Whatever you are looking for in an engagement ring, we are happy to work with you in terms of timeline, budget, and design - no matter how unique! We want to make your engagement dreams come true, and we want it to be as much of an enjoyable and stress-free process as possible.

Thank you for reading up on timeline and please, if you are getting ready to find that perfect ring, reach out to us and set up a time (or come on in) when we can talk shop!

Call or text us at (972) 910-0300, or email us at goldncaratsjewelers@outlook.com. 

Thank you for sticking with us this week - we've had a great time running through a lot of the options that surround purchasing an engagement ring!

What happens when you just cannot find exactly what you are looking for? Maybe you have the whole thing planned out in your head, but can't quite picture what it will look like put together. Or, you have some inherited or family stones that you want to incorporate but haven't found a workable option yet.

What we'd like to tell you....do not be afraid to go custom!

​Below we will go through some options for custom work.

Please know, you do not HAVE to have a specific reason to go custom. Maybe that is just how you imagined it! 

Here are a few reasons that would lead us to suggest (or would necessitate) custom:

1. You have a vision in mind and cannot find it.  We get it - you've looked through countless catalogs, searched Pinterest, Googled for hours, but can't find the exact right design. No worries, we can make some drawings, take some measurements, and send in pictures to our custom CAD artist and get started!
2. You are seeking something symbolic.  Maybe what you want is simply not done in the average ring! For example, we recently worked on a custom ring where the center stone was requested to have 5 prongs. Having 4 or 6 prongs is common, but there just are not common designs with 5 prongs. So - we went through our custom company to build the ring!
3. You have inherited or family gemstones you'd like to incorporate.  Rarely do we get in a collection of family gemstones (mostly we see diamonds and/or sapphires) that are all the same size. Maybe you have 7 round diamonds that are 1.8mm, and 12 that are 2.2mm. How do we fit these into a ring that is already made? It isn't easy - usually it makes more sense to draw it out and come up with a design that works specifically for your stones. We don't get scared off easily!
4. You desire to utilize uniquely cut stones.  Perhaps you have the idea in mind to use a gemstone that is unusually proportioned (ex. very elongated) or is a different cut, "fantasy cut," (ex. octagonal shape, a large or oddly shaped stone, a very deeply cut stone, etc.). We have worked with some very unique cuts, and have successfully had designed & set some specially cut stones!
5. You want to make matching (or very close to matching) rings.  For some of our LGBTQ+ customers, [sometimes] not only one person gets an engagement ring, and perhaps you want to match the style but want some slight differences. We've done it, and going custom is a great option for this (see pictures in the next section).
6. You want to present something that is completely and utterly unique.  Maybe you do not have a specific design in mind, but you want to ensure that the ring you are presenting is unlike any other. Going custom is one way to do that! Spend as much time as you need in our catalogs to make sure your design is unlike anything else.

Generally, there are the following options on how to go through the customization process:

​The simplest way deals with the smaller adjustments. If we can find a good baseline (an existing band or engagement ring, or a shank and a ready-built halo), then we are well on our way. This process typically involves making room for the additional part (removing a stone or two, etc.) and then welding/soldering on the additional parts. The nice thing about this option is that since much of the piece may already be manufactured, the cost is reduced from a fully custom price!

​The picture to the left involved taking a diamond band, removing 1-2 stones in the center, and then welding on a head for the purple sapphire the gentleman chose!

We are often requested to help make and design an engagement ring using a collection of inherited family diamonds/gemstones, but sometimes we are asked to incorporate parts of the inherited ring or pendant into a new design! We can do this too.

Usually this means cutting apart the original piece to retrieve the sections that are wanted, and then a shank and/or supportive top sections can be ordered or crafted to support the structure and match the original design. That is what you will see here!

Choose "Read More" to find out about other options, cost, and more!

Another way that we have found makes the process very simple and offers the ease of making changes is the computer-aided-design (CAD) custom method. We take notes and measurements, make drawings and send any example pictures to our CAD artist, they produce a visual/digital rendering and a video so that you can see the item from every angle.

This allows us to show you each step, and if you'd like to have changes made, the artist can fairly easily make the requested adjustments. Once you are happy with a design, they will 3D print a wax (the purple below) and send it so that you can see it in person. Once the wax and quote are approved, it's time to cast! They will either set stones, or the piece is sent to us for our jeweler to set stones. We have LOVED this process!

The final couple options for "going custom" is a more hand-made approach. We still have the ability to create a hand-carved wax. Our jeweler loves this, as he has been doing this for 50+ years. However, nowadays, with the access to CAD work, hand-carving takes much longer. Plus, if any changes are requested, the jeweler must restart the whole cutting process!

Another way to go about hand work is for our jeweler to design a piece out of metals such as copper or silver, then take a mold of it, and cast it into gold or platinum. This is actually what our manager did for his wife's engagement ring, shown to the left!

Anytime there is a deviation from an already available item, the price will increase. However, don't let this scare you away! There are still some very reasonable ways to create a custom piece.

We've received extremely good prices from our custom company that works with CAD designs! They are generally quick to get us designs and make sure they are providing a quality, lasting product. The benefit to working with CAD is that there is no up-front design fee, so you can make changes without having to worry about initial cost.

What goes into pricing custom rings?

