Author: HoustonJewelry

March Jewelry Insights

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Did You Know?

At the Oscars & the

Golden Globes, no one shied away from pairing big, bold and colorful jewelry with their reflective gowns. In fact, designs were reminiscent of the 70’s style jewelry worn by the recently deceased, iconic actress, Mary Tyler Moore. Throughout her extraordinary life, she was seen draped in multi-strand necklaces, chokers, chunky gold cuffs, cascading earrings, and pearls galore.

March Birthstones

Aquamarine. The name derived from Latin means “seawater.” A member of the beryl gem family, transparent, beautiful, blue aquamarine offers a tribute to the sea, capturing both its essence and spirit.

Bloodstone. It’s actually not red at all, it is an opaque, deep, rich green with vivid bright red flecks and has been a favorite of men for centuries.

Bolo/Friendship Bracelets

Popular in the 1970’s, friendship bracelets were originally made by knotting and twisting various threads, yarns, rubber cords and leather materials. Many were embellished with beads and most were made in special colors designated to display an individual’s character traits.

Friendship bracelets were not only personal and interesting, they also carried a special meaning for the person who made it and the friend who wore it.

Typically given as a sign of friendship, these handmade, twisted bracelets were intended to be tied on the wrist of a friend and won continuously as a symbol of lasting friendship.

Yesteryear’s friendship bracelets are today known as Bolo bracelets and are made from leather, sterling silver and many colors of karat gold. Today’s bracelets have an adjustable twist and knot, making for a customized, perfect fit. While they can offer the same meaning, and are a perfect gift for a friend or love interest, this trend-setting style has become a popular self-purchase for the fashion forward.

While these slim, delicate designs look amazing on their own, today these fashion forward wrist decorations are frequently studded with diamonds, personalized charms and layered to reflect one’s individual style.

 

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Fine Jewelry Makes the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift

Posted on by HoustonJewelry
A Heartfelt Gift PreviewFine jewelry from Houston Jewelry makes the perfect gift to give this Valentine’s Day! It’s hard to find a gift that says “I Love You” more than a stunning piece of jewelry. February 14th is the traditional day when romantics convey their devotion by exchanging gifts of endearment. Valentine’s Day jewelry offers unique and time-tested designs to proclaim your feelings. Many of yesteryear’s favorites remain very much in demand today.Romantic Hearts, there is no symbol more endearing. It is love’s most popular and timeless icon. Today, you can choose from hearts big and small, gold or silver, in either traditional or contemporary designs.Lustrous Pearls are another Valentine’s Day favorite. Designs set with glowing, white cultured, colorful freshwater, or dramatic Tahitian pearls are gifts that are always flattering and perfect for a special someone.Love Notes. There’s no more personal way to express your feelings than with a piece of jewelry that displays a visible or hidden message. Engraving an item or having something monogramed is the perfect way to get your message of love across.Diamonds. No matter how small the package is, when the gift inside is a dazzling piece of diamond jewelry, you can be sure to receive a tremendous reception! Nothing says “I Love You” the way a precious diamond does! Remember a diamond lasts forever, chocolate melts! Give her the candy she really wants from Houston Jewelry this Valentine’s Day!Visit Houston Jewelry today and select from a wide range of all-time favorites guaranteed to warm your Valentine’s heart! We have gifts in every style and for every budget. Whether you are looking for a diamond heart pendant or a diamond band, we have the gift she will love! Did You Know?Ancient Egyptians were amongst the first known to exchange rings of love. Reeds, bone and leather were woven in circles, symbolic of eternal love and placed on any finger, even thumbs. It was the myth of a vein, called the “lovers vein,” thought to pump blood from the forth finger of the left hand directly to the heart, which started a tradition. From hand to heart, the left ring finger has since been dedicated for wedding rings.Visit Houston Jewelry today and let us assist you in finding a heartfelt gift for your special Valentine!

January 2017 Jewelry Tips

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Charles Garnier Soft BangleIt’s Time For An Arm Party!

When it comes to effortless ways to perk up an outfit, jewelry always tops the list. With an array of bracelets from inspirational stretch or wrap, thin pull ties, karat gold bangles, and jewel encrusted cuffs, there is never an excuse to leave the house with a naked wrist. Come see our amazing collection of Charles Garnier Paris soft bangle bracelets!
Bracelets and bangles of all sizes, shapes, colors and metals can be worn with jeans or a classic, little black dress. Mix, match, and stack for a unique, multi-dimensional look that suites your style.
Choose a theme or a color scheme: Select various sizes and shapes, wide, thin or negative space. Mixing colored gold and sterling silver creates a lively and festive atmosphere. If you’re not confident mixing metals, go for a combination of colored gemstones.
Having a Mixer? Mix function with fashion and invite the neighborhood watch, this useful attendee’s crystal face will make a stunning centerpiece.

