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Friday, 28 November 2014

The Basic Components of Loose Diamonds

Many people struggle with the fact that diamonds are so small, yet boast such a large price tag. Some men may even think the entire idea of giving a woman a diamond ring as a promise to marry her is completely asinine and a waste of finances. Whatever your beliefs may be, do not change the value of loose diamonds in today's market. They are going to remain valuable and coveted, so you may as well get to know the reasons why!

There are four main components of loose diamonds that are considered when determining their value. Each of these categories is useless on its own and relies on the other three categories to form the diamond's value.

The first category is the cut. The cut of a diamond has everything to do with the shape of the diamond, but that is not all they are talking about. There are also many facets within a diamond that give it the sparkle people can spot a mile away. These facets must be perfectly cut by a trained professional in order to be perfectly symmetrical for maximum brilliance. Jewelers often argue on which diamond cut is “the best.

Then there is the clarity. The clarity of a diamond has to do with how many imperfections the diamond possesses. We all know that flawless diamonds are very rare and even more expensive, so anything we see in a jewelry store is going to have some flaws. There is a scale that measures how many blemishes (surface damage) and inclusions (internal damage) each diamond has(read more on brian michaels jewelers certified loose diamonds). The more damage, the less value... but, there are three other categories, so all is not lost on a heavily flawed diamond.

Color may seem basic: white, chocolate, yellow or blue. However, color is a very complex category in that there are many degrees of white diamonds, and any other color, for that matter. Each white loose diamond has a various amount of yellow, brown or orange and it correlates to a color scale. The whiter the diamond, the more expensive it becomes.

The last category (and probably the one women care most about) is carat weight. This refers to the sheer size of that rock on your finger! Everyone knows when you get about two carats, that guy must be rich! However, there are three other categories that also contribute to the stone's worth. Just because it is a monster certified loose diamond does not make it worth millions.

Thursday, 30 October 2014

Shopping For the Perfect Wedding Bands

When it comes to shopping for the perfect pair of wedding bands you will forever wear on your left ring fingers to show the world you are officially off the market, you should take the necessary time in order to make sure these are pieces of jewelry you are going to be able to live with for the rest of your lives. Many couples become married very young and are unable to afford exactly what they want in their diamond wedding bands, but later down the road, they will be able to purchase exactly what they want when they are more financially stable. Other people wait until later in life to get married and this usually means they can afford a more expensive ring.

14k White Gold Round Diamond Common Prong Band
No matter what kind of wedding bands you choose to exchange at your wedding, you certainly need to make sure you follow a couple of rules. The very first rule is to make sure you stick to your budget no matter what! Of course, the sales person is going to try and convince you to spend more money, but you do not have to by any means. The last bit of advice is to make sure the rings are sized properly and perfectly clean before your wedding day.

Wednesday, 15 October 2014

Why Should You Invest in Custom Design Jewelry?

There are so many reasons why you should choose custom design jewelry to add to your collection. The most obvious reason is because this is the best method that allows you to get exactly the design you wish to have. It does not matter what you want to create because it can certainly be achieved. The only limitation of this process is your imagination and the imagination of your jeweler.

custom jewelry
When designing your very own jewelry, it is important to have a jeweler you can trust and who is very experienced in making custom design jewelry. Since this is likely a very important piece of jewelry you will be enjoying for many years to come, it only makes sense to shop around for a jeweler you absolutely love.

Keep in mind that you will be dealing with handmade jewelry. This jewelry often takes a little bit longer to create since it is not mass produced by a machine. However, this also makes the jewelry more valuable and also better quality. When you go to get your jewelry insured you will see the appraisal is significantly higher than what you actually paid for the item. This is good because custom design jewelry cannot simply be replaced.

Monday, 8 September 2014

Wedding and Anniversary Rings Make Sentimental Gifts

diamond wedding rings
Your local jewelry store will likely have a vast selection of wedding and anniversary rings to get you through the time leading up to your wedding and the many years you will spend together after your wedding day. Jewelry always makes a romantic and symbolic gift when it comes to your anniversary.

Of course, you will exchange your wedding rings on the day of your ceremony and probably not need any more than one a piece, but you can always give the gift of jewelry for your anniversary. Being prepared with the right gift will show your spouse you love them and take your union seriously enough to spend a little money on something nice.

Wednesday, 27 August 2014

When Do You Take Pictures of You And Your Diamond Wedding Rings?

