Wholesale Diamonds And Fine Jewelry

It’s always fun to look at myths, urban legends and then uncover the truth behind it all.  I still think my favorite is the one with cell phones and pumping gas.   I watched Mythbusters and now feel a lot better that if I am chatting on the phone while pumping gas that I won’t blow myself up.  In fact, on this program they were trying to blow up all kinds of things.  It was definitely a different kind of  program but interesting. Well, in the world of diamonds and diamond jewelry their is quite a bit of confusion as to what is truth and what is myth.   Diamond’s have captured our imagination through film, poetry and song.  Each lending something wonderful to the mystique of diamond lore.   So for today’s post I thought it might be fun to explore some fun trivia pieces. So, did you know…The world’s largest diamond was found in the Premier Diamond mine near Johannesburg, South Africa.   Actually both of the world’s 2 largest diamonds came from this diamond mine.  The Cullinan Diamond aka the Great Star of Africa,  which weighs a whopping 530.2 carats or 106.40 grams and then the Golden Jubilee Diamond which weighs in at  modest 545.37 carats or 109.13 grams.  Today, both of these diamonds form part of the British Crown Jewels and Thai Crown Jewels. The all time high price for a piece of diamond jewelry was in 1995 for 16.5 million dollars sold by Sotheby’s in Geneva.   To you a little perspective, most diamonds sold in the U.S. for engagement rings cost around $3,000.   The most popular diamond cut is a round brilliant.   This cut is both mathematically and empirically perfect.  We have our computer age to thank for this modern marvel.   The oldest diamond cut is the point cut and this dates to around the 14th century.  Diamonds are roughly 3.4 billion years old! Diamonds were thought to have special powers.  Yup, in ancient times, they believed that the wearer would receive strength, invincibility and courage. Diamonds can be scratched but only by another diamond.Diamonds do break so, choosing to hit them with a hammer or any other implement is not a good idea.Diamonds do not like to work out, remember they are old ladies. Now, you know a little more about the diamond the sits in your diamond engagement ring, hopefully this was a bit informative and fun for you.   If you’d like more information regarding diamonds or engagement rings, do not hesitate to contact us (480-656-0652).

Engagement rings come in all shapes, sizes and metals.  I’m sure if you looked hard enough you would probably find an example of engagement rings made from wood to gold to plastic or anything else you care to dream up.  That’s the beauty of traditions, while some are strictly adhered to others tend to shift over time.  The concept of the engagement ring dates back to 860 A.D. when the pope declared that an engagement ring made of gold must be given to seal the marriage contract thus proving the husband was willing to make a financial commitment to his betrothed.   It was only after Maximilian the I, gave his bride to be,  Mary of Burgundy a ring with a diamond that the diamond engagement ring became popular and remains so today. While engagement rings may have changed over the years one thing has not; the cost.  It is still one of the most significant investments that a young man or couple will make, so shouldn’t you get what you desire?  The most common question we receive is what should I scarf ice in my diamond to get the size of the stone I desire?  Well, as I have said previously, it depends.  I wish there was a clear black and white answer but unfortunately, there is not.  A diamond, like so many things in life has many facets that needs to be considered before purchasing.  We recommend the following:1. Do you homework, Learn about the 4 C’s and how each will affect your price. 2. Set a budget and stick with it – do not let the emotion of the situation sway you.3. Be certain to look for certified diamonds.   You may pay a bit more for it but in the long run it will make upgrading a bit easier or your insurance claim should the diamond engagement ring be lost or stolen.  Please know that any diamond can be certified so even if you purchased an uncertified diamond, firms like GIA or EGL will be happy to certify your diamond for a fee. 4. Consider using a family diamond, for example your grandmother’s or great grandmother’s diamond from her engagement ring, a pendant that you no longer wear, a diamond stud earring that has lost its mate.  I think you get the idea.  It’s amazing to see the new life a diamond takes when set into a new bridal setting. 5. Consider a color gemstone for your engagement ring.  Many times you can get a larger gemstone for the same price as a diamond.  And no one has ever said it has to be a diamond its just tradition…..and we all love to buck tradition from time to time. In the end, do what is comfortable for you and your budget.  As always, we (Alexa Rose Fine Jewels) are more than happy to sit with you, discuss your options to help you find the ring of your dreams.  Please feel free to visit with us in North Scottsdale, AZ, Melbourne, Australia or Johannesburg, S.A. – in the US,  you can reach us at 480-656-0652 or email sales@alexarosejewelry.com

We can never stress enough the importance of ensuring quality when purchasing and diamond engagement ring.   Further, you need to remember to do your homework before and when you’re out shopping keep an open mind.  Shop around and work with people with whom you feel comfortable.  Jewelers are very much like your banker or financial advisor, you’re spending a great deal of money with them, you might as well work with someone you actually enjoy working with……

