Category: DaRoche Jewelers - page 2

Choosing The Perfect Pair Of Diamond Studs

There are a few essential pieces that stand the test of time; think about your favorite blue jeans, that purse that goes with everything, the perfect boots and your go to sweater.  The only thing missing from this list is a pair of diamond studs.  Take any outfit or mood swing, add a bit of sparkle in the form of diamond studs and you can literally go anywhere from the opera to the grocery store.  Diamond earrings literally make everything around them sparkle.  The only question now is how do you go about picking the perfect pair?

First let’s consider what makes diamond studs so appealing.  Legend has it that people once thought diamonds were actually fallen stars because of their brilliance. The manner in which a diamond takes in light and bounces it off of itself is unlike any other gemstone. Diamonds are the most universally sought after stone in the world.

Here are some tips on choosing the right pair of diamond studs.

  • Purchase Real Diamonds:  If you are going to have one pair of earrings that are your go to, perfect earrings to wear on any occasion you want them to be the real deal.  Think about the number of years you will have this one pair of earrings.  If you can’t afford a pair of real diamonds hold off for now.  Find a nice pair of pearls for the time being as they are a budget friendly alternative but start saving.  Skip that latte every day for the next year and before you know it you will have saved enough money to buy real diamond stud earrings.
  • It is so important that the pair of diamonds you choose match one another.  Finding a perfectly matched set of earrings is not going to be a simple task.  You will need to find a jeweler who is skilled in the art of matching diamonds.  You may find it easier to purchase loose diamonds that match and have them set into posts than to find a matching pair at a big box jewelry retailer.  Find a custom jewelry expert and they will understand the importance of a matching set of diamonds for your go to perfect diamond studs.
  • Don’t settle on any of the C’s of diamond buying only buy the best.  The cut, color, clarity and carat are all just as important on a pair of diamond studs as they are on an engagement ring.  Don’t listen to anyone who tells you different.  The sparkle and shine is more brilliant and fiery with top quality diamonds.  A smaller, higher quality diamond will look richer to the naked eye than a larger, lower quality diamond.
  • Size is important with everything including diamonds!  When buying earrings it is important to note that one carat diamond earrings actually means that each earring is a half carat.  They are one carat diamond weight when weighed together.  Make sure you buy the correct sized earrings for your ears.   Larger isn’t always better what does matter is that they sit on your ear the way you envision.  Larger diamond studs have a way of protruding which on smaller ears make look strange.  Choose the carat weight based on what looks good with your earlobes.
  • Show your personal style when choose the cut of your diamond stud earrings.  Round solitaire diamonds don’t fit every girl’s personality.  There are a variety of cuts to choose from.  Make sure you base your selection off your personal look.  Consider the cut of your engagement ring also.  Many women find it is ideal for the two to match.

Take your time when purchasing a piece of jewelry that will be your signature piece.  It make take some time but save for when you find the ideal pair.  It will show in the way you look and feel each and every time you wear them, even if it is only for a trip to the local laundry mat!

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel. You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

How To Take Proper Care Of Your Jewelry

People wear jewelry on a daily basis.  Very few people realize that they can preserve their jewelry using some forethought.  Follow the steps below in taking care of everything from your finest jewelry to costume pieces.

The first tip in caring for your jewelry is to remove pieces when you are performing tasks that expose the pieces to physical damage or chemicals.  For instance, when you are washing dishes it is best to remove all rings, bracelets and watches.  This helps to prevent soap residue from building up or accidently drowning a watch that is not waterproof.  Other tasks to consider removing jewelry for are gardening, household cleaning, car repairs and other common tasks that are taken on in our daily lives.

Apply makeup, perfume, lotion and hairspray before you put on your jewelry for the day.  All of these products contain chemicals that can cause damage to the gemstones as well as the metal on pieces of jewelry.  Putting jewelry on after you have made yourself up for the day will limit the exposure your jewelry has to these harmful materials and will in turn increase the longevity of your pieces.

When you are planning on going into a swimming pool or spa it is best to take of all of your jewelry and store it in a safe environment.  The chlorine in the water can cause a reaction with certain metals causing a change in color and possible damage to the structure of the piece.  To keep your pieces in top shape it is best to take them off before entering a spa or pool.

During sports is another time it is best to store jewelry.  A hard blow during practice or a game can damage a piece beyond repair not to mention the damage it could cause to someone’s person.  Jewelry of all kinds should be removed before you play any type of sport non-contact or contact.

