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Here's a Thought; Valentine Gifts Based On Zodiac Signs

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 16:37:05 GMT

Astrology-Inspired Valentine's Day Gifts: Perfect Picks for Every Zodiac Sign

I love the idea of giving a personalized gift based on someone's zodiac sign! It can definitely make the gesture feel more thoughtful and meaningful. Here's a rundown of some swoon-worthy Valentine’s Day gifts for each zodiac sign that are sure to make your boo feel extra special. Click the links below to see our ideas for compatible jewels.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Gift Idea: Adventure Experience or Custom Jewelry
Aries loves excitement and passion. They thrive on action, so a gift that offers adventure would win their heart! Think tickets for a thrilling experience (like bungee jumping or a hot-air balloon ride), or a piece of jewelry that reflects their bold personality.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Gift Idea: Luxurious Spa Day or Designer Perfume
Taurus loves the finer things in life and enjoys indulging in comfort. Treat them to a day of relaxation with a spa gift set or a luxurious experience, like a massage. You could also surprise them with a high-end fragrance to make them feel pampered.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Gift Idea: Thoughtful Books or Tech Gadgets
Geminis are intellectual and love communication. A collection of books by their favorite author or a new gadget that complements their tech-savvy nature would make a great gift. You could also consider writing them a heartfelt letter or poem.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Gift Idea: Personalized Photo Album or Heartfelt Handwritten Letter
Cancers are emotional and sentimental. They love sentimental gifts that reflect the bond between you two. A personalized photo album or a handwritten letter expressing your love and memories together would be incredibly meaningful to them.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Gift Idea: Lavish Jewelry or A Night Out
Leos love luxury and being treated like royalty. A piece of stunning jewelry, or an experience that allows them to be the center of attention, like a fancy night out or a VIP experience, would make them feel adored and appreciated.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Gift Idea: Organizing Items or A Wellness Kit
Virgos are practical and love things that serve a purpose. A thoughtful, organized gift such as a stylish planner, a high-quality skincare set, or a wellness kit that focuses on their health would be perfect. They appreciate practicality with a touch of luxury. Everyday hoops are a no-brainer gift for Virgo!

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Gift Idea: Elegant Jewelry or A Romantic Dinner
Libras love beauty and balance. An elegant piece of jewelry, such as a bracelet or necklace, or a romantic dinner date that emphasizes harmony and aesthetics would resonate with them. They appreciate romance and elegance in all things.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Gift Idea: Mystery Date or Intimate Keepsake
Scorpios are intense and passionate, so a mysterious or intimate experience could be ideal. Plan a surprise date night with elements of mystery or give them a deeply personal keepsake (like a custom pendant or something tied to an inside joke).

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Gift Idea: Travel Gear or Adventure Subscription
Sagittarians love freedom and adventure. A thoughtful gift could be travel gear like a durable backpack, or a subscription to an adventure club or travel experience. They’ll love anything that helps them explore new places and cultures.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Gift Idea: Professional Accessories
Capricorns are goal-oriented and appreciate hard work. A professional gift like a high-quality leather briefcase or chic watch will show that you admire their ambitions. They love gifts that reflect their sense of responsibility and success.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Gift Idea: Unique Tech Gadgets or An Innovative Experience
Aquarians love being ahead of the curve and enjoy things that are unique and unconventional. Consider a quirky tech gadget or an innovative experience, like a virtual reality adventure or a one-of-a-kind art piece . Anything that excites their intellectual side will win them over.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Gift Idea: Dreamy Jewelry or A Creative DIY Gift
Pisces are creative, intuitive, and deeply romantic. A dreamy piece of jewelry like a delicate bracelet or a creative, handmade gift like a scrapbook or a poem will appeal to their sentimental side. They appreciate thoughtful, heartfelt gestures.

By tuning into your loved one's zodiac sign, you can find a gift that feels truly personal and meaningful. It’s all about aligning their personality with something that expresses your love in a unique way!

2025 Jewelry Trends

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:40:31 GMT

Effortless Elegance and Timeless Design

The focus is on simple, versatile, and timeless pieces that go with everything and feel personal to you. Think stacked gold rings, classic studs, or a dainty gold chain—pieces that are easy to wear every day but still make you look polished and put-together. The best part? These styles are super wearable, meaning you can get a lot of use out of just a few key pieces.

Here’s an exciting update: mixing metals, like gold and silver, is officially in! Forget the old rules about keeping them separate—blending them gives your look a fresh, modern edge. Plus, it’s a great way to make your jewelry collection feel more versatile without buying anything new.

Pearls are also staying strong in 2025, but they’re more genderless and casual now. Whether it’s a simple pearl choker, studs, or a bold necklace, pearls are no longer reserved for formal occasions. They add a touch of class to any outfit and pair beautifully with modern styles, so you get that timeless-meets-trendy vibe.

Another fun shift? Heavy necklace layering is out, and people are loving one standout piece instead. Whether it’s a bold chain or an eye-catching pair of earrings, this trend helps you make a statement while staying minimal. And when it comes to stacking, it’s all about balance—stick to rings or bracelets, not both at once, for a chic, curated look.

This year’s trends are also about quiet luxury. Instead of flashy designer logos, the focus is on high-quality, long-lasting pieces. Investing in these kinds of staples doesn’t just upgrade your wardrobe—it saves you money in the long run since these classics never go out of style. The best part? These trends are totally customizable. Your jewelry can reflect you—your body, your environment, your lifestyle. Whether you’re into mixing metals, embracing pearls, or stacking dainty rings, you can create a look that feels personal while still being on-trend. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect way to elevate your everyday style?

What is the truth about lab diamonds vs. natural diamonds

Wed, 29 May 2024 20:35:15 GMT

We get this question a lot. We hope this will help you decide what is important to you when selecting diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment, typically using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) methods. They have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, making them nearly indistinguishable. However, there are some key differences:

Origin: Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle over billions of years, while lab-grown diamonds are created by replicating the conditions in a laboratory.
Cost: Lab-grown diamonds are generally more affordable than natural diamonds of similar quality.
Ethics and Environmental Impact: Lab-grown diamonds are considered more ethical and have a lower environmental impact, as they don't involve mining and are typically produced using renewable energy.
Traceability: Natural diamonds can have ethical concerns related to "blood" or "conflict" diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds can offer better traceability and transparency in the supply chain.
Size and Availability: Lab-grown diamonds can be produced in larger sizes and are more readily available in certain cuts and colors.

Ultimately, whether to choose a lab-grown or natural diamond depends on your preferences, budget, and values. Both types have their pros and cons, and it's essential to make an informed decision based on what matters most to you.

What Kind of Pearls Do I Have?

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 17:22:49 GMT

There are several types of pearls, each with its unique characteristics and value. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Natural Pearls: These are extremely rare and valuable pearls that occur naturally in oysters without human intervention. Natural pearls have irregular shapes and are highly prized for their uniqueness.

2. Cultured Pearls: These pearls are created by intentionally introducing an irritant into an oyster or mussel. They make up the majority of pearls in the market. Cultured pearls are categorized into various subtypes:

Akoya Pearls: Known for their luster and classic round shape, these pearls are primarily produced in Japan and China.

Tahitian Pearls: Grown in French Polynesia, these pearls are famous for their dark colors, which range from gray to black. They are often larger and have a unique luster.

South Sea Pearls: These are cultured in the warm waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They are known for their large size, ranging from 9mm to 20mm, and their satiny luster.

Freshwater Pearls: Cultivated in freshwater mollusks, these pearls are typically more affordable and come in a wide range of shapes and colors. They are often used in contemporary jewelry.

3. Baroque Pearls: These pearls have irregular, non-spherical shapes. Baroque pearls can be highly sought after for their unique and artistic appearance.

4. Mabe Pearls: Also known as blister pearls, these are hemispherical pearls that grow against the inside shell of the mollusk. They are often used in earrings and pendants.

5. Keshi Pearls: These are small, non-nucleated pearls that form as by-products of the culturing process. They are often irregular in shape and highly lustrous.

6. Biwa Pearls: Originally from Lake Biwa in Japan, these freshwater pearls are known for their unique shapes and are often used in artistic and contemporary jewelry.

7. Coin Pearls: These pearls are flat and disk-shaped, resembling a coin. They are often used in statement jewelry pieces.

Each type of pearl has its own charm and is used in different styles of jewelry. The choice of pearl depends on personal preference, budget, and the desired look.

Pearls

philipdesigns@gmail.com (Tamara Voetsch) — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 15:03:51 GMT

Deco Pendant with Cultured Tahitian Pearl

Sling earrings with Golden South Sea cultured pearls and diamonds in 18k gold.

On the right, Playful Octopus necklace with cultured Tahitian pearl in white gold.

Tips For Keeping Your Jewelry Safe

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 15:02:01 GMT

Routine inspections and cleanings help assure that your jewelry is in good condition. During an inspection, we will look for broken or worn prongs, weak clasps, or other damage before you lose a diamond or break a strand of pearls.

We recommend you visit your favorite jeweler at least twice per year to have your fine jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected for potential problems. Promptly address any issues to prevent further damage.

Exposure to chemicals can damage and discolor precious metals, gold-silver-platinum, and may harm colored gems.

Remove jewelry before going into chlorinated water and hot tubs or using household cleaners as they can damage metals and gemstones.

When traveling, keep valuable jewelry at home or store it in the hotel safe.

Remove jewelry before swimming. Fingers constrict in water, making rings more likely to fall off.

Remove jewelry when engaging in activities like sports, cooking, or cleaning, as these can be hard on your pieces. Also, avoid wearing jewelry in situations where it might get snagged or caught.

Don’t place or store jewelry near vents, grates, sinks or drains. A good rule of thumb is to lay a towel over your sink drain if you remove jewelry near it.

Pearls are easily damaged by an array of personal products like cosmetics and lotions. Tip: Pearls should be the last thing you put on, and the first thing you take off!

Clean your jewelry regularly to remove dirt and oils. We make an excellent cleaner and 100% of the sales go to Harvesters.

Most burglaries happen in broad daylight. Always keep doors and windows locked during the day.

Always take time to place your jewelry in a secure place, not in a pocket, on a counter, or in a public area. Tip: Establish one place in your home that you will put your jewelry if you’re not wearing it.

When not wearing your jewelry, place each item in a separate, soft compact container. If cluttered together, it can become scratched - even diamonds! I like the felt drawer liners with compartments because it’s easier and more visible than pouches. It would be ideal to have a hidden drawer to place that in so it isn’t easily seen by the wrong eyes.

One of the best ways to keep valuable or extensive jewelry collections secure is to store them in a burglary and fire-resistant safe.

Having professional appraisals performed by a Graduate Gemologist is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself in case of loss, and it is required by many insurers. We highly recommend insuring your fine jewelry. We have recommendations for these services and are happy to share them with you.

Viva Magenta

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 16:11:45 GMT

What is Viva Magenta?

From Pantone.com: Pantone’s Color of the Year, Viva Magenta 18-1750, vibrates with vim and vigor. It is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.

The energy of this year certainly feels powerful to us. We are unleashing our creativity onto anything and everything in our lives. Our jewelry designs are reflecting this joyous color, with many other vivid tones. We feel it expressing in not only in magenta, but in tones of red, pink and orange. Connections to nature expressed in design and materials have been influencers to be sure. Visit the showroom to see examples of this vibrant energy in Phil's newest design s .

This year’s Color of the Year is powerful and empowering. It is a new animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint, an electrifying, and a boundaryless shade that is manifesting as a stand-out statement. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta welcomes anyone and everyone with the same verve for life and rebellious spirit. It is a color that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all.

"In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta descends from the red family, and is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known.

Rooted in the primordial, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta reconnects us to original matter. Invoking the forces of nature, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength." Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute

A Quick Overview of Pearl Types From GIA

Thu, 27 May 2021 14:44:00 GMT

What are the main types of cultured pearls and what are their distinctive characteristics?

