A Fine Jewelry & Engagement Ring Blog by Knox Jewelers

Citrine – November’s Golden Gem

Citrine, along with golden topaz, is the official birthstone for the month of November. In recent decades citrine has gained popularity in the jewelry industry and has become a yellow gemstone staple in the marketplace. Its name is derived for the Latin word citrina which means “yellow”. Citrine’s durability, affordability and attractive color make it one of the most sought after varieties of quartz. Its color also makes its an affordable alternative to golden topaz and yellow sapphire. Everything you have ever wanted to know about this golden gem and how Knox Jewelers can help you to create the perfect birthstone jewelry will be revealed below.

1. Citrine is a gemstone variety of the mineral quartz.

Quartz is one of the most common minerals on earth. Its physical form can range anywhere from sand grains on a beach to large gemstone crystals of amethyst or citrine. Though they look very different, all quartz varieties are composed of the same chemical elements, silicon and oxygen. The size and color of their crystal formation is the largest difference between quartz species. Citrine is the pale yellow to brownish orange, transparent variety of this mineral. Other popular quartz gemstones include amethyst, smokey quartz and rock crystal. Gem varieties of quartz usually form in large crystals with exceptional clarity.

2. Citrine’s most popular colors are a deep yellow and a reddish orange.

Citrine is available in varying hues ranging from pale yellows to deep orange browns. Though the most sought after hues of citrine in the marketplace are vibrant and free of brown tints.

3. Citrine crystals found in nature are extremely rare.

The exact elements and environment needed for citrine quartz crystals to form is rare. Some natural citrine is mined in Bolivia, but the supply is incredibly scarce. Most citrine gems on the market today are produced by heat treating amethyst, which is also a quartz variety. Most of amethyst heated to become golden is found in huge geodes mined in Brazil.

4. Citrine owes its yellow and orange colors to trace amounts of iron in its crystal structure.

All varieties of quartz are mixtures of silicon and oxygen. Iron is the trace element that give citrine its golden color.

5. Fine quality and large citrine gemstones remain affordable.

Citrine is one of the most popular and frequently purchased yellow gemstones because of its availability and fair cost. Even fine graded citrine has an economical price. Sizable citrines remain modestly priced, as price per carat does not rise dramatically for larger sizes.

6. Quartz varieties, like citrine, have been used in jewelry for centuries.

Quartz in any form was commonly used in Europe and the Middle East as gemstones for carving. Citrine exclusively has been found as an ornament going back thousands of years. It was a popular decorative gem in Ancient Greece, and adorned weaponry in 17th century Scotland. More recently, citrine was a go-to gem in the Art Deco era where the gemstones large sizes lead to over-sized and elaborate pieces.

7. Before modern technology, citrine was often mistake for topaz.

It is nearly impossible to visually tell the difference between a faceted citrine gemstone and another of yellow topaz. The largest difference between the two is their hardness. A citrine has a Mohs Hardness rating of 7, well topaz is slightly harder with a rating of 8.

8. Gemstone quality quartz can be found all over the world.

Natural citrine, though rare, can be found in Bolivia, Spain, Madagascar, Mexico and Uruguay. Most of the amethyst that is suitable for heat treatment to become citrine is mined in Brazil.

Create the Perfect Jewelry with Citrine

If you are looking for a special piece of jewelry that will be cherished for a lifetime, we are here to help. Knox Jewelers specializes in unique custom jewelry designs and engagement rings. Citrine in any shape or size can add color to one of our custom created jewelry designs for a one-of-a-kind look!

Contact Knox Jewelers to find out more about our products or services, including our custom jewelry design service. We look forward to hearing from you.

Knox Jewelers Temporary Solitaire

Selecting jewelry for another person is a daunting endeavor. That undertaking is tenfold when choosing the most important piece of jewelry she will ever wear, an engagement ring. Knox Jewelers can help to educate you in every aspect of investing in an engagement ring, but we can not offer advice in one area, personal taste. That is where the challenge lies. If an element of surprise is important to you, but you have concerns about designing the ring of her dreams, then we have devised the perfect solution.

