Jewelry & Watch News

Notable Watch Index Styles Watches are comprised of so many intricate details from the inside out, some you may not even think of. From an aesthetic perspective, you might prefer a particular case material, dial color, or bracelet style. One element you might overlook is the watch’s indices. Indices are another way to refer to the watch’s hour markers. You may be surprised at how much different types of watch indices can impact the look of the dial. Here, we’ve compiled some common types of indices for you to consider. Arabic Numerals Arabic numerals are the most common symbols for numbers today, replacing Roman numerals. They can appear in watches in different forms. Sometimes, Arabic numerals may number each hour marker from one to twelve. Other watch designs use Arabic numerals at the three, six, nine, and twelve-o’clock positions. Occasionally, you’ll see only a single twelve-o’clock Arabic numeral marker.  In some watches, elements like a date window or...

Styles and designs for men’s rings are as different and unique as the man who wears the ring. Whether you’re on the hunt for a wedding band or a promise ring, the choice for the perfect men’s ring is dependent on his style and personal taste and your budget.  From simple bands to intricate diamond solitaire statement rings, our collection of men’s rings has the ideal band for every budget and personality. The definition of his perfect ring might vary based on the type of ring he wants and the occasion that the ring celebrates or symbolizes. There are many factors to consider before you finalize your purchase and slip that ring on his finger. If you’re on the hunt for men’s rings, here is everything you need to discover and uncover his perfect ring. Wedding Bands A wedding band is a forever symbol of his vows to you. This is the ring that he will wear forever, and it is a ring that requires the most thought. Men need a ring that will remain timeless and adapt t...

A Royally Gorgeous Ring In 1961, a diamond cutter in London named Arpad Nagy created the profile cut; but often referred to it as a princess cut diamond . The name eventually stuck, and thus the modern day princess cut diamond was born. Even though princess cut diamond engagement rings were first introduced in the 1960s, this style still looks as modern and stylish as ever. In fact, it is universally known as the second most popular diamond cut. A princess cut diamond is square-shaped with 58 facets that are positioned similarly to the facets on round brilliant diamonds. This cut is known for maximizing the diamond’s sparkle, so it is perfect for women who want their diamond to gleam from across the room . The Princess Look at a Great Cost Another reason why women love princess cut diamonds is their affordability. Diamond cutters are able to use around 80% of the rough stone when creating a princess cut diamond. This is much higher than the industry average, whi...

It is no surprise, if you’ve followed me for awhile you know my obsession with these elongated diamond rings. Most of these are circa 1900-1915, and true to era, have Old Mine, Old European and single cut diamonds. The setting is usually done in yellow gold with a platinum-top. Sometimes these types of rings are vintage and come from more recent eras, like my latest addition which is all white gold and most likely from the 1950s. This ring was an Instagram find from one of my favorites to follow, Anderson’s Jewelers. The store is located in Wellesley, MA which is not too far from Boston. The next time I visit Brimfield, I am definitely making a pit-stop! In the meantime, I will continue to shop their Instagram feed because they make it so easy. They consistently post new antique and estate pieces from their inventory and purchasing is easy via direct message. Most of my elongated diamond ring collection was acquired a few years ago. My best source was eBay actuall...

Our latest Jewelry Collection Story comes from Liz Kantner who has been a facet in the jewelry industry for quite some time and in many different roles.  I first met her through her time working at Todd Reed and would visit with her at Couture. She now lives in North Carolina and has paved her own path with marketing and advocating all things jewelry. Her latest venture was helping to launch the newest jewelry show in Las Vegas, called the Premier Show and opening up a tattoo/jewelry shop with her partner Chris called Divination Tattoo. Although I was bummed I couldn’t make it to the debut of this show, Liz visited me in Nashville before Gino was born! I’m excited to feature her personal jewelry collection because I’ve watched it grow over the years and every piece really does have a story. Take it away Liz: “I’ve always loved collecting jewelry, but I remember really starting my collection after my grandmother gave me her collection of pins, clip-on earri...

We recently got new Chinese Crystals in and So personally favors the opaque crystals. Here is a pair of earrings she made that looks like firecrackers! What you’ll need for earrings: Earwire Bali Chandelier Earrings (Y013697) 1.5″ Headpins (A019647) 4mm Chinese Crystal Rondelle  8/0 Silver Seed Bead (SB00106) – This item is optional. OR Components list of items used in earrings example: TC02297. Y013697, A019647, Z013491, Z013499, SB00106 Directions: (Seed beads are optional) On a headpin, slide on two red beads, one yellow and one seed bead. Make a simple loop. Open loop and slide on first hole on earring finding. On another headpin, slide on three red beads, two yellow and one seed bead. Make a simple loop. Open loop and slide on second hole on earring finding. On another headpin, slide on four red beads, three yellow and one seed bead. Make a simple loop. Open loop and slide on third hole on earring findin...