There are many small details to think of on the day of your wedding. Of course, you will have your trusted professional vendors to handle most of the little details when it comes to your reception, but the actual wedding and photo session with your diamond wedding rings directly after can seem like a confusing time where you are not quite sure what to expect. If you are anything like me, you will want to know every little detail about what you are supposed to do in the time between your ceremony and reception so you can plan accordingly and have a general outline of events.

The ideal time frame for your wedding photos is an hour and a half. However, most couples do not want to keep their guests waiting for this long in between the ceremony and the commencement of the reception.

diamond wedding rings

If you are a modern couple, you may choose to take your wedding photos before the wedding ceremony. Of course, this means you will have to be ready for your photo shoot at least an hour before the actual ceremony. You will also have to wear your diamond wedding rings before you are actually married. It also means your groom will see you in your dress before you walk down the aisle to get married. This is a deal breaker for some brides.

Some couples follow the time honored tradition of the groom spending the night away from the bride the night before their wedding and his first glimpse of her will be when she walks down the aisle toward him to get hitched! He will only see her for the first time right before they exchange diamond wedding rings. This is totally fine, but eliminates the opportunity to take wedding photos before the ceremony.

A happy medium is to do both! Take as many pictures as you can before the ceremony with your bridesmaids and him with his groomsmen before the ceremony. You can save the pictures of the bride and groom together for immediately after the ceremony. This will keep your guests waiting for a fraction of the time if you took all of the pictures after the ceremony. Having a cocktail hour at your wedding will also allow your guests to be entertained while you are getting great pictures of your wedding rings and bridal party. Try not to stress out too much and make sure you take a minute to ogle your diamond wedding rings! Click here for detail.

Thursday, 14 August 2014

Cash For Gold Stores Are Great Resources

If you are thinking about an easy way to make a few extra dollars for your upcoming vacation, or even for an unexpected bill, you may be interested to know there is a way you can accomplish this without going through too much trouble. Cash for gold stores are popping up like weeds and are more than happy to give you the opportunity to sell gold jewelry and give you cash money in the spot. You will be pleased to know these stores are not only conveniently located in your hometown, they also provide many other services you may find useful.

Some cash for gold stores are actually jewelry stores that have recently provided this service for their customers. These stores are sometimes large jewelry chains or small, privately owned companies. No matter which category they fall under, you can trust the company because they have been around for quite some time. Large jewelry chains may be able to provide you with a better display of jewelry and may be able to offer you a little more cash for gold you are trying to sell. However, a small time jewelry company's may come with more personal guarantees and more word of mouth approval.

Large jewelry chains may even offer you other options when it comes time to get rid of your gold jewelry. They may allow you to trade in your gold for another piece of jewelry. This would be a great way to chip off some of the price if you are looking at a big ticket item like an engagement ring or other such diamond jewelry. Since they have the resources of being such a large company, they may also purchase other stones and metals from you like silver and diamonds. You may end up having enough for any piece of jewelry when you combine all of your resources. You never know until you try!
cash for gold

Cash for gold stores are a very convenient and easy way to make a few extra bucks or get the help you need in purchasing a very large ticket item. We at Brian Michaels Jewelers offer financing if you still need a little boost in the right direction. Not too many people have the luxury of paying cash for a very expensive piece of jewelry. If you are like most people, financing options will greatly benefit you by being able to pay a small amount of money per month until the balance is paid in full. For more information on cash for jewelry visit: www.brianmichaelsjewelers.com/gold-buying.html

Wednesday, 6 August 2014

Why You Should Choose Custom Design Jewelry?


custom jewelry design
If you are considering creating your very own piece if custom design jewelry, allow me to give you just a couple of warnings before doing so.

I have personal experience with this topic and there are not any downsides to this option. However, you need to have patience and you also need to be aware you will pay more than the cost of your average piece of jewelry straight out of the display case.

When I say you need to be patient, I mean you need to be willing to wait for your piece of jewelry to be created. Since custom pieces are handmade jewelry, you have to be patient enough for someone to actually fabricate this lovely work of art. It does not just happen overnight. However, your jeweler should go over how long it is going to take before you start shelling out cash.

Custom design jewelry is no different than anything else you have custom made. Someone is making something for you specifically and custom designing it to fit your liking. This means it will be a little more expensive than your typical display case jewelry. This is a very small price to pay to know you have a quality, one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.

Wednesday, 30 July 2014

Buy Wedding and Anniversary Rings Together


Wedding Anniversary Rings

Your local jewelry store will likely have a great selection of wedding and anniversary rings for you to peruse. Not only are these rings gorgeous, they also make perfect gifts for a loved one. Of course, you exchange brian michaels jewelers wedding rings set on your wedding ceremony, but every year after that, you celebrate your anniversary. Your anniversary is a great time to give the gift of jewelry to your lovely wife. Not only will she be thrilled that you actually remembered your anniversary date, she will be extra pleased that you went out of your way to get her a very special and romantic gift.