Knox Jewelers offers a temporary solitaire option that allows you to propose with the gemstone of your choosing without committing to a custom design. Once you have selected your perfect diamond or sapphire , it would be set into our white gold Classic Solitaire ring design for presentation. This ring setting offers an elegant four prong look with a streamlined high-polished band. If she would like to re-set the diamond after your proposal, you can come in together to custom create her forever engagement ring. The center stone would be moved into your new ring design and your temporary setting would be returned for a full credit towards your purchase.

Step 1 – Choose your perfect diamond.

Step 2 – Propose with your diamond solitaire and take her breathe away.

Step 3 – Custom create your one-of-a-kind engagement ring together.

A temporary solitaire can ease many obstacles one faces when selecting an engagement ring.

Making it a Surprise

Our temporary ring option gives you a way to veil your intentions. She will be completely unaware because you haven’t needed to hint around her taste in rings or asked her for ideas. There will be no quizzing of friends or family members, just so one can accidentally spill the big news. You can present your engagement ring exactly the way you would like to, and create a proposal story to remember for a lifetime.

Choosing the Perfect Ring

If you have already started to search for engagement rings, you are well aware just how many styles are actually available. Engagement rings today are amazingly varied. Every Knox Jewelers ring is custom created from the ground up and hand finished to ensure its heirloom quality. This can be a fairly large commitment in jewelry if you are unaware what she would like to be wearing for the rest of your lives together. A temporary solitaire can alleviate the pressure of choosing exactly the right ring and allow you to focus on other important parts of the equation, like choosing exactly the right diamond for you.

Working with a Budget

The center stone of an engagement ring accounts for a large percentage of its final cost. By first selecting a diamond or sapphire and proposing with a temporary solitaire, you are setting the tone of your budget while still allowing her to choose her ring style. Purchasing your final ring in two separate fragments, center stone and custom setting, would also allow you to spread out the cost of your investment.

A temporary solitaire is the perfect engagement ring option that solves the stress of choosing her ideal setting without ruining any surprises. Stop into or contact Knox Jewelers today and let us help you search for your perfect center stone to feature in our Classic Solitaire.

Pink Tourmaline – October’s Vivid Gemstone

You might know that tourmaline is the birthstone for October (alongside opal), but did you know that pink tourmaline has been used to inspire creative writers and artists throughout history? Or that the most expensive tourmaline was up-for-sale for a whopping $25 million? Here are the most interesting facts about this colorful gemstone that you need to know about!

1. Tourmaline comes from Singhalese

Not many people know that the word ‘tourmaline’ comes from ‘touramalli’ – a Singhalese word that means ‘mixed colored stones.’ Although the phrase was originally used to describe a variety of different colored stones, it’s now used to refer to this precious gemstone. Other names for tourmaline in the past have included ‘uvite’, ‘feruvite’ and ‘rubellite’.

2. Tourmalines come in different colors

Although pink tourmaline is one of the most popular varieties used in jewelry today, tourmaline comes in various colors, as well as combinations of two or three different colors. You might find the color at the center of the crystal, or at each end, depending on the stone. ‘Watermelon tourmaline’ is used to describe crystals that have a green rind and pink center – similar colors to the fruit.

3. Tourmalines can generate an electrical charge

Yes, that’s right – an electrical charge can be generated in some tourmaline stones just by applying some pressure on the crystal. The process – known as piezoelectricity – has been used in science for many years, and tourmaline was even used in the first ever atomic bomb. The crystal can also attract bits of wood and other lightweight substances when it’s heated.

4. Tourmaline has been popular throughout history

Tourmalines have been popular as a gem for centuries and are commonly associated with the Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi, who ruled China in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The last Empress of the Ch’ing Dynasty purchased large quantities of the crystal when a new tourmaline mine was opened in California. Today, the gemstone still evokes connotations of strength and royalty, and can be used to decorate buttons in jackets.

