Bringing Back the Marquise Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring

The 1980s were a booming decade for the marquise diamond. I’m sure most of us remember when the big, bold, gold marquise engagement ring was all the rage. While I still think this retro style is glitzy and mod, many of our customers shy away from the marquise because of the “not wanting to look stuck in the 80s” fear.

 

 

Over the past few months, our store has been on a mission to give the glorious marquise cut diamond a setting that will show off its beauty properly. The solitaire engagement ring is still a wide spread favorite amongst many brides-to-be. And, the marquise can hold its own in a six prong, solitaire setting.

 

 

However, the vintage inspired engagement ring trend is still running strong. Our challenge was to try and incorporate this look without the marquise diamond looking out of place in the wrong decade of style. With a little imagination and a great design team, these are a few updated looks we have come up with.

 

 

What do you think? Which one is your favorite?

 

Marquise diamond facts:

 

~ the shape slenderizes the finger

~ be on the lookout for the “bow tie” effect when shopping for your marquise diamond

(the bow tie is the dark spots in the center of the diamond if it has been cut wrong)

~ Ashley Simpson, Victoria Beckham, and Catherine Zeta-Jones are some celebrity ladies who opted for the marquise shape

~ Marquise is sometimes referred to as the “navette” shape or “little boat”

~ the marquise cut allows stone cutters to maximize the carat weight of a diamond

 

Happy Friday! Check out our Etsy store listings for the rings pictured in today’s blog by clicking here.

April Fun Facts ~ Birthstone

Diamonds are the hardest known substance found on the planet earth. Almost 100 times more resistant to scratching than the next hardest substance. Diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas” which means invincible or indestructible. Diamonds are extracted from the depths of the earth where extreme heat and pressure can also be found. It takes about 250 tons of mined earth to produce 1 carat of diamond.

 

 

“A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds”

Proverbs 31:10

 

I can understand why this verse is so true and why Henry Kissinger said “A diamond is a chunk of coal that did well under pressure.”

 

Diamonds range from colorless, to faint yellow or even brown, to rare pinks, blues, and greens and other colors known as “fancies”.

 

 

Photo Credit: http://www.leibish.com/color-article-389

 

 

Diamonds are also referred to as “the king of gems” and “a girl’s best friend”.

 

 

 

 

Although diamonds are the birthstone of April, they are also used to symbolize enduring love and traditionally given for engagement rings. 75% of all new brides in the USA will wear a diamond ring. History tells of The Archduke of Austria giving a diamond to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. This is the first known incidence of a man giving a woman a diamond.

 

The anatomy of a diamond has a lot to do with the “sparkle” that most of us long for in this precious gem. Here is an excellent chart for mapping out the perfect proportions of a diamond to have it shine its best.

 

Chart Credit: http://www.doitjewelry.com/08/17/breathtaking-diamond-photos-to-to-add-to-your-collection-visit-svpicks-com-4/ 

 

If you are looking at purchasing a diamond for your birthday or for a loved one and need help gauging the size. Here is an excellent photo showing what the difference between 0.50cts and 2.5cts looks like on the hand.

 

Photo Credit: https://erstwhilejewelry.com/blogs/stories/actual-diamond-carat-size-on-a-hand

 

April Fun Facts:

 

~ Due to extreme pressure and temperature on Neptune, it apparently rains diamonds (not sure if this is true but I saw it on facebook so it must be right?)

 

~ The April birth flower is the Daisy and the Sweet Pea

 

~ April Holidays include: April Fool’s Day, Autism Awareness Day, Easter, Earth Day, Arbor Day, National Poetry Month, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Jazz Appreciation Month

 

~ In the Southern Hemisphere, April is the same as October in the Northern Hemisphere

 

~ The Golf Masters are on this Sunday also known to me as the perfect napping event of the year

 

~ George Washington was inaugurated as the first president of the US on April 30, 1789

 

~ April begins on the same day of the week as July every single year (even leap year, weird but true)

 

~ Leonardo da Vinci was born April 15, 1452

 

~ The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912

 

~ April birthday folks are said to be active, dynamic, strong minded, friendly, loving, giving, brave and outgoing. (I think I want to know more April babies!)

