Engagement Rings, Jewelry Trends
Ring Finger: What Hand Does Your Wedding and Engagement Ring Go On?
Wearing a ring to symbolize your love has been a centuries-old tradition across the world. These days, a lot of attention, planning, and effort goes into picking out the perfect ring; couples look for the ideal wedding bands while people search for an engagement ring to propose to their significant other with great care.
The meaning and tradition of the ring also involves the right wedding ring hand and finger, and also adds the subtle status symbol in terms of the ring’s size and material. That said, let’s dive into the story surrounding the wedding, engagement, and even the promise rings.
The Meaning of the Ring Finger
Traditionally, we wear wedding and engagement rings on the fourth finger of our left hand. These days, we view this practice as a romantic one and even refer to this particular finger as the “ring finger” regardless of whether there’s a ring on it or not.
In ancient Roman times, it was believed that there’s a vein that stretches from the fourth finger of the left hand straight to the heart. As such, this vein was called the Vein of Love (Vena Amoris), which only made it more appropriate for wedding rings to be worn on this finger in particular. The act itself represented true love and devotion due to the closeness of the heart and one of the main lifelines.
This story is truly heartwarming but today we are well aware that this vein doesn’t exist. Of course, many cultures around the world still value the meaning and tradition of the story and continue to wear the wedding/engagement rings on the fourth finger of their left hand.
For instance, this practice is still very popular in the US. On the other hand, some cultures have shifted to wearing such a meaningful ring on the fourth finger of their right hand. This is the case in countries like Greece, Russia, and Colombia, to name a few.
The Symbolism of Wedding Ring Finger
Wedding rings have symbolized eternal love for thousands of years. The origins of this tradition can be traced back all the way to ancient Egypt, around 4800 years ago. The true power of the ring was about its shape; namely, the circle presents eternity as it has no beginning and no end.
And the space inside the circle is not just empty; the meaning goes well beyond placing it on a finger. Actually, this space represents a gateway to immortal love.
The bride and groom give the wedding rings to each other during the wedding ceremony. According to the tradition, they place the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand of their spouse-to-be once they exchange their vows. These days though, deciding what finger to wear wedding ring on is up to interpretation.
The practice even extends beyond the question of the left or right hand, with some people choosing to wear a ring on a necklace, have the band tattooed, or even get a finger piercing.
What’s more, wedding rings come in all shapes and sizes. The couples these days are free to choose the metal, decide on whether they’ll get rings with stones and/or intricate designs, have them inscribed, and so on. Also, there’s no rule that both the groom’s and bride’s wedding rings have to be the same; they can choose bands that best suit their individual taste.
The Symbolism of Engagement Ring Finger
Engagement rings don’t have as long and rich of a history as wedding rings. It’s believed that the practice started in 1477 when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a ring embellished with baguette diamonds in the shape of the letter M. It was his choice that set the trend that remains popular to this day.
As the hardest and most durable natural material on this planet, diamond is extremely valuable and a perfect choice to symbolize eternal love. Not to mention that every single diamond is rather unique, which tells an original story of promised forever for different couples.
Of course, an engagement ring doesn’t need to feature diamonds. There are plenty of alternatives that may be better suited to the style and taste of the wearer. A great example is the beautiful blue sapphire engagement ring that Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton wears. As such, other precious stones are always a trendy choice for an engagement ring, including other options such as pearls, moonstones, and so on.
The engagement ring is typically placed on the same finger that the wedding ring is meant to be on. Some people decide to wear both their engagement and wedding rings on their ring finger while others opt to move their engagement ring to another finger once they get married and start wearing their wedding ring on the ring finger.
Traditionally, it’s the man who proposes to a woman, which means that in most cases only ladies wear an engagement ring. However, there’s no rule stating that man can’t wear one, which is a growing trend in this day and age.
Are There Different Meanings to Different Fingers?
As mentioned, there’s no specific rule that states which finger to wear your wedding ring on. True, tradition has it that the fourth finger of the left hand is the most popular choice, but that’s not the case in every single culture in the world. Therefore, not only do you have the choice to switch between the ring fingers on your left and right hand, but some people opt to wear their wedding ring on the index finger of their right hand. Furthermore, a pinky ring is also considered a marital status symbol.
In that respect, people have complete freedom to choose on what finger they’ll wear their wedding ring nowadays, and even decide whether they’ll go with the actual ring in the first place to signify their marital bond.
What About the Promise Ring Finger?
It’s a common misconception to use the term promise and engagement ring interchangeably, but the promise ring is not the same as the engagement ring. Essentially, people in a steady relationship can give one another a promise ring to show their devotion and love, as well as their readiness to consider marriage in the future – but not immediately and without the actual act of getting engaged.
In that sense, promise rings are common among both men and women and are typically worn on the ring finger of the left hand, just like the engagement and wedding rings. And after the marriage, tradition dictates to move the promise ring to the right ring finger. Of course, many people choose to wear this ring on some other finger, especially if they don’t want it to be perceived as an official engagement.
Regardless of what your opinion and preference are when it comes to the engagement/wedding ring finger, you definitely can’t go wrong with choosing a top-quality and unique ring to represent your everlasting love. And you can get all that and more at our wedding ring store in Miami.
At Santayana Jewelers we commit to designing timeless yet custom jewelry pieces made just for you! Our recognizable style and competitive prices make Santayana pieces that are more valuable and meaningful. Feel free to check out our online store as well.
Custom Jewelry, Diamonds
The Story of Diamonds and Diamond Jewelry
The diamond begins its centuries-long story in the 1st century AD with a memorable statement from Roman naturalist Pliny: Diamond is the most valuable, not only of all precious stones but of all things in the world.
Of course, diamonds came into existence billions of years ago; they’ve seen dinosaurs come and go, civilizations rise and fall, and become one of the most valuable, appreciated, and hyped precious stones on the planet. What turned the tables when it comes to diamond jewelry was an interesting ad by De Beers in 1947 that remains the most notable advertising campaign of the 20th century thanks to the phrase that’s popular to this day – “Diamonds are Forever”.
How It All Began
It all began with a Big Bang but when we focus on what we know about the diamonds and their value today, it’s safe to say that their story begins in India where they were discovered almost 3000 years ago. At the time, their value wasn’t about their beauty but the ability to refract light. This is why these stones were mainly used for protection against evil and were often incorporated into decorations and talismans to serve this purpose.
As years and centuries passed, the diamond’s notion of value shifted to medical uses during the Dark Ages, when people believed that holding or even ingesting the diamond could cure various illnesses, and finally to the object of beauty and prestige during the Middle Ages.
It was only in 327 BC that the diamonds came to Europe from India thanks to the king of Macedon at the time, Alexander the Great, who brought them there. It took more than 7 centuries for diamonds to become a part of jewelry. It’s believed that the origin of this practice dates back to 1074 when the crown of the Hungarian queen was decorated with diamond stones. Three hundred years later came the invention of the Point Cut, allowing for more efficient use of diamonds in jewelry as it was possible to cut them according to their natural shape. Before that, all diamonds that didn’t have an already well-formed shape were discarded.
