Wedding Bands Archives - Knox Jewelers

Mixing Metals Trend

Near the conclusion of 2015 we predicted the upcoming trends in engagement rings for the following year. At Knox Jewelers, tuned our trend radar in a large part through customer requests for custom engagement rings and wedding bands. One of those predictions, the mix metals trend, has had numerous requests as of late and is staying true to course as a favorite of 2016. Mixing metals is more popular than ever before in the bridal jewelry scene, especially now when mix-matched stacked wedding bands are in vogue. Most brides-to-be seem to be in the mind-set of ‘why choose one metal when you can have two shades, and while we are at it throw in a colored gemstone’. Blending engagement ring and wedding band tones creates a unique look, making your ring exclusive to you, and setting your rings apart from one another as well.

Your wedding band should be as one-of-a-kind as your engagement ring and your relationship, as it reflects your future and commitment. Today in the bridal scene there seems to be no room for traditions or rules when it comes to wedding bands. Mixing metals could be the perfect way to make your band stand out against your perfect engagement ring, and give it a life of its own. There are so many ways to make your engagement ring and wedding band distinctive, but color is always a great way to demonstrate your unique bridal style.

3259_1_image Unique Engagement Rings — A bold rose gold matching band adds contrast to our white gold Seville engagement ring.

You may think that the cool allure of white gold and platinum clashes with the warm tones of rose gold and yellow gold, but paired right, they can offer a winning combination. The renewal of the mix metal trend is growing at such a fast pace for good reasons. Combination metal engagement rings offer many more styling possibilities and it allows you numerous options when it comes to selecting your wedding band or multiple bands. On a more important note, mixed metal rings alleviate the stress and hinder the mindset of having to match all of your other jewelry for the rest of your life to shade of your bridal set.

There are many eye-catching ways to create a two tone look within your engagement ring or wedding band pairings. There are bold, elaborate mix metal wide bands to subtle hints of color, like the addition of color contrasting filigree curls. One very popular interpretation of the trend it to create a shaded diamond halo that differs from the rest of the ring, to draw attention to and highlight your center stone. Multiple band engagement ring, like our Fireworks Design, are brought into a whole new light when one band is featured in a warm shade of gold. If a small amount of two-tone is all you are ready for, try slight alterations, like colored center prongs, yellow or rose gold filigree curls or a colored contrasting center bezel.

Two Tone Engagement Rings

Rings Unique Engagement Rings — Knox Jewelers Custom Designs: Haley Allison, Design 3296, Design 2980

Contrasting Halo Rings

Halos Unique Engagement Rings — Knox Jewelers Custom Designs: Design 2327, Design 2924, Suenos

Two Tone Wide Bands

Wide-Bands Unique Engagement Rings — Knox Jewelers Custom Designs: Las Estrellas Rosadas, Loyalty, Dolce

The two tone trend is not just for bridal sets, we have had just as many, or more, requests for gents wedding bands created in contrasting colors. Bold bands can be created by pairing warmer rose and yellow golds with sleek platinum or white gold. Any of our custom wedding bands can be altered to be features in a two tone look.

Rose Gold Gents Bands

Mens-Rose Unique Engagement Rings — Knox Jewelers Custom Designs: Rose Averno, Denver, Centurion

Yellow Gold Gents Bands

Mens-Yellow Unique Engagement Rings — Knox Jewelers Custom Designs: Celtic Two Tone, Mesa, Design 3136

We can help you custom create anything you have in mind when it comes to your mixed palette of rings and bands. Mixing metals is a modern and fashionable way to express your style and a easy way to set your bands apart in a crowd. If you are so inclined, we can even custom create rings in three tones, like our newest wide band ring Tiara. As you can see below, colored gemstones are also a way to upgrade a custom design from the ordinary.

3268_1_image Unique Engagement Rings — Knox Jewelers custom Tiara wide band goes above and beyond into a three-tone look.

Metals color is only one of the ways to can help you make your ring or band into a one-of-a-kind creations. All of our finishing details are created by hand, so things like engraving, filigree, milgrain and side diamonds can add to the final look of a two toned creation. There are plenty of ways to play with engagement ring and wedding band traditions but interpret them in your special way.

Contact Knox Jewelers today to start custom designing your two-tone, or even three-tone, bridal set of your dreams.

