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

Q: I’m helping my fiance design my engagement ring, and I’ve decided against a diamond. I love the sparkle of a diamond, but I’d prefer something more socially responsible. I’m considering a white sapphire. What do you recommend?

I love when customers ask me this question because I’m constantly researching and trying out the latest diamond alternatives. And I can see why you’re tempted to go with a white sapphire: It’s a 9 on the hardness scale (diamonds are a 10), won’t cost your fiance an arm and a leg, and it sounds beautiful. But here’s the big drawback:  see the full article

There’s a place for rules, but trust me, a jewelry store is not one of them. In fact, I’m a firm believer that you should check those pesky do’s and don’ts at the door and rely on your instincts instead. After all, unlike a set of arcane rules, your heart won’t ever steer you wrong—especially when it comes to choosing an engagement ring or wedding ring. Here are five of the most common rules you should toss right out the window. see the full article