An Intimate or Large Gathering? Try to keep to the general size of your party arm. Be sure to break up everyday partners and add a few singles to kick up the volume, especially when creating larger gatherings.

Did You Know?

The Pantone Fashion Color Report is one of two semi-annual reports published as a comprehensive overview for the fashion industry’s upcoming season. The top 10 colors for 2017 are all reminiscent of the hues that surround us in nature. Just recently, Pantone selected one of the 10, Greenery, as THE color of 2017. A vibrant, yellow-green which supposedly speaks to our inner desire to explore, experiment and reinvent.
When selecting your spring jewelry wardrobe, take a deep breath, think of flourishing foliage, awakening and recharging your senses.

January Birthstone Garnet.

Traditionally regarded as the gem offering constancy, faith, and truth for those of January birth, the diversity of color and appearance places garnets among gemology’s most alluring subjects.

Diamonds: The Perfect Gift

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Diamonds: The Perfect Gift

Diamonds are the most precious and valuable of all gems. Rare, incredibly brilliant, they have a unique inner fire, rainbow sparkle, and they are available in a range of sizes, weights, and grades. From small micropavé settings to dramatic solitaires, diamonds offer a gift, or self-purchase, to suite any budget.

Pure white diamonds remain by far the most popular, but thanks to modern technology, colored diamonds are more plentiful and available than they once were. When it comes to shape, the round brilliant-cut remains the all-time favorite, although princess and cushion cuts are fast growing in popularity.

The shape of a diamond is a personal choice. Keep in mind, it is the cut grade that defines how well a diamond’s facets interact with light. Diamonds are renowned for their brilliance and sparkle. It takes precise artistry and workmanship to fashion a stone so its proportions, symmetry, and polish deliver the magnificent return of light.

Diamonds are available in many affordable prices and mountings from platinum, karat gold, or sterling silver, to contemporary metals such as titanium, tungsten, or stainless steel. The gift of diamond jewelry is a perfect token of affection, a fitting symbol to celebrate the holidays, or commemorate any special occasion. Stop in to Houston Jewelry soon and see our exciting collection.

 Did You Know?

As long as there have been people, there’s been a love for gold. From Pharaohs to Wall Street, gold has played an important role in structure and protecting wealth.

24 karat gold is pure elemental gold, 18 karat gold is 75% pure gold, 14 karat gold is 58.5% pure gold, and 10 karat gold is 41.7% pure gold.

A single ounce of gold can be stretched into a gold thread 5 miles long. Gold threads can even be used as embroidery thread.

December Birthstones

Turquoise and Zircon are both prized since Biblical times for their beauty and promise of prosperity. Tanzanite, a glittering purple-blue gem, is one of the newest birthstones and has quickly become one of the world’s most popular gems.

Geometric Jewelry: Fall 2016 Fine Jewelry Trends

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Geometric Jewelry, Layered Looks, Mix And Match Gems

Geometric jewelry is everywhere this season! Key accessories play an important role in Fall 2016 fashions.  The Fall 2016 trends in fine jewelry are geometrically inspired designs such as spirals, circles, squares, rectangles, and triangular shapes in rings, pins, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. Jewelry that provides a bright, layered look is also a sure-fire way to liven up outfits in this season’s popular colors. Colors such as rose gold, gold and dark silver are all hugely popular in the Fall season.

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A widespread trend for today’s fashionista is the mixing and matching of various styles, colors, metals, and gemstones. And this fall, the pairing of two mismatched earrings is flirting with tradition. The lopsided lobe trend of mismatched ear embellishments such as one moon and one star, or a gold and diamond chandelier swaying on one lobe while the other is adorned by a single gemstone stud is becoming increasingly popular. Ear climbers, and ear cuffs are still hugely popular with millenials. Pulling off any of these trendy looks is simply about having fun and expressing oneself.

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Trending necklaces remain to be the subtle and simplistic layering of two or more strands or styles of karat gold or silver. We are seeing lots of delicate necklaces layered with different stones, dainty diamonds, and creative shapes. Crescent moon shapes, hamsa hands, horns, and arrows are being featured on many designs. Geometric charms are also being seen dangling from simple chokers and collars to create a clean chic look. In addition, stackable rings, bangles, and cuffs set with richly colored gems also lend themselves to fashionable layering. Today, many jewelry designers are mixing various gem colors, cuts, carat weights, and shapes to provide many new and exciting combinations that might not normally be seen together. These can add more character and interest than perfectly matched gems.

greendoves

Top Picks in Bridal Styles

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The top picks in bridal styles range from romance to contemporary this year! From engagement rings to wedding bands we are seeing lots of trends in the jewelry market. Romance is always in style and is seen in many of today’s bridal designs. What’s old is new again this season with elegant, vintage rings and antique diamond cuts both so prevalent. Classic designs are consistently popular and sleek. Contemporary styles with gemstone accents in unexpected colors continue to make an appearance.