 

So, keep in mind the following tips. One – Get to know your perfect diamond.Before you go shopping for your diamond engagement ring be certain to have done some research.  Begin by researching the 4 C’s (Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat) and start to understand how this will affect the final price.  This will help you to develop your budget for your diamond engagement ring. Each one of the 4 C’s lends something special to your diamond for your engagement ring be certain to have a basic understanding before beginning your search.  When you’re sitting with your sales consultant, remember, ask questions and have them clarify anything you do not completely understand. If shopping for other pieces of fine jewelry, you can still loosely apply the 4 C’s, ask your sales consultant about the quality of the diamonds, the total carat weight and if it’s a large pendant, see if there is a smaller size available.  Two – Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices. We shop around for the best prices on computers, televisions and cars why not diamonds?  I think its partially because usually diamond purchases are like doctors, lawyers, etc.  We ask our friends and they refer us to someone with whom they had a pleasant experience.   This adds to the level a comfort and trust.  While this is good to follow you may not be completely comfortable with their consultant, don’t be afraid to look around.     However, in the end make sure you’re dealing with a reputable company.  Even if you have to pay a little more,  in the long run its usually worth it. Three – Time to Upgrade?

During down turns in the market, larger diamonds (those defined as 2.0ct or greater) usually experience higher levels of inventory.  As a result the larger stones typically drop in price, so if you’ve been waiting to upgrade; this could be the best time for you to upgrade and receive a great price. 

Four –  Deal with a reputable company.Ensure that you’re dealing with a reputable company.  Just like your mechanic, you need to be certain that you’re dealing with someone who has a good track record adn who is honest.  Check with the Jewelers Board of Trade as this firm rates jewelers according to several different factors.   Also, checking with the local BBB is another great way to check on a business and its reputation. Be certain to also check the company’s return and exchange policy, this could affect you later so be certain that you have a complete understanding before you buy. Five – Look for jewelers who extend credit or offer payment terms. This dove tails with item four.  Most reputable jewelers will have financing options available for customers.  In today’s market, some jewelers are starting to offer layaway options for clients as well.  Six – Recycle a diamond!Do you have a ring that was bequeathed to your or a tie tack, pair of earrings or even a pendant?  Consider using that stone for your diamond engagement ring.  You’ll be amazed at the new life a diamond will take on when placed in a new setting.  This will save you thousands and potentially allow you to purchase a more expensive diamond mount that you had originally planned.  Seven – A final word – the 4 C’sWe’ll close this as we began.  We routinely are asked about the 4 C’s (Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat) and what one can successfully sacrifice in the interest of their budget.  This truly is a personal preference, let your sales consultant know your budget.  Do not be shy about it as they should be able to provide you with enough choices for you to make an informed decision.   In short, let your eye and your pocket book be your guide. An engagement ring is one of the single largest purchases that most couples will ever make – Alexa Rose Fine Jewels is here to help you, however, if you’re not in our area  we would like to be certain that you’re able to make an informed, smart and quality purchase.   We invite you to visit our showroom in North Scottsdale for your engagement ring consultation.   We look forward to working with you.

