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Did you know that the average price of an engagement ring is nearly $6,000? For most Americans, that’s a lot of money. More and more couples pick out an engagement ring together because of the cost, or they might just make sure to let their partners know in advance what they like and don’t like in a ring. However, there are still many people who present an engagement ring that comes as a complete surprise to their partner. So, if you’re one of the people who gets a surprise engagement ring, what do you do if you hate it? Keep Your Cool Okay, all sorts of things are probably running through your head when you get an engagement ring that you hate. Why would your partner choose that ring? Doesn’t your partner know what you like? How can this relationship work if he can’t even pick the right ring? Before your thoughts run away with you, slow down and try not to show that you hate the ring. Keep in mind that this is the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, and the ring is just a small part of that. They probably did the […]

The jewelry you wear says something about who you are as a person. Are you flashy, or elegant? Are you glamorous or understated? Do you prefer diamonds or pearls? Everything you choose to accessorize yourself tells the world a little bit about you. Every piece of jewelry you own helps to tell the unique story of you. That’s why insurance for jewelry is so important, and something you probably don’t already have. What Insurance for Jewelry Does Jewelry is a big business around the world. Everyone likes jewelry, and everyone owns at least one special piece that matters to them. Custom jewelry and handcrafted jewelry are especially valuable because these pieces are one of a kind. That makes them truly irreplaceable. Some pieces cannot be repaired or replaced when they get lost or stolen, but you can be compensated for your loss if you have insurance for the jewelry you own. Don’t rely on your homeowner’s insurance to cover your jewelry. Many policies actually don’t cover the cost of custom engagement rings and other high-value pieces. That’s why separate jewelry insurance is absolutely essential. Custom Jewelry and Why It Matters The average price for an engagement ring is approximately $5,598. […]

Diamond wedding jewelry is a time-honored tradition. The tradition of exchanging wedding rings date back to ancient Egypt. In early Roman times, it was the tradition for the groom to present the bride with an iron ring during the wedding ceremony. Engagement rings started showing up in ancient Rome as well. A ring with a key attached was given to the betrothed by the groom to show that the maiden was taken. Where Did The Diamond Jewelry Tradition Come From? Originally all wedding rings were custom wedding rings. Today, you have the option of choosing custom wedding ring design or “buying off the rack” rings that are already made. Either way when you choose wedding rings or an engagement ring made from diamonds you are making a statement about your love. Diamond wedding jewelry got its start in 1477. The Archduke of Austria had the first diamond engagement ring crafted for his beloved. This simple act born of love started a trend. European nobility and royalty followed suit and began having their diamond wedding jewelry made. The Trends The tradition started by the Archduke of Austria in 1477 never lost its steam. It has since that time been in style. […]

Finding the engagement ring of your dreams can be a process. You’ve looked around at every jewelry store online and in-person, but can’t seem to find one you love. The good news is custom jewelry designers can help to make your engagement ring search that much easier. But how does the custom jewelry design process work exactly and what can you expect when you decide to move forward with a custom engagement ring design? What can I expect when I choose to get a custom engagement ring? When you choose to get a custom engagement ring, you’re involved in every step of the custom jewelry design process. You can provide opinions and critiques to ensure your unique jewelry is just the way you want it. Here are some of the steps that are involved when creating custom jewelry: Your consultation. Before your jeweler begins working on your custom engagement ring, you’ll first have your consultation with the designer. You can tell your designer your ideas and inform them about what you like and want in an engagement ring. Your designer may create basic sketches for you and discuss wearability depending on the metals chosen for the design.Jewelry rendering. Once the initial design […]

It’s both magical and nerve-wracking to shop for your partner’s engagement ring. You want to be sure you’re choosing a ring that they’ll love, especially because it’ll be on their hand for years to come. But finding the perfect ring can be just as challenging as finding the perfect someone for you, and there are a few errors people make when buying their partner’s ring. To help you avoid making these errors yourself, here are three of the most common mistakes people make when shopping for an engagement ring and how you can avoid them. Shopping without knowing your partner’s ring size. Nothing can ruin a romantic moment more than when your partner says yes to getting married and then you can’t slide the engagement ring on their finger. Fortunately, you can avoid this issue altogether by not shopping for engagement rings before you know your partner’s ring size. Don’t be afraid to ask them directly; you should know your partner’s opinion on getting married and whether they’re ready for that step when you start looking for rings, too. Always discuss your engagement prior. Your proposal is what should be the surprise.Shopping without knowing your partner’s preferences. Most people have a preference […]

When it comes to jewelry, diamonds are still the belles of the ball. Even with new jewelry trends like rose gold and lead-plated designs, diamonds are what make a ring truly shine bright like it’s meant to. But before you choose your next diamond jewelry for yourself or your partner, there are a few things you need to know about diamonds. Here are three things you may not have known about diamond jewelry that you ought to keep in mind during your next trip to the jewelry store. Brilliance means the light that’s reflected in the diamond. When you’re looking at different diamonds and the jeweler refers to “brilliance,” they mean the amount of light that’s reflected within the diamond itself. The brilliance of the diamond isn’t affected by the clarity of the stone or the color of it, either. For your diamond to have its brilliance level affected, the jewelry would need to have an extremely low color grade.The term “carat” doesn’t refer to the size of the diamond. A diamond’s carat refers to its weight, not the size of the diamond itself. A shorter and wider diamond can appear larger, but might actually have a lower carat than a diamond […]

Engagement season is officially here and now is the time to start looking into potential engagement rings if marriage has been on your mind. From rose gold bands to diamond shapes, whichever design you choose it’s important that the ring you give your partner shows your love for them. To help you get an idea for the different types of engagement rings available this season, consider some of the most popular engagement ring styles we’ve been seeing so far in 2019. Rose gold bands The rose gold engagement ring has been a popular trend for the last few years, which means this trend may be an engagement staple here to stay. Rose gold grew in popularity because of its unique color and soft pink glow. But rose gold isn’t just popular because of its color. It’s also been a hit with brides and grooms because it flatters all skin tones. Anyone can wear it. Colorful center stones Engagement rings are starting to step away from the traditional diamond and head towards other unique, fun, and classy colors. Two stones that are especially getting a boost in popularity are sapphire and morganite. Sapphires come in multiple colors, but blue diamonds, in […]

Of all the gemstones in the world, diamonds conjure up images of luxury, opulence, extravagance, and love. Diamonds are used in creation of exquisite diamond wedding jewelry, and other pieces, too. Is it time now, perhaps, for you to think about some new pieces of custom jewelry, remounts of pieces you love, or perhaps adding a few more diamonds to your collection? Here are some ideas, with five of today’s most sizzling trends for pieces made using the custom jewelry design process. 1. Custom Diamond Jewelry But by far, the most glamorous, alluring, and desirable pieces of jewelry are those created by the custom jewelry design process. These pieces are individual, personal, one-of-a-kind creations that carry great emotional significance to the owner. With diamonds–the proverbial ‘girl’s best friend’–and in particular, diamond earrings, necklaces, bracelets and, of course, rings, the custom jewelry pieces created are sensational. 2. Custom Colorful Enamel Jewelry Bright enamel bracelets, earrings, and necklaces sparkling with diamonds are a hot trend. Make them even more personal by having one created using the custom jewelry design process, perhaps by selecting the recipient’s favorite color combination. 3. Custom Sun, Moon, and Stars Jewelry Celestial jewelry is the stuff of dreams. […]