It is important to remember that your jewelry only gets dirty when worn in the shower.  Many people think that the shower or bath is the ideal environment to clean jewelry.  What people need to remember is that anytime you are using soap of any kind to clean a film can form.  This film is what will make metal less shiny and gemstones dull.  Taking care of jewelry and removing it before you bathe or do any other task involving soap or chemicals will prevent the occasions in which your jewelry needs to be taken in for professional servicing.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

Purchasing An Engagement Ring Online

Buying an engagement ring is something most of us will only do once in a lifetime.  An investment such as an engagement ring is not something that should be taken lightly, it is a large investment both financially and emotionally.  Purchasing jewelry is something most of us lack experience in.  This makes the process of finding a perfect ring for your bride to be trickier than most purchases.  How do you find the perfect engagement ring while ensuring you are making a wise purchase that she will love?  Follow the steps below to help you find the perfect ring for the love of your life.

  • Decide upon a budget: This is the most important step of the entire process and should not be taken lightly.  Without a budget in mind you can be talked into anything. It is important to remember that the cost of the stone and setting is not what matters most.  There are many tales being shared that an engagement ring should cost at least two months’ salary.  This is no longer acknowledged as truth.  Your budget should consider what you can afford as well as what your bride to be will adore.
  • Plan ahead: Whatever you do never purchase an engagement ring without the money in the bank.  Buying an engagement ring on credit is never a good idea.  When it comes to buying on credit a ring that originally costs two thousand dollars costs thirty five hundred on credit.  That just doesn’t make sense.  If she is the love of your life she will wait until you have saved enough money to purchase the perfect ring.  Start saving the minute you think she could be the one.
  • Take notice: Check out the jewelry she wears on a daily basis over a period time.  You will want to buy something that she is comfortable wearing and that goes with the pieces she wears on a regular basis.  If she wears super plain jewelry and you buy a large splashy diamond it will most likely make her feel a bit self-conscious wearing it.  Buy something that reflects her.  She will appreciate that you took notice of her style when choosing a ring she will wear for eternity.
  • Bring in reinforcements: If you feel uncomfortable making a decision on your own ask the people closest to her for their help.  Her best friend is a perfect inside source into what she really wants.  Most likely this is a topic that they have discussed time and time again especially the longer you have dated.
  • Find a quality jeweler: A jeweler can come from anywhere. Find someone you are comfortable talking with and that is patient when you ask questions.  Consider online retailers as well.  Many online jeweler retailers are able to offer higher quality diamonds at lower prices due to the low overhead costs of running an online jewelry store verse a major chain.
  • Purchase the ideal stone: When it comes to purchasing a stone be sure to fully understand the four c’s of diamonds.  Based in the four c’s: cut, color, clarity and carat. Out of the four of these, in my opinion, the most important is the cut and clarity.  You want the diamond shape to be what your bride to be desires and clarity has everything to do with how sparkly the diamond is.  Trust me a three quarter carat diamond that is super clear is way better than a full carat that is dull.  The sparkle of her diamond will be what everyone notices before how big it is.
  • Buy the perfect setting:  The perfect setting will be based on her style.  If you are in question talk to the reinforcements.  Some women prefer settings with side diamonds while other prefer the simplicity of a single diamond.
  • Propose:  This is all up to.  Find a way to propose that will be memorable to the two of you.  Enjoy your happily ever after!

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel. You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

 

Must Have Accessories For Your Jewelry Box

I need help when it comes to accessories.  If you look up plain Jane in the dictionary you will see my picture.  Recently I sat down with a friend of mine who is a jeweler and talked about what pieces of jewelry were must have pieces for my jewelry box. I am honestly a novice.  I don’t fully understand why some women can be draped in jewelry and look amazing but others look like clowns.  There are other women who wear a pair of earrings and look dressed to the nines.  I wanted to know the secret to pulling it all together.

I am told the most important piece of jewelry in any women’s collection is a pair of elegant stud earrings.  Diamond stud earrings are classic, elegant and versatile.  The same is true of pair of pearl earrings.  Studs are an everyday go to earring that are classy and polished for the office when worn alone but jazzy and ready for the party at night when paired with other accessories.

Another piece that is essential in your jewelry wardrobe is a pair of hoop earrings.  Hoop earrings are casual when paired with a pair of blue jeans and dressy when warn with something more elegant.  Be careful to choose a pair of hoop earrings that fit you.  If you are a loud character bigger hoops can be pulled off however if you are subdued in character a smaller pair of hoops maybe the perfect piece for you.

