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Pros and Cons to Palladium January 4, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Buying Jewelry, Palladium Jewelry , 12comments

At our consumer jewelry site DanforthDiamond.com I received a very good question about palladium. Below I have posted the question and my answer concerning the pros and cons of palladium. – Jill

I have been looking at engagement rings lately with my boyfriend recently and have heard a little about palladium. I found your website very informative, but it is very hard to find information on palladium. Are there any downsides to a palladium engagement ring? It seems that it is almost identical to platinum, except for the price and the fact that palladium is lighter in weight, which are both appealing characteristics to me. I feel like this is too good to be true and I am finding it difficult to get more information. I found a ring that is made by a very reputable ring designer which can be made in palladium and I would like to know if I would be happy with a palladium engagement ring for the rest of my life. Are there cons to all the pros of palladium? I really appreciate any additional information you can give me.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Stephanie

Dear Stephanie,
The only con to palladium jewelry is that it is a harder metal to manufacture with. However, this should not affect your purchase in any way. It matters most to the jeweler who is more accustomed to working with gold and platinum than the consumer. If you have seen a palladium ring and you like it you should not hesitate to make the purchase. Hope this helps and all the best wishes, Jill Renee

Danforth Diamond Warranty – After the Sale January 4, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Jewelry, Jewelry Care , add a comment

Question: Does DanforthDiamond.com have a store? If you order a ring from Danforth, how do you get it fixed or cleaned, and do they come with warranties?

Answer: We have a factory that assembles and polishes our product. Our jewelers can size and fix any problems you may have with your ring. Our return policy allows you to return any product to us that has not been engraved for 30 days after purchase however we do resize and reset rings for our customers all the time. You may not want to return the ring ring to us for a simple cleaning because you would have insurance and shipping costs.

Many people get their rings cleaned at stores where they live even if it is not the original place of purchase.

Save Big Bucks When Shopping on the Web January 3, 2007

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Buying Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Engagement Rings, Jewelry, Proposing Marriage , add a comment

When shopping for gifts, whether for ourselves or someone else, all of us are looking to save a few dollars. No matter what you’re shopping for, from a diamond engagement ring for popping the question to a scarf for Grandma – you will save big bucks by shopping online.

The key to maximizing your savings is knowing where to look to find the best bargain. And comparison shopping, by visiting various websites, is the only way to go. Instead of fighting the hustle and bustle that comes with comparison shopping at various brick-and-mortar locations, you can find better pricing options and cover more stores with the click of your mouse.

In the past, shipping and handling fees may have deterred you from shopping online, but retailers have started minimizing or waving those fees for customers who spend a certain collar amount. And while major retailers such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Macy’s have online websites, you may be able to stretch your dollar further by shopping with other established, smaller E-tailers.

Here are some examples of price comparisons between different websites and traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. (more…)

Your Diamond Personality December 11, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Wedding Jewelry , add a comment

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, yes, ladies. The beloved diamond engagement ring. The starting point for the transition from the boyfriend/girlfriend journey to marital bliss.

Let’s face it – we’ve been admiring the beauty and brilliance of diamonds since we were little girls. But do you know your diamond personality? Given that you’re going to be wearing this ring for the rest of your life, you want to be careful about what type of ring your request from your beau.

In Randi Molofsky’s book, A Girls’ Guide to Buying Diamonds, he offers advice for women on finding the right diamond ring. With the trend of women buying the right-hand diamond ring for themselves, the purchase of the diamond ring is no longer restricted to couples on the road to marriage. His book is a great resource whether you’re buying the ring for yourself, or you’re helping your significant other choose a ring for you.

Check out this article on iVillage.com, “Find the Perfect Diamonds for Your Personality”, that matches personality types with different types of diamonds. As diamonds are a girl’s best friend, you want to make sure that your best friend is one you’ll want to keep around for a lifetime, right? This is a fun article.

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Is It Time to Pop the Question? November 28, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Jewelry, Proposing Marriage , add a comment

You love each other, you depend on each other, and you can’t imagine life without each other. While you may be thinking about making it all official, how do you know he’s thinking the same thing? Does he want to pop the question, but he’s waiting for a sign from you? (Because if he’s even THINKING of popping the question, you want to make sure that he knows what kind of diamond engagement ring you want – after all you’ve gotta wear that thing for the rest of your life!)

While you may be confident that you’re ready for a lifetime commitment with the love of your life, how do you know he’s ready? It’s no secret that women are often ready to stand in front of the altar long before their partners are. (more…)

Why Buy A Diamond on the Internet? March 29, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Buying Jewelry, Jewelry , add a comment

Buying a diamond on the internet.

Jewelry stores do provide a personal buying experience on a one-on-one basis, however, do you really need to pay 30-40% more for this service?

