Jeff Pesature (30) and Alex Johnson (26) are both from Yardley, PA. But cupid shot his arrow a bit further south, in Alexandria, Virginia, when Jeff, doing an apprenticeship program with the Washington D.C. Plumbers Union, met Alex, who was working a rotational marketing program for a pharmaceutical firm. The two were introduced by Alex’s cousin, who is a friend of Jeff’s younger sister, Kelsey.

The Engagement
Fast forward to 2018. Jeff and Alex had, by this time, discussed marriage, but in general terms. The immediate goal, Alex thought, was for Jeff to finish his education. Jeff had other plans. He knew that an heirloom necklace from Alex’s grandmother contained a diamond that Alex ultimately hoped to see repurposed into an engagement ring one day.

“My brother-in-law had purchased Kelsey’s ring at David Craig Jewelers and highly recommend them, so I knew where I wanted to go,” says Jeff. “I was home for the weekend and secretly asked Alex’s mom and sister to meet me at David Craig Jewelers with the diamond,” explains Jeff. “I was really nervous but everybody at the shop made me feel totally at home.”

“We’re always honored to be entrusted with our clients precious jewelry heirlooms,” says Paul Cohen, a GIA graduate gemologist at David Craig Jewelers. “It’s wonderful to be able to give these special pieces new life for yet another generation.”

Past, Present and Future
Jeff asked for Alex’s hand in marriage on December 22^nd . He presented Alex with a new engagement ring which David Craig Jewelers had created, consisting of the heirloom diamond in the center (representing the past), framed by quarter-carat diamonds on either side (representing the present and future).

Jeff and Alex were later joined at one of their favorite Philadelphia restaurants, Brigantessa, by a large gathering invited from both sides of the family. The couple plan to get married at another big family celebration this year on New Year’s Eve, at Feasterville’s Buck Hotel. They will settle in Pennsylvania where Alex now works.

“We’ll be purchasing our bands at David Craig Jewelers and, for that matter, any jewelry we want to buy in the future,” sums up Jeff. “It’s the only place I would shop after such a wonderful experience.”

Tim Christman (29) and Kristin Teschner (28) both attended Bensalem High School but didn’t start dating until after they graduated. Sparks flew and…

The Proposal
Tim proposed June 18^th 2016, at the Teschner’s annual summer backyard party. The BBQ involves a Christmas theme. Invitees included all of Kristin’s extended family and a load of friends. There were even the annual gag Pollyanna gifts. After opening the presents Tim surprised Kristin with another gift —asking for her hand in marriage in front of the gathering.

The Ring Dilemma
Tim had not purchased Kristin’s engagement ring at David Craig Jewelers. She adored it, but when it came time to fit a band to her engagement ring, discovered the two rings wouldn’t lay flush. She felt terrible pointing out the “flaw” to Tim but eventually explained the dilemma.

“We went back to the original retailer and he said he’d have to change the setting to have both rings lay flush, or he’d need to specially contour a wedding band to fit, which would mean I wouldn’t be able to wear the band alone,” recalls Kristin.

That dialogue should have taken place when the retailer sold Tim the ring, and it hadn’t.

“The salesperson wanted me to consider a new mounting. I didn’t want to change anything about that engagement ring—after all, it was the one with which Tim proposed to me,” says Kristin.

David Craig Jewelers Saves the Day
After visiting a few jewelry stores and being told basically the same story, the couple discovered David Craig Jewelers.

“We came across them when looking for different options,” says Kristin. “And sure enough, as soon as we walked in I felt totally at home with the people and even the dogs (owner David Craig Rotenberg and his wife, Debbi, raise Portuguese Water Dogs who frequently visit the store). Everyone was just super friendly, relaxed and helpful.”

“Kristin was obviously really concerned about the issue,” recalls Paul Cohen, one of the gemology experts at David Craig Jewelers. “The engagement ring has a halo of small diamonds set in a circle around the center stone. The understructure was built in such a fashion that the wedding band hit against it and wouldn’t sit flush. The jeweler who sold them the ring should have explained this, that Kristin might not be able to wear a basic band with the engagement ring.”

Paul didn’t feel that the task was insurmountable whatsoever. He was able to restructure the halo to allow the ring to “marry” perfectly with a regular wedding band.

“We reconfigured the existing ring without really changing the halo effect, which cost less than a new mounting, but most of all preserved the sentiment,” explains Paul.

Kristin was thrilled. The couple went on to also purchase Tim’s band at David Craig Jewelers.

“I was nervous leaving my diamond ring with what really were initially total strangers, but everyone immediately made me feel so comfortable that I had no doubt this was a very honest establishment,” says Kristin. “They accomplished what so many other jewelers said couldn’t be accomplished.”

The Wedding
The couple were married September 29, 2018 – a “typical fairytale wedding” that included a reception at Celebrations in Bensalem and a honeymoon in St. Lucia.

“We’ve already decided we’ll be returning to David Craig Jewelers to purchase another ring for my other hand for our first anniversary,” remarks Kristin.

