At our store location in Downtown Blacksburg, art isn’t just reserved for the jewelry display cases, but it also adorns our walls. The newest addition to our art collection is an oil on canvas painting by local artist, Victor Huggins (1936-2007). This painting (dated 1985) depicts a pastoral landscape of rolling hills with the majestic Blue Ridge mountains in the background. Originally from North Carolina, Huggins was a respected and admired art professor at Virginia Tech for 25 years. His paintings are in numerous collections, including the Smithsonian Institution. He was best known for his modernist-leaning landscapes of the Blue Ridge area and collages. It is now on display for your viewing pleasure!
Our Newest Jewelry Tool: A NEW Microscope
Why does a brand-new microscope necessitate an entire blog post? Let us count the ways…
High-quality jewelry tools are essential for jewelry making and repair as it not only eases the process for the bench jeweler, but it also ensures the greatest outcome for the piece being worked on, to the satisfaction of both us and our clients. The ability to view the tiniest details and imperfections in gemstones or in precious metal is crucial. For us, upgrading our microscope was at the top of our list for our seemingly never-ending wish list of jewelry tools A well-designed microscope reduces eye strain and fatigue, while the positioning of the stand allows the user to sit upright instead of hunching over, improving posture and, thus, overall health. The enhanced magnification allows viewing of the bottom and top of a piece at the same time, reducing the amount of both labor time and cost. In a jewelry workshop, microscopes are used for a wide variety of tasks, including setting stones, grading diamonds, and appraising value, among many others. Having been in business for almost 40 years while trying to keep up with ever-updating technology, we knew it was time for an upgrade to our microscope, and we are grateful that it is finally here.
We decided on the Leica A60 Microscope Kit with Acrobat Versa Stand for several reasons, including its flexibility, quick refocusing, magnifying power of 5X-30X, as well as its capacity for accommodating a wide variety of tools. Aside from the efficiency that the laser welder brings, this new microscope is one of our most important upgrades as it will only continue to increase the quality of our craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, a major win-win!
Why We Love Sterling Silver
Beginning over 4,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, sterling silver has traditionally been a prized metal in decorative arts, currency, tableware, and of course jewelry. It is also highly coveted for its use in woodwind musical instruments because of its ability to give a smoother and rounder sound. But what makes sterling silver so popular as a metal to make durable pieces of jewelry?
First, sterling silver is composed of a minimum 92.5% silver with the remaining 7.5% being comprised of an alloy of other metals. Because pure silver on its own is quite soft, making it more prone to scratches and bending, the extra metal is added to increase its durability. Sterling silver jewelry can usually be identified by a small “925” or “sterling” marking (see image below). With the proper care and storage, sterling silver is incredibly substantial and enduring, ideal for everyday wear or use, and can last for generations as sentimental family heirlooms. Its use as kitchen or tableware can be attributed to silver’s natural antimicrobial properties, making it a more hygienic choice in comparison to other metals.
There are other benefits to sterling silver jewelry in addition to its longevity. Since it is softer than gold or platinum, it can be easier to manipulate, allowing for greater creativity in fashioning custom pieces. Not to mention that sterling silver is significantly more affordable than its more luxurious metal counterparts, such as gold or platinum.
Some people tend to shy away from sterling silver because of its tendency to tarnish. This occurs when the metal alloys, copper being the usual culprit, are exposed to air or other chemicals, and the oxidation process begins. Not only does regular wear of the jewelry slow down tarnishing but also regular polishing and proper storage. Keeping sterling silver pieces separate in individual pouches or containers can stave off the acceleration of tarnishing.
If one or more of your pieces is heavily tarnished, we recommend bringing them into our store for a cleaning as certain gemstones cannot be submerged in commercial cleaners due to their fragility. Our ultrasonic cleaner and buffing machine will have your pieces looking brand new again and increase the longevity of your valuable and sentimental pieces. Check out some of our favorite handmade sterling silver pieces below!
