Fashion Life

Generally speaking, it isn’t a great idea to travel abroad or go on a vacation with your diamond jewelry but I know there are times when you want to. So, if you’re a new owner of a piece of diamond jewelry and intend to bring them along with you on your honeymoon or business travel, what are things you can do to keep them safe?

Things You Can Do Before You Travel

When you’re going to travel with valuables, never skimp on buying a suitable insurance policy to cover them. This is the best guarantee you can have in any eventualities where you may lose your jewelry.

Obviously, you need to acquaint yourself with the correct type of insurance policies that cover losses during travel. Now, I want to highlight that the majority of basic travel insurance don’t cover huge jewelry claims and you may need a separate policy to do that. If you are unsure, spend some time to do research or call up your agent to clarify details.

For overseas travel, I think it is good practice to create a list of jewelry items you intend to bring along. Duplicate a copy of that list and pack it together with your belongings. Next, you should take pictures or short videos of your jewelry and keep them in your camera. These will come in handy in the event you need proof of identification.

Tips For Being Street Smart And Carrying Jewelry Around

For your own safety, you probably want to apply some common sense in the things you do while traveling abroad.

Obviously, you want to avoid wearing jewelry in public areas during flight transits and at your destination. You see, there’s no better way to be attracting people’s (including robbers) attention when you adorn flashy jewelry at the airport or out on the street in a foreign place.

Next, do not keep expensive jewelry in the checked-in luggage when using public means of transport like air-flights. Security guidelines may require your luggage to be inspected and this puts your jewelry at risk of theft. Instead, place them in a hand luggage which you can carry around in person.

It is also a good idea to keep your jewelry in a carryall case specially built for storing jewelry. I recommend investing in a jewelry box with storage compartments that can pad loose items during movement. This can prevent scratches and dents since it prevents your jewelry pieces from coming into contact with each other.

Beware Of Leaving Valuables In Hotels

Having loose jewelry lying around in the hotel room is simply begging for it to be stolen. Statistics show this is the most common reason for stuff to go missing because of dishonest hotel staff.

When you check-in at a hotel, ask whether they have a facility for safe-storage. This could either be an in-room safe or a security box at the reception. Use these secure methods to deposit your valuables before you leave the hotel room.

If secure storage isn’t available, you are better off carrying your precious items with you instead of leaving them in the room. I want to reiterate: never leave valuables in your hotel room unattended.

Remember, hotel cleaning staffs have access to your room when you’re not around. Door security can also easily be compromised if thieves believe there are prized items in the room.

Leave It At Home And Save All The Troubles

Unless you absolutely have to bring your jewelry along for events or special occasions, the best advice I would give is to leave them at home when you travel. There’s really no need to expose yourself to unnecessary risks in a foreign land.

While you are away from home, here are tips for safekeeping your jewelry.

– You may want to suspend newspaper deliveries and get a neighbor to help you clear your mailbox daily. Having newspaper strewn at your doorstep is essentially the same as a broadcast to tell everybody no one’s home. Also, announcing to the whole world on Facebook that you are going away on a vacation isn’t a smart idea too. Tech savvy thieves can easily glean and exploit such information when choosing targets.

– Choose a safe and an inconspicuous place in your house to keep your jewelry. In the event a burglar breaks into your house, the first place that thieves will check would be your dressing drawer, jewelry box and other obvious places in the bedroom. A fire proof safe that is firmly installed into a wall makes it really hard for thieves to get away with your valuables.

– I know this may sound weird. Based on police investigations and past statistics, many owners admitted to making things easy for the thieves to get their way. Simple things like forgetting to latch a window’s lock or leaving spare keys on the outer premises were actually the common causes of burglaries!

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Classic style affairs between Liz and Bulgari, Grace and Rolex.

Take it from these extremely stylish women: The key to looking timeless is a classic timepiece. Iconic watches like the Rolex Datejust look as contemporary today as they did decades ago, underscoring the impressive staying power of a good time-teller. Below, Hollywood legends and stylish royals who have come to be associated with a classic watch. Each offers visual proof that sleek lines with a touch of glamour are always chic (a few styles included here are more than 100 years old).

1. Verdura + Greta Garbo

It’s hard to top a legend like Fifth Avenue jeweler Verdura. Funded in part by Cole Porter and Vincent Astor in the late 1930s and headed by designer and society man-about-town Fulco Verdura, these spectacular creations have gone on to acquire almost mythical status among the world’s fashionable elite. The brand’s classic yellow gold “Curb Link” watch was designed for Greta Garbo (seen wearing it in 1941) and crafted to be supremely comfortable, allowing the actress to wear it regularly for decades.

2. Van Cleef & Arpels + the Duchess of Windsor

Prince Edward, the Duke of Windsor, commissioned Van Cleef & Arpels to create a number of h istorically important items for Wallis Simpson, The Duchess of Windsor. The Ruby Cadenas timepiece, whose design was said to be overseen by the Duke himself in 1935, recently returned to the house’s collection, further cementing the official relationship between woman and brand.

3. Cartier + Catherine Deneuve

The recognizable shape of the Cartier Baignoire helps give the watch its name; it translates literally to mean “bath,” a la its oval face. The style, created in 1906, matches actress Catherine Deneuve’s timeless Parisian style perfectly. Prior to the actress’ adoption of the style, the house had been an exclusive jeweler known only to those well-heeled enough to be a customer; with the popularization courtesy of Deneuve, it morphed into more of a global luxury brand.

