September is SAPPHIRE SEASON!

By Megan Reynolds, AJP (GIA)

As you may have noticed, September is right around the corner. And if your birthday falls in September, then your birthstone is the Sapphire. With that in mind, I decided to do a little post about sapphires and their history, just for you!

An interesting thing to note is that even as late as the 18^th century, all colored stones were classified simply by their color. If the stone was blue, it was called hyacinth, after the bluish flower; although later the name would be changed to sapphire. This woefully inadequate classification process is why the historic Black Prince Ruby, on a more modern day inspection, was found to be a spinel. All because hundreds of years ago, they just looked at the red color and called it ruby. Now ruby and sapphire are both a varieties of the mineral corundum, but did you know that they are actually the same stone? It’s true. Somewhere down the line it was decided that red corundum would get to keep the name ruby, separating it from all of the other colors of corundum which would be called sapphire. The really tricky thing is that the name sapphire now covered every color of the rainbow, including pink. So where do you draw the line between pink sapphire, and pinkish red ruby? Well in all honesty it’s a very fine line, but again, I digress.

So, let’s get back to our history. Sapphires have long been prized for their purported abilities as well as their velvety blue color. Clergy in the middle ages chose sapphire for their ecclesiastical rings because its color reminded them of heaven, while magicians said that it led them to prophesy and allowed them to command the spirits. Sapphire was also used as a medical aid to treat eye ailments like cataracts. King Charles V of France was even said to have owned “an oval oriental sapphire for touching the eyes”. Thought to be an antidote for poison and poisonous bites, it was said that if a venomous snake were placed in a container made of sapphire that it would promptly die. Now, my guess is that the snake died of asphyxiation rather than fear of what was basically really expensive blue Tupperware, but hey, whatever works right? The revered blue stone was also said to be able to clear the mind and skin, and to cure fevers, colds, and ulcers. And if you could afford one, it was thought to be able to combat the plague as well. Handy little stone wasn’t it?

Today, sapphires are mainly mined in Madagascar, eastern Africa, Sri Lanka, and Australia. The most prevalent color is blue, however, as we discussed earlier, sapphires come in all colors. However, the color that is most rapidly gaining in popularity is the pink sapphire. We just so happen to have a beautiful hot pink sapphire necklace in our showroom. Take a look at this stunner!



Sapphires have been coveted throughout the centuries, and that tradition rings true today. Some big time celebrities have been seen rocking blue sapphires instead of diamonds in their engagement rings. When Javier Bardem chose a ring for his sweetheart Penelope Cruz, he looked to the classic sapphire. And no sapphire engagement ring is more famous than the one currently adorning the hand of the new Duchess of Cambridge. Love their look? Make it your own with our very own interpretation. A fabulous 2.25 carat Ceylon blue sapphire is surrounded by a seamless halo of diamonds that cascade down the band and even make a surprise appearance on the basket. It is a stunning ring, from every angle.

Sapphires are a naturally hard stone, second only to diamonds in strength, so they are an excellent choice for jewelry. Want to see more? Check out our youtube channel to see the most recent edition of our “Showroom Showcase” featuring a few of my favorite sapphire pieces from our showroom!

How We Came to Love The "Tennis Bracelet"

By Megan Reynolds

Defined as “a bracelet containing many small gemstones, such as diamonds, that are set and linked one after the other into a narrow chain”, tennis bracelets are considered by many to be a staple of any jewelry wardrobe. Popular for years, these line style bracelets add a classic touch of sparkle that can go from day to evening wear effortlessly. However, the name tennis bracelet hasn’t been around as long as the design. It was in fact, an accident of fate that gave them the moniker of “tennis bracelet”. Known simply as diamond line bracelets at the time, they were a favorite accessory for Tennis champion Chris Evert. She wore them everywhere, including her tennis matches. It was at the 1987 US Open that her bracelet habit would make jewelry history. In the middle of a set, she realized that the glittering strand was missing. She immediately stopped the match to search for the jewelry, refusing to play until it was found. Well, she did find the bracelet, but the event made international news, and the “tennis” bracelet was born.

