Conflict-Free Diamonds, Recycled Rings & Green Jewelry Advice June 23, 2008
Posted by Jill Renee in : Jewelry, Diamonds, Palladium Jewelry, Green Weddings, Q&A from Jill , 1 comment so farI received an interesting set of questions from a concerned gentlemen. I felt sharing my answers would help others who have similar questions about conflict-free diamonds, recycling and other green issues.
Hello, I feel a bit guilty writing to a Diamond jeweler for advice on this subject, but please honor me with a sincere response. I found your contact information on a “Green” wedding site and read a bit about materials and stones.
I absolutely do not want to ruin a proposal with a ring which even remotely represents “conflict” in her life. I read a bit about palladium?
Is it manufactured? Mined?
Any advise will be greatly appreciated.
Dear Earth Wise Friend,
Your dilemma is not so unusual and I have been wondering what I can do to be a responsible member of our fragile planet in regards to jewelry and diamonds.
Recently, one new option has been brought to my attention. Some jewelry manufacture companies have been using recycled precious metals to make their jewelry. This metal was previously mined and made into jewelry and then remelted and turned back into pure metals to once again be alloyed and used. The challenge here is to choose a responsible refiner who only uses earthwise methods for refining. In the past harmful chemicals were used in this process but now new methods have allowed the refining process to be clean and environmentally friendly.
Palladium is a metal that is also mined from the earth but the company that mines the Palladium that we use is right here in the USA and they are earth friendly. We can also purchase recycled Palladium.
I am making a decision to offer a line of rings that are made from recycled metals only. These rings will require no mining to get the metal. The metal will be totally recycled. I think your girlfriend could feel proud and good about wearing one of these rings.
As far as diamonds go. I am committed to sell only conflict free diamonds from responsible vendors who comply with the Kimberley Process and all of their guidelines.
Another option would be to purchase a synthetic diamond. Charles and Colvard is a company that sells moissanite which is man made silicon carbide that closely resembles a diamond. You can easily research this online. Of course there are other man made options that you could also use.
If you would like to purchase a recycled ring let me know and I can help you with the setting. I only sell conflict free diamonds so I cannot help you with the synthetic stones. Hope this helps you with your decision.
Thank you and Best Wishes, Jill Renee
Stylistic key rings take off in popularity April 7, 2008
Posted by Jill Renee in : Jewelry , add a commentHave you noticed that more and more people are placing their keys on sterling silver keychains than ever before? The popularity of unique keychains seems to be in an upswing right now, as an increased number of people are sporting keychains that fit their personality. Many are seizing the opportunity to celebrate their individuality by picking keychains that match their hobbies and interests.
Some of the more popular keychains resemble animals. Dog lovers these days are quite fond of sterling silver dog keyrings with easy open safety latches. Danforth has a stunning dog keyring available that was manufactured in Italy by a talented keyring artist. The intricate detail of the ring is sure to turn heads. The dog’s head winds around the latch in spectacular fashion, and its eyes, ears, and nose have such exquisite detail that it almost looks like it could come alive and begin asking for pets. The floppiness of the dog’s ears also seems to have been captured well by the artist. The dog’s neck even has a little collar with a metal latch on it.
Maybe you’re more of a duck fan than a dog fan. Danforth has duck keyrings with easy open safety latches too. Not to be outdone by the dog keyrings, the duck keyrings were also designed with lavishing detail. Its eyes and cheeks glisten when light is shined on them, and its beak has the markings of perfection. Most people who place their keys on this keyring are quite satisfied. They find it a simple and effective way to demonstrate their love for the duck population.