If you’ve been reading the paper, watching television or even your in-box you’ve seen and heard, ‘Sell your diamond and gold jewelry for a profit!’  And I’m sure that many have noticed that these commercials are on the rise.   I’m sure the one question that runs through everyone’s mind;  how do you know that you’re getting the right price, a good deal, etc.  Well, it can be tough to tell.   Retail prices for diamonds and for gold jewelry like most commodities rise and fall based on market demand and availability.   In most cases, large stones will appreciate but only those that are deemed extraordinarily rare or are in short supply.  The bottom line?  Buy jewelry for sentimental reasons not as an investment.   If your intention is to invest in diamonds, seek out professional assistance and make sure you read all the fine print. Below are a few tips to consider when purchasing or should you choose to sell your diamond engagement ring or diamond jewelry.One:  For an engagement ring, make sure the diamond is certified.   This will assist you later whether its lost, stolen or should you decide to upgrade.  The certification aids in determining the value of the diamond.    GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is the leading authority on diamond grading and certification but EGL (European Gemological Institute) and AGS (American Gem Society) are all other reputable organizations that provide diamond certifications. Two:  If selling a piece of diamond jewelry,  do you your homework.  Check current pricing trends and seek out professional advice.   As mentioned above during times of economic recession prices for larger stones may actually drop because they are becoming more plentiful on the market.   If should you decide to sell a piece of diamond jewelry; it is strongly recommended to seek out professional advice. Three:  If you’re in the market to purchase a diamond engagement ring.  During economic recessions larger diamonds become more plentiful and thus market prices tend to drop.   While this is not an absolute, shopping around will help you save money in the end.  Compare prices for similar diamonds be certain to also take into account if the diamond is certified and by whom.    The price will fluctuate slightly between a GIA, EGL or AGS certified diamonds, make certain you are comparing apples to apples. Four:  Decide on a budget and stick with it.  I know this sounds simple enough but, this is an exciting time.  You’ve decided to get married!  It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the moment.   Keep in mind, most retailers will allow to upgrade your diamond engagement ring.  Check with the retailer about their upgrade policy if you think that you would want to upgrade in the future. Five:  If you are forced to sell your diamond engagement ring.  Seek out professional advice as the diamond may actually be worth more out of the ring’s setting.   A professional can guide you through these waters.  Please keep in mind, the ring you purchased 3 years ago may not be as valuable today due to market conditions.  Keep an open mind and ask what factors are affecting the diamond and gold pricing. Please know these tips are not meant to replace professional guidance. These are some of the factors to consider if you should decide to sell your diamond engagement ring or if you are purchasing a diamond engagement.   If you are in the market for a diamond engagement ring, check out our five tips to find the ring of your dreams in a not so sparkling economy.  If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us and we can expand upon the information provided. We’re also available to help, send any inquiries to Sales@alexarosejewelry.com  We’ll be more than happy to help you find the diamond ring of your dreams.   Feel free to stop in our North Scottsdale Boutique, located at 9917 E Bell Rd #140, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 or call us at 480-656-0735.

Today’s post begins the discussion on Alexa Rose Fine Jewels and our belief in service.   By now you should have a sense of who Alexa Rose Fine Jewels is as an organization and potentially about us, her staff.   We believe in the golden rule and how it affects others, it is for this reason we are involved in a number of charitable organizations  and prefer to volunteer time rather than diamond jewelry. The word service has gotten a rather dismal reputation of late.   To be of service to another seems to have a negative connotation when actually it is the service industry that truly was the basis for this great country of ours.  Service is one of the founding priniples for Alexa Rose Fine Jewels.  We believe in being of service to our clients, helping someone create a special memory whether you’re getting engaged, married, celebrating an anniversary or a special birthday we will gladly assist you in finding the  perfect diamond engagement ring, a fabulous pendant or a diamond anniversary band.   We pride ourselves on not being the typical jewelry store.  Our certified diamonds  are direct from the source and best of the mine is part of a social uplifting program within the community it resides.  It’s not only providing jobs for economic stimulus but also donating time and resources to ensure a whole community.   Visit our website to learn more about Alexa Rose Fine Jewels and our certified diamonds.

Let’s face it, when we go shopping no one likes to feel as if they have overspent for an item or god forbid been taken.     Regardless of economic conditions this aspect to shopping for goods and services remains constant.    We all want to ensure that we are receiving value for the money we are spending.  We prefer products that are priced fairly while ensuring quality, service and selection.  This is the concept behind Alexa Rose Fine Jewels; we believe in fair pricing, a wide selection, personalized service and, of course, quality should be at the center of a customer’s experience. As direct importers of certified diamonds and fine jewelry, we are in a unique position to offer you fine jewelry with an extensive selection of products, all at reasonable prices plus true personalized service.   We get to know you, our client and understand your preferences.  When it comes to our diamond engagement ring  selection, we pride ourselves in exceptional styling, unique designs and all at great prices.   We’ll even help you create your own diamond engagement ring; whether its a custom design or taking two styles and merging them into one fabulous ring.   Best of all – it won’t break the bank!   We encourage you to come in and talk with us about the engagement ring of your dreams.We don’t stop with just our engagement rings, we are also direct importers of certified diamonds.  We go directly to the source to ensure quality, pricing and selection.    In short, we bring the mine to you.   We’re able to do this by utilizing our long standing relationship with the Premier Mine near Johannesburg, South Africa.   This particular mine has many fabulous finds to its credit and is one of the few facilities with a cutting facility on site.   Thus “cutting” out one more layer of the diamond buying process which enables us to help you save money on your loose diamond purchase.  Further. we are able to ensure that all of our diamonds are both certified and follow the Kimberly Accord Process. We pride ourselves on not being your ordinary jewelry store, so we invite you to visit us in our North Scottsdale Boutique to experience the Alexa Rose difference.

 

Unless you’ve been living in a cave or hiding under a rock the news that our economy is less than sparkling is not news. It’s rather, a cold, dark reality; we’d all love it to be a dream, so we could wake up.  However, it’s not, so since we’re all in the same boat, let’s see what we can do to help each other save money.    If you’re looking to buy an engagement ring or other piece of fine jewelry; how do you get what you want and stay on your budget?  I’ve outlined some tips to consider when you’re purchasing a diamond engagement ring.  All of these items can be applied to earrings, pendants and independence rings as well.  Please keep this in mind.Â

 

One – Get to know your perfect diamond.

