Gold and All it's Many Colors.

          Gold is one of the most fundamental base colors for jewelry. There are innumerable options that you can pick the colors of gold jewelry from. You might be interested to know how to highlights these option and then, pick the right gold jewelry up from the rest. There are lots of thing here, describe what you have to consider when you are looking for this jewelry type. Base on these descriptions, you can at least ensure that you get the right jewelry pieces from the rest.

               There are lots of different shade colors of gold jewelry that you have to keep in mind. Color of gold is already a well know, but with different shade of gold, you probably want to take a closely look and make your decision after all. But keep in mind that different in color shade is not necessary the thing you need to first look when it comes to gold.
With the white gold, the colors of gold jewelry will be very contrast in comparison with the traditional gold. Therefore, if you are looking for anything that look different from gold, but made by gold, white gold is your best option to go for. You can figure out for any jewelry accessories whether or not that is something you want to stick with the real gold shade, or you want to have it in different color format. Then, white gold would be your option to go for.

          Based on your requirement, whether you want to go for the traditional colors of gold jewelry or not. If you take a look at those jewelry set and figure out that you want to have it in the real gold color, you can just go for it. But if you want things that look different in the color tone, white gold or pink gold may be your option to go for. With some metal mixing with gold, the color shade can look differently for the traditional gold colors. It is really up to you want kind of color shade you would go for. Keep in your mind that not only the color shade of gold that you need to look at, but also the pattern of jewelry pieces is another thing to consider at the same time. You need to consider for all everything that involved with jewelry piece, before make your final decision for it... Rose gold. I'm sold :)

Not All Diamonds Are Created Eco :)

        Diamonds are pure or nearly pure carbon, blessed with three extraordinary qualities.
First, a diamond owns unique powers of light reflection. When cut, it gathers light within itself, sending it back in a shower of fire and brilliance.  Second, it is the only gem mineral composed of a single, unadulterated element, making it the purest of earth’s gemstones. Third, it is the hardest transparent substance known to man. Steel cannot cut a diamond. The only material that can cust a diamond is another diamond.  It is fitting that the purest and most brilliant of all the world’s stones should be the most enduring.
        As a strong believer in the "green" or "eco" movement I'm intrigued by the recycled/upcycled diamond trend.  It's possible that someone prior to you already recycled the diamonds in your jewelry. All diamonds are very old. Some were formed 4 billion years ago. Unless you know your diamond's history, since it was initially found in its uncut form, there's no way of knowing its origin. One thing is clear, however. One can save money and the planet. 
     As a gold and diamond buyer, I have seen the trend first hand.  Rather than hanging on to memories of a failed relationship or departed relative, they are opting to "recycle" their diamonds.  I have read in articles that there is up to $1 trillion worth of "used diamonds" locked away in safe deposit boxes and jewelry cases, and many gems could find their way onto the market. The good thing is... Diamonds are forever, literally.

What Are Chocolate Diamonds Anyway?

            Ever heard someone say what are chocolate diamonds? Diamonds have such a lot of different names. Earlier it was so much easier when it was just the white diamonds. Today, there are numerous other shades like pink, blue, black, red and even brown. Until recently diamonds which are colored and have other hues apart from the usual were considered to be low color diamonds. These were considered to be of lower grade than the white diamonds which are bright and shiny. It was only then that the market slowly began to accept colored diamonds and even started seeking them out. While they are of a lower cost than white diamonds, they are definitely a hot seller.
             That was how these chocolate diamonds or brown diamonds came into the market and began to be sold in larger numbers. These occur in some low grade mines and customers who usually don’t give a second look at the colored ones began to hunt for the cognac diamonds as they are also known. It is interesting to mix these colored diamonds with white diamonds around them or at the center. It gives a very elegant look and is seen a lot in jewelry designs all over the world. If you have chocolate diamonds on cufflinks and pendants with other colored diamonds around them, you will have very interesting jewelry.

            Many people find having a chocolate diamond surrounded by other white diamonds to be a very classy and fashionable choice in jewelry. These are mined from Russia, Australia and Africa. The naturally occurring varieties are most sought after followed by others that are treated to obtain an even brown color. How the diamonds get the color is simple. Due to years of being buried deep under the earth, a lot of extreme pressure is there on these diamonds which over time changes color to acquire a brownish hue. It was the Le Vian jewelry that came up with the name chocolate diamonds.
              While purchasing diamonds, always opt for a reputed jeweler renowned for credibility. Chocolate diamonds are also made from low grade diamonds which have been treated to radiation. If you buy these you will not have any resale value and unscrupulous jewelers will try to sell them as naturally occurring ones at exorbitant prices. Also take a certificate of authenticity from the jeweler that you go to so that you know you are paying for something truly worth the money. Know what you are investing in, so that you do not get deceived when you buy your colored diamonds. Knowing the diamonds chocolate jewelry will help you avoid such mistakes.

Celebrity Engagment Rings!

                                                    Celebrity Engagement Rings

   It’s a fact that celebrities love everything class apart. They like to get exclusively best of the world. And we are always quite curious to know what is something new emerging at their end. Now, I myself am not one for the diamonds ;) But take a look at what the celebrities are weighing down their ring fingers with. http://www.celebritybrideguide.com/celebrity-engagement-rings/?pid=2358.
      Now, I may not love diamonds for myself, but what I do love is a little photography. Check out this genius engagement photoshoot!  Loves it!  http://lelanewyork.blogspot.com/2011/11/nyc-real-engagement-photo-shoot.html

An Oldie, but a Goodie

                                              An Oldie, but a Goodie.