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Akoya pearls are the small white pearls that most people picture when they think of pearls. They are saltwater pearls, and are usually round and white or cream, with a pink overtone and high luster. They are typically less than 9.00 mm.

Diamond and Tahitian cultured pearl earrings.

Tahitian pearls are often referred to as “Black pearls,” however, they actually occur in a wide range of dark cool colors, the most common being greenish gray. They are saltwater pearls and typically range in size from 8.00 mm to 14.00 mm, and while they are most often round, they can occur in any shape.

South Sea pearls are the largest of the cultured pearls, and are usually white or varying shades of yellow, often referred to in the trade as “Golden.” They are saltwater pearls and typically range in size from 8.00 mm to 18.00 mm, and while they are most often round, they can occur in any shape.

Freshwater pearls typically occur in a wide range of pastel colors (primarily variations of pink and orange), but some have multicolor or metallic appearances. While they are most often found in smaller sizes, in near-round or oval shapes, they can occur in a wide range of sizes and shapes. The smaller pearls are usually non-bead cultured, while the larger freshwater pearls are often bead-cultured.
*While each of the pearl types have inherent typical size and color ranges, pearls can occur outside of those ranges in all pearl types.

SOURCE: https://www.gia.edu/gia-faq-about-gemstones-cultured-pearl-types-characteristics

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Gemstone Games During Quarantine, or Anytime!

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 15:51:00 GMT

Are you homeschooling or looking for something different to do with the kiddos? Our partner and fabulous gemstone cutter, Roger Dery has provided us with games for kids of all ages. Link here to find your games! Scroll down for grown-up games.

Rachel, Roger and Ginger Dery, Founders of Gem Legacy

Some of you may remember our GEMSTONE ROUNDTABLE EVENT with Roger and Ginger Dery several years ago. They not only source and cut fine gemstones, their foundation, GEM LEGACY benefits families involved in the mining and production of gemstones in many ways:

-Food for at risk kids
-Food for artisanal mines
-Sanitation and awareness…and so much more.
I urge you to go to Gemlegacy.org to learn more about how to help!

-Tamara Voetsch

Additional GEMSTONE GAME links for GROWN UPS: https://gemquiz.rogerdery.com/

This is my Spirit Gem. If you would like to read more about gemstones, you could scroll through our past blog posts. Please share!

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History of Ruby

Sun, 17 Jun 2018 00:24:27 GMT

This post is from the Gemological Institute of America’s website, one of the most accurate sources of gemological information available. https://www.gia.edu/ruby-history-lore If you are interested in learning more about gemstones, we recommend checking out this site. (You can ask us anything too!)

History of Ruby
Red is the color of our most intense emotions—love and anger, passion and fury. It’s associated with objects of power and desire—like fast cars and red roses. Early cultures treasured rubies for their similarity to the redness of the blood that flowed through their veins, and believed that rubies held the power of life.

Ruby is one of the most historically significant colored stones. Rubies are mentioned four times in the Bible, in association with attributes like beauty and wisdom. In the ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj, or “king of precious stones.”

In the first century AD, the Roman scholar Pliny included rubies in his Natural History , describing their hardness and density. Ancient Hindus believed that those who offered fine rubies to the god Krishna were granted rebirth as emperors.

Hindus divided ruby into four castes, calling the true Oriental ruby a Brahmin. Someone in possession of a Brahmin was believed to have the advantage of perfect safety.

Ruby has accumulated a host of legends over the centuries. People in India believed that rubies enabled their owners to live in peace with their enemies. In Burma (a ruby source since at least 600 AD—now called Myanmar), warriors possessed rubies to make them invincible in battle. However, it wasn’t enough to just wear the rubies. They had to insert them into their flesh and make them part of their bodies.

The name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, which means “red.” The glowing red of ruby suggested an inextinguishable flame burning in the stone, even shining through clothing and able to boil water.

Ruby has been called the most precious of the 12 stones created by God.

Ruby retained its importance with the birth of the western world and became one of the most sought-after gems of European royalty and the upper classes. Many medieval Europeans wore rubies to guarantee health, wealth, wisdom, and success in love.

Desire for ruby is just as great today as it always has been. As a symbol of passion, ruby makes an ideal romantic gift. Consumers are drawn to the lush color because it also signifies wealth and success.

Source: GIA.edu

Birthstones and Lore of Gemstones

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 21:51:00 GMT

There are numerous legends and myths about birthstone healing powers and their therapeutic influence. According to these legends, wearing a gemstone during its assigned month heightened its healing powers. For the full effect, individuals needed to own all twelve and alternate them monthly.

February birthstone is Amethyst and is said to strengthen relationships and give its wearer courage. Leonard da Vinci once said that amethyst helps to quicken intelligence and get rid of evil thoughts. Other qualities like peace, stability, courage and strength are said to be derived from this gemstone.

April Diamond diamond, in addition to being a symbol of everlasting love, was once thought to bring courage.

May Emerald It has long been associated with fertility, rebirth, and love.

June Pearl has long been a symbol of purity. The ancient Greeks believed that pearls were the hardened tears of joy from Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

June Alexandrite; According to legend, this gemstone was named for Alexander II because it was discovered on the future czar’s birthday in 1834. Because alexandrite’s red and green hues matched Russia’s military colors, it became the official gemstone of Imperial Russia’s Tsardom.

July Ruby was regarded by ancient Hindus as the “king of gems.” It was believed to protect its wearer from evil.

August Peridot symbolizes strength. It is sometimes called the evening emerald for its light green color.

September Sapphire was once thought to guard against evil and poisoning.

October Tourmaline Egyptian legend tells that tourmaline found its famed array of colors when, on its journey up from the earth’s center, it passed through a rainbow.

October Opal According to Arabic legend, opals fell from the sky in bolts of lightning. Australian aborigines, meanwhile, believed that the creator came to earth on a rainbow, leaving these colorful stones where his feet touched the ground.

December Zircon is considered a grounding stone that increases confidence and compassion.

December Tanzanite; Tiffany & Co. recognized this blue gem’s potential to rival more expensive sapphire, and agreed to become its main distributor. Instead of publicizing “blue zoisite” – which sounded a little too much like “suicide” – Tiffany named the gem tanzanite to highlight its exclusive geographic origin, and introduced it with a promotional campaign in 1968.

Courtesy of American Gem Society americangemsociety.org

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Peridot is August’s Birthstone

Sat, 19 Aug 2017 17:49:00 GMT

Peridot

The fresh lime green of peridot is its distinctive signature. Its spring green color also is ideal with sky blue. Peridot, along with Spinel, is the birthstone for August, and is harder than metal but softer than many gemstones.

Forsterite var. peridot (rough and cut). Sappat, Kohistan, Pakistan. 64.57 cts and 7.9cm high. Shades of the Earth.

Peridot is treasured in Hawaii as the goddess Pele’s tears. The island of Oahu even has beaches made out of tiny grains of peridot. Although Hawaii’s volcanoes have produced some peridot large enough to be cut into gemstones, virtually all peridot sold in Hawaii today is from Arizona, another state with extreme geology.

Store peridot jewelry with care to avoid scratches and protect from blows. Because peridot is sensitive to rapid changes in temperature, never have it steam cleaned and avoid ultrasonics. Clean with mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect

Rarely, peridot can have an extraterrestrial source, being contained in meteorites that have fallen to earth.
Information and image sourced from AGTA & GIA.EDU

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Cultured Pearl Round Table 2017

Mon, 07 Aug 2017 17:11:00 GMT

Betty Sue King, was honored with the Women’s Jewelry Association 2017 award for excellence for a Manufacturer, Dealer, Supplier . King told the audience that her parents came to the United States from China and she had lived the American dream.

Betty Sue is a member of the WJA Northern California Chapter, the GIA Alumni Association Golden Gate Chapter and a foundation member of Cultured Pearl Association of America. She received the Shining Star Award from the WJA in 2013, for having shown extraordinary service throughout the year.

As a pearl specialist her industry and public education lectures are grounded by years of classroom teaching. Her presentations include AGTA Tucson GemFair Seminars, Antique Jewelry & Art Conferences, Los Angeles County Museum, WJA, GIA at Carlsbad and Alumni Associations, SNAG, NAJA, ISA, ASA, FIT and College of Marin. Retailers appreciating their need to be better informed, call on her to train their staff about the wonders of pearls.

Editors, appraisers & writers of trade journals contact Betty Sue for the update on current products, prices and trends. She has contributed updates on cultured pearl treatments to AGTA’s Gemstone and Enhancement Brochure and to CIBJO’s disclosure policies on pearls. Her collective knowledge of pearls is frequently quoted in numerous publications.

Donations to charitable organizations go hand in hand with her philosophy of replenishing the community. Marin Abused Women’s Services, SNAG, CPAA, The Crucible in Oakland, CA, Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, Grand Circle Foundation, WJA and GIA Alumni Association are but some of the beneficiaries of the Pearl Goddess’ treasures and cash contributions. She’s served many holiday meals at Glide Memorial Church of San Francisco and is a retired Sustainer of the Junior League of San Francisco. When president of the Phoenix Desert Jade Junior Women’s Club she visited the child sponsored in Hong Kong.

Modern Jeweler, January 2009 published her essay, “How Green Are Your Pearls?” an ecological view of pearl cultivation. In GIA’s Loupe she is quoted often in the January 2009 on line issue “Asia’s Cultured Treats”. Pearl World Journal quoted from her notes on the GIA Pearl Tour of the South Pacific in 2007 and printed her photographs from the 2008 trip. The June 2008 issue of Canada’s Jewellery Business Magazine published her article on “Pearls 101”. She reviewed the book Pearls, A Natural History for the GIA publication, “Gems & Gemology”. Her experiences as one in the trenches in the pearl industry can be read in her chapter in Auction Market Resource , June 2002, “Cultured Pearls Galore: A Tucson Retrospective”. An avid photographer, many of her images have been published in magazines, books and used on the GIA website. Her avant-garde round freshwater cultured pearls graced the cover of GIA Summer 2000 G & G.

The Sunday New York Times, cooking gourmet meals, dining, movies, gardening, orchids, and staying connected with wonderful friendships made traveling throughout the world top the list of her favorite things. A safari to countries in Southern Africa was memorable for being completely off the grid. It was fabulous and humbling to experience the cultures of indigenous people, their kindness, open hearts and dedicated spirits.

“Pearls without limits for designs without boundaries” is her creed. In addition to pearls, Betty Sue has been working with natural diamond crystals long before they were a major trend in jewelry. Beautiful, unusual and seductively sublime pearls and diamond crystals with unique allure are her selection criteria.

You may follow Betty Sue’s pearly finds and adventures on Facebook. She travels three times a year seeking inspirational pearls on overseas buying trips. On her return, designers eagerly await to be first in line for new treasures. Clients are welcomed to a relaxed setting in King’s Ransom’s sunny office where design inspiration begins anew.

Bonds in industry and public service enrich life reinforcing her belief – success is best when shared. Betty Sue King shines at providing “Pearls without limits for designs without boundaries” . Her passion for knowledge, personal service, ethical practices and mentoring are the foundation of King’s Ransom, the Pearl Goddess.

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Modern Anniversary Gemstones

Sat, 06 May 2017 17:37:00 GMT

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Earth Day and Eco Friendly Jewelry Design

Fri, 21 Apr 2017 16:28:00 GMT

“We are artisans committed to creating beauty in our world through our medium of fine jewelry.” – Philip Voetsch

Sun Pendant in 18k gold

Our world is important to us!

April 22 is Earth Day , a day for us to celebrate and share our focus of creating beautiful jewelry , while working with diamonds, gemstones, and metals that will do no harm to planet earth and its inhabitants. The beauty of nature is reflected in many of our designs, and we take great care to make this world a better place in our business practices as artists.

Philip Voetsch and the staff of Jewelry By Design have formed close relationships with the vendors who supply us the natural resources used to create our jewelry pieces. We have sought vendors who reflect our core philosophy of creating beauty while doing our best for the environment by using recycled metals, gemstones from socially responsible mines, lab created gemstones that require no mining, as well as diamonds that are procured from sources that will not tolerate conflict diamonds or human suffering due to mining or diamond trade.