 

Happy April! Check out our gorgeous array of diamond gift-ables by clicking here.

3 Big Myths about Jewelry

1)      Jewelry is too expensive.

 

In some cases, yes, it can be. Let’s be realistic, not everyone can afford the Hope diamond or ask the Queen of England for a layaway plan on the Lotus Flower Tiara. However, these days there have not only been modern advances in technology to make gems and diamonds affordable (if you are into that type of thing) but there are Etsy store owners who will work with you to make your sparkling dreams come true.

 

First off, man-made, created, or synthetic gems have been on the market for a while. When they first came out in cocktail rings back in the 1800s, they were highly desired and sought after. Man had finally mastered the art of creating lustrous gemstone specimens! Nowadays they have a slightly negative cogitation but I don’t understand why. If you want a blue sapphire ring but the GIA certified one that is natural without an internal flaw is out of your reach, why can’t we be content with one that is created? Most created (aka synthetic) gems have the same mineral composition of naturals. It is the equivalent to going to the North Pole to get a piece of authentic grown ice from an iceberg versus just making ice in your freezer. Take a look at a few of these created beauties and you will see that they have almost, if not the same, alluring color as naturals.

 

 Check out this rings and more by clicking here. 

Another way that jewelry is becoming more affordable is the Etsy marketplace. You can find many gorgeous things from artisans that offer coupon codes or even a layaway plan. Because Etsy owners are like you and me -wanting to create, get their products out there, provide for their families- most are open to you inquiring about a small discount or payment arrangements.

 

2)      You shouldn’t purchase jewelry sight unseen.

Nowadays we purchase everything online. Picture quality and technology has given us the ability to virtually see every angle, close up features, and even our naked eye can detect photo-shopping. I have had the experience of purchasing an item that didn’t end up meeting the expectations that the pictures left me having. Or you get it on and you just know right away that you made a mistake. Keep in mind that most merchants want the ease of not having a store front and want to solely be an online boutique. This trend has also pushed for them to have return policies. If a store is reputable and has great products they will have no doubt that you will love their pieces as much, if not more than, the photos that lured you in. If you are shopping on Etsy look at the bottom of their store’s home page to view their return policies. Keep in mind too that if you are not completely happy, most shop owners will work with you. They want the positive feedback to attract other buyers. So if you have been wanting something from a shop in New York and you live in Iowa, make the plunge!

 

3)      You can’t trust the authenticity.

When shopping for jewelry the highest authority in authenticity is GIA (Gemological Institute of America). They pride themselves at having the most elite training and graduating only the most capable diamond/gem graders and Accredited Jewelry Professionals. There is also an unspoken code when using your GIA credentials. Most GIA graduates are extremely careful in what they put their stamp of approval on due to knowing the high standards that GIA demands. If you see a piece with a GIA certificate on the stone you can certainly rest assured. Also, if you see that a person on staff is a GIA grad, you can know that they know their stuff! Check out GIA’s website here to learn more.

I hope this post from a lifelong jewelry lover, buyer, creator, and GIA grad has put you at ease about purchasing jewelry. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! Thanks for reading! I’ll leave you with some pretty things to look at :o) Enjoy!

 

Check out these and other GIA certified stones by clicking here. 

My 5 Guilty Pleasures

I like to think that we all have those little habits or rituals that just make us tick. I have 5 major ones that just instantly put me in my happy place. I’ll share mine and I would love to hear yours…I’m always in the market to adopt a few more :o)

 

• Coconut Oil

I have loved coconut since before coconut was cool. I love the smell! Not only does it has a light refreshing scent, it has many health benefits. This is the kind that I bought at Kroger.

 

 

You can literally cook with it, use it as a moisturizer or lip balm, and even put in it your hair for a hydrating lift. I seriously love this stuff. Check out this list of health benefits from using coconut oil and you might want to give it a try yourself!