The Evolution of the Diamond in the Jewelry World
With the new diamond cutting technique, the value of this precious stone quickly found its place in the jewelry world. In 1447, the tradition of proposing with a diamond ring started when the Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond piece. Soon, new cuts followed, with the Rose Cut in 1520, the Peruzzi Cut in 1681, and many more.
To this day, India remains one of the main diamond sources in the world, especially when it comes to larger stones. However, other sources have been discovered across the globe, including Australia, Russia, Brazil, Canada, and South Africa. The original meaning that was attributed to diamonds has been replaced with valuing them for their prestige, rarity, and beauty, but the fact that their durability represents loyalty that stands the test of time remains unchanged.
What’s So Special about the Diamond?
You might not be aware of this but the diamond is the hardest known natural material on the planet; hence the name for this stone, which translates to “unbreakable” in ancient Greek. On the Mohs scale of hardness, they rate 10 out of 10, while sapphires and rubies rate 9 and emerald rates 8.
The prestige and unparalleled beauty of diamonds also come from the fact that these precious stones are quite rare in their most valuable quality form. And not only are the diamonds rare, but the number of people who possess the adequate skill to cut them is equally so.
These days, it’s possible to find both natural diamonds and those that are made synthetically. Amazingly, natural diamonds tend to be very old, even more than 3 billion years old. When you consider that the planet Earth is 4.54 billion years old, it’s no wonder that diamonds are so special and powerful.
The Diamond Jewelry Lore
As a precious stone, diamond has many properties associated with it, which makes for some rather interesting diamond jewelry facts. The popular ones include:
Strength. There’s nothing too outrageous with this particular property. As mentioned, diamond is the hardest natural material in the world, which is almost impossible to break or scratch – unless one uses another diamond. What’s more, they’re very stable and tend not to react to the majority of chemicals. Their strong radiance is said to represent the stone’s energy of strength that can affect the wearer.
Protection. Diamonds are not just hard and beautiful to look at; they’re also great electrical insulators. This is precisely why wearing a diamond was a traditional way to ward off evil spirits and protect from negative energy for hundreds of years. Essentially, it was believed that the diamond’s energy field was strong enough to resonate with and act as a shield for the wearer’s personal energy.
Purity. Due to its amazing strength, durability, and structural integrity, it rarely ever happens that some intrusion can affect the stone’s value negatively. More often than not, certain impurities/foreign substances only tend to increase the stone’s value. The best example involves colored diamonds, with pink, blue, and brown being the most popular ones. Thanks to this particular fact, diamonds are often said to have a strong energy of purity.
There are plenty of other fascinating diamond properties across the globe, some of which are rather spectacular and magical, such as using diamonds to become invincible or to secure an everlasting love.
When it comes to astrology, a diamond is the birthstone of Aries as it’s seen as a perfect match for this sign’s strength, power, and overall energy. Other diamond qualities across different cultures are as follow:
- Enhances relationship harmony
- Promotes energy cleansing
- Increases good luck
- Boosts creativity and endurance
- Provides mental strength and clarity
- Stimulates spiritual growth
- Grows courage while dispelling fears
- Betters the eyesight
The Best Way to Wear a Diamond
When you’re looking into getting precious stone jewelry for yourself, it’s important to keep in mind two criteria: your budget and the way you wish to benefit from the piece.
It won’t come as a surprise that the most popular way to wear a diamond is a ring. After all, it’s extremely resistant to wear and tear, which makes it easy to wear every single day and enjoy its energy without compromise. Other popular ways to wear diamonds include necklaces and earrings. You can find amazing offers in our diamond jewelry store in Miami for very reasonable prices.
That said, whatever diamond jewelry piece you choose, the essentials remain the same – always look for the 4 C’s: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat.
If you’re interested in getting your own diamond jewelry piece, feel free to check out our offers at Santayana Jewelers, be it online or at one of our stores in Miami or Coral Gables. Our staff will gladly help you pick the perfect piece and answer all of the questions you may have. We’re known for our innovative designs and custom jewelry, thus allowing you to remain unique and true to yourself while wearing a Santayana piece.
Jewelry Trends
The 10 Hottest Jewelry Trends for the 2020 Christmas Holidays
Jewelry is not just something we wear to match our outfit; it’s a type of fashion and personality statement that can enhance the overall look and the confidence of the wearer. And during those special occasions when we want to look our absolute best, it’s only natural to want a special piece of jewelry as well. That said, Christmas fashion jewelry brings some very hot jewelry trends that are bound to turn heads and make you look stunning. Of course, you can also rock the following pieces whenever you see fit; the point is to find a style and trend that you can 100% vibe with.
Crystal Statement Necklaces
Is there anything more festive than large sparkling gems to compliment your Christmas fashion gear? If you prefer to make a statement wherever you go, you’ll love rocking crystal statement necklaces for the 2020 holiday season. Big chains adorned with fancy crystals mimicking the shapes of flowers and stars are among the most popular pieces at the moment. You can choose a “subtle” version by opting for single color gems or go all out with a range of different gem colors. Both options are bound to make you look like million dollars as you sparkle brighter than the Christmas tree.
Gold Chain Jewelry
If you’re interested in the whole statement concept but aren’t too keen on gems, you can find your ideal bling in the heavy gold chains. From the 80s and 90s, gold chain jewelry has made a comeback in recent years, and it’s all the rage in 2020. The simplicity of the design allows the wearer to pair these chains with whatever fashion style they prefer (even athleisure) but the size of the chain is what makes the true statement. It’s easy to wear them as both necklaces and bracelets. A layered look featuring different lengths makes an instant pop!
Yellow Gold Jewelry
It’s not just that gold seems to be the go-to metal for 2020 – yellow gold is where it’s at if you want to look bougie and elegant. In case you prefer to keep your outfits simple and toned down, yellow gold can make you stand out from the crowd like the rarest jewel. Be it rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or brooches, nothing can replace yellow gold when it comes to that high-end look. You can’t go wrong with 24k gold pieces, but even if you plan to go lower make sure that you choose real gold as this will help your bling piece stand the test of time.
Geometrically Shaped Jewelry
Your goal is to blend a fashion statement, newest jewelry trends, and a unique take on jewelry design seamlessly? The answer lies in the geometrically shaped jewelry pieces. From triangles and diamonds to rectangles and other more “interesting” shapes jewelry-wise, these days you can easily find a plethora of jewelry pieces featuring a geometry concept of some kind. Aside from necklaces and bracelets, chandeliers and even stud earrings are also amazing bling additions that can let you pull off this particular trend. What’s more, the whole trend has a dose of modern, fast-paced lifestyle that instantly makes you look more fashion-conscious and put together.
Hand Bracelets
If you don’t like the feeling of something heavy and bulky around your neck you can still make a fashion statement with your bracelet jewelry. That said, one of the most popular Christmas jewelry ideas revolves around the statement hand bracelets. You can go for daintier or bulkier designs. What makes these bracelets so special and interesting is the attachment to the ring worn on your finger. In a way, you get to turn your wrist and entire hand into a work of art with one single piece of jewelry. It’s also relatively simple to exercise your creativity and DIY some of your favorite bracelets and rings by linking them together.