To Be Continued…
Kristin is so enthralled by David Craig Jewelers that she convinced her brother to shop at the store for an engagement ring for his fiancé. Perhaps we will have another Teschner story to add to this blog next year!

“I would recommend David Craig Jewelers to anyone,” says Kristin. “Julie and Paul, the ones who I initially met, made what could have been a very stressful experience a very pleasant one.”

Looking to turn your jewelry vision into a one-of-a-kind creation? We can help!

At David Craig Jewelers, we design custom engagement rings, bands and all kinds of jewelry in a variety of gemstones and shapes, starting from scratch or by converting cherished heirloom pieces into fresh, new styles.

Owner David Craig Rotenberg is a certified gemologist who additionally operates an in-house, full accredited, American Gem Society lab right here at our store at Summit Square Shopping Center, in Langhorne (Newtown), PA. When we combine our state-of-the-art technology with David’s creative genius, anything is possible!

Most individuals come in with some kind of sketch of preconceived idea.

We then can sketch out our version of the concept, offer alternate suggestions we think might work, and maybe pull out other aspects from other designs that we think might add to the design.

The idea at this stage is to get a feel for what you like and what you don’t like.

The Process

Depending on the complexity of the concept, our resources include computer-aided design (CAD) to cast an exact finding or help you visualize a particularly intricate portion of the design.  We might also create a wax molding to show you for approval before the real creation begins. There is no cookie-cutter format—every custom piece we create is totally original.

The End Result

Finally, we cast our original design to your requirements, set the gemstones, and dazzle you with the exquisite piece you’ve always imagined. Our goal is to provide you with a piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime.

Why not begin the new year by creating a custom ring for yourself or a loved one? Or how about a custom bracelet, necklace, pendant, or pair of earrings? Call us today and make an appointment for a free consultation.

We can’t wait to put our heads together to come up with a fabulously unique design!

Fritzi James, 23, was born and raised here in Bucks County. Today, she’s setting her sights across the pond to the United Kingdom where fiancé Dan Coley,25, currently resides.

A former George School student and a Washington University in St. Louis graduate, Fritzi was introduced to Dan, of Bristol, England, by a mutual friend in 2014. At the time, Fritzi was on vacation in South Wales where Dan was attending the University of South Wales. Months of subsequent skyping turned into years of month-long visits to respective countries. The age-old adage that says that absence makes the heart grow fonder was once again proven true when Dan, during a trip to see Fritzi here in Pennsylvania last month, proposed.

Not a Diamond Kind of Girl

Fritzi had shopped for various pieces of jewelry at David Craig Jewelers in the past. The Langhorne and Newtown area jeweler was therefore at the top of her list of places to visit to shop for an engagement ring.

“For comparison’s sake, we talked to a few other jewelers,” notes Fritzi. “But none of them seemed really comfortable with the idea of creating a ring with a star sapphire in the center, which is what I wanted.”

Fritzi, never a big fan of diamonds, had her heart set on sapphires which, she knew, were the second hardest gemstones (after diamonds) and therefore could be elegant while also durable. She had even created a picture online to help illustrate her concept. Other jewelers, she relates, seemed either flummoxed or tried to steer her to ‘original’ templates, while David “was totally confident he could create the unique look we sought.”

A Star is Born

Sapphires come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, green, colorless/white and black. Star sapphires, like the one Fritzi and Dan ultimately selected to serve as the anchor stone for their original engagement ring, are a rarer variety of sapphire that display a six-rayed star effect or “asterism” across the stone’s surface when the stone is rotated at different angles.

“You can tell David is not only interested but also eager to get involved in custom-design projects,” says Fritzi.

David Craig Jewelers kept Fritzi and Dan abreast of every stage of the design process, inviting them in to see how the ring was progressing. The final creation is truly one-of-a-kind — a lovely 14k white-gold ring with an oval, black star sapphire surrounded by pear-shaped white sapphires.

“The ring is so elegant and it has tons of character,” says an obviously delighted Fritzi.

Fritzi is currently employed as a freelance writer in Bucks County while Dan works for the BBC in England as a video editor. The couple, who eventually plan to reside together in the U.S., haven’t yet set a date. Based on the attention to detail this couple exhibited while helping create their star of a ring, we’re sure their wedding will be something truly unique!

Jessica (Volz) Boerstler, 25, is originally from East Quogue, NY. She met her husband William, 29, a native of Denver, PA, when the two were students at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Today, the couple live in Easton where Jessica works as a kitchen and bath designer at Stofanak Custom Cabinetry, and William is employed by the City of Bethlehem.

The Sisters

Jessica, the first of the three daughters of Stephanie and Gerard Volz to get married, is extremely close to her family.

“We may live hours apart now, but we speak nearly every day,” says Jessica. “When something happens to one of us, we all know it soon!”

Jessica, along with sisters Amanda and Lauren, came up with a novel idea. When one of them got married, the sisters would go shopping for a beautiful band they would each purchase and then all wear on their right hands. The new bands would serve to commemorate not only the wedding but also the close bond they share.

