Moonstone holds significant importance in Hindu mythology. It is linked to the deity Chandra, the Moon God. According to Hindu belief, moonstone represents the ethereal light of the moon and is regarded as a symbol of love and passion. In Greek and Roman mythology, moonstone was associated with the lunar goddesses Selene and Luna, respectively. Considered a sacred stone that bestowed love, fertility, and harmony upon its wearer.
]]>Moonstone experienced a resurgence in popularity during the Art Nouveau period (late 19th to early 20th century). The gemstone's dreamy and mystical qualities resonated with the Art Nouveau movement, which embraced natural forms and symbolism.
Moonstone continues to be cherished as a gemstone today. It is widely used in jewelry, particularly in bohemian and alternative styles. This June birthstone is associated with emotional balance, intuition, and feminine energy.
]]>With links to Russian folklore and cultural symbolism. The gemstone is sometimes seen as a representation of the Russian soul, reflecting the duality and resilience of the Russian people. The gemstone is said to help in times of emotional stress or when facing difficult decisions.
Not only is Alexandrite the birthstone for June, along with pearls. It is also considered the traditional gemstone for the 55th wedding anniversary. It is often chosen for these occasions due to its rarity and its representation of transformation and longevity in relationships.
]]>The gemstone was highly sought after and considered a symbol of wealth, power, and elegance. Unfortunately, the Russian supply of alexandrite depleted over time, and by the early 20th century, the gemstone became increasingly rare. Although the primary source of alexandrite was Russia, significant deposits were later discovered in other parts of the world, including Sri Lanka, Brazil, Tanzania, and Madagascar. These new sources helped revive interest in alexandrite and made the gemstone more accessible.
Today, alexandrite remains highly valued and sought after by gem collectors and enthusiasts. Its scarcity makes it one of the most expensive and prized gemstones in the world.
]]>Today cultured pearls are the most common type available in the market. These pearls are created by inserting a nucleus into an oyster or mussel, stimulating the formation of a pearl. Major sources of cultured pearls include Japan, China, Australia, and various countries in the South Pacific. Additionally, natural pearls, formed without human intervention, are still found but are extremely rare and valuable.
]]>The crisscross pattern of the triangular facets of the square or rectangle French Cut gems encourages their brilliance. While giving gems an exquisite shape perfectly versatile, focal point or accent piece, the French cut was a steppingstone in creating today’s modern step and brilliant cuts.
]]>Just like other antique cut diamonds, these Rose cut diamonds come in all shapes and sizes. Making beautiful accent gems for jewelry from all eras. Rose cuts lost popularity when cuts like the Old Mine and Old European cut came to be. These cuts had more shine rather than shimmer. Imperfections are easier to be detected in cuts like the Rose cut, there for diamonds used for Rose cuts are chosen carefully to ensure its beauty. Rose cut diamonds come in may shapes are highlight the rough diamond in its simplest form. Beautifully hand cut, each antique diamond cut showcases its natural beauty.
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Old European cuts have a large crown and a small table allowing most of the diamond weight to be at the head. And unlike the Old Mine cut diamonds the old Euros have a flat culet instead of a tip, this allows the culet to be seen through the table. The steep crown allows for more fire to be shown off in the Old European cut diamonds. This is complimented by the deep cuts of the facets encouraging lite to travel farther, encouraging light to be reflected to your eye. Although with pros come cons, with greater depth there comes more light leakage. Making these antique cuts not look as bright as todays modern cut diamonds. These old European cuts are more symmetrical than other antique cuts and are exceptional in antique engagement rings. Antique diamonds cut by hand, by candlelight are unique and beautiful, allowing their natural beauty shine.
]]>This diamond shape got its name Old Mine, from the original old diamond mines they were discovered in. The way to identifying an Old Mine cut diamond is typically, they have a small table, most noticeable by looking at the diamond from above. Most have large culets which is where all the facets join at the bottom of the diamond. This is most noticeable while looking from the top through the table. Old Mine cuts have a high crown and deep pavilion making the diamond taller than modern cuts. Old Mine cuts are perfectly imperfect and unsymmetrical. This is due to the way they are cut. Giving the diamond a more organic look, true to the diamond's natural crystal form. Old Mine cut diamonds are one of a handful of antique cuts, beautiful in cut, sparkle, and hue.