     The cover of a magazine tells it's contents. An ad, however, shows many different things. So, I've collected old advertisements which are mighy interesting. This, my first choice, is from 1869.

Redfield & Rice Manufacturing Co.

. I can't tell you how many ads there are in our early archives that involve an image of a fork. If I were I spoon or butter knife, I'd be very offended.

The Watchmaker and Jeweler September 1870

Adams, Chandler & Co.

One can never have enough firemen's parade trumpets. How close was I to blowing my rent money buying one of these babies off eBay? Not very much :) but still interesting.

The Jeweler's Weekly Aug. 18, 1886

R.S.F. & Co.

This ring would go nicely with a with a top hat and walking cane. No one would want to mess with you.

The Jeweler's Weekly Aug. 25, 1886

R.F. Simmons & Co.

This was the only ad that used color that I saw from the 1800s. Looks to be lined with a gold leaf-like material. Eye-catching compared to all the black and white surrounding it.

The Jeweler's Circular Feb. 6, 1895

R. Wallace & Sons Mfg. Co.

One of the more ecletic mix of products during any era, never mind the 1800s. The perfume bottle for the missus, and the knife for the gent to use on himself when he picks up the bill.

The Jeweler's Circular Feb. 13, 1895

The Dueber-Hampden Watch Factories

Nothing says "Buy our watches!" like an omnious factory pouring dirty soot into the sky.

Which one is your favorite?

Designer Costume Jewelry

                                               Designer Costume Jewelry

         Everyone sees the jewels that celebrities adorn from Harry Winston and the likes. We can try to replicate the trends by this new term.  "Designer costume jewelry” is often used to refer to two things. It can mean jewelry pieces designed and produced by a famous designer that are not made with fine jewelry materials like precious stones, gold, and platinum. Usually, these pieces are not made of faux gems or gold, but of other, more creative materials like leather, fabric and stones that were chosen by a designer costume jeweler for aesthetic appeal. The term is also used to refer to designer-inspired costume jewelry made of faux gold and gemstones that are produced by fast-fashion outlets in an attempt to emulate or imitate popular designer jewelry pieces. Technically, though, designer-inspired pieces should always be clearly labeled as such, and not as “designer jewelry,” direct knockoffs are never cute, inspiration is though :) Anyway... 
          Designer costume jewelry, a branch of designer fashion jewelry, does not usually feature traditional fine jewelry items like engagement rings, wedding bands, or diamond stud earrings. Instead, you’ll find unique and creative pieces utilizing unusual metals like titanium, stainless steel, or copper, and exotic materials like leather, beads, crystals, enamel, fabric, and even plastic. I do not wear much jewelry, so I had to do a little internet browsing myself. So, I'll share my findings.  For example, a stainless steel and purple leather woven bracelet by designer Chloe costs under $300 on bluefly.com, while a pair of huge square stud earrings made of bright enamel and gold-plated zinc by Kate Spade are only $78 at Neiman Marcus. However, a pair of woven cable studs made of 18-karat gold and set with 1.55 total carat weight of pavé diamonds by David Yurman costs $7,900 at the same store.
        Unlike knockoffs or faux precious jewelry, designer costume jewelry will look classy and appropriate.  Rather than mimicking the look of a  celebrity with huge faux diamonds that can look fake or tacky, you can embrace your own personal style and find creative, unique costume jewelry pieces by the designers you already love. I've read that this year's costume jewelry trends have gone wild, from textured, contrasting metal bracelets that are worn stacked up in sets on the arm, to oversized cocktail rings set with interesting minerals like mother-of-pearl and lapis. 
            So, you don't need to have diamonds to look great. Treat yourself to a designer costume piece from a designer you already love. Trust me, you'll be happy :0

Being green; recycle your gold for ca$h.

I'm not a magician, but I can turn your gold into a pile of ca$h!!!

It's the right time to recycle your gold jewelry. The price of gold tends to rise when the economy is doing poorly. Over the last two years, gold prices have risen roughly an astounding 70 percent! Though the price has dipped since reaching record highs, gold still shines infinitely.
Gold and silver are markedly recyclable. By selling your gold and silver to be refined and “recycled” we continue to be globally and ethically conscious while making you money! Gold has been recycled since ancient times. Once gold comes out of the ground, it never goes back in. It's used over and over again. Unlike paper money, you can’t reprint gold.
The kind of gold you can sell ranges from inexpensive gold trinkets to dental gold to solid gold coins and fine jewelry. Simple or broken gold jewelry, as well as parts of a set, are best for selling as scrap. If your gold contains diamonds or is a designer piece, you will get a better price if you sell them as jewelry.

Fine Diamond Jewelry & Estate Jewelry

Art Deco Ruby & Diamond Bracelet

There is nothing more beautiful that a piece of well maintained antique and estate jewelry. Featured today is a fine platinum set ruby and diamond bracelet. The total carat weight on this piece is approximately 14 carats of VS clarity and G color diamonds. The approximate value of this piece is $25,000. This item was valued in one of our location, and definitely a beauty. Clients come into our locations in New York, Long Island , Queens, Nassau and Suffolk very often with beautiful pieces which are from different eras and styles. A few different design styles and eras are Art deco, Art Noveau, Edwardian, Etc. The intricate workmanship and design in these handcrafted pieces will undoubtably demand higher prices and re-sale marketability internationally.

There are many different styles to these beautiful bracelets. One thing is for sure, they all are unique with stories built in over the course of many decades.

Till next time,