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Tag: Custom engagement ring

Fine Jewelry and Metal Allergies

Every custom creation Knox Jewelers builds to order is crafted by hand and made to last a lifetime, if not longer. We want every custom engagement ring we create to be a dream come true, and we don’t want metal allergies to stand in the way of wearing our custom designs. As every ring we create is built from scratch, it is possible to cast your custom creation is a hypoallergenic precious metal. A metal allergy does not need to prevent you from wearing your desired types of fine jewelry, there are ways to work around this obstacle.

There is no need to sacrifice your love for jewelry or the ring styles you prefer if you create your engagement ring in a safe precious metal. The first step in approaching custom ring design with a metal allergy is to understand exactly what it is that irritates your skin. An actual allergy to gold is an extremely rare occurrence. What is more common is an allergy to the alloys added to gold to make it more durable and usable in jewelry. The most common irritation we encounter is the reaction to nickle used as an alloy in white gold.

Nickel is usually the cause of irritation in fine jewelry. This metal intolerance usually causes dermatitis, which is an itchy rash that appears where your skin has come in contact with the metal. Dermatitis usually disappears within a few days after removing the jewelry.

If you have a metal allergy there are precious metal options available that will allow your custom engagement ring safe to wear on a daily basis. We work with numerous hypoallergenic metal that can be used to create your dream ring!

  • 14 karat Yellow or Rose Gold is usually safe as nickel is not commonly used as an alloy in either.
  • 18 karat White gold could be used if your metal allergy is only mild. 18 karat will reduce the amount of alloy used by 25%, so less nickel will be present in the gold. It would not be suitable for people with severe allergies, but its usually enough to reduce irritation from a majority of customers.
  • Platinum is a naturally hypoallergenic metal. Creating your custom engagement ring in this metal will also provide you with the durability and longevity that platinum allows in jewelry.
  • Palladium is also a naturally hypoallergenic metal. Not all of our custom designs can be made in palladium, only a few would be manageable in the metal selection.

Metal allergies do not have to prevent you from custom creating the engagement ring of your dreams. There are options available that will allow you jewelry to be safe to wear on a daily basis. Contact us today and inquire about the precious metal options available to you, we can absolutely work around your allergies!

Author Katie MonsonPosted on April 30, 2017May 2, 2017Categories Unique Engagement RingsTags craftsmanship, custom, Custom Creation, Custom engagement ring, custom ring, Diamond Engagement Ring, jewelry allergies, knox custom creation, Knox Jewelers, metal allergies, nickel allergies, Platinum, Rose Gold, Yellow GoldLeave a comment on Fine Jewelry and Metal Allergies

Hand Crafted vs. Casted Detailing

When purchasing an engagement ring, most people don’t think about, or even realize, how the detailing on their ring was produced. Moreover, how the techniques used to create that detailing can affect the overall quality and appearance of the piece of jewelry.

At Knox Jewelers we handcraft every ring from the ground up in several stages, using traditional and modern applications. Most of our rings are cast blank with stone seats, engraving, milgrain and filigree all carved or created by hand. We do offer some rings with cast-in-place detailing, where detailing is including in the initial cast ring.

The fine art of hand engraving is the process of using a sharpened piece of steel, called a graver, to push through the surface of the metal and create intricate patterning. The high quality, detailed engraving is created by several cuts in the metal varying in length, width and depth. The result is very similar to an artist sketching with pen on paper. It takes a jeweler years of training to fully master these hand engraving techniques.

Hand crafted filigree curls are first formed by the jeweler and then test fit it into the filigree pocket. From here he will fine tune the fit and prepare to solder it to the ring. This is an extremely delicate process that ensures the best quality filigree. Milgrain edging is the beaded border that is featured on nearly all of our vintage inspired custom rings. The jeweler will hand apply this border to ensure the finest finish.

Modern technology and resin construction techniques have now allowed finishing details like engraved-like patterns, filigree and beaded edges to be embossed directly on rings in the casting stage of design.