Customizing Your Wedding Band

A lady’s diamond wedding band is the perfect compliment to any Knox Jewelers custom created engagement ring. This band will be exchanged when you make your wedding vows and will become a symbol of your love and commitment. Finding the right wedding band option to pair with your engagement ring is important. There are no rules to follow when choosing your band, whatever looks and feels right to you is what matters. With Knox’s custom designs there are endless possibility when creating your symbol of love.

Not all diamond wedding bands are the same. There are several ring styles to choose between, from a contoured or straight band paired against your engagement ring to a wide band wore on another finger. Listed below are several options and characteristics to keep in mind while custom creating your own unique wedding band.

Metal Selection

The metal you choose to have your band custom created in will have a strong influence on the overall look of the completed ring. Gold, any shade, and platinum rings will wear differently over time, so choosing the metal your engagement ring was created in will help create a consistency between the pair.

White Metals

Currently on trend for both engagement ring and wedding bands are the bright white metals, including platinum, 18K white gold and 14K white gold. White metals are popular because their bright finish compliments diamonds, making the gemstones seem brighter and more brilliant. These metals seamless meld with diamonds in a band design and allow the gemstones to look larger.

Yellow and Rose Gold

Yellow and rose gold wedding bands compliment several skin tones and make for beautiful and distinct options. Yellow gold, 18K or 14K, is a desirable alternative for a bride seeking a vintage inspired wedding band. Seen as a rich and luxurious shade, yellow gold can add warmth to any engagement ring. Rose gold, 18K or 14K, has recently become a popular alternative in Knox wedding bands. This rosy hue of gold adds a soft glow to diamond settings. Its blush tone gives a romantic vibe to any custom created band. These warm, alluring metal options add great contrast against the white sparkle of diamonds, allowing a bold statement in your wedding band. Several customers of late have opted to pair a warm metaled band against their white gold rings, for a unique combination.

Diamond Setting Styles

There are a variety of gemstone setting styles available in diamond wedding bands. How a band’s diamonds are set will determine the overall look of the ring. We can custom create your band to mimic the stone settings in your engagement ring, or you can choose an alternative style to add contrast.

Prong Set

In prong settings, diamonds are held in place by four prongs a stone, giving the band an added security. In shared-prong settings, diamond are lined up and held in place by shared prongs, so each prong clasps two diamonds. This setting style allows for more of the gemstone to be visible, but will not have the same durability has four prongs.

Bead Set

Bead setting is a subtraction process where the ring is casted smooth and the jewelers removes material in order to form tiny beads that hold all of the diamonds in place. Bead set wedding band will have a lower profile than prong set bands, as the diamonds are set into the metal.

Channel Set

In channel settings, diamond are secured between two bands of precious metal. No prongs allows for a streamlined look. Channel set wedding bands add a contemporary feel to any engagement ring.

Bezel or Flush Set

Bezel set wedding bands will have exceptional durability. Diamonds are flush set with a thin strip of metal completely surrounding the gemstone. This setting style could add a unique look against many engagement rings.

Unique Shapes

Diamond wedding bands do not have to be straight. Try mixing styles by choosing a twisted or scalloped band to pair with your engagement ring.

Wide Bands

Knox Jewelers’ signature wide bands are a great option if you prefer a right hand wedding band rather than a band worn against your ring.

Custom Contoured Bands

If you would like to custom create a wedding band from the ground up, Knox Jewelers is here to help! Our custom shop allows us to create a band that could hug the contours of your engagement ring. A contoured wedding band would sit flush against your ring. This option is available with any of our wedding band featured on our website.

Know Jewelers is here to custom create the perfect wedding band to compliment your engagement ring and represent the lifetime of love. Bands are available in any metal color and gemstone setting style you prefer. Please contact us to today for any questions regarding starting production on your custom wedding band!

Mohs Scale – Choosing Durability

Created in 1812 by the German geologist Friedrich Mohs, the Mohs scale rates the hardness of gems and minerals. A gemstone’s hardness determines its resistance to scratching. He chose ten minerals and assigned them numbers based on how easy or difficult they could be scratched by the other minerals. Today, this scale is an important tool to utilize while shopping for diamond or gemstone jewelry. A Mohs rating helps us identify a gem’s durability, and the more durable a gemstone the greater its longevity in a piece of jewelry that will be worn on a daily basis.

