We Lost MCA today, Beastie Boy would loved gold.

         The world lost MCA today, Adam Yauch today, one of the founding member of the Beasie Boys. Here in NY, they are close to our hearts. The Beastie Boys may not be recognized as fashion pioneers like Run-DMC, but they clearly made a unique imprint in the eighties with their signature style. Respectful of cultural influences, the ironic rebels blended classics like gold chains and Adidas trainers with tapered jeans, leather jackets, button-downs, and even polos. Perhaps more significantly, the Beastie Boys are credited with reviving hip-hop style in the nineties. Visionaries and some even dubbed them 'genuis' they were ahead of their time and still get club play.  However, they rocked the Dookie chain whic has made it's come back, some thirty years later. 

http://www.mtv.com/bands/g/gold_ropes_feature_060619/

Evil Eye Jewelry Isn't Evil after all :)

                    Okay, for the most part, I am not trendy, but I do, however love the evil eye motif.  It stretches all cultures and it's a huge celebrity trend right now. These clever incarnations of this mystic symbol are popping up all over the fashion sites. This kind of jewelry does not discriminate and is easily adaptable between fashion personalities.
                 Firstly, we should acknowledge that wearing the evil eye is not an evil act at all. This is no up side down cross my friends! In fact, wearing evil eye jewelry is supposed to be a protective measure. That little evil eye symbol represents ill wishes from others who are giving ‘the evil eye.’ Ooooh spooky! They say this is especially true for feelings on envy from other people, casting out negative energy when they often do not even realize it. So, as a protective measure, you wear the evil eye jewelry to mirror the ill wishes back at the gazer! So clever and USEFUL when you are an eye catching fashionista like all of our readers.
                Without taking this too literally (hey, this is fashion after all), we are currently in love with rocking this little symbol in the most backwards of ways! Colored in powder pink, stuck amongst a collection of miss matched charms and especially given as gifts to frienemies. This is a fun trend with a very distinct look. And here in the United States, the evil eye doesn’t have much of a religious or superstitious vibe. Or, rather, it has been very diluted.
            These little evil eye jewelry pieces can be found in every store, from the $5 Forever 21  to the pieces which are diamond encusted and in the thousands.  As the saying goes, if you want it badly enough… you can find it online .

Even Kristen Stewart Likes Spoon Rings World!!!

                   Now, I'm not a twilight fan per say but one thing I do know is that Kristen Stewart broke fashion "rules" on more than one occasion. She can pull-off casual by donning her signature worn-in Vans and stunning dresses straight from the runway. She mixes and matches her tomboy and glam-inspired looks without hesitation because she’s never been afraid of showcasing her brand of style. This includes her unique accessory choices.

               Kristen and I do have one thing is common. WE LOVE SPOON RINGS!! One of Kristen’s favorite pieces are her different spoon rings. I first noticed her wearing it on Conan O'Brien. Then I began to look for it everytime I saw her on something :) She went from Twilight screenings, to all over her hometown of Los Angeles. The antique feel of this ring makes it her go-to piece for both casual and formal occasions. Check it out!

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.

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?

You don't always need Karats to feed your love of jewelry...

                             You don't always need Karats to feed your love of Jewelry...

                                                                 Modern Jewelry is all jewelry that would look modern or contemporary about them. We all know that good jewelry was expensive but we never thought about showing just how much it's worth to the world! Well, as a fan of all things recycled and modern, I read about Tine De Ruysser is a professional jewelry designer who studied in different art universities.  

        She takes paper currency from all over the world, including China, USA, Australia, Europe, South Africa, Argentina, and turns them into amazing and wearable works of art. Notice the precise and detailed way she makes chains and weaves. It's all quite fascinating! I'm obsessed!  

    As a photography buff I also recently learned of re:vision.  It  brings old school cameras into an entirely new focus. Camera lenses recycled in South Australia by Craig Arnold, and now, sterling silver pieces modelled on the real thing. Each recycled cuff is custom made and one of a kind, no one else will have the same piece as you. Now, can you day that about most gold jewelry? 