4. Rolex + Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, is still famous for her flawless style. Equal parts Philadelphia pedigree, Hollywood glamor, and European royalty, she’s a triple threat of unbeatable iconic status. Her watch of choice, the Rolex Lady-Datejust, was introduced in 1957 as a scaled-down version of the brand’s sporty chronometer. The men’s original was intended for diving, climbing, and exploring; it’s easy to imagine the women’s style was crafted for women like the princess who needed a watch for seaside vacations. That mix of elegance and sport is still coveted by those looking to echo her classic vibe.

5. Bulgari + Elizabeth Taylor

The use of snakes in jewelry dates back to ancient times and has roots in almost every culture and religion on earth. It also serves as creative inspiration for Italian jeweler Bulgari (the brand has been incorporating serpents into their designs since the 1940s). The coiled Serpenti watch, gifted to and worn by Elizabeth Taylor on the set of Cleopatra in 1962, hasn’t let go of its sartorial hold since Taylor—her personal life in the spotlight due to the beginnings of a rampant affair with Richard Burton—made it famous.

6. Piaget + Elizabeth Taylor

Introduced in 1957, the Piaget Altiplano is best known for its precise, ultra-thin movement. Glamorous stone dials are also a hallmark of the brand, with a new opal and diamond Altiplano style similar to the one worn by the mega-star while vacationing with Richard Burton in Sardinia in August 1967. (That Taylor, a renowned jewelry lover, should make the list twice ought to come as no surprise).

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Today’s jewelers have access to an astounding variety of metals in different colors. While options such as platinum and palladium are becoming more popular, gold is always a fantastic choice. Learning about the differences between yellow gold vs. rose gold vs. white gold rings is a great way to narrow down your options when deciding which metal to choose for the jewelry that ultimately represents the love in your life. Here, we take a closer look at different types of gold with the goal of helping you to make a well-informed decision.

Yellow Gold

While we often think of yellow gold as being pure, the yellow gold used for rings is an allow made by combining pure gold with metals such as zinc and copper. As with other gold colors, the higher the karat amount, the higher the actual gold content, but the less durable the piece of jewelry is. Therefore, 18K or 14K gold is used for wedding and engagement rings. This gives them a beautiful golden hue while helping them to stand up against the demands of everyday wear.

Yellow gold looks nice on anyone, but is particularly beautiful when contrasted with olive and darker skin tones. It looks less impressive on pale to rose skin tones, meaning white or rose gold might be a better choice for someone with fair skin.

Some other considerations to keep in mind when comparing yellow gold with rose gold and white gold is that yellow gold, particularly high-karat yellow gold, can be easily scratched and dented. It needs to be cleaned and polished regularly.

Yellow gold ring settings look fantastic for all kinds of wedding and engagement rings, and make a lovely choice for modern and vintage-inspired styles. It is historically the most popular metal for wedding and engagement rings, and as it is the most malleable, or easiest for jewelers to manipulate, it is also a good choice for rings that may have to be resized at a later date.

White Gold

The main difference between yellow gold and white gold is that white gold is an alloy of gold and a white metal such as palladium, manganese, or nickel. Like yellow gold, white gold’s purity is defined in karats. White gold rings often contain nickel, which provides the strength needed for a durable setting that lasts.

If you like the look of platinum but want to spend a little less, white gold is a fantastic choice. When comparing white gold vs. yellow gold, white gold is stronger and more durable, meaning it is less susceptible to scratching and denting. Like all precious metals used for rings, white gold requires some maintenance. Cleaning and polishing is a must, and this metal needs to be dipped every few years in order to retain luster and color. This service is inexpensive; in fact, many jewelers offer it for free.

On the downside, white gold that contains nickel can cause allergic reactions in some people with sensitive skin. If you have a nickel allergy and want to wear white gold, you will need to choose jewelry made with a nickel-free alloy.

White gold has a cool, sophisticated gleam. When you look at white gold vs. rose gold and yellow gold, you’ll find that it looks nice with all skin tones, but is particularly complementary to fair and rosy skin tones. If you are looking for rings that complement olive or darker skin tones, consider yellow gold or rose gold.

Rose Gold

Next, let’s take a look at rose gold vs. yellow gold vs. white gold. Rose gold is a gold and copper alloy that is sometimes referred to as red gold or pink gold. As it was popular in Russia at the turn of the nineteenth century, was once commonly referred to as Russian Gold, although the term is rarely heard these days.

Like yellow gold and white gold, rose gold is a very popular choice for rings. Though it is seen less often, it is gaining popularity, particularly among people who want their wedding and engagement rings to have a unique, romantic look. Rose gold works well in all types of settings but is particularly appealing in vintage-inspired engagement rings and wedding rings. It can be combined with white or yellow gold to create a unique multi-colored setting that appeals to the wearer’s artistic side.

Durability is another consideration to keep in mind when comparing rose gold vs. yellow gold vs. white gold. Incredibly, this softly romantic colored gold is the strongest of the three, as copper is very sturdy and the resulting alloy is tougher than yellow or white gold. On the downside, copper can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, and is not considered to be a hypo-allergenic metal. If shopping for someone with very sensitive skin, yellow gold may be your best choice.

If her style leans toward classic or vintage looks, she may prefer rose or yellow gold.
Rose gold is a fantastic choice for people with warm skin tones as well as for those with cooler skin tones. The rose color stands out beautifully against pale skin, however it might not look as lovely as yellow gold does against darker skin tones. If your skin tone changes seasonally, rose gold might be a great choice.

Additional Considerations

Now that you know the basics concerning white gold vs. yellow gold vs. rose gold, there are a few other things to consider before beginning the actual process of shopping for wedding rings or an engagement ring.

