Custom engagement ring Archives - Page 13 of 14

Red Garnet – January’s Splendor

If you were one of those lucky babies who had the fortune of being born in January, then do we have some great news for you. The beautiful, exquisite, and jaw-dropping garnet is your birthstone, and while it has numerous color variants, none are perhaps as intense and fiery as the red garnet. Although red garnets are the most common color of garnet, the term “garnet” actually describe a group of closely related minerals, many of which have different colors. For our purposes, however, we will be focusing exclusively on the red garnet in this article and all of its unique variations and styles.

The History of the Garnet Gemstone

The first known uses of red garnet stones are found around the necks of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, whose mummified remains are adorned by them. In ancient Rome, rings which were built for the express purpose of stamping the durable wax which sealed documents had carved garnets. As history progressed into the Middle Ages, members of the clergy adopted the red garnet as their signature stone. Since these early times, garnets have been exceedingly popular in society, and the garnet still retains its prestige and popularity even thousands of years later – and not just among the upper classes, these days. Let’s take a look now at some of the different forms of the red garnet we offer as a stone setting option at Knox Jewelers.

The Types of Garnets

As stated previously, the garnet describes a family of different but related minerals. In particular, we want to highlight Almandine and Pyrope garnets, as well as their red colored variants mozambique and rhodalite. Each serves a specific purpose and has its own unique characteristics and properties.

Almandine is the most common type of garnet. Although most stones of this type are generally unsuitable for use in unique jewelry, it is often mixed with Pyrope to form mozambique, a generally pure red variant with a slightly lighter tone than similar garnets. Most almandine stones by themselves are not directly used in jewelry.

Pyrope is a blood-red variant of garnet, and it is absolutely stunning, especially when combined with Almandine to form mozambique. It is durable, strong, and quite stunning. A specific subtype of Pyrope, rhodalite, gets its name for its rose-like color and inclusion-free appearance. It too is often used in garnet jewelry, and it has a very lovely appearance that balances well with white gold and yellow gold.

Red Garnet Engagement Rings at Knox Jewelers

At Knox Jewelers, we have been crafting unique engagement rings and custom jewelery with red garnet stones for many years. Any of our custom engagement rings can be outfitted with a garnet stone setting, and the red color of these gemstones looks absolutely stunning with gold metals, platinum, and more. Our garnet jewelry is perfect for that special someone who happens to have a January birthday.

Any one of our intricately handcrafted bands or other types of jewelry can be used in conjunction with a red garnet stone setting, including engagement rings, wedding bands, pendants, earrings, and more. We are more than happy to help you craft the perfect combination of metal, custom design work, and red garnet stone that will truly make January a memorable month for your beloved.

Caring for Garnet

Caring for our custom engagement rings or other custom jewelry which uses garnet stones is essential for the longevity of the piece. Garnet is generally regarded as a tough stone and is quite durable, but it still should not be subjected to hard impacts or harsh chemicals. The ideal method for cleaning garnet items involves the use of warm water and soap, though ultrasonic cleaners are also effective, save for stones with fractures – generally, however, we advise using a soft tooth brush and soapy warm water to gently scrub the jewelry.

Have Any Questions?

We personally cannot think of a better gift for your loved one with a January birthday than red garnet custom jewelry. If you have any questions at all about the qualities and attributes of the many different kinds of red garnet, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We look forward to helping you design the perfect engagement ring or other jewelry for your loved one!

Full Bezel Set Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands – An Elegant Setting Style Throughout Time

Bezel settings – that is, settings wherein the metal of the band encompasses the edge of the gemstone – have a long and rich history in the metal smithing and jewelry-making professions. As a matter of fact, the use of bezel settings was one of the first ways in which metal smiths would set gemstones or diamonds into jewelry, as evidenced by many ancient heirlooms in public and private collections. But, bezel settings have practical advantages for the modern jewelry we design here at Knox Jewelers, too. While prong settings are the most common and popular settings for most modern pieces, they have a number of issues. In particular, prong settings allow for their stones to be more susceptible to accidental rubbing or damage; furthermore, these settings tend to be less secure overall. While the possibility of stone dis-lodgement through even intense activity is minimal, bezel settings make this risk practically nonexistent. These are just a few of the reasons why our handcrafted full bezel engagement rings and wedding bands have been supremely popular with our customers.

The History and Evolution of Bezel Settings

Some of the very first settings in the history of the profession used the bezel technique to perfectly fit and protect the beautiful gemstones of the eras past. For thousands of years, the bezel setting served as the one and only setting used by jewelers due to its feasibility with the tools and implements of those times. Essentially, an ancient jeweler might have fashioned a bezel setting by taking a piece of metal, whether gold, silver, or other, and fabricating it so that it matches the outer shape of the center stone. Then, the jeweler would place the stone within the bezel and “push” the metal over the stone so as to encompass it. This technique has largely remained unchanged throughout the ages, and it still requires many years to master the pushing of the metal to just the right amount over the center stone so that it is not only secure, but also concealed as little as possible.