• Precious Metals:  Depending on the size and karat/purity of the metal, there will be a cost associated. Platinum will be more expensive, as it is 95% pure (compared to 14k gold at 58.5% pure) and is more dense than gold. The good news is that we do take scrap gold/platinum on trade in most cases - ask us about it.
• Diamonds & Gemstones:  If you are providing the stones, then this cost does not figure in. If you are needing us to provide the stones, we can give you a variety of options at different price points!
• Labor cost:  This can include setting each stone, sizing (if it is a new ring from us, we get it to the right size at no charge - only a charge if it is an already existing piece), ring/prong repairs, welding charges, and if we are doing a hand-carved wax, the wax, mold, and casting fees.

Unfortunately, there is no way to give you a "general price" for a custom ring because so much plays into the process. Not to worry - if you have a custom idea in mind, we can work with your budget to find the right option! Come in to talk with us, or email us, to get the process started.

This is also a situation in which we can help! Over the years, we've done quite a few antique restorations. Perhaps you've inherited or been gifted your grandmother's wedding set and would like to propose with it. Maybe it is missing stones, or looks frail, or even just needs sizing.

We are always happy to take a look at the piece(s) and let you know of our suggestions on what work needs doing. Many times with "grandma's rings," we see a lot of wear such as thin shanks or worn out prongs on stones. We can get you a quote on repairs and maintain the essence of the ring but make sure that it will be safe and sturdy enough to wear daily!

By no means! Purchasing an engagement ring that is not customized is a wonderful way to go and does not mean that you seek to love and honor your special someone any less.

Often, there is still some personalized choice when not "going custom." Usually this involves choosing the type of metal (white/yellow/rose gold or platinum) and the center stone - there are nearly limitless options when considering all the different cut/color/clarity/carat options within diamonds, and all the colored gemstone choices as well!

No matter if it is a fully customized ring or one that we have in stock, or if you spend $500 or $15,000, it is all about the question you are about to ask and the sentiment behind it. You are pledging to love and commit to someone for a long while - what a beautiful thing! We LOVE working with bridal customers, and hope that you will choose us to help you with this exciting journey!
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Thank you to everyone who followed along on this thread - or even if you read just one post! We seek to get you answers to your questions. If you would like to submit a question, please email us at goldncaratsjewelers@outlook.com. See you next time!

Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right design:

1. Consider the style of her other jewelry. Does she like to make a big statement with her pieces, or does she choose daintier styles?
2. Though some women have the exact design they want in mind, they may want you to take charge and surprise her. It is a gift, after all, and may take some creativity springing out of your love for her & desire to honor her.
3. She will be wearing this every day for a good long while - make sure it's not too dainty of a design that it might bend or cause problems!
4. Trends are great and can have a lot of people swooning. However, you want to make sure that she is going to be happy with this for a good many years, unless you plan on doing upgrades often. Be trendy if you will, but consider longevity of style.
5. Make the design as fantastic as you'd like, but keep in mind safety - are there diamonds on the bottom of the band? Too lightly set stones? Edges of stones too exposed? We want to make sure that you don't experience any issues right away.

We're here to help you find the right ring, but also to offer you our industry-tested advice so that you can design the best ring that will last!

In the overarching engagement ring design world, there are a few "basic" categories to get you started.

1. The Solitaire [Classic] - This refers to a ring that has a precious metal shank with one single center stone at the top. The band may be simple, or have more intricate design. These have been popular for ages, and carry a timeless look that many women love.

2. Organic/Floral & Filigree [Natural & Whimsical] - For the more natural women, nature lovers, or Disney princesses. There are many gorgeous designs that have a natural flow to them, whether depicting leaves & berries, flowers, vines, branches, or anything of the like.

3. Engraved/Carved [Artistic] - Engraving or carving designs into the metal can bring a whole other dimension to a ring. It can be geometric, floral, or any number of more customized options. These rings may have any number of stones on them, whether as a centerpiece or incorporated into the design.

​4. Vintage or Antique [Old World] - Maybe long ago she fell in love with her grandmother's wedding set, or perhaps she is an old soul. Vintage style rings often have beautifully combined elements of other categories that brings about memories of black and white movies.

5. Trendy [Of the Moment] - Right now, we are seeing a jump in rose gold & morganite center stone rings. Another couple trends that have been more popular (but we doubt will go out of style any time soon) are cushion halos with dainty bands and bands that have a twisty pattern to them, often with one twist being polished metal and the other set with diamonds.

Is this the end of the list? By no means! This is meant to give you an introduction into some of the more common styles so that you can start thinking about what might fit her personality the best.

There are many different elements in a ring design that combine to make the perfect ring for your bride-to-be. Let's talk through a few of them, and you can decide what she might really enjoy, or what you may need to avoid! Here are a variety of options:

​Have something else in mind that we haven't mentioned? No need to fear - this is not an exhaustive list! It can be really helpful to have pictures of ideas or elements that you or her like about a particular ring, and we can work to incorporate that into the ring design.

Hopefully now you are formulating the start of an idea for what she might like - if not, don't be too hard on yourself. That is what we're here for - to help guide you on this exciting journey!

Maybe there is more you'd like to add - perhaps something a little more unique. Some color? A secret addition, just for her?