Often, jewelry stores will have a vast selection of wedding and anniversary rings grouped together in display cases. This is referred to as planting the seed a little early. You could stock up on some anniversary rings while you are there purchasing the rings you will exchange on your wedding day. Not too many women will be upset if you get them jewelry, so these rings are always a great idea.

At the end of the day, your lady wants to know that she is loved and respected. If this means you have to spend a few bucks on a new piece of jewelry then so be it. It is a very small price to pay in order to ensure her happiness and keep your marriage strong and healthy.

Wednesday, 7 May 2014

There are Many Factors to Consider in Men's Diamond Wedding Rings



There are many awesome kinds of wedding rings available to choose from. Some may think that women have all of the fun when it comes to getting a vast array of options for this particular piece of jewelry, but that certainly is not the case these days. Men have just as much variety as women do.

Lots of men are not aware of the many options they have when choosing a wedding ring. There are diamond wedding rings, cobalt rings, silver or gold rings, platinum or tungsten rings and many other materials you have probably never heard of! There are also different variations of the circular band that you may think you are stuck with. It is not a one size fits all type of deal. You can choose the width of your band. The width is measured in millimeters. Some men prefer very wide bands while others prefer bands that are significantly thinner. It is all a matter of personal preference.

There is also a special design that tapers the edge of the ring where it rests on your finger. This comfort fit is designed to make the ring more comfortable and less aggravating for the man who is not used to wearing jewelry, especially rings.

Wednesday, 23 April 2014

Solitaire Engagement Rings Versus Vintage Rings




One of the most beautiful kinds of engagement rings is the solitaire engagement ring. Not only is it a timeless classic that will never go out of style, but it truly is splendid to see a diamond showcased in such a lovely manner. Some women prefer other kinds of rings, but the solitaire rings are the most popular right now.

Vintage rings have been gaining in popularity in the past few years. They usually contain a halo around the center diamond that adds to the ring's luster and beauty. These rings often contain lots of intricate metal work in the band. This very detailed design gives the ring a "busy" look to some women. To other women, this look gives the ring a classic feel and reminds them of generations past. If your lady loves to find treasures at the thrift store and enjoys being creative in the clothes she makes for herself, then she would certainly love a vintage style ring. However, if your lady is very structured in her life and prefers clean lines and organization, then she just may prefer a solitaire engagement ring. This ring is simple but elegant and is perfect for a lady who possesses the same qualities.

Tuesday, 15 April 2014

For Accurate Replacement Value, Get a Fine Jewelry Appraisal

There may be many reasons that you want to know the exact value of your fine jewelry. One of the most importance reasons should be for insurance purposes. Just as with any valuable possession you own, it is just as important to obtain insurance for your jewelry. If you have fine jewelry that you have yet to insure, it is important for you to seek out professional jewelry appraisal services promptly. Even if you have a bill of sale stating the value of the piece when you purchased it, it is highly advised to have your jewelry appraised every three years. This is necessary even if you are covered by homeowners insurance. Without an appraisal you may not have adequate coverage. Over the years, the value of your jewelry and gemstones can change frequently with substantial variations in worth. If your last appraisal is more than two years old it is very likely it is out dated and could cause your jewelry to be insured for less than its actual value. In turn, if your jewelry is damaged, lost, or stolen, you could take a serious financial loss.


Appraisal of your fine jewelry at Brian Michaels Jewelers is very affordable and is not charged according to the value of your jewelry. The cost will be set according to the amount of time it takes a trained professional to perform it. It is also very affordable to obtain insurance. It is estimated that annual costs will average $1 to $2 for every $100 the appraised value. If your jewelry is valued at $1,000 to replace, you can estimate your annual cost to be in the $10 to $20 range. It is immensely worth any time, effort and cost to make sure your valuables are fully protected in the event that something should happen.

Tuesday, 25 February 2014

Express Your Love with Custom Design Jewelry

Are you trying to think of an unexpected, once-in-a-lifetime gift for that special someone? Custom design jewelry is the ultimate gift to give. With unique design, a piece with that indefinable presence will make that perfect one-of-a-kind gift. No matter what occasion, you thoughtfulness with a gift of handmade jewelry will convey to that special person in your life just how extra important they are to you.