Of Course We Buy Gold, We’re Goldsmiths …and we recycle, too!
The use of recycled metal (silver, gold, palladium, and platinum) is a priority. We use less than a handful of sources who have a proven track record of formal sustainability programs and are also committed to being on the cutting edge of social and environmental responsibility practices.

We want our jewelry to reflect beauty, not suffering, which is why we are committed to maintaining diamond suppliers who adhere to the Kimberley Process .
“The Kimberley Process started when Southern African diamond-producing states met in Kimberley, South Africa, in May 2000, to discuss ways to stop the trade in ‘conflict diamonds’ and ensure that diamond purchases were not financing violence by rebel movements and their allies seeking to undermine legitimate governments.”

Also, synthetic diamonds from reliable sources have recently become available. This is a new avenue that allows our clients who prefer non-mined stones to use diamonds in designs vs. other diamond simulants .

Gemstones are a unique natural treasure, each being formed by different chemical and environmental reactions within the earth. Each region creates different types of gems based on their environmental attributes. We have partnered with several dealers who buy directly at the mines, as well as gemstone artisans who are members of the American Gem Trade Association. This May, Jewelry by Design is excited to welcome The Fernandes Family from Brazil: Brazilian Gemstone Experts bring the mines to Kansas… A portion of the proceeds from this show will go to charity: water , a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries.

Ethical fine jewelry is an art, an art that is created from natural resources that travel through our hands into yours. So join us this year for Earth Day! Come see what we do, how we operate, and how much this beautiful planet of ours means to us.

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From One Family Business To Another: Brazilian Gemstone Experts Bring the Mines to Kansas

Fri, 14 Apr 2017 15:50:00 GMT

PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS- Philip & Tamara Voetsch would like to welcome Brazilian Gem Source to the store on Wednesday April 4, from noon-7:00. A Brazilian family with a long history in the gemstone business, they will be here to speak about and exhibit their craft. All are welcome to this free, one-day only, in-store event where attendees will have the rare opportunity to view and purchase a selection of over 5,000 gemstones direct from Brazilian Gem Source.

Philip and Tamara have worked with this talented family since 1991, and are very pleased to host this special event. “This family works with some of the finest designers in the U.S. and are extremely respected in the industry.” Buy your one-of-a-kind gemstones now, and add a very personal touch to your next piece of jewelry (or your next gift of jewelry).

According to Marcelo Fernandes and Adriana Medrado, their father, Jose Medrado Fernandes, founded the family-run company in 1969. Marcelo comments on the gemstone process, “When we visit the mines, we pick only the very best stones that are all then cut by my father, my brother Raphael, and myself.” Apparently, the first 20 years as a stone cutter are spent cutting ONLY quartz varieties – amethyst, citrine, etc. Quite a bit of patience required there!

For more than 50 years, the Fernandes family has visited the Sao Jose Batalha Paraiba, Pederneira, Araçuaí, Parreiras, Baralha, Cruzeiro, Santa Maria, Malacaxeta, Nova Era, Rodrigo Silva, and Brejinho mines in their home country of Brazil. In the mines, the family hand-selects the precious stones that are then cut by the family, and sold to goldsmiths and jewelers across the United States.

Rare cuts, shapes, and varieties of gems, including Imperial Topaz , found in only one mine in the world (the Ouro Prêto ) will be on display for the whole day at Jewelry By Design. This will be a great opportunity for customers to learn more about gemstones, where they come from, how they are cut, and what makes them so special.

Their collections include paraiba tourmaline, pink and green tourmalines, watermelon tourmaline and slices, rubilite, indicolite, aquamarine, kunzite, morganite, top quality emeralds, color-changing alexandrite, blue topaz, amethyst, citrine, rutilated and smoky quartz, and much more.

Jose Fernandes said the public is invited to stop in and learn more about the various stones, the cutting processes, and the mines. And don’t be afraid to ask questions and engage in a dialogue – this is going to be a very fun day! No appointments are necessary, however a shopping list for unique gifts is recommended!

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The 4 C’s of Diamonds

Fri, 07 Apr 2017 21:11:00 GMT

The 4 C’s of Diamonds

1. CLARITY

Clarity grades assess the number, size, relief, and position of inclusions and blemishes. Internally Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and command much higher prices per carat than gems with microscopic inclusions.

2. COLOR

The less color, the higher the grade. Even the slightest hint can make a dramatic difference in value. Diamond is the only gemstone that is valued for it’s lack of color!

3. CUT

Cut (proportions, symmetry, and polish) is a measure of how a diamond’s facets interact with light. A well cut diamond may cost up to 25% more per carat than a commercially cut diamond.

4. CARAT WEIGHT

Rarity means larger diamonds of the same quality are worth more per carat. Smaller diamond crystals are more abundant than larger crystals. When color and clarity are high in a large diamond, the rarity is greatly increased.

Few people outside the gem industry realize the true nature of a gemstone’s journey from the mine to the counter of a store. Whether the gem is being offered to consumer’s at a traditional jewelry store’s counter, an internet shopping site, or a television broadcast the journey always involves a great deal of effort. Tons of earth and countless hours of labor are needed to being a gem from mine to market.

Images and text by Gemological Institute of America.

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The Brazilians Are Coming! And we couldn’t be more excited…

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 21:57:00 GMT

Our friends of over 26 years are coming to town with their fabulous collection of Brazilian gemstones for one day only . The Fernandes family has been going into the mines of their home country for over fifty years. They hand select the rough stones that the father, Jose will cut by hand. An amazing selection of scintillating gems of all shapes and sizes, and they will be bringing these fabulous specimens to our store for you to see and buy directly from them! This is a great opportunity to see and learn so much about gems and how they get from deep underground all the way to Kansas! Loose gems are unique gifts for jewelry lovers too.

courtesy of GIA

Philip has been using gemstones from the Fernandes’ in his designs since 1991. Their collection includes aquamarine, tourmaline, high quality emerald, color change alexandrite, and of course amethyst, citrine and smoky quartz, among others.
Rare Imperial Topaz is found in only one mine in the world-Santa Maria Mine.

Photos by Masumi Saito.

Found at a single deposit near the Brazilian village of Sao Jose de Batalha in north-central Paraiba State, it was determined that the blue-to-green colors were from copper − the first recorded instance of copper coloring in tourmaline.

Images courtesy of AGTA and GIA

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Gemstones of the World Roundtable Event

Mon, 10 Oct 2016 19:12:00 GMT

This is our favorite event of the year! This is like a dinner party where gemstones are the main course. We invite you to join us for a rare opportunity to see, touch and purchase fine gemstones directly from the source! Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 913-341-7100 or email: philipdesigns@gmail.com

Pink Tourmaline

Pairiba Tourmaline

Our special guest will bring a collection of gemstones from around the world. Sapphire from Sri Lanka, Tourmaline from Brazil, and Peridot from various countries. You will learn inside industry information and will be able to purchase directly from the wholesaler.

Padparadscha Sapphire

Peridot

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Pantone Colors 2017

Sat, 24 Sep 2016 16:52:00 GMT

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Introducing Art Wells, Sculptor

Mon, 19 Sep 2016 16:59:00 GMT

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Fine art is food for the soul, and I strive to create something nourishing. I want my work to serve a purpose. That purpose is to enhance peoples’ lives, to make them brighter, stronger and happier. My passion is the human figure. Carving a convincing realistic figure in stone seems to be becoming a lost art and it is my goal to keep this art form alive, through my work and through my teaching.
Please watch this short 5 minute video showing Art sculpting: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QWagSWXqskw

December issue of Southwest Art magazine

BIOGRAPHY

Art’s philosophy regarding artwork is, “Fine art is food for the soul, and I strive to create something nourishing.”

Creativity is within Art’s soul. His first love was music. He started taking drum lessons at eight years old and this love for music grew. In 1974 he was accepted to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating Cum Laude from Berklee in 1978, he moved back to Las Vegas with his wife Virginia. From 1979 through 1993 Art worked as a professional musician on the Las Vegas Strip, playing drums for some of the top entertainers in the world.

In 1993, while observing the installation of a nude female torso carved out of pink alabaster, Art discovered a new expression for his creativity. He began studying and found inspiration from the beautiful nude statues proudly displayed in the finest museums in America and around the world. He even traveled to many American cities, including our nation’s capital to view the nude and semi-nude marble pieces displayed in public areas. He discovered that since classical antiquity the nude female carved in stone has been looked upon as a symbol not only of beauty, but truth and innocence as well.

Being self-taught, Art started to compile a personal library of books to study the masters of stone carving. Michelangelo, Bernini, Canova, Houdan and Rodin are his major sources of inspiration. He also consulted with the few living realistic figurative stone carvers he could find in America.

Now, Art’s marble portraits and figures are considered by his peers to be world class. His works are held in private and corporate collections throughout the U.S., and abroad. Plus, his life size marble “Creation of Eve” was on exhibit in the Las Vegas Art Museum for 2 ½ years.

In 2003, Art and his wife Virginia moved to Vermont, where he went to work carving cemetery monuments in the studio of Eric Oberg. In 2004, with the slow down in the monument industry, Art and Virginia decided to re-locate to Dallas, TX.

Soon after arriving, Art was asked to become a sculpting instructor at the Creative Arts Center of Dallas.

Aside from teaching figurative clay sculpting, he is now the head of the stone sculpture department. At this point in his life Art says, “Figurative stone sculpture is becoming a lost art. There are only a handful of people who are capable of producing beautiful realistic figurative stone sculpture and I continually strive to be one of them.”

2015 brought about a new addition to Art’s genre. He has taken his sculptural talent and applied it to luxury home décor. The Art Wells Collection includes hand-carved one-of-a-kind stone bowls, baskets, vases, lamps and roses. Each of these pieces are truly a work of fine art.

Art has been sculpting, exhibiting, and selling his artwork in numerous galleries and juried shows throughout the United States. It is that hunger deep inside to create something beautiful, nourishing, and nurturing that compels him to sculpt on a daily basis.

Please visit his website: www.Artsculpts.com

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New Birthstone for August: Spinel

Mon, 08 Aug 2016 20:44:00 GMT

New Birthstone for August: Spinel, a favorite gemstone for so many reasons. Multiple color choices, brilliant reflection and durability are just a few of the reasons we love to design with spinel. Spinel is found in shades of vivid red, orange, pink, blue and lavender. It’s durable enough to use in all types of jewelry pieces including rings. It is usually cut into ovals, cushions or round.

“The Dancer” ring. 13.37 ct. Tanzanian spinel, diamonds, set in platinum. Courtesy of a Private Collector and Mona Lee Nesseth, Custom Estate Jewels. ref. GIA.edu

Red spinel generally has better clarity than ruby and treatments are not used to enhance their color; being singly refractive (the only other stones that are, are diamond and garnet) they have a higher dispersion which can display a fire that can’t be compared but they are not as hard as ruby, being an 8 on the MOHS scale of hardness versus ruby’s 9.

The Hope Spinel , the 50.13 ct. octagonal-cut stone that was once part of Henry Philip Hope’s renowned gem collection, sold for an incredible $1.5 million at the Bonhams London Sept. 24 auction, breaking the record for price-per-carat for a spinel.

Spinel is thought to protect the owner from harm, to reconcile differences, and to soothe away sadness. However, the strongest reason for buying spinel are their rich array of colors and their surprising affordability.

The traditional August birthstone is peridot.

The Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun.” Today this gem is still prized for its restful, yellowish green hues and long history. Some peridots are found in meteorites: some rare extraterrestrial crystals are even big enough to facet as cut gemstones! Most are found in United States, China, and Vietnam and, very rarely, as large crystals lining veins or pockets in certain types of solidified molten rock. Sources for the latter include Finland, Pakistan, Myanmar, and the island of Zabargad.

click picture for details References: GIA AGTA

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Diamonds Can Break?