Two Weddings for One Couple

In January 2016 Jessica and William were married in a small courthouse ceremony in Bethlehem right before William, as part of his service to the Army National Guard, was deployed. The couple were married again last month in Easton with a big ceremony and reception surrounded by “the people we love most,” in what Jessica fondly has labeled “I Do, Part II.”

The Rings

The sisters searched for about a year for the perfect bands. When Jessica went for a gown fitting at La Belle Mariée, a luxury bridal boutique which just happens to be located a few shops away from David Craig Jewelers, she decided to see if the jewelry store might be able to accommodate their needs.

David Craig sales person, Julie DiRuggiero, showed Jessica and her family entourage a band that, according to Jessica, “was just what we were looking for.” Mom Stephanie was so excited she also decided to order one for herself. The bands are made of 14k white gold, with seven horizontally placed migrain-edged marquis-shaped settings, each setting holding two brilliant- cut diamonds of exceptional brilliance.

“My sisters and I wanted our bands to signify that no matter how far apart we are or how long we go without seeing each other, we’ll always be together, we’ll always have each other and nothing will ever come between us,” says Jessica.

The Jewelry Experience

“Julie at David Craig Jewelers took such great care of us,” recalls Jessica. “It was a custom order because we were ordering four rings. We were worried we wouldn’t have them before my wedding but Julie was on the phone almost every day tracking these rings down for us. She was just amazing and made it all happen!”

Two Volz sisters have yet to marry, which means there will be two more bands to complete the sister band bond. And where will they purchase them?

Says Julie: “It will definitely be worth a trip back to David Craig Jewelers for the next wedding!”

Remember the famous “Bend and Snap” scene from Legally Blonde where Paulette falls for the UPS guy? Life imitated art in June 2015 when hair stylist Shannon McIntyre, originally from Langhorne and proprietor of Pennington, New Jersey’s Pixie Salon, met veteran UPS deliveryman George Sigle.

Shannon’s mom, Cheryl, met George first, four months before Shannon. George had delivered a parcel to the new salon that Shannon had recently purchased. George chatted with Cheryl who he assumed was the owner. Cheryl explained she was merely helping set up the salon for her daughter, Shannon, who was still employed in Newtown, Pennsylvania and had only recently signed a lease for the NJ establishment.

Cheryl called Shannon immediately after George left, telling Shannon she “just had to meet” this “nice and cute” guy. Shannon’s initial response: “OMG – this is SO pathetic – this is what my life has come to—my mom is trying to set me up with the UPS man!”

But mom’s intuition was right on. While Shannon was often busy with clients when George came in with deliveries, the two felt a connection and would chat amicably as time allowed. As Shannon remembers telling her mom the first time she laid eyes on George, “You’re right – he’s cute, nice and super friendly!”

Finally, in September 2016, Shannon and George went out together. The date turned into a nine-hour marathon of bike riding, dining and getting to know each other.

“I drove away that night thinking about my day and realized just how awesome it had been spending time with Shannon,” recalls George.

The couple got engaged December 2017 and were recently married on July 28^th 2018 at St. Andrew’s Church in Newtown with a reception at Rose Bank Winery.

The Ring

George adored his grandmother, a lively, maternal fixture in his life who lived two doors down from the home of his youth in Lancaster County. George had inherited her engagement ring.

“She was so easy to talk to and a great friend,” remembers George.

When it was clear the couple would get married, Shannon’s aunt, Karyn McCready, asked George if he would like to have Shannon’s great grandmother’s wedding band that Karen had inherited and was willing to part with. The idea of “marrying” the two families of rings together sounded wonderful, but the visual just wasn’t right. That’s where David Craig Jewelers came in.

David Craig Jewelers Saves the Day

“This was a complex undertaking,” explains David Craig Rotenberg. “With only weeks to go before the wedding, we needed to figure out how to transform George’s grandmother’s wedding ring, which was rather worn, and restore it to a new condition. And somehow we had to make it work with Shannon’s great grandmother’s wedding band.”

David Craig Jewelers decided to create a third element, an additional band that would fill in spaces in order to make the engagement ring flow better with the wedding band. All rings can now be worn separately, but, when combined, not only honor two families but connect the past with the future for Shannon and George.

“David and his staff are so professional, and they have any eye for jewelry unlike anywhere I’ve ever been,” says George. “They make you feel special, like a true friend, and have great suggestions.”

The couple honeymooned in Bermuda and now live in Holland, PA.

P.S. –Want to have a good chuckle? See UPS superhero George save Christmas in this adorable video filmed for Pennington gift shop The Front Porch.  

Matthew and Laurie Myers were thrilled with their David Craig Jeweler (DCJ) experience in 2015 —an engagement ring and band for Laurie and a matching wedding band for Matthew. The couple had also purchased DCJ wedding gifts for each other—a bracelet for Laurie and a watch for Matthew. Fast forward two years to their second anniversary and it was time for another special gift.

