in color.

Here’s what fashion expert Diamond Girl has to say:

The winning trends for 2010:

¨ Big and bold
¨ Dramatic, unique, unusual necklaces
¨ Huge cuff bracelets with big stones
¨ Natural stones, eclectic natural look
¨ Swarovski crystals
¨ Black
¨ Multi-strand necklaces
¨ Pearls
¨ Cocktail rings with huge stones
¨ Big hoop earrings

Believe it or not, popular jewelry colors in 2010 are yellow and Coral! This means that your simulated canary diamond jewelry will look perfect when paired with your cold weather wardrobe. In addition, citrine, yellow topaz or their cubic zirconia substitutes will bring some welcome sunshine (and some love! ) into your life as you remain on top of the seasonal jewelry trends.

For bead and handmade jewelry, Coral is going to be HOT. Looking ahead I see that Black is going to be big player…did someone say attitude?

On a final note to the upcoming seasonal  Jewelry Color Trends remember that some of the traditional favorites will be returning.

Among them, shades of green, gray and chocolate brown will once again be a wise choice for fashion conscious consumers. What does this mean for jewelry lovers? Quite simply, it means that smoky quartz, simulated chocolate and/or champagne diamonds will be in style and on trend! And you won’t believe how great Chocolate Gold looks!

(Chocolate gold earrings below.)

Spiral brown gold and diamond earrings, $37,050, from de Grisogono.

The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.  ~Honoré de Balzac

Jewelry is a gift that is extremely “mom friendly.” It send an extra special message to the mother in your life – one that shows you care enough to think out of the “flowers and candy” mindset.

Many people (men in particular – sorry guys!) shy away from buying jewelry because they don’t want to buy something that Mom might not like.

To make life easier, here are a few tried and true pieces of jewelry – ones we know moms like because we sell to them!

Style 133M-ON SALE NOW

Classic Wire Basket Moissanite Earrrings

On Special: Save Up To $550!
Classic wire basket earrings with Charles and Colvard created round moissanite.

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

Style 5353M

Round Bezel Set Moissanite Bracelet

Elegant, feminine bracelet from our “Cut Lace” Collection with Charles and Colvard created round bezel set moissanite.