Joseph Schubach Jewelers

Big, Bold but Affordable Jewelry Still the Trend

From moissanite to Lucite, the focus of today's jewelry is big, bold and clean. A simple outfit can be accentuated in a big way with a statement piece that gracefully takes center stage.

"It's the jewelry that actually makes the look," says fashion stylist Jesse Garza, co-founder of Visual Therapy, a New York wardrobe consultancy, and co-author, with his Visual Therapy partner Joe Lupo, of Life in Color: The Visual Therapy Guide to the Perfect Palette for Fashion, Beauty, and You!. Says Garza,

"I love a flattering, clean backdrop with a statement piece--a pop of color."

According to Forbes:

This year, the emphasis is on bold, chunky jewelry--a triple-strand of big beads; a thick, geometric bangle; an oversized ring. Perhaps as a reaction to tough economic times, precious jewels have been stowed away, replaced with semiprecious stones such as lapis, pyrite and quartz; and materials such as horn, resin and even Lucite.

"I think today, to walk around with a stack of diamond bangles doesn't feel right," Garza says.

His and Lupo's picks for great daytime jewelry: chunky, midsized hoop earrings; wood cuff bracelets; and turquoise bead necklaces.

Don't let the sagging economic times take away the bling in your life! These trendy choices allow you a sense of wealth without the...wealth! Moissanite, for instance, can make you feel like a million bucks without (again)...the million bucks!

 

Hand Made And Engraved Moissanite Ring With Yellow Sapphires And Pave' Diamonds

Hand made/hand engraved platinum ring with a 4.50ct (dia equiv) Charles and Colvard created round moissanite, 1/2ct t.w. yellow sapphires and 1/3ct t.w. pave' diamonds. Also available with pink or blue sapphires.

Choosing the Right Necklace for your Neckline

If you are like me, you haven't thought much about where your necklace falls in relation to your neckline and how it can accentuate an outfit. I recently purchased a gorgeous moissanite pendant necklace but didn't think much about the way it worked on me, in relation to my size or my clothes. But there is an art to choosing the length of your necklace, depending on your wardrobe and your body type.

Here's some advice from the experts:

1. Consider the occasion. Opt for a simple, understated piece for daytime and a more precious or extravagant piece for evening.

2. Accent a V-neck with a drop pearl necklace or solitaire pendant. This same piece also complements boat-neck and crew neck tops. Match gemstone colors to those found in your outfit and earrings.

3. Accessorize strapless and off-the-shoulder necklines with a necklace that remains close to the neck. Pair a faux gem choker on an invisible string with a top made of satin or silk. Add elegant sophistication with a short strand of pearls.

4. Pair an open-collar blouse with a thicker, chunkier piece of costume jewelry. Faux silver or gold interlock chains that lie flat on the collarbone accent a dressy casual outfit or business suit. Coordinate your earrings and belt with the tones in your necklace.

5. Enhance a jewel-neck or turtleneck sweater with a long string of colorful beads. Precious stones work well with a thicker day look, while crystals bring a little glamor to an evening ensemble.

6. Pair a square-neck top with a pendant that dangles from a long chain. Consider lengths that fall between the collarbones.

Can the Sparkle Still Shine for the Jewelry Business?

Of course, jewelry seems like the first thing to go during a tough economic phase.

Zale Corporation announced in February that it planned to close 115 stores. Fortunoff, a prominent engagement ring source for generations, filed for bankruptcy in February. Even Tiffany & Company reported that its profits in the fourth quarter dropped by more than 75 percent.

But that's the entire story. Entrepreneurs in the jewelry business and smaller businesses in general can actually thrive during trying times.

Jeffrey A. Carr, executive director of the Berkley Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at New York University’s Stern School of Business, said entrepreneurs can thrive in recessions because they can bargain more on fixed costs like rent and personnel.

Consumers are more willing to try out new brands when they have less money to spend, he said.“When things are going well and you have money, customers and consumers tend to get into patterns,” he said. “There’s lots of reasons to start a business now.”
(Source: NY Times)

So not is all doom and gloom. As we watch big business and big corporations tumble like houses of cards, it could be the small businesses that really blossom now, as people are forced to think outside the box.

Check out our Moissanite Page which offers Charles and Colvard moissanite at the fraction of the price of a diamond. Do your part for the economy and good taste!

"Under the Mattress" Gold Helping the Economy

By now, you've heard the commercials and ads: "Sell your unwanted gold jewelry for cold cash!" It's not surprising that this advertising plea is more common during tough economic times where people need the cash and jewelers need the extra business!

