Monthly Archives: August 2016

Sapphire, the September Birthstone

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

Last updated: August 31, 2016

Traditionally, sapphire symbolizes nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. It has decorated the robes of royalty and clergy members for centuries. It’s extraordinary color is the standard against which other blue gems—from topaz to tanzanite—are measured.

For centuries, sapphire has been associated with royalty and romance. The association was reinforced in 1981, when Britain’s Prince Charles gave a blue sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana Spencer. Until her death in 1997, Princess Di, as she was known, charmed and captivated the world. Her sapphire ring helped link modern events with history and fairy tales.

In ancient Greece and Rome, kings and queens were convinced that blue sapphires protected their owners from envy and harm. During the Middle Ages, the clergy wore blue sapphires to symbolize Heaven, and ordinary folks thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings. In other times and places, people instilled sapphires with the power to guard chastity, make peace between enemies, influence spirits, and reveal the secrets of oracles.

In folklore, history, art, and consumer awareness, sapphire has always been associated with the color blue. Its name comes from the Greek word sappheiros, which probably referred to lapis lazuli. Most jewelry customers think all sapphires are blue, and when gem and jewelry professionals use the word “sapphire” alone, they normally mean “blue sapphire.” In reality, pink and yellow sapphires are magnificently popular around the world as well.

A special orangy pink sapphire color is called padparadscha, which means “lotus flower” in Sinhalese, the language spoken in Sri Lanka. Stones from Sri Lanka were initially the only ones labeled with this marketable name. There’s no telling how many padparadschas have been sifted from Sri Lankan river gravel throughout history. Sri Lankans have a special affection for the color that’s traditionally been linked with their country.

Sapphires (and Rubies) are the hardest gemstones in the world with the exception of diamonds.  This along with the fact that blue sapphires blend well with all clothing and accessories make them ideal for Engagement Rings. NYC Wholesale Diamonds carries a complete selection of Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Rings, Wedding Bands, Earrings, Necklaces, and Tennis Bracelets. Call 1-800-BIRTHSTONE for a quote.

A unique, personal jeweler who works nationwide, Keith Saxe is GIA and FIT trained and has been a trusted high end diamond jewelry specialist for 28 years. He is the founder and president ​of NYC Wholesale Diamonds located at 47 West 47th Street Suite 3A in the New York City Diamond District. His website is www.NYCWD.com and he authors a blog at www.NYCDiamondBlog.com. Keith has recently been named to The Diamond Council of America, is a member of the Jewelers Board of Trade, and Jewelers of America. He offers GIA Certified Ideal Cut Diamonds,​ and state of the art fine jewelry designs at low wholesale prices. Keith has been named the N.Y. Diamond District’s Favorite Jeweler by the N.Y. Post’s Savvy Shopper column, had his diamond education articles published, been recommended in the New York Times, national gift reporter Robyn Spizman’s ‘Perfect Present Guide’ and ‘The GIFTionary’, as well as having his Diamond Halo Engagement Ring design featured on ‘The Knot.’

Leave a Comment

Filed under Birthstones

The ULTIMATE PUSH GIFTS for New Mothers

Take it from this father, grandfather (I prefer Pappa), and jeweler with 28 years experience – Push Presents are a very, very wise idea!

‘Push Present’ is a gift a husband gives to his wife to mark the occasion of her giving birth to their child. In practice the present may be given before or after the birth, or even in the delivery room.

According to Linda Murray, the executive editor of BabyCenter, “It’s an expectation of Moms these days that they deserve something for bearing the burden of childbirth. Other sources trace the development of the present from the increased involvement of the man in pregnancy, making them more informed of the pain and difficulty of pregnancy and labor.”

Here at NYCWD, we take pride in helping every expectant father find the perfect push gift. Many soon to be mothers also let us know their desires for this romantic gift just in case their man reaches out to us.

The following represent a small sample of appropriate, and state of the art push gift designs:

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

NE4515  Dangling Cushion Shaped Diamond Cluster Earrings

$1,450

 

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

 

NE8150  GIA Certified 1.60 Carat Brilliant Cut Round Diamond Stud Earrings, Highest Excellent Cut Grade, I Color and SI2 Clarity

$5,985

 

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

NB3994   Diamond Bangle Bracelet, Stackable

$1,350

 

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

P381E  Our Premier Two Carat Diamond Cluster Earrings

$2,975

 

 

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

NP4471  Diamond Tear Drop Cluster Pendant and Chain

$850

 

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

NR3143  Diamond Cluster Ring

$975

 

 

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

  P639  Our Unique One Carat Diamond Pendant

$1,750

 

 

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

P4516E  Dangling Circular Diamond Cluster Earrings

$1,550

 