The couple attended one of David’s intimate gemstone roundtables where a small group of individuals is invited for an educational jewelry experience. This particular session was run by Paul Cohen, store manager and, like David, a certified gemologist.

Laurie lovingly examined a gorgeous aquamarine gemstone with an unusual cats-eye feature* (read below for more details!)

“I didn’t know what we could do with this stone, but I immediately loved it,” recalls Laurie. “There was something very special about a cat’s eye effect in what was actually my birthstone (aquamarine).”

Matthew made the decision to buy the stone and asked DCJ to come up with some design ideas. Adding sapphires—Matthew’s birthstone— around the aquamarine was the perfect touch.

“It’s simply stunning, especially given all of the extra effort that went into the design and creation of this ring,” says Laurie.

The anniversary ring was completed in time for the couple’s special celebration trip to Seattle and Vancouver last month.

“It was perfect,” recalls Laurie. “I was able to wear my beautiful gift to a
couple of special anniversary dinners and everybody who saw it, even one
waitress, admired it. It’s a showstopper!”

If you’re interested in learning more about gemstones by attending one of David Craig Jeweler’s roundtable events, call us for more information: 215-
968-8900.

*According to DCJ’s store manager and gemologist appraiser, Paul Cohen, an aquamarine with a cats-eye phenomenon is unusual. He explains that “chatoyancy,” the proper term for the optical cats-eye effect, occurs in a number of gemstones, but most commonly in moonstone which was a favorite gemstone choice in the jewelry design of Louis Comfort Tiffany in the early 1900s. Mr. Tiffany would frequently incorporate American- sourced blue sapphires into his designs with the moonstones. The cats-eye aquamarine stone chosen by Laurie and Matthew resembles a blue sheen cats-eye moonstone. With Matt's birthstone a sapphire (blue), it seemed natural to design Laurie’s ring to reflect design styles of that period and Tiffany’s influence.

The ring incorporates filigree elements accented with milgrain (decorative) work all executed in platinum – a theme greatly favored in the early 1900s. With the cats-eye aqua gemstone, the blue sapphires, all set in platinum along with the filigree/milgrain detail, this ring design would fit right in during the early 1900 period.

Kevin Mealey, 29, of Bensalem, is a cardiovascular perfusionist, a specially trained medical professional who operates the critical heart-lung machine that keeps a patient’s blood circulating during thoracic surgery. When he met Cassandra Enginger, 23, at LA Fitness in Neshaminy, Kevin’s heart skipped a beat or two—from attraction, not a medical emergency!

“We had an instant connection and soon discovered how our morals and viewpoints really meshed,” says Kevin.

Cassandra, 23, from Washington Crossing, a personal trainer currently also going to school for a real estate license, obviously felt the same way. Only four months later the couple were engaged.

The Ring

Kevin and Cassandra had talked about styles and both knew they wanted something “different.” And Kevin wanted a local, trustworthy jeweler, somebody he could return to periodically to check the integrity of the ring, to ask questions, and to shop for other jewelry. David Craig Jewelers perfectly fit the bill.

“David was great to work with – I never felt rushed or pressured —I’m definitely a life-long customer!”

The custom-made ring is “of the finest quality” according to David Craig Rotenberg, owner of David Craig Jewelers. David was able to take Kevin’s ideas into consideration to create a custom, platinum ring, flanked with diamonds on the shank and prongs. It’s set with a beautiful, round Forevermark diamond.

As Kevin kindly posted on an online review, “I don’t have enough great things to say about David Craig Jewelers. Everyone that helped me find the perfect ring for my fiancé made me feel like family from the moment I walked through the door.”

The Proposal

Kevin proposed July 8th during his family’s vacation to the beautiful Outer Banks barrier islands of North Carolina. He managed to convince Cassandra to join him on the beach before dinner. His mother and sisters immediately began decorating the home rental. His dad, not so coincidentally, just “happened” to be strolling along the beach —ready to take photos. During a break in a very windy period Kevin asked Cassandra to marry him. A date has not been set yet as the couple searches for the perfect venue. We wish Kevin and Cassandra much joy and happiness – from the bottom of our hearts!

U.S. Air Force Captain Devin White flies KC 10 Extender planes. They’re the big tanker aircrafts that the military uses for air-to-air refueling. He met another “KC” in 2016 —Kristen Cautilli. The writing was on the wall (or in this case the sky!).

Since Devin was deployed in the Middle East at the time, the two didn’t get to meet until Christmas Eve, 2016. And, exactly one year later, on Christmas Eve, 2017, he proposed.

Kristen, from Holland, PA, is currently a Physician Assistant at Penn Medicine’s Princeton Health. Devin, originally from Houston, Texas, is based out of South Jersey’s McGuire Air Force Base.

The Ring

After some suggestions from Kristen, who had visited David Craig Jewelers with her mom while Devin was deployed on another mission, Devin purchased a round 1.21 carat Forevermark diamond for the proposal.

“I’ve gotten so many compliments,” says Kristen. “It’s so beautiful!”