Along with a growing web presence, more brian michaels jewelers custom design jewelry is being offered both online and in jewelry stores. With more jewelers specializing in modern, unique, and fine jewelry artistry every day, it is becoming more sought after to have a work of art created in a piece of jewelry. By working together with a jewelry designer, you can create a distinctive treasure and bring your unique and individual ideas to life. The limits are only constrained by your imagination.

If you are seeking out the perfect wedding band sets, handmade jewelry is the best way to make that complimentary statement of your love. Don’t settle for that everyday, over-the-counter wedding set - surprise your love with an impressive design, made especially for them, and show your everlasting love.

Thursday, 20 February 2014

Browsing Wedding and Anniversary Rings

When browsing a selection of jewelry at your local jewelry store, you may not immediately hone in on their selection of wedding and anniversary rings. You may be drawn to their section of pearls, or maybe even their designer watches. However, most jewelry stores will provide a great selection of wedding and anniversary rings for those who are looking for that special gift.

Men who proposed on Valentine's Day many years ago surely have it made. Not only did they turn a romantic holiday into an even more memorable occasion, but they can also buy one present for the whole event! Men are known for forgetting anniversaries and dates, so he was intelligent enough to make it easier on himself in the long run. If he chooses to buy her an anniversary ring on Valentine's Day, then he will also be gifting her a little something to celebrate the day they got engaged. There is nothing wrong with wanting to get two birds with one stone!

The next time you are out searching for that perfect gift, make sure you remember your anniversary date! It would also be wise to remember the date you proposed to impress her just a little more.

Wednesday, 15 January 2014

Jewelry Repairs and Jewelry Cleaning Will Make Your Day

Just about everyone in the world owns some sort of jewelry. This chosen accessory is versatile and can help in dressing up a pair of jeans or accenting a gorgeous cocktail dress or a dapper suit for a dinner party. No matter your taste and style pertaining to jewelry, you will eventually be in need of jewelry repairs. Unfortunately, nothing in this world lasts forever - random maintenance and repairs are necessary to keeping your jewelry looking its finest. There are many jewelry stores in your area that can provide these jewelry repair services at a price you can afford.


After your jewelry is all fixed and ready to be worn, you may notice that it has lost a little of its luster over the years. No need to worry! You can easily have your jewelry cleaned and polished at the same store. They will be sure to use only the finest tools available when bringing that sparkle back into your coveted piece of jewelry. No matter the size or material used in your item, they will have everything necessary to make it look brand new again. Instead of worrying about people pointing out your old jewelry, they will be complimenting you on how shiny your new jewelry looks!

Wednesday, 8 January 2014

Unique Engagement Rings and Fairy Princesses

Engagement rings are loved by just about every single woman in the world. These shiny little works of art are the ultimate token of devotion, love, and affection. If you are lucky enough to already have one of these lovely rings, then you have likely found a man who plans on sticking with you through thick and thin. This is not easy to find in the world today, so consider yourself lucky.
 
For those of you ladies who have not been given this token of commitment, you should not worry too much. It may just happen when you least expect it. Even if it never happens, you will survive. It is better to wait a long time for that perfect man instead of settling for someone you will grow to resent down the road. They say there is someone out there for everyone, but maybe that just is not the case. Some people remain single for their entire lives, while others find someone early in life. Whether or not that relationship withstands the test of time is a completely different story! We would all enjoy an elaborate fairytale ending to this journey of life, but prepare yourself for the reality that this just may not happen!

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

New Christmas Gift Ideas from Custom Jewelry Design

Sometimes, we run out of ideas for our holiday gift lists. You seem to get everyone the same things every year, but this year, you are making it your mission to get all of your loved ones something new and exciting. You want Christmas morning to be a thrilling surprise this time around, instead of the same old, same old, like years past. You want to see everyone’s faces light up, excited cheers coming from your family, and maybe even a few thankful tears being wiped away. Okay, maybe no crying, but you want an amazing Christmas morning to be had by all!

So, this time around, you are going to visit your trusted local jeweler and call on their professional custom design jewelry services to help you out of your present-giving rut. You have so many ideas in mind that you've already been drawing them up at home. Your jeweler is pleased and happily looks them over with you. Before long, you are collaborating and melding your ideas together.

You have a diamond pendant necklace idea you want to make for your mother. Your jeweler suggests buying one of their loose diamonds to be set in the piece. Then, there is the idea you have for your teenage daughter: a beautiful pair of diamond earrings that she can wear and cherish for a lifetime. This handmade jewelry will hopefully be passed down to her own daughter one day! You can’t help but think of this as you sit and design the unique pieces you plan to give to them Christmas morning.