5. Tourmalines are found around the world.

Tourmalines can originate from mines around the world, including Kenya, Madagascar, the USA, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Brail, Pakistan, and Nigeria. Depending on where they are found, this October birthstone will have different patterns or qualities. Ancient legend says that this crystal can be found in all different colors because it’s traveled along a rainbow and gathered all the colors along the way!

6. Tourmalines have inspired writers and artists

Tourmaline has inspired creative minds for centuries and has been mentioned in the work of artists and writers from around the world.

7. Tourmalines need love and care

Tourmalines are easy to clean but will need regular maintenance to keep them looking shiny and new. To clean the gemstone, use a very soft toothbrush or cloth and rub it gently. Mild soap can also be used to clean the crystal, especially when tourmaline scratches easily.

8. The world’s largest tourmaline was pretty huge

The biggest tourmaline in the world was around 192 karats and was valued for over $25 million!

Custom Create the Perfect Birthstone Jewelry

If you are looking for a ring that will be cherished for a lifetime by your loved one, we are here to help. Knox Jewelers specializes in unique custom jewelry designs and engagement rings. Pink tourmaline in any shape or size can add color to one of our custom created jewelry designs for a one-of-a-kind look!

Contact Knox Jewelers to find out more about our products or services, including our custom jewelry design service. We look forward to hearing from you!

On Trend for 2016

If you are currently on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring to propose in the upcoming year, then Knox Jewelers has a few suggests of current designs being sought after in our showrooms. With our custom created rings, the possibilities are endless, but there are a few styles that are gaining trend status. We are always ready to help you create the ring of her dreams, maybe one of these listed styles was made just for her.

Nature Inspired

Floral and foliage themes have a long history of symbolizing romantic love when stylized into a piece of jewelry. This tradition has now emerged as a popular motif among engagement rings. Selecting a nature inspired engagement ring can show her how your love has grown into something beautiful.

Vibrant Centers

A bright, white, scintillating diamond has taken center stage in many dream rings, and we are sure it will continue to. However, those who dream in color have recently been selecting vibrant hues of diamond and sapphire to complete their perfect engagement ring. Both sapphire and diamond naturally occur in every shade of the rainbow, and with a little searching, we are sure we can unite you with your perfect gemstone.

Stack-able

Flip through any fashion magazine and you are sure to spot a hand or two piled high with slim, stacked rings. This style has now found its way into bridal jewelry. We have seen customers opting for solitaire engagement rings and mixing them with several of our custom wedding bands to create their own unique grouping. This trend is ideal for the bride who likes to mix and match.

Antique Inspired

Engagement rings are currently taking a cue from past decades. Vintage inspired details add something of the extraordinary to any custom created piece. All of Knox Jewelers antique detailing like engraving, milgrain and filigree is hand fashioned by our talented goldsmiths. Micro details like these can make all the difference in an heirloom quality ring.

Split Shanks

What is better than one diamond band? Two, of course. Split band engagement rings have been the recent selection of many Knox Jewelers’ patrons. The style mixes well with a variety of center stone shapes and setting styles. Allowing it to be the final touch to any custom engagement ring.

Oval Cut Center

More and more women are stopping in-store and asking if we have oval shaped diamonds to see in person. A close runner up to the round brilliant, oval shapes are definitely on trend. The shape flatters the finger and has an overall elegant vibe. Any of our custom created engagement rings can be crafted around an oval shape center.

Mixed Metal

Several Knox customers have recently undertaken a bold endeavor by creating their custom engagement rings in two or three tone metals. The warmth of yellow gold and skin flattering rose gold are being paired with the ever popular white metals. These daring combination can highlight the fine details included into your ring and give you a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

Now that you’ve been inspired by our current trends, stop in-store or livechat and let us answer any questions you may have on starting your very own custom engagement ring. The ring of her dreams is waiting to be created!