The benefits of handcrafted detailing include the ability of modify design elements during the creation process. These elements will also be inherently stronger and finer in detail. Finishing by hand also enables you to create the ring in mix metals. Each ring being finished by hand will guarantee your finished piece will be a unique and one-of-a-kind.

The benefit of cast-in-place detailing is that it is less labor intensive and will therefore be more cost effective if you wish to redirect your investment into a larger center stone or a greater amount of side stones.

We offer both hand crafted and cast-in-place detailing to allow you the option that is best for you and your custom created ring. Contact Knox Jewelers today and let us help you create your perfect engagement ring!

Hand-vs-Cast Unique Engagement Rings
Knox Jewelers custom engagement rings shown with hand engraving (left) and cast-in-place engraving (right).
Hand-vs-Cast-2 Unique Engagement Rings
Knox Jewelers custom engagement rings shown with hand formed filigree (left) and cast-in-place filigree (right).
Hand-vs-Cast-3 Unique Engagement Rings
Knox Jewelers custom engagement rings shown with hand applied milgrain (left) and cast-in-place milgrain (right).
Author Katie MonsonPosted on April 16, 2017April 18, 2017Categories Unique Engagement RingsTags Custom engagement ring, filigree, hand detailing, hand engraving, Knox custom engagement rings, Knox Jewelers, milgrainLeave a comment on Hand Crafted vs. Casted Detailing

March’s Custom Engagement Ring Spotlight

1-1 Unique Engagement Rings
Knox Jewelers Custom Engagement Ring 3453
2 Unique Engagement Rings
Alternative Views of Knox Jewelers Custom Design 3453

Design 3453 is the newest addition to our ever-growing selection of custom created engagement rings. Here at Knox Jewelers we love any custom engagement ring that combines the clean lines of a contemporary setting with a little added flair of vintage detailing. The band of the ring features a double row of micro pavé diamonds held in u-cut prong settings for extra sparkle. The band leads into a crown inspired center setting that arches between its six prongs. Bead-set diamonds drape along these arches and are outlined in milgrain edging. The vintage inspired center crown and diamond set band are the prefect pairing!

This custom design centers around a gorgeous round brilliant cut diamond. The round center stone is held in an elaborate six prong setting that draws inspiration from antique engagement rings. Knox’s ability to bring any dream engagement ring to life is illustrated in this breathtaking custom piece. A classic outline with curving vintage details is the perfect way to describe Design 3453. Knox hand finishes and outstanding craftsmanship will ensure that this diamond engagement ring will last a lifetime.

3 Unique Engagement Rings
Production Photos for Knox Jewelers Custom Design 3453
4 Unique Engagement Rings
Production Photos for Knox Jewelers Custom Design 3453

Every ring at Knox Jewelers is made by hand from the ground up. We are extremely proud of our in-house design team that works tirelessly to add even the smallest details to your perfect custom engagement ring. We document the creation of our custom piece with jeweler’s eye view production photos, allowing you the chance to see your beautiful ring come to life.

This outstanding double diamond band engagement ring can be recreated to accommodate any type, shape, or size center stones. Contact Knox Jewelers today to custom tailor this design to your preferred precious metal and central gemstone selection to create your own unique engagement ring!

5 Unique Engagement Rings
Final Production Photo for Knox Jewelers Custom Design 3453
Author Katie MonsonPosted on March 26, 2017April 4, 2017Categories Unique Engagement RingsTags Custom engagement ring, custom engagement ring spotlight, diamond ring, engagement ring, knox custom creation, Knox Jewelers, round brilliant diamond, vintage inspired ringLeave a comment on March’s Custom Engagement Ring Spotlight

Gemstone Spotlight

Aqua-Earrings Unique Engagement Rings
Knox Jewelers Martini Stud Earrings

Aquamarine is the green-blue gemstone variety of the mineral beryl. This pastel toned crystal has been regarded and sought after throughout history. The beryl mineral family holds several other notable gemstones including the mysterious green emerald and delicate blush hued morganite. Small traces of iron in the crystal structure of beryl causes aquamarine’s tranquil bluish-green color. Beryl often forms in large crystals, allowing for the possibility of large faceted gemstones.