The diamond is set in a 14k white gold, four-prong solitaire mounting. Kristen was thrilled with the choice and loves that her stone is responsibly sourced and also registered with a serial number. (Note: Every Forevermark diamond is hand-picked to be part of the collection. In fact, less than one percent of the world’s diamonds are eligible to be called “Forevermark.”) “Lots of people might shop at Jeweler’s Row or the big chains, but I’m more about quality than quantity,” explains Kristen, who had also visited a few other stores with Devin and thought some of the rings they were seeing seemed overpriced.

“I’m more of a boutique shopper—I want to be able to have full confidence and trust in someone, and I immediately felt that way about the staff at David Craig Jewelers and David, who also offered advice,” says Kristen. “Also, it’s great because any sizing issues can be easily fixed.”

The future Captain and Mrs. White are planning a February 2019 wedding in Collegeville, Pennsylvania.

Check out the July edition of The Retail Jeweler for a feature on our fearless leader David Craig Rotenberg!

In the print and online publication, said to “reach the largest number of professional jewelers of any of the leading trade magazines,” David is interviewed on the art of gemstone carving. The article discusses how he draws from his in-depth experience and education for the complex task of gem-carving appraisal.

In addition to offering a lovely selection of jewelry at David Craig Jewelers, David is a leading jewelry appraiser and recognized authority on the appraisal of gem carvings. He most frequently lectured on the subject to a captive audience in Arizona at the annual American Gem Trade Association’s (AGTA) Gemfair™. The AGTA is considered the authoritative source on natural colored gemstones.

Also known as glyptic art, gem carving is a very specialized artform. Appraisal of gem carvings requires in-depth knowledge of not only the material used, but the workmanship and the degree of artistry. While the process of gem carving hasn’t changed much over the years, modern tools allow for faster creation.

“Despite new technology, in most cases the labor involved in carving gemstones will be greater than the value of the gem material itself,” says David.

Interesting in reading more? Check out the article here.

Are you or your partner in love with great-grandmother’s sapphire ring but the setting is just not right?

Did you inherit a beautiful, but outdated, diamond brooch from a relative? Heirloom jewelry re-purposed for today’s use is a wonderful way of honoring previous generations while creating new traditions for the future.

Oftentimes, the present generation might love the idea of utilizing heirloom jewelry, but be turned off by the object’s style or setting. The reality is that you don’t have to live with the piece “as is” if you love part of the piece and the history it represents. A qualified jeweler like David Craig Rotenberg can provide a new setting and even add other stones if you like.

More ideas:

• A diamond in a delicate, antique setting can be set in more modern, sturdier setting for a more stylish appeal. We can help you reimagine a new design to create a unique look that tells your personal story.

• We may be able to take metal from a band that’s no longer sturdy and use it to create a unique new band.

•  Stones can often be re-cut and re-shaped at David Craig Jewelers. David operates an American Gem Society-certified (AGS) laboratory right here at our location in the Langhorne, Newtown, PA area.

• If you want to keep an inherited piece “as is,” we can help. Bring the item in for a good cleaning and have it checked to make sure there aren’t loose stones or flaws in a setting that could cause problems down the road.

• If the item you’ve inherited has no sentimental value, consider trading it in toward something else.

• Celebrate a special anniversary by redesigning your wedding ring to add a family member’s stone to the setting.

• Turn a previous generation’s engagement ring into a right-hand “I’m worth it” ring to honor the past with a fashionable, fun new piece for yourself.

Linking the Past with the Present

Re-using cherished jewelry is a wonderful means of breathing new life into an older piece. It’s also great for the environment! Even precious jewels in fancy brooches or necklaces (that aren’t quite “you”) can be repurposed into new rings, necklaces, bracelets or earrings.

We’ll work closely with you to try to map out your idea and add our own suggestions if you like. By re-designing and “recycling” you’re still able to carry your family story into the next generation while adding your own special spin to the tale.

Adam McGrath and Patrice Fanning grew up about 28 miles from each other, Adam in Lansdale and Patrice in Washington Crossing. Turns out that their parents actually grew up much closer, in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia, attending the same schools a few years apart. But Adam and Patrice, our May David Craig Jewelers featured couple, didn’t meet until November 2015 when, as Adam eloquently puts it, “we both swiped right” –

Figuratively AND literally in this case!

“I knew she was someone special right away,” muses Adam. “She’s smart, funny, caring, beautiful and we got along so well.”

The couple live in Francisville, a section of North Philadelphia. He works in marketing at Germantown Academy in Ft. Washington while Patrice is an analyst at the Project Management Institute in Newtown Square.

Adam enlisted the help of Patrice’s best friend, Michelle, to help him select the perfect engagement ring with which to propose.

“Michelle’s family had purchased some great jewelry from David Craig Jewelers and highly recommended the store,” says Adam. “Michelle even accompanied me to David Craig Jewelers to help, although it was a pretty easy decision since I knew Patrice would appreciate something timeless and classic.”