We've got a few options:

• A Hidden Diamond (or two):  Right under the center stone, set into the underside of the band, or near the base of the band. This would be something that people looking at the ring from her finger would not necessarily see, and would be a "secret" just for you & her!
• Other Gemstone Accents:  Her favorite color, a significant gemstone, her birthstone, or a child's birthstone can be great ideas when considering another color. She might have even mentioned it to you! These can be placed on the band of the ring, as the side stones in a 3-stone ring, or even later in the wedding band.
• Engraving:  Some choose to have this done after getting married, but we've had quite a few gentlemen want to add a special note that she will see at the proposal. A special phrase, pet name, or significant date are great options.
• A Special Stone Property:  This one is much less common but extremely cool! Did you know that some diamonds have a fluorescent property to them? Yes - that means under UV/black light, these diamonds will glow a bluish/green color. If you enjoy going dancing or know that she would appreciate it, this is a unique addition to the perfect ring.

Whatever you would like to present to your special someone, we are here to help! Bridal is one of our favorite parts, as it is so exciting to get to know you and your bride-to-be and design something so special and meaningful.
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Check back tomorrow for the final blog post in this series:  Customization!

Welcome back!

Today we will get even more into the intricacy of diamonds with the final two of the "Four Cs," Color and Clarity!

As we mentioned in our post yesterday, please note the limitation of doing all your research online. While it is a great place to start, seeing a diamond or colored gemstone in person and deciding what you prefer is essential! We love getting to walk our clients through an in-person learning session, so come on in (once the "shelter-in-place" order is null, that is).

COLOR
Grading the color of a diamond for most people does not refer to the pinks, blues, reds, greens, etc. Usually we are talking about the "colorless" to "near colorless" to lower grades, such as "top light brown" or getting into a faint yellow tint.

When grading color, we are more concerned about the absence of color than the presence of it. The greater the absence of color, the higher letter grade the stone is.
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What is most desirable? If you are going by highest price and greatest rarity, then the "colorless" grouping is where you'd look. Here is a look at the scale:

​When GIA came up with the color grading scale, they nixed A, B, and C altogether. It appears that there were too many stores adding additional "As" to their A gradings and it became quite a mess.

Thus, the diamond grading with the most absence of any color is deemed as "D" color. "DEF" is spoken of as the "colorless" range.

We then make our way down to the "GHI" range, called the "near colorless" range. With these, you may see a slight tint of yellow or brown, but it should be very faint and most easily seen when placed up against a DEF diamond.

Going further down the scale, the JK range starts to show more visible tinting even when not contrasted to a more colorless diamond. LMN gets more tinted, and in this range or the OPQ range we can start to see some diamonds labeled as "faint yellow" or "top light brown."

The lower colors are not useless! Though these colors can be more obvious in a white gold or platinum setting, they blend much better in a yellow gold or rose gold setting. We've done many beautiful rings in the lower colors - we want to make the perfect piece for you and your bride-to-be, not impose our own preferences on you!

For more information and helpful diagrams, check out these articles from GIA, Diamond Color: Seven Things You Need To Know  and GIA 4 Cs Color.

CLARITY
​Just like the previous two categories, this is also something you should experience looking at in person to see what your preference would be! Our customers are varied in what they like, and so we like to show a range of options to find what is right for you.

Clarity refers to internal imperfections, or inclusions, and outer imperfections, or blemishes. Here, we will talk about diamonds specifically.

What are these imperfections, and what causes them? It is almost always due to trace elements that were present within the diamond at formation. They can be white or black (much more rare is other colors) and depending on what they look like, have different names. Feather, cloud, cavity, crystal, knot, or my personal favorite because of its name, twinning wisps.
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Again, there is a grading scale! Diamond clarity is graded at only 10x magnification (what we will show you in the store is a 10x loupe) and depends upon the position, size, number, and visibility. On this scale, with the highest grade at the top and the lowest grade at the bottom:

But what do all these gradings really mean?

Starting from the top, flawless and internally flawless diamonds are extremely uncommon. Usually, we do not get requests for this near perfect clarity. 

VVS clarities are extremely clean when seen under magnification - it is unlikely that the untrained eye using magnification would be able to see the tiny specks that would result in this clarity declaration. We also do not get a lot of call for this higher quality, unless we are looking into a stone with fewer facets such as emerald cut or asscher cut (much easier to see any inclusions in these stones than, say, a round brilliant or princess cut).

VS clarities are sought after much more! The untrained eye using magnification may be able to pick up one or more small imperfections, but these inclusions will be small and scarce. 

SI clarities are also extremely sought after. The untrained eye using magnification should be able to pick up slightly larger and/or slightly greater in number imperfections than in a VS stone. SI and VS stones make great options for engagement rings, but again, it really depends on what you specifically are looking for, as well as your preferences.

I clarities are the most common, at least for what you find in mass-produced jewelry today (even for our accent diamonds, we prefer to stay in the SI-VS range, unlike the big box stores). The untrained eye WITHOUT magnification (naked eye) will be able to see larger and/or greater in number inclusions in the diamond. Depending on the type of inclusions and their placement, they can still make good stones for engagement ring centers. However, we want to make sure that what you present is something she will love and will make you look good! That is why we suggest checking diamonds out in person before purchasing.

For more information, please see these articles from GIA, Seven Things You Need to Know About Diamond Clarity  and What Is Diamond Clarity?

​Not thinking about using a diamond as the center stone, but still want a "colorless" stone? That is okay too!

No matter what your choice is based on (preference, budget, religious reasons), we are here to help!

Our top choice for a colorless alternative to diamond is a lab-created gemstone called moissanite.

Though it does not form in large enough crystals in nature to sell as jewelry, companies have been manufacturing them in laboratories for many years. They are MUCH tougher than cubic zirconia, and sparkle extremely well.