 

 

• Online shopping carts

At any given time you can search my history on my computer and go to my Etsy account, Nordstrom’s page, Impressions Boutique, or Amazon and my shopping cart will have excessive amount of goodies sitting in there. I don’t buy it all. I will put anything I “like” in there, then I will wait an hour or a day, go back, review it, and work through the process of dividing and conquering (conquering = buying). This is my absolute favorite way to shop. It’s my thing. It takes all the stress away and believe it or not, it cuts back on buyer’s remorse and returns.

 

• Turquoise Jewelry

This is an obsession really. I love turquoise jewelry! The color just adds a brightness to any outfit and it just makes me feel happy. Here is a photo of my current favorite pieces!

 

 

• Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

This is probably the oddest show that someone would DVR but I do. It just makes me happy. I think Anthony is one of my spirit animals. He travels to all these countries and takes in the culture but really he takes in the food. My recent favorite was his visit to Vietnam. Pho Soup anyone?!? Pho soup consists of a hearty, savory broth with rice noodles, herbs and meat (usually chicken or beef). It is just so yummy. If traditional chicken soup doesn’t do it for you when you are sick, try some pho soup from your local Vietnamese restaurant. It will NOT let you down!

See full recipe here. 

 

• Wardrobe Capsules

Have you tried one yet? I have been thinking about writing a blog just on making a wardrobe capsule from your own closet. Basically you select a handful of items including shirts, cardigans, pants/jeans, scarves, boots/sandals and then you make an entire week or month of interchangeable outfits from those pieces. One of my favorite capsules right now is by a fellow blogger, Kelli Kroneberger. Check it out here.

Here are a few other ideas to get you going.

 

Check out more details here. 

 

If you don’t have the pieces you want, don’t forget to add them to your online shopping cart ;o)

Feeling Patriotic

Today, November 11^th, I just have an overwhelming feeling of pride for my country. Not in the way you would automatically assume given the recent shocking election only a few days ago, but more so because of what this day stands for and has always stood for. Today is Veteran’s Day. Today is about the men and women who said, “when you go home tell them of us, we gave our today so they could enjoy a tomorrow”. A tomorrow that could be filled with hope. As fellow Americans, we may not have all gotten what we wanted a few days ago, but we can all respect the men and women who made it possible for us to even have an opinion. I am proud of my country’s colors. I respect our government. I am forever grateful for the veterans who served our beloved country.

 

So first I want to give a tribute to Veteran’s Day. Being a daughter of a veteran who also attended the military funeral for my father, I watched in awe of the folding of the flag before it was handed to my mom. The military has so much honor and meaning behind everything they do. I found this explanation of the flag folds and wanted to share…

 

Click Here to Read about the rest of the 13 folds….

 

On to a more light-hearted observation, I just love the look of red, white, and blue together. These three colors radiate tradition, strength, and just a complementary array of color tones. I find myself wearing these primary colors without even noticing it. This scarf is one that I wear all through the fall and winter, and for some reason I just always love the way it looks on me.

 

Click Here to purchase one.

 

Also, without even thinking I put on this shirt today! Loving it! Plaid everything for fall and winter!

 

 

Even in the gemstone world, red, white, and blue, are represented by precious gemstones. Red for ruby, blue for sapphire, and of course, white for diamond, these gems are among the most sought after in the whole world. Check out a few of these beauties…

 

Click Here to View the Listing for this ring.

Click Here to View the Listing for this ring.

 

Also, here are a few inspiring quotes for some of our country’s greats:

 

 

 

I hope you remember and take the time to thank a veteran today. Remember that it is because of them that you have the freedom to speak out when you are not happy, to post political views openly, to vote for your choice, and ultimately be able to live in the land of the free and home of the brave!

 

Never Going Out of Style

I’ve compiled some classic favorites that will never go out of style. Some things I think we can all agree on; some are just my own personal “ride or die”. I would love to hear from you, so let me know if you have something (no matter how random) that will never go out of style.

 

1)      Kindness/Love

I will say first off, that a smile will never go out of style either. A smile is the most basic universal sign language and will go a long way no matter where you are. Psychologist William James said that a smile could actually make you happier (I’m paraphrasing). This could possibly help trigger your desire to show love and kindness to others. Kindness, love, a smile ~ these things are always in style and can change the world.