Now, to the acrylics, which personally a lot of my friends adore and wear regularly. Some women don't like the heaviness or the look of a diamond, or aren't even engaged. This is a fun option for everyone. You don’t need to plan a diamond heist, these pieces are way more affordable and a lot more fun! If you’re big on symbols but light on status-obsession then wear one of these to make your statement!

Drew Barrymore's ring!!

     

          Drew Barrymore and her fiance Drew Kopelman  got engaged!!!  I love Drew as an actress and she's quite adorable.  I’m happy for them, but I’m actually congratulating them on their ring choice, more so.   It is a unique, lovely setting and a simply perfect diamond color and cut. Drew’s engagement ring features a colorless (D color) radiant-cut diamond that is just under 4 carats on a diamond-covered band. Want to learn about the look and the diamond? I had to!!! Here, take a closer look....

      Drew's ring is radiant cut, which you can see is rare, special and beautiful.  For maximum brilliance and a optimum diamond fire, a precise cut is crucial for a radiant diamond shape.   The perfection of the cut, and the talent of the diamond cutter creates the heavy reflection and refraction within the stone.   An improperly cut diamond will have a lower value and less brilliant appearance that dampens the effect of its unusual.
       The modern radiant shape was perfected by Henry Grossbard in 1977 when he successfully blended the geometry of emerald cut with the brilliance of the classic round diamond. A radiant cut is, basically, a hybrid stone that is generally square or rectangular but with slightly cropped corners that contribute to its eye-catching sparkle.  Drew’s diamond is also set in a lovely ring. If you have the means, custom-making a ring like this would be the way to go!

The Truth of GIA vs. EGL Certification, all the differences involved.

                           

                       The Truth of GIA vs. EGL Certification

Before purchasing a diamond, it is important to ensure it has been certified by a credible gemological organization. Both the Gemological Institute of America and the European Gemological Laboratory are credible organizations known worldwide for grading and certifying diamonds. Both organizations offer similar diamond certification reports; however, there are a few differences between the organizations when it comes to diamond value and grading standards. Both GIA and EGL are very reliable independent diamond grading laboratories. They both employ leading gemologist and use the highest technologies to grade diamonds. Both set industry standards and are well respected.  Both GIA and EGL do not make diamonds, rather diamonds are sent to them to get a completely independent and objective diamond grading report.

The GIA in a non-profit institute, established in 1931. The purpose of the GIA is to protect purchasers of gemstones through education and research and determine the quality of diamonds through certification. The GIA is an international organization with world headquarters located in Carlsbad, California.

The EGL is an international company that also focuses on gemstone certification, education and research. The company is privately owned and was originally founded as part of an international network in Europe in 1974. The EGL USA division was founded in 1977 with locations in New York, California and Canada.

The GIA diamond report grades shape, measurements, weight, depth percentage, table percentage, girdle thickness, cutlet size, polish, symmetry, clarity grade, color grade, fluorescence, internal and external inclusions and adds comments about the diamond.  The EGL diamond report offers a more detailed report grading all of the above, plus the crown angle and pavilion angle of a diamond.

The EGL is regarded by some jewelers as offering more lenient grading standards, while the GIA is regarded as offering more strict grading standards when reporting the quality of diamonds. In other words, while the GIA tends to give borderline diamonds lower grades, the EGL tends to give borderline diamonds higher grades.

Both buyers and jewelers consider the EGL to have less strict grading standards than the GIA. Diamonds graded by the EGL are typically valued somewhat lower than diamonds graded by the GIA and can usually be purchased at a lower cost. For instance, a diamond with an EGL certification that has the same exact clarity, cut and color as a diamond with a GIA certification, will typically be less expensive.

I will say one final thing though, you will never find an EGL certified diamond that sells for the same price as a GIA certified diamond if they are the same color and clarity, the EGL will always be less. On the other hand, you will find plenty of EGL certified diamonds that are graded just as accurately as the same GIA certified diamond for much less money. You just have to do your homework and trust in a professional buyer or jeweler to help you make healthy assumptions. The choice is yours!