In Turkey, exports of "under the mattress" gold, as its called, is actually changing the face of the economy. it is being reprocessed into bullion, dramatically increasing the power of Turkey’s exports. Exports of pearls and other precious stones are also on the rise. Last year, the sector as a whole reached $5 billion in exports, but it has already reached $2.6 billion in the first two months of this year.

Of course, this isn't a trend seen only in Turkey. The United States and Western Europe are still the biggest export markets, but countries in the Caucasus and Asia are increasingly important.

What does this mean to you the customer? It might be time to visit that jewelry box of yours and give it a good once over. If there are pieces you've been holding onto that are dated, broken or you just don't like, contact Joseph Schubach Jewelers and we'll turn that unwanted jewelry into cash - or a new piece of jewelry.

Can Jewelry Improve your Figure?

Well, no...jewelry can't improve your figure. We don't want to make any crazy claims here! But jewelry can be used in strategic ways to pull an outfit together and improve your overall look.

For instance, if you're feeling like winter weight has really gotten the best of you but need to attend an upscale event, consider the power of dazzling earrings or an eye-catching necklace that pulls the focus toward your upper body.

And also consider the color you are wearing.

Black, for instance, is a fashion "minimizer" so consider a basic black dress and focus on your jewelry to really make you dazzle. The other advantage to wearing black? Because the color is so basic and adaptable, you can really make some bold jewelry choices. Wear that wild, chunky necklace or those over-the-top earrings!

Ultimately, fashion is about working with what you have. We're not all runway models (nor would we want to be necessarily!) But jewelry can add that certain flash and dazzle that will help accentuate the gifts you have!

Below, Queen Latifah, looking as regal as ever:

                                              

Consider this attention getting Rose Gold Diamond and Pink Moissanite Ring at Joseph Schubach Jewelers:

                       

 

 

Stunning, delicate 14kt rose gold engagement ring set with a 1.0ct Charles and Colvard created round moissanite color enhanced to spring pink surrounded by 1/3ct t.w. white diamonds. Matching earrings also available.

Matching Jewelry to your Fashion - the Basics

Image from http://carmaworldindianshopping.wordpress.com/tag/jewelry/

You've seen her before. She seems to have all the most fashionable clothes, the most "in step" pair of shoes and most dazzling jewelry yet somehow looks like...like a virtual train wreck!

All of us can fall victim to fashion sometimes. It's easy enough to do. Some of the latest fashions looks great on a runway model - but not on you!

So here are some pointers to reduce the "fashion train wreck" quotient in your life:

1. Find that metal that suits your mood. Just because its gold doesn't mean it glitters on you. These aren't ironclad rules but for the most part, brunettes, redheads and grays look better in silver jewelry, while blondes look smarter in gold. Women with black hair can go either way.

2. Match your jewelry to your clothing. Sapphire earrings can really showcase your favorite deep blue dress, for instance. But take some time to experiment. Sometimes really powerful earrings can overwhelm a dress. You're looking to accentuate not overpower. If you're wearing black, you can pick from numerous pieces (hence why black is such a "go to" color, fashion-wise.)

3. Match jewelry with other jewelry. Some people play jewelry a little too safe! Try a series of bracelets or two necklaces that naturally compliment one another. Try two complimentary but different earrings. Take some fashion chances - but ask a friend first, before you walk out the door!

Here are some other tips from the experts:

Tips

1. Black makes bright colored stones pop.
2. Wedding rings don’t have to match other metals in your jewelry.
3. Wear necklaces 3”-4” below your neckline.
4. Wear larger earrings for a "smaller" appearance.
5. Use proper sizes of jewelry to match your body shape. Petite women will often be overwhelmed by a piece of jewelry that looks delicate on larger women.
6. Keep textures the same - antique with antique, shiny with shiny etc.
7. Wearing 3 bracelets on one arm is an attractive option.
8. Wear a bracelet with your watch.
9. Long necklaces create vertical lines, thus making you appear taller and more slender.
10. Jewelry is the most cost-effective accessory you can own & changes the look of each outfit.
11. Wear jewelry to add color. For example if you're wearing an all black and white outift, a pink necklace, and/or bracelet, and/or watch, will really dazzle.

At Joseph Schubach Jewelers, we have jewelry to suit every occasion and any outfit. What makes us truly unique is our craftsmanship. We can create a piece of jewelry with only you in mind. Take a look at our site for some ideas. You dream it, we create it!