When it comes to rings every women needs an outstanding cocktail ring in their jewelry collection.  It is important to note that a cocktail ring does not have to be oversized, big or loud.  What is important is that the piece has color and stands out.  A cocktail ring can be the center piece of your outfit.

Another piece that is essential is a long necklace.  A long necklace can easily be transitioned.  In order to make a necklace work for both day and night you can double the necklace or add pieces to layer it.  Longer necklaces using pendants are super elegant and add to the allure of a long necklace.  Don’t be afraid to mix metals and stones.  Pearls looks elegant with a variety of metals and stones.

A bracelet is another piece that every women should have in their jewelry collection.  From diamond tennis bracelets to solid gold chain bracelets your signature pieces should include a bracelet.  If you need access to a watch daily consider a watch that resembles bracelet.  Bangle watches are the perfect way to combine necessity with fashion.

Jewelry is so personal but following the suggestions above while combining your personal style will help you to achieve the best look.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

Choosing An Engagement Ring

Is it time for you to shop for an engagement ring or bridal set?  If you are looking to surprise your significant other continue reading on for more information on shopping for the perfect ring.  A wedding is bringing two individuals and joining them into one; the engagement is the first step within this amazing adventure.  The ring you choose to propose with is significant as this one piece of jewelry will be worn each and every day for the rest of her life.  This one piece of jewelry will be treasured above and beyond others.  It is filled with meaning and holds substantial weight in her heart.

One major quest when searching for the perfect engagement ring is the rings size.  It needs to fit her finger perfectly.  In order to accomplish this you need to know what size ring she wears. This is almost impossible to figure out without raising suspicion but can be done.  You can draw the circumference of the ring out on a piece of paper or take in a ring she wears to the jeweler.  From either of those the jeweler will be able to size her finger.

The ring design is another key element.  Choose a style that matches pieces that she already wears on a daily basis.  Some women like simplistic jewelry, while other women choose statement pieces that scream, “Look at me!”  Purchase a ring that is designed to be worn daily but that is designed with her style in mind. Go for something practical, something classic and something simply amazing.

When you are purchasing an engagement ring you should also be aware of the four c’s of diamond buying; cut, clarity, color and carat weight.  There are a variety of cuts available for diamonds including some common styles such as the princess cut, the round cut, the oval cut, the emerald cut and the princess cut.  Different cuts look better on different hands; slender hands look great on princess cuts and round cuts while heart shaped and emerald cut diamonds look great on thicker hands.  The diamonds color and clarity should be clear with few imperfections and larger carat weight diamonds look better on thicker bands while thinner bands look better with smaller diamonds.

A budget is important as well when it comes to shopping for an engagement ring. Determining a budget will help narrow down the choices within the selection of rings you are looking at.  When looking to purchase an engagement ring be sure to look at online jewelers as well.  When trying to stay within a limited budget online jewelers can often help you get more ring for your buck. When setting a budget choose a range in which to stay within, this will give you flexibility as you search to find the perfect diamond engagement ring.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

The Significance Of Wedding Jewelry

Weddings are something that most brides spend hours on end planning for.  There is meaning and significance found everywhere they turn.  There is importance in every aspect throughout the entire process; from getting married and choosing a ring to the honeymoon destination.  The magnitude of each moment involved in getting married is significant to a bride and groom.  One special artifact that will be forever with you is your wedding jewelry starting with choosing the engagement ring and ending with the wedding bands.

Brides often have little knowledge or input on choosing their engagement ring.  Some families have traditions of passing on engagement rings from one generation to another while others leave the sentiment in the past and move towards the future with a more modern choice.  There are grooms that feel in order to truly represent what they are feeling that a custom designed piece is the way to go.  Others seek to find a piece that they are sure their spouse to be will be head over heels in love with.  They do this using a variety of methods to assist them in finding out exactly what they want, often enlisting the help of her family and friends.

When a groom to be is looking for the perfect ring for their bride it is important that they seek to find out a variety of details.  First it is important that the style diamond that she likes, the type of metal she chooses to wear most often as well as how many stones a bride to be prefers.  Some like the idea of one single, large stone that stands out while others prefer smaller stones set with in the ring that are more subtle.  Narrow down the selection using the details you know she is comfortable with and desires.  This should help make your choice a lot easier as it will limit the selection there is to choose from.

After the perfect engagement ring is chosen, presented and accepted comes the significance of each and every other detail that is included in the planning of the wedding.  This includes pieces of jewelry that should be worn during the wedding as long as your wedding bands that will signify the never end bond and commitment you share with one another.

