Back to Nature

In this glorious season, Mother Nature is in full bloom, showing off her full array of delightful beauty. It isn’t just outside it’s blooming. Jewelry designers all over are taking inspiration from Mother Nature. Many designers are making beautiful nature inspired jewelry. There’s an endless choice of attractive designs to complete your look. Natural forms, in varying colors of yellow, white and rose gold, combined with sterling silver and precious gems, provide for stunning, graceful and tapered silhouettes.

The combination of openwork designs with a flora and fauna, birds, bees and bugs theme allows you to create a distinctive look all your own. While getting in touch with your free spirit and identifying with nature, or taking a walk on the wild side from time to time, these fun reminders of nature’s bounty will add flair to any outfit.

Did You Know?

If packing your fine jewelry for a vacation, keep designs separated in a soft cloth pouch or a lined box to prevent scratching. Tip: Thread your bracelets and necklaces through a straw to prevent tangling.
Abrasive sand, sunscreen, hot tub and pool chlorine are jewelry hazards. Sunscreens can coat and bleach gemstones and chlorine will damage karat gold, weakening settings. Before swimming, take off your rings- hands can become cold in water causing fingers to shrink and rings to fall off. Lotions and perfumes can also coat your stones and give them a cloudy appearance, dulling the natural beauty and fire of the stone. Try to remove all your jewelry before applying lotion.

July Birth Stone: Ruby

Ruby has been the world’s most valued colored gemstone for thousands of years. Rubies are and extremely popular gift for Valentines Day due to it’s rich red hue. A precious form of the mineral corundum, its name is from the Latin word “ruber” meaning “red color.” Legend and myth state rubies have a history of bestowing good health, a fine life, wealth, and wisdom. Always make sure when you purchase a  ruby that it has not been treated. Many rubies are being treated to alter the color to make them have a much deeper red color. While a treated ruby may be gorgeous, they are altered and initially less expensive. So make sure you are not paying natural prices for a treated stone.

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Bar Set:

Bar set are typically used for anniversary and wedding bands. Each stone has a small gold (or whatever metal it is) bar in between each stone. This design is also heavily used on tennis or line bracelets

Bead Setting:

Bead settings are similar to pave settings. The ring is lined with small  diamonds each with multiple beads around them to secure the diamond.

Bezel Setting:

A Bezel setting has a small lip of gold that encircles the diamond 360° creating a metal rim. These are probably the most secure setting but you do lose a little of your diamonds size as it is hidden under the bezel.

Cathedral Setting:

Cathedral settings are a raised setting with diamond sitting higher than the band it is sitting on making the center stone the most prominent part of the ring.

Channel Setting:

Channel setting uses a small rim of gold around the top and bottom of the diamonds and placing the diamond flush against each other tightly to use the rim and the tension to secure the diamonds.

Cluster Setting:

Cluster settings use multiple smaller diamonds mounted snuggley together for the appearance of a single large diamond. Most cluster setting rings look like a flower pattern.

Fishtail Setting:

A fishtail setting offers a vintage look with small diamonds lining the band with V cutouts to make the diamonds appear larger.

Flush Setting:

While made almost exactly like a channel set, flush setting raise the diamonds so they are flush with the band they are set in.

Halo Setting:

Currently the most in demand settings for enagament rings, the halo setting has smaller accent diamonds than encircle the center diamond. Most halo setting also have small accent diamonds that run down the sides of the band.

Knife Edge Setting:

Knife edge settings incorporate a band that tapers down to a sharp edge (not sharp enough to cut you) to give the setting a sleek look that is perfect to pair with other designs.

Pave Setting:

A pave setting features a lot of small diamond embedded into the band at different angles to spread out the sparkle effect of the diamond. The one down side to pave setting is resizing them can be difficult.

Side Stone Setting:

Side stone setting use a large center stone with slightly smaller stones set to each side. An example of a side stone setting would be the classic 3 stone ring.

Solitaire Setting:

The solitaire setting is just that. A simple band with a single larger diamond in the center. This is the most classic style for engagement rings and is still a widely used style to this day.

Split Setting:

Split setting is when the band splits near the center diamond forming a V and can compliment several stone shapes and sizes. The split portion is versatile and can twist or be adorned with small diamond or colored stones.

Tension Setting:

Tension setting is a modern look doing away with the prongs so almost the entire diamond is visible. Tension and minuscule grooves hold the diamond in place.

Twist Setting:

Two twisting strands form the band. Twists can be tight or wide. This style is becoming increasing more popular.

Vintage Setting:

VIntage setting feature intricate detail work. Many Vintage settings have an art deco look. These are an extremely popular design.

Popular Pearl Fashion

Pearls, forever a favorite, are always in fashion. Whether a classic single strand of snowy, white, perfectly matched, round pearls, or any of today’s fancy shapes including oval, baroque, coin, petal and potato, the selection is strictly a personal preference.

Classic and timeless favorites have long been the Akoya and South Sea pearl. But, it is today’s beautiful freshwater pearls that are taking center stage. Due to their varying sizes and fashionable, on point colors such as pink, peach, gold and classic white, freshwater pearls are a fantastic bargain. They cover the widest range of options for pearl buyers in size, shape and color, making them one of the best values in the entire category.

Rivaling the size of some high-end Akoya and South Sea pearls at a fraction of the cost, designers love these affordable, larger size freshwater pearls for use in dramatically styled rings, pins, pendants, and earrings. Adding elegance and style to any outfit, no jewelry wardrobe is complete without pearls.

Did You Know?

Ebates recently published results from a national Wedding Survey finding 49% of women prefer to be surprised with an engagement ring, 15% wanted to select the ring themselves, 28% preferred shopping together, while a mere 7% chose an heirloom ring. And, 72% feel it’s ok to upgrade after the wedding!

June Birthstones

Pearl. Pure white pearls have for centuries been viewed as a statement of taste and refinement, as well as a symbol of perfect purity. Pearls are often given to celebrate the birth of a child and are thought to bring a happy marriage to those of June birth. Alexandrite. June’s alternate birthstone is famous for its ability to change color, appearing green by day and red at night. It is a rare and expensive gemstone, symbolic of joy and good fortune.

https://www.houstonjewelry.com/newsletters/june2017.pdf

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 ere embellished with beads and most were made in special colors 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 true friendship, these handmade, twisted bracelets were intended to be tied on the wrist os a friend and worn 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 design 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.

Did you Know

At the Golden Globes, no one shed away from pairing big, bold and colorful jewelry with their reflective gowns. In fact, designs were reminscent of the 70’s style jewelry worn by the recently deceased, iconic actress, Mary Tyler Moor. Thought 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.

As a retailer of Fine Crystal and Glassware we are often asked how to care for it! Here are our suggestion and tips on how to properly care for and maintain your fine crystal glassware.

Fine Crystal should be hand washed. It is best to use warm soapy water. Putting crystal in the dishwasher risks damage, dulling, and spotting from the dishwasher soap. It is always advisable to wash by hand, rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint free cloth if possible.

When you are washing your stemware DO NOT twist the bowl in an opposite direction as the stem as this can cause damage or even breakage.

Rims are the finest and most fragile part of a crystal glass. DO NOT turn upside down to dry or to store as this could potentially cause chipping to the rim.

It is recommended when storing NOT to stack your glassware as to prevent damage.

Finally AVOID pouring iced liquids or extremely hot liquids into the crystal as extreme temperatures can crack or break your crystal.

If you follow these few simple tips your glassware should last for years to come! Lastly don’t forget to visit Houston Jewelry for all of your giftware needs.

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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It’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

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.