]]>In the 20th century is when it all began. During the World Wars men began to wear wedding rings as a means of remembering their loved ones. After the Korean War wedding bands took on the meaning that they have today. Wedding and engagement rings are a symbol of one another’s love and devotion. A piece that is treasured for a lifetime. Men’s rings are typically simple in design with a comfort fit, but don’t let the norm dull your zest. The options are as endless, find the perfect ring that highlights his/your personality. Diamond, Gold, Platinum, colored gems let us help you find the perfect piece.
]]>A brooch is an ornament fastened to clothing with a hinged pin and catch. These beautiful statement pieces became fashion forward in the Georgian era and tapered out of style through the decades, with no definite ending point. These works of art come in many shapes and sizes. Details and extravagance can very, from something dainty to something ornate and eye catching. Brooches were originally worn, over the heart, on the opposing side or in the center of the chest, on things like blazers, coats, gowns or blouses. Approximately five years ago, the hashtag #bringbackbrooches began to appear. Since this trend, influencers have encouraged endless options. Dressed up, or down, if you can pin it, you can wear it. From fashion magazines to shown off on the red carpet we have seen it all. Gem encrusted, nature themed, or glitzed to the extreme.
The perfect way to show off your personality. These treasures were originally use to secure clothing, slowly making the rise. The boundless imagination of the jeweler encourages endless opportunities. In today’s world brooches are worn more as a statement piece rather than for functionality. Still timeless, these treasures are making a comeback stronger than ever. Don’t miss out.
]]>Birthstone jewelry is not the only option when it comes to jewelry gift giving, another great choice are bands. Worn alone, stacked, mixed and matched, white, and yellow gold. These beauties come in all shapes and sizes. Choose a stunning floral pattern for the gardener in your life. A diamond band for a little sparkle or a classic smooth finish there is something for everyone. Give a gift that is not only beautiful but also has a deeper meaning. Don’t let gift giving be so stressful. Let us take the hassle out of finding the perfect piece, the options are endless here at North Coast. We can assist in finding something spacific, create something custom, show the options in their size or favorite color, all you need to do is ask. Jewelry is timeless and treasured, a meaningful gift for any occasion.
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Dates 1939-1950
Concluding World War II, the style of this era is heavenly inspired by the war and its victory. Many elements from the Art Deco reign are carried through. The symmetrical, geometric designs become bolder and amplified through the time. Allowing this era to be filled with large colorful gemstones, yellow gold, platinum, and white gold. With metal shortages on the rise white gold became more dominate in the jewelry world. With gemstones, diamonds, and metals difficult to come by recycling older unused pieces becomes the trend. Giving worn pieces new life allowed a new look to be created without taking any needed materials from our soldiers. Convertible pieces like necklaces or brooches, also take the spotlight these pieces allowed a variety of looks without the abundant use if materials. Metals were not the only thing effected by the war gemstones and diamonds were troublesome to come by as well. This made it so smaller gems were used in abundance, the pave style settings increased in popularity. Along with dome shaped rings, these domes would be encrusted in small vibrant gems often making floral or geometric shapes. These styles may not be as blingy as previous eras, but the pave settings allowed for big sparkle with the materials available. This eleven-year span is a great combination of past eras, full of vibrant colors and detailed design. Many of these styles are still used today.
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1920 – 1945
Emerging at the conclusion of World War 1, this is one of the most iconic and most recreated of the eras. The design aesthetic drastically shifted, from the nature-based beginning eras to angular, geometric, and architectural inspiring. This era was clean cut and bold, die-struck filigree was then hand finished, intricate symmetrical basket style rings with breathtaking open work, and lavalier necklaces are predominately worn. The open work and filigree details were ideal effects that allowed metal to be used more sparingly. Giving the pieces of this time a lighter, less bulky feel. Popular items include dinner and cocktail rings, octagonal/hexagonal settings, stepped shoulders, filigree linked bracelets, pearls, and lavalier necklaces. Typically crafted in white gold, platinum (although costly), camphor glass or chromium plated metals. Diamond, aquamarine, pearl, jade, onyx, and topaz are prevalent in these creations, thanks to technology advances synthetic sapphires and rubies are well used in this era as well. Along with creating gems, advances in gem cutting were also achieved. Baguette, brilliant cut, fancy cuts like emerald and Asscher cuts come into the spotlight, while still utilizing old European cut and cabochon. This span of time is known for the angular, symmetrical designs, utilizing machines to create filigree details and pops of bold color (created or natural), catching the attention of those around the wearer.