When choosing jewelry to wear on the wedding day find that one piece that can be worn again but that accentuates you as a bride.    Many brides choose a necklace or bracelet as this piece.  A statement piece for your wedding day that can be worn again is something that is incredibly traditional for brides to choose.

diamond tennis bracelet can make any bride shine a little brighter and will compliment her diamond solitaire engagement ring.  Another treasured piece is a diamond pendant necklace.  Simplicity always reins when it comes to wedding jewelry.  Some of the simplest pieces turn into the biggest statement accessories on the big day.  Purchasing and wearing a piece that can be worn again is also something incredibly special, as each time the piece is warn you will remember the fond memories of the day you said I do.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

Shopping For An Engagement Ring

When it comes time to propose the last thing that should be on your mind is worry or concern over the amount of money you are supposed to spend on an engagement ring. Instead of postponing plans to propose consider some cost saving techniques when it comes to finding and purchasing a beautiful, well received engagement ring.

First things first stop thinking that you must spend at least a month or two’s salary on a diamond engagement ring.  Even if you can devote that type of money to a jewelry purchase should you?  Consider the ability to start married life debt free owning your own home.  If this is not something that is possible with spending that type of money on a ring than forgo the huge ring.  You can find an abundance of affordable rings that are reasonably priced using online jewelers as well as locally owned jewelers.

Maybe a real diamond is not something your fiancé will want.  Consider her wants and desires above your pride.  If she wants the look of a huge diamond but doesn’t necessarily care if it is “real” look into diamond substitutes.  Some women prefer gemstones over diamonds.  Maybe she wants more than a cubic zirconia but less than a diamond, look into moissanite.

Another idea is to buy what you can afford now but purchase through a jeweler that offers upgrades with trade-ins from preciously purchased jewelry.  This is an incredibly common option and is a great way to get engaged and married without going overboard in debt.  Later when you become more established you can go ahead an upgrade if you so desire.

The greatest thing ever is that no matter what you spend at the end of the day your girlfriend will become your bride to be.  If you are choosing the right women and her values align with hers the size of the diamond and the cost of the ring will be the furthest things from her mind when she finds you on one knee proposing to her.  Any ring is far more spectacular than no ring at all when you are sure that the women standing in front of you is your soul mate.   Don’t let the cost of a ring deter your from making both of your dreams come true.

Finding something that fits her style, personality and lifestyle are far more important characteristics to purchasing a ring than making sure you have spent an entire month or two of wages on it.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

Finding An Affordable Engagement Ring

Are you ready to pop the question to your girlfriend? Do you envision what she will look like and the surprise upon her face when you start to get down on one knee?  How about the look she will have when she sees the beautiful engagement ring you have chosen?  Do you worry at all?  Choosing an engagement ring that your bride to be will love is something that you will only get one chance at.  Since it is a once in a lifetime event your experience level is subpar.  Below you will find tips to ensure she loves the ring as much as her husband to be.

First things first, throw the rule out that says you must spend at least two month’s salary on an engagement ring.  Any girl that is ready to marry you will not care in the least how much the ring cost let alone go through great lengths in determining how much you are in debt with the ring alone.  A better rule to follow is how much cash do you have in hand or can the ring be paid for in full within a year.  Don’t go into debt to purchase a ring that is way above your means.  The women you are about to propose to is way more concerned with becoming your wife now and forever to worry about a debt from her engagement ring.

More importantly take note of your girlfriend’s style.  Is she modern, practical, old fashion, sentimental, extravagant or outgoing?  Her style should matter above anything else.  If your bride to be is an old vintage sole a flashy, large, abundant ring will overwhelm her and perhaps make her uncomfortable.

Practical girls enjoy a single stone with flush settings; rings like this don’t get in the way with everyday activities.  Reserved women tend to choose channel settings with a few smaller stones creating the statement in the middle of the ring.  If your wife to be is more extravagant look into options involving invisible settings with a large middle stone and several small surrounding stones.  Outgoing girls tend to love classic diamond solitaire engagement rings.  If you are unclear check out jewelry that she tends to wear on an everyday basis.  This will help you decide the best option in engagement ring options for her.

Local small town jewelers and online jewelers are great sources when it comes to finding something reasonable in price as well online jewelers.  Looking online at a variety of jewelry options is also a great way to look into different options that are available for purchase when it comes to engagement rings.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

Cleaning Precious Stones In Jewelry

There are a billion home methods to cleaning jewelry online but how do you know if the method is safe for the metal that it will be safe for the stone set within.  Most metal methods of cleaning; when it comes to jewelry do not take into consideration the precious stones within.  As with different methods that best suit each type of metal found within jewelry there are best methods of cleaning precious and semi-precious stones as well.