Natural v. Laboratory-Grown Diamonds
What is the difference? Which one should you choose?
In the last few years, controversy has swirled around lab-grown diamonds in the jewelry industry. While some jewelers have taken the stance of “natural only”, others, like ourselves, have decided to let the customer choose what best suits their budget and preferences by educating them on the pros and cons of both. So, what is the difference between them, and why is it so controversial? To sum up, the largest distinguishing factor is length of formation, and it is quite the disparity - from a few weeks to a billion years.
Natural Diamonds
What sets natural diamonds apart from its synthetic counterpart is the sheer fact that their journey to creation started literally billions of years ago, and we aren’t exaggerating in the slightest! They’re also formed deep within the Earth, typically about 125 miles from the crust and are then brought to the surface through volcanic activity. Because of their protracted length of formation, the Earth’s supply of natural diamonds is finite, making them more rare and thus, more valuable. Some diamond lovers believe that these and other gemstones hold a certain spiritual essence that could never be replicated in a lab due to its extensive natural fabrication in the Earth, such as inspiring enlightenment or increasing abundance, among many others.
Laboratory-Grown Diamonds
While natural diamonds take just a few billion years to form, laboratory-grown diamonds are made within a few weeks. Due to their ease of manufacturing, they can be mass-produced, making them more affordable than natural diamonds. It is important to understand that lab-grown diamonds are neither imitation nor simulants. They are composed of the exact same elements as natural diamonds, including their physical, chemical, and optical qualities. A person cannot discern a natural diamond from a lab-grown with the naked eye because special equipment is required to test its origins.
There are two kinds of processes to form diamonds in a lab, HPHT (high pressure high temperature) and CVD (chemical vapor deposition). The former is more expensive and is typically used for smaller stones, 0.10 ct or less. The latter is more widely used and involves carbon precipitating from a plasma cloud onto a HPHT seed crystal. Subsequently, the synthetic diamond forms as the carbon deposit builds.
Best Option for You
Since we want our customers to feel comfortable and secure in any product they purchase, the more you understand what you are buying, the more confidently you can make the best decision for your personal style and preferences. If you are looking at your jewelry purchase as an investment, natural diamonds are the better choice as they have an estimated resale range of 20-60% more than lab-grown. However, lab-grown diamonds are almost always in the higher quality range because they adhere to the industry standard. Their color is usually E-F (colorless) and clarity typically being around VS2 (very slightly included). Natural diamonds have a much wider range of quality due to their natural variations in diverse properties. For engagement rings especially, many couples prefer natural diamonds because of their representation of “forever love”, preferring their stone to have the ancient metaphysical properties that natural diamonds inherently possess. If you are looking for more information, contact us to schedule a consultation so that we can provide you with all the information you need to make the decision for your piece with clarity and ease.
Automatic v. Battery-Powered Watches
Over the years, the number of customers who have brought in generational timepieces to be “fixed” when they just needed to be wound might surprise you. When families inherit older timepieces that are not working, they typically assume that it is the battery that needs replacing. When we explain that the watch is actually an automatic that just needs some rotation in our watch winder, they are sometimes bewildered at our recommendation. So, what are the differences between an automatic and a battery-powered (also known as quartz) watches, and which one is the better option? The answer, like most of our recommendations, lies in personal preference as well as an individual’s lifestyle.
Automatic Watches
Because automatic watches run on the regular movement of the wearer’s wrist, there is no battery required for operation. The rotor inside the watch spins with the natural motion of the wrist movement. This kinetic energy is what keeps the rotor spinning, allowing for continual function. It also makes it the more sustainable and eco-friendly choice due to its lack of battery, leaving less of a carbon footprint than its quartz counterpart. Additionally, automatics are the preference for those wearers who value traditional craftsmanship. The inside parts of an automatic watch are more complex and intricately designed, typically making them more valuable than quartz watches. For example, most modern Rolex watches run solely on perpetual movement. Some wearers even feel a deeper connection to these watches because of its reliance on the wearer’s movement for function, the watch and wearer becoming one. Since these timepieces are more luxurious and timeless, they are also the better choice for those who value the sentimentality of their watches and want to see them last through generations as a family heirloom or as a collector’s item.