Wed, 20 Jul 2016 21:03:00 GMT

How To Prevent Your Diamond From Chipping

1. Avoid shapes with points or sharp corners
Any shape of diamond with points or sharp corners is more exposed to chipping at those locations. Round, oval, and rounded-corner cushions don’t have that point exposure.
2. Protect the culet
At one time, almost all standard round brilliant cut diamonds and many other shapes were cut with a small facet at the culet. This was to protect the culet from chipping. Now most diamonds come to a sharp point at the culet, and thus all culets with points are vulnerable (figure 14). Once they are set in jewelry, however, there is little risk of damaging the culet.
3. Avoid girdles with very thin sections
While a strong blow can break a diamond at the girdle, a thicker girdle is more difficult to chip. Girdles with very thin places along the sides or at the corners and points are at a much higher risk of damage.
4. Chose a setting that protects the diamond
Vulnerable points or corners are better protected with bezels, partial bezels, or V-shaped prongs.
5. Use caution with tension settings
A tension setting holds a diamond in place using a groove cut into the metal that the girdle fits into, and the two ends of the ring press tightly against the diamond’s sides. A jeweler with experience in tension settings will be very careful about the condition of the girdle before allowing a diamond to be set in this manner.
6. Regularly inspect prongs for damage
A very common cause of chipping is that the prongs holding the gem in place in a piece of jewelry become bent or broken. If a diamond is loose in the mounting, it is at higher risk of getting chipped. Prongs protect their corners, points, and sides. If the prongs become bent or broken due to wear and tear, they are not doing their job: protecting your diamond. Even if only one prong is damaged, your diamond is no longer held securely in its mounting.
7. Don’t wear a diamond that has already chipped
If a diamond already has a chip, some think they can take care of the mounting later. That knife-edged portion of the diamond that is chipped has an extremely high risk of getting chipped far worse. Stop wearing it until you can have it repaired.

TOUGHNESS: THE ACHILLES HEEL OF DIAMOND

Even though diamond is the hardest natural material, it can chip and fracture in the course of normal wear. Diamond is formed in the cubic crystal system and has four perfect cleavage directions. A cleavage plane is the weakest direction in the molecular arrangement of the crystal. Diamonds are tougher in the directions where the atoms are bonded tightly together, less tough where they’re not so tightly bonded. The most common form of the natural diamond crystal is an octahedron (figure 3), and our focus will be on that typical shape. Cleaving is the splitting of a diamond crystal parallel to one of its triangular, octahedral planes. While not the perfect example, compare wood, which has a single grain typically split by an axe with ease. A natural diamond crystal can only be cleaved parallel to one of the triangular octahedral faces (figure 4).

Figure 3. Idealized octahedron. Illustration by Al Gilbertson, © GIA.

Information Courtesy of the Gemological Institute of America

If you’d like to get deeper into this subject, link to GIA here

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KC’s Custom Jewelry Hand Made From Start to Finish

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 17:03:00 GMT

Many know us as the source for custom jewelry design in Kansas City.
But did you know Philip has been doing this since the seventies? Ten years were spent on the Plaza on 47th Street. Then in the 80’s, Voetsch & Co. moved to Wornall Road. There, Philip’s jewelry collections were created and sold to jewelers at the largest jewelry shows in America. VOETSCH designs have sold in high end department stores and over 100 independent retailers across the country.

Pencil drawings of custom amethyst and diamond pendants circa 1994

These are hand drawings with pencil (remember those?) and watercolors. Phil uses the sketch to communicate with clients and at his bench when hand-carving the wax model. Sometimes he makes multiple models, to get just the curve or angle he wants. Often the process leads him to another idea and direction for a different piece. His technique has changed a bit through the years. Although he still draws on paper, other images are created on his computer. Added technology executes precise measurements that makes his process very efficient.

Voetsch Classics

Some of the early designs still sell today at JBD and online such as The Reflection Collection. Philip was the first designer to use an interior reflection technique with fine gold jewelry. It began as a sculptural concept in the seventies, and has evolved over the years into new pieces . His work has inspired younger artists to explore this idea, as we now see the influence expanding across the country.

I will follow up with more posts from the history of Voetsch & Co. in the future. It’s enjoyable to look back and see how we got to where we are now.

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What Determine’s A Pearl’s Value?

Mon, 16 May 2016 19:10:00 GMT

LUSTER

Pearls with high luster have sharp, bright reflections on the surface. Of the seven pearl value factors, luster might be the most important. Luster is what gives a natural or cultured pearl its unique beauty.

SURFACE QUALITY

The number of blemishes on a pearl’s surface is evaluated to judge quality.

Spherical pearls are the most valued, but symmetrical drops are also sought after. I really like drop pearls for pendants and earrings. Round is the hardest shape to come by, therefor perfectly round pearls will cost more than off-round or baroque shaped.

Diamond and Tahitian cultured pearl earrings.

COLOR

Although white is a classic choice, I adore the lovely natural hues that pearls possess. I especially love to mix colors together in one piece to display the variety of colors. Pearls have a wide range of tone from light to dark. Pearl colors tend to be muted, with a soft, subtle quality.

Information and photos courtesy of GIA

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Secrets to Keeping Your Diamond Sparkling

Wed, 09 Mar 2016 19:12:00 GMT

Diamond is the hardest natural substance on Earth. It can cut any kind of rock or metal, but only another diamond can cut a diamond. In fact, to burn a diamond, it must be heated to between 1290-1650 degrees Fahrenheit. Yet the oil deposited from the mere touch of a human finger can cause dirt to collect and make this nearly indestructible gemstone quickly lose its sparkling appeal.

So how can you keep your diamond looking its very best? Here are some tips on keeping your diamond sparkling.

Handle your diamond sparingly

Diamonds are natural magnets for grease, so they’re not easy to keep clean. When a diamond is handled, the oils from your fingers adhere to the diamond’s surface and affect its brilliance and fire.

Clean your diamond regularly

A simple plan to keep your diamond jewelry looking beautiful is to soak it in a gentle degreasing solution, such as water with a few drops of mild dish soap, once or twice a week. After you remove the diamond from the cleaning solution, use a soft, clean toothbrush to remove any remaining dirt. The toothbrush should be new and reserved exclusively for cleaning your jewelry. Use it to clean hard-to-reach places like the back of the diamond, which tends to collect the most oil and dirt.

Use a gentle touch

Fragile settings, like older prongs in antique jewelry or a tension setting where the diamond is held in place by pressure from the shank, shouldn’t be vigorously scrubbed, so be gentle with the toothbrush. Then, just rinse your diamond jewelry with water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. If you’re working over a sink, make sure to close the drain.

Don’t use harmful solutions

Chlorine bleach or abrasives (such as household cleansers or toothpaste) should never be used when cleaning diamond jewelry. Chemicals like chlorine can damage some of the metals used to alloy gold for diamond settings and abrasives can scratch gold and other metals.

Use ultrasonic cleaners with caution

Sometimes an ultrasonic cleaner is necessary to remove encrusted dirt on diamonds. By sending low frequency sound waves through a solution, ultrasonic cleaners cause vibrating fluid to remove accumulated dirt and grime. But they can also shake loose stones from their mountings or chip the girdles of diamonds that are set next to each other. Proceed cautiously if the diamond contains feathers or is included, and avoid ultrasonics if the diamond has been treated by fracture filling. Before placing your diamond in an ultrasonic cleaner, it’s best to refer to the diamond’s grading report, which clearly discloses whether the diamond has been treated. You should also consult a professional jeweler who can determine if your jewelry needs repair, such as checking for loose stones and tightening them, before it is cleaned.

The key to a diamond’s sparkle lies in its facets – which work like a series of many tiny mirrors reflecting light in and out of the stone. Regularly cleaning the facets will keep your diamond sparkling and your diamond jewelry in gleaming condition, ready to shine for your next special occasion.

SOURCE: Gemological Institute of America 12/10/2105

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Garnet

Mon, 11 Jan 2016 22:20:00 GMT

One of our favorite stories about gemstones is one Phil often tells about ant hill garnets. The ants find garnets while excavating their underground passages, then bring the gems out of the hole at the top of their hill and discard them. Rain washes the garnets and moves them down the ant hill. These are limited in quantity and size, obviously due to the manner which they are “mined”.

Garnets are a set of closely related minerals that form a group, resulting in gemstones in almost every color. Red garnets have a long history, but modern gem buyers can pick from a rich palette of garnet colors: greens, oranges, pinkish oranges, deeply saturated purplish reds, and even some blues.

Thousands of years ago, red garnet necklaces adorned the necks of Egypt’s pharaohs, and were entombed with their mummified corpses as prized possessions for the afterlife. In ancient Rome, signet rings with carved garnets were used to stamp the wax that secured important documents.

Today garnets symbolize the birthstone of January, and the second wedding anniversary. Philip Voetsch has used fancy hessonite garnets in some of his one of a kind designs, and tsavorite garnets in some ring designs .

Medicine Wheel earrings with Pyrope garnets

Photo Credits:
GIA, Geology.com and Voetsch & Co.

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Now Is A Good Time To Buy Platinum Jewelry

Wed, 28 Oct 2015 18:32:00 GMT

Platinum has fallen by 18% in the past 3 months

Platinum prices are lower than they’ve been for years, making it more affordable than ever to purchase platinum jewelry. Price per ounce is less than gold!

Scroll Down for Tips To Care For Platinum Jewelry

Benefits of Platinum

Platinum prongs offer better protection for diamonds, which is why the world’s most significant diamonds, from the Hope Diamond to the 60-Carat Taylor-Burton Diamond, are all set in platinum.

Platinum is a great choice for engagement rings and wedding bands because it won’t change color or fade. It symbolizes a relationship that will endure. Platinum’s strength and durability makes it the most secure setting for diamonds and precious gemstones.

NATURALLY WHITE COLOR THAT DOESN’T FADE OR CHANGE COLOR

Platinum, a naturally white metal, will never fade or change color. White gold will yellow over time, requiring its rhodium plating to be replaced every 12-18 months to maintain a white appearance. The optimal setting for diamonds is platinum, a naturally white metal that won’t ever reflect color into the diamond. Platinum enhances the brilliance of diamonds and other gemstones.

90% TO 95% PURE
Typically 95% pure, platinum is one of the purest precious metals. White gold, which is either 58% or 75% yellow gold, is mixed with non-precious metals such as nickel, and then rhodium plated to give it a white appearance. Platinum’s purity makes it naturally hypoallergenic and ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Platinum Antique Style Engagement Ring

DURABLE ENOUGH FOR EVERYDAY WEAR
A platinum engagement ring and wedding band is everlasting, perfect for a lifetime of everyday wear. Platinum’s density makes platinum highly durable, so it doesn’t wear away over time. White gold loses little slivers of metal with every scratch, requiring many rings to be reinforced or re-shanked to replace metal that has worn away.

Caring for your platinum jewelry

WILL PLATINUM JEWELRY SCRATCH?
All precious metals scratch, and platinum is no exception. It is unique in that the metal is only displaced, not lost. Have your platinum jewelry polished if you are interested in maintaining a high shine. Look for a qualified jeweler or platinum trained bench worker for all adjustments, resizing, polishing and cleaning.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP MY PLATINUM JEWELRY WHEN I AM NOT WEARING IT?
Store pieces separately, in a jewelry box or chamois bag so they don’t get scratched by other items.

HOW DO I CARE FOR PLATINUM JEWELRY?
Clean platinum in the same way you clean other fine jewelry to maintain its fine appearance and ensure that it lasts. Either use a mild solution of soap and warm water, and gently rub it with a soft cloth, or buy a jewelry cleaning solution.

CAN I WEAR MY PLATINUM RING WHILE DOING MANUAL WORK SUCH AS CLEANING OR GARDENING?
Remove your platinum jewelry when undertaking heavy work. It is also advisable not to handle bleach or harsh chemicals when wearing your jewelry. Although they won’t hurt the platinum, chemicals may discolor diamonds or gemstones.