Gemstones

When you are cleaning gemstones never soak them in water especially when the stones are set in using glue. The water will loosen the glue and cause the gemstones to be come loose and fall out.  The best way to clean gemstone jewelry is using a soft, damn cloth that has been soaked in a mixture of warm water and soap, wring out the cloth and wipe the piece down thoroughly.  After this process has been completed you will want to hang the piece; this will help ensure that the water does not stay between the glue and the stone.

Pearls that are dirty to the naked eye should be washed using a solution of one teaspoon of Woolite diluted with a quart of warm water.  The piece should only be soaked in the solution for about ten to fifteen seconds.  After this has been done the pearl should be wiped with a soft cotton cloth and laid flat to dry.  After the pearl is clean and dried it should be stored in a cotton bag.  Never store pearls in plastic or with any other types of jewelry.  Pearls should be stored alone and not allowed to rub against other pieces or one another.  Where pearls regularly as your natural oils will help keep the luster of pearls.  Dry cotton cloths can be rubbed over the pieces before they are worn to bring out their shine.

An old wise tale with diamond jewelry is that the luster is brought out using a mixture of warm water and toothpaste.  This is not a method I recommend.  Diamond jewelry and its sheen come out better using warm soapy water and a soft bristled brush.  Brush the diamonds with the soft bristled brush under the mixture of soap and water.  Rinse the piece with warm water and allow it to air dry.

Turquoise is cleaned using warm soapy water.  Never submerge turquoise as the material is incredibly porous and will allow the water to seep in.  This will eventually cause discoloration.  You should avoid all types of commercial cleansers as they are overly harsh for turquoise.  The same is true for pearls. Commercial cleansers tend to be overly harsh for semi-precious stones and precious stones alike.

Cleaning your stones is as important as cleaning the metals that house the piece.  Be it gold, white gold, silver, platinum or titanium the metal is as important as the stone set inside.  Be sure to clean each of your pieces of jewelry taking into consideration both the stone and the metal.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

 

Cleaning Gold Jewelry

Jewelry made out of gold does not tarnish like silver tends to however it does dull out with the accumulation of filth that builds up over time. The good news is that it is easy to restore the luster and shine gold is known for. Gold it the easiest material jewelry is made from to bring back its gleam with ordinary things that can be found around the home.

The first method is cleaning gold jewelry using dish soap.  Fill a small bowl with warm water, seltzer water or club soda and a few drops of liquid dish soap.  The carbonation of the seltzer water or club soda is better for loosening thick grime and build-ups.  Note that the liquid should be warm but not boiling.  Boiling water would be hard on fragile precious stones and may cause them to crack.  Soak the pieces in the solution for fifteen to twenty minutes.  It will soak into all the crevices within the jewelry loosening up the dirt.  After soaking, gently scrub the pieces with a child size toothbrush.  Rinse with the piece with warm water and blot the pieces of jewelry dry and leave them out to thoroughly dry in a safe spot.

Another method that works well to clean gold jewelry is using ammonia.  This is a more powerful cleanser and is best to be used only for deep cleaning.  This is not the method that should be used for weekly cleanings on your gold jewelry.  When using ammonia mix one part ammonia to six parts water.  This will ensure that the mixture will not be overly powerful.  The pieces should soak for no more than one minute as ammonia tends to be corrosive.  Remove the pieces carefully using a strainer and rinse with warm water.  Dry the pieces off with a soft polishing cloth and allow to thoroughly dry off in a safe spot.

If your gold jewelry includes gemstones that are glued in you will want to clean them using the next technique.  Gemstones that are glued in should never be soaked in water.  The water will loosen the glue and the gemstones will be compromised. Wipe gold gemstone jewelry with a soapy wet cloth and gently scrub the pieces. Rinse the pieces using a wet cloth and plain water.  Places the pieces on a soft cloth or hang them upside to ensure a thoroughly dried.  If the piece is not dried appropriately the water could lead to lost gemstones.

Another method that brings out the shine in gold jewelry is a mixture of toothpaste and water.  Take a small amount of toothpaste into the palm of your hand and mix in some water making a paste.  This can also be done in a small bowl.  Using an old toothbrush, take the mixture and scrub the piece of gold jewelry. Rinse with warm water and let the piece dry.  This is a quick method to remove grime and bring out the shine in gold jewelry and precious stones.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.