If you have sterling silver flatware, serving pieces, ice buckets, or even jewelry, there’s one thing you certainly know: tarnish is your enemy. But it doesn’t have to be difficult. And the warmth and elegance that silverware brings to your table can’t be beat. Here are some simple tips: How to clean your silverware Every […]
Trendspotting: What jewelry styles are going to be hot this winter
Wondering what jewelry trends we’ll be seeing this winter? National Jeweler recently covered the Annual Jewelers of America Fine Jewelry Show, which spotlighted upcoming styles by jewelers around the country and beyond. Here, as reported by Ashley Davis, is a summary of the show’s hottest trends: Bright, bold colors: Whether a single stone provides a […]
Celebrating 100 years of the Cartier tank watch: A timeless timepiece
This year marks the centennial of a classic timepiece: the Cartier tank watch. From its start in 1917 to the latest version in the 2000s, its iconic silhouette and style have kept it in style throughout world changes in clothing, materials, and fads. “I don’t wear a Tank to tell the time. I wear a […]
Celebrating the rainbow colors of the opal, October’s birthstone
Throughout history, opal has been regarded as the luckiest and most magical of all gems because it can show all colors.” So, whether you’re an October birthday baby—or just love the mystery and depths of this beautiful gemstone, treat yourself to a piece of lightning here on earth. Types of opals The flashing colors in […]
The origin of birthstones and the meaning of fall’s gems
We all love hearing about our special birthday month’s birthstone. But did you ever wonder how the stone became associated with the month? And why they have special traits and healing qualities? Here’s some backstory on birthstones. Origin of monthly birthstones The origin of birthstones seems to stem from the bible, namely the twelve stones […]
Sapphire surprises: 7 things you don’t know about September’s birthstone
As summer turns to fall, we welcome September’s birthstone, the sapphire. This vivid blue gemstone has been prized for centuries. It’s dreamy, yet tough. Mystical, yet grounding. Cool yet filled with passion. Here are 7 surprising facts you didn’t know about sapphires. They’re the same mineral as rubies. Both sapphires and rubies share a common […]
Your jewelry’s secrets that are in plain sight: hallmarks
The rings, pendants, and necklaces you love—and that have lovingly been handed down to you by mothers, grandmothers, and aunts—have a story to tell. But only if you know where to look for your jewelry’s secrets. Turn over your gold, platinum, or silver jewelry (or even your family silverware and silver) and chances are, you’ll […]
5 Jewelry Insurance Questions to Ask Your Agent Right Now
Why think about jewelry insurance in the summer? Family vacations can be the time when parents or grandparents hand down their heirlooms to children or grandchildren. Make sure this valuable jewelry—and your own gems, including your wedding band and engagement ring— are protected from “oopsies.” This is a great time to examine, or reexamine, your […]
4 Reasons You Should Appraise Your Gold Jewelry Now
If your precious jewelry and heirlooms are damaged or lost, do you have what it takes to be protected? Will you be able to replace your piece or will you get what the piece was worth 20 years ago? Here are 4 reasons you need to appraise your gold jewelry right now. Because of the […]
Celebrating the Ruby: July’s Birthstone, King of Gems
The ruby, the most valuable of all colored gems, is the birthstone for all you lucky July babies. It’s also the jewel for 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries. In Sanskrit, ruby is ratnaraj, which means “king of gems.” According to the GIA, “Rubies can command the highest per-carat price of any colored stone. This makes […]