Conversely, is the risk of being unhappy with your diamond purchase greater, without seeing it first?

Danforth Diamond responds to both of these questions noting that the average length of time spent on our website is 2 hours, longer than you would generally spend on a jewelry store visit. Also, most busy jewelers would be unable to devote that much individual time to only you.

We draw upon our over 50 years in the diamond and jewelry business to provide a complete and thorough education to assist you with your diamond and diamond jewelry purchases.

And remember that our site is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for you to explore when it is convenient for you.

Our lower overhead on the Internet will enable you to buy a 30-40% better valued diamond. Your extra purchasing power will allow you to upgrade your clarity, color, cut, or carat weight, lowering your chances of being unsatisfied. Our inventory of stones and styles are far mhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifore extensive than most stores, and our diamonds are certified by world-known independent laboratories.

And furthermore, we offer a no risk 30-day unconditional money back guarantee.

We understand the concern that the Internet has anonymous and short-lived businesses, but so do traditional brick and mortar establishments. However we are long established jewelers that can now offer you exceptional product at great prices through the Internet.

Our goal, at Danforth Diamond, is to become your local “internet” jeweler. We want to provide great product and service with your first purchase, hoping you will feel comfortable to visit with us again for all your future anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and special celebrations.

Buying Jewelry Online: How To Choose The Right Company March 8, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Engagement Rings, Buying Jewelry, Jewelry , add a comment

By Jill Renee

For anyone looking to purchase fine jewelry, online shopping can be a great way to find the right piece at the right price. There can be many advantages to buying fine jewelry online – with savings being one of the major factors. Reputable online jewelers usually have much lower overhead costs, and can pass those savings on to the consumer. Another advantage of buying fine jewelry online is convenience – you need travel no further than your computer to choose your jewelry and make your purchase. This being said, there are things you need to consider in order to make your fine jewelry purchase a positive experience.

Choose a Jeweler You Trust
The first thing you need to do is find an online jewelry store that you can trust. You will have to do a little bit of detective work in order to eliminate the less desirable companies and end up with a list of jewelers that you feel confident doing business with.

Find out if the website is secure. The jeweler’s website should have 128bit SSL security. This is an absolute must when you are purchasing online, since you will most likely be using a credit card or supplying your bank account information. Somewhere along the line you will be supplying information about yourself, and the 128bit SSL security will ensure that no unauthorized party can get access to your information.

Also, any diamond you buy, whether it is online or from a store, should come with a diamond certificate. The Gemological Institute of America independently certifies diamonds providing information on a diamond’s characteristics such as color, clarity and size. This is your best way of knowing the quality of the diamond you are buying.

The Online Jewelry Store Should Provide Excellent Customer Service
This cannot be stressed strongly enough. Before you make a fine jewelry purchase from a website consider contacting the jeweler’s customer service department by email and by phone. When talking to a customer service representative, ask questions and pay close attention to the responses you receive. If the rep seems irritated with your questions or is spending the entire phone call trying to rush you into buying a product, consider that a “red flag”.

If you contact them by email, check to see how quickly they reply. It should take them no longer than 48 hours during the business week – within 24 hours is the ideal. Look for professionalism and a helpful attitude in their emails.

The Website Should Be Informative
The jeweler’s website itself should have information on how to buy a quality diamond, the different types of precious metals, etc. They should have a wide variety of choices, and be able to help you find what is right for you. By providing you with information the company is helping you make an educated purchase.

Look for Quality Craftsmanship
What the Internet can offer you is the chance to shop several stores without having to drive all over town; this allows you to choose a company whose fine jewelry shows attention to detail and craftsmanship.

The Return Policy Can Be Important
What if you receive the jewelry and are dissatisfied? Review the company’s return policy before you buy so you know what rights you have if you want to return your fine jewelry purchase.

See If They Offer Extra Perks
Things like free shipping add up to big savings. If the online jeweler is located outside of the state you are buying from you pay no sales tax. Free shipping combined with no sales tax can make a big difference in your bottom line. Some companies offer a discount on your next purchase. This can also save you big money. If a company is offering these or other incentives, they will likely have this information throughout the site and in their shopping cart.

Your Jewelry Purchase Should Provide Good Value for the Money
When buying fine jewelry, you are getting a piece that will last a lifetime and become a family heirloom. Look for fine jewelry that offers the best value which is not only determined by how much the jewelry costs but by the quality of the piece and the materials used.

Online jewelry shopping offers convenience, selection and value. Consider the factors above when making your next fine jewelry purchase so you find the online jeweler that is right for you.

About the Author
Jill Renee is the president of Danforth Diamond, an online jewelry store specializing in fine jewelry and diamonds – on the Web at http://www.danforthdiamond.com/

A man’s guide to buying jewelry February 8, 2006

Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Engagement Rings, Buying Jewelry, Diamonds, Jewelry , add a comment

Need help deciding on how to buy jewelry? If you are a man, the answer is probably yes.

