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Summer Jewelry Care

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Take extra care if your jewelry during the summer months! Although here in the Pacific Northwest we don’t have the hot summer days, days outside, trips to the beach, and sunscreen can damage your jewelry. Here are a few tips for you for summer jewelry care.

Heading to the pool?

If pool (or hot tub) days are on your summer to-do list, leave your jewelry at home. Chlorine will highly corrode jewelry. If worn in chloride often, you can even discolor some gemstones.

Going on a beach vacation?

We don’t have many beaches around here, but if you are spending a day at the beach its a great idea to keep your jewelry in a safe place for the day. It is risky to wear jewelry in the ocean. A big wave can make your ring slip off. Salt water also can damage your jewelry and over time wear down prongs, leaving you at risk for losing stones.

Laying out?

While sun isn’t likely to damage your jewelry, it is still a good idea to remove any jewelry when tanning. When you put on sunscreen, the oils will get on your jewelry and leave them dull and grimy. They can also dull the sparkle, so remove your jewelry before applying sunscreen, lotion, or tanning lotion.

Visit your jeweler

After the busy summer months are over, bring your engagement ring, wedding ring or other jewelry piece into your jewelers to get clean. We can help clean and recommend maintenance tips to keep your pieces shining and sparkling.

Tips for How To Design a Custom Wedding and Engagement Ring

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sketch_1If you have a specific design in mind for your engagement or wedding ring, we can help you put that vision into reality. You can create something one-of-a-kind that reflects your style or the style of your significant other. Telling us your preferred metal, center stone shape, center stone size, budget, and sharing photos of rings that you love will help us create something truly special.

We can help you put the vision you have for your engagement ring and wedding band into reality. Your wedding ring set will be a one-of-a-kind creation that reflects her personal style and lifestyle. Designers will use your ideas, sketches and input to create a design concept of your ring. Having a custom made engagement ring will be a true reflection of your unique love. No one else in the world will have your same ring! You can provide input on your preferred metal, center stone shape, center stone size, budget. You can also share photos with us of rings that inspire you to help us create something truly special for you.

Designers will use your ideas, sketches and input to create a design concept of your rings. Having custom made engagement and wedding rings will be a true reflection of your unique love. No one else in the world will have your same ring!

We can help you create the perfect diamond, metal color and special details to ensure your ring is as personalized and special as it can be.

 

Here are a few things to consider when designing your custom wedding and engagement rings:

  • What type of jewelry does your significant other wear? Is it mostly traditional pieces or trendy? Does she prefer white gold or yellow gold?
  • What elements do you like about other rings you have seen?
  • What graphic imagery reminds you of her? (waves, stars, flowers, a painting, etc.)
  • What kind of design do you like? (halo, cushion cut, solitaire, emerald, etc.)
  • What stone(s) do you want to add?
  • What size stone?
  • Do you want an engagement ring only or wedding band too?
  • Do you want any message engraved?
  • What is your budget?

Jewelry Gifts for Grads

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Your child is graduating from high school, college or graduate school and a piece of fine jewelry will be something to remember forever. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a special piece of jewelry for your 2017 graduate.

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1. Style. Knowing what type of style jewelry that your grad likes will help you select something sure to be a hit. Classic or trendy? Sparkle or subtle? Gold or silver? Also consider jewelry that they wear often. If necklaces aren’t something they wear then it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to gift one.

2. Personalize It. For a special graduation gift, consider personalizing it specific for the event or person. You could put the date of graduation on the inside, (you may not want something broadcasting 2016 in 2020 so probably make it a spot that isn’t visible). You could also do a monogram, birthstone, or stones in the school colors.

3. Utility. Choose something that will be worn often. One example that can be a gift for a male or female is a watch. There are many styles to choose from and these can be worn to most jobs.

4. Versatility. Gift something that can be worn often and with other pieces. For example, if you daughter always wears diamond studs, choose a bracelet or necklace in the same metals. Also- choose a gift that can be worn for special occasions but also every day.

 

 

Congrats to all of the grads in the Class of 2017!

Surprise Mom This Mother’s Day!

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-POP (1)

 

Mother’s Day is coming up next month, and this holiday is a great time to show Mom how special she is. Here are a few ideas for celebrating Mom.