The Latin word for seawater is where aquamarine received its name. It is not hard to image why when you consider the gemstone’s greenish-blue color and exceptional clarity. Aquamarine is often associated as the birthstone of March. Here at Knox Jewelers we have created several beautiful custom jewelry pieces featuring extraordinary hand selected aquamarines.

Aquamarine, and all other beryl gemstones, are not as durable as sapphire or diamond, so if you choose to set an aquamarine into one of our custom ring settings, it would need to be worn with care and might not be suitable for everyday jewelry. However, these seawater-like gemstone pair shown here could make a stunning pair of stud earrings. This round aqua gemstone pair is currently featured on our online gemstone list, and they are just waiting to be made into a custom created masterpiece!

For the past two centuries, the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais has been a major source of aquamarine and several other beryl varieties. Aquas are often discovered in the eastern regions of the state. Another important supplier of aquamarine is the elevated mines in Pakistan. Reaching these crystal deposits requires a steep climb to cliffs reaching 13,000 or more feet. These harsh mining conditions are worth the reward, aquas from these deposits are often described clear as water.

Let us at Knox Jewelers help you design a custom created piece of jewelry holding the beautiful aquamarine pair featured here or any other available option on our gemstone list!

Aqua Unique Engagement Rings
Round Cut Aquamarine Pair
Author Katie MonsonPosted on March 12, 2017April 3, 2017Categories Unique Engagement RingsTags Aquamarine, Aquamarine Jewelry, Birthstone, custom birthstone jewelry, custom created, custom earrings, Custom engagement ring, Gemstone spotlight, knox custom creation, Knox JewelersLeave a comment on Gemstone Spotlight

February’s Custom Engagement Ring Spotlight

1 Unique Engagement Rings
Knox Jewelers Custom Engagement Ring 3477
2 Unique Engagement Rings
Alternative Views of Knox Jewelers Custom Design 3477

Design 3477, the latest addition to our ever-growing selection of custom created engagement rings is our new favorite antique inspired setting here at Knox Jewelers. The octagon diamond and blue sapphire halo featured on this custom creation draws inspiration from the intricate geometric designs popular in the 1920s. The curving lines of the halo and diamond band are outlined in milgrain edging, giving the ring an antique flare. A bold statement is made by the blue sapphires, studding each corner in dramatic repetition. The unusual shape of the halo is complimented by a flaring double row of graduating diamond leading down the shank.  The profile of the ring is not forgotten; hand formed filigree curls and hand engraving adorn the sides and complete this extraordinary design.

This Art Deco era design centers around a dazzling round brilliant cut diamond. The round cut plays a great contrast against the octagonal shaped halo. Knox’s ability to bring any dream engagement ring to life is illustrated in this breathtaking custom piece. A timeless outline with historical details is the perfect way to describe Design 3477. Knox hand finishes and outstanding craftsmanship will ensure that this halo diamond engagement ring will last a lifetime.

3 Unique Engagement Rings
Production Photos for Knox Jewelers Custom Design 3477
4 Unique Engagement Rings
Production Photos for Knox Jewelers Custom Design 3477

Every ring at Knox Jewelers is made by hand from the ground up. We are extremely proud of our in-house design team that works tirelessly to add even the smallest details to your perfect custom engagement ring. We document the creation of our custom piece with jeweler’s eye view production photos, allowing you the chance to see your beautiful ring come to life.

This outstanding octagonal sapphire and diamond halo design can be recreated to accommodate any type, shape, or size center stones. Contact Knox Jewelers today to custom tailor this design to your preferred precious metal and central gemstone selection to create your own unique engagement ring!

5 Unique Engagement Rings
Final Production Photo for Knox Jewelers Custom Design 3477
Author Katie MonsonPosted on February 26, 2017April 2, 2017Categories Unique Engagement RingsTags art deco ring, Custom engagement ring, custom engagement ring spotlight, Halo Engagement Ring, knox custom creations, Knox Jewelers, octagon halo, sapphire halo ringLeave a comment on February’s Custom Engagement Ring Spotlight

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