• Type of jewelry recipient prefers – Some people simply prefer the look of one type of metal over another. If a woman has a tendency to wear a lot of white gold, for example, it is likely that she will appreciate a white gold engagement ring over one in rose or yellow gold. If she likes to mix things up with different colored jewelry, a ring that combines different colors might be in order.
• Recipients Lifestyle – Women with very active lifestyles often prefer jewelry that offers some durability. Remember that white gold and rose gold are strongest, while yellow gold is most susceptible to scratches, dings, and dents.
  Recipient’s Sense of Style – If the ring’s wearer is always on trend, it’s likely that she will appreciate a ring in white gold rather than rose or yellow gold, as this is the most popular color. On the other hand, if her style leans toward classic or vintage looks, she may prefer rose or yellow gold.
• Type of Stones – If you are going with white diamonds, you’ll find they look lovely in setting made with all three types of gold. Fancy colored diamonds and colored stones often look best in rose or yellow gold settings, although some, such as sapphires, look absolutely magnificent in white gold settings.
• Price – Finally, price is a consideration. Regardless of budget, you really do want to get the best quality you can afford. As it turns out, yellow, white and rose gold have their pros and cons, and all are available in affordable settings. Yellow gold vs. white gold prices vary by actual gold content, as do white gold vs. rose gold prices. Armed with the details we’ve provided, you’ll find it is easier to make a well-informed decision.

Whether you prefer white, yellow, or rose gold, you’ll find all types at Brilliance, where engagement rings and wedding rings are our specialty. With incredible pre-set options plus a free interactive tool for designing your own custom wedding and engagement rings, you’ll find that comparing different styles and gold colors is fun and simple, with options to suit every budget.

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After a week of being inundated with some of the world’s most fabulous jewelry at the Las Vegas trade shows, it’s not easy to come back down to earth.

I’m embarking on the process gradually, my first step being to pick my favorite jewelry looks from Sunday night’s Tony Awards show.

Overall, the jewelry styling seriously lacked in creativity, but the evening was redeemed by a few stellar vintage and antique jewelry moments.

Here are the pieces that stood out among an otherwise demure group of necks, wrists, fingers and ears.

Cynthia Nixon in Fred Leighton

Actress Cynthia Nixon took home a Tony award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for “The Little Foxes” and likely gave back this Fred Leighton 18-karat yellow gold and diamond necklace from the 1950s after playing dress-up for the night.

If I was her, I’d attempt to trade the statue for the necklace but that’s why I write about jewelry for a living—I have a one track mind when it comes to diamonds and gems.

She also sported Fred Leighton yellow gold and diamond rings, not pictured.

Rachel Bay Jones in Cadar

Rachel Bay Jones was a vision in 18-karat yellow gold and diamond jewels from Cadar.

The actress wore the Couture Design Award-winning brand’s ring, bracelet and earrings, as she claimed an award for Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in “Dear Evan Hansen,” the most celebrated Broadway show of the night.

Uma Thurman in Fred Leighton

Brava to Uma Thurman for delivering exactly the type of bejeweled drama worthy of the biggest night on Broadway.

Thurman was at the Tonys to present and kept her outfit toned down, which made her statement Fred Leighton jewels stand out all the more.

She wore a dazzling 19th century amethyst rivière and cross pendant, accompanied by a 19th century diamond star bracelet and Edwardian three-stone diamond and platinum ring, not pictured.

Sarah Paulson in Irene Neuwirth

Those waiting for their Irene Neuwirth awards show red carpet fix weren’t disappointed. The always impeccably attired Sarah Paulson wore a pair of Neuwirth earrings that complimented her white lace Rodarte gown.

Set in 18-karat rose gold, the earrings featured rose-cut rainbow moonstone, accented with diamond pave.

Condola Rashad in Fred Leighton

Not to sound like a broken record but, clearly, Fred Leighton had a bit of a monopoly on Sunday night’s best jewelry looks.

Case in point is actress Condola Rashad, who was nominated in the Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play category for her role in “A Doll’s House, Part 2.”

Rashad sported a veritable stash of Leighton treasure, the most prominent being her 18-karat yellow gold pendant earrings with diamond and black enamel, which complimented her gold-embellished hairstyle.

Jenna Lyons in Buccellati

Jenna Lyons made headlines when she parted ways with J. Crew this year, but it seems the designer won’t be shrinking away from public view.

Lyons loves her loungewear, and I adore how she paired her robe with exquisite Buccellati jewels.

Lyons piled on 18-karat yellow and white gold diamond cuffs and rings accented with diamonds, and topped off her entire look with a show-stealing 18-karat white gold and diamond necklace, which retails for $145,000.

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Selecting Colors for Your Outfit

One of the best ways to determine what colors would enhance an outfit is to use the color wheel. A simple Google search will bring one up.

Look at the wheel. On either side of it are colors that would work well with the ones in the middle.

One way is simply to look at nature and see how colors are combined.

Another method is to look directly across the wheel to see other colors which also coordinate.

Artists use these methods all the time. You would do well to select your jewelry using one of these techniques.

Ruby Colors and Metals

Colors of rubies run from a rosy pink to a dark mauve.

Using the color wheel, you can choose green to accent the pink ruby both because it is directly across the wheel and it is prevalent in nature. Think of pink roses.

Either silver or gold accents rubies. Many people think that rubies look lovely with gold, but that is up to your own sense of style.

Social Occasions

Rubies also have a wide range of how they can be used for various social occasions.

For example, a simple thin band with a small stone would be appropriate for more casual events, and it would look great with jeans and a t-shirt.

Some wear rubies with large stones and sometimes combine them with a statement necklace, feather earrings in the color of the stone, and tribal type rings.

Accentuate Your Personal Style

Are you more into a sophisticated look? Perhaps you might choose a larger stone ring, encrusted with diamonds. Wear dangling ruby earrings and a ruby bracelet.

You might consider a ruby red bag or shoes to enhance the outfit. This would look stunning worn with that little black dress. We all have one, right?