One of their most desirable properties is that of double refraction - when one ray of light enters, it diverges and two return to you. Extremely sparkly!

They are not as inexpensive as cubic zirconia, but we believe it is well worth the price, especially when compared to diamond prices. It is also very important to note that moissanites are NOT synthetic diamonds; neither are cubic zirconia.

These days, there are quite a few options when it comes to moissanites. From cut (shapes & the quality of the cut) to color (colorless to near colorless) and company, we hope to be able to meet any budget.

Above, see an engagement ring that has a moissanite center!

You've probably heard of the "trend" of substituting a synthetic, or lab-created diamond for a natural, out-of-the-ground diamond in pieces of jewelry, ranging from earrings to diamond engagement rings.

We have worked with a couple gentlemen so far on synthetic diamonds (see the photo on the left), and do have good sources for them, so if you are interested then we are willing to help you look into it!

We will address a couple myths vs. facts below to give you a better idea about synthetic diamonds!

Myth:  Synthetic diamonds are all very high in clarity, color, and cut quality.
Fact:  Synthetic diamonds come in a wide range of clarity, color, and cut quality! Not all are in the DEF (colorless) range, in the VS-VVS (very high clarity) range, or ideal cut. So, when talking about these three categories, synthetics are not always higher quality than natural diamonds.

Myth:  Synthetic diamonds are always significantly less expensive than natural diamonds.
Fact:  This can be true, but is not always true! At smaller sizes (especially under 1ct), there is much less of a significant price difference. Once you get into higher carats, then yes, the prices start to diverge much more. There is more to consider than initial price - trade-in value, for one. Most jewelry stores will not touch buying back synthetic diamonds, but they will with natural diamonds. So, the money you save initially may not be worth it in the long run if you plan to upgrade.

Myth:  Moissanites and cubic zirconia are types of synthetic diamonds.
Fact:  NO! Synthetic diamonds are made from the same chemical makeup (carbon) and crystalline structure as natural diamonds, but are grown in a lab. Moissanites are a separate type of chemical makeup (silicon carbide) and crystalline structure, and cubic zirconia is even another/separate type of chemical makeup (zirconium oxide) and crystalline structure. If a salesperson tells you that either one is a synthetic diamond, or calls one a "moissanite diamond," they are either intentionally lying to you or are not properly educated on the subject. We seek to make sure you know what you are purchasing!

Myth:  Synthetic diamonds are preferable over natural diamonds to avoid "conflict" diamonds.
Fact:  "Conflict" diamonds are actually far less of a concern since the Kimberly Process was put into action by the UN in 2002, followed by the United States adopting this into our laws in 2003 via The Clean Diamond Trade Act. The owners of Gold N Carats were involved in the lobbying process in Washington, D.C., as were many other jewelers. Just like customers, jewelers also wanted to avoid any kind of abuses that were going on at the mine to supplier levels, and the Kimberly Process changed everything. Now, the World Diamond Council assures you that the likelihood of purchasing a diamond that has any kind of ties to this illegal "conflict" is less than 1%. Though problems do still exist, you can rest easy purchasing a natural diamond!
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Check back tomorrow to find out more about styles of engagement rings!

There are four very important categories to consider when looking at diamonds! Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat.

Now you may be thinking, are the way these categories are graded simply up to whichever mine or jewelry store is selling the diamond? That's what used to happen. Then, the Gemological Institutes of America, or GIA, came along and said, there has to be a better way to simplify these gradings across the world. And so they did!

As these categories can get pretty complex, we are splitting the 4 Cs up into two posts. Part 1 includes Cut and Carat, and tomorrow we will introduce Color and Clarity!

CUT
Cut refers to not just the shape of the stone (round, princess/square, oval, emerald, cushion, asscher, marquise, pear, etc.), but also the proportions, symmetry, and polish of the facets.

Why are these important? Well, you certainly want whatever diamond you present to be sparkly and dazzling, even from across a room. The better/more precise the cut, the better the sparkle, at least in theory!

Two things we commonly consider when talking about the cut is the depth of the stone and the size of the table (the largest, flat, top facet). The depth is critical because of the reflection of light. Too deep or too shallow, and the light reflects off to the side or beneath the stone. Ideally, the light enters the stone and returns back to you! The table size also plays into how light reflects.

Proportions and symmetry are important on all the cuts, but are most commonly assigned a full 3-step grading when looking at a round brilliant cut stone.
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Maybe you've heard of a "Triple X" stone - all this means is that in cut (proportions), symmetry, and polish, the grading has been deemed as "excellent." Many "Triple X" diamonds are ideal cut (mathematically the most brilliant, reflecting properly the most light), but not all are. Here is the range of cut grades, from lowest to highest:

​This can be tricky, as some less-than-honest salespeople can tell you all about how a stone is a "Good" cut and try to make it sound like it is a great rating, but really, that is in the middle of the scale! (Unfortunately, we've heard of it happening plenty of times.)

Now, do you HAVE to have an Excellent cut stone? By no means. Measurements and gradings can get you pretty far in finding a great stone, but ultimately each diamond is unique, and one may sparkle more than another, even with a lower cut grade.

Come in to see & find out for yourself!

CARAT
Carat refers to the WEIGHT of a diamond. In a well-proportioned/cut diamond, this will mean very similar dimensions across the same carat of stone, but not all diamonds are cut the same.