Battery-Powered (Quartz) Watches
For those watch wearers who prefer functionality and affordability in their timepieces, battery-powered watches are the better choice. They have a much wider price range, offering options for any budget. Because they run on a battery, the timekeeping tends to be more accurate; however, the battery does need replacement once it runs out, typically every few years but sometimes more often depending on the watch. While this option may be more convenient, it is less eco-friendly.
In conclusion, both types of watches offer various benefits, which are subjective to its wearer. If you still are not sure which type is best for you, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. Remember that watches are not only about efficient time management, but they also make a statement of your individual style and taste, so choose accordingly!
The California Poppy Engagement Ring
Often functioning as more than just a simple accessory that complements an outfit, jewelry can represent the most important aspects of a life–love, friendship, family, heritage, rites of passage, birthdays, anniversaries, to name a few. Even the slightest incorporation of meaning, whether it be a simple engraving or a decorative accent, renders a piece not only sentimental but also individual, carrying a personal story that no other piece possesses. We were fortunate to be a part of this “California Poppy Ring” that created a beautiful engagement ring together with representing the life and love of the couple to whom it belongs.
The client, referred to us by a dear friend, lives up north, splitting time between Rhode Island and Brooklyn, New York. He contacted us via email with three pictures of possible engagement ring designs for an oval cut diamond and concluded the email with the picture of the California poppies to the right, inquiring about somehow including them into the design.
We went back and forth a few times with some possibilities until he had drawn his own sketch of the concept that he had envisioned. Seen below, one side had two poppies while the other was meant to display a single flower.
Once the design was finalized, we proceeded with the lost wax process, as opposed to CAD design, for greater ease in carving the flowers by hand to get the exact look that a computer may not depict as accurately. The lost wax process is one of the oldest known metal-forming techniques, dating back 6,000 years. The wax is first melted so that it can be formed into a ring, leaving spaces open to set stones. The wax was then used to create a silicone mold (below), which forms the gold in the casting process. It took a few tries to get the side-view of the poppy just right, finally settling on the same design as the picture to the left.
This is the story as told by the client’s fiancée, who was thrilled with not only the design concept, but also the thought that her fiancée put into it, as well as the beauty of the ring itself:
“I grew up in California and moved away after college to Austin TX. All of my family and friends were still in CA, and it was scary to go off on my own but also exciting. Since then I’ve lived in Illinois (where I met Jon), Rhode Island, and New York. Despite living far from California, it will always be home and hold a special place in my heart. The CA golden poppy is the state flower and has been a special symbol to me and brings me so much joy as it reminds me of home and family. I’ve thought about getting a poppy tattoo for years and still am likely to do so. Jon picked three poppies as a representation of several things with two smaller and one larger being very important. They are our past and present coming together to create our future. They represent us individually and us together.”
If that doesn’t explain the sentimentality that a piece of jewelry can hold f o r e v e r…then nothing will. Congratulations to this adorably radiant couple! We wish you a forever of happiness together!
The Infinity Gauntlet
Whether you are a Marvel comic book aficionado, a Marvel Cinematic Universe (known as the MCU to the hardcore) devotee, or simply a fan of the custom jewelry design process, then you can understand our elation to “assemble” this project. This ring was commissioned by a high school friend of Austin’s as a wedding ring for her husband in the form of the Infinity Gauntlet from the Avengers comic books, TV shows, movies, and any other medium in which Earth’s Mightiest Heroes may appear. In fact, Austin’s two sons are such avid Marvel enthusiasts that the whole family dressed up as the superheroes for Halloween, so needless to say Austin was exceptionally thrilled at the prospect of this project.