                                       

Modern day tennis bracelets come in all sizes and shapes, and some even contain colored gemstones as well. However they all follow the traditional line style setting that flows gracefully over the wrist. The individual settings for each diamond are what come together to lend a fluidity and elegance to a simple design that isn’t out of place at a black tie gala, or even the tennis court. Although, I would definitely recommend against wearing one of these bracelets while practicing your serve. You can wear them one at a time, or even stack a few together for a more modern and sparkly look. Don’t tell anyone, but I’m wearing all three of the inspiration bracelets for this piece right now. A stunning effect, if I do say so myself. But no matter how you choose to wear them, tennis bracelets will continue to make history with their effortless style and unlimited possibilities.

"If I had to pick just one, I’d pick three" by Megan Reynolds, AJP (GIA)

So, I work for this awesome company with a beautiful showroom which is great for you, but for me it poses a bit of a problem. I want EVERYTHING, so today I decided to choose one from our collection that would be my favorite and write about it. I think I found about fifty, which I have painstakingly whittled to three. I chose today to focus on colored stones because they are so frequently overlooked in the search for their “sparklier” diamond counterparts. So I offer you this, my small scale homage to the colored stone jewelry of the world. Enjoy!

First up is a trio of 14k white gold bands with colored stones and diamonds, and they count as one thing… yep… it’s true. Each band has a different colored stone, and they are pink sapphire, yellow sapphire, and green (tsavorite) garnet, respectively. These bands are undeniably the cutest things we have in our showroom, and they look great on my finger if I do say so myself. The bezel style setting makes the ring so comfortable to wear as there are no prongs to snag on clothing, etc. And they’re so versatile; you can wear them all at once, or just two, or just one. Or if you’re feeling bold, wear one as a wedding band. The possibilities are endless. However, after all of that practicality, it’s the colors that get me; they’re like candy, and make me smile every morning as I put them in their case, always at the front of course. I personally own about five rings with green stones, but I would love to make it six with this one. It counts as one ring, remember? Hey, even numbers are better anyway, right?

Next up is a checkerboard cushion cut amethyst set in a 14K rose gold halo style mounting. This ring is probably the most popular one among all of the girls who work here, myself included. The rose gold is what sets this ring apart for me; the combination of the copper-pink and purple is stunning and unique. The band also contributes to the look as it is so delicate that the stone is really allowed to be center stage, with the halo adding just the right touch of sparkle. The checkerboard cut of the stone is interesting as well, as it lends originality along with an extra large dose of brilliance. This ring overall has a quiet elegance that is lacking in a lot of colored stone jewelry I’ve seen. It’s “elegant dinner party”, while the ones I mentioned above are more “girls’ day out”.  And that is why I needed it too, for all of my elegant dinner parties… or Chinese takeout, either one.

And last in my pick(s), allow me to bring your attention to may favorite pair of amethyst earrings (I must be in a purple mood today.) Two gorgeous amethyst pear shapes each hang from a delicate swirl of diamonds. If the trio of bands were the “fun”, and the rose gold ring, the “demure”, then these, are the “showstoppers.” The rich purple paired with the beautifully brilliant white diamonds are truly magnificent. They are tastefully elegant, all the while still being whimsical and fun. When I win my Pulitzer Prize, I will be wearing these earrings. Hey, it could happen! Although the reality is, I love these earrings so much that I would dress in evening wear to pick up groceries if it meant I could wear them. Frozen peas will never have never been so glamorous.

So there you have it, my favorite thing, er, things from our showroom, today. All bets are off tomorrow. And yes, I need each of them, really I do… seriously.  

Today's History Lesson: PLATINUM!

For over three thousand years, platinum has been prized for its many unique attributes. Found in the tombs of ancient Egyptians, and used in jewelry by the Incas, precious platinum has a truly remarkable history. After being utilized by the Incas, platinum did not appear again until it was discovered by Spanish conquistadors in 1590. Thinking that it was a lesser metal, they called it ‘platina’ which means little silver, and threw it back into the river to “ripen”.

It wasn’t until the alchemy craze of the 1700’s that platinum was truly appreciated again as it was a highly prized ingredient in the potions of those who were trying to turn lead into gold. In 1751 platinum got another boost when it was categorized as a precious metal by scientist Theophil Scheffer, and soon after, King Louis XVI of France declared that platinum was the only metal fit for Kings. Obviously King Carlos III of Spain agreed with him, because in 1788 he had an ornate platinum chalice created for Pope Pius VI. Of course, platinum was not only prized for its beauty, but also for its durability. When the metric system was created in 1795, platinum was chosen to make the standard kilogram weight as well as the standard meter length as its durability meant it would not wear away and corrupt the standard. In 1937, platinum’s royal connections continued at the coronation of Queen consort Elizabeth with an elegant crown made of platinum. And it wasn’t just British royalty who loved the precious metal. American rock royalty preferred platinum as well. In 1967 when Elvis and Pricilla Presley were married, they exchanged platinum wedding bands.