The term "carat" comes from the origination of how people measured stone weight! In older societies, one carob seed was held as the standard measurement, which translates to one carat of diamond weight. Carob seeds were known for being so exact in weight from one to another, and thus is why they were used. (Interesting fact - there was a slight variation of the weight of seeds from one region to another, which caused some issues!) One carat is 0.20 grams (difficult to measure on a normal scale).

For engagement ring center stones, we have seen quite a variety of sizes over the years. There is something special about the 1 carat mark that can get a lady excited, and we understand!

However, each person is different and has unique preferences; so what is the right size diamond for you?

Another important thing to know is how we talk about carat weight - often you will hear a jeweler or salesperson mention "points," of which there are 100 points in a carat. So if someone says that a diamond is a seventy-five pointer, that means it is 0.75ct, or 3/4 of a carat!

There are average dimensions among similarly cut & weighted diamonds. Here, we will talk about round brilliant cuts:
1/4 ct = appx. 4mm diameter
1/2 ct = appx. 5mm
1 ct = appx. 6.5mm
2 ct = appx. 8mm
3 ct = appx. 9.5mm

So, as you can see, double the weight definitely does not mean double the diameter!

A standard-cut one carat princess cut is about a 5.5x5.5mm square; a standard-cut one carat oval is about 8x6mm; and a standard 1ct emerald cut is about 7x5mm.

The higher carat a diamond is, the more rare it is to find. That is why diamond prices do not increase linearly with size, but more of exponentially. Millions of tons of dirt are moved at mines just to find a few larger sized diamonds!

Are you looking for something a little different - a non-diamond, colorful option for a center stone! That is okay too!

We've been honored to be a part of designing and making a great deal of colorful engagement rings over the years. Whether it is a special stone, her favorite color, a birthstone, or for a personal or religious reason, it is no problem and we would love to help you!

From emeralds to rubies to sapphires (of all colors), to morganite or aquamarine, we are here to help your dreams come into reality!

When we talk about colored gemstones, the grading scale is a little different than diamond grading. Much of the scale is based on what has been deemed as the most desirable color of that gemstone, but it also takes into account clarity. Cut for colored gemstones tends to be a bit more varied, as most are cut deeper to bring out a richer depth of color. Most scales look similar to this:

Color is important to consider, but also know that you may not like the AA color better than A, depending on your preferences and the stones! 

A few other things you should consider with colored stones:

• Color zoning (in some stones, there will be richer sections of color and paler sections)
• Cut (if it is deeper cut, how does it sparkle? How well will it fit in a ring?)
• Clarity/Stability (low clarity can also mean the stone is less stable - more likely to break or chip)
• Hardness/"Wearability" [Moh's Scale of Hardness] (some stones are softer and are less of a good idea to wear daily - we may be able to suggest an alternative for these)​
• Natural versus Synthetic (depending on preference/budget/etc., we are happy to find the right option - see our previous post for more information)

For example, opals and tanzanites are soft stones that can wear, chip, or break more easily than, say, a ruby. These are great right hand rings that aren't every day wears, but for an engagement ring that is worn constantly, we don't want anything to happen to your precious ring! And we certainly don't want her to feel bad if it gets chipped and needs replaced.

We are happy to make a ring for you with a softer center or accent stone, but we want to do our due diligence to educate you on any concerns we have! Otherwise, we wouldn't feel honest, and we want you to be prepared.

We do our best to educate you on the ins and outs BEFORE you purchase!
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See you tomorrow for our next part on Diamond Clarity & Color!

What we have noticed that for most men (unless he is wanting it to be a complete surprise) is that they've already talked to their girlfriend about hopes for the future, like wanting to get married.

If this is the case, then you already have a good start! If you've talked about getting married, then that may leave an opening for more questions:  style, size, and more.
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We've had many couples come in for an initial appointment to look at rings together. This can be extremely helpful for the men, and we take care not to "spoil" any surprises! Our staff seeks to help you consider a few different things:

• Metal type (Does she prefer a white, yellow, or rose tone? Does she have any metal allergies?)
• Style (Does she like modern, antique, floral, etc.? Does she like a simple, classic look, or diamonds on the band/halo stones?)
• Type of center/accent stones (Does she prefer the traditional diamond center? Does she want accent stones of a different type?)
• Finger size (This is a huge help later on)
• Center stone quality (If diamond:  Cut/Color/Clarity/Carat - what would she like? If a colored gemstone:  what color and shape?)

What we try to avoid bringing up in front of your lovely lady are these three things:

• Pricing (We know you want to honor her - she does too. We want to stick to your budget!)
• Timeline (Nearly everyone - on both sides - wants there to be an element of surprise)
• The "How" (We don't want to spoil any surprises on how you will propose - and do not fear if you haven't figured that out yet - many haven't at this point!)

Now, if you want her to be involved in these things, that is up to you and we are happy to oblige. Just let us know!

​Do not worry, we are not at all saying that a joint appointment is necessary!

If you are wanting to get answers on style, there are a couple options without asking her directly. You can try:

• Checking her Pinterest account, if she has one - many women have a "bridal," "engagements," or "wedding" categories.
• Finding a TRUSTED friend or family member of hers to talk to about ideas. (We cannot emphasize "trust" enough - never go around asking a friend or family member unless you know they won't break confidence with you!)
• Bringing along a close friend of yours who also knows her well to look at styles with you.

Need to figure out ring size? This one can be little trickier. If you're not wanting to involve her in the design of the ring but she knows that something is in progress, you can always let her know to stop by our store to get her finger sized. We won't say anything to her about the project.

