• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Connections Fine Jewelry

Connections Fine Jewelry

Tacoma Jewelry Store

We buy & sell diamond engagement & wedding rings, gold, diamonds & Rolex.
FacebookGoogle +PinterestInstagram
  • Home
  • Sell Your Jewelry
    • Sell Your Gold
    • Sell Your Diamonds
    • Sell Other Jewelry
  • Engagement
    • Gabriel NY
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Blog

jewelry

A Jewelry Store’s Guide to Birthstones

September 30, 2020

Birthstones hold a special place in the hearts of many. What are birthstones? They are unique gems that represent a month of the year. Some months even have two or three gems representing them. Each birthstone has its own unique traits, characteristics, and significance. 

January: Garnet

Garnet : January’s birthstone

Garnet is the perfect gem to start the year off. Why? It comes in a rainbow of colors! What makes this stone so colorful are the multiple minerals that make it up. The makeup of a garnet includes a series of minerals with similar chemical properties but different compositions. The stones are typically desirable when they are red but can also be green, yellow, orange, brown, pink, purple, grey, and black.


The word Garnet comes from the Latin phrase garanatus, meaning seedlike. This reference is to the bright red color, which looks just like the seeds of a pomegranate. Garnet is a symbol of friendship and trust.

February: Amethyst

Amethyst : February’s birthstone

February’s birthstone is Amethyst. It’s a beautiful gem well-known for its color and healing properties. It’s highly valuable as a dark purple gem. You can also find them in other purple shades such as red, violet, and light.


The name Amethyst comes from the Ancient Greek word methustos, meaning intoxicated. The belief is that it protects people from drunkenness and overindulgence. This gem has a reputation for being an excellent healing stone. Amethyst holds high esteem for having the ability to heal someone’s physical body, mind, and emotions.

March: Aquamarine and Bloodstone

Aquamarine : One of March’s birthstones

Two birthstones represent the month of March.

The first is aquamarine. Aquamarine is a blue-green gem that can be lighter or darker in color. The lighter gems are more common while the darker and purer blue gems are more valuable and prized.

The name aquamarine comes from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea. Ancient mariners spoke highly of the gem. They said that aquamarine gemstones could calm the waves of the sea and keep sailors safe. This stone is also a symbol of happiness for those in love.

Bloodstone : One of March’s birthstones

March’s second birthstone is quite the opposite of aquamarine, the bloodstone. It doesn’t have the same brightness and color of aquamarine. Instead, it has a much more unique color and pattern. This gemstone is a deep green or almost black stone with red, brown, or orange spots. Another name for the bloodstone is “heliotrope”.

The word heliotrope comes from the Greek word helios, meaning sun,  and trepein, meaning to attract. Ancient stories recount that bloodstones turn the sun red when placed in water. They are also thought to aid in healing one’s blood and organs as well as increase strength.

April: Diamond

Diamond : April’s birthstone

Perhaps the most famous birthstone and gem is the diamond. Diamonds come in various colors. These colors include white, blue, black, brown, yellow, orange, red, green, purple, and pink. The colors are due to impurities and defects that can make the diamond more or less valuable. The most valuable diamond has no hue or color due to it being structurally and chemically perfect. 

The name diamond comes from the Greek word adamas, meaning invincible. Throughout history, the diamond has come to represent different things to different civilizations. However, it has almost always symbolized eternal love.

May: Emerald

Emerald : May’s birthstone

May’s birthstone is the emerald. The emerald is popular for its brilliant green color and feature in The Wizard of Oz.  They are classically green and can range from yellow-green to blue-green. 

The name emerald comes from the Greek word smaragdus, meaning green. It’s among the favored gemstones for royalty in the present day and ancient times. Emeralds symbolize eternal life. Ancient Egyptian royalty used to be buried with emeralds in the hope of bringing themselves back to life. 

June: Pearl, Alexandrite, and Moonstone

Pearl: One of June’s birthstones

June is one of three months that is represented by three birthstones. 

The first birthstone is the pearl. Pearls come in almost every color. They can even be multi-colored because of their unique makeup and formation process. It’s the only gemstone that is made by living creatures! They are made by mollusks. Factors that can contribute to the color of a pearl include the type of mollusk, the number of nacre layers, and the thickness of those nacre layers. Nacre is a material that is produced by the mollusk on their inner shell. It causes the pearl to be iridescent. 