If it is summer, consider the nautical style, which is timeless. What would look better than a navy and white striped top, white capris, nautical styled tennis shoes, accented with red rubies?

Anchor earrings are popular and would be a real eye-catcher with this look. You might be able to find a ruby pair online, or at a local store.

If you are a preppie, you might like a ruby red and white striped watchband.

This would look amazing with a white cable knit, v-neck sweater, with stripes of ruby and navy along the neckline, bottom, and sleeves. Wear with khaki pants.

Bring the outfit to life with small round ruby earrings, a simple ruby ring, and perhaps a bracelet of ruby and navy.

If you like a more girly, romantic type, rubies are ideal for you. Wear a floral summer sundress with a denim vest paired over it.

Find heart-shaped stones or settings, but only use them once. Any more is overkill. A delicate ruby necklace would give you that soft, feminine style.

Wear a very romantic ruby ring with diamonds, real or fake, around it. Pair this with a ruby colored bag or with sandals in the same color.

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At Santayana and our two jewelry shops, Miami jewelry store and Coral Gables jewelry store, fine jewelry is crafted to last a lifetime, however with normal wear proper care is required to keep it looking good. As a result we’, e created this Basic Jewelry Care Guide to direct you in the proper care of your jewelry. We hope that you’ll find these guidelines helpful.

Wearing Jewelry

Jewelry is worn by millions of people every day, but few recognize how they can preserve their treasures by using some simple advanced planning and thought. Here are some basic guidelines to consider when wearing jewelry:

• Remove Jewelry During Tasks – When performing manual tasks, remove your jewelry to prevent physical damage or exposure to chemicals or cleaning fluids. Some tasks that should be avoided when wearing jewelry include kitchen work, gardening, cleaning the house and other common tasks.
• Put Jewelry On After Applying Makeup – Cosmetics, hairspray, perfumes and lotion can contain chemicals that can often damage jewelry. Putting jewelry on after applying these materials will limit exposure to jewelry and any potential damage.
• Don’t Wear Jewelry In Swimming Pools and Spas – Chlorinated water can react with the metals found in jewelry causing color changes and even structural damage. As a result it’s a good idea to remove jewelry before entering the pool or spa.
• Contact Sports and Jewelry Don’t Mix – Hard blows during sports can damage jewelry not to mention the people involved. All jewelry should be removed before play begins.

These guidelines for wearing jewelry should get you off to a good start.

Cleaning Jewelry

For those that wear jewelry regularly, keeping their jewelry clean and looking good requires regular effort. Here are some general guidelines that may help:

• Remove Your Jewelry Before Bathing

  Remove all jewelry before showering or cleaning. Soap can cause a film to form, making it appear dull and dingy. By preventing the formation of this film you immediately reduce the occasions of servicing.

• Use Jewelry Polishing Cloths for Best Results

  Polish silver or gold with a jewelry polishing cloth for best results. You can use a svelte or an old diaper, but the professional cloths are the best. Use of tissue or paper towels can cause scratches because of fibers in these products.

• Clean Your Jewelry With Care

  Cleaning your own jewelry regularly can keep it looking good, but be careful. You can either purchase commercial cleaners from a jeweler or make a cleaning a solution yourself. Rubbing alcohol can work wonders, but bleach can literally destroy jewelry so avoid it at all costs.

• Use Warm Water to Clean Jewelry

  Using warm water is the best bet when cleaning your own jewelry. How water can cause reaction with the cleaning fluids resulting in discoloration and Sterling Silver is especially susceptible to this problem. Should this occur, this problem can be remedied by buffing and the application of a tarnish remover.

• Avoid Cleaning Damaged Jewelry

  Never clean any jewelry that is damaged, cracked or broken, since the additional handling is likely to exacerbate or worsen the problem. If you find that a piece of jewelry is damaged, it should be set aside for repair as soon as possible.

• Inspect Your Jewelry Regularly

  Just like anything else, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When having your jewelry professionally cleaned, it’s a good idea to have each item checked and inspected for any possible problems. Addressing signs of damage, or loose gemstones will prevent any further damage or loss and keep all of your pieces in excellent shape for years.

Repairing Jewelry

From time to time, it may be necessary have a repair performed on your jewelry. At Zales, we offer jewelry repair by a well-trained, professional staff. You can learn more about Zales Repair here: Jewelry Care: Jewelry Repair . However in the event that you’re not in a position to visit one of our locations, here are several guidelines you may find helpful:

• Prevent Damage to Your Jewelry

  Prevention is the best way to prevent the necessity of repair, so a regular inspection is the best way to minimize potentially costly repairs. You can perform a simple inspection every two to three months to ensure that the condition of your jewelry is good and prevent a small problem from becoming a big headache.

• Look for Reviews and Referrals

  When deciding on a jeweler to perform your jewelry repairs, look for reviews of their work and ask for referrals when appropriate. Furthermore, taking a few moments to ask questions of the jeweler is a wise investment that should pay off with a good jewelry repair experience.

• Jewelry Repair Pricing

  When jewelry repair pricing is being quoted, it’s wise to ensure that these figures are being quoted from a price book rather than off the top of someone’s head. When a jeweler takes the time to publish their prices, it’s clear that they have extensive experience and have thoroughly researched their investment of time and materials to complete the job correctly.

• Observe the Jewelry Take-in Procedures

  A clear description of how an item is to be repaired is the key to a successful repair. Closely observe the jewelry take-in procedure when the repair is being explained. The issues with each piece being repaired should be well documented using descriptions and drawings to ensure that the repair will be done correctly the first time.