Photo Credit: https://stylescientist.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/being-fashionable/

 

2)      Chicken Noodle Soup

I know this one isn’t as profound as kindness or love but we all know that chicken noodle soup is not only good for a cold but for the soul. I’m pretty sure there are books out there on this topic :o)

Click Here to View Recipe From cookingclassy.com

 

3)      Grilled Cheese

While we are on the food train, I have to mention my go-to Sunday night favorite. Grilled cheese and tomato soup will always be in style. They may be the red lipstick or little black dress of easy meals.

Photo Credit: http://sugarintherain.tumblr.com/post/36495984342

 

4)      Little Black Dress (LBD)

You know there cannot be a classics list or “never out of style” list without the LBD. Centuries ago even up to today, check your Pinterest, LBD’s are here to stay! (yes, that did rhyme!)

Photo Credit: http://www.polyvore.com/night_out

 

5)      Diamond Stud Earrings

I feel like I am always mentioning these in my blogs. Diamond studs are my “ride or die”. (Someone please tell my hubby that I need a bigger pair!!!). They just go with everything, they are suitable for any occasion, they are the perfect gift for any occasion. They are just perfect!

 

Click Here to View Listing for Diamond Studs

6)      Solitaire Engagement Ring

I tend to get stuck in a trend (that’s a pun!) of grouping like items together. The round diamond solitaire engagement ring is a classic and will forever be present in our jewelry marketplace. Tiffany & Co started this with their six prong classic many, many moons ago. It is here to stay folks!

Click Here to View Listing for Diamond Solitaire

7)      Brooches

Yes, I’m still on the jewelry train. This one may get some disagreements but I am sticking with my guns. Brooches are so classy, so versatile, they just have to be always in style for this girl! If you think I’m off my rocker check out this article about different ways to wear a brooch…you might just fall in love with them too!

Click Here to View Listing for Brooch

Click Here to View Article on Beautiful Ways to Wear Brooches

Photo Credit: http://glamradar.com/beautiful-ways-to-wear-a-brooch/

8)      Big Red Barns

This is a random one but check out these photos and tell me otherwise that this look will not always be glorious!

Photo Credit: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ba/b3/cd/bab3cd646ff6735f623f29b30ca4c880.jpg

Photo Credit: http://weddingsabeautiful.com/2013/09/15/22744/

 

9)      White T-shirt & Jeans

Forever in style! No matter what generation, no matter what shoes or accessories, this outfit will always be an easy classic. Put a white shirt with colored jeans, layer a long sweater over the tee, boots or heels, boyfriend jeans or skinnies, this look has it all covered!

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/AmazingOutfits.page?ref=12610&

Photo Credit: http://www.shopstyle.com/action/loadRetailerProductPage?pid=uid6704-516052-92&id=472140360

 

10)   Reading a good book

Reading will never be out (especially reading my blog :o) . My dad always said “readers are leaders”. Here is my favorite childhood book and grown up book. I’m also including a 2016 reading challenge book list for my fellow book worms out there.

 

Link to Book Challenge by Popsugar.com

 

So this list is getting a little long but if you want to see more of my list, head over to our Pinterest (Click Here) . Thank you so much for reading!

What “Vintage” Means To Me…

My grandparents live on a small cattle farm in Florida. There is a little cobblestone drive that leads to the side of the ranch style, brick house, where the garage is. On Saturday mornings when I was younger, we would go over for some of my Papa’s pancakes. He was a cook in the US Air Force and can make pancakes that are so sweet and cake-like that you can almost feel your teeth rotting. As a kid, these were my absolute favorite! Nanny would make bacon, grits, and eggs to go along with these pancakes. (There is no such thing as a simple, small meal on a farm.) I would watch my Nanny scurry about the kitchen that she had cooked in for over 40 years, it was like a well rehearsed dance. She was always dressed to the nines, even on a Saturday morning at 8am, her ruffle apron covering her blouse. She had a gorgeous wedding ring that would sparkle even when caked with pancake batter and she always had great earrings on. She didn’t believe in having “naked holes” or no earrings. Her hair was short and permed and the perfect style to showcase a pair of statement earrings. She was always so put together and beautiful to me. Even the neighbors who would come by early for coffee before starting their day, knew that Nanny would be up, dressed, and ready to receive them.