Mirrored Necklaces
No, you won’t be wearing an actual mirror around your neck. The mirrored effect of these amazingly beautiful necklaces is created by the careful blend of different metals that reflect light. Not only is this a truly luxurious and unique addition to your fashion style, but it’s also a perfect example of true holiday bling, as the reflectiveness and delicate nature of the piece are very reminiscent of Christmas ornaments. So, why leave all the job of bringing the light and life to the party to the Christmas tree, when you can do even better with a statement mirrored necklace?
Oversized Chain-Linked & Tribal Necklaces
A true feast for people who value individuality and uniqueness, short-length tribal necklaces and oversized chain-linked necklaces are a huge part of 2020 fashion and are bound to make you stand out during the entire Christmas party. These pieces are typically handmade or designed to look the part and feature a range of colorful beads and pearls. If you can’t decide what style you love more – color or monochrome – you can easily get the best of both worlds by opting for a planer outfit and this type of gorgeous neck décor.
Pendant Earrings
We all know and love wearing pendant necklaces, but the trends for the 2020 holiday season don’t stop there. Rocking pendants for earrings is a unique and interesting way to adorn your outfit and feature your individuality, especially since you have the freedom to mix and match different pendants however you see fit. That said, you can easily transform your favorite pair of earrings, no matter how subtle they may look, by simply adding a pendant you deem perfect for a Christmas party – or whatever other special occasions. Simply take the pendant off afterward, and you’re back to your old set. It’s a truly dreamy trend for creative and artistic souls.
The Single Earring Trend
Rocking a single earring seems to be a trend that will never go away. This holiday season, too, you can show off your unique fashion sense and quirky personality by choosing an eye-catching and elegant earring that will hang straight to your shoulder on just one side. These days there are even earring pairs available with purposefully different sizes and lengths of the earrings if you’re looking for a more cohesive jewelry look.
Three-Finger Rings
Bold rings are where it’s at! The bigger the better trend is still going strong, but the current spotlight is reserved for the triple or three-finger rings that, as the name suggests, adorn three of your fingers at once. If you plan to make a strong impression while sipping your cocktail at the party, this is the bling you want to get alongside!
Adding jewelry to your outfit is a great way to feature your taste, style, and personality. And if you’re looking for Christmas jewelry ideas for 2020, you can’t go wrong with the trends mentioned above.
Visit us at Santayana Jewelry, the best cuban jewelry store in Miami, or check out our website if you’re on the lookout for unique, trendy, yet timeless and durable pieces that will make that much-needed bling a part of your staple look. Don’t be afraid to shine and be the star of your own galaxy. After all, why not be the one to bring the light into the bland and bleak setting?
Jewelry Trends
Kids’ Jewelry: It’s Not Just Trendy, It’s Traditional – 2020 Update
Kids jewelry is not a new concept even though it may seem like it at first. Actually, the tradition of young children and even newborns wearing their own jewelry has deep roots and dates back to ancient customs. Bracelets and anklets are definitely the most popular types of jewelry for children, but in some countries, necklaces and earrings are also a common gift for small children, both boys, and girls.
The History of Kids’ Jewelry
In ancient times, gifting children with jewelry has been a globally practiced custom. It was thought that these particular jewelry pieces will guard the kids against evil spirits – together with the decorative aspect of it all. At first, this jewelry was made from animal hair and shells only to evolve into elaborate gold and stone designs that have been found in areas of ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, Byzantine, and so on. Even the Bible mentions the instances of children wearing jewelry.
Every part of the planet and every nation has its own approach to kids’ jewelry but the indisputable fact is that the tradition existed and is still going strong. For instance, Cambodian parents would often tie silver strings with bells on their children’s ankles to ward off evil and keep track of their movement. According to African tradition, the stretching of the earlobes begins with baby jewelry. From the early 14th century, a big custom among Italians was to gift their newborns small cross necklaces made of coral to protect them from the “evil eye”, and so on.
During the 17th century, jewelry craftsmanship became very popular in Europe, which also included making special diaper/bib clips made of gold or silver for the babies at the time. And during the Victorian period, this trend boomed into plated baby bracelets and necklaces specifically designed to carry the child’s name or simply have the word “baby” inscribed. Jeweled brooches were a popular baby ornament for the wealthier families. These trends have soon traveled to America as well, where parents would use baby pins instead of common buttons for baby clothes as well as gift the children coral-bead necklaces for protection.
Furthermore, in some cultures such as Latin American and South Asian, it’s actually expected that baby girls have their ears pierced. Namely, buying the first set of earrings for the baby is one of the most special moments for the parents and/or grandparents in these cultures.
Is Baby Jewelry a Good Idea?
In this day and age, we are much more knowledgeable about health and safety, which poses the question of whether baby jewelry is a good idea at all. That said, it’s important to mention that there are no medical statements that label baby jewelry as dangerous, as long as the materials used are hypoallergenic and all the safety measures are taken, especially in regard to ear piercing.
Aside from potential allergies that can be prevented by choosing the right jewelry material suitable for a child’s sensitive skin, the biggest concern is the choking hazard. In that sense, the most important thing is to simply listen to common sense when giving a child a piece of jewelry to wear.
That said, it would be best to avoid necklaces completely until the child is old enough to know not to put foreign objects in their mouth. But the choking hazard is not only present with the necklaces but also anklets and bracelets that are too dangly or have loose clasps. In that respect, make sure to purchase jewelry that doesn’t have charms and beads, keep the bracelets and anklets tight-fitting, and ensure that the pieces always have a safety clasp. If you take care of these issues and choose adequate jewelry according to the child’s age, the question of whether baby jewelry is a good idea or not bottles down to the matter of aesthetics, and nothing more.
Popular Baby Girl Jewelry Options
There are plenty of different choices when looking for the best baby girl jewelry gift.
Bracelets are very popular as a baby jewelry gift for a little girl as they don’t bother the baby too much and look absolutely adorable on her tiny wrist. What’s more, they can be passed down through generations and serve a nice decorative purpose for the family once the girl overgrows it. A very popular bracelet style for baby girls involves a string with the child’s birthstone or a plate with her date of birth inscribed.
Anklets have become more popular in recent years as far as the modern trends go in baby jewelry as they pose the least danger to a child when it comes to a potential choking hazard. They can be found in various styles, often labeled as “baby’s first anklet”. The best selection of baby anklets is available at Asian jewelers and merchants.
Necklaces are not the most popular baby girl jewelry and it’s more common to find necklaces suitable for toddlers than infants. However, it’s possible to find clunkier necklaces of a suitable size for babies that are actually meant to help with teething. Still, those are not as decorative and fashionable as regular necklaces.
