Loose Diamonds: The Greatest Discovery Since North America!

There are many interesting facts about loose diamonds that people are just not aware of. These naturally created stones are not only gemstones jewelers love to work with, but they are also freaks of nature! It is hard to believe the hardest naturally made material was formed over 100 miles underneath our feet in conditions similar to an unrelenting hell and get closer to the earth's surface via volcanic eruptions.

Diamonds are also the birthstone of April. These certified diamonds make the perfect birthday gift for any lucky lady who was born in this month. As you browse your local jeweler's selection of beautiful diamond jewelry, you certainly want to ask as many questions as you can. You may end up learning a whole bunch of interesting facts about diamonds. 

Although loose diamonds are very popular in the jewelry industry, they also have many other industrial uses. Some companies use diamonds in their drills to make them even stronger and able to cut through very hard materials. Dentists also use diamonds to work on teeth because they are so hard and almost never chip or break. When you think about all of the possible uses for diamonds, you can understand why they are highly sought after and why people go to great lengths in order to get their hands on these precious gems.

Wood You Marry Me?

You've planned everything – from the location, to what you’ll say, even down to the actual design of the ring. Yes, you designed your very own engagement ring, with the help of a professional jeweler of course! Now all you have to do is ask her. Since you've gone to all this trouble, have you considered making your own ring box too?

Sure you the velvet-lined box from the jeweler. It’s nice, but we think you can make it even better. This will take a little bit of work, but will end up putting that special day over the top and all the more romantic. So brush up on your high school wood shop skills and call on your inner mountain man. Okay, don’t go growing a beard, but be thinking manly, burly, and rugged. 

Does your girlfriend have a special tree that she used to climb as a kid? Did you guys ever have a “sappy” encounter with one and carve your initials in the bark? Okay, if not just chose a tree from her backyard. We’re sure you can find a sentimental piece of wood somewhere. Choose a branch and cut it down.

After sizing out a smaller section for the lid, make the necessary cuts and sand the wood. Bore a hole in the larger piece and line it with the velvet from the jeweler’s box. Fit the lid by using a dowel that will also allow the lid to spin. It will be the perfect complement to her engagement ring, and a wonderful story to tell for years to come!

A Stranger’s Gift Begets Custom Design

Custom designed jewelry is the product of many influences. Here is one family's story of how and why they created their own memento... The winter of 1942 was an especially hard year for our family. The effects of the Great Depression were still weighing heavily. A season of drought had destroyed another crop. Now war was separating our family. My grandmother recalls that time with a deep sadness.

That winter marked a year since her childhood sweetheart had gone off to war and promised to return and make her his bride. Only one of her dozens of letters had been answered. A parcel containing a simple silk cord strung with glass beads.

When autumn arrived the following year, so too did my grandfather. War-torn and beaten, he climbed the hill to my grandmother’s farm. “Why did you not write?” she cried. Confused, he told her that he never received a letter. She exposed her wrist where she wore the bracelet as a sign of her unwavering commitment.

They found out years later that another private had received every single letter meant for my grandfather. Why this stranger sent the bracelet, we’ll never know. Had he not though, she may have given up.

On their 50^th wedding anniversary, my grandfather enlisted a jeweler to create a stunning custom designed braceletfor her. She wears it to this day. The silk bracelet was placed in my grandfather’s casket when he passed. A promise from her, that she too will return home one day.

Outside the Jewelry Box: Custom Jewelry Design

Custom jewelry design is offered by most professional jewelers at affordable rates, which is half of why this trend has never really fallen out of favor with jewelry lovers. Bringing in your own designs and watching them come to life is an extremely gratifying experience, especially if you are looking to give the finished jewelry piece to someone as a gift.

There are a lot of options open to someone looking to customize a piece of jewelry. First, decide what kind of jewelry you are looking to work with. Are you concerned with using specific gemstones or metals? Do you have a design you want to work off of, like the eternity symbol? All of these are concerns and ideas you would want to bring in with you to your consultation.

Overall, when looking into custom jewelry design, one of the most important things to keep in mind is flexibility. The jewelers are often more than happy to work with you in order to really bring your idea to life and turn it into wearable product.  Plus, they bring years of experience to the table. Working closely with them and considering with their suggestions can help ensure you create a great piece of fine jewelry that is very personal.