HOW WILL MY PLATINUM RING LOOK YEARS FROM NOW?
All precious metals age with daily wear. Over time, platinum develops a rich finish, called a patina, but it doesn’t wear away. Many people prefer the patina look, but you can have your platinum jewelry polished if you are interested in maintaining a high shine. Look for a qualified jeweler or platinum trained bench worker for all adjustments, resizing, polishing and cleaning.

Source: Platinum Guild

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Let Your Necklace Speak For You

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 16:20:00 GMT

What would you like to say to the world?

NECK WEAR

When you wear a ring or bracelet you can look down and see the brilliant sparkle of a diamond or the warmth of the gold. When you wear a necklace you usually only see it in a mirror, but anyone who is facing you sees it. So your neck can be a good place to make a statement or to express yourself to the world. Former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright choose brooches to announce her intensions to world leaders. She said, “I was the only woman on the Security Council, and I decided to get some more jewelry. On good days, I wore flowers and butterflies and balloons, and on bad days, all kinds of bugs and carnivorous animals. I saw it as an additional way of expressing what I was saying, a visual way to deliver a message.”

Pendants be worn with just about anything when you match the style with the outfit. Sterling silver is a great choice for a casual look. The relatively inexpensive metal lends itself to extra large designs for a bolder look. Gemstones make great pendants that can coordinate or accent the color of clothes you wear. Pendants can be so versatile by simply swapping the chain from slinky, delicate chain to a more firm and structured chain. Play around with different lengths for instant change.

“ Stations” are elements spaced evenly around a chain. Like the notes between spaces on a sheet of music, stations create a rhythmic pattern, and can be lengthened or shortened to suit your collar style. Choices are abundant with diamond stations, pearl stations or metal shapes spread around the chain. One clever idea is to use a diamond chain with your pendant to dress it up.

Statement Neckwear

Choose this when you want to declare how you’re feeling or what you wish to put forth.

Announce your feelings or intensions by what you put around your neck. Brightly colored gemstones can resonate with your mood. Which color makes you feel happy, or pretty, powerful and sexy, or playful? Large, bold geometric pieces create a different look than a small, delicate diamond on a chain. You could have some fun by expressing your moods with your necklaces, just like Madeleine!

Read more: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/madeleine-albright-on-her-life-in-pins-149191/#sheeobJkjU1RTlW1.99

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Opal or Pink Tourmaline For October Birthstone?

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 20:15:00 GMT

OPAL

Opal’s shifting play of kaleidoscopic colors is unlike any other gem.

Opal is probably the most popular October birthstone. Some people think it’s unlucky for anyone born in another month to wear an opal. But that particular superstition comes from a novel written in the 1800s ( Anne of Geierstein by Sir Walter Scott), and not from any ancient belief or experience. In fact, throughout most of history, opal has been regarded as the luckiest and most magical of all gems because it can show all colors. Once, it was thought to have the power to preserve the life and color of blond hair.
It is good to use opal in pendants and earrings where there is less of a chance to get knocked around and possibly broken or chipped as with a ring. However, opal rings are fabulous and can be worn safely if the wearer is mindful of it’s somewhat delicate nature.
The black opal pictured is multi-coloured, named the Virgin Rainbow, in Adelaide, Austrailia Photo: AFP
Source: GIA

PINK TOURMALINE

Traditionally, pink tourmaline is the other choice for October’s birthstone. It is a more durable gemstone that opal for rings generally speaking. Although opal contains many colors within one gemstone, tourmaline is usually found with singular color, though available in many colors.

It’s easy to understand why people so easily confuse tourmaline with other gems: Very few gems match tourmaline’s dazzling range of colors. From rich reds to pastel pinks and peach colors, intense emerald greens to vivid yellows and deep blues, the breadth of this gem’s color range is unrivaled. Brazilian discoveries in the 1980s and 1990s heightened tourmaline’s appeal by bringing intense new hues to the marketplace.
Click here to read more about tourmaline.
Click here to read more about opal.
Source: GIA

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Meet Carrie Zara Awan Designer at JBD

Fri, 02 Oct 2015 18:23:00 GMT

Phil Voetsch has always been on the cutting edge of jewelry technology and has allowed me access to new programs and new tools to unlock my creativity. These days I use a hybrid of my first program that was centered in the two-dimensional world with CAD elements which has brought these new pieces to life.

See some of Carrie’s pieces here:

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Sapphire Fun Facts, September Birthstone…

Sat, 26 Sep 2015 17:06:00 GMT

September Birthstone: Blue Sapphire
Traditional Gift for 5th and 45th Wedding Anniversaries

Fun Facts:
“Royal Blue”

The world’s most famous engagement ring is Kate Middleton’s and Princess Diana’s sapphire.

Besides blue sapphire and ruby, the corundum family also includes so-called “fancy sapphires.” They come in violet, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, and intermediate hues. Some stones exhibit the phenomenon known as color change, most often going from blue in daylight or fluorescent lighting to purple under incandescent light. Sapphires can even be gray, black, or brown.

Traditionally, sapphire symbolizes nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. It has decorated the robes of royalty and clergy members for centuries. Its extraordinary color is the standard against which other blue gems—from topaz to tanzanite—are measured.

For centuries, sapphire has been associated with royalty and romance. The association was reinforced in 1981, when Britain’s Prince Charles gave a blue sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana Spencer. Until her death in 1997, Princess Di, as she was known, charmed and captivated the world. Her sapphire ring helped link modern events with history and fairy tales.

Source: GIA Gem Labs

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Update on Hope Spinel Auction

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 19:26:00 GMT

Hope Spinel Blasts Estimates, Record at Bonhams

The Hope Spinel, the 50.13 ct. octagonal-cut stone that was once part of Henry Philip Hope’s renowned gem collection, sold for an incredible $1.5 million at the Bonhams London Sept. 24 auction, breaking the record for price-per-carat for a spinel.

The price-per-carat was $30,000, nearly double the previous price-per-carat record for a spinel—$16,000, set in 2013.

The exceptional stone is set in a 19th-century silver and gold brooch and flanked by diamonds. It last sold at auction in 1917.

Bonhams reports that bidding wars were fierce, with bidders competing in person, online, and over the telephone. An unnamed telephone bidder won the auction.

“We are delighted with the price it has made,” said Jean Ghika, director of jewelry for the UK and Europe for Bonhams. “It was an exceptional gemstone with a priceless provenance. These pieces just don’t come to the open market often, and when they do, they are hotly contested. Bonhams is honored to have been chosen to handle the sale of such a unique and magnificent gem.”

The auction house had estimated the stone would sell for between $227,000 and $304,000.

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Pantone Unveils Spring 2016 Fashion Color Report

Mon, 14 Sep 2015 19:14:00 GMT

Fashionistas may have to adjust to calling fashion week in New York City by a different name— New York Fashion Week (Sept. 10–17) as opposed to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week—as that sponsorship has ended, but at least Pantone ’s color forecast for the season ahead remains a constant.

Yesterday, the self-proclaimed color authority unveiled its Fashion Color Report Spring 2016, calling its selects “a transporting and transformative canvas.” These hues will take viewers to “happier, sunnier places where we feel free to express a wittier version of our real selves,” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director, told the media upon release of the news.

According to Pantone, designers “have gravitated toward a palette that is first and foremost calming…paying homage to the beauty of natural resources . Other inspirations include “the contrast of urban design and lush vegetation, leading to unexpected color combinations and collections reminiscent of architecture, travel, and nostalgia,” according to the agency. Plus, the works of artists like Matisse and Picasso—known for bold choices and dramatic shapes—are evident in couture, as are the influences of exotic destinations like Cuba. Colors also transcend cultural and gender norms (are unisex), and some even nod directly to fine jewelry (hello, Rose Quartz !).

“With our culture still surrounded by so much uncertainty, we are continuing to yearn for those softer shades that offer a sense of calm and relaxation,” explained Eiseman.

The colors of spring 2016 as determined by Pantone. SEE OUR COLORS IN JEWELRY DESIGNS, click here

The top ten colors for men’s and women’s fashion for spring 2016 are:

PANTONE 13-1520 Rose Quartz

PANTONE 16-1548 Peach Echo

PANTONE 15-3919 Serenity

PANTONE 19-4049 Snorkel Blue

PANTONE 12-0752 Buttercup

PANTONE 13-4810 Limpet Shell

PANTONE 16-3905 Lilac Gray

PANTONE 17-1564 Fiesta

PANTONE 15-1040 Iced Coffee

PANTONE 15-0146 Green Flash

Content from JCK Magazine, By Jennifer Heebner, Senior Editor
Posted on September 11, 2016

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Red Spinel to be Auctioned

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 20:58:00 GMT

The stone was last sold in 1917. Bonhams estimates it will go for between $227,000 and $304,000.

As its name suggests, the stone was part of the collection of Henry Philip Hope, the banker and gem collector who died in 1839. Hope was the owner of the famed Hope Diamond.

Upon his death, Hope’s gem collection, which numbered 700 pieces, became the subject of an inheritance feud among his nephews, as Hope never had children of his own. Ultimately, one nephew received the bulk of the collection, and another received eight of the most valuable stones, including the Hope Diamond and the Hope Spinel.

Some stones were sold to private dealers, and the remaining pieces were sold by Christie’s in 1917. The Hope Spinel was purchased by a dealer and ended up with Lady Mount Stephen, a friend of Queen Mary. Its current owner is a direct descendent of Lady Mount Stephen.

The stone is thought to be from the ancient Kuh-i-Lal mines in Tajikistan.

“We’ve had this spinel assessed by SSEF , a premiere gemological laboratory in Switzerland, which has confirmed it is from these ancient mines,” Barber said. “Due to its exceptional transparency, flawless cut, beautiful color, and large size, it’s classed as an exceptional treasure of nature.”

Another testament to its importance: Hope’s own organization of his collection.

Sources: JCK Magazine, By Logan Sachon, Social Media Journalist Posted on September 4, 2015

Photos courtesy of Bonhams

Ask us about acquiring spinel for your family treasure!
info@jewelrybydesign.com
Read more about it here:
/red-spinel-vs-ruby/

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Tourmaline

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 20:51:00 GMT

A Rainbow of Color Choices

Tourmalines are some of the most brilliant and colorful gemstones. Ranging in color from green and pink, to red and blue and subtle colors in between. Tourmaline’s colors have many different causes. It’s generally agreed that traces of iron, and possibly titanium, induce green and blue colors. Manganese produces reds and pinks, and possibly yellows.

Gubelin Macro Photos. Medium, strong, bluish Green emerald cut tourmaline, 5.434 ct, 12.824 x 8.562 x 5.421 mm, from TanzaniaG

Green Tourmaline

Green tourmaline’s pastel hues provide the market with pleasing alternatives to the deep, rich hue of emerald and the softer green of peridot. At their best, green tourmalines are transparent, brilliant, and clean, with attractive bluish green hues.

Watermelon, bicolor, and multicolored zoning occurs when the trace elements change in concentration or composition during a crystal’s growth. Gemologists describe these tourmalines as parti-colored.

11.47 ct. cushion step cut, Chrome Tourmaline (Dravite) from Landanai, Tanzania; Dr. E. Gubelin Collection.

Chrome Tourmaline

Chrome tourmaline gems offer hues that are more saturated than most green tourmalines. Chrome tourmaline can be a lower-priced alternative to tsavorite or emerald. Both these gems are rare in sizes above two carats, but it’s not hard to find chrome tourmaline in sizes up to five carats. And, while tourmaline can’t match tsavorite’s luster or brilliance, it’s far less expensive than a tsavorite of equivalent size and quality.

Tourmaline faceted by Bernd Munsteiner 11.18 cts

Large Tourmalines

Fashioned tourmalines in larger sizes rise considerably in per-carat price. Even though specimens can reach spectacular sizes, these are rare. Availability drops and prices rise sharply for facet-quality rough material. For fashioned gems of similar color and clarity, the price per carat generally increases as the gems pass the five-carat milestone.