The Advantages of Bezel Settings

As stated previously, bezel settings offer a variety of advantages. Here are just a few of them:

* Protection: Due to the seamless nature of a bezel setting, the stones contained therein are protected from many types of accidental damage.
* Versatility: Bezel settings look great with a variety of different band styles and stone cuts, as evidenced by our examples below.
* Snag-proof: Unlike prong settings, when a bezel setting gets damaged it is not likely to move away from the stone in a way that will leave the metal exposed to accidentally scratch someone or snag on things.

Examples of Bezel Settings Crafted By Knox Jewelers

At Knox Jewelers, we have crafted many unique engagement rings and wedding bands with bezel settings. Our metalsmiths have trained for many years to master this art, and we are proud to offer them to our customers. Those customers who have opted for a bezel setting have loved its elegance, durability, and sophistication, so much so that we could not help but tell you about them. Here are three of the unique and beautiful rings we have crafted for our customers in the past:

* Radiant Enchantment: With micro pavé stones stones forming a stunning halo around the center bezel setting of this beautiful ring, Radiant Enchantment surely lives up to its name. This piece in particular shows how bezel settings can be combined with halos and other silhouettes to create truly stunning jewelry.

* Monarch: The proud, noble Monarch ring showcases the exquisite combination of a round center stone, round bezel setting, and a lovely micro pavé band. Truly, this 14k white gold band is fit for nobility of the highest prestige.

Here are some custom, Monarch Variations:

* Bezel Step Eternity: Our innovative and elegant Bezel Step Eternity band takes the classic bezel setting design to a new level. A seamless, interlocking 14k white gold band of bezel round brilliant diamond settings makes this ring a truly unique and novel design not seen elsewhere.

Choosing a Bezel Setting for Your Wedding Band or Engagement Ring

A bezel setting is a fantastic choice of setting for the center stone of your wedding band or engagement ring. If you would like to learn more about using a bezel setting in a band for that special someone, please get in touch with us today. We look forward to discussing your plans with you!

Radiant Engagement Rings – Regal Beauty

How much do you know about radiant cut diamonds? Did you know that the radiant cut was first invented in 1977 by a man named Henry Grossbard, a pioneer in the art of diamond cutting who wanted to synthesize the emerald cut and round stone, thereby creating a cut which combined the elegance and brilliance of both? At Knox Jewelers, we have been crafting unique engagement rings with radiant cut diamonds since our founding in 1984. The radiant cut has a very interesting and rich history – unsurprising for a cut of this intricate beauty. Let’s take a few moments to discuss the history and properties of this beautiful cut, and then take a look at some of the stunning radiant engagement rings we have crafted for our customers in the past.

The History and Development of the Radiant Cut

Once upon a time, an enterprising and clever craftsman named Henry Grossbard wanted to find a way to combine the elegance of emerald cut diamonds with the brilliance of round, brilliant cut diamonds. After thirty-three years of developing his craft, Grossbard finally succeeded in developing a cut which combined the step cut and brilliant cut into one, distinctive, and astounding cut he proudly named the radiant cut due to its synthesis of the properties of the former. Since then, many artists, metal smiths, and craftspeople have endeavored to emulate the precision and dedication to craftsmanship that Grossbard displayed in his work, and at Knox Jewelers we too have carried on Grossbard’s legacy of craftsmanship and attention to detail in the design of all of our unique engagement rings.

The Special Properties of Radiant Cut Diamonds

Radiant cut diamonds are so innovative and important in the recent history of jewelry because prior to their introduction by Grossbard and other craftspeople, all diamonds were cut in the emerald way, thereby limiting their potential brilliance. The radiant cut brought with it a complete revolution of the industry, as now diamonds were up to par with their fellow gemstones in terms of both brilliance and elegance. This evolution in cutting methodology brought with it a number of new styles in jewelry, and allowed for greater creativity by both customers and metal smiths.

Our Radiant Engagement Rings

At Knox Jewelers, we have crafted a number of these stunning, exquisite radiant engagement rings, and we wanted to take some time now to show you some of them we have created from scratch for our customers in the past. Naturally, these are not the sum of our entire portfolio, so please click here to view all of our stunning radiant engagement rings. Without further ado, let’s take a look at three of our unique engagement rings which have incorporated radiant cut diamonds:

Rae – Regal and Luminous

Our Rae design is among our most regal, and the 2.25 carat radiant cut center diamond is absolutely stunning. Its platinum band is detailed with intricate micro pavé that truly gives this ring a brilliant and awe-inspiring appearance. The U-cut micro pavé is present along almost all sides of this ring, including the undersides of the halo.