]]>1901-1915
The reign of King Edward VII. This era is filled with elegant, bright and detailed jewelry. At this time platinum has taken the spotlight. Ornate designs included filigree, open work, and milgrain to give a weightless feel. Milgrain is a delicate border of ridges or balls surrounding the gems. Motifs most popular in this time are bows, flora, soft geometric shapes with lace like details. Diamonds, pearls, and some sapphires are prevalent in these intricate designs. This is the most recognizable design style, with the soft edges, diamond details and big looks. Structurally this era has well-crafted pieces that were able to hold up over the years. The target market for jewelry in this era was the upper class, the high society would adorn themselves with this “white” jewelry (white metals encrusted with diamonds). Glitz and glam is the simplest way to describe what was made in this lost time. The bigger, more intricate and diamond covered the better. The cuts of the gems that are most common in these pieces are, rose cut, old mine cut, old European cut, and single cuts. Still predominantly done by hand the goal was to have as much sparkle and shine as possible.
]]>Dates 1837 – 1901
No surprise, this era took place during Queen Victoria of England’s reign. Victoria is directly responsible for numerous changes in the styling of jewelry. This era splits into three periods.
The Victorian era went from the bold, dark, and chunky aesthetic. To petite, moody with a dash of color. The evolution of this era plays a big role in the further advances in the coming eras.
]]>This era spanned for 120 years, through King George I and ending at King George IV. Given the dates of this era, the tools used were primitive. Making the pieces fragile, and less likely to stand the test of time, most high-end specimens are in museums most in desperate need of repair. Making Georgian era jewelry a true treasure. This era has a dark, moody aesthetic made up of pearls, sapphires, foil-backed diamonds, rubies, garnet, topaz, glass, and paste. Common cuts for this time are unlike what we see today. Most common are old mine cuts, single cuts, antique cushion cuts and rose cuts. These are cuts made by hand, using candle or sunlight. Foil-backing gems was assumed to brighten them along with intensifying the color. With machines in short supply during this time, jewelry was hand formed, hand carved and handset. An art that has evolved over time, with these hand done creations makers marks or assay stamps are uncommon and nearly nonexistent (assay marks are enforced in the 1900’s). Metals were more brittle in turn harder to manipulate, typical materials used are 18K yellow gold and silver.
Popular motifs from this era are flowers, crescents, bows, and foliage incorporating shapes like the navette and ovals to interpret these beautiful designs. The Georgian era is most known for its mourning pieces. Beautifully made pieces of jewelry that are made to commemorate a loved one. Typically made to display a lock of hair, a piece of ribbon, fabric or even a portrait. These mourning pieces were held dear, and the perfect way to preserve memories. Unfortunately, Georgian jewelry like the mourning pieces are harder and harder to come by. This era is just the start of the progress made jewelry manufacturing. Encouraging advances to continue through the decades.
]]>Here at North Coast Jewelry, we pride ourselves on renewing, reusing and being environmentally friendly. The pieces that we procure are antique, sometimes hundreds of years old. These pieces already exist, they just need to be found. That is when the treasure hunting begins.
Our pieces come from numerous sources from all over the state, country, and sometimes the world! Sourced from individuals, shops, estate sales and more, The treasures cover a whole range of wear and tear. Many of our treasures need a good polish, have some minor fixes needed or are found incomplete, when this is the case, we take the steps needed to make the treasure wearable once again.
Anything needed to complete an item is found, not created. We ensure that when fixing a piece, it stays era appropriate; gems are the correct age including the cut and style, as well as the metal we use. Old cut diamonds and gems are becoming harder to find. Due to recutting, sourcing them is sometimes more difficult, but an important task to ensure an authentic piece. We recycle and reuse vintage goods, giving them a new lease and a better future. No harsh chemicals, no waste and a product that can stand the test of time.