• Inspect Your Jewelry at Pickup

  When picking up your jewelry, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the work performed. Before accepting the piece of jewelry, first make sure that it is the correct item. Next, make sure that the repair was performed as requested. Lastly, ensure that the entire piece was cleaned and polished. After all, this should be the expectation of every professional jeweler that performs jewelry repair.

Storing Jewelry

Anyone that has a collection of jewelry can appreciate how difficult it can often be to keep it organized. To improve the enjoyment of your jewelry, we’ve assembled these suggestions that should keep your jewelry organized and orderly:

• Keep Your Jewelry Secure

  Store your jewelry in a container and prevent pieces from moving around. While fabric-lined jewelry boxes are ideal, this can be as simple as using a shoebox and pieces of fabric.

• Prevent Your Jewelry from Tarnishing

  Sometimes jewelry tarnishes went it’s not worn, especially silver and gold. To maintain the luster of your jewelry, place silver anti-tarnish strips in your storage container to absorb the oxidants that discolor and tarnish jewelry.

• Inventory Your Jewelry

  Unfortunately, jewelry can get lost or stolen. Taking a regular inventory can be incredibly useful when making an insurance claim or filing a police report. A photograph, a written physical description of each piece and it’s cost is ideal. Furthermore, store that information apart from your jewelry in the event it is taken too.

• When Travelling with Jewelry, Use a Case

  Travelling can be tough on jewelry, so it’s wise to use a travel case to protect your favorite pieces. Traditionally made of fabric or leather, a jewelry travel case can carry jewelry of all types and easily rolls up to a size that’s easily stored in most suitcases, makeup cases or business attaches. Clearly, a case like this is a good investment to protect your jewelry on the road.

Keeping your jewelry collection organized and under control does not have to be difficult and these recommendations should help.

Shipping Jewelry

Shipping jewelry can cause a great deal of concern due to its high-value nature. While there are a variety of carrier-specific guidelines, here are some general rules of thumb that you can use to safely ship jewelry:

• Use Two Boxes: An Inner Box to Hold the Jewelry and an Outer Shipping Box.
• Carefully Pack the Inner Box to Prevent the Movement of the Jewelry
• Pack the Shipping Box with Packing Material to Protect the Inner Box During Shipping
• Eliminate All Information on the Shipping Box that Refers to Jewelry or a Jeweler
• Seal Both Boxes Completely with Tape
• Insure the Shipment
• Require a Signature on Delivery
• Don’t use a Drop Box

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Properly Store Your Jewelry to Keep Them Looking Lustrous; Just like the Day You First Got Them from the Boutique.

When investing in fine jewelry and watches, one must always consider what goes on ‘behind-the-scenes’. Wearing a handsome timepiece for the very first time or a glistening necklace can bring a rush of glamour; a final touch to an impeccably put-together outfit. Fine jewelry requires maintenance, just like you wouldn’t leave your supercar rusting in the garage for months. When not in use, proper storage can extend the life of your precious gems, keeping your treasures dazzling as gorgeously as the moment you first got them.

Clean and Dry

When it comes to jewelry, humidity is your ultimate enemy. Keep your jewelry away from perfume – silver is particularly susceptible humidity and tarnishes especially easily with shoddy care. Always store your jewelry in a cool, dry place. Overexposure to extreme heat can damage your jewelry and might lead to color changes. While it’s a good idea to have your pieces professionally cleaned every 1-2 years, good cleaning habits to practice on your own include a simple wipe down after each wear.

For more elaborate self-cleaning, you can soak jewelry in ammonia-based detergents with water every week. The overnight soaking process should conclude with light cleaning, whether with a toothbrush or any brush with soft bristles. Avoid powerful cleaning solutions at all costs, like bleach and acid-based detergents. While professional jewelry cleaners use special cleansers, there are many household items you can use such as lemon juice for sterling silver, mild dishwashing soap for gold and silver, and a slight drop of olive oil on a dry, soft cloth for pearls.

Chemicals, Oils

Beware of household chemicals – even our own natural oils are known to discolor diamonds over time. If your skin is naturally dry and demands the essential skincare routine to maintain softness, apply them before wearing jewelry. Perfume should also be sprayed before – ideally after one’s shower.

Categorize

Aside from the convenience that comes with good organisation, keeping different types of jewelry separate will save you from the horror of tangled pieces. Beaded necklaces in particular should be laid flat as opposed to hanging, which many prefer – but be cautious of heavier beads that can put unnecessary stress on the threading, leading to breaks. Pearls, particularly, are often strung on vulnerable soft, silk threads so always lay these flat in a case with lavishly soft interiors.

Precious Metals

Unlike diamonds, metals are a lot softer and might be especially vulnerable to scratches and dents. Gold, silver, platinum and other metals must always be separated from each other, lest softer metals are damaged upon accidental contact. Keep the similar metals together; silver should be stored with anti-tarnish strips, which will reduce the process of tarnishing by neutralizing sulfur gasses, keeping these glistening pieces shining for longer.

Diamonds

The hardest known mineral on earth has not much power against each other – indeed, a diamond can easily scratch another with little effort. Aside from investing in hard cases lined in fabric or cushion, with individual compartments for easy categorizing, stored diamonds should not come in contact with each other to minimize the risk of scratches.
Though diamonds repel water well, oil and grease stick extremely easily. One should absolutely stay away from laborious tasks including exercise or cleaning while wearing jewelry, lest accidental knocks chip your diamonds.

Recommended Products

Buben & Zörweg X-TREME 007

Just a touch of a button and this safe elevates itself, transporting you right into a James Bond movie — in the corners of Q’s gadget lab. The next generation X-TREME 007 boasts a complete redesign from its predecessor in a strong and stylish rendition. The Buben & Zörweg safe opens vertically in utter sophistication, mesmerizing its onlooker in a true expression of style and substance.

