While spring’s fashion runways were littered with jewelry overkill, this year’s golden globe celebrities have proven that “less is more” equals chic and sophisticated.

Missing are the layers of chunky beads, piles of bangles and big earrings that were present at the Spring 2010 shows ruled by the likes of Dolce & Gabbana and Bottega Veneta. Instead, our very demure celebs focused on a single piece of jewelry; the earring.

The chandelier earring has long been a popular staple in India and the Middle East, and the United States is beginning to take notice. Not only are they incredibly flexible, but these terrific adornments can easily enhance ones appearance. The same goes for the drop earring; large or small, this accessory adds dazzle to any appearance.

Observe; our favorite celebrities at this year’s Golden Globes ceremony.

Thanks to a pair of gorgeous pearl tassel chandeliers, Kate Hudson was not only glamorous, but she also achieved that 1940s Old Hollywood vibe most A-Listers strive for on the Red Carpet.

Jennifer Garner was a romantic vision with her swept-back hair and understated diamond chandeliers.

Lauren Graham’s diamond chandeliers added just the right touch to her bright-pink dress and perfect pale skin.

Courtney Cox’s loose-tendril updo was flawless, and the gold and black sapphire earrings were the perfect accent.

While Sandra Bullocks unusual purple dress was likely the star of the red carpet, her gorgeous drop earrings sealed the deal – making her the epitome or Red Carpet glamour.

Julianne Moore’s gorgeous emerald and diamond drops matched her green eyes perfectly.

We get engagement ring buyers of all varieties; sometimes the women come in for ideas, sometimes the men comes in alone, and sometimes they come together. There have even been times where a woman will purchase her own engagement ring, or at least put it on layaway, because she loves it so much and wants to be sure it’s hers. While the more traditional approach is for the men to purchase the ring, sometimes they need a little help. Which brings us to our main point; an engagement ring is a highly important piece for a woman – she should have a say on what it’s going to look like.

Generally what we see are couples coming in together looking for the right ring. The woman will typically select a few, and say “you pick one out of these,” and then it’s up to the gentleman. This is a great strategy, because as a guy, you really can’t go wrong here. Other ways to learn what she loves are by looking online and possibly talking to friends. However, there’s really no better way then to come into the store and watch her try them on. When she finds that perfect ring, you’ll know it when you look at her.

Some men want to take it upon themselves to do all of the work. While this is admirable and one can appreciate the effort, it doesn’t always work out the way you expect it to. Going into an engagement ring purchase blindly and not knowing what she likes may be disastrous.  Chances are, your fiancée-to-be has been looking at engagement rings for years, and has a slight idea of what she wants. While the element of total surprise may be lost by asking what she likes, you will be safe knowing she has a ring on her finger that she’ll love for years to come. If you insist on her not knowing anything, ask a friend of hers to go shopping with her and report back to you. There are many creative (and sneaky!) ways to get the right ideas.

Over the years we have seen many jewelry disasters,  most of which may easily have been avoided. While accidents happen, we would like to take the time to help you keep your jewelry in tip-top shape as long as possible. These few tips will help to ensure that you have a long, trouble-free relationship with the jewelry that you love.

Take it off when you shower. By keeping your jewelry off in the shower, you’re able to keep it cleaner longer, and you’re also able to clean the areas in which you wear it. If your jewelry does not come into the shower with you, you’re not getting it covered in shampoo and body wash. You can also be sure to thoroughly clean your hands and ears and anywhere else that your jewelry is worn. Just be sure to put it in a safe place when you’re not wearing it.

Take it off when you sleep. Many people are usually surprised when they hear this one. However, it’s important to give your skin a break. Rings especially, which hug your fingers and don’t give them much room to “breathe.” Taking out your earrings eliminate the possibility of them being pulled out of your ear as you sleep, and necklaces aren’t likely to break as well. Also, the constant practice of taking off your rings eliminates the chance that they will get stuck on your finger. Though some may not want to admit it, as we get older we grow, and fingers may swell. Many people get rings stuck on their fingers and have to get them cut off, and no one likes seeing a piece of jewelry that means a lot to them cut in half! Then there’s the initial period where you skin has to heal before you can have the ring sized to wear it again. Bottom line, take it off!