Source: Gemological Institute of America http://www.gia.edu/tourmaline-quality-factor

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How To Size Finger For Ring in Five Easy Steps

Mon, 11 May 2015 20:38:00 GMT

How Do I Find My Ring Size?

Whether you are trying to surprise someone with a ring, or order one for yourself, it’s good to know the correct size. Many rings cannot be sized after they are made, for one reason or another so it’s important to get the size right the first time.

Here are a few tips to help you…

Diamond and sapphire engagement ring in yellow and white gold, mixes and matches with channel set diamond band.

Know Your Ring Size in Five Easy Steps

1. Remember to measure when your hands are warm not cold.

2. Cut a thin strip of paper or string about ½ inch x 5 inches long.

3. Wrap it around your ringer.It should slip over your knuckle easily.

4. Mark the spot where the paper meets and measure with a ruler using the millimeter side.

5. Now compare the length of the paper to the chart below to determine your ring size.

Gent’s Surfer Stripe bands with Diamond Wave bands

Ring Size Chart

Ring Size (USA): ring size top row/ millimeter measure below

4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10
46.5 47.8 49 50.3 51.5 52.8 54 55.3 56.6 57.6 59.9 60.3 61.6

Continued:

10.5 11 11.5 12 12.5 13 mm
62.8 64.1 65.3 66.6 67.9 69.1

Diamond Wave band with Wahine

Remember…

The fingers on your dominate hand will usually be about one half size larger than the other hand. If the knuckle is larger than the base of the finger you must size the knuckle, (the ring has to go over it!)

Finally…

If the ring is a surprise, click here to our blog for a secret to getting the size without them knowing!

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Meet Erica Voetsch Creator of Unique Handmade Jewelry Designs

Wed, 29 Apr 2015 20:19:00 GMT

We’d like to share an update on her work and upcoming show.

Erica Voetsch is founder of Majendie Jewelry which we are now happily featuring in our store and online. Currently she is working on her jewelry designs for this year’s West 18th Street Fashion Show (June 13). This will the sixth time she has participated in this show. She will be accessorizing for birdie’s Panties and Swim Boutique.

Please have a look at this talented artist’s jewelry and follow her on Instagram at majendiejewelry. And in case you didn’t see, don’t miss this fabulous post by Jori Sackin .

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THIN IS IN When It Comes to Diamond (or Sapphire) Wedding Bands

Thu, 09 Apr 2015 22:54:00 GMT

We’ve noticed a trend around here when it comes to buying wedding bands. Thin diamond bands are very popular .

Thin Blue Sapphire Wedding Band with Sapphire Halo ring

They look great next to a solitaire engagement ring and the popular halo rings with micro pave.

Black Diamond Band in between White Diamond Bands

Place a thin sapphire band next to a simple solitaire ring for a subtle pop of color. You can change the look of almost any ring by placing two identical thin bands on either side of it.

We love to stack ours as high as the finger allows! If you’re looking for a new look or a great wedding band, THINK THIN!

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A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wedding Ring

Wed, 11 Mar 2015 21:07:00 GMT

Five Things to Consider Before you Buy

Your wedding ring is your forever ring. It’s not only worn closest to your heart but it should make you smile every day as you wear it. You have a unique style, let it shine! Here are the top five questions to help guide you to make the choice of a lifetime.

Would you like your wedding band to match your engagement ring style?

If your engagement ring allows a band to tuck up beside it this can be a beautiful look. Then you just have to decide…one or two?

View Ring

Do you want your diamonds (or gemstones) to go all, or just part of the way around?

Some people love the look and feel of gems that travel the full way around their fingers, others find that bulky or uncomfortable, it’s worth trying them both on to see which look and feel suits you best.

View Ring

Is your engagement ring an unusual shape? A shadow band might be just the thing.

A shadow band follows the lines of your engagement ring. If yours is curvy or not flat on the sides, you may want to have the jeweler make a “shadow” of your ring’s profile for a custom fit.

Would you like a band without diamonds or gemstones?

If the engagement ring has a significant diamond or stone, sometimes a simple band works best. Some women find they also just like something pared down that goes with everyday wear, or maybe something that matches the band to be worn by your future husband.

Do you want to match the color of your engagement ring, or mix it up?

Not all wedding and engagement pairs have to match exactly. For instance, maybe you are wearing your grandmother’s yellow gold engagement ring, but you want a platinum, or white gold band in a more modern style or to mix and match in casual daily wear.

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Red Spinel vs Ruby

Sat, 31 Jan 2015 18:45:00 GMT

Red Gems with a Surprising History

I was recently working with a client who wanted to commemorate her 30th wedding anniversary with a special piece of jewelry. As we talked we decided a ring would be appropriate for this occasion and the focus should be a unique gemstone. Her choices were narrowed to red spinel vs ruby.

See more ruby jewelry

She wanted a gem larger than 4 carats which meant ruby would be very expensive. I showed her a 2.50 carat Burmese red spinel I had in the safe which got her attention immediately!

I brought in a selection of spinel to show her. It is always fun to compare the variety of shades of red which can be a lovely cinnamon color, and orange or pink undertones. The depth and saturation of color is very important when selecting colored gems. We were looking for the one that was closest to pure red as possible, and we found one (out of seven).

Cushion cut red spinel

The red spinel was enhanced with two brilliant cut pear shape diamonds on either side, set in rich 18k yellow gold. Bonnie loves her new ring and has been wearing it almost everyday since she got it.

Is that a red spinel or a ruby in her crown?

For decades it was thought that rubies were set in the Crown Jewels , however after gemological testing they were determined to be spinel.

I have blogged about Ruby vs Red Spinel before both gems are beautiful, come in vibrant red colors and are durable enough for daily wear. In fact, the rich bright red color of spinel is often mistaken for ruby.

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Handwrought Gold Jewelry

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 16:28:00 GMT

Handwrought one at a time, just for you by your hometown jeweler.

It wasn’t so long ago that all jewelry was made one at a time in small shops. We’ve held this tradition dear for many years, and to this day still make it ourselves. As artisans and makers we control the quality of the pieces we offer. We use recycled gold and platinum, conflict free gemstones and centuries old hand finishing and setting techniques as well as the use of state of the art equipment.

Hand forging is one of the oldest forms of manipulating metals. The jeweler uses many specialized hammers and tools to create wearable art from flat sheets of gold. We bring ancient and modern techniques to our art form. The energy of the human touch translates from hammer to wearer. The metal speaks not only to the artisan, but to the person who sees the piece and puts it on. The strength, durability and beauty of hand wrought jewelry makes it an excellent choice.

Click here

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Why Pirates Wore Gold Earrings and Why You Should Too

Fri, 07 Nov 2014 14:55:00 GMT

In ancient times jewelry was worn as adornment as well as a savings account. Pirates wore gold earrings as a fashion statement and an insurance policy. It symbolized that they had plundered enough booty to afford the adornment as well as the ability to sell it upon death to ensure a proper burial.

Daytime or Work Attire

YELLOW GOLD IS BACK IN STYLE!
You can’t go wrong with a pair of gold earrings. There are endless styles to choose from so choose a style that can be worn anytime, your “go-to” pair” when you don’t have time to think. Your skin tone and personal taste will determine whether you choose yellow gold or white gold . Either color is long lasting and makes you feel good when you wear it.

View Product

When building your jewelry wardrobe, the shape of the earrings should compliment the shape of your face. Women with round faces may prefer angular shapes, whereas someone with angular features may soften them with oval and round designs. Choose a style that ties in with your other jewelry to complete your look effortlessly.

View Product

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Pantone’s Fall Colors 2014; Jewelry Trends

Sat, 13 Sep 2014 16:37:00 GMT

Each year Pantone, the leader of color communication in the design world selects seasonal color trends that will be showcased for a season by a range of designers from clothing to housewares to accessories.

fall report

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Update Your Wedding Ring 6 Easy Ideas

Mon, 25 Aug 2014 18:26:00 GMT

Many of you would never change a thing about your wedding jewelry. For those who don’t share this opinion, please read on. We know that you love your wedding ring . It’s just that personal style evolves. What you enjoyed years ago can change over time. Sometimes we just want to update our look a little and sometimes we need to start over! If you’ve considered a little update on your rings, we have a few starter tips for you to “try on”.

You may want to start slowly at first. Maybe you would simply prefer white gold instead of yellow gold. We can usually plate your ring with rhodium to show you how it will look in white gold or platinum. This is a relatively small fee to see what it looks like before investing in a new ring. If you decide you don’t like it after all, the plating can be removed.

Bikini solitaire in white gold.

Another simple change is making your ring look new by adding a different finish to it. A brushed finish could make your diamonds stand out like never before. Adding milgrain engraving to the edges can give it an heirloom look. It’s best to consult with an experienced jewelry designer for the best outcome.

View Ring

Your ring may have channel set diamonds that look dated. Chances are good that your diamonds could be reset into a setting with prongs and instantly change the style and feel. We have reset many center diamonds into a thinner engagement ring and added a different wedding band. The choices here are endless.

View Ring

Whatever your desire or budget, there are so many ways to update your wedding rings to suite your taste and style. We’ve been updating rings for about thirty-plus years, so we have many ideas to share with you. Drop in or shop to get fresh ideas or on our web site, we would love to help you re-create a ring you’ll love.

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Some Tips On How To Buy a Custom Engagement Ring

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 16:23:00 GMT

The post Some Tips On How To Buy a Custom Engagement Ring appeared first on Official Jewelry By Design Website .

5 Fun Facts About Gold

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 16:41:00 GMT

We get so many questions about the differences between the colors of gold, that we thought we’d share a few general fun facts about gold with you. If you want more view our other blog posts and go a little deeper.

1. What makes white gold white and rose gold red?
The gold is alloyed with palladium, zinc or nickel to make it white. Copper is used to create rose gold.

2. So which metal has more gold, 14k or 18k?
There is 75% gold in 18k and only 58% gold in 14k. The higher the number, the greater the purity.

3. Pure 24k gold is 100% gold with no alloys.
It is extremely malleable and tends to be too soft for practical jewelry wear. Therefore, it is alloyed with other metals to make it more durable and less costly.

4. Gold is extremely malleable. A single ounce of it (about the size of a quarter) can be beaten into a thin continuous sheet measuring roughly 100 square feet!

5. Most gold–78 percent of the yearly gold supply–is made into jewelry. Other industries, mostly electronics, medical, and dental, require about 12 percent. The remaining 10 percent of the yearly gold supply is used in financial transactions.

Check out our blog for fun facts about all types of jewelry and gemstones! (blog post) .

Call or email us anytime with your jewelry questions. We love to talk about jewelry & gemstones!

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Gold: Which is right for you? Yellow, White or Rose

Mon, 17 Feb 2014 17:58:00 GMT

Rose gold and yellow gold have the added benefit of not changing color over time. Due to the metals that they are alloyed with they will sustain their color. White gold can be a bit tricky. Due to the different alloys that are added to make gold that comes from the ground yellow, white gold can tend to turn “blond” over time. The majority of white gold jewelry is covered with a plating of rhodium (a sister metal to platinum) to give it a bright white finish. White gold discoloring depends on quite a few factors; the alloy and metal combination, your own chemical reaction, some people react very poorly to certain metals such as nickle, and if the piece is an every day piece or an occasional piece.

The good news is that gold of any hue is precious, durable, and gorgeous over many generations of wear. It will continue to be a classic because of its intrinsic value and its trans-formative nature. A jewelry piece from long ago can be restored or can be transformed using its precious materials into a new piece. It can even change hue using new alloys. Whatever hue you chose, you can’t go wrong with gold.

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We Are Thankful…FOR YOU!

Thu, 28 Nov 2013 16:45:00 GMT

This year we are thankful, and most thankful for all of YOU. You let us share some of the most important celebrations of your lives, from engagements to children being born to Golden Anniversaries.

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Why Jewelry Makes A Meaningful Gift.

