Knox Jewelers Journal
Knox Billboard and Transit Ad Artwork
Here are a few of our recent transit and billboard advertisements we’ve used around uptown and downtown Minneapolis.
The first two feature the tag line “Wear A Work Of Art” as we feel each of the rings we design and build are individual works of art.
Wear a Work Of Art
Wear A Work Of Art
Here is one we displayed around Uptown & Downtown Minneapolis with our “Be The First To Wear an Heirloom” message.
Be The First To Wear an Heirloom
Last but not least is our “The Art of Ring Making”
The Art Of Ring Making
Here is a recent Billboard we featured on Interstate 35W just north of downtown Minneapolis. Featuring our “Be The First To Wear an Heirloom” message.
Be The First To Wear An Heirloom
Tags: Billboard & Transit Ad Artwok | Categories: Billboard & Transit Ad Artwork
Unique Wedding Rings and Engagement Bands
We receive calls and emails from around the world inquiring about our unique wedding band designs. The designs that generate the most inquires tend to be wider than average designs. Some have center stones, others do not… but they are all singularly unique in their design and are meticulously and expertly hand crafted from the ground up. We feel these two facts combined help our rings (especially signature designs such as these) stand out from more conventional wedding and engagement ring styles. In fact, many of these rings would translate well as a right hand ring or anniversary band.
We wanted to have an article in our journal that featured these designs along with a little info about each ring. Please note that the images are linked (when possible) to additional photos/videos of the design.
Let’s start with a design that features an Asscher cut center diamond along with sky blue sapphires set in the filigree between the two diamond pave set outside rails of the ring.
Asscher cut center diamond in a custom design featuring sky blue sapphires in hand made filigree, all framed beautifully by diamond micro pave rails
Here are other versions of this design:
Shown with a princess cut center diamond and deeper blue sapphires set in hand made filigree..
Shown with a radiant cut center diamond and rich green natural emeralds set in hand made filigree..
Shown with all diamonds, rails are both hand cut micro pave, diamonds are also set in hand made filigree.
The next design was a real labor of love for our artisans and we think this fact ’shines through’ in the beautifully intricate detailing of the ring design.
- Caledonia
Since our original “Caledonia” design was created we’ve had a few custom versions made with center stones. Here they are…
- Caledonia with 1.00 carat round brilliant
- Caledonia with 3.60 carat blue cushion cut sapphire
- Caledonia with 1.15 carat emerald cut green tourmaline
Here are two versions of our Dolce design. A very unique wedding band design, set with fancy colored diamonds in two tone metal to accentuate the diamond color.
Here is “Dolce” set up with fancy yellow diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold…
Here is Dolce set up with fancy pink diamonds in 14k Rose Gold…
This is another wide wedding ring design with an open pattern flower, leaf and vine motif.
- Unique wedding ring with flower, leaf and vine motif
Here is our “North Star” Design… A very vintage style engagement ring when set up with a center diamond. Or can be used as an engagement or anniversary band (right hand band).
“North Star” with a low set center diamond…
Our Original “North Star” Band…
Allamanda features a flowing leaf and vine pattern. Set with several smaller round diamonds, this ring would also make a lovely right hand ring.
- Allamanda
The following band was a big favorite when it came through the shop. The interplay of the deep blue sapphire with the bright white of this polished band makes for a stunning contrast. Similar to Allamanda, this features an organic leaf pattern.
The ring below was created using 18kt white gold and 18k yellow gold. To truly appreciate the craftsmanship on this ring, click on the photo to see other views, as well as a video.
- Two-tone Diamond Lace band
- Sapphire and Diamond Leaf Band
Tags: anniversary band, filigree, hand engraved, Rings, Unique, Wedding ring | Categories: Unique Wedding Rings
Split Shank Engagement Rings
At last count we had upwards of 50 split shank engagement ring designs with new and custom versions coming out on a regular basis. Many of these split shank engagement rings have micro pave set diamonds in the design. Others include a diamond halo. We wanted to feature some of our more popular split shank engagement rings designs in one article so that someone unfamiliar with our website or store could look and compare many different designs on the same page.
Please note that the images are linked to the rings product page which will have additional photos and possibly a video of the ring.
