Custom engagement ring Archives - Page 14 of 14

Diamonds Stud Earrings – The Perfect Gift for that Perfect Someone

Are you looking for a gift to complement our exquisite custom diamond engagement rings? Did you know that at Knox Jewelers we craft the finest diamond stud earrings? Well, now you do! What makes diamond stud earrings so special, anyway? The primary attribute of stud earrings is the floating appearance that they simulate on the ear or earlobe. From the frontal perspective, stud earrings lack a visible connection point between the decorative part of the earring and the post-and-back design that secures it to the wearer’s ear.

This post penetrates directly through the ear and is held securely in place with a removable friction back or clutch mechanism. On occasion, we craft our stud earrings so that the post is threaded, thereby allowing a screw back to securely hold the earring in place. Another mechanism we recommend for securing earrings is known as a locking back which is equally, if not more, secure than the screw back design.

Now, a note about diamond qualities for our stud earrings: At Knox Jewelers, we recommend different qualities for earrings than we would for the center stone of an engagement ring because the ring gets more exposure and will be looked at more closely than earrings. For color we suggest using the H through J range for colors of earring diamonds. You do not need to go any higher than this, as you will be unable to appreciate a very high color from the average distance at which you perceive the studs on someone’s ears. Furthermore, J will not show too many nuances of yellow as it is the very bottom of the near-colorless range. As for clarity grades, SI-1 to I-2 is optimal for earring clarity, but this also depends on the size of the studs. As a rule, the smaller the studs, the less noticeable the clarity will be.

Naturally, there are a variety of different settings which fit this paradigm, including Martini settings, Four Prong Basket settings, Bezel settings, and Halo settings. Each setting has its own unique character and appearance, but what they all have in common is the dedication we make at Knox Jewelers to creating stunning earrings. Please also note that the carat weights we have listed are the total combined weight of both studs, and there are other carat weight options beyond our examples in this blog post.

Let’s take a look at some of these design styles now.

Martini

Our 2/3 ct Martini Studs feature 14k white gold, three sophisticated prongs, and look absolutely stunning on any ear.

Four Prong Basket

These 1.00 ct tw round diamond studs come with a 14k white gold four-pronged basket that looks elegant and regal.

Bezel

Bezel diamond studs feature a seamless circular 14k white gold bezel that circumnavigate the entirety of the diamond setting.

Halo

Our round halo diamond stud earrings are absolutely exquisite. Gracefully orbiting the center diamond setting are numerous diamond inlets featured in 14k white gold. If you are looking to impress, then the Halo style may be the perfect match for you.

The majority of diamond studs are round, but we can hand-craft studs of any size or shape. The second-most common shapes for studs is the Princess cut. Princess diamond studs are typically square in shape and derive their name from the designs created by A. Nagy in London during the 1960’s. Our .44 ct. tw. Princess Studs are a perfect example of this unique style.

We hope you enjoyed learning more about our diamond stud earrings. If you are looking to harmonize with our engagement rings or wedding bands, have a browse of some of the past earrings we have handcrafted. We know you will find a pair that perfectly complement our other beautiful pieces, and are happy to help create a custom design if you aren’t finding the perfect pair.

Tanzanite: December’s Newest Breathtaking Birthstone

It’s that time of year again. The time when the snow begins to fall, when the world’s major holidays occur, and when one has a valid excuse for curling up inside with a book and a cup of hot tea on a cold and windy day. But, December is also the month of the tanzanite gem – the youngest of all known gems. Though the rare crystal has long been known and used by the native Maasai people of Tanzania, it was only recently discovered in 1967 by Manuel de Souza, a professor and prospector who was searching for rubies in the region. Upon initial discovery, he and other gemstone experts had assumed the gemstone was some form of sapphire with especially vibrant properties. It wasn’t until Henry B. Platt of Tiffany & Co came across it that tanzanite earned its name. So, you might be wondering what is so special about tanzanite. After all, if it was difficult for the people who discovered and named it to differentiate from sapphire, what makes it so unique? The truth is that tanzanite is in an unique class all of its own, a truth reflected by its inclusion in the birthstone list in 2002 due to its growing popularity and widespread understanding of its uniqueness.

There are many aspects of tanzanite that make this gemstone so unique and aesthetically intriguing, as well as making it the perfect December birthstone. The first aspect you will notice about a tanzanite gemstone is its alluring and very beautiful violet blue color. However, it is rare for a tanzanite freshly mined from the earth to have this intense blue color. It is a common process to heat treat tanzanite to give it the luminous color portrayed in pictures of the gemstone. This brings us to another important topic: The problems with color coating. You see, while heat treatments are a permanent change and do not have any negative impact on the stone, it has been discovered that some tanzanite gems have been coated in a thin layer of material to give them the blue and violet appearance many strive to achieve. However, these methods have come under intense scrutiny due to their unreliability. In fact, industry professionals do not recommend coating as the material applied during the process wears off very easily. That’s why you should always ensure that the tanzanite jewelry you purchase is HEAT treated, not coated. Here in the United States it is required that any coatings be disclosed at the point of sale.

One of the most important steps in preparing a tanzanite gem for market is the cutting process. Tanzanite possesses a very peculiar quality that makes the cutting process more complex than usual. The gemstone is pleochroic which means if you try to view tanzanite from different angles, you will see different colors. In the case of tanzanite you will see a burgundy-brown from one angle, violet from another, and blue from the third. When the gems are heat treated it removes the burgundy-brown, creating a dichroic stone and leaving only the blue-violet colors that are so prized for this gem. Because of this dichroic property, the direction of the cutting will play a pivotal role in determining the general face-up color of the tanzanite piece, a variable which must also correspond with the financial considerations involved in cutting any gemstone. In general, cutting tanzanite so that it shows an intense blue color in its face-up position is likely to result in more weight loss than cutting it to emphasize its violet-blue color.

There are a few more considerations to take into account for customers looking to purchase one of our hand-crafted tanzanite jewelry pieces. Firstly, tanzanite is rated around 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it fair to below average in durability. That’s why we recommend using tanzanite in non-ring pieces such as pendants, earrings, and necklaces, as this will reduce the risk of damage occurring to the gemstone during normal, daily wear. For someone who is aware of the risks and takes care of their piece however, it makes for a stunning center stone in an engagement ring! As for carats, tanzanite is more often found in larger carat sizes which makes it a great option for the focal point of any piece. Smaller tanzanite stones tend to be less vibrant in color (while, of course, being less expensive). Finally, tanzanite can be cleaned gently with warm, soapy water and a soft tooth brush or other implement.

Make this December one to remember with a beautiful, elegant tanzanite piece. At Knox Jewelers, we are experts in crafting beautiful engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, pendants, necklaces, and more. Choosing tanzanite for your custom jewelry is certainly a unique experience, and we would love to help you through the process and choose a beautiful tanzanite gemstone for your next idea. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions at all about these beautiful gemstones, and happy holidays from everyone at Knox Jewelers!

Pear Engagement Rings – A Tradition of Elegance

Pear engagement rings come to us from a long lineage of diamond cutting styles, stemming all the way from the late Middle Ages. In the beginning, diamonds and other gemstones were typically used in their natural octahedral states. Over time, jewelers developed different techniques for forming diamonds into unique and symmetrical shapes, including pear shapes. Although the initial diamond cuts produced by European jewelers were quite crude, their techniques began to evolve steadily over time, thus leading to the work of a very important Flemish jeweler known as Lodewyk van Berquem.

Lodewyk van Berquem was the first artisan to introduce the applied concept of absolute symmetry by utilizing his hand-made scaif device to form stones into a shape that was historically known as the pendeloque shape, also then known as the briolette cut. This cut was the prototypical ancestor of the pear cut center diamonds we offer at Knox Jewelers today. This cut was extremely popular during the Victorian era in Europe due to its symmetry, refinement, and inherent beauty, all of which are characteristics found in the modern pear engagement rings we offer in the present era. Pear cuts are especially prized for their elegance, and we are very proud to offer a line of beautiful rings of this form hand-crafted by our in-house artists.

As you might imagine, there are almost an infinite number of ways to customize these rings, and at Knox Jewelers we offer them in a great variety of unique styles, each of which has its own individual character and spirit. The best way to discuss the different customization options and styles available for you to choose from is to talk about the actual rings that we have made in the past. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the high quality engagement rings we have custom designed for our valued customers.