Where and why the name pearl came to be is a bit difficult to trace but it is generally believed to come from the Old French word perle. Perle is then derived from the Latin word perna, meaning leg. The reasoning behind this translation is unknown. The symbolism of pearls is complex. However, it is widely believed by many cultures to symbolize wisdom through experience.

Alexandrite: One of June’s birthstones

The second birthstone is Alexandrite. Alexandrite is made of a rare mineral variety called chrysoberyl. This unique mineral absorbs light in a complex way which causes a chameleon-like color change in the stone. It changes from shades of green in the daylight to shades of red under incandescent light. The stone is actually described as an “emerald by day, ruby by night.” It also can show different colors when viewed from different directions. 

Alexandrite was discovered in Russia in the 1800s. It quickly became a symbol of good fortune in the country for a couple reasons. Stories say the stone was discovered the same day the Russian Czar Alexander II came of age. Alexandrite was named after him. The stone also happens to contain Russia’s national colors of red and green.

Moonstone (Hecatolite): One of June’s birthstones

Moonstone is June’s third birthstone. It is also called hecatolite. The stone can be a variety of colors and range in clarity. It could be grey, pink, yellow, green, brown, or colorless and range from transparent to translucent. A highly valued moonstone is transparent with a blue shimmer.

Many people believed it was formed from moonbeams when it was discovered. A Roman historian named Pliny thought its color changed with the phases of the moon. He then coined the name moonstone. Moonstones have held a special place in the heart of many societies since its discovery. Some believe it contains healing powers in connection to water, some believed it embodies feminine energy, and others believed it brings good fortune.

July: Ruby

Ruby : July’s birthstone

Rubies are an interesting gemstone in that without its distinctive red color, it would be called a sapphire. It can range from light pink to a dark red. The United States requires a ruby meet certain requirements before being labeled as such. If the stone is too light, it is considered a pink sapphire. Tone, saturation, and hue are taken into account. There is no set rule for when a stone crosses from being a ruby to a pink sapphire and vice versa. It basically comes down to where the stone was mined and the certification company.

The name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, which means red. Many use the stone as a symbol for love and protection. Rubies have strong roots in history and stories because of their symbolism. Warriors of the past placed rubies over their hearts before they went into battle. Dorthy wore ruby slippers in “The Wizard of Oz” to protect her from the Wicked Witch of the West.

August: Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel

Peridot : One of August’s birthstones

August is the second of three months that has three birthstones. 

The first stone is Peridot. This stone is known for its olive green color but can range from pure to yellowish green. While they aren’t as popular as emeralds, peridots are loved for their similar color and affordability.

The name peridot comes from the French word peritot, meaning unclear. This is in reference to the, oftentimes, cloudiness of the stone.  Ancient Egyptians called this stone the “gem of the sun” and believed it would protect anyone who wore it from terrors at night. It is also believed to symbolize the power of nature.

Sardonyx : One of August’s birthstones

The second birthstone is saradonyx. Saradonyx is made of a mineral that contains layers of small fibers. This makes the stone’s appearance shades of red with whitish bands. They can also be found in colors such as brown, yellow, gray, purple, black, pink, and green.

This name saradonyx comes from the Greek word sard, meaning reddish brown, and onyx, meaning claw or fingernail. This is in reference to the veined appearance of the stone. Sardonyx often symbolizes protection. Historically, it’s popular for being affordable for anyone who wasn’t royal. Soldiers would wear the stone when they went into battle. People also used it for protection from others’ evils and to help with pain.

Spinel :One of August’s birthstones

The third birthstone is Spinel. Spinels come in a variety of colors but are most valued when they are pure red and blue. Other colors include pink, orange, purple, grey, green, and colorless. This stone is often confused with the deep red ruby. Gem traders several hundred years ago didn’t even know there was a difference between them. However, Spinels and Rubies ultimately have different chemical and crystal structures  making spinels a more affordable gemstone option. 

The name spinel is thought to come from the Latin word spina, meaning spine or thorn. This is because the stone is often found in the form of sharp crystals. It is also thought to come from the Greek word spinther which means sparkling. Spinel symbolizes hope and revitalization.

September: Sapphire

Sapphire : September’s birthstone

Sapphire is classically known as a brillant blue stone. What’s interesting about sapphires is that they can be any color except for red. Why? Red sapphires are considered rubies. Rubies and sapphires are both made of the same mineral corundum but are different because the red color in rubies comes from an impurity that other sapphires do not have. Sapphires are most valuable for their blue color. Any sapphire that is not blue (or red) is called a fancy sapphire. Other colors can include violet, purple, orange, yellow, white, green, and pink. 