Boca Do Lobo Filigree Jewelry Case

Crafted with the same technique that made some of the world’s most enthralling jewelry pieces, this particular case by Boca Do Lobo celebrates the luxury of ultra-refinement and true sophistication. Like the fine pieces, it will hold, find the artistic motifs of this case bearing the fruit of painstakingly handcrafted tiny beads or twisted threads of gold and silver, meticulously assembled to finish this intricate box.

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It’s no longer faux pas to mix metals, but some do bring out the best in your eye, hair and skin colour more than others. This expert advice is priceless, especially when buying online

Rose gold is having a moment, but does it really suit you? Should get you get that necklace you love in silver or yellow gold? Such are the dilemmas when buying jewellery online, where you’re not standing in front of a mirror.

Jewellery designer Charlotte Blakeney spent 16 years working as a make-up artist on photoshoots for top fashion magazines around the world, so understands better than anyone how to help women match colours to their skin tone.

“Much like make-up, you can use jewellery to accentuate your beauty,” the By Charlotte founder told GRAZIA. “The play of different metals and jewels against the skin, hair colour and eye colour can illuminate your skin’s natural tones, bring out flecks of colour in your eyes and compliment your hair colour.”

Which Metal Tone Suits Your Skin Type Best?

Fair Skin with Red Undertones

“Stay clear of rose gold as it will accentuate the pink undertone in your skin,” says Blakeney. “Silver looks so fresh on a very pale skin, especially those who also have pale or blonde hair.”

Fair with Pale Undertones

“I am not a big fan of 18kt gold on very pale skin. Instead, I would go for 9kt or 14kt gold or white gold to keep very fair skin looking radiant and not pasty. Silver also is very striking on very pale skin tones.”

Lightly Tanned, Olive or Mediterranean Skin

“You’re truly blessed in the metal department. As luck would have it, you can wear almost any metal and jewel and have it look flattering.”

Arabic, Fair African and Dark African Skin

“Lucky you – any metal will look striking, although silver can get a bit lost on darker skin, especially in the form of fine jewellery. Gold really comes into its own though on darker skin tones.”

South-East Asian Skin

“I love classic gold on Asian skin. Rose gold also brings out a softness to this skin tone.”

Is There a Skin Type or Types That Can Literally Wear All Types of Metal?

“Honey, warm-colored skin tones really can wear any metal beautifully from rose, yellow or white gold, to silver. This includes the full spectrum of skin tones from olive to dark African skin.”

How Much Does Hair Color Come into Play, If at All?

“It’s all part of the color spectrum, so it plays a very big role. Often customers who have gone from blonde to brunette or vice versa need a jewellery re-fresh and come into store for new key pieces. Blondes who go to darker tones, for instance, can find a rose gold a good alternative to silver and gold. Pale skin tones who have recently gone blonde find that 9kt or 14kt gold suddenly looks much more striking then before.

What About Eye Color?

“Eye color is more connected to the types of stones worn on the skin. Amber eye colors are dazzling with an amethyst stone. For pale eyes, blue or green stones such as sapphires, topaz or turquoise are a no-brainer. Garnets and darker stones against hazel and brown eyes are very alluring.”

It Used to Be Faux Pas to Mix Gold with Silver. What’s Your Best Tip for Mixing Metals in One Look?

“Just go for it! I love the look of mixing metals and our By Charlotte customer is a big fan of this look too.”

What’s the Number 1 Tip You Give Clients When Choose Jewelry for Themselves?

“You wear jewelry on your skin, so it should feel special and significant in some way. The best choice of jewelry is always chosen for its significance, whether it be from a lover or for a birthday or just as a present to yourself to mark a personal goal. Remember, a special piece will radiate beauty from the wearer no matter what the metal or stone.”

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You can always come over to our jewelry store in Miami and talk to our experts and find the best custom jewelry for you.

Jewelry To Keep Us Present & Positive

Life is complicated enough, without all the fuss and frills of keeping up with fancy trends. Adorn yourself with positive energy by keeping it simple and letting yourself shine. Since ancient times, various stones and symbols have held sacred beliefs when it comes to love, luck, happiness and the battles of everyday life. Here are five kinds of jewelry to infuse your life with abundance and positivity.

1. Sacred animals

For ages, humans have been powerfully linked to animals. In many Nordic countries, the warrior-berserker was said to have the ability to shapeshift or take on the abilities of fierce animals, such as the bear or wolf.

Native American traditions place importance on the power of one’s spirit animal. For example, the spider has a dark and light side, but as the weaver of the web, it symbols creativity. In many traditions, the spider is Mother, creator of the world.

Think about the traits you want to emphasize or bring into your life. Consider the traits of certain animals and how they function in their habitats. The hawk is a bird of prey and has powerful vision, honing in on exactly what it wants with sharp instinct (and talons). The rabbit appears to be a timid and fearful creature, but what if the rabbit is quick and resourceful in reality? Your sacred animal can also help you see yourself in a new light.

2. Gemstones

From small river rocks to the monoliths used to make Stonehenge, gemstones have held meaning to humans as “the bones of the Earth.” Every person has a birthstone or a favorite crystal that holds powerful meaning as every culture assigns meaning to particular stones as amulets, talismans or lucky stones. Here are a few of those gemstones and their powerful properties:

Rose quartz is associated with the planet Venus and love and friendship. As a quartz crystal, its protective qualities extend to self-love and one’s relationships.

Selenite is named for the Selene, the goddess of the Moon, and its properties are said to be intuition, dreams, creativity and femininity. Don’t expose selenite to water because it will dissolve but is hardy otherwise.