Earrings are definitely in abundance when one is looking for suitable baby girl jewelry. In general, the earrings are always made as tiny studs but they come in a variety of shapes such as stars, hearts, butterflies, flowers, or even have one delicate cubic zirconia as a nice detail. Of course, it’s essential that a specialized professional performs the ear-piercing so that there’s no risk of infection. The ideal material is 14-carat gold to prevent allergic reactions.
Religious jewelry pieces are also very popular as both baby girl and baby boy jewelry. In general, these are typically bracelets symbolizing baptism and christening. As mentioned, necklaces with crosses, Star of David, and so on, are better left for toddlers.
The Rise of Baby Boy Jewelry
Baby girl jewelry may be more common, but nowadays there are more options for baby boy jewelry as well. As mentioned, religious bracelets are gender-neutral. In that sense, there are more choices when it comes to other baby boy bracelets as well that are a bit more masculine in style, with bangles or names spelled in blocks. Furthermore, popular necklaces for boy toddlers involve dog-tag style pendants as well as pendants featuring the religious aspect of the family, and so on. It’s true, however, that baby boy earrings are still not taking off and it’s difficult to find earrings specially made for boys. But if you like the look and want your boy to have pierced ears, there are still plenty of simple stud earrings to find.
If you’re looking for the best kids jewelry store in Miami, don’t hesitate to pay us a visit at Santayana Jewelers. We offer top-quality pieces that are customized and specially designed for our unique customers. It’s with special care that we cater to young children, making sure there’s no risk of allergies thanks to the superb materials used while incorporating interesting and fun designs bound to turn into a true family heirloom for generations. It’s our goal to allow all of our customers to show off their individuality, starting as early as newborns.
Custom Jewelry
14k vs. 18k Gold Jewelry: What’s the Difference?
If you pay a great deal of attention to the accessories you wear and the quality of the product you wish to purchase, it’s only natural that you spend some time choosing and researching the best options available for you to buy. This is especially true when it comes to gold jewelry. Not only will you have to pick the style you fancy the most, but it would be wise to focus on the matter of quality as well. After all, you want your gold jewelry to last you a long time with as little tarnish as possible, right? In that respect, you’d probably want to invest in gold that’s marked with karats (k). The most popular types involve 14k and 18k gold, so keep on reading to learn more about the 14k and 18k gold difference.
What Exactly Do Karats Entail?
Karat is not the same as carat. Karat (k) describes the purity of the gold while carats describe the weight of a diamond. For example, the description of this lovely 14k white gold black diamond ring features the purity of the gold, which is 14k, as well as the diamond weight, which is 2.85 carat.
So, when we talk about gold karat, we’ll be talking about how much gold there is in the piece or the purity of the gold item in question.
That said, the numbers used in front of the k (karat) are there to suggest the gold’s purity. Essentially, the scale goes from 1 to 24, with 24 karat gold being the 100% pure gold. Gold items that are under the 24 karats will also have some other metals thrown in the mix, known as an alloy.
In order to learn how much gold a jewelry item you’re interested in has all you have to do is divide the number stated in front of the k (karat) with the number 24. A rather simple task when you have a calculator on your phone. For instance, this 14k gold necklace has around 58% of gold. How to get that percentage? Divide 14 by 24 and then multiply the result by 100.
Since we’re talking about the difference between 14k and 18k gold, it’s important to mention that 14k gold is approximately 58.3% gold, while 18k gold is approximately 75% gold.
What Is Alloy Then?
As mentioned, only 24k gold is pure gold, with a percentage of 100. Gold that’s labeled under 24k includes a mix of other metals known as an alloy. In order to get a finished product, a jeweler would mix alloy with gold. This means that 14k gold requires more other metals (or alloy) in order to get to the final look compared to the 18k gold, for instance.
The most common metals used for the alloy mix include silver, copper, nickel, and zinc. If you’re looking to buy a jewelry piece made of yellow gold + alloy, you can be sure that the added metals won’t change the color of your chosen piece. Still, if you don’t plan to take off your jewelry pieces all that often, it’s always better to opt for timeless items made of 14k gold such as this butterfly pendant necklace or this beautiful diamond ring.
Different gold shades such as rose gold or white gold will usually involve the mix of different metals to change the said shade. In that respect, rose gold will have more copper, while white gold will have more nickel and/or silver.
Why Not Just Buy Pure Gold?
While we’re discussing the difference between 14k and 18k gold here, you might be wondering why you shouldn’t just buy 24k gold, when it’s known to be pure. Well, the thing about pure 24k gold is that it’s incredibly expensive. What’s more, pure gold is very soft. This means that the money you’d pay for pure gold jewelry items wouldn’t guarantee durability at all.
That said, it’s very rare to spot a jewelry piece where the seller claims it to be 24k. If you feel like the price is too reasonable for such an item, chances are that the seller is lying about the item’s purity in the first place.
What You Need to Know About Allergies
In general, gold is completely hypoallergenic. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about allergies being caused by gold at all. The issue may occur with other metals mixed in the alloy, most commonly nickel. If you’re aware that you or someone you’re buying the jewelry for has a nickel allergy, you can opt for other metal mixes such as palladium or platinum.
14k vs. 18k Gold: What Are the Differences?
So, why is all the focus on 14k and 18k gold? Well, if you’re looking to buy a good quality gold jewelry piece, going with either 14k or 18k would be the best choice since anything under 14k contains more alloy than actual gold. And, as we already said, by going over 18k you’d be paying a hefty price for a piece that’s not really durable or scratches-free.
But how are you supposed to choose between 14k gold and 18k gold? In all honesty, both 14k and 18k jewelry pieces look rather similar. 18k may be slightly deeper and closer to the true yellow gold while 14k gold tends to be slightly brighter. However, appearance-wise, that’s the only difference and most of the time, it’s a rather difficult one to spot.
The obvious difference is the amount of gold used in the making of the jewelry piece, with 14k being 58.3% gold and 18k being 75%. In that sense, the price of the 18k gold will be considerably higher compared to 14k gold items, too.
On the other hand, 14k gold is more durable compared to 18k gold precisely because it contains more alloy. Other metals used in the mix typically make the final product harder and less prone to tarnishing, bending, and scratching. That doesn’t mean that 18k gold is not durable, because it is, but it’s still less durable than 14k gold.
Making the Right Decision
If you’re not dead set on owning an 18k gold jewelry piece, 14k gold will win this battle. Of course, it all comes down to what you want, the style you prefer, the budget you have, and so on. But, in terms of money and durability, you really can’t go wrong with 14k gold. This is precisely why we suggested going for 14k gold if you don’t want to take off your jewelry all that often.
The difference in appearance between 14k and 18k gold is rather small, which can easily make it trivial. It’s up to you to decide whether sacrificing durability and affordability in favor of a slightly better appearance is justifiable. After all, 14k gold cannot be considered “cheap” whatsoever, even if it may be more affordable compared to 18k gold.
If you’re looking to buy top-quality gold jewelry pieces, be it 14k or 18k gold, don’t hesitate to check out our jewelry store in Miami for unique and trendy yet timeless and stylish jewelry pieces. We pride ourselves on delivering the much-needed personal touch and statement piece to one’s own style without making compromises on quality.
