Author: edie@davidcraigjewelers.com
Think about taking your time when buying jewelry, trying not to purchase every new trend that comes along, metals, that wont last or pieces that are really too big or too small for your individual look. Better to find a few staple pieces you can wear today and always! Here are some tips on how to be smart dealing with or buying new jewelry!
#1 Create an Inventory
Take photos of all your jewelry. Record identifying information about you valuable pieces. Make sure you can easily put your hand on appraisals or receipts.
#2 Get Appraisals
And speaking of appraisals… a 10 year old appraisal may not reflect the current (and higher!) market value of your favorite necklace, ring, or watch. Let David Craig Jewelers help you protect the value of your investments with an up to date appraisal that proves ownership, provides a replacement estimate and identifies exact value for charitable contribution. We can also offer insurance tips if you haven’t already insured your favorite pieces.
#3 Shop Sustainable
Adding to your collection? Why not consider vintage, antique, or estate jewelry? These preciously loved pieces look like new, have been carefully tended and should last for decades to come.
#4 Take Care of your Jewelry
When preparing your inventory, take some extra time to check clasps and prongs of your lovely pieces. Better yet, bring your jewelry in for us to examine it for you. We offer complimentary cleaning and inspection. And don’t forget to store fine jewelry in separate pouches to prevent scratches.
#5 Treat Yourself
Invest in classic, everyday jewelry like a stunning diamond necklace, diamond stud earrings, or gold hoop earrings. Fine jewelry in precious metals goes with everything and can accompany every look. While visiting David Craig Jewelers, don’t forget to check out our Silver Sandbox of sterling silver hoops, rings and more at great prices.
This month the spotlight is on Amethyst. Now Amethyst has a tale on how the beautiful stone earned its name. Bacchus, the god of wine and conviviality, was angry because some people had fought against him and swore revenge. He announced that the first mortal to come across his path would be eaten by tigers. Just at that moment, along came Amethyst, on her way to worship at the shrine of the goddess Diana. Diana saw what was happening and transformed Amethyst into stone to rescue her from a violent death. When Bacchus saw the miracle, he repented and poured wine over the stone, staining it purple thus creating the gemstone we know today as Amethyst.
The word Amethyst comes from the word amethutos meaning remedy of drunkeness, the Greek believed whoever wore the gemstone would be protected against the intoxicating effect of wine also that it would keep husbands faithful. Whether the Greek have the key to sobriety is still up to question. Renaissance Europeans thought it had the power to calm lovers overcome with passion. It was known that the wearer of Amethyst would become clear headed and quick witted in battle and business affairs. To many people, it represented personal empowerment and inner strength.
Every stone has their own little story, this month was Amethyst. Come take a look next month for the history and lore of Aquamarine.
For centuries men and women have worn pinky rings. Today people wear pinky rings for a few different reasons. Besides just style reasons, they can symbolize personal achievements, wealth and status, or simply loyalty to your family. Wearing a ring on that little finger no matter the size, was and still is like wearing power and confidence.
Pinky rings go back all the way to the Victorian Era. People started taking cues from Queen Victoria’s sons where they would stack a family crest signet ring and their wedding ring on their left pinky, the tradition has carried on with King Charles except his signet pinky ring has the symbol of the Prince of Wales engraved on it. In the 50’s and 60’s pinky rings were used to symbolize the gay community. This way they didn’t have to verbalize their coming out, they could just wear this ring to show their preferences. Some only know pinky rings to be associated with movies like GoodFellas, The Irishman, or The Godfather. In those movies a pinky ring is given to show that you’re in the family or like Joe Pesci says “the circle of trust”.
Some people say you must earn your pinky ring, you can’t just throw one on. You must have lived a life of struggle, perseverance, resilience, and hard work and you must like bourbon (very important detail).
Luckily now you can wear whatever you want for no reason at all. Pinky rings can come in a bunch of different styles. While most are some form of a signet ring, many have just a singular stone, or maybe even diamonds, but don’t let that keep you from stopping by DCJ to custom design your very own. You can do initials, a family crest, plain white or yellow gold, you can make yours very flashy or very subtle. Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll be more than satisfied with your little piece of confidence from David Craig Jewelers.