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For Your Sweetheart on Valentine’s Day

February 6, 2017 Leave a Comment

The clock is ticking to surprise the one you love this Valentine’s Day! Jewelry gifts are a timeless and traditional choice for many on this holiday celebrating all things romantic. There are many options for Valentine’s Day jewelry gifts from trendy to traditional depending on your loved one’s tastes. Here are a few of our favorite gifts from Gabriel & Co.

Stacked Rings

For the fashionista, trendy stacked rings and bracelets are a great choice. Not only are they beautiful, there are so many options to make it personal. Or get her one ring and then continue to add on more for special occasions.
Colored stones

Choose a romantic pink or red hued stone necklace, pendant, earrings, or bracelet. A colored stone is a special gift that she can wear on special occasions or on a normal day. Choose a color she may be more likely to wear. If your significant other isn’t a fan or pink or red, you can opt for a non-traditional Valentine’s Day color and choose her favorite color or her birthstone. You can also choose to add in diamonds or multiple stones to add glamour to the look. Depending on your budget, there are less expensive options and also options for higher priced stones as well.
Heart shaped jewelry

A classic option for a Valentine’s Day jewelry gift is anything heart shaped. Symbolizing that she has your heart, you can’t go wrong with a heart shaped necklace or earrings. From gold- rose gold, white gold or yellow gold to diamonds or colored stones you can really choose a special piece perfect for her. A dainty heart-shaped pendant will be a perfect touch of sparkle and showcase your love. The heart shape is a popular symbol on Valentine’s Day but is something that is timeless and that she will love wearing for many years to come. We can help you find the perfect heart shaped jewelry to fit her unique style and personality.
Arrows

A more non-traditional option but still one reflecting on Valentine’s Day and the symbolism behind it is the arrow. We particularly love this arrow earring stud set. With a touch of sparkle and a lot of edge, your honey is sure to love wearing these! If she isn’t a fan of dainty and delicate jewelry, this will be the perfect pick! Although this look is trendy, it is also something that will be a timeless choice and sure to be her favorite for years to come.
Infinity symbol

Make a strong statement of your love by gifting an infinity necklace, bracelet or ring. These gifts will be cherished for a lifetime and symbol that you will love her forever. Whether you are dating or have been married for 50 years, this is a very romantic gesture that she is sure to love. She will remember your past and present together and look forward to the future!

Love these looks or need help picking out something unique for her? Visit us at Connections! You have a few more days, so come on in to pick out a special gift today.

(Photos pictured are from Gabriel & Co.)

Ring in 2017- Choosing the Perfect Engagement Ring

January 5, 2017 Leave a Comment

If you are planning on proposing in 2017, the ring is probably on your mind. Maybe you have even gone ring shopping together to get an idea of what she would like. The options are endless and there are many pieces to consider. Here are some tips to help you get started with the buying process.

1. Choose your metal- From platinum to gold, there are many options depending on your preference and budget.

2. Choose your stone- choosing a ring style is often seen as the most important part to many shopping for a ring. When purchasing a diamond, there are a 4 things to consider, the 4 C.

Color- this actually refers to lack of color in the diamond. A chemically pure diamond has no hue and will be valued higher. Many color differences are very subtle but they make a big difference in terms of quality and price.
Clarity- this refers to the absence of inclusions. Flawless is the highest clarity grade, and the lowest is included which means there is visible blemishes and cloudiness.
Carat- this has to do with the size, larger diamonds are more rare. Although many people like to purchase the largest stone they can get, it is important to consider that the value of the diamond includes all the 4C’s and not just carat weight. A diamond that is 2 carats can be worth less than a smaller stone depending on the other factors.
Cut- this influences how diamonds sparkle and how the facets interact with light. Grades range from excellent (highest) to poor (lowest).

After considering the 4 C’s, the shape of your diamond is also important. Here are a few popular types:

Vintage
Halo
Cushion cut
Solitaire
Princess cut
Emerald
3 stone

There are many more options, but these are just a few. Look at a few different styles to see which look is more her.

3. Choose the setting- Whether she prefers a vintage style or more modern look there are many options for ring styles.

Prong- involves “claws” that hold the stone firmly in shape.
Tension- the compression-spring pressure of the shank holds the stone in place.
Bezel- a metal rim with edges fully or partially surrounds the perimeter of the stone.
Channel- sandwiches rows of stones with no metal seperating them.
Bar- vertical bars of metal secure them in place.
Pave- three or more rows of several stones.

Your jeweler can help recommend the best setting for your stone.

If you are interested in creating a completely custom ring this is an option as well. Consider these questions when personalizing an engagement ring.

Summer Jewelry Care

July 26, 2016 Leave a Comment

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.

diamonds

For Your Sweetheart on Valentine’s Day

Ring in 2017- Choosing the Perfect Engagement Ring

Summer Jewelry Care

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