If you are wanting to keep it more of a secret, then it can help to bring in one of her current rings for us to size. This isn't a perfect option, but it at least will give us an idea. Make sure you know what finger she wears the rings on, and if they fit well (meaning they do not slide on and off easily, but take a little wiggle to get off).

If you are okay to involve one of her friends or family members, you may be able to have her "try on" one of their rings for fun (without you present), or when they are shopping, and then get the size of that ring. As long as they can be subtle!

In the end, if you cannot figure out an approximate ring size, we are happy to put together the perfect ring, and figure out the size & size it at no charge after the fact. 
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Through the whole ring designing & buying process, we want to help you AVOID stress - let us worry about getting the work done well & on time! We are excited for you and want to help you ENJOY the process and not WORRY through it all.
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**These are suggestions and none are necessary; neither are they all appropriate for all couples. Please only take the above as opinions based on experience but are not facts or hard opinions.**

This one is pretty simple - a natural gemstone is a mined-from-the-ground stone that has an underlying chemical makeup and crystal structure normal of that specifically named stone. It was not made in a lab!

For most stones that we can mine & find in the earth, there are now synthetics & imitations for those stones.

Now, a natural gemstone does not mean that it has not been altered or treated in any way once it came out of the ground. Actually, a vast majority have been treated in some way (irradiation, heat, pressure, oil, etc.) to either bring out the best color, stabilize it, or reduce the visible inclusions.

For example, nearly ALL natural Tanzanite stones (still only mined in Tanzania) are treated after they come out of the mine - the rich bluish purple that so many desire often begins as a brown stone!

What is the benefit of a natural gemstone? The value and the rarity are the biggest factors that make a natural stone preferable over a synthetic or an imitation. Also, know who you are gifting a piece of jewelry to - would they prefer a natural stone? Not many stores will purchase a synthetic gemstone to resell, either.

Repeat after me:  Synthetic and Imitation gemstones are NOT the same!

Synthetic gemstones have been around since the 1800's when a chemist in France first started with synthetic rubies (corundum) and created one of the processes called flame fusion which is still in use today. Interestingly enough, though he had discovered and reported on the process in 1891 to a university in France, he did not go public with the news until 1902 - we have to wonder, what happened in that 11 years?

Synthetic gemstones are based on the real thing - the same chemical and crystalline structure that is found in the natural stone. Synthetics are typically made to imitate the cleanest (inclusion wise) and most desirably colored version of the natural stone.

Not all synthetics are the same! Many different companies make synthetic gemstones. What is held as arguably the best and most well-known of the synthetic labs is Chatham, who has been around since 1938.

Common gemstones that are available as a synthetic stone (not an exhaustive list):

• Sapphires (blue, pink, white, champagne, padparadscha, etc.)
• Emerald
• Ruby
• Alexandrite (very rare, color-changing)
• Spinel (usually blue)

But why make a synthetic? Or why not?

​Usually a synthetic is produced if the natural gemstone is valuable enough for the market to benefit from a less expensive option (sapphires), or if many options are not high quality (emeralds) or not easily found (alexandrite).

Some stones are not available (or very rare) in synthetic options, for various reasons. Some of those stones include:

• Turquoise
• Pearls & mother of pearl
• Opal
• Peridot
• Aquamarine (synthetic blue spinel is typically used instead)

We have been able to offer great options to our customers over the years through the use of synthetic stones. Recently, we have made engagement rings using a gorgeous synthetic sapphire (pictured above) and a custom-cut synthetic emerald from Chatham (also pictured).

Something else you might not know:  both Cubic Zirconia and Moissanites are lab-created stones, not imitations! Though they do not have natural, mined-from-the-ground counterparts, we do have the basic understanding of their crystalline structure and have their chemical make up to make them in a lab! Though sometimes these are called "synthetic diamonds," this is an absolutely INCORRECT term as they are not made up of the same crystalline structure and chemical makeup as a diamond.

Ask us our thoughts next time you are in! We'd love to help you take on a new, fun, colorful project.

Imitation gemstones are merely that:  something to imitate or mimic the LOOK (not the crystal structure or chemical makeup) of a natural stone.

What are they made of? Plastic, glass, some are even a less well made synthetic, or a synthetic of another type of stone that looks "similar enough." Some are painted or coated on the bottom (or the whole thing) to change the sheen or the color.

These options typically do not wear as well (are not as strong) as the natural or synthetic options, but they are extremely inexpensive. We do not suggest them for projects we work on unless it is repairing costume jewelry, though there are some cases where an imitation does come into play.

​Have more questions? Contact us at goldncaratsjewelers@outlook.com!

At Gold N Carats, we always check your pieces under a microscope before and after professional cleaning to see if there are any concerns!

Now, at home, you likely won't be checking your pieces under a microscope. However, there are a few things you can watch out for at home. If one of these things is true of your piece of jewelry, we strongly suggest NOT TO WEAR IT until you can get our professional opinion:

• Can you hear a rattling sound on one of your pieces? It may mean a loose stone! (That means it could come out of its mounting.)
• Do you see a dark spot on one of your pieces? It may be a missing stone! (That means you may lose more.)
• Do you feel or see a sharp spot or break on one of your pieces? (You could get cut by a sharp edge, have more breakage, lose a stone if it is a break on a prong or stone mounting, or lose the piece.)
• Is your clasp not working properly:  too loose, not snapping, looks bent or broken, or the safety catch is broken or loose? (You run the risk of losing the piece entirely.)
• Is a ring too loose or too tight? If it is too loose, you run the risk of losing it off your hand (we've seen it TOO often), or too tight you may have to have the ring cut off if you swell or just get it stuck (we do cut rings off safely, but then they have to be repaired!)
• Did you hit or crush your ring/pendant in/on something and it looks...off? Get it checked out before continuing to wear it. (Something may be broken and break more, or a stone could be critically loose!)
• Or, did you step on an earring or lose the back it came with? Get it checked & get a new, solid, proper back before you risk losing it (or the stone in it).