The most recent platinum nuptials were watched all over the world. Of course I am speaking of the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. On her wedding day, the now Duchess of Cambridge wore a gorgeous platinum tiara loaned to her by Queen Elizabeth, accessorized by dazzling platinum and diamond drops given to her by her parents. She also wore her engagement ring which is a stunning platinum ring with a large sapphire surrounded with diamonds and is part of the legacy left behind by the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

So why is platinum so prized? What makes it special? Well to start with, platinum is PURE. All platinum sold in the US is 90 to 95% pure whereas 18 karat gold is 75% pure. This is due to the fact that platinum is a naturally white metal and does not need to be alloyed to improve its color. Platinum’s natural white color is a beautiful choice for diamond jewelry as the color maximizes the brilliance of your diamonds. Platinum is a white metal from the day it is mined, and will always remain so as it does not tarnish or corrode over time, nor is it affected by chlorine or other household products. Platinum does develop a warm patina over the years, which is a preferred look for many over a high polish. Also, due to its purity, platinum is naturally hypoallergenic, which makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.

Platinum is also RARE. Mined in only two locations in the world, South Africa and Russia, platinum is 35 times rarer than gold. On average, only 88 tons of platinum are made into jewelry each year, compared to over 2700 tons of gold. In fact, it is estimated that if all of the platinum ever mined were put in an Olympic sized swimming pool it would only reach your ankles, whereas the amount of gold would be enough to fill over three pools. Also, if mining of platinum were halted today, the supply remaining would be exhausted in just two years. This shortage is not only due to lack of mining sites. Platinum is much more difficult to mine. It takes 10 tons of ore, and 8 weeks to produce a single ounce of platinum. That’s only enough for 4 or 5 rings!

And the final reason why so many choose platinum? Platinum is ETERNAL. Platinum is one of the densest of precious metals. In fact, platinum is 60% heavier than 14k gold. This is a difference that you can literally feel. For example, a six inch cube of platinum weighs in at a staggering 165 pounds. That’s close to the weight of an average man! This density offers an extremely secure home to your diamonds and precious gems. Platinum prongs are much less likely to break or wear down which gives you piece of mind. Platinum is considered to be so secure that it is the metal trusted to house the famed Hope diamond. The Hope diamond’s beautiful platinum setting has proven itself to be durable beyond the call of duty as it is rumored that previous owner Evalyn Walsh McLean used to allow her Great Dane to wear the famous stone! Another reason for platinum’s durability is in its chemical makeup. When other metals are scratched, a sliver of metal is shorn away, never to be regained. Platinum is different, when it is scratched, the metal is simply displaced and can be returned with a professional polishing. Think of platinum as a piece of clay. When you drag your finger across the top, the clay is merely pushed aside, not taken off completely. And with the proper tools, you can make it look just like new. This means that the platinum wedding bands that you buy today will look just as good on your fiftieth wedding anniversary as they do in our showroom. The eternal nature of platinum allows your memories and your legacy to carry on for generations to come.

A Platinum Custom Halo Setting from UnionDiamond.com

Diamonds as an Investment

In today’s unstable economy, many people are looking to diversify their assets. The stock market is on a roller coaster, banks are going under, and everyone is feeling the strain. So where should you invest your money? Gold and silver are the obvious choices, but what about diamonds? Are diamonds a good investment?

Well, as many things in life, the answer isn’t totally clear but is leaning one way over the other. Diamond prices have steadily been increasing over the past twenty years. So in a sense, diamonds are recession proof. They offer you protection from inflation, bank bankruptcy, market collapse, and currency reforms. They also have the benefit of total anonymity as there is no registration required, and there is world-wide convertibility. If your country’s currency is down the tubes, just hop a plane and sell it elsewhere. Diamonds also have no maintenance costs, and offer tax free betterment. Not to mention the fact that diamonds are a very prestigious investment that you can literally insure. And $30,000 worth of diamonds takes up a whole lot less space than the equivalent amount of gold coins.