The first split shank design is a very clean and simple split shank design with pave diamonds. The center stone is a 2 carat round center diamond.
Classic Split Shank Engagement Ring with diamonds in the split shank
Here is a Split shank design with a round center diamond in a cushion shape diamond halo, the design also features a surprise diamond
(click through to other photos to see surprise diamond)
This Split shank design features a round center diamond in a cushion shape diamond halo, the design also features a surprise diamond
Here is a beautiful split shank micro pave, halo design engagement ring with a princess center diamond
Speaking of halos, the signature look of our Cielo design is the combination of a split shank with a halo. We have made this design for just about every shape center stone, here are a few:
Round Halo Cielo
Another round center diamond version…
Round Brilliant Cielo
One more…
RB Cushion Cielo
Princess Cielo
Cushion Cielo
More to come soon…
Tags: diamond halo, Micro Pave, split shank | Categories: Unique Custom Design Engagement Rings
Cushion Cut Engagement Rings
Cushion cut styles are in vogue. We will show a few of our recent cushion cut designs here (we have many more in the engagement ring categories of our web site)
Cushion cut diamonds can have very different looks… and here is why:
(1) Cushion cut diamonds come in many different shapes (outlines) ranging from rectangular to square and everything in between.
(2) Cushion cut diamonds will also have many various looks based on how rounded the corners of the stone are, making for many very unique looks.
(3) Cushion cut diamonds can have different faceting patterns which makes for a wide variety of possible looks that are all classified as ‘cushion cut’
Cushion cut diamond engagement rings
The following photos are linked to the respective rings product page, which will have many more photos and usually a high definition video of the ring as well.
This Cushion cut diamond engagement ring features a 1.00 carat center diamond. The ring has a very vintage look with hand made filigree and hand engraving adorning the elegant lines of the design. The center cushion cut diamond is highlighted by claw prongs which gives the ring a sexy, delicate look.
Cushion cut engagement ring with claw prongs, hand engraving and hand made filigree
This cushion cut engagement ring features a sexy thin diamond band with a square cushion center stone.
Thin diamond band with cushion cut center stone
Here is a bezel set cushion cut engagement ring design with a halo and diamond pave in the band.
Bezel set Cushion cut with diamond halo engagement ring
Here is a popular bezel set cushion cut design with a raised halo that allows a matching band to sit underneath.
Bezel set cushion cut engagement ring with raised halo
Here is a custom Cushion cut design featuring micro pave, split shank, octagonal halo and custom hand made filigree. Since there is a lot going on in this design, I will post a couple photos to show the detail.
Micro pave split shank cushion cut custom engagement ring design with hand made filigree
Pic 2 Micro pave split shank cushion cut custom engagement ring design with hand made filigree
Here is a clean design featuring a bezel set cushion cut diamond and a diamond halo. These ‘low slung’ bezel set designs are popular with people that are concerned about a ring sticking up too high off the finger or snagging or scratching.
Low, flush, bezel set cushion cut diamond engagement ring design with a diamond halo
Low, flush, bezel set cushion cut diamond engagement ring design with a diamond halo Pic 2
Here is essentially the same design with a diamond pave band
Bezel set cushion cut diamond engagement ring with diamond halo & diamond pave band
Here is a cushion cut center diamond set in a micro pave, split shank, halo design.
Cushion cut center diamond in a micro pave split shank halo design engagement ring
Here is another thin design that allows a matching band to sit perfectly flush. This cushion cut engagement ring design features a sexy double micro pave halo.
This cushion cut engagement ring design features a sexy double micro pave halo.
Side view
Thin diamond pave band with diamond halo surrounding a rectangular cushion cut diamond
Thin diamond pave band with diamond halo surrounding a rectangular cushion cut diamond Side view
This cushion cut diamond engagement ring features a rectangular cushion cut diamond center stone flanked by two round brilliant cut diamonds in an elegant three stone trellis design.
Three stone cushion cut trellis engagement ring
Three stone cushion cut trellis engagement ring Side view
Here is a beautiful cushion cut engagement ring design with half moon shape diamonds on each side. The design also has three diamond halos and filigree in the side gallery of the ring.
