Pink champagne. Summer apricots. Salmon orange. Baby blue. Purely colorless. And all of them internally flawless. Topaz is one of a very few gemstones that grow to extravagant sizes without sacrificing internal clarity. Most are at least loupe-clean. And there are topaz crystals that have been cut down to faceted gems of better than 20,000…
I just picked up a designer line that has actually been around for about thirty years. Over the course of its history, Dabakarov has evolved to keep up with the trending styles of jewelry. While I personally believe that trends are as fickle as the sea, and a truly fine piece of jewelry is timeless…
As the owner and designer of a fine jewelry store and custom shop, the main focus I have is in design and craftsmanship. When selecting jewelry lines to carry in my store, I seek out a higher standard of quality. Through the designers I carry, I try to create a collection from which my clients…
I’m always looking for ways to expand my clientele’s understanding of and appreciation for fine jewelry. I enjoy helping a customer realize the value of the truly rare and spectacular things of the world. There’s a sense of accomplishment that comes with educating consumers on how to properly care for their fine jewelry investments so…
The prime consideration for emerald quality comes down to color, more so than for almost any other gemstone. The rarity of large, cleaner emeralds of top color has logically led to sky-rocketing values. The finest emeralds are among the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world, on par with top rubies, and dwarfing all…
So I’ve gone from what diamond certification is to why it’s important to both the industry and the consumer. Then I wrote about how it’s been hijacked and abused. Now I’m going to set forth my personal philosophy on how I’m handling the problem in my store. In short, having a reputable onsite gemologist and…
First, I want to wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year! I hope your holidays were full of blessings and cheer, and I look forward to spending the next year fulfilling your fine jewelry needs. Second, and on that note, I want to remind you that with another year passing, your insurance appraisals…
Whether we’re talking about a custom piece of mine, or a designer piece of jewelry, I won’t carry anything that is not superbly designed and crafted. This is more important than ever as the price of gold, platinum and silver continues to rise. But it’s not just the price of fine jewelry that concerns me….
I’m a sentimentalist. I think it’s sweet that we reserve one special day a year to treat the one we love in an extra-special way. I know some guys can get a little overcome with expectations and uncertainty, but I think any gift that’s bought with thought and caring – is going to get a…
Valentine’s Day is on its way, guys. Don’t shudder and don’t give up. I have a fantastic, affordable and sentimental solution for you: A brilliant gold or silver charm with your initials entwined. Plain lettering or romantic and intricate. Maybe add a small diamond between the letters. Or write her name out in her handwriting….