For those of you who may not be familiar with the Infinity Gauntlet, some background information might help to clarify its vital significance in the Marvel universe. To make an intricately complicated story short, the Infinity Gauntlet is a giant metal hand that was created for the evil alien, Thanos, as part of his attempt to conquer the universe. The Gauntlet was designed to hold all six Infinity Stones (more about these later) in order to harness and channel all of their individual powers into one. Each stone has its own purpose, and when they are all utilized at once, they can basically execute any feat imaginable. Once Thanos found all six Infinity Stones and placed them in the Gauntlet on his left hand, all he had to do was snap his fingers and half of all life in the universe disappeared. Honestly, if you haven’t watched the movies, we recommend you do so as soon as possible. It is the preferred family activity in the Capone household and a wildly hilarious and exciting ride.
As for the design and fabrication process for the ring, there were many steps involved to achieve creating a product that would closely resemble the Infinity Gauntlet while also maintaining our commitment to creating a piece using only the best quality metals and stones. Once Austin was approached with the idea, the first step entailed doing some research to come up with the best concept for the design. Consultations are typically more effective in person, but due to the fact that this client lives in California, we were able to grasp basic ideas virtually. Since the Infinity Gauntlet already exists, it was more a matter of creating an inspiration from the original as opposed to an actual glove that fit over one’s hand (not to say that it couldn’t be done!).
Next came the sketch. Truman’s artistic skills come in quite handy when we want to give our clients a visual of the concept that we have created in our minds. Peep his sketch below.
Once the sketch was approved, we moved on to picking out the gemstones to represent each Infinity Stone. It was our goal from the start to keep the ring as accurate as possible in terms of order in the Gauntlet in addition to the colors of each stone. We conspired to choose the stones that were not only of the highest quality but would also radiate the utmost vibrancy. Each Infinity Stone has its own color and its own power. Below explains the power and color of each in addition to the gemstone we chose to represent it:
Orange - Soul - Orange Chalcedony
Red - Reality - Tourmaline
Blue - Space - Blue Topaz
Purple - Power - Amethyst
Green - Time - Emerald
Yellow - Mind - Yellow Sapphire
The stones that we sourced were all originally different shapes and sizes, so we had to have them cut in order to accurately fit the design of the ring. Once the stones were selected, we then chose the metals to incorporate into the bezels and band. We decided to fashion the band in silver while adding several different colors of gold to highlight the many layers of complicated machinery that bedeck the original Gauntlet.
Constructing a wax model was the next step in the process so that we could show the client a 3D rendering of the ring for them to try on. It gave us a good idea of how it would fit along the contours of his finger. Once that step was approved, the wax was then used to create a silicone mold, which forms the gold in the casting process.
One might think that once the casting was sent back the work was practically finished, but there was still much more to be done. First, a number of layers of metal were polished. After, the platinum bezels for the stones were fabricated to be extremely secure and to withstand heavy wear for a long period of time. On the outer edge of the bezel, a second one was fabricated in gold to help emphasize the colors of the stones while also adding some hues and design to the ring. In the band of the ring, a combination of different color metals were used, including silver, yellow gold, rose gold, green gold, and platinum.
Once the conglomeration of all the metals on the band was complete, we moved on to setting the stones. Each stone was set in a platinum bezel with a low-profile height in order to lessen the risk of damage. Hours of engraving were then devoted to this piece. From the extraordinary detail on the side panels to the milgrain and etching throughout the entire surface. Additionally, a process called oxidation (also known as antiquing) was then employed to give the ring a finished aged and regal look to it.
We are so thankful to have this opportunity to be a part of such a cool design that also happens to be associated with something that is so loved by our family. Avengers Assemble!
Custom Combination
While jewelry updates are a typical service that we provide, it is a welcomed challenge to combine two beautiful pieces into one.
Read moreWhat is a Jewelry Appraisal?
A jewelry appraisal is an official document that contains the assessed value of a piece in case of damage, loss, or theft. It is provided for your insurance company and your personal records.