Diamonds
Diamond Fluorescence: Is It a Good Thing?
There are many different factors you should take into account when purchasing a diamond. After all, this is how you can end up with superb diamond quality. That said, one of the very important factors you should consider has everything to do with diamond fluorescence. Ignoring this particular aspect of the diamond can lead to a rather costly mistake.
What Is Diamond Fluorescence?
Essentially, diamond fluorescence is the diamond glow that’s visible when you place them under blacklight (UV light). In general, around 30% of diamonds tend to glow more or less. Once they’re put under the UV light, they glow in different colors. More often than not, this particular fluorescent color is blue, but there’s a possibility of other colors showing up as well, including red, green, white, and yellow.
There are 5 diamond fluorescence grades:
- None: complete lack of fluorescence
- Faint: the slight amount of fluorescence that doesn’t affect the way diamond appears
- Medium: some fluorescence is present and, as a result, may affect the brightness and color of the stone
- Strong: there’s a higher level of fluorescence which will affect the appearance of the diamond
- Very Strong: solid fluorescence is present which will considerably change the color and appearance of the diamond
Fluorescence varies from diamond to diamond. In some instances, it can actually improve the color of the diamond, while in others, it can make the diamond hazy.
Is Diamond Fluorescence Good or Bad?
There’s no Yes or No answer to this question. Basically, fluorescents in diamonds can be either good or bad, depending on whether its glow makes the diamond clearer or hazier. For example, slight or faint blue fluorescence in diamonds may be the ideal level of glow as it prevents the cloudy diamond look and can even make it appear whiter. On the other hand, when fluorescence clouds the diamonds and makes them look hazy, the actual stone is not clear and bright as preferred. This automatically reduces the beauty and value of the diamond.
If you’re wondering about the bad fluorescent effects on diamonds, consider the following examples:
- Strong and Very Strong Fluorescence: even though you might think that stronger fluorescence is better, the fact is that such high grade only tends to make the stone hazy and cloudy.
- Medium Blue Fluorescence with G+ Color Grade: more often than not, these diamonds tend to be hazy and milky.
- Colorless Range Diamonds (D-F Color Grade): these diamonds don’t typically benefit from fluorescence at all and they’re generally less valuable.
So, Why Does Diamond Fluorescence Matter?
With everything that’s been said, you might be under the impression that diamond fluorescence doesn’t matter at all! After all, you probably don’t plan to spend time under backlights for the glow to affect the look of your stone. But there’s more to it than that.
In the end, you don’t have to find yourself under blacklights for your diamond to glow differently. The fluorescent level of the stone will also affect how your diamond looks in regular lighting, too. Not to mention that UV lights also include natural sunlight. Therefore, fluorescent characteristics should still be an important factor when you’re choosing a diamond for purchase.
Fluorescence Could Improve Diamond Color
Whatever may be said about diamond fluorescence, one thing is true – it usually improves the color of the diamond.
Essentially, if you’re set on purchasing one that has an H or lower color grade, you could benefit from picking out the one that has medium blue fluorescence, for example. Basically, the lower you go in color grades, the less likely will the diamond appear to be hazy or cloudy with higher fluorescent levels. That said, even though strong fluorescence seems to be problematic, a J-grade color diamond might benefit from it quite nicely.
Also, if the diamond has a yellowish tint to it, medium blue fluorescence might be the ideal combo because it will make the stone appear whiter. Furthermore, diamonds that have fluorescent properties tend to shine and sparkle more compared to those that don’t.
6 Things You Should Know About Diamond Fluorescence
As mentioned, only about 30% of diamonds have a fluorescent quality to them. In that respect, you might not even have to take this particular property into account when choosing a diamond to purchase. However, if you do happen upon a diamond with this property, it’s important to know the following:
- In the end, it’s up to you and your preference to make a decision about whether the fluorescence in a diamond is a good or bad thing to you.
- It’s also true that fluorescence often tends to improve the overall diamond color.
- Even if the diamond has strong blue fluorescence, it’s not written in stone that the said diamond will be affected negatively by it.
- Faint diamond fluorescence may be the ideal middle ground as it allows you to save money on the diamond purchase and get the brilliance effect at the same time.
- Make sure that you address the seller’s return policy when you’re buying a diamond and only put trust in renowned and reputable retailers such as Santayana Jewelers.
- Don’t hesitate to ask the seller to show you the diamond under blacklight and regular lighting, and maybe even ask them to accompany you outside to check the diamond’s appearance in daylight.
How to Go About Diamond Fluorescence
Among the factors you need to consider when buying a diamond, its fluorescence is still a widely misunderstood concept. As mentioned, the fluorescent properties of the diamond refer to the stone’s glow that appears under the UV light. Once under this light, exhibiting blue color can actually make the diamond’s color stronger.
Still, no one can suggest you to just go to the store and ask for medium blue fluorescence for a color grade G or higher diamond. It might be rare, but even this fluorescence could make the stone appear hazy or milky on occasion.
It would be ideal to purchase diamonds in person as this will allow you to check and inspect the diamond, its appearance, color, and fluorescence yourself. What’s more, you can ask the retailer to help you right there and then. In case you’re interested in purchasing one online, make it a point to contact the retailer and ask them as many questions that could help you with making the final decision as possible. You might even ask for additional pictures.
If you’re looking for top-quality diamonds store in Coral Gables, as well as beautiful fine jewelry with unique design and timeless style, don’t hesitate to check out Santayana Jewelers. You can visit our jewelry online store as well as our store locations in Miami and Coral Gables. Some of our signature designs include Interchangeable Necklaces, Cuban Coin Collection (shown online as Crests), Palmar Collection, and the Cuban Bead Charms for Pandora-style bracelets, to name a few. With these very recognizable and striking designs, you’re bound to have people stop you in the street to marvel at your bling or even compare the pieces with their own! Feel free to contact us at Santayana Jewelers if you have any questions or comments.
Fashion Life
What Are Cufflinks and How to Wear Them?
If there’s one perfect accessory for gents that’s both practical and stylishly personal, it has to be cufflinks. And if you’ve never tried them before, what are you waiting for? Cufflinks can effectively spruce up your outfit, and depending on what style of cufflinks you choose, you can switch between formal and casual shirts with ease. After all, all you need is a long-sleeved shirt with cuff holes to rock the cufflinks however you see fit.
What Are Cufflinks?
If you’re not completely sure about the purpose of cufflinks, think fancy buttons. Essentially, cufflinks let you close the cuff of your shirt. But these accessories can be so much more than that. As rather personal and unique bling, cufflinks instantly elevate your look and style. And unlike buttons, cufflinks can easily be removed and switched out whenever you want to wear a different pair.
Cufflinks are very ornamental, and as such, they come in a variety of shapes and styles. The contrast they provide in the cuff area is both subtle yet striking enough to be considered ideal for formal occasions. However, there’s no limit to wearing cufflinks for your semi-formal or business casual outfits.
How Do Cufflinks Work?
