So often I hear about other jewelers creating “custom jewelry”, which is usually just a pre-manufactured mounting that they’ve set their stones (or a client’s stones) into. There are computer programs that pull from an existing manufacturer’s library, which is essentially plug and play to create a semi-unique combination, but again not shaped and proportioned to get ideal results. There are even manufacturers that will stamp their pre-made product with a jewelers name and logo so the jeweler can claim it is uniquely theirs, when it’s not!
This is a glimpse into our truly one-of-a-kind custom process.
I spent a couple years playing around with some sketched concepts of a design I wanted to create with a unique two-colored tourmaline that I loved! The stone is an extremely long emerald cut that showcases the natural color transition, as well as some interesting natural inclusion characteristics of the tourmaline. I love the juxtaposition of curving fluid designs around the linear step-cut of the emerald cut tourmaline.
I worked on the CAD design of the pendant in-between projects for our clients for a couple months until it was exactly what I envisioned. Working with our jewelers, I made sure all the design nuance and detail was perfectly executed to create one of my favorite pendants!
We had hardly had the tourmaline pendant on display for a week when a client saw it and told her husband and friends about it. Her husband, being sneaky about taking notice, called me the next day to inquire about the design, and coordinate acquiring it for his wife for an upcoming holiday. As expected – it was a hit!
It’s very gratifying to create beautiful items that I love, and so many others get to enjoy as well! I am looking forward to designing and making even more one-of-a-kind creations this year. Stay tuned and I will post more images as they finish!
Life is busy, and time to shop is often hard to come by. Fine jewelry is something personal and very specific to each individual. Many clients struggle finding the time to come into our store.
The following story is an example of how our jewelry concierge service works. It’s just one example of the hundreds of projects we do every year where customers never come into our store but still get our personalized service.
Early last December, I received a call from a client in Texas who was interested in adding a complementary necklace to his wife’s jewelry collection. We had records of her ring, earrings, as well as preferences she had when choosing her previous items. It was a project concept we had played around with for a couple years, but we had never nailed down all the fine details.
Collaborating through email and phone calls, we were able to create a gorgeous necklace that matches the quality and characteristics of her other diamonds, and in a design she absolutely loved! It was a little stressful when the shipping carrier indicated a delivery delay (a concern we try to anticipate and ship early whenever possible!)
Fortunately, it arrived on time to make their celebration complete. It’s always exciting to be a part of those memorable moments with our friends and clients.
Whether a client lives down the street, across town or across the country, we’re ready and able to assist with any idea you have to make your special someone’s day and show what they mean to you. Give us a call or send us an email and let us show you what our friendly, professional, and creative staff can come up with for you!
We’ve carried Citizen Eco-Drive watches for many years. They are beautiful, dependable and require no batteries because they are powered by light.
Citizen Eco–Drive technology harnesses the power of light – from any natural or artificial light source – and converts it into energy, which is stored in a permanently rechargeable solar cell. An Eco–Drive watch recharges itself in any kind of light, to run forever.
Citizen is always improving the features and functionality of their watches. They’ve created a line of Bluetooth connected watches that have a couple of unique features. The “Proximity” line connects to an app on your smartphone to enhance what it can do.
We asked Jason, one of our customers who bought a Proximity watch, what his favorite feature is:
When you travel across time zones, the watch will automatically update to the new time zone when you land. It’s a convenience feature and it’s cool to see in action. And I love that I can get alerts without an annoying LCD screen like most tech watches out there today.
You can control what types of alerts you receive (via a vibration to your wrist.) It’s all configurable through the smartphone app.
If you are considering a new timepiece for that special someone, stop by and let us show you our Citizen Eco-Drive watches!
We all know how stressful this time of year can be, but it’s incredibly important to keep things in perspective.
There’s nothing more important than spending time with your family and loved ones, relaxing and enjoying the holidays. And we consider you part of our family!
Thank you for making 2016 a great year! We’ve enjoyed seeing you in the store, sharing our life stories with each other and of course, helping you with your jewelry needs.
We hope that you enjoy this holiday season with your loved ones. That you go to some great parties, eat amazing food, and laugh a lot.
This time of year, everyone is shopping for the special people in their lives.
Traditionally, men are really hard to shop for. You may be nodding your head right now as you read this. They usually have everything they need. And there are plenty of websites offering things for sale for the man that has everything, but they are usually a gimmick, not a statement of love that will last a lifetime. One of the items we offer that is a perfect answer for the man you love most, are custom designed and personalized cufflinks.