The engagement ring is 18K gold with a platinum four-prong headset supporting a lovely one-carat, brilliant-cut diamond. (Check out all our engagement rings here.)

“David and Kathy (one of David’s many knowledgeable assistants) provided great guidance during the process and helped me create a beautiful symbol for our relationship,” says Adam.

A Romantic Proposal

Adam only had the diamond ring in his possession for three days when he proposed to Patrice on February 24^th, 2018. While Patrice was getting ready to go out to dinner, Adam set up their living room for the proposal, making sure her adorable white Havanese, Hank, would be part of the action. Adam added flowers and wine and even put on the song “Let’s be Still” by one of the couple’s favorite bands, The Head and the Heart.

“At different times, one of us is the head, and the other the heart, so the name of the band helps define us.”

A wedding is planned for this coming December in Philadelphia. We wish them all the best!

As a National Guard recruiter for Bucks County, Nick Brinckman is used to enlisting recruits with heartfelt persuasion and, of course, simple facts. But it obviously didn’t take any persuading at all to convince Lauren Steele to agree to marry him. And the simple fact was that he loved Lauren and knew she felt the same about him.

Nick, a self-titled “military brat” who attended Council Rock High School with Lauren, moved to Florida junior year and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral, Florida before joining the army. Lauren graduated from Council Rock and went off to college. Fifteen years went by.

Fast forward to 2016. Two divorces and five children later (three for him, two for her) the two met up again in Bucks County thanks to mutual friends. This was something special. Nick knew he wanted to marry Lauren, but also recognized that blending two established families could be challenging. He sought approval individually from all five children. “They all thought that asking Lauren to marry me was a great idea,” Nick recalls. Nick also spoke to Lauren’s mother, sister and even visited Lauren’s deceased father’s gravesite to express his intentions.

The Ring

Nick took Lauren into David Craig Jewelers to have her finger sized for what she assumed might be a holiday gift.

“I wanted a local jeweler, someone who had a great reputation and loads of experience,” said Nick. “David was really friendly, as were his staff.”

Nick returned to the store weeks later and, with David’s help, picked out a beautiful one-carat round diamond. The stone would sit in a cushioned cut bezel setting in 14K white gold, all designed by David.

“David is just an extremely nice guy and was willing to answer any of my questions and offer advice without being forceful,” said Nick.

Nick thought Christmas vacation holiday 2017 would be a great time to propose when he, Lauren and their children would be together at Camelback mountain. On December 29th, under the stars, with the warmth of a fire to help illuminate the sparkle in Lauren’s eyes (and the beautiful diamond he pulled from a gift box!), Nick asked Lauren to be his wife. Lauren, a NICU nurse at Abington, enthusiastically said yes, or to be exact, “Yes, a thousand times yes!”

A wedding date has not been set. We send our best wishes to this great couple and their children.

According to Forbes magazine, the coveted gold medals being handed out at this month’s PyeongChang Winter Olympics only contain about 6 grams of 24-karat gold. The rest of that medal weight comes from sterling silver, with the medal’s overall value worth about $570 in today’s market. But the awards going to these elite athletes aren’t the only gold objects that aren’t “pure,” and for very good reasons that don’t necessarily include price considerations.

Your Precious Metal Mix

“Pure” gold is 24K or “karats,” a purity measurement that shouldn’t be confused with the “carat” in a diamond which actually refers to the weight of the stone. That 24K ring, at a degree of purity of 99.95+%, might sound prestigious. But the reality is that rings made of pure gold will bend and scratch much more easily because pure gold is a softer metal.

Most wedding bands and engagement rings are probably 14k (58.3% gold) or 18K (75% gold) which means that the gold is mixed with other precious metals to add strength. These rings contain a bit less than 60% gold in order to hold up better with less signs of wear. They’re a perfect compromise for appearance, price and durability.

Gold-plated jewelry means a thin layer of gold is applied (bonded) on top of a base metal such as copper. Gold-plated jewelry will show wear and tear since, over time, the thin outer layer of gold fades and tarnishes. Gold-Filled is a name that’s a bit misleading since the “fill” or core is actually brass, copper or occasionally silver. A thicker gold layer (at least 5% to be considered “gold-filled”) assures longevity of up to 30 years.

A Rainbow of Colors

Yellow Gold is combined with alloys like copper and zinc to add strength. White gold is often combine with palladium, nickel (the nickel makes it harder; palladium is a softer metal) or silver and then covered (plated) with rhodium which gives it the whiter color. Both yellow and white gold can be good for long-term and constant wear.

Silver looks like white gold, and, while less expensive, is a softer precious metal and may tarnish over the years. That’s why “white” wedding rings, which are usually worn daily, are made of white gold or platinum (a rarer metal that’s even more expensive than white gold) instead of silver. “Rose” gold contains copper – the more copper added the stronger the “red” look of the gold.