Radiant North Star – A Fresh Take on a Classic Pattern

Once used by sailors to navigate the oceans of the world, the North Star has a long and rich history. Our signature North Star pattern looks simply exquisite with diamond accents, hand-cut micro pavé, and a .50 carat radiant cut diamond, all framed with a fine milgrain detail. This ring also shows just how versatile a radiant cut diamond can be, and how stunning it can look in any setting.

Heidi – Art Deco Beauty

Inspired from the artistic legacy of the Art Deco movement, our Heidi design places a yellow 1.00 carat radiant cut diamond within a 14k gold bezel and a 14k white gold halo accented with micro pavé diamonds. Heidi is truly a lovely ring, and its unique twist on the Art Deco style gives it a one-of-a-kind character. As you can see from this stunning piece, radiant cut diamonds look great in any size, shape, or form, and we have used them successfully in a variety of different configurations and designs.

Have Any Questions?

If you have any questions at all about the radiant cut or about the radiant engagement rings we offer at Knox Jewelers, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!

Halo Engagement Rings – Regal Beauty Throughout the Ages

The halo style of engagement rings has endured in popularity from the Middle Ages to the modern present with little-to-no loss of approval over the years. Just why is this style of ring so popular? Is it because of the beautiful flourish the encircling diamonds add to the piece? Is it perhaps due to how the diamonds accentuate the center stone? Whatever the reason may be, halo engagement rings have remained an ever-popular choice for hundreds of years. Let’s take a look now at the history of this elegant style and some of the halo engagement rings we have crafted at Knox Jewelers for our valued customers in the past.

In the 18th century, the first rings which could be considered to be of the halo style were created. These rings were typically set with a center stone encircled by smaller diamonds or pearls. They were not the micro-style diamonds we see in modern halo engagement rings, but rather small round diamonds which gave the rings a very elegant appearance. As the ages progressed into the Victorian era, jewelers began to utilize different kinds of gems for the center stone, including sapphires, rubies, and turquoise. Additionally, they also began to include various kinds of patterns such as milgrain or filigree.

As the techniques were adopted by jewelers in the 20th century, halo style rings began to look more and more like the modern ones we craft for our clients today. The 1920’s gave birth to an art movement known as the Art Deco Era, and jewelers began to use symmetrical and geometrically-inspired patterns to craft their halo designs. There also existed an emphasis on concentric circles in the design of those rings. Finally, the artists of this era also began to utilize streamlined designs that were far more sleek without sacrificing the elegance of previous eras.

But, as we all know, history is seldom so clear-cut and linear. As the 1950’s rolled around, the more sumptuous styles of those bygone generations began to make a comeback in popular fashion. Thus, we saw a rise in the more colorful flourishes that graced the jewelry of the Victorian era. The use of the halo style in bridal wear was also rather diminished during this time for the aforementioned reasons. And, as history would have it, as jewelry progressed into the 1960’s and 70’s, these bold styles continued to develop. Hardly any classic halo style rings were seen during the period between the 70’s and the 90’s.

You might think that those styles from the majority of the 20th century would have continued in force, right? Well, you would be wrong. History turned around yet again and the modern era has brought with it a reemergence of the classic halo style rings that graced the fingers of many during those bygone times. Whether or not this reemerged style is here to stay is up to the whimsy of fate, but we do know that it is still one of the most beautiful, elegant, and exquisite styles of rings that will never completely go away, as history as so well proven.

At Knox Jewelers, we take great pride in crafting the most beautiful and stunning halo engagement rings on the market. We have been handcrafting these lovely rings since the day we opened our doors to our first customers, and they have still held on to their popularity. There are just so many different ways that these rings can be customized and modified to create unique characters and patterns that your special someone will absolutely adore. Let us take some time to show you some of these beautiful rings we have created for our customers in the past.

Design 2853: Classic and Stunning

Design 2853 is bound to catch the eye with its inspired designs from the earliest years of the halo style. We surrounded a intensely blue, large sapphire stone with round brilliant diamonds in much the same way that these kinds of rings were crafted in Victorian times. All the elements of this beautiful ring point towards and frame the stunning center stone. If you are looking for a modern twist on a classic, gorgeous design, then our Design 2853 proves that it can be done.