When consulting the Mohs scale, its important to remember that the gaps between the ten incriminates are not actually equal, even though they are evenly space on the scale. Diamonds are known for being one of the hardness substance on Earth, so hard, that they take the number ten position on the scale. Though only one seat away from corundum, diamond is actually 90 times harder in comparison. Corundum, which includes Sapphire and Ruby, is five times harder than Topaz which earns the rank directly below it.

Based on the Mohs scale, at Knox Jewelers we always recommend diamond or fancy colored diamond first in engagement rings or rings worn everyday. Falling in second place, Sapphire, Fancy Colored Sapphire and Ruby are durable enough to be featured in engagement rings or wedding bands. Sapphires are a great way to add a little contrast to your engagement ring, they are available in nearly every hue imaginable. Gemstones rated lower than a nine are not recommended for everyday rings, they could eventually become scratched or scuffed from daily wear.

Gemstones and their Mohs Rating

10 – Diamond, Fancy Diamond

9 – Sapphire , Ruby, Fancy Sapphire

8.5 – Alexandrite

8 – Topaz

7.5 – Aquamarine, Emerald, Morganite

7 – Amethyst, Garnet, Tourmaline

6 – Tanzanite

The Mohs scale and hardness are not the only factor to consider when buying gemstone jewelry, but it is an essential factor to help you understand how well that gem will survive years of wear. At Knox Jewelers, we want your ring to last several lifetimes, and choosing a proper gemstone could aid in that longevity.

If you have any questions about Mohs rankings or the jewelry creation process at Knox Jewelers, please be sure to let us know. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to working together with you to design a work of art that will last and be passed down throughout the ages. Contact our friendly and professional staff today, and we’ll get started on the journey of creating your very own, one-of-a-kind piece of custom jewelry.

Ametrine – A Fascinating Natural Phenomenon

One of the more unique and visually dynamic gemstones is the ametrine stone, a transparent quartz variant which incorporates two distinct zones of color derived from both amethyst and citrine. The stone acquires this stunning color gradient from the combination of the trace chemicals which comprise amethyst and citrine, thus leading to the development of this extraordinary and unique stone. If you are looking to represent both February and November birthdays, then ametrine is the perfect gem for the job. Let’s take a closer look now at how to choose the right ametrine stone, how to care for these remarkable gems, and how they can be incorporated into a custom engagement ring or wedding band, pendant, or other jewelry piece here at Knox Jewelers.

The Rich History of Ametrine

The history of ametrine stems from a long and rich cultural heritage. A legend surrounding the genesis of ametrine comes to us from the Europeans: It is said that a Spanish conquistador in the 17th century happened across the original Bolivian mine, and subsequently introduced the unique gemstones found within to the Spanish monarch. However, the location of the mine faded into mythology, only to be discovered again in 1960. Commercial mining operations began shortly thereafter, and in 1970 production ramped up, thus introducing ametrine into the marketplace once more.

How to Choose the Perfect Ametrine Gemstone

The only extant source of commercial ametrine mining lies in a deposit residing in eastern Bolivia. Unsurprisingly, this is also a mining site which produces commercially significant quantities of amethyst and citrine stones. In choosing a quality ametrine stone, you’ll want to look at the following factors: color gradient, cut, clarity, and carat weight. In terms of color, the finest ametrine specimens typically display an intense purple to orange gradient, usually with a clear boundary between the two poles. For ametrine cuts, the most expensive and fine stones typically incorporate the craftsmanship of designer cuts to achieve breathtaking effects. Clarity is also essential, and the majority of quality ametrine stones exhibit no visible inclusions or other artifacts. Finally, the size of a particular ametrine specimen and its color gradient are closely correlated – bigger is better (especially in the range of over 5 carats).

How to Care for Ametrine Gemstones

Caring for ametrine jewelry is quite simple. Hot water and soapy, foamy water are all that is necessary to keep your jewelery looking as good as new – no cleaning solutions or other potentially damaging products are required to keep these gems clean and spotless. We strongly recommend avoiding exposing your ametrine jewelry to harsh chemicals or other situations which could result in damage to the stone – exercise caution, especially in situations of physical exertion.