 

This is what to avoid!!!!!

 Wash Your Car & Sell Your Gold?

       

     From barber shops, to church halls, home parties to craft fairs, and even store fronts that have popped up in neighborhoods across the island, seemingly overnight—it’s hard to miss the signs all around you. As the value of gold has sky-rocketed, so too has the number of people looking to buy gold and take advantage of those looking to cash in. Everywhere it seems there are places where you can bring your unwanted jewelry and walk away with money in your pocket. But beware, because what you can get in convenience can leave you less-the-richer in terms of the payment on the value of your gold.

      When looking to sell your gold, it is important to get it evaluated by a professional jewelry buyer. It may seem like an easy transaction, but there are factors involved when appraising jewelry that goes beyond just its weight in gold:

1. A professional buyer as ours has their reputation at stake. Look for a buying company that has been around for a number of years who will pay better because your repeat business is important to them. We are a family run business who has been feautured on CNN, NBC, Newsday & The New York Post.
2. Gold prices fluctuate day-by-day. A professional buyer will know today’s value.
3. In addition to simply weighing your gold, reputable buyers such as us, will be able to identify its karat, or level of purity .
4. A reputable buyer can explain how your gold is weighed, and how you will be paid (dollar amount per gram, troy ounce or pennyweight).
5. If your piece is an antique, vintage jewelry or from a famous maker such as Tiffany, a professional buyer will take that into consideration and pay you what its worth, not just by weight.

       If you’d like cash in your pocket, now is a great time to sell the gold you can part with. Make sure you get the price you deserve by doing your homework and dealing with a buyer who has earned your trust. When you know that your gold was evaluated by a reputable buyer what is TRULY worth (and not just thrown on a scale by a non-professional looking to cash in) you’ll walk away with confidence that you haven’t been taken advantage of. More importantly, you’ll walk away with more money for your gold. 
     Customer service and sastifaction are of number one importance to Suffolk Buyers, Long Island premier luxury buying company.  Our location is Northport, 837A Ft. Salonga Rd. is equipped with state of the art facility and trained professionals.  Our phone number is 631-651-5100. 

Unwanted or unused jewelry.

         All women have jewelry that they don’t wear anymore. Maybe you don’t like the style or design or maybe it came from an ex-boyfriend that you would rather forget. Maybe you just don’t wear gold anymore but have changed to silver, or traded up to platinum. Whatever the reason may be, there are pieces in your jewelry box that haven’t been touched in years. Instead of just letting them accumulate dust, you can have a monetary gain from them.
        All those extra gold pieces that have been lying around that you kept saying you were going to sell, but too busy to do so. Now is the best time and you are going to get back a lot more money than you would have even just a couple of years ago. Why wait longer and risk the prices dropping again? You might wind up with a small fortune.
      Again, visit our newest location, 837A Fort Salonga Road Northport, NY 11768. Hope to see you all very soon!

Rare Coins, Gold Coins, & Coins Coins Coins!

A nice collection we recently purchased of Coins

There are a bunch of different factors which go into what a coin is worth. For instance an old morgan dollar that usually comes into one of our shops has a few factors which will determine its final value. The weight of the silver coin is the preliminary factor which has an effect on the price. Next, the mintage year and number of coins minted in that year will have a huge impact on the worth of the coin. There are coins which look exactly the same but the difference of an 1882 and 1883 coin could be THOUSANDS of dollars! Next is condition, there are many different grading scales that many numismatic experts follow and it can get very confusing. We like to grade according to the standards of reputable companies such as NGC and PCGS. In our New York and Long Island shops, we see over 1000 coins a week, and are constantly grading, pricing, evaluating these rare beauties of our clients. One tip we have for sellers is that when you are trying to sell your old coins, rare coins, US and Foreign coins - please do not WASH the coins or POLISH them prior to bringing them in. Just the other day a woman brought a rare coin into our Northport, Long Island location and she polished a coin which would have been worth around $1400 and now is only worth around $350. So please, call us if you have any more questions about selling your coin collection in one of our locations in NY, LI, Nassau/Suffolk/Queens.