We could go on and on. If you’re interested in finding your perfect piece of gold jewelry, come on in and speak to the experts at David Craig Jewelers. There’s David himself— he’s got a HEART OF GOLD— and a whole team of certified consultants —they’re also veritable GOLD MINES of information! We’d love to answer your inquiries about gold, diamonds, gemstones, appraisals, or any other jewelry-related questions. You can also give us a buzz at 215-968- 8900.

On a balmy summer day in 2015, marathoner Matthew Myers stopped into Moishe and Itzy’s restaurant at Summit Square, Langhorne for a yummy respite after a run.

Afterwards, Matthew decided to head down a few shops for a peek into the nearby David Craig Jewelers for a look at their engagement rings.

Even without the added “happy” endorphins from running, Matthew immediately knew this was the place he would make his important purchase for the love of his life, Laurie Heusner.

“I had looked at different jewelers, and knew I didn’t want a chain store – I wanted a more personalized experience and David Craig Jewelers seemed like the perfect place,” says Matthew.

He purchased a sapphire ring (Matthew’s birthstone) surrounded by diamonds on a white gold base. The vibrant blue color also matches Matthews eyes – a reminder for Laurie of his commitment to her. The ring is overall “understated” since he knew Laurie wanted something more “low profile.”

The couple had started dating in 2013 when they met through friends when involved in a marathon fundraiser. Matthew proposed August 1, 2015 and the couple were married one year later on August 12, 2016 at Connecticut’s Mystic Aquarium (be sure to check out the “guest mammal” in the photo!). Mr. and Mrs. Myers now live in Langhorne. Laurie works at Swarthmore College, and Matthew for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Matthew’s white gold matching wedding band is highlighted by an aquamarine gemstone, Laurie’s birthstone. All rings were custom made and designed at David Craig Jewelers.

The couple also purchased wedding gifts for each other from David Craig – a Citizens Eco-Drive watch for Matthew from Laurie, and a diamond and aquamarine bracelet from Matthew to Laurie which also served as her “something new” at the wedding.

“I highly recommend David Craig Jewelers,” says Matthew. “David (Rotenberg) and everyone else there was so very helpful and clearly listened to us to make sure we got exactly what we wanted.”

In 2012, Kelsey Wilhere, from Langhorne, and Dennis Lynch, from Levittown, were introduced to each other by a mutual friend.

At the time, Kelsey was a student at Penn State Abington and Dennis was studying at East Strasbourg University.

After graduation in 2014, the two moved to Las Vegas where they both began their careers, Kelsey as a kindergarten teacher and Dennis teaching 8th grade health. The couple discussed marriage and knew it was in their near future, but Dennis still wanted the proposal itself to be magical.

Dennis had visited David Craig Jewelers after hints from Kelsey who had already perused rings in the Bucks County, PA store. Says Kelsey: “I used to babysit for Joanne Jeuch*, (an Accredited Jewelry Professional for David Craig Jewelers), and had actually visited her at the store, so I had a good idea of the kind of ring I would like.”

In the summer of 2014, Dennis decided to pop the question in front of about 100 people gathered for a party for Dennis’s mom’s 50th birthday. “Kelsey wanted to include family and friends in all steps of our adventure,” said Dennis. “So,
after giving a speech in honor of my mother, I got down on my knee and surprised Kelsey by proposing in front of the group —people who meant a lot to both of us —which seemed the perfect time.”

The couple were married June 23, 2017 in East Windsor, New Jersey. They still reside in Las Vegas.

“I only get my ring (a dainty, princess-cut center diamond made and designed by David Craig Jewelers) cleaned when I return back to this area. I trust them all at David Craig and everyone is so personable—David always shakes our hands, asks how we’re doing and you know he means it,” says Kelsey.

“You really get a good feeling when you walk through the door,” agrees Dennis.
We wish Kelsey and Dennis happy holidays and best wishes as they complete their first year together as Mr. and Mrs. Lynch!

*Kelsey’s ring, as further explained by Joanne:
“Kelsey’s ring is set in white gold. The center diamond is flanked on each side by a round diamond.  The shank of the ring is set with ten additional diamonds, five on each side, that are graduated in size with the smallest diamonds closest to the center three stones.  It’s a beautiful, delicate creation that perfectly suits Kelsey. Plus, for her wedding ring, she chose a pair of curved diamond bands that fit up against her engagement ring on each side.”

Style and Diamond Jewelry Expert Kristen Trustey discusses how style and fashion can be a powerful form of self-expression, and gives a shoutout to David Craig Jewelers as one of their favorite, local Forevermark Authorized Jewelers in the Philadelphia area!

Watch below to discover how the right piece of diamond jewelry can be an extension of a woman’s unique taste, personality and story, and where to purchase your own diamond this holiday season:

[Click here to view the full story on PHL17]

Cupid shot his arrow in 2008 and the recipient sweethearts were Lisa Cassese, formerly of Bellmore, NY, and Chris Groser, from Yardley, PA. The two were sophomores at Syracuse University living on the same dorm floor when they first started dating.