With over 75 years of combined experience, Capone’s Jewelry assesses the most accurate value of your jewelry. A certified GIA Diamond Grader will analyze your diamond, gemstone, and precious metal jewelry. Bring any documentation, such as sales slips, diamond or gemstone grading reports, as well as warranties if you have them. Please note that current metal markets and trademarks, brand names, serial numbers can have an impact on the assessed value.
We also appraise estate collections that include multiple items. Please call to discuss pricing.
Your Guide to Ring Sizing!
Why Sizing?
There are many reasons why someone might be interested in getting their ring sized. They may have recently gained or lost some weight. Perhaps a woman has just had a baby or someone has been struggling with arthritis, both causing their knuckles to grow in size and making it difficult to slide a ring on and off. Say one’s significant other did not want to give away a surprise and guessed the wrong finger size. Or you simply just want to wear the ring on a different finger. What do you do? Consult a jeweler!
How to Measure your Finger Size
It is always a good idea to consult a professional jeweler about finger size. Do not attempt to measure ring size yourself. We also recommend that you get measured multiple times because hand size tends to fluctuate due to many factors, such as diet, how much sleep you got the night before, etc.
Ensuring proper fit is also crucial to determining your ring size. The ring should go on rather easily; however, it should be slightly more difficult to get it off. Obviously, if it slides off too easily, there is a greater chance that it will get lost. You should also keep in mind that if you are not accustomed to wearing rings, they will probably feel a little awkward the first couple of days, so be patient, and you will get used to it.
Sizing Down
As far as the actual sizing process goes, making a ring smaller is much easier than making it larger. Therefore, you should err on the side of caution when choosing a ring size. Once we have determined that the size should be smaller, we will cut a small piece of the metal from the band and solder the two sides together. The band will then be cleaned and polished, and you should not be able to tell that the ring has been resized. However, rings that have ornate designs, such as patterns or filigree, are difficult to resize without losing the detail of the design. If it is possible, the design would have to be remade or restored, adding to the cost. Additionally, if there are stones on the sides of the band, they may need to be reset, which also makes the job more complicated.
Sizing Up
If you find that you need to increase the size of your ring, there are two options that we will consider. First, we can simply stretch the band. However, this usually only works for about up to half of a size, and it does depend on the material as well as the design. This process works better with plain wedding bands usually. The other option would be to cut the ring, add metal, and solder it together. Keep in mind that the aforementioned issues with ornate designs and rings with stones remain the same in sizing the ring to make it smaller.
Cost
It is difficult to give a set cost of ring sizing due to the many factors that may be involved in resizing. For example, the metal (i.e. gold prices) and labor costs (i.e. the difficulty of the job). The starting cost is typically around $35 - 40, but can go upwards to $150 - 200.
What We Can't Size
There are certain materials that are impossible to size. Basically we would not be able to do anything that is made of non-metal, titanium, tungsten, or stainless steel. So keep that in mind when shopping for your wedding bands.
Virginia Gemstones
It might be a little known fact that some gemstones are mined right here in Virginia. We recently purchased some new stones that hail from our beautiful home state, and below is some information about the ones that are pictured above (order is from left to right):
Amazonite - This beautiful blue-green square(ish) stone is mined in Amelia County. In addition to being pleasing to the eye, it is said to enhance intuition, psychic powers, creativity, intellect, and psychic ability.
Unakite - This mottled pink and green oval stone came from right up the road in Lexington, Rockbridge County. It is typically found in the valleys of rivers after having been washed down from the Blue Ridge mountains. Unakite helps balance emotions and relieve stress.
Rhodonite - The middle stone that comes to a point at the top is a type of rhodonite that originated from Fluvanna County. The stone next to it is a Pink Rhodonite, which comes from the same location. They come in pink and red colors and often contain black manganese oxide veins running through them. Rhodonite is believed to relieve anxiety and is also a symbol of grace and elegance.