We don't like to be "Debbie Downers," but we want to keep you safe on a daily basis! The other thing that we will suggest (because things like the ones listed above can happen to anyone) is to GET YOUR JEWELRY INSURED! Don't be caught without it on your precious pieces & family heirlooms.

NOT ALL JEWELRY CAN BE CLEANED THE SAME WAY. We cannot emphasize this enough. Part of why we offer free cleaning is for that reason! But at home, what can you do?

If you have a bottle of our blue jewelry cleaner, then you are typically good to use that on white/yellow/rose gold, platinum, and palladium pieces with diamonds, sapphires,aquamarine, morganite, and other non-porous stones IF the directions are followed. [2 minutes in the cleaner basket, then if needed use the included brush to gently scrub off excess residue, rinse well with water, and then you are good to wear it.]
***Most of the time, rubies and emeralds are also safe to use in the cleaner, but for these we suggest a shorter time in the cleaner to be safe.***
***DO NOT USE THE SAME BOTTLE FOR GOLD/PLATINUM AND SILVER. Do not let silver soak in this cleaner!!! This can leave behind a residue that will cling to your gold pieces and has to be hard polished off.***
***DO NOT USE ON PEARLS OR POROUS STONES!***

If you do not have a bottle of our cleaner, then soaking your pieces in rubbing alcohol (70-90% is best) for a while is helpful, plus, it helps to disinfect your pieces! You can even use a soft-bristled toothbrush to get in those hard-to-reach places (please use a new one!). Just be sure to let others in the house know where you are putting your pieces so that no one dumps them out on accident...!

For pearls:  A soft cotton or microfiber cloth that is slightly damp will work well to run over your pearl strands.

For porous stones such as shell or turquoise:  a gentle wipe usually with a cloth lightly sprayed with alcohol can get a layer of grime off and help them shine once more. But don't use too much! 

For SILVER:  If it is not too bad, you can use a cloth with alcohol or a silver polishing cloth (we have available for purchase once we reopen). Polishing cloths are not to be washed, since they contain a resin! This will brighten up silver pieces and clean off the top layer. If the silver piece is very dark, then you may want to pick up a bottle of Tarnex, which you can find at a local store like Walgreens or CVS (check their website).

DO NOT EVER PUT YOUR JEWELRY IN CHLORINE BLEACH. This will eat away at your metal and is NOT AT ALL a proper way to clean your jewelry! There is also a new pool cleaner, bromine. DO NOT let your jewelry get in this cleaner either!

ALSO, never soak a watch in any solution. Not all watches are sealed the same and this may allow liquid into your watch! (A post will be coming specifically on watch cleaning later.)

Need more help? You can email us at goldncaratsjewelers@outlook.com with questions!
*Gold N Carats is not responsible for any damage that results from home cleaning.*

Especially right now, everyone is washing their hands and sanitizing much more often. This can mean irritation for anything that you wear!

For people who wear rings - if your rings are feeling extra tight (or loose) in this time, maybe it's time to consider not wearing it for a while to be safe.

If you notice an itchy red or whitish irritation under a ring (usually larger/wider rings, like men's wedding bands), take off the ring and let your finger breathe for a few days. A fungal infection may be forming from trapped water under the ring. If you caught it early, your body will likely take care of it on it's own. If it will not go away, see your doctor. To treat this, we've often seen OTC anti-fungal creams like Lotrimin prescribed to use on the area.

For those who wear earrings and are known for fidgeting with them - though many of us are concerned about holes closing up (and for those where this is a real concern, keep them clean but keep them in and try not to mess with them), you may want to consider nixing the earrings when you're out for the time being. Any time we touch our face/ears, we are opening others and ourselves up to germs! If you notice they are itchy, clean them in a rubbing alcohol solution more often.

Many of you are thinking:  Doesn't my homeowners/renters policy already cover my jewelry?

That is something you will have to check. Some of you have a separate rider for your jewelry and it is itemized. This typically requires a recent purchase receipt or a professional jewelry appraisal.

Some of you just have a general amount covered, but do not have special pieces itemized.

This can get you into trouble! We highly suggest to call your insurance company and ask what coverage they provide:

• Do they cover mysterious loss/disappearance?
• Do they require a police report for lost/stolen jewelry?
• Do they cover any repairs? What does this include?
• Does the insurance company allow you to pick your jeweler (or do they send you to their resource company)?
• Is there a deductible and what is it?
• Will they pay the full value of your most recent appraisal? (We ran into an issue recently where they wouldn't, even though the appraisal was only 1 year old.)

Some companies have great service for jewelry and if so, wonderful! We've also seen many issues over the years with companies referring to the "fine print" after an issue comes up.

If you're looking for a way to insure your jewelry that is not connected to homeowners, we suggest you check out Jeweler's Mutual insurance. We actually insure our personal jewelry and our store through them! (We are not paid to suggest them and receive no financial benefit from referring to them.)