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

Get a Jewelry Appraisal for a Number of Reasons


There are many reasons why you should utilize a jewelry appraisal from your local jeweler. The most obvious reason is for insurance purposes. When you get your finer pieces of jewelry appraised, you will have a detailed description of how much it is worth. Not only do you know the exact value of your piece, but you will also know every treatment and alteration performed on the diamond. In our unsure world, it is likely some people will try to pull a fast one on you. When seeking a jewelry appraisal, it is wise to go to a trusted professional whose name holds much credit in the jewelry industry.



Having an appraisal on hand with your insurance company also provides proof of ownership. If someone breaks into your house and your jewelry is stolen, your insurance company will have evidence that you owned the jewelry. This way, you can be reimbursed for the value of the item. Although it will not be the original piece, you will be able to replace it with something equally charming.

Another reason why some people request an appraisal is when a lady wants to know how much her man spent on her diamond engagement ring. Although this may sound petty, it actually is not a bad idea. If you get divorced, you will more than likely want to get rid of the diamond that reminds you of him. By receiving an appraisal, you will know exactly how much the jewelry is worth so you can get a fair trade for it.

Friday, 8 November 2013

Make Some Extra Green From Gold! Cash for Gold Treats You Right!

We all know how money can get a little tight from time to time. This is especially true around the holidays. So, this year, why not take some of that pressure off of you and utilize the services of a trusted and renowned cash for gold business? You know that you are going to have to do something to come up with the extra cash to play Santa this year. You don’t want to have to get another job or sell some vital organs.

All kidding aside, you know your favorite local jeweler’s reputation and the way they treat the people in your area. You just need to take the time to learn a little bit more about how it all works. Stop by Brian Michaels Jewelers today and let all those friendly people you have come to know so well over the years tell you all about how you too can sell your gold jewelry. It is easier than you ever thought possible. You will also walk away with more money than you probably imagined.

We know you have probably heard about all those other guys that jerk you around and lowball you on price. At Brian Michaels, you will never have to worry about being treated this way. We offer you the best and highest prices in town, and we don’t bog down our offers with senseless fees. We certainly don’t treat your gold like anything other than what it is: gold! That means much needed green in your pocket! Stop by today and see exactly what cash for gold can do for you.

Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Custom Design Jewelry: Express Yourself!

Some of the most captivating pieces of jewelry I have ever seen have been of the custom variety. These pieces show the world your funky side and can be extremely lavish or very simple. Each designer has a specific look in mind when creating their individual works of art. This is what makes their jewelry custom and unique. Anyone can go to their local jeweler and pick up an everyday, run of the mill piece of jewelry, but a custom piece will set you apart from the masses. You could even try your hand at designing your own piece of jewelry. You will be amazed how easily the creativity comes to you while delving into the world of custom design jewelry.
My personal favorite is a funky pair of custom earrings. I can usually find these earrings at a local market. They are usually designed and made by people in your community who are well on their way to starting their own line of handmade jewelry. Local shops and markets are a great way to get exposure for their unique designs and taste. Another great aspect of shopping locally is you can get quality pieces of custom jewelry at very affordable costs. Whether your taste is elaborate and decadent or simple and plain, there are plenty of designs suitable for your individual taste. There is nothing to lose and a vast selection of new, cool jewelry to gain! Take a walk on the wild side when choosing your next piece of custom design jewelry.

Sunday, 6 October 2013

Custom Design Jewelry Will Dazzle Onlookers

The best way to absolutely dazzle and impress your friends is to have some unique custom jewelry in your personal collection. This is a wonderful way to express your unique style and personality through the artwork decorating your body. Even if you do not have any experience with custom design jewelry, the sky is the limit when creating your new piece of jewelry. It can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish.

There are just a few things you want to know before embarking in the journey of handmade jewelry design. First off, there is no right or wrong way to design your piece of jewelry. It strictly depends on your personal preference and what looks good to you. There are many options as to what kind of materials you can use when designing your piece of jewelry. All different colors of the rainbow are available depending on your budget. Any gemstone you can think of can be used to accessorize your next outfit. No matter what your favorite color is, you can be certain you will find this material available to create your next work of art. You can certainly go crazy when being the artist who is adding to your collection. You do not have to listen to anyone when designing your own piece of jewelry. It strictly depends on your taste and style. You could be the next big designer to sweep the nation with your lovely designs and creations. Head down to your local jeweler to explore your custom jewelry designing options today.