Choosing the Right Setting for your Ring

The setting for your ring is the foundation of your piece. It's an often overlooked aspect when choosing a ring but its as personal of a decision as the stone itself. Many factors come into play, such as your lifestyle and the cut of the gem itself.

There are basically three types of setting:

The Prong Setting

The prong engagement ring setting is a traditional ring setting that dates back to the early 1900's. It's a "basket" setting that holds you stone via prongs. This setting allows light to approach the stone from more angles, adding to the sparkle of your piece.

The Flush Setting

The flush setting is a more modern ring setting. A tapered hole is made within the band for the stone to reside. When done correctly, the stones are secured in an embedded manner into the ring. This is often a good choice for an active lifestyle.

The Cluster Setting

This engagement ring setting is good for those on a limited budget. With the cluster setting you can take many small stones and make them look like one single large stone. You can use this setting to arrange gemstones into a shape of your choice.

Again, lifestyle factors come into play when deciding the setting for your ring. If you're using your hands a lot throughout the day, then a secure setting for your ring becomes critical. You want to go through your day confidently, without the fear of damaging your ring. The setting of your ring needs to stand up to your day-to-day needs.

 

Traditional Prong Setting

         Princess Cut Solitaire Engagement Ring With Diamonds

        Princess cut engagement ring with .08 ct t.w. round brilliant diamonds set around four prong head.

Blissful Brides Blatantly Ignorning Economy Woes

In some rather surprising news, one of the few demographics that doesn't seem to be bending due to economic pressure is (drum roll please): today's bride.

That's right. A recent study conducted by Modern Bride shows that "instead of reducing their wedding budgets, engaged couples have reprioritized and plan to spend their dollars on items that will last forever."

This includes the honeymoon, photography and the (another drum roll) the engagement ring.

Couples are now looking at rings with serious lasting potential, making platinum the material of choice. Why platinum? According to the Conde Nast Bridal Group, platinum is not only 30 times more rare than gold, but it is the most durable of all precious metals and will last a lifetime.

"Even in the current economy, this is the one jewelry purchase brides are unwilling to compromise. Today's bridal customer will make the investment to have a ring that lasts a lifetime," said Michael Flynn , sales associate for Tivol.

Apparently, its not only diamonds that last forever...it's platinum!

 

Style 6812WB

Joseph Schubach Jewelers Platinum Comfort Fit Band With Satin Finish Center And High Polished Sides

Platinum comfort fit wedding band, satin finished center, high polished sides, 6mm wide.

Available Metal: Platinum
Available Ring Size: 4 - 13

SOURCE ImagingInfo.com and Platinum Guild International

Service Worth Paying For

Today, Seth Godin posted an article about great customer service and how much this is worth. In his post, Seth mentions being stuck in an airport trying to figure out how to transfer your seat home from one airline to another (especially appropriate this holiday season!). The question he poses is, "Would you pay $20 to talk to a competent, empowered agent who answered on the first ring?" (Read the article here.)

My staff and I pride ourselves on the level of customer service and knowledge that we offer our customers. We have taken our three generations of jewelry expertise and successfully moved it to the world of the Internet. We like to say that we offer the same service to our customers whether they live in our home town of Scottsdale, AZ, or anywhere in the world.

But, as Seth states, today's dilemma is, "Increasingly, the web makes pricing cutthroat. And service suffers, because it's expected for free."

Everyone knows that superior service is not free, it costs plenty to attract, train and maintain qualified individuals who not only know their stuff, but can successfully communicate and work with customers to help them with their needs. And, fine jewelry is not a simple widget-type product to work with, it's very complicated. You cannot take a person who was selling mens socks one day and move them into the loose diamond or custom jewelry design departments the next day.

So what is this level of service worth and how does it fit in with the 'cutthroat' nature of the web today? What is it worth to be able to get on the phone with a real, live, knowledgeable professional to obtain product information, to gain peace of mind about a major purchase like jewelry, or to troubleshoot an issue should one arise? I encourage you to give our customer service oriented online business a try and see for yourself what a difference good old fashioned customer service can make.

Custom Cut Blue Sapphire For A Custom Engagement Ring

A customer came to us with a request for a custom made engagement ring. She also wanted a custom cut sapphire to set into it. Well, here is the results of the Chatham sapphire, cut to our customer's specifications! The stone is a cushion cut with a beautiful, deep blue color and weighs 4.42ct. We'll post an image of the ring when it's finished.