They have competitive rates (no deductible!) and if something happens to your jewelry, there will be no "ding" on your homeowners. They allow you to pick your jeweler, cover mysterious disappearance, and much more. They do require a professional jewelry appraisal to get started, but not to worry! We have an independent appraiser that comes in to our store twice a month to help you out! Reach out to us for schedule and costs. By appointment only.

Question:  So how do we reduce the size of a ring, or size down?
Jim Rogers:  I first get an accurate reading of what the current size is, and if it is "out of round," [ovaled, bottom flattened, etc.] I round it out. Knowing what size to go down to allows me to gauge how much metal we are taking out.
Q:  Taking out? Is that how it works?
J:  Yes, I cut a line in the bottom of the ring, cutting out a section long enough to get to the new smaller size.
Q:  Then what happens?
J:  I carefully reshape the ring down to its new size and using solder, connect the two cut ends. I then make sure that there is no mark left where the ring was sized, as that would not be proper work if there was!
Q:  What about the extra piece of gold or another metal? What happens with that?
J:  I believe that is worked into the price of sizing down. It is usually so minuscule that it doesn't account for much.
Q:  Are there any issues that can come up if this isn't done properly?
J:  Yes - if too much solder is used and not enough of the original metal to fill it in, there can be "bubbles" left over and a mark - if there are bubbles it is called "porosity" [more on this later] and leaves a weak spot in the ring. It would be more likely to break there.

Question:  Okay, so we know how sizing down works. What about sizing up?
​Jim Rogers:  Definitely possible. Once we know the old size and the needed size, I determine how much gold [or silver, platinum, etc.] needs to be added in. Once I know this, I can cut a spot at the bottom of the ring to add a piece in, and check if I have the right sizing piece that is a little thicker than the ring.
Q:  What do you mean "thicker?" What part of the ring do you mean?
J:  I mean the depth of the ring. Say you have a ring on and you press it to a flat surface - the distance between the surface and your finger would be the depth.
Q:  Why does the sizing piece have to be thicker?
​J:  Because, after I weld [or solder] the new piece in using a combination of solder and gold [or silver/platinum], I have to file down the insert so that it is the same thickness as the rest of the ring. That way I make sure I don't leave a portion of the ring thinner than it was when it came in. And as I mentioned with sizing down, I make sure to not leave any "lines" to show that the ring was even worked on. 
Q:  Are there any issues that can come with sizing up if not done properly?
J:  The same with sizing down, if the piece is not welded in right, it can break and come out. We don't do it this way, though!

​Question:  Is there ever a time that you would NOT want to size a ring the ways you described?
Jim Rogers:  Yes, actually. If a ring is too thin [refer back to depth of a ring] then I do not like to size it, as we can't warranty the work.
Q:  No warranty on thin sizings? Why?
J:  When they get so thin, it's common to have bending or breaking anyway, and so we cannot guarantee that that won't happen.
Q:  What do you suggest instead?

J:  It depends on how worn down the ring is. Usually our mark is if it is under 1.0mm in depth, then we need to look at a reshank.
Q:  What is a reshank?
J:  There are two options:  a half shank and a full shank. For a half shank, I cut the ring about halfway up on each side and rebuild with new gold [or silver/platinum]. For a full shank, and this is if the ring is really worn all the way up to the settings or stones on top, we cut right up to those settings and rebuild with new gold [or silver/platinum] that is thicker than before and will last for a long time. Again, we don't leave a mark. Plus, the new size of the ring is included in the price I think [it is].
Q:  Back to the depth - why under 1.0mm?
J:  I've noticed over the years, and so have many other jewelers, that once a ring gets that thin, that is usually when we see breaking or bending of a ring - meaning it isn't holding up to everyday wear and tear like it used to [or it is supposed to].
Q:  Are there issues with this, like with sizings, that can come up if not done properly?
J:  Same answer as the sizings - if the welds aren't done properly/with too much solder, then you can have cracks and breaks form in the future.

Question:  Are there other things that come up when you size a ring?
Jim Rogers:  There can be - and most of that trouble involves loose stones.
Q:  Can you explain more?
J:  Sure. When we take a ring in, I have to get the ring surgically clean before working on it to make sure that the heat I put on it won't damage the ring [it can when there is dirt on the ring]. Many times when we get a ring in, there are already stones that are loose from wear and tear. The biggest issues usually come from sizing down. This means that all the stones in their settings on the top are "pulled," in a sense, away from their prongs a bit. This can cause stones to become loose. I do my best to make sure none get loose enough to come out in the process.
Q:  Okay, so if stones are loose when you're done, what happens?
J:  The people in the front do a "safety check" for me and then they call the customer with a quote on what it would be to tighten up the stones that are loose.
Q:  So this is not included in the price?
J:  No, because if we included it, the people we size rings for with no stones or only one or two stones would be paying for other people's stones being tightened, and we don't think that is fair. Plus, our warranty on pieces we sell and make is that we tighten stones for free for the life of the ring, as long as we're around!
Q:  Okay, that makes sense. Are there any other issues?
J:  Not usually. On closer inspection, sometimes I will find other issues with the construction of rings that we will call the customer about. I like to make sure we get the ring in the best condition possible so that in the long run, we keep the customer safe and spending the least money.
Q:  I've heard you say that, that it is usually less expensive to do maintenance on a piece than to have to do major replacement or repair if something breaks!
J:  That's right.