So what does all of this mean for you? Well, the truth is, investing in diamonds is a tricky business. You can’t just go out and buy a few diamonds and hope for the best; a little strategy is a good idea. Now if you have millions of dollars to spare, by all means go for the rarest and largest stones, perhaps even colored diamonds. However, for the vast majority of us out there, a bit of homework is in order. I’m sure you know all about the “four C’s” and they will come into play here, but not in the way you would think. When you’re investing in a commodity like diamonds, you have to think first about how much they are going to cost you, while also thinking about what would be sellable when you decide to cash in on your investment. While a D flawless diamond looks the best on paper the majority of buyers are going to care more about size and cut. You want a stone that is beautiful, but approachable to a variety of buyers. Another aspect is to be sure you are buying graded (certified) diamonds. Diamond color and clarity grading is subjective, so just the word of your uncle’s family jeweler doesn’t hold much water, but having a reputable lab such as the GIA say that your stone is a G VS2 will improve your diamond’s value significantly. Also, if you plan on wearing your investment, or having it worn by another, it may be a good idea to set your diamonds in simple, classic jewelry if your intention is to sell the completed piece down the road.

Now that we’ve discussed how to invest in diamonds, what can you expect from the future? Remember that diamonds aren’t a “super quick turnaround” type of investment. They usually require years to increase in value enough to make you money. However their true untapped worth is in their value to your relationships. Diamonds are magical little things. Remember the last time you gave the woman you love a diamond? (If you don’t I need to have a word with you.) If she’s anything like me, I’m sure her eyes lit up and she couldn’t stop staring at it. She will remember that moment for the rest of her life. And then when she passes it on to your children, or grandchildren, the story of that day will live on for eternity. Yes, above all else, a diamond is truly forever and for all eternity, just like your love for her.  And that is a great investment.

Almost a Century Later, the Eggs are Back!

Fabergé announced in July that they would be releasing two new collections of egg pendants, Les Fameux de Fabergé and Less Frissons de Fabergé. The first of their kind since the Russian revolution closed Fabergé in 1917, they pay homage to the legacy left by the Imperial Eggs created by the Peter Carl Fabergé for the Russian royal family. As a universal celebration of life, the eggs symbolize Fabergé’s rebirth as a family company. But, back to the jewelry. Les Fameux is a line of 12 one-of-a-kind High Jewelry egg pendants of varying design. They range from the classical Train des Fleurs Egg, to the fittingly named diamond egg, samplings of which are described below.

The Diaghilev Egg- Rubies ringed with diamonds swirl on this magnificent egg which, in traditional Fabergé fashion contains a secret compartment that opens to reveal a matching pendant.

The Train des Fleurs Egg (pictured below) – Designed to evoke memories of the trains that brought flowers from France to brighten the halls of the palace in St. Petersburg during the winter party season, this egg seems to be the most traditional of the lot, in our humble opinion.


photo courtesy of Fabergé

The Diamond Egg- Made of titanium, this egg is covered completely with invisibly set diamonds totaling 66.4 carats weighing more than the metal holding them up. This is a feat that Fabergé claims has never been achieved before.

Frankly, the diamond egg looks a bit like a bejeweled hand grenade, but, if these eggs strike your fancy they can be yours for the price of $100,000 to $600,000. Fabergé has also announced that they will be accepting private commissions to bring back the tradition of giving a Fabergé egg on special occasions.

Now if the prices of the High Jewelry Eggs have you feeling faint, there’s good news. Almost missed among the excitement over the Les Fameux line, was the announcement of another line of eggs, Les Frissons De Fabergé. Les Frissons is a collection of miniature egg pendants that start at a much more palatable $6,000 a piece. The eggs will be made using a variety of classic Fabergé materials such as carved stones, gold, enamels, and lacquers. These eggs are every bit as beautiful as their more expensive counterparts and some of them are a lot more fun. The colors are brighter, and the designs are cuter. I mean look at them, they’re like candy, but with diamonds, which is better.


Photo courtesy of Fabergé

In this humble blog’s opinion, Fabergé’s rebirth has been an extremely interesting venture and we can’t wait to see what they’ll come up with next.