On the days that Nanny and Papa went to the flea market to sell old tools and other amazing vintage finds, she would still be decked out it all her jewelry. With her diamonds glistening in the Florida sun, she literally didn’t sweat, she sparkled! She was a believer in being thankful for what you had, enjoying it, and not letting it just sit in a box and collect dust.

I guess you could say that “vintage” is not just a type of jewelry style to me, it’s memories of days passed, it’s the smell of pancakes sitting around a farm table, it’s excellent craftsmanship, and it’s pure elegance. Now that I get to work in a place that has tons of beautiful, nostalgic, well-made vintage pieces, I get obsessed with all the amazing jewelry we have to offer. Our boutique has everything that is precious about the word vintage to me. Each piece has been carefully cleaned and inspected. Each piece is photographed to show its beautiful details. Each piece is ready to be a part of what vintage means to you! I’m sure you will be able to find a piece that brings back some memories of childhood. Or maybe you will find a piece that just speaks to you and you’re ready for it to come home with you and be a part of your kids’ and grandkids’ memories. Each piece is ready to become a keepsake for you and generations to come! Here are a few of my favorites!

A ring like my Nanny’s in our Etsy store… click here to view listing

A right hand ring similar to my Nanny’s…click here to view listing

Diamond earrings that remind me of the antique ones that I loved as a child…click here to view listing

Gorgeous Art Deco vintage watch…click here to view listing

One of my favorite antique brooches…click here to view listing

These RARE Tiffany & Co Diamond Earrings would be my Nanny’s new favs…click here to view listing

One more cluster ring that I love…Click here to view listing

September Birthstone ~ Sapphire

We have reached the start of fall folks!

Have you had your first pumpkin spice latte? (Basic, I know!)

Have you been to your local pumpkin patch yet (in Florida that means your local grocery store has put down some hay and created a faux farm experience for you)?

My favorite things about September are the changing weather, even if very slightly, and SAPPHIRES!

Did you know that sapphires come in all colors and when they reach a certain color of red they are rubies? The most desirable color is probably blue but it is nice to have such a durable stone available in any color you fancy.

One particularly famous blue sapphire is the one that Princess Kate wears as her wedding ring. It was originally from Princess Diana. Sapphires are an excellent choice for an everyday piece such as an engagement ring or wedding ring because of their resilience. They are second only to diamond for their hardness.

Here are some other fun facts about sapphires:

~Sapphire is Greek for Blue

~Sapphire is one of the “precious four” which also includes red ruby, green emerald, and diamonds (that’s a good group to be in association with!)

~ Sapphire has industry use because of its hardness. Apple recently used lab-created sapphire in its glass screen.

~ Sapphire, particularly the royal blue color, has been associated with royalty – hence its name

~ There are even special types of sapphires such as the star sapphire and color change sapphire

Because sapphire has been so desired among the masses, cultured sapphires and imitation sapphires were created. Keep in mind that when created sapphires hit the market, they were viewed as an advancement in sparkling science. Created sapphires make it possible for everyone to enjoy their beauty and not just the royals. Synthetic sapphires feature some synthetic counter parts but virtually the same physical and chemical components as a natural sapphire, they were just assisted in a lab by man to make them “grow”.