Wed, 20 Nov 2013 17:54:00 GMT

One Christmas my Grandfather gave his girlfriend a pearl surrounded by diamonds in a pendant. It reminded her of a snowflake and it reminded her of him. Now two generations later around the holidays I pull that pendant out of my jewelry box and wear it. It reminds me too of a snowflake but even greater it reminds me of their love story that lasted fifty-four years and not just their story where the gift began but our family story and how decades later it became a gift for me.

Ponga Fern pendant, symbolizing new beginnings by Philip Voetsch.

A gift of jewelry begins a story, a special piece to mark a special date. A child receives her first charm on a charm bracelet or the earrings he gave to her Mom when she was born. One piece of jewelry can collect a lifetime of memories that can be passed on.

You can choose a piece that incorporates her birthstone, or your birthstone, a favorite color or just reflects her sense of style. Recently we got in a collection of monogram jewelry, a timeless gift that is made just for her.

Monogram jewelry available at Jewelry By Design.

A gift of jewelry is meaningful because it reflects a moment in time and that sentiment will go with her through her days as she wears it…and remembers.

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Is a custom ring more expensive than a ready made ring?

Thu, 14 Nov 2013 17:37:00 GMT

The price of a ring (or any piece of fine jewelry) is based on the cost of materials and labor, with a markup for the maker to cover overhead and stay in business. As with most products there is a large variance in material quality, the most obvious being gemstone quality. Most of us are aware that the price of diamonds differs due to the characteristics of the stone such as the weight, if the gem is free of inclusions, if it is colorless and the perfection of the cut all combine to give us the cost of the diamond. Colored stones have their own grading system but most of the value of a colored stone is found in the intensity of its color. Similarly, the material in the ring is also a factor of cost, 14k or 18k gold vs. platinum for example. All things being equal, there is still room for cost difference.

A ready made ring is quite possibly one of a great many exactly like it. Likely it is made in a factory in a foreign country by laborers. Moreover, these pieces may get rushed to meet production goals and suffer small imperfections as a result. Unpolished and under finished metal castings, thin prongs and shanks to keep metal cost down, uneven or loose stone setting. You may find the price is lower than a handmade custom ring, but consider the long term costs.

Cracked prong found after years of wear.

Thin prongs wear faster than nicely made prongs which could lead to stones falling out. Thin shanks crack and break prematurely, and can become very misshapen with wear also possibly leading to stones falling out. Poorly cut diamonds and gemstones simply do not have brilliance and fire that well cut stones have and is the most visible problem. Your local jeweler can easily explain and show you the difference between the two. The fact is you will pay good money to buy a ring. It makes sense to choose one that is not only beautiful but will be strong and last throughout the years. The cost of the repairs over the years may equal or exceed the difference in the initial cost of the ring in the first place. My favorite high-end stereo store had a sign by the counter that said, “Buy the best and cry once”.

Our Surfer Stripe 18k diamond channel band with hand finished gold and hand picked and set diamonds.

A custom ring may incur a design fee for a model built to your specifications. You get to add your sense of style into the piece. A good custom jeweler understands what is needed to properly structure fine jewelry using the correct size prongs, under bridges, shanks etc. They can also accommodate family gems that you want to incorporate into your design. For the cost of a fancy dinner you can have a piece exactly the way you want and wear it for a lifetime!

Custom made ring with rutialted quartz & ebony.

Certainly not all ready made rings are inferior. There are excellent quality pieces sitting in jewelers cases all over the world, and one may be exactly what you want at a price you are willing to pay. The experience of having a ring or any piece made just for you is a memorable experience. There are few times in our lives when we give such attention to a gift or a future heirloom. It should be an easy and fun process. It’s good to know that a custom ring doesn’t necessarily cost more that one off the shelf when all things are considered.

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October birthstone is Opal

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 17:01:00 GMT

AUSTRALIAN OPAL

Named for the iron clay host stone that enhances the opal, Boulder Opal is mined in Queensland, Australia. To give the opal both strength and color, the host stone is cut in union with the opal. The entire spectrum can also be found in Boulder opal with prevalent colors often blue/greens, purples and reds.

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Featured Kansas City Metalsmiths, Erica Voetsch & Robyn Nichols

Fri, 11 Oct 2013 15:44:00 GMT

Erica, a 2nd generation metalsmith said she was introduced to metalsmithing through her parents store, Jewelry By Design but then fell in love with the process in high school. A Bachelor of Fine Arts from KU followed as well as a semester studying in Finland. She has gone on to work with fashion designers at the 18th Street Fashion Show, become a key metalsmith at Jewelry By Design and has started her own line, Majendie , which is currently being shown in the Crossroads at Hadley.

Silver pieces by Robyn Nichols

Robyn Nichols is an accomplished silversmith who has sold jewelry and metal objects all over the world as well as having pieces in the Smithsonian. She has been working at her craft for 35 years having also found her love of metalsmithing in school. She wanted to take an extra art class but as a trade off the teacher told her that a donor had given the school metalsmithing tools that they didn’t know what to do with so she was ask to figure it out. She is self taught metalsmith with a strong art background having a degree from the Kansas City Art Institute . Her first love was botanical illustration and that passion still plays a prominent role in her silver work.

Silver Fascinator by Erica Voetsch

It was such a thrill to see these two metalsmiths describe their process. Even with the same tools in their toolbox each takes her own road in the production of a piece. Robyn is a self professed layerer of metals, she works sheet and wire through fabrication to create her floral inspired silver works. Erica also uses some of these techniques but also focuses on the use of casting in her works, including casting stones in place or building wax around organic things she has found to inspire her silver works.

We are excited to see what is next for these two. If you would like to read more about the Nelson Atkins special silver exhibition, this is a great article:

http://www.kansascity.com/2013/08/16/4408088/american-silver-shines-in-nelson.html

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The Ultimate Blue Gemstone, Sapphire

Wed, 11 Sep 2013 15:42:00 GMT

Sapphire has been beloved for centuries as the ultimate blue gemstone. The ancient Persian rulers believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and its reflection colored the heavens blue. In Latin, Sapphirus means blue.

All gemstones are minerals formed in the earth when elements combine with heat and/or pressure and develop crystals. Only a very small percentage of natural crystals are fine enough to be considered gemstones. Sapphire is the mineral “corundum” and is the second hardest gemstone after diamond. There are three varieties of corundum;

Ruby, sapphire and padaradscha.

Blue is the most famous of sapphires and the tones range from velvety blue to a bright cornflower blue with many shades in between. Sapphires come in a variety of colors! Yellow sapphires are bright and uplifting and look fabulous in yellow or white metals. They have become an alternative in jewelry to the pricier yellow diamonds.

There are purple and green sapphires as well as color-change sapphires (outdoor light shows a blue hue and incandescent light shows a purple hue). Very rare is a natural Padparadscha, which is the color of the sunset, where pink meets orange.

Rare and noteworthy, ruby deserves a chapter of it’s own. It has been prized for centuries as a symbol of love and immortality. *Hindus referred to ruby as “the Lord of the Gems” and believed it’s color came from an inextinguishable fire which was capable of boiling water.

Star sapphires have a quality known as asterism, which are rutile crystal structure within the gem producing a bright “star” effect under a light source.

The value of sapphire is determined by a combination of it’s color, clarity, cut and rarity. Generally, the purest and most vibrant color possible in any gemstone is the rarest and most valuable. However, the color YOU prefer may not be the most rare or the most expensive! The size is less important than the overall quality and beauty.

Ruby and padaradscha sapphires are rare specimens and usually command higher prices.

Trivia

Ruby was so esteemed by the Burmese that many goldsmiths refused to mount it as a side stone?

Ruby and Diamond Avalon pendant by Philip Voetsch

The largest star sapphire in the world is The Black Star of Queensland and was found by a 12 year old boy? It now weighs 733 carats (the size of the palm of your hand) and the boy’s father used the rough stone as a doorstop for years before realizing the value of the gemstone! (Approximately $80 million today).

Throughout history, sapphire has symbolized truth, sincerity and faithfulness, and brings joy and peace to the owner.

References: GIA, Wikipedia, AGTA

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The Comparison: Black Diamond vs Black Spinel

Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:32:00 GMT

Black, mysterious and opaque. Adding an element of reflection makes these gems more beautiful.

Recently we have used black spinels in several pieces and have also had several customers request black diamond jewelry which has raised an interesting question in the studio.

When black is called for, which is better, black spinel or black diamond ?

Diamonds are classic, if they really are forever this is the stone to have…but is it? Black spinel has become more plentiful in the last few years in standard sizes. It has not been well known as spinel always seems to find its way to second place. Its most popular colors, red and blue can be found in strikingly saturated colors but they will never be as well known as ruby and sapphire. Black spinel seems to suffer the same fate.

Citrine & Black Spinel Pendant by Philip Voetsch

Spinel is a durable gemstone even though it is only 8 on the MOHS scale, it has the advantage of lack of cleavage which makes it difficult to chip and scratch. It is also one gemstone that does not need enhancement to get its jet black color, the color is all natural. Having few inclusions adds to its durability.

Diamond is the hardest gemstone being a 10 on the MOHS scale, it takes diamond to polish diamond. Although out of all diamonds, black diamonds have a few traits that make them less than perfect. Black diamonds are created in the earth by inclusions, the same inclusions that make a white diamond less desirable create the opaque black diamond. Black diamonds are almost universally color enhanced to achieve the even darkness throughout. These inclusions make this hardest gemstone weaker. They create more cleavage planes and may lend themselves to chipping or breaking over time. Although their vulnerabilities are less than other gems though because they are diamond.

Both of these jewels are valuable in their darkness, no other black gemstones can come close to their reflective qualities or their durability. Black diamonds are a classic choice with their metallic brilliance and their cache of being the most precious gem. Black spinels are an intriguing newcomer to modern jewelry, reflecting jet that nature made.

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Mokume-Gane, an ancient metalsmithing technique brought to present day

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:27:00 GMT

Mokume which translated means “wood grained”, and gane which translated means “metals” is a metalsmithing technique created around 300 years ago in Japan. First used as adornment for the swords of the Samurai, this unique art has found its way back into modern jewelry.

A billet of layered metals

Mokume-gane uses the colors in different metals to create a pattern. The metals are layered then using pressure they are bonded together by the precise temperature that will allow the layers to merge without melting. This stack of layers becomes one which is known as a billet. The billet is then carved, hammered and rolled out in order to create the pattern that the artist wants to create.

mokume-gane and palladium earrings by Philip Voetsch

The Mokume-gane sheet that we use to create our jewelry uses sterling silver and copper to create its pattern. There are 21 layers of metal in one top piece of our Window Earrings that is .02″ thick. Each layer has been worked by carving, and compression by rolling to make this fine sheet. The pattern in Mokume-gane is incredibly durable because of the process used to create it.

It has become another palette to create with, and has inspired a collection of money clips with two versions; a surfer stripe and a classic wood grain. A meaningful gift made of metals that have a permanent bond.

surfer stripe money clip

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Emerald Green Is Not Just For May This Year

Thu, 02 May 2013 15:52:00 GMT

Emerald green is reflected every year in the lush burst of spring showing itself as the color of rejuvenation and possibility. This color has been prized for centuries and is one of the four colors found in the “precious gems” recognized the world over.

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Why Celebrate With Diamonds?

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 05:29:00 GMT

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Diamond Week Celebration

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:57:00 GMT

DIAMOND WEEK CELEBRATION

Get yourself to Jewelry By Design March 11-16

In celebration of OUR anniversary we’ve made special pricing arrangements on loose diamonds and we’re sharing our good deal with YOU. To sweeten the deal, all diamond earrings, necklaces and bracelets are marked down this week as well.

YOU COULD WIN A FREE CUSTOM CAD DESIGN (Computer Aided Design)

THE FINE PRINT: Every friend who enters our drawing to win a free custom design must use your name as a referral for you to be entered again.

If your friend’s name is drawn YOU BOTH WIN A CUSTOM DESIGN (value $500.) The more friends who enter, the better your chances of winning!