More and more people around the world are having their jewelry custom made. It has been reported that about 43% of jewelry made in the United States is from specialty jewelers. The process of making a custom designed jewelry piece is different than walking into a jewelry store and picking something off the shelf. Start with your design. If you already know the kind of design that you want, that is great. Or you can go in and talk to an expert in original jewelry designs. There are some designers out there who really consider themselves to be artists. There are others who are more technical. Before you walk into the store, do some research online. It works out better to have the jeweler involved in the process of making a custom designed jewelry piece to get the right look. You can ask to see their portfolio.Talk about the price. When you are talking to the jeweler about the design, you need to agree to a price. The last thing anyone wants is to go through the process of making a custom designed jewelry piece and then wind up with something you cannot afford. Have this set before you commission […]

Diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings throughout the United States. In fact, they’re so popular that in 2012, diamond engagement rings accounted for about $5 billion of all jewelry sales in the country. Such an abundance of diamond engagement rings means that many rings look rather similar and unremarkable. Instead of buying a commonly styled standard ring from a jewelry store, consider impressing your significant other by investing in custom engagement ring design. Here are four tips for creating unique custom engagement rings, so you can show your partner how much you care. Adding a Surprise Diamond or Gemstone Adding a surprise diamond or gemstone is a great way to create a custom ring with its own unique style. Surprise diamonds or gemstones are stones that cannot be seen when looking at your custom ring head-on, but can be seen when the ring is viewed from a different angle, such as on either side. Placing a surprise diamond on your engagement ring is a romantic way of surprising your significant other with a truly unique custom engagement ring design. Engraving Your Ring One tried-and-true method of customizing your engagement ring is having it engraved. Whether it’s the day […]

Even if you’re the chillest person in the world, and even if your love is incredibly low-maintenance, proposing is scary. Getting the moment and the vibe just right is tough enough, without that nagging possibility that the love of your life could turn you down. To make matters worse, most people pop the question while holding diamond jewelry that costs, on average, about $5,598. An engagement ring is a big investment, and like the proposal itself, it’s something you don’t want to mess up. Choosing the perfect engagement ring takes patience, research, and a bit of luck. For the best proposal possible, make sure you avoid these critical engagement ring mistakes: 1. Buying What You Think Looks Good (And Not What Your Love Would Like) Too often, ring shoppers choose jewelry that appeals to their own sensibilities, and forget that they’re buying a gift for someone else! Take the time to really think about what your special person might like to wear for the rest of their life. If you have an idea of a style or feature your love might like, but can’t find the perfect ring, try exploring custom engagement rings. With custom designed jewelry, you can create […]

As the year draws to a close, serious couples everywhere have engagement on the brain. Diamond engagement rings accounted for about $5 billion of U.S. jewelry sales in 2012, and a significant portion of those sales was in November and December. In fact, December is one of the most popular months to pop the question, especially during the days surrounding Christmas. For the lucky couples, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year. However, for those asking the question, it can also be a time of mounting anxiety. Preparation is the best way to help your proposal go smoothly during the holidays. If you’re thinking about popping the question, try the following tips to make your engagement and the season even more special: Plan for the Whole Day After you’ve proposed with that lovely diamond jewelry, don’t let the special day end! Have a plan for how you and your loved one will celebrate after your proposal. This strategy helps keep the moment of your engagement from being swept away amidst the blur of the holidays. Whether you go out for dinner or take a walk to view holiday lights, your day will be more meaningful. Whatever you […]

With the rise of custom ring design, it’s easier than ever to create exactly ring you want to propose with. However, with more custom jewelry options come more difficult choices to make when designing the perfect engagement ring.   One design element customers have to consider when choosing diamond jewelry is how the ring will hold the stone in place. Use this quick guide to determine which setting option might be best for you:   Prong Setting Also known as the claw setting, this most popular style incorporates two or more prongs that reach up from the band to wrap around the stone, securing it in place. Prong settings are great for minimizing the amount of metal needed to hold the stone, allowing more light to hit the stone and showing off its size and shine. However, raised prong styles tend to get caught on hair and clothing. Channel Setting This modern style features a row of diamonds held in place by two strips of metal. Channel settings are known for security and their ability to stack with other rings, but channel rings are more difficult to clean and can be very challenging to resize. Tension Setting Tension settings are […]