Snowflake obsidian is said to be composed of the ashes from a volcano that fell into lava before it hardened. This highlight’s the stone’s healing and grounding properties of balance during change, transformation, practicality and psychic abilities. Snowflake obsidian is particularly helpful to those stuck in negative thought patterns and struggling to stay centered in meditation. It’s linked to the zodiac sign Virgo and the base chakra.

Wire wrap these stones into a necklace, or carry one in your pocket or a drawstring pouch when you need an extra boost of positive energy.

3. Vital energy bracelets

These Alexi and Ani bracelets are infused with positive energy or vital energy (Chi and Prana). They channel your positivity as you wear the bracelet that speaks to your heart. Every charm is unique and customized to individual choice. Stack bracelets to represent each branch of your life’s journey and the wisdom you’ve gained.

The symbol you pick should have deep, personal meaning for you, representing inner wisdom earned with your life’s journey and your passions. For example, the Four leaf clover charms bangle, from the Path of life Symbols collection, expresses the four blessings of life: luck, hope, faith and love. The four leaf clover also depicts the seasons and remembering the blessings to be kept with the shifting seasons of life.

4. Metals with meaning

The metals that compose your jewelry hold powerful meanings, too. In many cultures, alchemists believed that every element had a physical representation and a philosophical meaning. Spiritual alchemy was strongly linked to metallurgy, or the ability to transform one base metal into another metal. Each metal had its own symbol and meaning:

Lead is governed by Saturn, related to transformation and death. Its toxicity is linked metaphorically to similar human traits and the cleansing and removal of imperfections.

Tin is governed by Jupiter, related to wisdom, education and maturity. It’s connected to balance and meditation.

Copper is governed by Venus and is one of the oldest metals, related to youthfulness, charisma, feminine beauty, creativity and caring. Considered a healing metal, it inspires you to live a fulfilling life.

Silver is governed by the moon and considered a regal metal, related to self-reflection, divination, spirits, femininity, focus and subtle strength.

5. Cultural and religious symbols

From the time that man could carve on stone, symbols began to hold a deeper meaning. From animistic faiths to polytheistic and monotheistic faiths, symbols have grown to hold a vital and particular meaning to individuals who lead spiritual lives:

Spirals are found on cave walls around the world and symbolize the journey inward and the journey outward. For many, the spiral is a creation symbol. Labyrinths are a wonderful example of the symbol at work.

The Om symbol stems from Sanskrit texts and a mystic syllable, and is defined as “the sound of the universe.”

The Cross is modernly seen in Christian faith, but also holds meaning in other cultures and in alchemy, as a symbol of God and the relationship between matter and spirit.

Since ancient times, humans have adorned their body with beautiful jewelry that possess deep meanings. Connections to animals, stones, metals and symbols remind people of ancient myths and their own personal stories. Adorn your mind, body and spirit with positivity with simple jewelry choices that serve as reminders of your own journey.

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Which Gemstones are the Most Valuable?

Gemstones are composed of a variety of minerals, rocks, and organic material. With over 300 gemstones currently documented, there are bound to be some that are significantly more rare and valuable than the iconic diamond. Because, as most of us know already, diamonds really aren’t that rare.

A handful of the most valuable gemstones in the world are crystals that we will likely never see in person.

These stones are highly sought after by museums and collectors, and they definitely won’t be in our local jeweler’s showcases. Other valuable gemstones are attainable with the right amount of money. So where’s the hope for the rest of us? We’ve also highlighted some rare and valuable gemstones that the vast majority of us can purchase on more modest budgets.

So which gemstones are currently ranked the most expensive, rare, and valuable? Keep reading to find out.

10. Tanzanite

Unlike most gemstones that have a variety of locales, this relatively new stone has only been found in Northern Tanzania. The first gemstone was discovered by Masai tribesman Ali Juuyawatu in 1967.

Tanzanite is a blue gem-quality variety of zoisite and is one of the official birthstones of December. Experts predict that the tanzanite supply could be depleted within the next 20-30 years, making this stone significantly more rare than diamonds.

Buying Tip: Tanzanite ranks 6-7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness so it is durable enough for everyday wear. The most prized color is a pure blue that is almost indistinguishable from blue sapphire. Most tanzanite owes its color intensity to heat treatment. In order to maximize color potential, seek stones 5 carats of greater.

Average Price Per Carat: $1,200 for high-quality stones.

9. Taaffeite

Taaffeite is a rare gemstone that most people have never heard of due in large part to how rare it is. The light violet gemstone was discovered in 1945 by Australian gemologist Richard Taaffe. Prior to his discovery, taaffeite was considered spinel. However, spinel does not refract light in the same way this gemstone does, so Taaffe knew something was amiss. His observation marks the first gemstone that was discovered as a faceted gemstone and not as gemstone rough.

Taaffeite has only been found in Sri Lanka and Tanzania. Most material is not suitable for faceting, making it even more difficult to source. So just how rare is taaffeite? The gemstone is so scarce, it is considered over 1 million times more rare than a diamond.

Buying Tip: If you want the look of taaffeite but don’t want to pay for a collector’s item, consider purchasing well-cut versions of amethyst in a lilac color. Though amethyst isn’t as brilliant, the color is very comparable.

However, if you’re willing to spend some time searching and eventually shell out a couple thousand per carat, you can get a very remarkable and rare taaffeite gemstone. It may be worth considering since the stone ranks 8-8.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making it more durable than amethyst. You’ll know for certain that you’ll never see another stone like it.

Average Price Per Carat: $2,500 per carat

8. Demantoid Garnet

Demantoid is a remarkable green variety of andradite garnet that was discovered in the mid 1800’s in Russia. Though other types of warm toned garnet are considered common and inexpensive, demantoid garnet is among the rarest and most valuable from that gem family. You will have a hard time finding a demantoid garnet larger than 2 carats since most crystals are smaller in size. One great aspect about demantoid garnets is they are rarely treated, which is unlike many other gemstones on the market.