Breakfast in bed- Classic for Mother’s Day, treat your mom (or wife with your kids’ help) to a breakfast fit for a queen. Choose her favorite (pancakes, eggs, waffles, etc.) and serve with fruit, coffee and maybe even a mimosa! Deliver on a tray with flowers and a card to make her day.

Photo gift- Any Mom would adore a picture of her family! Make a photo collage, picture puzzle, or frame a favorite shot. Another special idea is creating a custom calendar, write down memories and special events, quotes.

Favorite things- Treat your Mom to her favorite things for the day. A special Starbucks drink, favorite candy, favorite flowers, the options are endless.

Let her relax- Pamper Mom with a spa day, massage, pedicure, manicure, facial or at home bubble bath.  Let her renew and unwind with some magazines or a new book, a drink and some self care.

She sparkle’s- Show Mom how much you love her with a personal jewelry gift. Great ideas are jewelry that has her kids names, initials or birthstones, jewelry with her birthstone or a classic piece that she can dress up or dress down.

 

Do you want to gift Mom special jewelry this year? Come on in to Connections and we can help you find something uniquely perfect for your Mom!

 

5 Sparkling Surprises for Your Valentine

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Happy February! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and many of you are still trying to find the perfect gift for your significant other. Flower, chocolate and jewelry have been considered traditional gifts for this holiday. Flowers will wilt, chocolate will be eaten but a special jewelry gift will be cherished forever! We can help you find the perfect gift!

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Here is some guidance from our friends at Gabriel & Co. with 5 of the hottest trends in jewelry this Valentine’s Day, 2016.

 

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  1. Stackable Bracelets (Price: $740-$1,255)- The Byblos bracelets are a great option for any special women in your life. With many design options from diamond infinity to arrows these are a romantic piece that she will treasure for ever.
  2. Heart shaped necklaces (Price: $125-$2,675)- With a variety of styles and price points, a heart shaped necklace is a symbol of your love.
  3. Eternity ring (Price: $925)- If you aren’t quite ready for the proposal, surprise your girlfriend with a promise ring. Or this can be a ring for your wife to wear on the right hand. The looped infinity symbol symbolizes love in the past, present and future.
  4. XO or heart-shaped bracelet (Price: $240-$385)- A dainty white gold or gold bracelet with a heart, love, xo, design is sure to be loved by your girlfriend, fiance or wife.
  5. Stud earrings (Price: $100- $1,450)- Stud earrings are a timeless and practical gift. They can be worn daily or for special events. With options from the typical diamond to other stone, heart shapes, and much more, you will be able to find something for any personality or style.

 

 

 

Bling in the New Year: Facts About Engagement Season From ‘The Knot’

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The holiday season (Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day) is known to be a popular time for popping the question.

Wedding site, The Knot has released a survey featuring engagement statistics from 2015. This ‘2015 Jewelry and Engagement Study,’ surveyed 12,000 brides and 1,200 grooms in the U.S.

Connections

Here is what we know:

  • Men spent an average of $5,978 on the bling.
  • 68% of women are aware of how much their ring costs.
  • Diamonds are the number one choice of stone (84% of women).
  • 8% of brides received a precious stone (up from 6% in 2013)
  • The most popular setting is the halo. (22%, tripled from 7% in 2011)
  • 85% of men would rather buy a small, higher quality diamond than a larger, lesser quality stone.
  • 67% of brides researched ring styles beforehand.
  • 80% of brides hinted to their partner about the type of ring they like.
  • Men took an average of 4.8 months to research and 3.6 months to pick the perfect ring.
  • 77% of men asked parental permission before asking their bride-to-be.
  • 41% of proposals were captured with photo or video.

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Are you ready to pop the question in 2016? We can help you find the perfect ring for your significant other.

 

Happy New Year! We hope 2016 is your best year yet.

Give the Gift of Sparkle This Holiday Season

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We are in the middle of the busy holiday season! If you want to gift your wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, friend, etc. with something special this year, a jewelry gift is a wonderful idea. Here we have a few gift ideas for everyone on your list.

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For your girlfriend: A promise ring. Elegant and timeless, a simple silver band or a diamond band is a great choice. (Or.. if you are ready for that next step, propose with a unique diamond engagement ring!!)

For your wife: How about a diamond tennis bracelet to go along with the sparkle of her engagement ring and wedding band?

For your daughter: For young women, diamond stud earrings are a great choice. Traditional and versatile, she will treasure them for years to come.

For your husband/boyfriend: A stylish watch or cuff links make a great sentimental but also practical option.

