Of all the amazing features of a diamond, I think one of the coolest is its ability to glow under a UV light. The phenomenon, called fluorescence, doesn’t occur in all diamonds, but it’s fairly common. About a quarter of all the diamonds submitted to the Gemological Institute of America over the past decade show some degree of it. see the full article

In my last post, we talked about the best ways to clean your diamond. Today, I’d like to focus on what you can do to keep it looking beautiful for many years to come. Because here’s the thing: Diamonds are very hard and quite durable, but they’re also expensive and precious. Treat them like they’re valuable (because they are!). Here are my tried-and-true tips for caring for your diamond ring between regular check-ups and cleanings. see the full article

A few years ago, we noticed that our brides and grooms were bypassing the traditional in favor of something a little less mainstream. And these days, there’s no such thing as “normal” anymore: Some brides wear one ring instead of two. Many have no idea what their engagement rings will look like, while others are heavily involved in the design from the very beginning. Sometimes grooms foot the bill for the jewelry, other times it’s the bride. It’s a mixed bag.
  But one area where we’re seeing the most dramatic change is in the design of engagement rings and wedding bands. Brides and grooms are pushing the envelope even more, choosing pieces that not only speak to them but also represent who they are. Considering that we customize everything from our ringtones to our running shoes, it only makes sense that people want the same level of personalization with their bridal jewelry. see the full article

I’m a big fan of online shopping. In fact, a healthy amount of our business comes from our online store. But even as we’re becoming savvier Internet shoppers, I still have customers bring in sub-par stones they bought online--and paid way too much for. And hey, I get it: It’s tough to assess a piece of jewelry’s quality based solely on a website photo. 

While nothing can replace holding a piece in your hands and inspecting it from all angles, shopping brick-and-mortar-style isn’t always feasible. Sometimes you browse a site and end up falling hard for a piece you can’t imagine living without. Or sometimes you’re pressed for time and find that it’s easier to handle the whole transaction from the comfort of your laptop or smartphone. But before you click “buy,” check out these tips to help you suss out the real deals from the all-out scams. see the full article

I don’t know about you, but I’m not a big fan of stuffy jewelry stores. They tend to be imposing and even a little intimidating, which is not the way most of us want to feel when making a major purchase like an engagement ring. Still, even in the most casual of settings, it’s tough not to feel overwhelmed by all the choices. While any jeweler worth his or her loupe will help guide you through the process, missteps will happen. Here are some of the most common mistakes I see customers make—and my best tips on how to avoid them. see the full article