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

NP4944  Multi Color Gold Diamond Pendant and Chain

$985

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale DiamondsNE8188  GIA Certified 2.00 Carat Brilliant Cut Round Diamond Stud Earrings, Highest Excellent Cut Grade, H Color and SI1 Clarity

$12,500

 

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

NE4475  Diamond Bezel Cluster Earrings

$985

 

 

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

PF1503  Our Premier GIA Certified One Carat Diamond Halo Necklace with Highest Excellent Cut Grade, I Color, SI1 Clarity 

$8,500

 

 

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

NE8195  GIA Certified 3.00 Carat Brilliant Cut Round Diamond Stud Earrings in Martini Settings, Highest Excellent Cut Grade, I Color and SI2 Clarity

$18,500

I Offer My Clients the Finest Selection Of Diamonds, Engagement Ring Designs, And Custom Wedding Bands All At The Lowest Wholesale Prices!

My Exclusive Personal Consultation To You Includes:

* An informative lesson on the quality, pricing, and certification of diamonds.
* Locating the perfect, ideal cut diamond for maximum, spectacular brilliance.
* Finding and/or custom designing the perfect ring setting for the diamond.
* Advice on immediate protection by the least expensive insurance options.
* Advice on the actual proposal as its romantic significance will last a lifetime!
* A complete selection of custom designed diamond and men’s wedding bands.

Our promise is to always offer ideal cut diamonds that display maximum brilliance at all times. Round, Princess, Cushion, Asscher, Radiant Cuts in quality designs hand made in gold and platinum.

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

A unique, personal jeweler who works nationwide, Keith Saxe is GIA and FIT trained and has been a trusted high end diamond jewelry specialist for 28 years. He is the founder and president ​of NYC Wholesale Diamonds located at 47 West 47th Street Suite 3A in the New York City Diamond District. His website is www.NYCWD.com and he authors a blog at www.NYCDiamondBlog.com. Keith has recently been named to The Diamond Council of America, is a member of the Jewelers Board of Trade, and Jewelers of America. He offers GIA Certified Ideal Cut Diamonds,​ and state of the art fine jewelry designs at low wholesale prices. Keith has been named the N.Y. Diamond District’s Favorite Jeweler by the N.Y. Post’s Savvy Shopper column, had his diamond education articles published, been recommended in the New York Times, national gift reporter Robyn Spizman’s ‘Perfect Present Guide’ and ‘The GIFTionary’, as well as having his Diamond Halo Engagement Ring design featured on ‘The Knot.’

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Gifts

How To Tell Your Wife You’ve Lost Your Wedding Band

 

 

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

Last updated: 8/24/2016

Some really good advice from Sophie Leon, a relationship expert. I’ve edited out some of the ‘spicy’ language, but really believe the author makes some wonderful points. Enjoy! Continue reading

Leave a Comment

Filed under Jeweler Advice

NYCWD’s Latest Google+ Review

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds
” I stumbled upon Keith Saxe while researching options for engagement rings and am thrilled that I did. The process was smooth and very educational. Keith takes the time to walk you through all aspects of diamonds and does not apply any pressure for you to make a decision. He also did not show me anything above my price range, which shows his ethics. The ring I bought turned out gorgeous and my (now) fiance absolutely loves it. You won’t beat his prices, nor will you beat the experience. If I could rate higher than 5 stars, I would. “
 
– Kevin B.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Reviews

Diamond Care & Cleaning – Easier Than You Think!

Last updated: 08/09/2016

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

Lore says the world’s first diamond was discovered 6,000 years ago. They have dazzled both commoner and royalty alike, and in myth are associated with the gods. They passed on into the mythos surrounding thrones and crowns studded with fabulous stones, to be looted by invaders who lusted after treasure. Known as the hardest substance in the world, although they are not indestructible. Diamonds can be cut or polished only by another diamond, but a strong blow is enough to make a chip on them. Here are some tips on keeping your diamond jewelry sparkling and lustrous as ever.

After an evening of black cocktail gowns, champagne and attracting envious stares, when you are putting that diamond tiara away in your safe, make sure they aren’t kept next to other jewelry pieces since this can cause scratches. A velvet- or satin-lined jewelry case with separate compartments is recommended, separate jewelry boxes will work perfectly as well. If you love your diamonds take the time to individually wrap each piece in soft tissue paper or use jewelry pouches for each piece.

It is important to regularly inspect your diamond jewelry to ensure that the mounting of the stones is secure. Immediately consult a professional jeweler if any signs of damage or loosening of the prongs are detected. Always remove the item and store it in a bag or pouch until you bring it to your jeweler if a loose stone is detected.  Remember, diamonds don’t fall off rings on their own, and precious metals don’t get scratched and dented by themselves. Those who really care for their stones get their diamond jewelry examined at least once a year by a professional jeweler. This is not only to get any necessary repair work done, but also your jeweler will clean the diamonds in their settings in an expert manner.

