The Ring Leader Blog

Ask the Jeweler: What Are the Best Diamond Alternatives?

July 18, 2014

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?

Moissanite Engagement Ring
Moissanite Cushion and Snowflake
Engagement Ring
with Round Moissanite
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

5 Jewelry Design Rules You Should Break

July 05, 2014

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

Did You Know Krikawa Does Opera?

May 22, 2014

What Do Custom Rings and the Ringing of a Beautiful Voice Have in Common? 

Lisa Krikawa

Lisa Krikawa
 
John Krikawa
John Krikawa
My husband John Krikawa, the Chief Technical Officer of Krikawa Jewelry Designs, has a brother Andy Krikawa, who is married to Jennifer Krikawa.  Sound complicated?  It's not (we'll leave the other eight Krikawa siblings out of it!).
 
So, my sister-in-law Jennifer is also the founder, President and Artistic Director of the Vashon Opera Company on Vashon Island, just west of Seattle.  Jennifer and Andy moved from New York to find a quiet place to raise their children, but couldn't get away from singing.  see the full article

Sapphire Engagement Rings: A Rainbow of Colors

March 30, 2014

Sapphire Colors for Engagement Rings

The Many Colors of Sapphire
The Many Colors of Sapphire

The traditional color of sapphire for an engagement ring is a blue sapphire.  The highest quality blue sapphire would be a rich, deep royal blue Ceylon sapphire.  However, blue is not the only color found in sapphire!  Another extremely rare and valuable sapphire is a Padparadscha sapphire, a deep saturated pinkish-orange color.  Not all peach sapphires are classified as Padparadscha sapphire, but a nice peach sapphire is still rare!  Purple sapphire and pink sapphire are close to the top of this list in popularity, and while green sapphire is not often sought after, it can be found in shades of blue, green, and yellow-green, and it can be absolutely gorgeous, surrounded by white diamonds.  see the full article

The 7 Coolest Rings We NEVER Made

February 28, 2014

Seven Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Concepts

Waiting Just For You

 
Lisa Krikawa, Designer
Lisa Krikawa, Designer
 
Yes, you read that correctly.  These are my seven favorite ring designs that haven't made it to the goldsmiths bench, or to a warm finger.   These babies just dance around in the back of my head, calling out every now and then.  What they really need is a warm home!  Weigh in; which one is your favorite?  see the full article

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