To start, let’s take a look at our Pear Cielo engagement rings. This beautiful design features 14k White Gold and a 1.00 carat pear cut center diamond surrounded by a luxurious, micro pavé adorned halo. This ring is an example where the diamond takes center stage in the piece. All other elements of the ring orbit around the center diamond, thus drawing the eye toward it. Its teardrop shape that is customary of pear cut diamonds gently moves the eye around the remainder of the piece, thereby drawing in all of its unique and pristine elements.

Another exquisite design we offer is our Design 2545 engagement ring. This pear engagement ring features a beautiful 1.50 carat full bezel set pear cut diamond with a beaded milgrain edge that accentuates the center stone. The 14k yellow gold provides a striking and beautiful contrast with the center diamond. The geometric design of the ring incorporates smooth but linearly inspired curves to give it an organized and ornate appearance. All of the elements of the antique inspired piece are oriented around the center cut diamond, though other stones can also be incorporated into the center.

Of course, pear cut center stones are not the only configuration we have available. Additionally, we also offer diamond rings in a side stone configuration. Our Venus engagement ring, in particular, is a beautiful example of the side stone settings. The center gemstone of the Venus ring is the primary focus of the piece. Branching off from the center stone are two pear shaped diamonds which flow with the two rows of micro pavé that circumvent the entirety of the ring. Our Venus engagement ring showcases the beauty and intricacy of side stone pear cut diamond settings.

At Knox Jewelers, beautiful designs are the lifeblood of our business. Our pear engagement rings hold within them a long history of beautiful craftsmanship, tradition, and elegance. Of course, the pear engagement rings we have listed in this post are just the tip of the ice berg: We offer a huge variety of uniquely hand crafted engagement rings that incorporate pear cut diamonds in both center and side stone configurations. We hope that you will take a very close look at our exquisite selection of these expertly crafted rings. Naturally, if you have any questions at all about our pear engagement rings, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to designing the perfect ring for you!

Top Ten List of the Most Beautiful Rings of 2014

At Knox Jewelers, we take great pride in designing our premium engagement rings and wedding bands. We incorporate our signature design elements, including hand engraving, hand-formed filigree, and milgrain detailing in addition to our outstanding hand-cut stone settings. Our brilliant and talented jewelers take great pride in putting tender, loving care into each and every one of the pieces we produce, and we guarantee that you will find nothing in our inventory but the highest quality jewelry. As the year draws to a close we like to look back on the rings that were most admired and most requested. Without further ado, here are Knox Jewelers’ top ten most beautiful rings of 2014:

10. Winter Water Band – Etched

Starting with number 10, we have our beautiful Winter Water Etched Bands. Our jewelers use the traditional Japanese techniques of Mokume Gane to create the distinctive curves and patterns of this exquisite band. It is truly a stunning work of art and one of the most unique rings we offer. If you are looking for a ring that bridges the gap between the traditional and the modern, the Winter Water band is for you.

2922_1_image Unique Engagement Rings

Here are some variations of this artistic Mokume Gane design:

9. Motion

Our talented artists crafted our Motion rings to evoke a sense of spiraling movement. The focus point of this movement is its center gemstone, thus giving our Motion rings an absolutely exquisite aesthetic. Your eyes will be drawn from the beautiful spiraling contours all the way to the center stone.

Here are some variations of our elegant Motion design:

8. Centurion

For those individuals searching for a precision-crafted, elegant wedding band which calls to mind the grace and sophistication of its namesake, our Centurion rings are the perfect match. A round band of 14k rose gold circumnavigates an outer layer of 14k white gold, thus giving our Centurion band a unique and stylish design.

7. Caledonia

If you are seeking a remarkable ring which incorporates a highly complex, fractal design, then look no further than our beautiful Caledonia. This ring uses intricate filigree curls and diamonds to weave a beautifully elaborate design that is sure to impress anyone who has the honor of catching a glimpse of it.

Our stunning Caledonia has inspired some wonderful variations:

6. Bonita

Is there Amor in the air, Señor? If so, you ought to know that our Bonita ring will perfectly capture it with its vintage-inspired design. Hand formed filigree curls and hand engraving make this piece one of our most lovely and intricate rings. We think you will agree that it is truly “Bonita!”

This elegant design has lovely variations:

5. North Star

Antique inspired patterns and engravings are intertwined in our North Star band with micro pavé diamonds all oriented about a .50 carat round center gemstone set in a delicate, exquisite eight prong setting. To add additional sparkle, the design is framed with a fine milgrain detail.