(This contest includes a custom design created by the artists at Philip Voetsch and does not include the materials to be included in a final piece of jewelry.)

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Rubellite Tourmaline, October’s stone

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:07:00 GMT

Rubellite, where pink meets red and violet. A color you won’t soon forget.

Rubellite comes from the Latin word “rubellus” meaning reddish, and while tourmaline comes in many colors only the finest of the pink color are called rubellite. Pink tourmaline is one of the traditional birthstones for October and the stone used to commemorate the 8th wedding anniversary.

Precious gemstones throughout history have been confused for each other; the Black Prince’s ‘ruby’ in the British crown jewels is actually red spinel and many of the ‘rubies’ from the 17th century Russian crown jewels are actually rubellite tourmaline.

The smooth surface of the cabochon cut lets the color of the rubellite speak for itself in this new ring by Philip Voetsch. Try it on and see if it holds up to the true test of a rubellite, shining as intensely in artificial light as it does in daylight. I bet you won’t forget it.

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Rare yellow tourmaline and blue diamond pendant

Thu, 10 May 2012 19:12:00 GMT

Throughout the years, Phil has collected stones that inspire him, stones that have unique allure. Sometimes it takes years for them to tell their tale in a piece of jewelry. This rare yellow tourmaline cabochon is one such stone.

Tourmaline has always been found in a rainbow of colors but the yellows were not true, in the past they usually had brown overtone. In 1999 all that changed, a new find was mined in Malawi Africa that produced true yellow stones, if they have overtones, it is usually green. Natures colors.

lemon tourmaline and blue diamond pendant

Here in Kansas City we have been blessed with an early spring and the vibrancy of this springtime inspired this piece. “This stone reflected in the sunlight produces the same color of the sun and the cabochon cut is a round dome that inverts the reflection inside the stone creating a unique glow” Bringing that reflection near someones face was another facet of the inspiration for this piece.
Blue diamonds surround this uncommon tourmaline cabochon. Many accent stones were considered but this pairing seemed like the perfect combination. Diamonds have their own brilliance that surpasses all other gemstones and the mix of the glowing tourmaline and the bright blue diamonds make an interesting pair; the sun meets the sky. This is truly a one-of-a-kind piece.

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Meet The Staff of Jewelry By Design

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:45:00 GMT

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Five Tips for Keeping Your Jewelry in Tip-Top Shape

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 01:04:00 GMT

2. For a quick clean on diamond jewelry put it in a container with a splash of lemon ammonia and warm water. Let it set for a few minutes, lightly clean under and around the piece with a soft toothbrush, then rinse well with clear water. If your diamonds still look cloudy, repeat above and be certain to RINSE VERY WELL. *Always block the drain BEFORE rinsing to keep jewelry from accidentally dropping into the drain!

5. Store your jewelry so it’s easy to see all the pieces you have. You’ll be more likely to change it up and wear all of your pieces if you can easily see them. Keep each piece separated from the others to avoid scratching the metal or gemstones. Some of our clients use small ziplock baggies to keep pieces separate, and to quickly select items for travel-they are already wrapped to-go! If you ask, we’ll give you some baggies!
Of course we want you to come see us for all of your jewelry needs, be it new purchases or cleaning pieces you already own. We’re here to answer all of your questions about fine jewelry.

**Mention you read this blog and receive 15% off any service at Jewelry By Design.

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Palladium

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:51:00 GMT

Discovered in 1803, this noble metal was not widely used in jewelry until Platinum was taken from the hands of jewelers to be used as a strategic metal in World War II. Palladium at that time was mostly used as an alloy with gold to make white gold. Because casting was difficult with Palladium, it actually had a higher cost than Platinum as recently as 2001. Palladium is still a challenge for jewelry designers and manufacturers, while many of the casting difficulties have been overcome, there is still work to be done to fine tune the manufacturing use of this metal.

Palladium differs from Platinum in its weight and its color. Palladium is the least dense of the Platinum Group metals so it weighs much less. If I put a Platinum ring in one hand and a Palladium ring in the other, you would be able to tell straight away which was which. It is also a slightly different color, although both are naturally white and retain that throughout their lifetime.

Palladium and Platinum will both scratch more easily than gold but their durability over time is unparalleled. Clients are often worried that the scratching is damaging to their rings. Actually, while it is visible like a pair of leather shoes being scuffed over time, Palladium on a molecular level is just being pushed around where white gold is actually being chipped away. This allows fine metal work and prongs to wear significantly better over time. Filigree work in rings from the turn of the century have survived in tact, where gold rings of the same work would have completely worn away.

Palladium has become an intricate part of our pieces at Jewelry By Design, its properties add strength and value to our jewelry and make it a great choice for clients who want affordable naturally white metal.

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Ruby vs. Red Spinel

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:28:00 GMT

Recently a client came to us to design a remarkable engagement ring. Something classic, durable, with spectacular color that was affordable….with a red center stone surrounded by diamonds.

Ruby & Diamond Ring By Philip Voetsch

Red, of course red means ruby…or does it?

We brought in several stones and the age old debate began again, ruby or red spinel.

Rubies have been treasured since ancient times. Crown jewels from around the world feature them in their collections. Nothing compares to their durability, their crimson color or their history.

Although spinel comes close.

So close that they are actually mined in the same places across the globe. The most prized rubies are found right next to their red spinel cousins. In fact, in ancient times red spinel was simply called ruby because it was red.

Black Prince’s Ruby in the Imperial Crown of Britaing at the turn of the century and later class rings. Spinels too have

Spinels prestige has been tainted by a history of simulated spinel saturating the marketplace in its use in birthstone jewelry beginning at the turn of the century and later class rings. Spinels too have a rich history. They are featured prominently in the crown jewels of Russia, Iran and England; the Black Prince’s Ruby featured in the Imperial Crown of Britain is actually a 170 carat red spinel.

Red Spinel Pendant by Philip Voetsch

Ruby wins though in availability. It may be one of the most rare stones in its highest qualities but ruby can be found in almost every shape and size, in a quality that will fit almost every budget. Ruby is a timeless classic, but the next time you think red, just remember that ruby isn’t the only spectacular red gemstone.

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I have jewelry that I don’t wear, now what?

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:23:00 GMT

Don’t let your unworn jewelry languish in a box on your dresser! There are many ways to transform them into a new piece of jewelry that you can enjoy.

Making old pieces new again…

Emerald Ring Redesign

Precious metals can be reworked to a new size, a new shape, a new length and if by chance all you have are yellow gold pieces and all your heart desires is a platinum piece, gold has value that can be traded in towards that new piece that you will enjoy.

The Jewelry by Design staff are experts in custom design and use the latest technology to present clients with new options. Bring us the pieces you are interested in transforming or trading in and we’ll assist you in sorting through your jewelry to let you know what has value for your new vision, what belongs in the keep for the sentimental reasons or what to give to the kids for dress up.

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Sweet Solitaires

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:54:00 GMT

Did you know…the Hershey’s bar and the diamond solitaire engagement ring became all the rage in America at about the same time? Both are definitely simplicity at its best.

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Sapphire & Ruby Engagement Rings

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 22:05:00 GMT

Long before Catherine Middleton received the most famous sapphire ring in the world, corundum, commonly known as sapphire and ruby has been a classic option for engagement rings.

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august’s stone, peridot

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Spring green–lime green–where green meets gold, peridot is a fascinating shade in it’s most intense form.

“Our eyes are so sensitive to green because it’s all around us.” something Phil often says when showing a fine peridot.

No other gemstone has the same precise green, it surprises me that Cleopatra would have called her peridot emeralds, although that is the ancient rumor.

You can see some vivid peridot featured in our Ancient Dreams Collection .

Peridot is August’s birthstone, and the stone used to commemorate the 16th Wedding Anniversary.

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of course we buy gold…we’re goldsmiths

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 00:48:00 GMT

Recycling your gold since 1978.

Bring us your tired, your ugly, your broken and we will transform them into something radiant and new that you can treasure for years to come. Jewelry has been recycled and reformed for a millennium. Just think of the crown jewels, almost every new ruler took what they had and reshaped it to fit the style of the times. If there are pieces that have been passed down for generations that you just don’t feel that you can part with, why not use that metal and make something that you will love. I bet your relations would appreciate that you valued it enough to make it into something you feel proud to pass down to the next generation.

Every day you probably throw an aluminum can into a recycling bin but did you know that recycling gold is just as important? Our studio casts gold that we purchase from our clients, when we need to purchase other metals for casting or send out a piece, we have teamed up with several casting companies that specialize in re-refined and recycled metal casting. By using recycled metals the demand for newly mined gold decreases and the stress on the earth is minimized. It’s a win-win situation.

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Valentine Spotlight with Philip Voetsch…Tahitian Pearl Starfish Pendant

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:20:00 GMT

Tell me about the pearls that you feature in this pendant.
Pearls are one of my favorite gems, they glow and have amazing iridescence.
Pearls sooth and calm when you see and wear them. Plus, they are a little bit of the ocean that make the earth the blue planet.

Out of all of your designs, why did you choose to feature this one for Valentine’s Day?
I saw a special on PBS once with a theory that a starfish could live forever. (Except for accidents and disease) They can endure a long time…a wonderful trait to symbolize love on Valentine’s day.

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Valentine’s Day Giveaway…it’s time to pamper yourself!

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:00:00 GMT

We’re showing you some love this Valentine’s day and pampering you with a $100 gift card from bijin salon !

Five lucky winners will be notified by e-mail on February 10th.

Drop in Jewelry By Design, (shine up your jewelry) and enter for your chance to win today!

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2011 Jewelry Trends: Black is the new black.

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:40:00 GMT

Black is the new black.

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2011 Jewelry Trends: Layers

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:35:00 GMT

One great way to achieve a bold look is to layer jewelry. Do you have a classic pendant that you wear often? Why not add some chains to enhance the look? On the flip side, add a fabulous pendant to complement chains that you like to wear. It’s just like adding the frame around the picture, it brings focus and adds style.

The Blackberry Collection is perfectly in line with this trend. The blackened sterling silver or polished silver pieces add a unique touch of light or dark. Just a few of these pieces together create a bold statement that you can mix and match with your own favorites.

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Happy 2011!

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 02:28:00 GMT

Thank YOU for making 2010 a success!

Success can be defined many ways…

We’re so grateful for the wonderful relationships we’ve made throughout the years.
Your satisfaction and referrals to your family and friends is the pinnacle of our success.
We take your trust to heart with every piece of jewelry we make.

We wish you health, happiness, peace and much success, however you define it.
Most importantly, our sincere thanks and gratitude for making this year so successful.

The cast and crew of Jewelry By Design
Philip, Tamara, Carrie, Kent, Dan, Lindsey, Erica and Ted

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Interview with Philip Voetsch

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:08:00 GMT

A designing force, Philip Voetsch has showcased his unique talent at Jewelry By Design and other jewelry stores across the country since 1976. I sat down with him recently to find out more about the man behind the jewelry.

What influences your designs?

Growing up outside of New York City, I was influenced by trips to the galleries at a very young age. I have carried the impressions of the Masters with me throughout my life. I was amazed that you could live your life as an artist and to this day a museum is still a sacred place to me.

What pursuits do you enjoy outside the jewelry studio?

Bike riding through the woods, books on my IPOD and live music.

How do you begin your design process?

Daydreaming… an idea, a visual impression comes, then I ask if it could actually be created. People underestimate the value of spontaneous ideas. They miss the seeds of the creative process so they never take root.

Do you own a favorite piece of jewelry?

My favorite piece is a silver money clip that was made in the 1960’s by silversmith, George Jensen.

What is the best thing about your job?

What job, I’m an artist. Actually, all kidding aside, it has to be the other artists that I work with on a daily basis.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?

Rene Lalique, for pushing expressive jewelry into another realm. Thomas Edison, for never limiting his imagination. My Father, for giving me this love of art and the ability to make things with my hands. Steve Jobs, for never listening to the critics. T amara, my wife and partner, for believing in me.

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