The name sapphire comes from the Latin word saphirus and the Greek word sappheiros meaning blue. It is known as the stone of wisdom. The bright blue color has led many cultures to associate sapphires with heaven, spirituality, and the enlightenment that comes from it. That enlightenment has made the stone popular among royalty.

October: Opal and Tourmaline

Opal : One of October’s birthstones

October has two birthstones.

Opal is the first birthstone of October. It’s unique for looking like a small, iridescent rainbow. This stone is attached to many ancient cultures because of its appearance. Ancient Indians believed that opals were the Goddess of the Rainbow turned to stone. Arabic legends say opals fell from the sky in bolts of lightning. The chemical structure and properties of the stone affect the way it takes in light. That’s the reason for its sparkling, multi-colored appearance.

The name opal comes from the Greek word opallios, meaning to see a change of color. Fittingly, opals are known to symbolize vision. They are historically used to treat eye injuries and disease. Some thought that the stone could render one invisible and became a favorite among thieves of the past. 

Tourmaline : One of October’s birthstones

Tourmaline is the second birthstone in October. A group of minerals with different chemical properties and structures make up this stone. That is why tourmaline can come in any color! It can even be multi-colored. The most expensive and valued among the colors are pure red, blue, and green. 

The name tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli (or “tura mali”) which means stone of mixed colors. Besides its status as the most colorful birthstone, tourmaline is also unique in that the minerals that make it are three-sided prisms. No other gemstone has this. This leads to some considering the stone to create strong energy pathways that lead to protection, purification, and clarity.

November: Topaz and Citrine

Topaz : November’s birthstone

November has two birthstones.

The first birthstone is Topaz. It’s iconic for being a golden yellow gem. For thousands of years, people thought all yellow gemstones were topaz before it was discovered they can come in various colors. Other colors include orange, pink, blue, black, green, purple, red, brown, and colorless.

Where the name topaz comes from is a bit up in the air. It may come from the Greek word topazos, which is based on an island in the Red Sea named Topazios. It could also come from the Sanskrit word “tapaz,” meaning fire. Due to its golden color, many believe the gem attracts wealth and money. Others believe the golden color represents the sun and attracts good fortune and positive energy to those who wear it.

Citrine : November’s birthstone

The second birthstone in November is Citrine. Like Topaz, this stone also comes in a beautiful yellow color. It can also be orange or brown. While they look similar, citrine and topaz stones are very different gem species with different traits. The mineral quartz makes up citrine. Quartz is more common than genuine topaz. This makes it more accessible and affordable. Topaz is also a harder stone than citrine which makes it more durable for jewelry.

The name for Citrine comes from the Latin word citrus and the French word citron both meaning lemon. Similar to topaz, many believe citrine to represent the sun because of its yellow color. Having the stone leads to vitality and warm feelings that ultimately boost your spirits.

December: Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise

What makes December unique is that it not only has three birthstones but they are all blue as well!

Tanzanite : One of December’s birthstones

The first stone is Tanzanite. The mineral zoisite makes up Tanzanite. This mineral can come colorless, pink, green, yellow, red, brown, blue, and violet. However, the name “tanzanite” refers to the stone for its popular and valued blue tone. 

While it’s not clear who first found tanzanite, that person discovered it in Tanzania, an eastern African country, in the 1960s. It was initially mistaken for blue sapphire and was later discovered to be blue zoisite. Eventually, it caught the attention of Tiffany & Co. The company realized the potential of the bluestone and renamed it tanzanite after its country of origin. Because the stone relatively new, there are not many legends or symbols attached to it. 

Zircon : One of December’s birthstones

The second stone is zircon. Zircon is an affordable diamond simulant as colorless zircon looks and acts similar to colorless diamonds. However, zircon comes in many other colors as well. Earth tones such as brown-red are some of the most common colors. Other colors include orange, yellow, green, pink, purple, grey, and blue. Blue zircon specifically is the birthstone for December. 

Most people believe the name for Zircon comes from the Persian word zargun which means gold-colored. This is one of the most ancient gemstones with zircon from Australia dating back 4.4 billion years! Ancients believed that this gem would help wearers sleep well and ward off evil spirits that would lead to nightmares. It would also bring the wearer prosperity, honor, and wisdom.

Turquoise : One of December’s birthstones

The third stone is turquoise. This gemstone is famous for its light blue color. In fact, the gemstone is so famous for its color that it shares a name with anything that has a similar striking shade of blue. Besides light blue, turquoise can also come in other shades of green-blue with some stones having black or brown veins. 