Limonite after Pyrite - This distinct gemstone gets its name from its "birth" process and comes from Schuyler, Nelson County. First, the pyrite starts to decompose due to chemical weathering, and the iron in the rock starts to rust. Once the rust has begun, limonite starts to pseudomorph into, i.e. take the shape of, the pyrite. This square stone has a brownish red color with tiny holes, which gives it a distinctively dramatic look. Pyrite is typically used as a shield to defend against negative energy while limonite helps to support physical strength and virility.
Custom Engagement Rings for a Swedish Couple
We have been fortunate to have a diverse demographic of customers over the years here in small town Blacksburg, VA. Learning about and adhering to other cultures’ customs during the engagement and marriage process is something that we have enjoyed being included in. While wedding and engagements rings are often a universal symbol of love and commitment, there are cultural variations of how they are presented, chosen, and designed. The rings shown in the picture below are ones that we designed for a couple from Sweden.
Whereas the tradition in many cultures is to propose with a diamond ring, the custom in Sweden has been for both men and women to wear simple gold bands as their engagement rings. Afterwards, a diamond ring or another band is typically purchased for the woman to receive at the wedding. Although the bands have traditionally been simple and plain, the look is evolving to include more ornate designs that incorporate individual style and flair.
For these particular rings, the custom process started when the customer brought in a drawing of their own design. We used their sketch to develop a wax model of the ring with hand carvings, which was then cast in 18k yellow gold. There was some difficulty in determining finger size due to differences in sizing and number conversions, but we thankfully figured it out. Next, some milgrain and other engraving details were added around the edges, and two small round diamonds were set in one of the rings. Then the bands were polished, and the couple was ready to start their matrimonial journey. They emailed us the picture from Sweden along with the following thoughtful message:
Dear Faith,
We would like to send our thanks to you for making our rings. We are
very happy with how they turned out and they both fit perfectly on our
fingers. Thank you for making our design come true. We are now happily
engaged and will be married in the summer.
Best wishes from Sweden,
And thank YOU for allowing us Americans to be a part of your Swedish engagement and design process! :)
Custom Design Onyx and Ruby Gent's Ring
We typically don't carry men's rings other than wedding bands in stock. It's difficult because there is such a wide variety of styles that we normally just custom design them. This particular concept was exciting and out of the ordinary, which is always a fun creative process to be a part of.
This ring was commissioned by a local artist and retired professor of Virginia Tech. Donning a ring on almost every finger, he really wanted this particular one to stand out but still blend in with his look and personality. He sports heavy vests, hats, a large bushy beard, as well as silver chains with skull and wing medallions hanging from them. You know, just your run of the mill custom design request!
Having long artistic fingers, we knew this ring needed to be quite large. He deeply admires Native American silver motifs, which he wanted included into the design. Even though he prefers turquoise, it was decided a dark cabochon onyx would hold up better from daily wear and tear. Because he loves the color red and wanted the ring to have its own personality, a small natural ruby was added to the side serving as a talisman for passion and wealth.
A hand-carved wax model was created to adhere to the shape and size of his hand as well as to the proportion of the stones. Having made several original indigenous-inspired designs, Kirk carved the tribal graphics, which were derived from Native American, Aztec, and Caribbean roots, around the shank and bezel. It was then cast in sterling silver, the stones were set, the ring was polished and ready for wear!
Do Your Prongs Need Retipping?
When was the last time you had your rings checked? We recommend bringing your rings in twice a year to ensure that the prongs are not worn down and are efficiently holding your stones in place.
What is a prong?
A prong is a metal tine or projection that holds a gemstone in place. A ring can have anywhere from four to hundreds of prongs.
How does it get worn down?
Prongs become worn from everyday normal use! However, erosion can occur faster due to several situations. For example, if a ring is too large and is constantly being readjusted by your finger (in which case it would also be a good idea to have it sized), or if a stone has been loose for a period of time. Also, wearing your rings while doing manual labor can also cause them to wear more quickly. Do you wear your rings to bed? If so, sheets can actually be abrasive on metal prongs - believe it or not!
How do we fix it?