For anyone else: A sterling silver pendant with an infinity knot is a great gift for those you love. Perfect for every day wear or special occasions.

 

Still need help picking gifts? Check out our Facebook this month for our “12 days of sparkle” or stop in to the shop and we can help you find a unique gift.

Celebrating Your Wedding Anniversary With Jewelry

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The gift of jewelry is always a great choice for showing your significant other how much you care. Whether you are celebrating your first anniversary or your 50th, jewelry is a special way to remember the day you said, “we do.” Here are a few things to consider when purchasing jewelry gifts.

 

Source: Allreddesign.net

Source: Allreddesign.net

1. Plan out your budget before shopping.

Your budget is important to consider as jewelry can range significantly in price. In order to have an appreciated gift you don’t have to go into debt. Your loved one will appreciate your thoughtfulness instead of looking at price tags.

2. Consider milestones.

If you are celebrating a marriage milestone the gift should be more significant and special. Looking at the “traditional” list of gifts can be an inspiration, however consider that this list is not updated to modern times and not many people will be thrilled to receive tin for a gift. This list has some suggestions on how to modernize the gifts but still stay within tradition if you are a couple that enjoys that.

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3. Be personal.

If your honey has mentioned that they would love a new watch or specific kind of jewelry piece it may be a great time to surprise them with it. Think of pieces that they enjoying wearing, this can be a clue to what they enjoy jewelry wise. For example if you notice your husband enjoys wearing his silver (or white gold) watch, and not his leather watch maybe get him an updated silver watch. If your wife likes wearing stud earrings, a dangly pair may not be her style. Try choosing a different stone then she already has but in a color that she likes.

4. Have fun.

Choosing jewelry for an anniversary gift does not need to be stressful. Think about things you enjoy doing together, your significant others personality, and their favorite things and find a gift that reflects that. You can think beyond the typical diamond and pearl gifts although these are wonderful options. If your wife loves dogs a sweet gift would be a little dog charm that can go on a charm bracelet or necklace. If your husband loves wearing ties to work, a personalized tie bar can be a sweet  daily reminder of your love.

Tips for Keeping your Jewelry Looking New

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Keeping your jewelry shiny is definitely something that many strive for. Not only will it look better, but taking care of your pieces can increase their worth for the future. Here are some tips for caring for your jewelry at home. Please note, these are general cleaning instructions but use them at your own digression. If you have questions about cleaning jewelry or how to care for a particular piece, please ask us for assistance.

What you will need:

  • Water
  • Soft toothbrush
  • Mild dish soap, detergent or shampoo (see instructions)
  • Soft cloth
  • Makeup brush

cleaning jewelry

Gold

Lotions and everyday dirt can clog up the prongs of rings and chains. For your gold jewelry, pour a few drops of mild dish soap into a small bowl of seltzer water or club soda. Soak your jewelry for about 5 minutes and then clean with a soft toothbrush. Rinse off with water then dry with a soft cloth.

Silver

Mix a few drops of mild dish soak with warm water. Rub the jewelry then rinse and buff with a soft cloth.

Gems

Soak your diamond ring in solution of mild liquid detergent and warm water. Use a soft toothbrush to remove dirt.

Pearls

Pearls can easily lose their gleam. Dip a small makeup brush into a mixture of water and shampoo and go over each pearl. Rinse with a damp, soft cloth. Lay flat to dry.

 

Source: Readers Digest

Birthstones: July is the Ruby!

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The stunning ruby is the birthstone for those born in July! After the diamond, rubies are the second hardest material on Earth. The traditional ruby can be found in many shades including strawberry to violet. The deep, vivid red is the most prized and popular color choice.

Ruby stones have been mined for over 2,500 years. The name Ruby, comes from the Latin “ruber” meaning red. They are said to bring good luck and protection to the wearer. It is also a biblical symbol of passion, fire, love and power.

There is a folk lore birthstone poem attached to the Ruby which reads:

“The gleaming Ruby should adorn,
All those who in July are born,
For thus they’ll be exempt and free,
From lover’s doubts and anxiety.”

Ruby is a member of the corundum group of gemstones which means it is closely related to the sapphire. The sapphire and ruby share properties including hardness and composition. It can be confused for other red gemstones including garnet, spinel, topaz, tourmaline and zirco.

 

 

Sources: Birthday Gems, Birthstones by Months