Though thousands of other couples have promised a life of love with a diamond, for some couples, a diamond just doesn’t communicate the feelings they share. If you’re thinking of popping the question, but know that your partner deserves a ring unlike any other, you’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of unique ring styles that go beyond diamonds to demonstrate tender feelings. Here are just a few styles that break the diamond jewelry tradition without sacrificing quality, beauty, or individuality. Knot Rings What better way to tie the knot than with a knot ring? Made of a fine metal shaped like wire, tied into a knot, then soldered into the shape of the ring, knot rings offer visual interest through their dynamic shape rather than with a precious stone. And, just like diamonds, knot rings are loaded with symbolism. Knots symbolize infinity and eternal love, and in Victorian times, lovers would twist flexible young tree limbs into a knotted shape. If the limb survived a year, that couple knew their love would last. Knot rings have also been popular with sailors in the past since knot tying represented an important aspect of their work. Sailor’s knot rings […]

Custom engagement rings have been around for quite a while, and they are meant to be unique. If you have a custom engagement ring, you don’t expect it to look like every other ring at the jewelry store. While that’s true, there have been some common themes in custom ring design, and here are some of them. Rose Gold One of the biggest trends in custom wedding rings is the rose gold color. The color has a warm and romantic hue, and it’s usually paired with colorless diamonds that stand out in contrast to the rose gold setting. One of the biggest reasons this color is so popular is that rose gold flatters all skin tones. Vintage Another popular custom engagement ring design is the vintage style. They are known for their impeccable, intricate details and elaborate designs, and they are inspired by the romantic styles that first appeared in jewelry fashion many years ago. Vintage rings with heirloom quality are both glamorous and timeless. Boatnical If you’re looking for sophistication and timeless design, then you’re looking for a botanical-inspired custom engagement ring. Botanical engagement rings are described as having a floral design and a nature-inspired shape. They make beautiful […]

When it comes to custom engagement rings and other wedding jewelry, you have many options to choose from. A few of the more popular types of stones are diamonds and gemstones. When you’re shopping, you might have a hard time deciding between the two. Here is a basic breakdown of the difference between diamonds and gemstones so you can pick the right one for you.   Gemstone Wedding Jewelry A gemstone is a precious or semiprecious stone. They are cut and polished to be used in a piece of jewelry. Advantages: Gemstones come in a wide array of stunning colors, each with their own individual character. This makes custom gemstone engagement rings and other wedding jewelry really stand out in a crowd. Gems are not as conventional as diamonds, and they have grown increasingly popular and trendy in recent years. Even celebrities are sporting these beautiful stones. Some gems are too soft and brittle to wear every day (like opals and pearls), but others like sapphires and rubies are extremely durable and ideal for engagement rings that are worn every day. Gemstones almost always cost less per carat then diamonds do, so you can probably get a much larger ring […]

When you’re designing a custom engagement ring, you really need to understand the four C’s of diamonds: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Each of these elements plays a role in the beauty of the diamond. Here is a basic breakdown of the features that go into custom ring design. Color Diamond jewelry can actually come in quite a few colors. When you’re picking out your custom engagement ring, you want to take these colors into consideration. Color is graded in terms of how white or colorless the diamond is. Colorless diamonds are the rarest. Other natural colors are thought to be fancier, and their color grading is different from white colorless diamonds. Those colors include blue, red, pink, green, and more. Cut The cut is arguably the most important element when it comes to custom engagement rings. The cut refers to the diamond’s angles, fire, scintillation, proportions, symmetrical facets, and finishing details. The grade for a diamond cut is on a scale of Ideal, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. It ultimately determines what the shape will look like in the final product. The cut also influences the brilliance, or sparkle, of diamond wedding jewelry. Clarity Diamonds have […]