Here are some variations of this sparkling beauty:

4. Jolie

Passers by won’t be able to resist sneaking a glance at our head-turning Jolie. With a a 1.25 carat round center diamond and diamonds wrapped almost all the way around the circumference of the ring, our Jolie band is stunning and absolutely certain to turn heads. Like many of our other band designs, our Jolie rings can be made for any type, shape, or size of center stone.

Small changes can create unique variations of any design:

3. Venita

Venita takes some of the ideas of Jolie and goes all out with a 1.50 carat cushion cut diamond. This ring is available exclusively in platinum, and we think you will agree with us that it is simply extraordinary. The double claw prongs in each corner add a sophisticated detail to the halo, and we hand carve the V-cut setting of micro pavé diamonds to fit each diamond and the area around it, thereby creating a seemingly endless row of diamonds.

The Venita has inspired beautiful custom variations:

2. Rachel Lily

The centerpiece of our Rachel Lily design is its stunning 1.50 carat oval cut diamond. Combined with its hand engraved sides and the diamonds and filigree in its basket, the Rachel Lily band is one of our most exquisite and beautiful pieces. Best of all, our Rachel Lily design can be made for any type, shape, or size of center stone.

The Rachel Lily was actually created as a custom version of our Marseille Design:

Some other variations of these two antique inspired designs are:

1. Rebecca Kristine

And, finally, coming in at number 1 on our list is our lovely Rebecca Kristine. The beauty of this antique inspired band is beyond words. Each part of this gorgeous ring is crafted with tender, loving care and intimate attention to detail. Scrolling filigree adorns the circumference of the band, and beautifully faceted diamonds decorate each and every angle of the platinum metal elements. The yellow 18k gold elements have been detailed with astonishing and intricate relief hand engraving to make Rebecca Kirstine one of the most beautiful and stunning pieces in our entire collection.

Two variations of this gorgeous ring are:

Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

Cushion cut styles are in vogue and have made a sort of revival. This page is dedicated to several different styles of cushion cut engagement rings.

Click here to browse our Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

Cushion cut diamonds can have very different looks:

(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 halo engagement rings

Our Venita design is one of our micro pave designs and features a square proportioned cushion cut diamond flanked by a micro pave diamond halo. The cushion cut is set by 4 sets of claw prongs, yielding a minimal amount of metal holding onto the stone. This stone happens to be a Cushion Brilliant and features larger facets like a Round Brilliant.

2383_1_image Cushion Cut Rings — Hand cut micro pave cushion cut halo engagement ring with double claw prongs

Another design from our hand cut micro pave collection, featuring a cushion cut center diamond with micro pave diamond halo.

2301_5_image Cushion Cut Rings — Cushion cut micro pave halo engagement ring with claw prongs

1712_2_image Cushion Cut Rings — 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.

1665_7_image Cushion Cut Rings — 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.

1737_1_image Cushion Cut Rings — Micro pave split shank cushion cut custom engagement ring design with hand made filigree

1737_8_image Cushion Cut Rings — 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.

1688_1_image Cushion Cut Rings — Low, flush, bezel set cushion cut diamond engagement ring design with a diamond halo

1688_7_image Cushion Cut Rings — 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

786_2_image Cushion Cut Rings — 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.

1045_2_image Cushion Cut Rings — 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.

1561_2_image Cushion Cut Rings — This cushion cut engagement ring design features a sexy double micro pave halo.

1561_6_image Cushion Cut Rings — Side view

1562_1_image Cushion Cut Rings — Thin diamond pave band with diamond halo surrounding a rectangular cushion cut diamond

1562_6_image Cushion Cut Rings — Thin diamond pave band with diamond halo surrounding a rectangular cushion cut diamond 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.

1060_1_image Cushion Cut Rings — Cushion cut diamond engagement ring with half moon shape diamonds

1060_5_image Cushion Cut Rings — Side view

Here is a custom bezel set version of the above design:

1815_2_image Cushion Cut Rings — 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.

1131_1_image Cushion Cut Rings — Custom bezel set cushion cut engagement ring with bezel set triangle shape diamonds

1131_7_image Cushion Cut Rings — 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

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.

More to come soon…