Notable Sapphire

Did you know that sapphire is the official birthstone for September? This gemstone has captivated the world for centuries and has long been associated with royalty, wealth, and religion. In fact, the stone is given as a gem for the 5th wedding anniversary. By the end of this short article, you’re going to find out everything you ever wanted to know about sapphires and how you can create the perfect birthstone engagement ring or custom jewelry with Knox Jewelers.

1. Sapphires don’t have to be blue!

Sapphires are known around the world for their vibrant blue color. However, this gemstone is characterized by any corundum (a type of mineral) that doesn’t qualify as a ruby and isn’t red in color. It’s a little-known fact that sapphires can be gray, orange, purple, yellow, and even black!

2. Sapphires are associated with royalty.

Sapphires symbolizes truth, faithfulness, nobility and sincerity and for centuries have been associated with romance and royalty. The world’s most famous sapphire? Perhaps the one in Princess Diana’s engagement ring – given to her by Prince Charles. Because of this, sapphires evoke connotations of fairy tale and royalty. Sapphires made the news again when Prince William gave this then-fiance Kate Middleton an engagement ring with the mineral – just like his father did more than 20 years before.

3. Sapphires have an illustrious history.

Despite its connections to modern-day royalty, sapphires have long been associated with monarchs throughout history. In fact, kings and queens believed that blue sapphires protected them from harm in ancient Rome and Greece. In the Middle Ages, priests would wear sapphires – the mineral was an instantly recognizable symbol of heaven. Even today, people wear sapphires to protect them from spirits or enemies – making this birthstone one of the most popular in the world.

4. Orange and pink sapphires are among the most rare.

Different colored sapphires are becoming increasingly popular, especially those which are found in Sri Lanka. These sapphires range from light to medium tones of orange and pink and instantly catch the eye. These vibrant gems carry the name Padparadscha, meaning color of the Lotus Flower in Sanskrit. This shade of sapphire is among the rarest natural colored sapphire.

5. Sapphires are really strong.

Not a lot of people know this, but sapphires are really strong. In fact, they are the strongest natural gemstones in the world – second to diamonds. These gemstones can be found in various locations around the world, including Cambodia, China, Australia, Kashmir, and Madagascar.

6. Blue sapphires are still the most sought-after.

Despite sapphires coming in a wide range of colors, the most popular are still those with a concentrated blue hue which stays consistent under different lighting conditions. This gemstone is often given as a gift to friends, family members and partners for special occasions and is seen as being extremely valuable in various cultures and countries around the world.

7. Sapphires have been found in large sizes.

Most sapphires mined today weigh under two carats, but larger gems can be found. The Millennium Sapphire is the world’s largest polished and cut sapphire, weighing a whopping 61,500 karats! Many large sapphires are kept in museums in cities around the world.

8. Synthetic sapphires are sometimes used in jewelry.

This September birthstone can also be created synthetically – the first being in 1902. These can be difficult to distinguish from natural sapphires by the untrained eye, and they are often used as an alternative in jewelry.

9. Color-changing sapphires actually exist!

Color-changing sapphires do actually exist and display different hues in various lights. Color change sapphires appear blue when in natural light but a violet color in artificial light. Most natural sapphires undergo heat treatment to improve their clarity and color – a practice which can prevent the birthstone from chipping or breaking.

CREATE THE PERFECT JEWELRY WITH SAPPHIRES

Looking for a unique engagement ring that will wow your partner? A piece of jewelry that will make the ultimate gift? You’ve come to the right place! Knox Jewelers specializes in unique custom jewelry and engagement rings, including antique designs. We pride ourselves on the customer service we provide and offer lifetime warranty, maintenance services, and trade-in. We can search for sapphires in every color imaginable, which can add some sparkle to an engagement ring or jewelry piece. If sapphire’s not your thing, we can custom create rings in every shape, size, and type of gemstone.

So, what are you waiting for? Contact Knox Jewelers today for more information about our custom jewelry and engagement rings.