Basically, cufflinks are used to close the shirt’s cuff by going through the cuff holes and then clicking into place in their fixed position. You have probably seen or maybe even owned the traditional cufflink design that involves a larger decorative front head, an extending post, and a hinged toggle at the end used to fix the link. You’d slide the post through the holes and then close the toggle to prevent the post from sliding out and opening the cuff. That way, the cuffs are neatly closed and the decorative front head lies on top of the buttonholes for added bling.
When and How to Wear Cufflinks?
The most common way to wear them is for formal and semiformal occasions. These are a very common button alternative for these types of shirts, especially when paired with the traditional black or white tie look.
However, it’s not only the dressier shirts that come with cufflink holes. From plain white shirts to more colorful and unique ones, it’s possible to find a shirt design that features cuffs with cufflink holes. What’s more, it’s incredibly simple to convert any regular shirt into a cufflink-ready one at the tailor. All they have to do is remove the button and create a small buttonhole. If you’re good with your hands, it’s even possible to DIY this particular project.
In the end, this means that you can wear cufflinks for every occasion you want with any outfit of your choosing, as long as you like the look it gives you. Mixing high and low fashion has become increasingly popular, and there’s a burst of look books involving cufflinks on simple flannel shirts.
If you’re not fond of other accessories, cufflinks are an amazing way for every gentleman to add a touch of personality to their looks, be it for formal and semiformal attire, or casual day/night out. After all, when you opt for a less extravagant pair of cufflinks, you’ll be able to pair them rather nicely even with a sports jacket.
Different Types of Cufflinks
So, what are cufflinks for? There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. In this day and age, a stylish accessory like this has become a staple for anyone who simply wants to add some flair and elegance to their outfits, or is interested in a playful mix of different styles. They’re for whatever purpose you want them to be; an elegant décor, a personalized piece, a fun alternative to buttons, or all three. And with its rising popularity, there are plenty of different types available on the market.
Whale Back Cufflinks
This is one of the most common cufflinks types these days. The mechanism is simple and easy to use. Essentially, the decorative front head is flat, the post stretches from it in a straight line, and the toggle at the end is in the shape of the “whale tail” that flips flat against the post.
Bullet Back Cufflinks
Bullet back cufflinks are rather similar to the previously mentioned whale back ones. However, the post is hollow and the toggle at the end is a cylinder that fits into the post’s hollow space perfectly. The cuff can be closed by flipping the toggle away from the hollow, thus creating a stronghold.
Stud or Button Style Cufflinks
When stud/button style cufflinks are concerned, there’s no actual hinging mechanism to deal with. A lot of people prefer this particular style as it’s quick, simple, and secure. The head and post have a traditional design, but instead of the hinge at the end of the post, there’s another smaller head that locks when straightened.
Chain Link Cufflinks
These particular cufflinks may be fancied by someone with an acquired taste, as they have two heads at each side that are connected by a chain. The cuffs might be a bit looser, but the overall impression is rather unique and extravagant.
Ball Return Cufflinks
These cufflinks have a regular decorative front head and a post, but at the end of the post is a small ball. This is a rather luxurious option as the ball is often made of precious materials and expensive metals to add weight. The fastening of the cuff is a tad looser to show off both the decorative head and the ball.
Locking Dual-Action Cufflinks
Dual-action cufflinks utilize a similar locking mechanism to a wristwatch. The post is also the hinge, and the whole mechanism has to be slipped through the cuff holes and then closed to clip to the front head. The mechanism is rather modern but equally stylish, and many younger gents prefer it due to its efficiency and secure hold.
Knot Cufflinks
Knot cufflinks are perfect for more casual outfits as they utilize a similar closing mechanism to chain link, but instead of a metal chain, the link is a soft cord, often silk. The cord connects two decorative knot heads.
Fabric Cufflinks
When fabric cufflinks are concerned, they come in a variety of different fastening mechanisms. What makes them unique is the actual material their decorative head is made of, which is fabric. This particular cufflink look is ideal for casual occasions.
If you’re looking for a way to elevate your style, be it for professional, personal, or formal reasons, adding cufflinks to your shirts is a great way to achieve exactly that. Those of you interested in unique pieces of the finest quality, feel free to check out our Miami jewelry store or visit our shop online. Our 40+ years of jewelry-making experience lets us provide our customers with top-quality and timeless pieces. Become a part of a family by purchasing an accessory that’s been specially manufactured for our store and our customers only. Aside from cufflinks, we have a range of different accessories and jewelry that will help you add a personal touch and create a customized look every single day.
Jewelry Cleaning
Does Sterling Silver Rust Even If You Clean It Properly?
Most of us have sterling silver jewelry in our collection, either inherited from our grandmothers, mothers or the pieces we have chosen and purchased ourselves. What is so alluring about this material and color of jewelry is that it can easily be matched with various outfits and is suitable for different events. However, there is a question we have all been asking ourselves from time to time – does sterling silver tarnish?
The answer to this question is yes, it does. This is due to the fact that sterling silver consists of 92.5% of silver and 7.5% of other metals. These other metals, such as copper, cause your silver jewelry to rust. Copper reacts to moisture from the air, shower, deodorant, perfume, etc. making sterling silver jewelry tarnish. No matter how frustrating it might sound, do not let this put you off these amazing pieces of jewelry since there are easy and fast ways you can take care of your sterling silver jewelry collection.
How to clean sterling silver jewelry?
Here are a few tips on how to preserve jewelry in the best possible condition.
Store Your Jewelry Properly
Although we all often leave our jewelry on the nightstand or forget it in the bathroom after taking a shower, sterling silver jewelry should be stored in a dark place in your home. Keep your jewelry pieces away from heat, sun, and moisture. The best way is to place each sterling silver jewelry piece in a box or a plastic bag separately and not to store multiple jewelry pieces together. Not only does this decrease tarnish, but it also reduces scratching. Make sure you remove air from the plastic bag as this is what will additionally protect your sterling silver jewelry from tarnishing. In addition, you could also get some anti-tarnish paper strips and place these together with your stored jewelry in airtight plastic bags.
Keep Sterling Silver Jewelry Away from Moisture
You should not shower or bathe with your silver pieces. It is perfectly normal if you occasionally forget this rule and jump into a swimming pool wearing your silver jewelry, but try not to do it often. Moisture is one of the main reasons your sterling silver jewelry tarnishes. That is why you should remove your jewelry before taking a shower, swimming, going into a sauna, and a hot tub or spraying on deodorant, a perfume, a hairspray, etc. How long does it take for sterling silver to tarnish? It might take from a couple of months to a few years. This depends on both how well you take care of your sterling silver jewelry collection, but also if it is in contact with moisture and humidity.
Wipe Your Jewelry Off After Wearing It
Once you have had fun clubbing or at that great celebration, take your jewelry off and wipe it down using a soft dry cloth. This does not require a lot of time if your sterling silver jewelry does not show signs of tarnish or dirt. It will take you no more than a minute to perform this and then store your jewelry safely back to its container. Besides wiping off your jewelry, you might consider polishing it from time to time. For this purpose, you can use a special silver cloth, but also a microfiber or some other soft non-abrasive cloth. Be careful not to use harsher towels or tissues as their fibers could easily scratch the silver.