Buying Tip: Demantoid garnet is between 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness so the stone is durable for everyday wear with the proper care. Since this variety of garnet is rarely found in large sizes, your best bet is to seek a stone between .5 – .75 carats. Be sure it is cut well to show off the stone’s natural brilliance.

Average Price Per Carat: $3,300 for high-quality natural stones.

7. Black Opal

Black opal is by and large the rarest and most popular type of opal and is also considered among the rarest of all gemstones. Almost all the world’s supply of black opal is mined in Lightning Ridge in New South Wales, Australia.

Buying Tip: The main characteristic that will differentiate black opal from common opal is its body tone. Though black opals can come in many colors, their overall composition is on the darker end of the spectrum.

However, there are synthetic black opals and treatments on the market that are difficult to identify without the help of a lab. Be sure to buy black opal from a reputable dealer.

Average Price Per Carat: > $3,500 for fine quality stones

6. Benitoite

Most everyday jewelry lovers will never be able to see the true beauty of benitoite. This sapphire-blue gemstone has only been found in San Benito County, California and was first discovered in the early 1900’s by George D. Louderback. It became the official gemstone of California in 1985.

The stone has been misidentified as spinel in the past. However, due to the high level of brilliance, the gemstone was re-examined and reclassified eventually.

Buying Tip: You’ll have to do some due diligence to find a trustworthy and legitimate source to purchase benitoite, and when you do, be prepared to spend. You’ll want to find a stone that has a medium body tone with a cut that maximizes the stone’s fire. Stones that are too dark will not reflect the light well, and stone’s that are too light will look washed out. Don’t expect to find stones greater than 3 carats.

Average Price Per Carat: $3,800 per carat for stones with medium blue tones. Smaller stones that are less than 1 carat can reduce the price per carat significantly.

5. Padparadscha Sapphire

Padparadscaha (pronounced pad-pah-raj-ah) sapphires are extremely rare and found mostly in Sri Lanka as well as parts of Madagascar and Tanzania. The unique combination of pink and orange hues make this stone one of the most sought after by collectors. The gemstone comes in a variety of shades, but medium tones seem to be the most favorable and attractive.

Buying Tip: Since Padparadscha sapphires are so rare, buyers may find themselves needing to compromise when making their purchase.

This may mean opting for a stone with less clarity and a duller color or choosing a stone that is smaller in size. Shapes can often be unusual and varied because gem cutters try their best to maximize carat weight. This is due in large part to the rarity and demand factor for this stone. Don’t expect to find these sapphires over 2 carats without paying a premium.

Average Price Per Carat: $8,000 per carat for high-quality gems.

4. Red Beryl

Red beryl is an extremely rare variety of beryl that has only been found in Utah and New Mexico. It was first discovered by Maynard Bixby in 1904. Despite being found in two locales, gem-quality red beryl has only been mined in Utah.

Coined by some as the red emerald, this rare gem is very difficult to find due to the unique conditions required for this stone to form. Don’t be fooled, though. Red beryl is not a variety of emerald but rather an entirely different gemstone with its own classifications.

Buying Tip: Much like emeralds, red beryl often has inclusions present, but they don’t necessarily impact the gemstone’s overall value. Beware that synthetic red beryl has been produced. If you come across a high-quality red beryl stone with excellent clarity and a lot of carat weight, you’re likely dealing with a synthetic. Large red beryl specimens are so rare that they often remain uncut and sold to collectors as specimens. Most cut red beryl stones weigh under 1 carat.

Average Price Per Carat: $10,000 per carat for high-quality material.

3. Alexandrite

The official birthstone of June’s color changing ability is enchanting. Alexandrite is green in sunlight and red in incandescent light, making it one of the few color changing gemstones on the market.

The stone was discovered in 1830 in the Ural mountains of Russia, which is also home to other unusual minerals. The stone was subsequently named after Czar Alexander II.

Buying Tip: Smaller varieties of alexandrite have been mined in Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Asia, but fine alexandrite specimens are still very rare and costly.

If you’ve uncovered an heirloom alexandrite gem that is large in scale and has excellent clarity, you’re likely dealing with a synthetic. These stones are often blue and purple vs. green and red and are actually synthetic corundum.

Average Price Per Carat: $12,000 per carat

2. Jadeite

Though unseeming in appearance, jadeite ranks near the top of our list as one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. This gemstone is jade’s most expensive, most beautiful variety. Since this deep green translucent gem is significantly rarer than other types of jade, it is worth much more.

Buying Tip: If you want the look of jadeite but can’t afford the price tag, consider shopping for the less expensive version, nephrite or the jade dupe, aventurine.

Jadeite value is based on the level of transparency and depth of color. Some very fine pieces have even sold for over $1 million per carat. Most jadeite on the market will sell for significantly less.

Average Price Per Carat: $20,000 per carat for high-quality material.

1. Musgravite

Musgravite was discovered in 1967 and is arguably the rarest gemstone in the world. It was first discovered in Musgrave Ranges, Australia and later found in Madagascar and Greenland. The first sizable gem-quality specimen was discovered in 1993.

As far as gem-quality stones, there are about ten specimens known and documented with more suspected to surface when miners learn more about this special gem.

Buying Tip: Unfortunately, due to the rare nature of this stone, it’s unlikely a consumer would come across this stone on the open market. If you do come across suspected musgravite, submit it to a gemology lab for testing due to the crossover between this gemstone and the less rare taaffeite gemstone.

Average Price Per Carat: $35,000 per carat based on specimens already sold.

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