FAQ

I wear my pearls almost everyday; what's the best way to care for them?
All cosmetics and soaps can be harmful to pearls. It's best to apply your makeup, hair spray and perfume first and then put on your pearls, preferably on top of clothes or on skin that doesn't have any chemical residue. When you take them off, wipe them with a soft cloth that can either be damp or dry; store them separately from your other jewelry so that they will not get scratched. We also recommend that you restring your pearls every two years with normal wear and annually if you wear them often. Make sure your pearls are knotted to keep from losing them if the strand accidentally breaks. Regular care will dramatically extend the life of any type of pearl. If you feel they need to be cleaned, just bring them in to us for a check up.
How often should I bring my diamond jewelry in to be cleaned and have the settings checked?
At least twice a year, but more often if you wear your pieces everyday and have an active lifestyle. Diamonds should sparkle so when they begin to look dull, please take advantage of our cleaning service department. It's free for all jewelry you purchase from us.
Which precious gemstones are okay to wear everyday?
This depends on your lifestyle and how active you are. Generally rubies and sapphires, like diamonds, are very hard and can be worn everyday. Semi-precious stones such as citrine, amethyst and garnet are also hard and are thus less likely to get scratched or crack. We suggest that soft precious gems such as emeralds and tanzanite be worn less frequently, particularly if they are set in a ring or bracelet. If you have questions on any specific gemstones, feel free to come in or contact us.
I'd like to have my wife's wedding ring engraved. What's the difference between hand and machine engraving?

Hand engraving allows for more flexibility and custom designs since it's done entirely free-hand. The hand-held engraving tools go deeper into the metal so the engraving lasts longer and is visually sharper.

Machine engraving consists of an engraver following a template to form the letters of a design. It's less costly, but there is less depth and it isn't as striking as a hand engraved piece.

Whether you're having ring personally engraved or you've noticed a particular motif you like on a piece of existing jewelry, it's important to discuss with your sales associate what will work best for the look you are trying to achieve.

I have a cluster marquise shaped pendant set with small round diamonds that I never wear anymore. I love the little marquise shapes and would prefer to do something different with them. Is there a way to reset or re-style this into a ring?
Yes. Our jewelers do beautiful custom work and can create pieces to suit your changing needs, tastes and lifestyle. We would count the marquise shapes and measure the finger you want to wear it on. Depending on the size you need and the amount of stones in the original piece, we can place the marquise shapes in a pattern that would go halfway around your finger and then add a shank in the back. Or, we can turn it into an eternity style band.
I'm interested in buying a three stone diamond ring. Should it be set in white gold or platinum?

Gold is naturally yellow; it's the mix of alloys in the casting of the metal that can make it appear white. However, even white gold can still have a yellow cast to it until it's rhodium plated to give it a bright white look. But over time, the rhodium will wear away and the piece will need to be re-plated.

Platinum is a more durable metal, and its strength is ideal for securing and setting diamonds. It's denser than white gold and lasts for many years before it starts to show wear. Platinum is also more resistant to corrosive materials (often found in household cleaners) that may pit or oxidize gold. Platinum is a pure metal so it doesn't tarnish or lose its rich white luster that showcases diamonds beautifully.