Getting your engagement ring was one of the best days of your life, but even beautiful, well-made jewelry is susceptible to regular wear and tear. Whether you’re looking to re-mount a ring that’s overdue for repair or simply want to update your ring’s design, there are many different setting options available when you pick your new custom ring design. Prong This is the most common type of setting you’ll witness on an engagement ring. Four prongs are used to keep the diamond or other gemstones in a plain mounting. It’s the most traditional form of setting but often requires repair if the prongs break or loosen over time. Channel This is a perfect setting option if you’re looking to upgrade your ring in honor of an anniversary. This setting relies on a channel carved into the ring band that holds multiple diamonds in place with no metal separating them. The outer ridge of the channel is filed over the very edges of the gems to keep them secure and provides a smooth surface despite the textured appearance. Bar The bar setting is also common for anniversaries, but the multiple gemstones or diamonds are separated by a long, thin bar. Invisible […]

Custom engagement rings are the perfect way to show your future spouse you love them in the most unique was possible. Do you want a custom ring, but you’re not sure how the custom jewelry design process works? The Design: The very first step in the custom jewelry design process is to brainstorm designs for the ring. There are so many options for custom engagement rings, so you’re going to want to do your research. You will sit down with the designer and discuss what you want. You’ll need to know the cut, clarity, size, stones, and any other elements you want for the ring. The designer will then help you create a basic sketch to give you an idea of what it will look like. The 3D Image: The next step is the high tech computer image of the sketch. The team will create a 3D image based on the information you gave during the design session. The image will be a realistic representation of what the final product will look like. You will be able to make adjustments to the design is the image does not look the way you desired it to. The Wax Model:The third step in the […]

Getting engaged is a very exciting time for many couples. When two people decide they want to spend the rest of their lives together, it can be magical. But there can be a lot of pressure when it comes to proposing. The location, the timing, and the ring are all elements that people want to be perfect when they propose. Getting the perfect engagement ring can be difficult. She may wear it on her hand for the rest of her life, so you want to make sure that she will love it. This is exactly why custom engagement rings are available. More than 43% of the jewelry industry’s sales in America come from specialty jewelers. Here are four reasons getting your soon-to-be fiance a custom engagement ring is the best choice. No One Else Will Have It You love is unique, and your engagement ring should be, too. A custom ring design allows you to create a ring that no one has ever seen before and no one else will have the privilege of wearing. With trends in diamond jewelry, many women end up with very similar rings from year to year. With a custom engagement ring, this will not […]

The year of 2017 was certainly a fashion-forward one during which many trends were set. Some were new trends, and others were returning fashion statements from the 1990s. One of the most popular trends of 2017, especially in the celebrity sphere, was diamond jewelry and custom engagement rings. Aside from the custom ring designs that filled the red carpet last year, there were a few other trends that could be seen on celebrities. By the spring of 2017, approximately 30 million people had invested in fine jewelry just in that year alone. The trends of 2017 were in jewelry stores across the nation, and many people were indulging. Here were the top five jewelry trends of 2017. Stack-able Rings One only has 10 fingers, so it is impossible to show off all of those rings at once. That is until they became stack-able. People all over the nation had bling on their fingers that could be spotted from miles around. Mixing and matching different styles and other endless possibilities soon became a reality when people started stacking their rings. Chokers This was an on-fire trend that swept across not only America but the world in 2017. Black chokers and rainbow […]

In the last post, we discussed some of the most common myths surrounding diamond rings and handcrafted jewelry. However, there are several more myths that need to be addressed in order for you to make the most well-rounded decision regarding your custom jewelry design needs. Here are some more myths about diamond jewelry. Bigger diamonds are always more expensive. This may seem logical, but it’s simply untrue. When determining the value of a diamond, the biggest indicators of worth are the four C’s: clarity, cut, color, and carat. Some diamonds will be priced higher simply because they are larger; however, it’s more common for a diamond with an average color and cut to cost less than a smaller diamond with a higher quality color and cut. Overall, it’s usually best to choose your diamond on the basis of all four of these qualities as opposed to focusing on one. Gold comes in three colors: yellow, rose, and white. This is a widespread misconception. The reality is, yellow gold is the only color that’s pure gold. Whiteflash.com explains, “Although it is sold that way in jewelry, gold is mined only in yellow form. Pure yellow gold is too soft for use […]