If we check your rings and find that a prong (or prongs) are worn down, then we will recommend retipping. This process involves soldering a metal bead or wire to the prong with the stone still in place and shaping it so that it functions as a new prong. In some cases, a prong needs to be replaced. If that were the case, then we would saw off the old prong, solder a metal wire and shape it into the new prong - also with the stone still in place. In rare cases, the entire prong setting needs to be replaced where we would remove the stone, assemble a new setting, and then reset the stone.
Why Fix Prongs?
If you do not fix a prong, then you risk your stone coming loose and potentially losing it. It's certainly more economical than replacing a stone!
If it's been more than 6 months since you've had your rings checked, bring them in, and we will check them for you free of charge.
Kirk retipping a prong
Capone's is MOVING!
We are very excited to finally announce that our store is moving from its current location to the historic old Annie Kay's building in the Brownstone. This new space will allow us to have a more accessible and one-level storefront, parking spaces in the back, updated cases and lighting to better display our jewelry, and a new workshop in the back. Plus, we get to remain in the original 16 blocks of Downtown Blacksburg! The renovation process has already started - the layout is currently being framed, and long windows are being installed along the side. Keep checking the blog for updates! We hope you are as excited as we are! This is a picture of Austin and Jackson checking out the progress on the new spot:
Custom Three Stone Engagement Ring and Band Set
One of the most interesting and sometimes complicated aspects of custom design in jewelry is finding a way to aesthetically incorporate old stones or metal into new pieces. Jewelry can hold a sentimental or nostalgic value to a person or family, and while a customer may find an inherited piece of jewelry tired or outdated, they don't necessarily want to trade in the piece for a brand new one. There are not many industries where this type of "recycling" (for lack of a better word) is possible. It is rather gratifying to be able to redesign pieces that the customer enjoys wearing and that still maintain the sentimentality.
We were recently commissioned to redesign an engagement ring for a couple that has been married for some time. They wanted to incorporate the diamond from the previous ring as well as one recently inherited. They wanted a three stone ring, so we had to locate a third stone that would match in cut, carat, color, and clarity. Matching stones can be challenging, but fortunately we successfully accomplished the task! The customers also requested a more vintage-looking piece with the diamonds set as low as possible to the finger. This is the wax of the ring with the stones set in it:
We decided to go with a bezel setting, which is the whole diamond surrounded by metal. While this is one of the safest settings for a gemstone, a drawback is that it can reduce the light coming in, which inhibits the shine of the stone. Therefore, we put tiny cut outs in the sides of the bezel to bring in more light. Since this ring is set in platinum, it is more dense and can better support the diamond with the cut outs, which made us feel more comfortable in doing it. Another way that we were able to integrate the old engagement ring was to remove the part holding the diamond, the head, to make a plain white gold band that would fit nicely next to the new ring. Here are the finished rings:
Custom Engagement Ring for Justin and Sarah
Justin came to Austin with several pictures of engagement rings for his girlfriend, Sarah. He wanted his own ring to be unique, so he decided to have a custom ring made. He had his own middle stone already and wanted side stones to match. He requested sketches before a wax was made. Three different designs were created:
Justin liked different elements of each design, so a wax was created that incorporated a combination:
Since Justin and Sarah live in Charlotte, photos of the wax were stealthily sent to Justin for final approval. We slightly adjusted the size of the band, and because this ring is set in White Gold, it was sent out for casting:
The stones were set, the ring was polished, Justin proposed in the Outer Banks, and Sarah said YES! Congratulations to our best friends!
Making the Steger Award, A Poetry Prize for Virginia Tech Students
For the past 10 years, we have been commissioned by our longtime customer and friend, Nikki Giovanni, to make an award that is presented to the winner of the Steger Poetry Prize. We hammer and forge sterling silver to create a magnifier statue meant for a desk. The design changes slightly each year. Setting the magnifying glass in a bezel is always a challenge - it is equivalent to setting a giant gemstone. A big congratulations to this year's winner!
Read more about the award below:
http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2015/04/042915-clahs-stegerpoetry.html