The name Turquoise originates from traders who passed through Turkey to bring the gemstone to France (and other European countries). The French referred to the stone as pierre tourques which means Turkish stone. The vibrant color of turquoise has an impact on different cultures across time. Native Americans saw the stone as representing water, the earth, and life. Persians believed the stone to represent heaven. In general though, many people feel turquoise connects the wearer with the earth and other natural life.



5 Things to Have in Your Jewelry Box

July 15, 2018 Leave a Comment

 

 

 

 

 

A little black dress is a fashion staple, can be pulled out and warn for many different occasions. There are jewelry staples as well. Pieces that are timeless, versatile and key to have in your jewelry box.

    • Stud Earrings

For anyone with pierced ears, stud earrings are a daily must have. Simple styles such as diamonds, birthstones, mixed metals, and more. Gabriel & Co. has a variety of stud earrings from the traditional diamond stud to more modern shapes and styles. There are many options in terms of price range. Gifting a pair of stud earrings is perfect as there are many choices and they will get a lot of wear.

    • Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings can elevate even the simplest jeans and tee look. Hoop earrings can be worn on a daily basis as well, but the size of the hoop can be a preference. Trying them on is key to ensure you are comfortable with the size. Gabriel & Co. is the only fine jewelry brand that offers a screwback hoop earring. This is great for ensuring your earrings won’t fall off!

    • Statement ring

Statement rings, midis, and stackable rings are fun and playful. The statement ring is a final touch to your outfit. They don’t have to be gigantic, the rings here at Gabriel & Co. have unique styles, geometry, patterns, and details. Wearing multiple on one finger is also a one-of-a-kind way for you to express your style.

    • Diamond Bracelet

The diamond bracelet is a timeless classic. There are many different style options now, moving on past the term, “tennis bracelet.” Demure bracelets are a fashionable choice, with options to wear a single bracelet or to layer them for a twist.

    • Everyday Necklace

An essential piece that you wear “everyday” is definitely a must! This is your signature. One you rarely take it off, and may not even remember you are wearing! It can be a simple pendant, cross, birthstone on a chain, initial necklace, the options are many.

These pieces are just a few that we consider “musts” for your jewelry box. Which type of jewelry is your “must-have?”

SourceGabrielNY

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

April 5, 2017 Leave a Comment

Mother’s Day is next month and it’s a great time to decide what you will be gifting to your Mom (or to your wife from your kids!). Celebrating Mom shouldn’t be just one day a year, but it is great to have a day dedicated to showing her how much she means to you. Surprising Mom with a special gift of jewelry is something every Mom would love. Even if you don’t have a big budget, there are many beautiful options from Gabriel & Co. Don’t forget the flowers and breakfast in bed!!


  • Necklace with a colored stone. Gift Mom a beautiful necklace that she can wear every day or on a special occasion. Choose her favorite color or a child’s birthstone.
  • Trendy but Timeless. Any of the pieces from the Gaby collection would be great for a trendsetter. Does your Mom like fashion? Check out these edgy pieces.
  • Monogram It. Mom would love a bracelet or necklace with her kids initials or names on it. This one is simple and sweet with an initial in diamonds.

Are you gifting Mom jewelry this year? If you still need a gift, come on in to the shop and we can help you pick something out that is perfect for your mom’s unique style and personality.

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.)

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.

Tips for How To Design a Custom Wedding and Engagement Ring

June 20, 2016 Leave a Comment

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

May 16, 2016 Leave a Comment

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.

banner_graduation2

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!

April 5, 2016 Leave a Comment

-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

February 8, 2016 Leave a Comment

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!

2016-02-01_1024_001

2016-02-01_1024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

valentine_banner

  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’

January 4, 2016 Leave a Comment

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.

2016-01-05_0938

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.

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

sidebar

Footer

Helpful Links

  • KITCO
  • American Gem Society Labs
  • Gemological Institute of America Inc.

Hours

  • Tues - Sat 10:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Holiday: Open Mon 12/12 & 12/19 in addition to normal hours

Contact Us

Phone: 253-752-0940
Email: cfj@wamail.net
Location:3822 N. 26th St.
Tacoma WA 98407

FacebookGoogle +Pinterest

Connections Blog Posts

  • A Jewelry Store’s Guide to Birthstones
  • 5 Things to Have in Your Jewelry Box
  • Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
  • Green With Envy: Facts About Emeralds

WordPress Website Development by Social Power, Inc.

Connections Fine Jewelry