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Coast Custom Diamond & Sapphire Engagement Ring

Couples today are choosing styles that have a timeless appeal and many of the new designs featuring arcs, curves, twists and swirls are making antique-inspired styles with hand engraving, micro-pave, and filigree details high in demand. British it girl Pippa Middleton recently got engaged with an antique style Deco inspired Asscher cut diamond ring!

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While the most popular metals for today’s bridal jewelry is white gold and platinum, two-toned gold combinations are a fashion forward alternative. Rose gold engagement rings are also becoming exceedingly popular with brides-to-be.  Today’s grooms seem to be paying particular attention to interesting, lightweight and durable contemporary metals such as titanium or cobalt.

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Not surprisingly, the round brilliant cut diamond is still the most popular shape for engagement rings, but emerald, cushion, and radiant cuts are becoming more popular by celebrities such as Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Jennifer Aniston. Comfortable, simplistic wedding bands for gents remain favorites, while more ornate bands set with pave diamonds, diamond baguette eternity bands, hand engraved bands or fine milgrain edges are popular with the ladies.

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Round Diamond Engagement Ring in a Halo Setting

This year more than ever, bridal jewelry is available in designs and prices to suit every taste and budget. Visit Houston Jewelry today and let us assist you in finding the PERFECT engagement ring for you!

Jewelry Trendsetters: Colorful Gemstone Cocktail Rings

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Colorful, easy to wear, and versatile designs top this season’s hottest jewelry developments. Fall 2016 is about big, bold and colorful cocktail rings!

ivorysky

Reach for the sky in this Ivory Sky cocktail ring. Lovely Lapis, white mother of pearl and white topaz combine for a vibrant grey-blue with rainbow hues. This ring is a true show stopper!

Jewelry fashion trends are often born rom the creative minds of designers and featured on high fashion runways. These designs start out as extravagant , avant-garde statements meant to accentuate a collection of garments and overall concept of the designer’s line. From there, celebrities and stylists cherry pick and cultivate jewelry designs to wear n the red carpet, and those looks are shared to the masses.

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The Dove’s Viola cocktail ring above features the Pantone Color of the Year. Rich Amethyst is coupled with pink mother of pearl resulting in an expressive, creative and embracing purple. Surrounded by diamonds, this is the ULTIMATE cocktail ring!

This season, it’s all about colorful cocktail gemstone rings. The bigger, and bolder..the better!  These dramatically styled rings are often seen in clusters of vibrantly colored gems or with large, colored center stones surrounded by diamond accents or smaller complementary colored gems. From Sapphires to Rubies, to even Turquoise stones, the options for this look are endless. Some people prefer a giant center stone showstopper look, while others prefer a smaller center stone surrounded by gemstones or diamonds. The design choices are vast and there is a style to accommodate any taste.

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The center stone for this cocktail ring originated in the Amazon River, this “Hope Stone” is known to soothe the spirit and calm the soul. Faceted, clear white topaz is layered with amazonite and surrounded by diamonds to create a glamorous look.

At the top of the list are the designs worn by royalty and celebrities. When copied and revamped, these fashion forward designs are readily available in a wide range of styles and prices to suite any age, budget or style!

How to Care for Fine Jewelry

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As a retailer of fine jewelry we get lots of emails and calls asking us how to protect these valuable assets. Here a few valuable tips to keep your fine jewelry safe and sparkling. Dirt buildup may hasten the wear of your jewelry. Visit your jeweler at least once a year to have your fine jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected for worn or cracked prongs, faulty clasps, or any other potential problem that can occur with daily wear.  Avoid heavy blows to your diamond. Diamonds can chip if they are struck at just the right angle. If you bump or snag your jewelry, have it inspected for potential damage that may be unnoticeable to you. When you are not wearing your jewelry, place each item in a separate, soft, compact container. If cluttered together, jewelry can become scratched or chipped.