These cufflinks are not pre-made cufflinks that we slap a monogram on. These are one-of-a-kind items that are designed, individually cast and hand finished. Every detail is perfect.
The process begins with a consultation with Karen, our in-house artist and CAD designer (CAD stands for Computer Aided Design.) The conversation is about what you are trying to accomplish with the shape, size, metal and more. Karen creates a model and prints it in a type of wax that you can touch and feel before giving your final approval. Once we have that, we move on to casting.
Whether you’re wanting to capture his initials, favorite pastime or hobby, or something else that is unique or sentimental, Karen will help you design something that’s inspiring. For some of our clients, these cufflinks have become a family heirloom that is passed down within the family.
Think of the look on his face when he opens that tiny box with something he can’t buy for himself. Something that tells him how much you love him!
From the Design Desk: Creating an Amazing Bi-Color Tourmaline Pendant
So often I hear about other jewelers creating “custom jewelry”, which is usually just a pre-manufactured mounting that they’ve set their stones (or a client’s stones) into. There are computer programs that pull from an existing manufacturer’s library, which is essentially plug and play to create a semi-unique combination, but again not shaped and proportioned to get ideal results. There are even manufacturers that will stamp their pre-made product with a jewelers name and logo so the jeweler can claim it is uniquely theirs, when it’s not!
This is a glimpse into our truly one-of-a-kind custom process.
I worked on the CAD design of the pendant in-between projects for our clients for a couple months until it was exactly what I envisioned. Working with our jewelers, I made sure all the design nuance and detail was perfectly executed to create one of my favorite pendants!
It’s very gratifying to create beautiful items that I love, and so many others get to enjoy as well! I am looking forward to designing and making even more one-of-a-kind creations this year. Stay tuned and I will post more images as they finish!
Your Jewelry Concierge: The perfect necklace for a couple in Texas.
The following story is an example of how our jewelry concierge service works. It’s just one example of the hundreds of projects we do every year where customers never come into our store but still get our personalized service.
Early last December, I received a call from a client in Texas who was interested in adding a complementary necklace to his wife’s jewelry collection. We had records of her ring, earrings, as well as preferences she had when choosing her previous items. It was a project concept we had played around with for a couple years, but we had never nailed down all the fine details.
Collaborating through email and phone calls, we were able to create a gorgeous necklace that matches the quality and characteristics of her other diamonds, and in a design she absolutely loved! It was a little stressful when the shipping carrier indicated a delivery delay (a concern we try to anticipate and ship early whenever possible!)
Fortunately, it arrived on time to make their celebration complete. It’s always exciting to be a part of those memorable moments with our friends and clients.
Whether a client lives down the street, across town or across the country, we’re ready and able to assist with any idea you have to make your special someone’s day and show what they mean to you. Give us a call or send us an email and let us show you what our friendly, professional, and creative staff can come up with for you!
Citizen Eco-Drive Proximity Watches
Citizen is always improving the features and functionality of their watches. They’ve created a line of Bluetooth connected watches that have a couple of unique features. The “Proximity” line connects to an app on your smartphone to enhance what it can do.
We asked Jason, one of our customers who bought a Proximity watch, what his favorite feature is:
You can control what types of alerts you receive (via a vibration to your wrist.) It’s all configurable through the smartphone app.
If you are considering a new timepiece for that special someone, stop by and let us show you our Citizen Eco-Drive watches!
Merry Christmas from House of Diamonds!
We all know how stressful this time of year can be, but it’s incredibly important to keep things in perspective.
Thank you for making 2016 a great year! We’ve enjoyed seeing you in the store, sharing our life stories with each other and of course, helping you with your jewelry needs.
We hope that you enjoy this holiday season with your loved ones. That you go to some great parties, eat amazing food, and laugh a lot.
We look forward to seeing you in 2017.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Photos Courtesy of Roland Omoresemi
A Memorable Gift for the Man in Your Life
This time of year, everyone is shopping for the special people in their lives.
These cufflinks are not pre-made cufflinks that we slap a monogram on. These are one-of-a-kind items that are designed, individually cast and hand finished. Every detail is perfect.
The process begins with a consultation with Karen, our in-house artist and CAD designer (CAD stands for Computer Aided Design.) The conversation is about what you are trying to accomplish with the shape, size, metal and more. Karen creates a model and prints it in a type of wax that you can touch and feel before giving your final approval. Once we have that, we move on to casting.
Think of the look on his face when he opens that tiny box with something he can’t buy for himself. Something that tells him how much you love him!