Never wear your diamonds to bed. Take off that ring because while you’re asleep, and a prong in the mounting gets caught in the bed linen, the 1mm claw is subjected to the pressure of your body weight if you turn over. Bedtime pastimes of more intimate nature are best done with the stones off. Similarly, remove diamond jewelry before you take a shower; soap will deposit a film on the stones which has a dulling effect. Neither should you wash your ring in the sink—there is the risk of it going down the drain. Instead, put it down in a secure place (for those who insist on holding it between your teeth, do this gently). Here’s a simple way to ensure the stones are safe: every week, look sideways at the prongs of the ring as you rotate it. They all should have contact with the diamond. You can also inspect the center diamond in your engagement ring by tapping it gently with a tweezer, if any movement is detected remove it immediately. Remove fluff caught in the prongs gently.

Always wear diamonds after you have put on your creams, skin oils, perfumes and hairspray. Lotions, powders and soaps, apart from the natural oils from your skin, will create a film on diamonds, which will reduce their brilliance. Plus, chemicals in the air will oxidize or discolor the settings. Keeping your jewelry clean will maximize its brilliance. Along with these, household chemicals can also cause deposits that will dull your diamond’s brilliance and sparkle. When you discover that your diamond jewelry is not sparkling enough, soak or boil them in a solution of water mixed with a few drop of ammonia. Or do some gentle scrubbing with an old, soft-bristled toothbrush for more extensive cleaning. Then rinse the piece and dry it with a clean soft cloth.

It is important for the genuine diamond-lover to keep diamonds looking their very best. Touch the center diamonds in your pieces as little as possible because the oil in your skin will be transferred from the fingers and change the luster of the stones.

THE BEST METHOD FOR CLEANING YOUR DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING AT HOME

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

The most effective method of keeping your diamond engagement ring sparkling clean may sound odd at first. Just place your ring, or other diamond jewelry in a boiling pot of water, adding 5 to 10% ammonia for five to ten minutes. Always let the water cool before removing the ring. Then place the ring in a cup of cool water for another ten to twenty minutes. This allows any remaining ammonia to diffuse off the ring eliminating the possibility of a film. Just wipe the base of your ring dry with a napkin, or paper towel and once again enjoy its beauty!

An alternative, although less effective method is to just drop your ring in an ammonia jewelry cleaning solution overnight. In the morning, take the ring from the solution and use a soft, clean toothbrush to brush it in order to remove leftover dirt accumulated over the week. One should be careful while scrubbing the fragile settings of the stones with a toothbrush; diamonds always love the soft touch. Afterwards, wash the stones with water (or let them sit in a cup of cool water for 20 minutes) and wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Harsh cleaning solutions can damage your diamonds. Strictly avoid contact with chlorine or abrasives when cleaning diamonds, especially those that are set. The metals often used in diamond settings will be eroded by these harmful cleaning agents, and the prongs may come loose. Some of them are strong enough to even  dissolve the metal completely, and your jewelry is ruined.

Many scientifically advanced jewelers use ultrasonic cleaners to remove dirt and grime that have collected on diamonds. The machine sends high-frequency sonic waves through a detergent solution which causes the fluid to vibrate to remove the encrustations. Amateurs can buy these machines too, but its best used by a professional jeweler since the sound  waves can also shake the diamonds loose from their setting, especially if the work is delicate and fragile.

A unique, personal jeweler who works nationwide, Keith Saxe is GIA and FIT trained and has been a trusted high end diamond jewelry specialist for 28 years. He is the founder and president ​of NYC Wholesale Diamonds located at 47 West 47th Street, Suite 3A, in the New York City Diamond District. His website is www.NYCWD.com and he authors a blog at www.NYCDiamondBlog.com. Keith has recently been named to The Diamond Council of America, is a member of the Jewelers Board of Trade, and Jewelers of America. He offers GIA Certified Ideal Cut Diamonds,​ and state of the art fine jewelry designs at low wholesale prices. Keith has been named the N.Y. Diamond District’s Favorite Jeweler by the N.Y. Post’s Savvy Shopper column, had his diamond education articles published, been recommended in the New York Times, national gift reporter Robyn Spizman’s ‘Perfect Present Guide’ and ‘The GIFTionary’, as well as having his Diamond Halo Engagement Ring design featured on ‘The Knot.’

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Jeweler Advice

Congrats Emily and Stephen, NYCWD’s newest Happily Married Couple

 

%Jeweler NYC %NYC Wholesale Diamonds

Wishing you both much love and happiness!

Leave a Comment

Filed under NYC Wholesale Diamonds News