In the last post, we addressed some basic yet essential questions to consider when choosing a jeweler to create custom wedding bands or purchase jewelry from. However, there are several secondary questions that, when taken into consideration, can ensure that you’ll make the right decision for your jewelry needs. Here are some more important questions to ask your jeweler to help you choose the right one for your needs. What are the policies regarding returns and warranties? This is a question to consider when you’ve narrowed down your list of potential jewelry stores to the point when there are just a few remaining. Does the store offer jewelry insurance or any other type of warranty or guarantee? Get the details upfront and before committing to anything. For custom jewelers, this is also the time to address whether or not they can have the custom wedding bands or other custom jewelry completed by the time and day you need it — that is, if you haven’t already addressed it. The last thing you’d ever want is to be stuck paying full price for a piece of jewelry that wasn’t ready when you needed it. How knowledgeable is the master jeweler? Knowledge […]

In the spring of 2017, approximately 30 million people had already invested in fine jewelry purchases. Understandably, these consumers will want to do everything they can to preserve their baubles and diamond jewelry. Those who want to protect their custom engagement rings and high-quality jewelry pieces need to follow proper care techniques. The dos and don’ts below should give you a good idea of the procedures you should (and shouldn’t) follow when caring for the pieces you’ve purchased from your master jeweler or local jewelry store. Do: Store your diamond jewelry properly Diamonds may be forever, but improper storage can result in chips and cracks. When you aren’t wearing your diamonds, you should keep them in a clean, dry spot like a fabric-lined case, special pouch, or jewelry box. Do not throw your jewelry into a jumbled mess in these storage containers, as this can lead to damage and/or tangling. Gold and silver pieces can also be damaged easily, so store them separately to minimize the risk of scratches or tarnishing. Keep it clean Your ring won’t stay sparkly forever if you allow grime to build up. That’s why regular cleaning is a must. If you choose to clean at […]

Specialty jewelers generate more than 43% of the jewelry industry’s sales in the United States. But before you invest in any type of handcrafted jewelry, you should understand exactly what you’re getting. Diamonds, for example, are one of the most popular minerals for jewelry, and diamond jewelry is one of the few things that will actually increase in value over the years. And, of course, if you’re purchasing custom wedding rings or another meaningful piece of jewelry, its true value is incalculable. So before you invest in custom jewelry, either for yourself or your sweetheart, there are a number of myths and misconceptions about diamond jewelry that many people still believe. Here are just a few of the most common myths about diamonds and diamond jewelry. Carat is a term that refers to the size of the actual diamond. This is a common misconception. The reality is that a diamond’s carat simply refers to its weight. The size is more dependent on the depth of the cut itself. For example, a wider and shorter stone will almost always appear larger than a narrower but longer stone, even though it may have a lower carat weight. Keep in mind, however, that […]

Fine jewelry is a universal enjoyment. While it’s true that Europe, China, and the U.S. are the top three markets for luxury jewelry in the world, it seems as though everybody has that one piece of jewelry with extra sentimental value, such as diamond jewelry or custom weddings rings. If you’re considering purchasing a piece of handcrafted jewelry, choosing the right jewelry store is the first and most critical step. Here are a few essential questions to ask yourself before hiring a master jeweler to design and create your custom jewelry. Does the jeweler have credentials? Credentials are important when looking for any type of professional services. Established businesses have been in service for many years and have built up a good rapport and relationship with the area’s people. Furthermore, if you choose a business that just opened, who’s to say it’ll be around if you end up needing repairs for your custom wedding rings or other customer service? It isn’t a hard and fast rule, of course, but typically, the longer the store has been in business, the more established they are, and the better business they provide. What range of products/services does the jeweler provide? This is ultimately […]