Design 2624: An Innovative Take on a Classic Style

When we created our Design 2624 halo engagement ring, we wanted to innovate on the classic designs that came before. Now, the classic style of halo rings uses diamonds in almost all cases; for this design, we wanted to try something different. That is why we surrounded a round, brilliant 0.75 carat diamond with a stunning array of micro pavé emeralds, all of which are set upon a platinum split shank band. What this design proves is that a classic style can be re-imagined in a very beautiful way – the use of a bright gem like emerald truly makes this piece an absolutely stunning work of art.

Design 3004: Bold and Mesmerizing

14k yellow gold serves as the baseline for this bold and flashy halo ring. Instead of simply surrounding the 2.00 carat oval cut diamond with one halo of framing diamonds, we crafted two rings of beautiful round cut diamonds in a bold style that is reminiscent of the ones seen throughout the 70’s and 80’s. Since any kind of gem can be used for the center stone, you can imagine the kinds of brilliant variations that could be crafted off the baseline of Design 3004.

Thus, you have seen the rich and varied history of the halo engagement ring style. Throughout the ages, it’s classic version has risen and fallen in popularity, but has always remained elegant and exquisite. At Knox Jewelers, we are proud to have made many such halo style rings for our customers, all of whom have overwhelmingly approved of and admired these beautiful designs. Whether or not the classic variants continue to be popular into the future or a new variation of this classic style takes hold, you will always find some of the most cutting edge and unique designs in the world at Knox Jewelers.

If you have any questions at all about our halo engagement rings, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Blue Zircon: December’s Beauty

December is a month of many birth stones. Throughout the years, it has included such diverse gemstones as bloodstone, ruby, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and more among its varied birthstones. But, one of the most beautiful modern December birthstones is blue zircon, a somewhat less common household name. And while blue zircon may be less commonly known, it happens to also be one of the most stunning and exquisite birthstones of them all for its intense blue color, clarity (zircon is generally free of inclusions which muddle the interiors of other stones), and character, all of which are among the many reasons our customers at Knox Jewelers love to use blue zircon in their hand-crafted jewelry.

The history of zircon is as rich and interesting as the histories of other birthstones – and oftentimes it is more so. During the Middle Ages in Europe, zircon had an aura of colorful superstitions surrounding it. In particular, many people thought that the gem could defeat insomnia and induce sleep, defend them against supposedly evil spirits, and bring such things as riches, wealth, honor, and wisdom. As for the etymology of the word “zircon,” scholars are divided. Some researchers contend that the name of zircon stems from an Arabic word zarkun, which means vermilion or cinnabar. Other scholars believe that the word is Persian in origin. In particular, they believe it comes from the Persian word zargun, which means gold colored. Given the many different varieties of zircon besides blue zircon, this might explain the various historical interpretations of the gem.

Blue zircon looks absolutely stunning in all kinds of jewelry, including engagement rings, pendants, and earrings. It reached its peak of historical popularity during the Victorian era, wherein many wealthy English citizens would use it estate jewelry like the kinds just listed. But, the progression of time has not dampened the popularity of blue zircon as the center stone of the jewelry we craft by hand here at Knox Jewelers. Many of our esteemed customers have been thrilled to see the final product of their hand-picked zircon jewelry. In fact, blue zircon accounts for the overwhelming majority of zircon stones used in our pieces, and it has been found by industry surveys to be the absolute most popular zircon variant on the market – 80 percent of all zircons in circulation happen to be blue ones, thus showing that many consumers prefer this variant over the other colors.

Zircons are graded according to a strict set of measurements which determine the overall quality of the gem. Due to the interactions of radioactive elements and other sources of wear and tear, some zircons are considered more valuable than others. Gemologists classify zircons according to three different levels: low, intermediate, and high, depending on the amount of damage done by the aforementioned radioactive elements. At Knox Jewelers, we use only the highest quality of blue zircon gems that have negligible inclusions within them. Thus, they look elegant and beautiful in each and every piece our metal smiths and artist handcraft for our customers.

Blue Zircon looks absolutely stunning and beautiful in any piece. We have used them in engagement rings, wedding bands, and earrings, among many other kinds of jewelry. The blue color and texture of the gem can be readily used in conjunction with a variety of different base metals, including silver, platinum, and gold – the choice is ultimately yours, and you certainly cannot go wrong with any one of these options. We would also be happy to discuss with you what kinds of metals and colors best complement the beauty of blue zircon.

Finally, blue zircon has fair to good toughness and is in general stable when exposed to light. It is also stable when exposed to chemicals. As for cleaning, we generally recommend that our customers use warm and soapy water. As for its cut, there are a variety of different cuts we can use for zircon, and we would be happy to discuss them with you. They can range from step cuts to a modified brilliant cut, known as the zircon cut.

We hope you enjoyed learning about blue zircon. For that special someone in your life who was lucky enough to be born in December, a blue zircon ring or pendant from Knox Jewelers can be the perfect gift.