Ametrine Rings at Knox Jewelers

We have designed numerous custom engagement rings and wedding bands for our customers in the past, and many of these designs would look even more stunning with an ametrine center stone. Whether you are interested in a gold (yellow, white, or rose are all great choices)or platinum band, ametrine is bound to look great. We can also incorporate a number of stunning design flourishes, including hand engraving and other forms of handcrafted design elements. All of these facets are combined to form a beautiful finished product that connotes the special bond that you share with your loved one. Check out our collection of unique designs and see for yourself just how much attention to detail and innovation our designers put forward on each and every piece.

Design a Custom Ametrine Ring for Your Loved One

At Knox Jewelers, it is our mission to help you design a beautiful ametrine engagement ring or wedding band with a unique character that encompasses your love and admiration for your partner. To learn more about the design process and how you can be an essential part of it, get in touch with our friendly staff today to get started. We will walk you through each and every step on the way to designing your very own engagement ring or wedding band for your partner, and it is sure to be an experience of a life time. We look forward to meeting you soon and embarking upon this journey!

Amethyst – February’s Regal Birthstone

Amethyst, the stunning February birthstone, has a rich historical legacy that fits its elegance and regal nature. It is also steadily gaining in popularity as customers forgo diamonds as the center stone for their engagement rings for more personalized options, such as birthstones. At Knox Jewelers, we have crafted a plethora of unique amethyst jewelry for our customers, and this lovely stone looks fantastic in a variety of media and designs. Without further ado, let us take a look at the history and lore surrounding amethyst, as well as give you a tour of some of our exquisite custom designs that would look great with an amethyst center stone.

The History of Amethyst

The history of amethyst is one steeped in rich lore and symbolism, and its historical roots extend into the past for thousands of years. The color of amethyst is often a rich combination of red and purple hues – that’s why the ancient Greeks associated the stone with Dionysus, the Greek god of wine making, and other revelries. Throughout the ages, amethyst has come to be associated with different gods and symbols to fit the culture and context of the times. The royal and noble families of many European nations also incorporate amethyst stones into their heirloom jewels, thus giving amethyst a certain sense of prestige that can only come from a royal inheritance.

An Overview of Amethyst

Amethyst is a variety of quartz that is well-regarded and known for its purple and red color. Depending on the specific sample, the color can incorporate more tones of red or purple, thus giving amethyst many different possible shades and combinations. Furthermore, amethyst is a prime example of an attribute unique to certain stones called “color zoning.” The phenomenon of color zoning involves different sections (zones) of the stone exhibiting darker or lighter shades, thereby giving the stone a dynamic visual appearance. Truly, amethyst is one of the most stunning purple-colored gemstones in existence.

How to Choose an Amethyst Stone

There are a few different factors of quality you ought to keep in mind when choosing an amethyst stone. The most highly valued and prized amethyst stones are those who have the right balance of red and purple and produce no color zoning. In addition, the presence of brown tints can decrease the value of a particular sample. As for clarity, amethyst follows the pattern for many other stones by deriving more value from inclusion-free samples, though there are a few exceptions to this rule. Finally, there are a variety of custom designer cuts that can give an amethyst stone a signature look and feel – let us know if this is an option you are potentially interested in.

Taking Proper Care of Amethyst Jewelry

Caring for your amethyst jewelry is a relatively simple process. You’ll want to exercise caution and common sense by removing your ring prior to engaging in activities which could potentially expose it to physical or chemical damage. Cleaning an amethyst stone is a matter of gently scrubbing with a soft-bristled toothbrush in a solution of warm, soapy water.

Amethyst Engagement Rings at Knox Jewelers

At Knox Jewelers, crafting stunning custom engagement rings is what we do best. We will work together with you to design a unique engagement ring that successfully incorporates your design touches and a personalized character. Let’s take a look now at a couple of designs to help you acquire an idea of how an amethyst stone could look with one of our beautiful rings:

Bonita

Our Bonita design features hand engraving, filigree, and milgrain texturing in addition to a 1.30 carat round brilliant cut center stone. An amethyst stone would look absolutely stunning in conjunction with these design features and the 14k white gold band.

Design 2231

To demonstrate how versatile and beautiful amethyst can look in any context, take a look at our Design 2231 ring. Imagine combining the lovely accent diamonds with a 0.90 carat cushion cut amethyst center stone along with the 14k yellow-white gold band.

Get In Touch

If you would like to learn more about amethyst engagement rings and how to best incorporate this beautiful birthstone in your own jewelry, get in touch with us today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to talking to you soon!