If you are buying jewelry for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day, ask yourself: Would you buy a plasma TV without doing research?

Now, ask yourself: Have you ever put that much thought into buying jewelry?

You probably know as much about buying jewelry as you do about rocket science.

Take these tips from Pensacola jewelry designer and metalsmith Rocky Hard, owner of Rock Hard Designs, to ensure your sweetie will squeal with delight on Valentine’s Day.

Look at what she’s wearing. “Is she wearing yellow gold? White gold?” Hard said. “Does she like colored stones?”

Another place to look is her jewelry box. But beware, there might be pieces in there that she hasn’t worn in years or doesn’t particularly like. Try to take note of the items she wears frequently.

When snooping, look for her ring size and try to determine the necklace length she prefers. Need a ring sizer, you can order a free ring sizer at DanforthDiamon.com

Also, look for items that could use a complementary piece. If she has a pearl necklace, but no earrings to match, maybe that’s your perfect gift.

Ask around. If you’re still confused, it never hurts to ask for help from her mother, sister, best friend or even her jeweler if she’s a regular at the store. They should be able to clue you in on her likes and dislikes.

Do your homework. Know, without a doubt, what her birthstone is if you’re planning to buy a birthstone piece. Educate yourself about jewelry quality and craftsmanship so you can purchase something that will last.

Choose a reputable jeweler. If you aren’t experienced with buying jewelry, you’ll want to make sure that you buy from someone who isn’t going to rip you off. Be sure to shop around for price and service. Go with someone who is willing to spend time helping you decide.

“Don’t fall for the sales,” Hard said. “The reality is, the price of diamonds and gold is fixed because of demand. … You can’t just go out and get it for nothing.”

KrisThoma@PensacolaNewsJournal.com

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Married Couples January 20, 2006

Posted by in : Buying Jewelry, Jewelry, Romantic Tips , add a comment

For young dating couples that are still experiencing the passion and all-encompassing rush of new love, Valentine’s Day can hold great importance. Impressing someone with elaborate gifts can be one way of telling the person that you are dating that you think they are special, and that you have great hopes for the relationship. Valentine’s Day gifts in this stage of a relationship can tell people a lot about each other, and can be a good indicator of where the relationship may be headed.

What about people who have been married for a while?

For married couples Valentine’s Day isn’t less important…just different and, in many ways, better. It is a time to celebrate love and reminisce about all the Valentine’s Days that you have spent together. Gifts given on Valentine’s Day to a spouse can have much more significance, because you should know your spouse well enough to give something that has special meaning. A diamond anniversary band or three stone ring given to a wife tells her that you are glad that you married her and that you value your life together. A gold watch given to a husband tells him that you appreciate him and want him to have the very best.

Married couples don’t have to give elaborate gifts on Valentine’s Day; a meaningful gift that says you care or a sweet gesture of love are just as special. When you are married, the thought that is put into the gift is the important factor. A jewelry gift that says “I know you, and I know what makes you happy” goes a long way toward making someone feel that they are special and valued. If your wife likes heart shapes then giving her a diamond heart pendant or bracelet with heart-shaped charms can mean much more to her than simply handing her a gold chain. It shows that you know what she likes, you listen to her, that you put thought into the gift. Jewelry that celebrates each other’s individuality as well as the life that you have made together can be priceless, no matter what the actual cost.

Giving your spouse something they have been considering buying for a while is a good way to show your love. To come up with an original Valentine’s Day gift think about what is important to your spouse; what makes him or her happy. Does your husband love to golf? Give him a gift certificate for a round of golf at his favorite course. Does your wife love classical music? Tickets for a night out to see the symphony let’s you plan a second night to spend together. A gift of jewelry is a lasting reminder of this Valentine’s Day and your relationship – and jewelry is always appreciated. And don’t forget about giving flowers – they may seem traditional but flowers brighten a winter day and are romantic. One of the reasons that successful marriages stay that way is because the spouses try never to take each other for granted, and the right gift on Valentine’s Day can go a long way in proving your commitment to that ideal.

The History of Valentine’s Day January 14, 2006

Posted by in : Buying Diamonds, Buying Jewelry, Jewelry , add a comment

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine’s Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor’s daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It’s no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Thanks to The History Channel.

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Giving a diamond for Valentine’s day any other occasion where your gift must be one that will transcend the ordinary is always a gift to remember. A gift of diamond jewelry will make this Valentine’s Day to remember for years to come.

For our purposes in this day and age, diamonds have come to represent a symbol of enduring love and affection. Whether for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, or any other event where an exquisite gift is called for, a gift of diamond jewelry will always be sure to please.