]]>The ring is out of style
Jewelry trends are ever changing, much like fashion. When you got married, you may have bought the trendiest ring in the market at that time, but fashion trends keep on changing. Since your engagement ring is a forever piece of jewelry, you may consider tweaking the style i.e. the mounting to make it more to-date. Many clients that shop with Northcoast Jewelry are really enjoying the vintage and antique rings. We can upgrade to a ring from the art deco or Victorian era as well. Lots of rings to choose from in our collection. Shop here!
You have the budget
3 months salary for an engagement ring, am I right? You may have saved money on your engagement ring when you bought it, but your budget since then may have increased, and now, you can invest in a bigger diamond, a brand new mounting or upgrade the entire ring for a completely different one. There is no right or wrong, it’s personal preference. North Coast Jewelers will walk you through the entire process seamlessly! After all, you want to love looking down at your ring as you wear it daily, right?
You don’t like the style
Not only do the market trends change with time, but also your sense of fashion and personal style. If you no longer like the style of your engagement ring, you can always upgrade it. Trust us, it doesn’t hamper the emotions attached to it but enhances them more.
An anniversary surprise
Your loved one can’t get enough of you. For your first anniversary (or 5 year or 10 year and the time frames go on), you can surprise your significant other with a brand new ring (or an upgrade version). It is a great way to remember and commemorate a special date or occasion I your life. After all, no one can turn down a diamond gift!
Finally
You can have a plethora of other reasons to consider upgrading your engagement ring. We just want to assure you that it’s a pretty good decision to maintain an impression in the fashionable society.
]]>So have you decided which ring to choose for your engagement? You can get in touch with the experts for suggestions.
]]>Guess what? There is no time like present, and you can absolutely propose even now! If you are wondering, keep scrolling and see what great ideas Northcoast Jewelry has in store for you!
A picnic full of surprises
Call your beloved and ask her to meet you at the nearby park for a small picnic. You can also arrange for it on the patio or backyard / rooftop of either of your homes if that’s more convenient. Hide the engagement ring inside creatively somewhere in the picnic basket or do it conventionally – by keeping it at the bottom of the wine glass. And when she drinks from the glass, well, Surprise! May we suggest planning a small social distance style surprise from your fiancé’s friends and family!
Set up a canopy in the backyard
Invite your beloved to your home for dinner and set up a canopy in your backyard with flowers, curtains, and of course, a well-decorated dinner table. She may guess from the decorations that it’s something special, but you can still see the awe on her face when you take out that ring!
Zoom your surprise
Where there is a will, there is a way! If you can’t meet at all, perhaps due to a long distance relationship, you can always propose to her on Zoom through a video call. Gather your family members and propose to her in front of them. Let them cheer and burst balloons and throw sparkles while she says ‘yes’, blushing.
Do you have any other ideas for a memorable proposal during the quarantine? Feel free to share!
]]>Here are four breathtaking destinations that can help make your proposal quite memorable.
Central Park, New York City
Take her to the Bow Bridge, overlooking the lake, and surprise her by proposing to her. She will be awed for sure!
On the top of the Shard, London
It’s a beautiful place to propose! As it’s the tallest building in the UK, you can bring the sky down at her feet by proposing her there!
The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
It’s popular and breathtakingly beautiful! If your beloved loves the ocean, outdoors, nature… you can propose to her, while she’s staring at the mass stretches of waves to the horizon. She will love it!
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
A city love can bloom from one of the popular architectural wonders in the USA. The vibrancy of the surroundings will give you the much-needed boost to let your heart out.
If you can’t wait for things to be restored to normal and we get it, life must go on! This means your proposal plans must continue (with or without COVID)… set up a romantical dinner for your special love. Indoors at your home, or outdoors in a secluded setting (remember, social distancing!)… decorate your space beautifully and set up a romantic atmosphere to propose in. Your honest love will be enough to get a reassuring 'Yes' from her. Don’t forget to let her know that Northcoast Jewelry created her stunning engagement ring!