Before you go shopping for your diamond engagement ring be certain to have done some research.  Begin by researching the 4 C’s (Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat) and start to understand how this will affect the final price.  This will help you to develop your budget for your diamond engagement ring. Each one of the 4 C’s lends something special to your diamond for your engagement ring be certain to have a basic understanding before beginning your search.  When you’re sitting with your sales consultant, remember, ask questions and have them clarify anything you do not completely understand. If shopping for other pieces of fine jewelry, you can still loosely apply the 4 C’s, ask your sales consultant about the quality of the diamonds, the total carat weight and if it’s a large pendant, see if there is a smaller size available.  Two – Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices. We shop around for the best prices on computers, televisions and cars why not diamonds?  I think its partially because usually diamond purchases are like doctors, lawyers, etc.  We ask our friends and they refer us to someone with whom they had a pleasant experience.   This adds to the level a comfort and trust.  While this is good to follow you may not be completely comfortable with their consultant, don’t be afraid to look around.     However, in the end make sure you’re dealing with a reputable company.  Even if you have to pay a little more,  in the long run its usually worth it. Three – Time to Upgrade?

During down turns in the market, larger diamonds (those defined as 2.0ct or greater) usually experience higher levels of inventory.  As a result the larger stones typically drop in price, so if you’ve been waiting to upgrade; this could be the best time for you to upgrade and receive a great price. 

Four –  Deal with a reputable company.Ensure that you’re dealing with a reputable company.  Just like your mechanic, you need to be certain that you’re dealing with someone who has a good track record adn who is honest.  Check with the Jewelers Board of Trade as this firm rates jewelers according to several different factors.   Also, checking with the local BBB is another great way to check on a business and its reputation. Be certain to also check the company’s return and exchange policy, this could affect you later so be certain that you have a complete understanding before you buy. Five – Look for jewelers who extend credit or offer payment terms. This dove tails with item four.  Most reputable jewelers will have financing options available for customers.  In today’s market, some jewelers are starting to offer layaway options for clients as well.  Six – Recycle a diamond!Do you have a ring that was bequeathed to your or a tie tack, pair of earrings or even a pendant?  Consider using that stone for your diamond engagement ring.  This will save you thousands and potentially allow you to purchase a more expensive diamond mount that you had originally planned. Seven – A final word – the 4 C’sWe’ll close this as we began.  We routinely are asked about the 4 C’s (Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat) and what one can successfully sacrifice in the interest of their budget.  This truly is a personal preference, let your sales consultant know your budget.  Do not be shy about it as they should be able to provide you with enough choices for you to make an informed decision.   In short, let your eye and your pocket book be your guide. An engagement ring is one of the single largest purchases that most couples will ever make – Alexa Rose Fine Jewels is here to help you, however, if you’re not in our area  we would like to be certain that you’re able to make an informed, smart and quality purchase.   We invite you to visit our showroom in North Scottsdale for your engagement ring consultation.   We look forward to working with you.  Â

 

 

 

 

I love technology !  I know what a way to start a post on diamonds and engagement rings.  Some may be scratching their heads at this moment however, let’s reflect on technology and it has changed the world.  It allows us to communicate over vast areas, to find knowledge and makes life a bit easier.   In short, it opens a world of opportunity.   For diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry;  technology has changed the way we operate.  Today laser etchings are possible on diamonds and gold; computer aided drafting technology has changed the design process, streamlining it and allowing for more creativity.Â

The answer to these questions are, ‘it depends.’  I know, how grey, fuzzy and totally ambiguous can you get!  My apologies but, let me explain.  When you are sitting with a jeweler looking to buy a diamond to set into an engagement ring or even a pair of diamond stud earrings, it really comes down to your personal budget and your eye, in short - how does the diamond look to you?   And would you feel comfortable wearing it? Routinely, we have young couples come into the boutique shopping for diamond engagement rings and they have a tight budget.  We’re always able to help them find their dream ring but its interesting to watch the decision making process.   While we as professionals have one opinion of looking at the diamond, you as the consumer and ultimate purchaser may have a completely different thought or feeling on the diamond.  In the final analysis, it truly depends upon your feelings about the diamond, the setting, your budget and of course, the shopping experience.  So, if you’re planning on buying a diamond for your engagement ring or diamonds for the perfect pair of diamond studs - start with your budget, consider the 4 C’s, ask questions and in the end make your decision based on your comfort left level not the comfort level of the sales person.   Check out our posts on the 4C’s and our the individual postings on each.