Cushion cut diamond engagement ring with half moon shape diamonds
Side view
Here is a custom bezel set version of the above design:
Custom bezel set cushion cut and half moon shape diamond engagement ring
Side view… note the three sided pave band and gallery featuring hand made filigree & a custom butterfly element
Here is a ring with a similar three stone design, except with bezel set triangle diamonds and a trellis gallery.
Custom bezel set cushion cut engagement ring with bezel set triangle shape diamonds
Side view
More to come soon…
Tags: Cushion cut diamond, cushion cut diamond engagement ring, Cushion cut diamond ring | Categories: Cushion Cut
Ring Metal FAQ
Ring Metal FAQ
What metal type do you recommend?
We always recommend our 950 Platinum-Ruthenium alloy. It’s the best metal for engagement rings and wedding bands.
The most important characteristic in Platinum jewelry is Platinum’s resistance to metal loss caused by normal wear & tear. When metal is rubbed against another object, a little bit of that metal is rubbing off onto the other surface. If the metal is Platinum, the amount lost is exponentially smaller than the amount that would rub off from a gold item. This translates into Platinum rings lasting two or three times as long as a similar gold ring.
Our Platinum Alloy is the Best
Our 950 Platinum-Ruthenium blend is the best Platinum alloy for jewelry. It has the best combination of tensile strength and hardness amongst all Platinum blends. Tensile strength refers to the durability of the metal and hardness refers to the scratch resistance.
More common Platinum alloys like 950 Platinum-Iridium are softer and tend to scratch and bend almost twice as easy. Manufacturers typically use this blend because of it’s ease to cast and work with. Often times, you’ll see or hear of Platinum engagement rings that scratch very easily and/or have become bent. These are most likely made of 950 Platinum-Iridium.
Our Platinum won’t do that. We purposely use a stronger alloy so you can enjoy your rings for a lifetime.
- Extremely Durable – Lasts a Lifetime
- Naturally White – No Rhodium Plating
- Denser Metal – Holds Stones Better
- Uses 100% Precious Metal
- Hypoallergenic – No Allergies
- Very Inert Metal – Resists Corrosion and Weakening
- Cost – More Expensive than White Gold
Our white gold is a blend of gold and nickel alloy. Nickel gives white gold its whitish color and helps increases the metals hardness. While nickel helps in whitening white gold, it doesn’t completely make it white. Our alloy does require Rhodium plating every six months.
We also work in 18k White Gold. This alloy has more precious gold and is a little heavier than 14k White Gold. The natural color is very comparable to 14k and does require Rhodium plating.
All of our white metal jewelry items will look virtually identical coming out of our shop. After several months of wear, a white gold ring may need to be re-plated where as a platinum ring is always white. After a decade or two, a white gold ring may require re-tipping of prongs and channels. Platinum wears away at a much lesser rate than white gold and it is not uncommon for Platinum to last a lifetime.
- Less Expensive than Platinum
- Very Hard to Scratch
- Easy to Size
- Not as Durable as Platinum
- Not White – Requires Rhodium Plating
- Possible Allergic Reactions
- Negative Reactions with Chlorine
We work in both 14k and 18k Yellow Gold. These alloys are softer than there white counterparts. Rings made in yellow gold are more prone to wear and tear than white metals.
- Less Expensive than Platinum
- Easiest to Size
- Not as Durable as White Gold
Cost Comparison: Platinum versus White Gold
Platinum is about 1.6 times heavier than White Gold. Comparing two identical rings, one in White Gold and one in Platinum, the Platinum one is automatically 1.6 times more in price. Another factor is the much higher percentages of actual precious metal used in Platinum blends, the Platinum blend we use is 95% Platinum, compared to the typical Gold blends that are only 58% Gold (14K) or 75% Gold (18K)
Due primarily to the density of Platinum, it is much more difficult to achieve a perfectly polished finished surface. Therefore, it takes much more labor to produce a Platinum ring over an identical White Gold piece.
Platinum is at least twice as expensive and can at times be 3-4 times as expensive as a White Gold ring. The exact amount is based on many variables.
Because Platinum is renowned for it’s durability, we highly recommend having the crown or prongs of your ring made in Platinum. This will help protect your diamonds and gemstones longer than Gold.
Tags: Platinum, Rhodium, White Gold, Yellow Gold | Categories: Ring Metal Info