Take it off when you work out. This again goes for all jewelry, but rings in particular. Rings have been known to get bent out of shape in particular with the use of weights and any other equipment that your fingers wrap around. Necklaces and bracelets aren’t safe either; there’s an endless amount of things they could get caught on in a gym or at home.

When you’re on vacation. This doesn’t always apply, because we understand that you want to show off their jewelry. However, when you’re at the beach for example, most people want to take off their engagement rings and watches. Many women just wear their wedding bands and leave the engagement rings for when they’re off the beach. This also applies for hiking and camping, where jewelry is vulnerable to loss or damage. If you’re staying in a hotel, be sure there is a safe in the room that only you have access to. Nothing ruins a vacation like the theft or damage of a piece you love!

I’m sure that there are countless other occasions in which you should not be wearing your jewelry. With a little good judgment, care, and sometimes luck, you will be enjoying your jewelry for a long time to come.

When people come into our store, we like to think that they will find quite a few things that they love. Those who come in with open minds are almost certain to find something. Those who have very specific ideas aren’t usually quite so lucky. While we do have a wide selection of unique pieces to choose from, sometimes we just don’t have that very specific piece. This is where custom jewelry comes in handy.

We do custom jewelry designs in all shapes and sizes, but a popular request is for wedding rings. Some women can really get their heart set on a certain engagement ring design. If we don’t have it in store, it can certainly be made! We encourage couples to look in our showcases for a diamond that “speaks to them,” and then we get to work! Bringing in pictures and drawings will help to aid in the CAD design. CAD stands for computer aided design. Upon receiving the finished computer design, changes (if necessary) are made until approval, whereupon a mold is made and used to fashion the jewelry. This process is also common for custom wedding bands.

CAD designs don’t just stop at rings. Some people, for example, have old family stones that they don’t know what to do with and just can’t bear to get rid of them. Many of these people will fashion a pendant using the stone(s) and have a new, fashionable way to wear an old family legacy. If custom design sounds like something for you, please take a look at our custom page and give us a visit!

Many people ask us: “what type of wedding band will go with my engagement ring?,” and, “do I have to wear one?” Today, there really is no right answer. As a matter of fact, engagement rings themselves aren’t necessarily quite as traditional as they used to be. The traditions of yesterday have changed drastically, and the rules are: there are no rules.

The sapphire was the original engagement ring, and it’s making the rounds back to us again. While most women still dream of that big diamond ring, some opt for a less-traditional approach with a colored gemstone. Many go for the sapphire; some even go for an aquamarine. Some don’t wear an engagement ring at all; they simply get married with a wedding band.

While some are fortunate enough to find the perfect wedding band to match their engagement ring and others have one custom made, some don’t run into that problem at all. The option of no wedding band at all is common today, with a wider diamond ring and no need for the band. Wearing the engagement ring on the right hand while wearing the band on your left also eliminates the need for the rings to fit together or match perfectly. Stacking rings on your left hand, such as using “bookends” with the engagement ring in the middle is also a great alternative.

Now, moving on to the men. Matching wedding bands are certainly a personal preference. They do look nice in wedding photos, and it’s a great idea to think of them as a “set.” However, if the engagement ring you love is white gold, and your hubby-to-be prefers yellow, let him have it. You could argue if you’d like, but the fact of the matter is, he’s stuck with that band for the rest of his life. It should be something he really likes. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll get a fiancé who doesn’t have too strong of an opinion, and you can choose anything you’d like. The point is, don’t get too hung up on rules. Do what you like, and be sure that you’re happy with what you end up with.

While the traditional engagement ring/wedding band set will always be at the center of the bridal jewelry industry, it’s good to know that there are other options for those who are not quite so traditional. Your wedding ring(s) can be as unique as you are, and every once in a while, it’s good to break the rules.