hand engraved engagement rings Archives - Page 3 of 4

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!

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.

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: