The Story Behind the Stones #3 - Loose green tourmaline

I was contacted to help create a new piece of jewelry for a vivid green tourmaline that my client's husband had given to his mother years ago. While discussing a few options, the concept of adding diamonds came up, and within minutes, a photo of an unworn heart that had belonged to my client's late mother was sent to my desk-top via email... "Can we use any of these?" YOU BET!

Loose green tourmaline

Unworn diamond heart pendant

Over the next few weeks the stones were removed, a design was chosen, and her new pendant - with my signature enhancer - is now worn in many different ways.... 

Stones selected and ready to be set

New tourmaline and diamond enhancer on pearls

New tourmaline and diamond enhancer on gold chain

The Story Behind the Stones #2 - Wedding Jewelry

I recently had the opportunity to work with a successful business executive who was ready to restyle and reset her wedding jewelry. Divorced now for several years, we discussed her desire to treat herself to new jewelry that would be substantial in look and versatile in function.

All complete, from three pieces of unworn jewelry we created seven new pieces for her to wear and love!

Jewelry BEFORE - Three pieces

  # 1 BEFORE - three stone engagement ring

# 2 BEFORE - diamond wedding band

# 3 - BEFORE - sapphire and diamond tennis bracelet

Jewelry AFTER - seven pieces

#1 - 18K yellow gold "right hand ring"

#2 - Custom designed sapphire and topaz earrings 14K yellow gold (topaz purchased)

#3 -  Bezel set sapphires in 14K yellow gold

#4 - Diamond "dangle" hoops in 14K yellow gold

#5 - Diamond circle necklace set in 14K white gold

#6 - Bezel set single diamond in 14K white gold

#7 - 36" Blue and white sapphire necklace 14K yellow gold (white sapphires purchased)

Combined Before & After Photos 

The Story Behind the Stones #1

BEFORE - 1950's diamond cocktail ring

It seems everyone loves a good story! I am frequently told by clients and viewers of my website and facebook page that as much as they love seeing the jewelry, they love reading the "stories behind the stones" --- so this week I've decided to tell the story with the stones -- I was contacted by a family to help them sort out their inherited jewelry - among the many pieces we sorted was this 1950's diamond cocktail ring. No one thinks it has seen the light of day for twenty years! My client is one of three boys and the ring had belonged to his mother with special instructions for his wife to do what she wanted with it. 

AFTER - Removable diamond pendant with necklace

At first, all she knew was that she wanted to reset the diamonds and make something new. Once clean the stones were dazzling and after removing them and measuring --- I presented several ideas to my clients -- one of which was similar to a necklace I had done last year utilizing a large center stone in a circle pendant. There were plenty of perfectly matched diamonds to make that and a new diamonds-by-the-yard type necklace. The only stones missing were for the enhancer - so I purchased ones to match. Needless to say, this very special pendant now hangs on a very special daughter-in-law, whose face shines almost as much as the diamonds:)

AFTER - Removable diamond pendant and necklace

AFTER - Removable pendant shown on black cord

Platinum vs Gold

Platinum vs. Gold

Have you ever wondered why most wedding jewelry is set in platinum and everything else in gold?

Natural Platinum  vs Natural White Gold

With gold and platinum prices reaching record levels, knowing which metal to use, and when, is a decision that is just as much about budget as it is about durability and feel.

The present cost difference between white gold ($1516) and platinum ($1819) is significant in that gram for gram you will pay 20% more for platinum AND since platinum is naturally a heavier, more dense mental, it weighs more. Hence, the same ring cast in platinum will be about 30% heavier, resulting in a very steep price difference (as of 5/11).

So why is most wedding jewelry in platinum?

In its natural state, platinum is very dense and white and will not need to be “dipped in rhodium” for a white look. Due to it's weight many say it feels heavier and more luxurious. Platinum has a certain "feel" about it that gold does not. Also, because white gold has a slight grey look most gold jewelry is dipped in a material called rhodium which is a very durable plating. Rhodium plating has similar properties to platinum and make your jewelry look white and bright. Over time it does need to get re-dipped with wear but this process is readily available and not expensive. Also, after it's done your ring looks "like new" again.

So if it's less expensive, can be dipped in rhodium, why not always use gold?

The decision to spend the extra on platinum is a personal one beyond a budget. As consumers we make these decisions on many items we buy and wear all the time. Take sneakers for example. There are basketball sneakers for $35, $75, and I have even seen them as high as $150. Will the more expensive pair make you play better? Technically not - but they might wear better. Even so, if one pair is more comfortable or has more cushion to it you might actually play better or at least have a more enjoyable time doing so. And that's not to say that for one person the $35 pair isn't a better fit.

Buying jewelry is the same thing - we look at budget and fit.  Even if there are not budgetary concerns it is the weight of the ring that will decide the metal we use - and when I say weight, it's as much about the feel as anything else.

For a typical engagement ring that is worn every day for years and years, if the budget can absorb the cost of platinum there is nothing like it - which is why so many brides choose platinum. The differential in the weight lets the wearer know the ring is on her finger and the ring is essentially maintenance free. There are exceptions - of course - and since each situation is different  that is why working with an experienced jeweler to review you options is always best.

The good news is that there is really not a "wrong" choice. Just like choosing the style of the ring is a personal decision - the materials the ring is made of can and should be a personal decision as well.