Indulge yourself with this simple stringing project made with Griffin silk cord, chinese crystals and seed beads. You will love how versatile this long necklace can be. Wrap it twice around for a layered necklace, wear it long or cinch a knot for a cute lariat. Here is how you can make one for you! What you’ll need for necklace: 2 strands of 3-6mm round Chinese crystals (items used in necklace example: A016737 &  A016746) 11/0 silver seed bead (SB00422) Griffin Silk Cord – Size No. 2 or No. 4 (Item used in necklace example: A019188) With two strands of 3mm chinese crystals, it makes for a 54″ long necklace. Switch up the color sequence, keep it one color, design it without seed beads. You have a large option of how to create a long necklace of your own with this simple stringing project! Directions Unravel silk cord from card. Slide on the following sequence of beads: seed bead, black bead, bronze, black, seed bead, bronze, black, br...

As the world's slowest marathoner, I often joke that my official time is measured on a sundial. But the fact is that no serious runner would hit the road without a multifunction watch that measures distance, pace, heart rate, and other vital statistics. With the exception of the right running shoes, I'd argue that a high-performance smartwatch is the most crucial tool for running better (and faster) at any distance. Sports watches for men are available in different sizes and colors. You can select your watch according to your choice and taste. Here are the best smartwatches for runners: Garmin Fenix 5 Plus If money were no object, the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus would be the ideal smartwatch for any road-running warrior. A multisport smartwatch—it appeals to runners, cyclists, swimmers, hikers—the Fenix 5x Plus is a GPS-supported device that tracks heart rate, estimates blood oxygen levels and has an impressive battery life (70 hours if the GPS is not in use). For...

Omega, which proudly lays claim to being the first watch to be worn on the moon, unveils its newest collaboration watch—in partnership with The Metropolitan Museum of Art store, AKA, The Met. Beginning today, The Met unveils an exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing, which happened on July 20, 1969.  The exhibition: Apollo's Muse: The Moon in the Age of Photography . To help celebrate, Omega has created a limited edition watch with the Met's logo on the strap loop. The Speedmaster "First Omega in Space: The Met Edition" is outfitted with a red and white striped NATO strap that emulates the Museum's signature color. The famed Speedmaster watch, in certain versions especially those revolving around the moon, is highly coveted by collectors. The new edition, created in a numbered series of 100 pieces, is designed after the "First Omega in Space" watch worn by astronaut Wally Schirra during the Mercury Sigma 7 mission...

Signet rings have long been rooted in history, typically used as a personal signature or symbol of family heritage, hence featuring a crest. And this is where the London-based company, Rebus come in.  With their flagship workshop located in Hatton Garden, an area in London known for it's jewelry offering, Rebus is the place to head for a beautifully bespoke signet ring. Emmett Smith, the Director of the brand focuses on quality and craftsmanship of course, and also the customer journey, a journey that brings about special moments along the way. Merging modern and traditional hand-engraving techniques, the Rebus team form future (and totally unique) heirlooms that are designed to be loved and passed down. Felicity Carter: What was your first memory of fashion? Emmett Smith: The fashion tribe that followed the 2 -Tone bands (The Specials, Madness, etc) at the start of the '80s, they had a very distinctive look based on Mod and Skinhead st...

The first time I had my ears pierced, I was eight years old. All of my friends already had cute little earrings and I began to scotch tape cut outs of flowers, stars and moons to my lobes. My mother quickly told me to take the scotch tape off of my ears—and that I would have to wait until I was 14—an arbitrary age she chose, which was followed by "because I said so."  Not one to give up, I did when any eight year old would do, I stomped around for dramatic emphasis, pouted and then I went over my mother's head to her mom, my grandmother who took one look at my paper cuts-outs and promptly took me to  a jewelry store near where she lived in Brooklyn. I almost changed my mind and passed out when I saw the 'gun' but she held my hand, talked about the pretty little 18K twisted wire hoops I longed for and that she would buy for me once it was done. Back then 'the gun' was the ear piercing tool of choice and the earrings I had to wear for th...

For awhile, it seemed watches may go the way of the stocking suspender: once considered an essential part of dressing, they were on their way out, made obsolete by technology. But the truth is, it seems there’s something quite satisfying – and stylish – for many to check the time on their wrist, rather than on their phone. What’s more, watches are a visible accessory that can complement any outfit, and they also speak volumes about the wearer. Men often sport them as a prestige item, for example. Others wear watches as an heirloom piece. And still others make a statement about the environment by proudly wearing a vegan watch. Whilst there are several vegan watch brands that have made their debut on the sustainable jewellery market lately, many of them are using plasticky materials for their straps. A more eco-friendly option – and one that does no harm to the skin, as some metals can – is the wood watch. Why Wear Wood Watches Wood holds a primal appeal. Not only i...

Nestled in the bustle of Grand Central Station is a hole-in-the-wall dedicated to the one thing that New Yorkers can’t seem to get enough of – time. Grand Central Watch is a third-generation family business dedicated to the repair, servicing, and restoration of watches. Steve Kivel, the owner, is a family man dedicated to his customers and the legacy built by his father and grandfather. Finding Grand Central Watch is little like trying to find Narnia. You have to know where to look. First, one must navigate the terminal of the station without getting distracted by the ornate decorations at every glance. There are soaring arches, marble facades, and an impossibly blue ceiling featuring constellations of the night sky. From there, you have to locate Track 38 and head down the long hall. However, you can’t walk too fast because in the sea of people around you, you may miss the window. Yes, there is a cutout on your left surrounded by glass and wood display windows fill...