Fast forward to May 2015 and Chris was eager to propose. Chris shopped around at a few different places. Confused and a bit disappointed in the selections he saw, he turned to his closest shopping expert for advice – his mom, Renee. She suggested Chris head to David Craig Jewelers, where Chris’s brother-in- law, Joe, had purchased his wife Melanie’s ring a few years back.

“I couldn’t have been more satisfied,” says Chris. “David and his staff are helpful and personable, plus I really liked the kind of original styles David carries. I felt very comfortable making this major life purchase through David Craig Jewelers.”

Lisa immediately said “yes,” deciding that the ring, while lovely, might match her personality even better with a few subtle setting changes. Says Lisa: “David was very accommodating in helping us customize the ring. We had a few rounds of revisions since I wasn’t 100% sure what I was looking for. Ultimately, I ended up getting exactly what I wanted.”

The couple were married May 6, 2017 and now reside in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Both Lisa and Chris work in the field of marketing—Lisa as a strategist for Macy’s and Chris as creative director for a digital ad agency.

Lisa wears her David Craig Jewelers ring with love and pride – it’s a “classic and delicate” Forevermark® solitaire on a thin band shank set with diamonds. The engagement ring rests comfortably against a matching wedding band, also lined with diamonds. Like many of David’s creations, the Cassese-Groser ring is registered in MOND, The Museum of Named Diamonds.

“I couldn’t be happier,” sums up Lisa. And we couldn’t be happier for the two of them and wish them much happiness!

Customized Forevermark Engagement Ring

The Happy Couple

Customized at David Craig Jewelers

Customized Forevermark Engagement Ring

Claire Wiley met Skyler Borgman four and a half years ago while the two were living in Philadelphia. She was attending vet school at the University of Pennsylvania and he was working towards an MBA in Finance at Temple.

When Skyler proposed to Claire last month he did so with a romantic dinner, lit candles and a special family heirloom—the Bogach Diamond. The beautiful, European-cut stone was currently residing in a necklace. It was registered in MOND, the Museum of Named Diamonds, and had been passed down through the generations from its Ellis Island entrance into the United States with Skyler’s great grandmother.

Skyler (originally from Lansdowne, PA) and Claire (originally from Connecticut) knew just where to go when they decided to re-set this heirloom stone into a unique engagement ring for Claire—David Craig Jewelers. Claire was aware of David’s reputation as one of the area’s leading experts on gemstones since her mother had previously turned to the Bucks County jeweler to re-set her own engagement ring.

The young couple were happy to obtain Claire’s mom’s recommendation. They were delighted with the final ring creation which now boasts hand-set, natural light pink diamonds surrounding the family heirloom diamond. The main diamond is slightly elevated as David says, to “not only enhance its natural beauty but to signify its special history in the family.”

Says Claire: “I wanted a solitaire but David told us he could design something even more beautiful if we let him, and he was so right. My ring is more incredible than I ever could have imagined – we basically let David use his talents to create something and he presented us with this work of art!” The couple plan an August 5, 2018 wedding in New Hope.

We wish them much happiness and lasting joy!

Did you know that fewer than 1% of the world’s diamonds are selected to be” Forevermark” diamonds? And that fewer than 300 North American jewelry experts are selected (including David Craig Jewelers!) to offer these gorgeous gemstones to people like you? Some of you are lucky enough to already cherish your own David Craig Forevermark diamond. Others may be hoping to purchase one of these gorgeous, prestigious diamonds for yourself or a loved one. So, what makes this diamond brand so darn special?

Commitment to Quality

From initial sourcing from a few carefully selected mines, to sorting, cutting and polishing, a Forevermark diamond promises integrity, ethics and principles, as well as commitment —to quality, to excellence and to community. Experts at Forevermark select only the best rough crystals to be crafted by their leading “diamantaires” (master diamond cutters). Gemstones are responsibly sourced – a distinction Forevermark takes very seriously. This difference tells you that very special care has been taken to ensure “responsible business practices, support for the
advancement of women and protection of the natural world.”

Using state-of- the-art technologies, Forevermark’s expert gemologists must follow a minimum of seventeen (!) procedures in an intricate process to ensure there are no flaws or imperfections that could affect your future diamond’s beauty. A perfectly polished “table,” the largest facet of the stone, is where Forevermark’s unique inscriptions (serial numbers) are placed on each and every diamond. Buyers can feel thrilled with their beautiful purchase, as well as proud they have selected a diamond they can cherish…Forever!

David Craig Jewelers are committed to Forevermark, since, like Forevermark, we’re also committed to the protection of wild habitats and the species they support. Hear David talk about Forevermark diamonds’ high standards of environmental management here, and discover David’s fabulous collection of Forevermark Diamonds here. And there’s always more to come since we can’t say enough about this fabulous brand!

Several months ago, we had the opportunity to meet a lovely couple, Blair Delson and Ross Cohen, who came to David Craig Jewelers to buy their wedding rings. Blair and Ross got married in Philadelphia this past summer on August 29, which happened to be the same day as the Philly Naked Bike Race. Continue reading Philly Couple Takes Wedding Photos During Naked Bike Race →