Our store features a lot of options for sapphire lovers! Check out a few of these…

Natural Sapphire & Diamond Ring in Our Etsy Store Click Here to View Listing

Synthetic Star Sapphire in Our Etsy Store Click Here to View Listing

Natural Sapphire & Diamond Custom Made Ring in our Etsy Store Click Here to View Listing

Vintage Dark Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ring in our Etsy Store Click Here to View Listing

Sapphire & Diamond Tennis Bracelet in Our Etsy Store Click Here to View Listing

Princess Kate Inspired Sapphire & Diamond Engagement Ring in Our Etsy Store Click Here to View Listing

A story of a “used” wedding ring set ~

My husband gave me a “used” or “pre-owned” diamond for my engagement ring. When I tell people that my engagement ring is not “new”, the typical response is usually utter shock, like my husband should be captured by the four horsemen of the apocalypse and taken to where he belongs. I want to address this topic because I have dealt with this for years. Most young ladies want their ring or diamond to be “new” so that it isn’t cursed or something. First off, diamonds aren’t really “new” unless you have a CZ or moissanite that is man made. Otherwise all diamonds come from about 90 miles under the earth’s surface and are made from extreme heat, time, and pressure. It is absurd to think that diamonds jump out of our earth and into your local jewelry retailer. It may catch you off guard to hear that most diamonds are “used” and have a history. This fact has never bothered me, actually I plan to write a book one day about the journeys and love stories of one diamond. I know what the main problem is though. Some people believe that if they get their engagement ring, wedding band, or anniversary gift from a store other than a retail store that there is some deep, dark, story associated with it and it is going to carry a hex that transfers over to them. I really am not that superstitious, even though my great-grandmother was Native American and had all kinds of superstitions that she adhered too. I guess I am more of an optimist. I have sold and traded jewelry that had nothing but happy memories attached. Just because a piece of jewelry is for sale in a second hand or estate jewelry shop does not mean it has a horrid past. Here is a story that I was a part of that may make you rethink “used” jewelry.

An older couple comes into our store and has been married for over 45 years. The sweet wife has had the same wedding set since their first year of marriage and that wedding set has been a part of raising babies, taking family vacations, Christmases, sport practices, graduations, etc. Those rings have been a part of the “American dream” love story. All those years of marriage there were many sacrifices made financially so that this lovely family could thrive. Now the time has come when the nest is empty and there is a little extra income to put a little extra sparkle on the finger of the lady who has given her all to her family for many decades. As the “old” set was traded in for a “new” one, you could tell that it was a celebration of where this couple had come from and where they were now. That loving couple walked out with a gorgeous “new” piece of jewelry and were off to continue their amazing love story. The “old” set was then cleaned, polished, and given a little check up (checking prongs, diamonds, etc) by our professional jeweler. When it was shined up like a new penny, it was put out for sale in our store. A few weeks later a nervous but excited young man walks in. He tells me that he only has so much he can spend on his future bride. They are just starting out, just finished school, just beginning new careers, and just starting their love story. He explains that one day he is going to give his bride the world and the biggest ring that he can buy, but right now he needs just a modest wedding set. One that he can afford but one that will be the apple of her eye. Instantly I knew the one! I pulled out the wedding set that had already been a part of an epic love story and handed it over to the young man for him to take a closer look. With eager hands and slightly embarrassed teary eyes, he said, “that’s it!” He went on to tell me that his future wife loved vintage things and that this little beauty would be the perfect ring to slip on her finger. I was ecstatic that this young man was going to “re-purpose” this “old” set and give it “new” life! Off he went with the small wrapped box bearing the ring that held his future! I just kind of paused for a few moments to reflect on the “passing of the torch”. I hoped that the older couple knew that trading in their rings had given this young man’s dreams a start. He was able to give his love a wedding set of quality that had stood the test of time and yet still eagerly awaited being a part of a new adventure.

I am a romantic at heart and working at a jewelry store that has these types of stories behind many of our pieces, just adds fuel to my passion for vintage (used) jewelry. I will forever view estate, antique, vintage, retro, Art Deco, Art Nouveau jewelry as a way of carrying on a legacy.

Check out a few of our engagement ring/weddings sets from the 1950s and I think you will agree with me that their simple elegance, classy look, and history give them even more appeal!

Antique Engagement Ring Click Here to View Listing

Classy Solitaire 1950s Engagement Ring Click Here to View Listing

Mid-Century Square Illusion Head Solitaire Click Here to View Listing

Ruby 1950s Engagement Ring Click Here to View Listing

Antique Two Tone Cluster Engagement Ring Click Here to View Listing