]]>Although it’s unlikely that the synthetic diamonds will replace the real rocks any time soon, if the consumers are aware of what they are buying, the risks are greater due to the lower price expectations. The real diamonds may lose their luxury because of their cheaper peers. This apart, the real diamonds are also being increasingly associated with the harsh practices and inhuman measures of mining, which gives them the nickname ‘blood diamonds’. As the synthetic ones are created in the labs, they are considered more sustainable and eco-friendly among the environmentally-conscious population. The market for vintage and antique diamonds actually has not been affected since the true old cuts cannot be remade and collectors always find them valuable and desirable.
Of course, no! The natural diamonds still are quite able to connect with the customers on an emotional level, which is lacking in the case of synthetic rocks. If a clear distinction is observed between the real diamonds and the synthetic ones, the people, who value quality above everything else, will go for the former undoubtedly. For jewelers, who deal both in natural diamonds and lab-created ones will, however, be at the most advantageous position, as they will have it all to meet specific customer needs.
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Let’s shed some light on their names.
By far, GIA is the most popular diamond grading laboratory in the world. Surprisingly, it’s a non-profit organization with the most accurate and consistent grading system that almost all diamond merchants and jewelry dealers rely on. Not only that, but they have also altered the world’s basic perception of precious stones with their extensive researches and findings since their inception in 1931.
Mostly regarded at par with the GIA because of their high standards and accuracy of grading, they are better known for their alphabetical grading system. Besides grading diamonds, they also offer extensive educational products to create awareness about the precious stones and enhance the diamond trade at large. Their scientific reports and certifications are valued by most of the merchants, dealers, and manufacturers apart from the regular customers.
The popularity of EGL goes beyond the European boundaries for their clarity and concise reporting approach. For diamonds less than 1 carat, the EGL is quite efficient in their grading techniques. However, they can’t be trusted much for the S13 diamonds.
Based in Belgium and preferred more by the Asian countries, the IGI is undoubtedly the second-most popular grading institute in the world. Numerous polished diamonds that are available in the market have been graded by IGI, which also offers courses on diamond grading and certification.
Grading systems may differ widely, but the diamonds having consistent grading will be preferred more by customers while investing their money in.
]]>The green gem is a popular variety of naturally colorless Beryl stone, which also gives rise to other gemstones e.g. morganites. It’s a type III gemstone, which, no matter how beautiful, has flaws most of the time. The Columbian emerald is the most flawless among them and also the costliest one, because of its high quality.
The Incas and Aztecs had considered emerald as their own for thousands of years, just like other ancient tribes in Columbia. However, it’s the 16th-century bloodbath that cemented emeralds in the history of South America, as Spanish conquerors looted them extensively from the mines in the region. Since then, royalties from all over have been depending on the Spanish mines to adorn their jewelry and crowns with the green gemstone. Be it the Indian Mughal rulers, The Russian royalties or the Iranian monarchs, this particularly glowing gemstone has occupied the royal treasuries of numerous emperors and Shah for hundreds of years. Even some of the famous ladies in history like Queen Cleopatra and Catherine The Great have been said to be eternal devotees of the beautiful green gem.
Originally, the emeralds were cut in a popular style, which came to be known as the ‘emerald cut’ later. It optimized the green glow without altering the brilliance of the stone. Synthetic emeralds were created somewhere in 1935, and the first-ever Chatham Emerald is displayed in the Smithsonian Institute.
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Let’s help you in that by highlighting the distinguishable characteristics of both.
What are the characteristics of the prong setting?
The prong is the most common type of diamond ring setting. It presents with 4 or more claw-like metal pins holding the diamond or gemstone in place. The basic prong setting can be classified into two types: the 6-prong setting, and the Tiffany setting, the latter being distinguished from others by the specially-designed and patented prongs they use.
Some of the pros of the prong setting have been discussed below:
A timeless piece of jewelry, perfect for engagement rings, the prong setting is preferred by most couples, who are into classic styles and traditional values.
The bezel setting – A modern approach to engagement ring packed with antique and vintage characteristics
For people with a chic sense of style and unconventional preferences, the bezel ring setting is just the right choice. Instead of holding the rock by claws, the metal covers the entire circumference of the diamond, which is mounted on it to appear just stunning. This setting is suitable for wedding bands and contemporary engagement rings which have accent stones embedded in it besides a brilliant central rock.
If you’re still confused over your choice, drop us a line or contact us. We’d love to help you make the right decision!
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