Clean It More Thoroughly
It is perfectly normal to start noticing some signs of tarnish on your sterling silver after a while. If wiping off the dirt and tarnish from your jewelry does not work, you could take the following how to clean sterling silver steps:
- Fill in a container with warm water and put a few drops of mild dishwashing soap,
- Put your sterling silver jewelry into the container and either uses your hands or a soft baby toothbrush to gently wash the pieces of jewelry,
- Use a cotton swab or a soft toothbrush to clean tight corners and reach any crevices,
- If your jewelry pieces have gemstones, beads or pearls, do not submerge them into water. In this case, it is better to use a cotton swab or a soft cloth with mild dishwashing soap to clean only the silver,
- Take the jewelry out from the container, rinse it thoroughly, wipe it down completely and carefully and let it air dry before storing it back to its box or bag. Do not forget that moisture is one of the biggest enemies of your sterling silver jewelry.
Avoid Contact with Harsh Substances
Many people recommend different rust removers, the most common of which are toothpaste and baking soda. Some have tried these and swear by them. However, you should be aware that these methods might discolor the silver and scratch the surface of your pieces of jewelry. In addition, a few people mention other even harsher chemicals such as acetone or bleach. Do not use these as in time they will damage the surface of your sterling silver jewelry. Furthermore, avoid exposure to perspiration, rubber, household chemicals or any substances containing sulfur such as eggs, mustard, mayonnaise, etc. as these also cause tarnish. Therefore, it is a good idea to take off your sterling silver jewelry when doing household chores.
Professional Care for Your Jewelry
Take your sterling silver jewelry to a professional jewelry repair in Miami to get them cleaned. This is always a good idea, especially if you have some older or more heavily tarnished sterling silver pieces of jewelry and you cannot or just do not have the time or the will to do it yourself. Pay extra attention to fragile or valuable jewelry pieces or the ones with stones, beads or pearls and consider taking these to a professional cleaner too.
Wear Your Jewelry
If you believe that the sterling silver jewelry is best kept properly and safely stored and not worn a lot, you are wrong. It is quite the opposite. Would you like to preserve your jewelry in the best possible condition? Then you should wear them all the time.
Does sterling silver rust? Yes, it does. Does that mean you should not wear it? No, it does not.
In fact, the oils in your skin keep your jewelry from tarnish and make it look shiny. Just make sure you follow some of the precautionary steps mentioned above and your sterling silver jewelry will look great and last for generations. Would you like to keep a professional, business-like look when going to a job interview or work, and yet add something special to your appearance? Go for a subtle sterling silver piece of jewelry.
If you are getting ready for a date or a birthday celebration, make sure you wear jewelry for this occasion as well. When contemplating buying a special gift for a family member or a friend, sterling silver jewelry is yet again a great idea. Purchasing it from a reputable jewelry company and taking care of it properly will provide you with timeless sterling silver jewelry pieces. Whether it is for you or you are considering buying an exquisite piece of jewelry for your family member or friend, sterling silver is always a good idea. After all, what lady doesn’t like receiving a beautiful piece of jewelry?
Necklaces
10 Types of Gold Necklace Chain Designs For Men And Women
Choosing the right gold necklace might sound easy – after all, you know your taste! But when you come right down to it, when you step into the brilliant world of jewelry, you might find yourself a bit unprepared. There is more to think about than materials and pendants – there is the type of chain.
There are so many types of gold chains you can choose from, each emanating a different kind of statement. If you are truly prepared, you’ll avoid any possible regrets in the future! Here are just some of the chain types you should keep in mind before coming to the nearest jewelry store and making your decision:
Herringbone chains
This particular chain is perfect for your casual daytime outfit or in an office setting. A sequence of flat, short, and parallel links in an offset pattern make up the style and substance of this chain. By itself, the design is unusual enough to be a conversation piece, but discrete enough to put just a dash of style into you outfit.
Suitable for both men and women, this kind of chain is best worn on its own – without a pendant. Since a herringbone necklace lies flat on your skin, there really is no need to burden it with precious stones!
Box chains
Consisting of blocks, rather than circular links, these chains also lie flat on your skin, not unlike herringbone. However, the look, feel, and the statement it gives is quite different. Its square links provide a feeling of sophistication, no matter how you wear them.
Women can opt for a smaller sized box links with a pendant, or quite the opposite – a thicker design that serves well as a statement piece. While thicker chains are a popular choice when it comes to men, remember – you can and should wear anything you like, jewelry included.
Anchor chains
The most classical and most stunning choice of all necklace chain styles, anchor chains can elevate your look, no matter the details of your outfit, to a high level of elegance and sophistication. The chain’s links are oval, with a vertical bar in the center of each link.
Also called mariner chains, all necklaces of this type are designed to reference the type of chains used to attach an anchor to a boat. This style comes in many variations – flat, puffy, delicate, or heavy – so all you need to do is pick the one that matches the statement you want to make. If you want to emphasize the chain itself, go for a more robust design. If, however, you want just a touch of gold, opt for a simpler, more delicate chain.
Bead chains
Among many different types of gold chains, the bead chin is possibly most attractive to men – at least, in its smallest form as dog tags. This chain can be worn with a pendant, whether it’s an ersatz dog tag, or a medallion of some sort.
Beads are present in a variety of types of jewelry chain. They can be close or far apart, small or large, so you have extensive options. Statement pieces can, of course, be large beads, or a beaded chain necklace that combines not only golden beads, but also beads imbued with other precious stones. Truly the choice is yours!
Byzantine chains
The rarest and most powerful among necklace chains types is certainly the Byzantine chain. Each link in the chain passes through four other, so it gives off a look or a rope and even imitates its texture. This necklace is luxurious, supple and flexible all at once.
Such a bold piece is a perfect choice for both men and women who want to impress. Its imperious design gives off confidence from whoever wears it, so it’ll have the most impact if you wear it on its own.
Cuban chain
Among necklace chain types, this one is often referred to as Miami Cuban. This is the type of chain you often see looped around rappers’ necks. No matter its size, this chain is ornate, chunky and imposing in appearance.
The slightly flattened and close set links can be, as with any other neck chain type, as large or as small as you want it. A timeless statement piece, though mostly preferred by men, can also be comfortably worn by women. While men might opt for a chunkier design, women for whom this is the first time experimenting with Cuban chains can choose smaller millimeter links and combine it with almost all outfits in their closet.
Snake chain
A snake chain is true to its name – it almost looks like a snake! Metal links – curvy and round – attach to form a very flexible, sleek chain of a smooth and shiny texture. Often adorned with slide pendant, snake chains are an elegant and sophisticated choice for both men and women.
Since it’s both very strong and very durable, this kind of necklace is perfect for every style. You can wear it with a discrete pendant or opt for a heavier one. However, if you’re in the mood for a more sleek look, you can always wear this chain on its own!