Diamond Care

Don’t wear your jewelry in the ocean! Salt water and jewelry just don’t mix. Ocean water can actually damage some stones and metals.Don’t wear your jewelry while cleaning! Exposure to chemicals can damage and discolor precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. Certain household chemical cleansers can actually damage colored gems. Remove your jewelry before going into chlorinated water, salt water, when using household cleansers.  Swimming in jewelry is also a bad idea as the water can constrict fingers making it more likely for your rings to fall off. Don’t place or store your jewelry near vents, grates, sinks or drains. This is just a disaster waiting to happen. When wearing pearl jewelry be cautious what cosmetics and lotions you use, as pearls are easily damaged by such products.

Pearl Jewelry

Keep jewelry in an unlikely place. Jewelry boxes are an obvious place for thieves to look. When traveling, keep valuable jewelry at home or store it in the hotel safe, not your safe. Most burglaries happen in broad daylight. Always keep doors and windows locked during the day. One of the best ways to keep valuable or extensive jewelry collections secure is to store them in a burglary and fire-resistant safe.

Ruby the Birthstone of July

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Coast Ruby Ring

Ruby the birthstone of July, is considered the King of gems. A ruby is also a traditional gift for 15th and 40th Anniversary’s. The ruby stone represents love, health and wisdom. It is believed that wearing a ruby bestows good fortune on its owner. According to ancient legends the ruby contains the original spark of life known as “a drop of the heart’s blood of Mother Earth”. The word Ruby originates from the Latin word rubens which means red. These stunning gemstones range in color from the richest shades of red to pigeon blood and,  pinkish reds. Rubies are considered one of four precious stones. The others are diamond, sapphire and emeralds.  A ruby gets its coloring form trace amounts of chromium. The most desired rubies are those that are a very deep red, widely known as “pigeon’s blood”.  Ruby stones are very hard and on the Mohs scale of hardness as they register at a 9, thus making them only slightly softer than a diamond. For a ruby to be considered perfect it must be the right shade of red, have a rich glow, and be brilliant and pure. Almost all rubies have flaws, and those without are considered exceptionally rare. Such rare rubies can fetch prices higher than those of diamonds of the same weight and quality. Almost all natural rubies are treated to improve their color. This is a standard practice accepted by the American Gem Trade Association.

Ruby & Diamond Pendant

The finest rubies where originally mined in Myanmar, which is how the term “Burmese” ruby came to describe the finest rubies on the world market. Due to Human Right’s violations there are still many restrictions in place banning the import of goods form Burma. As a result this has impacted the production and sale of Burmese rubies in the marketplace. Rubies are also found in Thailand, Cambodia, India, Afghanistan and Colombia. In 2009 a large deposit of rubies was found in Mozambique.

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The worlds most expensive Ruby is known as the “Sunrise Ruby”.  This 25.59 carat Burmese pigeon blood ruby was mounted by Cartier and considered one of the rarest gems in the world. In May 2016 the “Sunrise Ruby” went up for auction by Sotheby’s Geneva. It was estimated to be worth $12-18 Million dollars. It sold for 30.42 Million dollars to an anonymous buyer.

Stackable Rings and Diamond Bangles

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Stackable Diamond Rings at Houston Jewelry

     This Summer season, versatile, stackable fine jewelry gives you endless opportunities to mix and match styles, textures, colors, and materials to create your own individual unique fashion look. Stunning stackable rings offer you more brilliant options than ever! Whether you are headed to the tropics or to your local beach, our stackable diamond jewelry is all you need to stay fashionable and look chic! The beauty of our stackable jewelry is it’s so easy to wear, and can be combined into multiple stacks or worn alone!

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Stackable Diamond Ring in Rose Gold

New fine jewelry styles feature white, yellow, and rose gold bands beautifully set with delicate diamonds or colorful gemstones. The styles range from traditional classic bands, bold pops of colored stones, or trendier styles. Many of the latest stackable rings off carved and sculpted details. Each design has endless options as you can mix and match your gold tones or wear all one color stacked. Other popular stackable rings combine various shapes of diamonds and gemstones including square, marquise, oval and round. The beauty of these styles is that you can mix and match your shapes for a super fun stack or rings! There are no rules!

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Gold & Diamond Stackable Bamboo Bangle Bracelet

Stackable bangle bracelets are now appearing in high fashion combinations of both thick and thin bangles in a variety of styles, metals, stones, and finishes. Finishes include polished, hammered and even frosted. There is something to meet each customers unique sense of style and jewelry taste. Today diamond and colored gemstone pieces are being mixed with different textures in both gold and silver. Stackable bangles, like the rings range in a variety of styles from classic to modern. The combinations that can be created are endless.

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Rose Gold & Diamond Stackable Bangle Bracelet

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White & Yellow Gold Bangle Diamond Bracelet