2.02 Carat Round Diamond in Diamond Halo Setting

Hot off the jewelers bench, this 2.02 carat round diamond engagement ring is going to make a new bride-to-be very, very happy. And it presented a great opportunity for our client to learn more about diamonds, diamond certificates, and how not all diamonds/certificates are created equal. After bringing in a number of diamonds of various color and clarity grades, he was able to pick the diamond that not only looked good on paper, but one that was also beautiful (and really impressive) to the eye as well.

Let’s go a little further…

Below is a great example of how GIA certificates don’t tell the whole story. Both of these diamonds are G color and they are both graded as having SI1 clarity. I don’t know about you, but I would not be happy if I thought I was getting an SI1 (which by definition means “Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader under 10x magnification”) and I got the one on the left. (This begins to explain why diamonds with the same color and clarity grades and similar sizes can have such drastically different prices.)

So what’s the point?

A) Certificates are good for providing more information on a diamond, but they are still subject to the individual grader’s opinion. For example, the diamond above on the left would, in our opinion, be an SI2 – and maybe (just maybe) even an I1. A big black inclusion right in the center of the diamond, visible to the naked eye is not your typical SI1. At the same time, the 2.02 carat shown in the video above is graded as an SI1, but under the scope, it looks a heck of a lot like a VVS2 (meaning it’s probably even a little nicer than it’s certificate says.)

B) It’s important, when buying a diamond, to be able to compare your options side by side. As good as your memory may be, it’s not going to do you any favors when comparing a diamond you saw yesterday to one you’re seeing today.

Have any questions? Let us know!

Time to repurpose that diamond of yours?

There are any number of reasons to repurpose your diamond – maybe you don’t like the style (or the person that gave it to you) anymore. Maybe you want a different color metal. Perhaps you want to add some accent color to it. Whatever your reasons, we’d like to help you do it.

This center diamond was sitting in a yellow gold solitaire setting for years. And it wasn’t being worn. With a diamond this beautiful, it’s almost a sin. Our client came in with a photo of exactly what she wanted – a three stone platinum ring with sapphires on either side of her diamond. Here’s the result. We think it’s beautiful and are confident that you’ll agree!

Happy Valentine’s Day: Custom Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet

We’ve been excited to share this one with our blog-reading friends. We recently received an email from a friend of a friend’s friend on the hunt for a Valentine’s Day gift that would make a statement. A friend of ours from Google in sunny California told a friend of hers at Google Boston about what we do. She was nice enough in turn to share our story and process with another friend in Boston. He first came out to see us just a few weeks back on the hunt for diamond and sapphire bracelet. He wanted something unique, something special. After considering various options, he decided the below bracelet was the perfect starting point; an 18k white gold tennis bracelet with diamonds from end to end. Beautiful all by itself. But we needed to see it pop a little more.

We then had a discussion on the size and color sapphires his fiancee would like. And after a series of sketches, designs, and mock-ups, we arrived at the following:     We would handpick sapphires according to our new client’s standards. Then our goldsmith would replace seven of the links and create new matching ones to hold the sapphires and fit the style of the bracelet. The result was this beautiful bracelet.

 

In our client’s words: “She absolutely loved the bracelet. It was hands down the best gift I’ve ever given her.”

Anniversary Upgrade – 4.65 Total Carat Weight Diamond Ring

This year is our 74th year in business. And in that time, we have seen two and three generations come to see us to find the perfect ring to give to the perfect girl. It really is a joy to see a couple come in together, newly engaged. There’s nothing quite like the smile a girl carries around with her when she’s just been asked the big question…

…except for when it’s five or 10 or 25 or 50 years later and she has received an upgrade.

A second generation client of ours visited us last month to start the process of creating an anniversary gift that would melt a few faces – and that’s exactly what he did. Starting with the diamond, we had several 2.5-3.0 carat diamonds shipped in for him to select. As always, finding the the right balance of color, clarity, size, and budget is about personal preference and while we have our opinions, we prefer to let our clients make the decision for themselves (of course adding our input on value, characteristics, etc). This client found quickly found “the one” and we set to work designing the ring. With input from our client and his wife, we worked with our goldsmith to create these renderings.

The end result was a lady’s diamond ring set in a custom-made platinum halo-style mounting with 87 full-cut round diamonds (1.87 total carat weight.) Center diamond is a 2.78 ct. round brilliant cut. Make sure you watch the video if you haven’t already! It’s a jaw-dropper for sure.

Here’s the actual ring and the rendering, side by side:

Custom cushion cut diamond engagement ring in platinum

A new client from DC called us recently with a grand plan for an engagement ring. He wanted to combine elements from three different rings to make one that would be just right for his fiancee-to-be. Working through phone calls, email, Skype, and HD video and photo, we set out to create what our client knew he wanted.

We shipped in six different diamonds to show him and once “The One” was selected, we set to work on the mounting. Working closely with the client and our goldsmith, we arrived at the perfect design – something that reflected her love of antique rings, but still showed a modern sensibility. Hand engraved, set in platinum, and overall just a work of art.

As always, adjust your YouTube quality settings to 1080p HD to see all the beautiful detail.

And in case you’re interested, here are the first round renderings from the design phase. You may notice we made some modifications between these and the final product:

2.35 carat Emerald Ring

Emerald is the birthstone of May… and is correlated with the astrological signs of Cancer, Gemini, and Taurus. If you’re into that kind of thing.

This classy little number will certainly draw compliments from envious eyes. The center emerald (2.35 carats) is nestled into an 18k white gold ring with milgrain detailing and 0.57 cts. of diamonds. Stunner.

2.6 ct. Cushion Cut Diamond in 18k White Gold

This 2.6 ct. cushion diamond and its bow fashion setting are so unbelievably beautiful and we’re trying really hard to show that through video. Like we always say, nothing can compare with actually seeing and holding the jewelry in person, but this is a great start – and it only gets better from here.

3.5 Carat Diamond Ring

This ring is a knockout. The center diamond is 3.5 carats and is sitting in an intricate vintage-style mounting that perfectly compliments it.