Figaro chain
A Figaro chain is special in the world of necklaces. Unlike others, which feature links equal in size and shape, these chains consist of a pattern of repeating links. Mostly, they have one longer link, sometimes rectangular, which is followed by a succession of smaller oval or round links. This pattern repeats, making the end result a unique and intricate necklace.
Figaro chains are a good choice for men and women who want something more interesting than a simple cable chain, but aren’t in the mood for such an ornate piece as a Byzantine chain. You can wear it on its own for a more elegant look, or combine it with a pendant if you want to make a bolder statement.
Wheat chains
Flat and twisted oval links are braided together to form a deliciously unique wheat chain. Just like the name says, this kind of a necklace has the appearance of the head of a mature wheat stalk. Often called spiga, this chain is durable and quite sturdy, so you can wear it with pendants. However, its unique look also shines when worn on its own.
Large wheat chains are always a good choice for men, while women can opt for the same style, or go for a slimmer, more discreet necklace. No matter who wears it, the result is a classic, timeless look – elegant, sophisticated, confident, and demanding attention.
Rope chains
One of the most durable and heaviest of chain types, rope chains are designed so that they look precisely like rope. Metal segments are connected together in a twisting pattern, so the chain really does look like its namesake. Such a pattern also reflect light from various angles, which makes these necklaces all the more impressive!
You can wear the more delicate designs with a pendant, while the heavier, larger rope chains are perfect for wearing on its own as statement pieces.
No matter your taste, style or occasion, there’s a good necklace chain for everyone. Now that you know how to navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of necklace chains, you can, make the best decision! Drop by one of our stores – you can freely try on and explore the jewelry you’re interested in and find that one perfect piece!
Uncategorized
When and How to Make a Ring Smaller Without Resizing
Sometimes, even when you find the perfect ring, it can turn out to be a wrong fit. It may be that the ring is too big, too small, or you just feel you may lose it at the first accidental flick of a wrist.
Resizing may be your first thought, but take this into consideration – sometimes the reason why your ring fits wrong is temporary. It may just be the cold weather that’s making your fingers “shrink,” or hot weather that’s making your fingers “expand.” Pregnancy and weight fluctuations are also some of the reasons why your rings may sit differently on your fingers. These are times when you need a temporary solution and not something as permanent and (almost) irreversible as resizing.
How to make a ring smaller without resizing, you may ask? It may sound like magic, but we assure you, it’s quite possible.
How should a ring fit
Before we go on, let’s quickly go over how to size a ring and how a ring should fit you (maybe you’ve been wearing the wrong size for years!).
A well-sized ring should slide over your knuckle with some resistance, and then fit snugly on the base of your finger. It should not feel uncomfortable, not too loose or too tight. When removing it, you should feel the same resistance at the knuckle as when putting it on.
The fit can change depending on the weather or other normal bodily fluctuations. So, a perfect fit is nigh on impossible! If you’re wondering how to get your ring size, just keep the knuckle in mind – you should never feel too afraid to flick your wrist, or too uncomfortable to move your finger. It’s best to try your ring for size in the afternoon when our fingers are naturally at their largest.
How to make a ring smaller
If you find that your favorite ring is suddenly too loose to wear, there’s no need to fret! There are multiple ways of adjusting your rings, many that have no negative effects on the metal itself.
When it comes to resizing, taking away from the band can weaken the strength of the metal. That’s why you should look into a ring adjuster. These small pieces of metal add to your ring, and in that way lessen the circumference of the band. Since they require delicate work with the ring itself, it’s best you take it to a jeweler you trust – they can make the changes imperceptible! Here are just some of the resizing options:
Add sizing beads to your ring
This kind of ring size adjuster is perhaps the least invasive and the most invisible one. Your jeweler will simply add two infinitesimal metal balls to the inner side of your ring’s band. The solution is all but invisible and it doesn’t take away from the esthetics of your ring, even when you’re not wearing it!
One of the more economical ways to make your ring smaller is sizing the beads. This can reduce the ring by half. Before jumping into it, make sure to ask your jeweler if they have an example ring you can try on – you wouldn’t want to go through all that trouble only to find that wearing the ring brings discomfort!
Add a spring insert
A spring insert is like a band inside your ring’s band. Shaped like a horse-shoe, it’s a strip of metal lining the bottom 3/4 of the inside of your ring’s band. As its name suggests, it slightly springs open when you slide the ring over your knuckle and then springs back in order to keep your ring snug on your finger.
This ring adjuster can make your ring smaller by one full size. It’s a bit more complicated than adding sizing beads for your jeweler, but it’s definitely worth it – wearers report they find spring inserts much more comfortable than sizing beads.
Add a sizing bar
The most versatile of the resizing options is the sizing bar, sometimes also called a fold-over device. This looks like a little U-shaped bar across the bottom side of the ring. You open its hinges to put the ring on, then snap them shut once it’s snug on your finger.
This is a perfect solution if your resizing needs are larger than one size – with a sizing bar, your ring can be several full sizes smaller! It may be more apparent than all the previous options, but what you need to remember is that no one will actually see it since it will sit on the inside of your hand. You and your jeweler will be the only ones who know the secret! Before committing to a sizing bar, ask your jeweler for an example ring, just to be sure.
How to resize a ring at home
If your needs are urgent, or you just don’t want the hassle of going to a jeweler, you can opt for do-it-yourself solutions. Keep in mind that these are more transient and temporary than a resizing by a jeweler, but if you’re in a pinch, they’ll work just as well!
Use a plastic guard
This option is very much like the sizing bar your jeweler can put in, except it’s cheaper and you can do it yourself! Plastic ring adjusters are usually little silicone sleeves or wedges that sit between your finger and your ring.
However, these are not the most elegant of solutions. They can often make your ring sit awkwardly, and they are prone to being unreliable (they can, for example, slip out at the worst moments).
Use a loop of string
If you have some costume jewelry that’s suddenly become too large, you can just use a piece of string! What you need to do is loop the string around the band of your ring as many times as you feel necessary. If this is still not enough, you can take a piece of tape, and wrap that around the band. Just keep in mind the tape may damage your band in some cases.
This kind of DIY is best suited for rings you don’t mind experimenting with, and when you need a quick solution!
Try hot glue
The riskiest DIY option of them all is hot glue. If you’re a risk-taker, you’ll first need to create a dime size puddle of melted glue on a piece of foil or cardboard. Next, dip a toothpick in the glue, and use it to smear the glue on the inside of the band, right on the place where it meets the underside of your finger. This will create an extra layer on the band and make the ring fit more snugly. The glue shouldn’t damage the ring, but it’s best if you never use this method on antique rings and on those that would cause you heartbreak if you saw them damaged. Whether your ring is gold, platinum, or silver, sometimes all of them need a good resizing. Now that you know all the options you have at your fingertips, it’s time to take your beloved ring out of the box and display it proudly on your finger! Visit one of our stores and we can professionally resize ring and make it sparkle and shine the way it never has before.