Keyrings celebrating sports also make excellent gift items. If you’re like me, you know at least one person who has taken their love for a sport to a near-obsessive level. Let’s say that sport is golf, and that person’s birthday is around the corner. You’ve already gotten them every book on golf worth its salt, they already have enough golf balls, and they don’t need any more clubs. What golf related item can you get them that they don’t already own? How about a sterling silver and heavy rubber golf keychain, which is always a favorite amongst golf fans. Another item manufactured in Italy, this golf keychain is attractive and sturdy. A golf ball screws onto the heavy rubber loop threaded though the golf club to hold your keys firmly in place. It’s the perfect item to accompany you everywhere, especially on the golf course.
True fishing enthusiasts enjoy anything fish related, and fishing keychains are no expection. Danforth has a unique sterling silver and leather fish keyring that should delight any fishing fan if they receive it as a gift. Also handcrafted in Italy, this keyring resembles bait and is extraordinarily detailed. If someone opens a box and finds this in it, the first thing they will likely notice is the extreme attention to detail that the artist put in, and that’s what truly puts this gift over the top in comparison to other fishing related gift ideas. I doubt someone could go wrong if they present this item to a fisherman or fisherwoman.
Finding a keyring that fits a person’s unique personality is the ultimate goal when selecting gifts, and Danforth is happy to aid in this quest. I think you’ll find that it has an outstanding selection of stylistic keyrings, as a well as a wide variety of engagement rings, bracelets and many other jewelry items.
–Jill Renee
Spring Jewelry Fashions for 2008 March 18, 2008
Posted by Jill Renee in : Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry , add a commentSpring is right around the corner and new spring jewelry fashions are starting to hit the scene. What will be popular this year? Well, spring means spring break for many college students, and there is a wide variety of beach jewelry perfect for lounging on the sand or swimming in the sea. Shell jewelry is extremely versatile. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other items made from puka shells, white clams, tiger and white shells come in different colors and designs. And these colors can withstand the wear and tear of the ocean without losing their coloration.
When the sun goes down, vacationers start to get ready for a long spring break tradition: hopping spring break parties. Hoop earrings, charm bracelets, and briolette necklaces are the perfect party accessories, and the beauty of these jewelry pieces is that they can be as understated as possible or as flamboyant as one would like. The men have a huge selection to choose from as well; they can go the route of soft leather necklaces embellished with beads to titanium bracelets to diamond stud earrings.
But what type of jewelry trends are likely to be the most popular as we enter the new season? Fortunately, I have some ideas. Topping the list of popular jewelry is the classic pendant. Jewelry may very well take on a more classic look for spring 2008 since the classic heart motif worn as a simple pendant appears to be making a comeback. Even though this look was in strong demand on Valentine’s Day, we predict that its popularity will continue to flourish through the spring and the summer. You’ll probably also witness a wide variety of pendants worn on simple cords and chains with motifs that reflect the unique personality of the person wearing them. The classic pendant is indeed a very unassuming look that meshes well with the normally flamboyant clothing people tend to wear in the spring.
The hoop earring should also be among the favorite fashion statements of the spring season. Hoop sizes truly run the gamut. Sizes range from huge, oversized single hoops to popular interlocking triple hoop earrings. Be on the lookout for hoops lined with gemstones in popular shades of green and blue, such as aquamarine and peridot. Also expect to see people wearing the more traditional shades of color.
We’re also predicting that sterling silver key rings will be popular in the spring. Since these key rings are ideal gifts for important events such as graduation, many people may be walking around sporting them, given the large amount of students who graduate college in the spring. Spring is also prime tennis season, and Danforth has a marvelous Sterling Silver Tennis Raquet and Monogram Disc Keychain that many tend to enjoy using in the spring. Bringing it to the court may even help your game. A little Danforth good luck charm, if you will.
Even though the fashion world is constantly changing, people still have the tendency to put their own unique spin on the current styles. I hope we at Danforth can help you achieve whatever unique look you are searching for. Happy Shopping!
- Jill Renee
How to Find the Perfect Jewelry for the Holidays November 19, 2007
Posted by Jill Renee in : Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Buying Engagement Rings, Palladium Jewelry, Buying Diamonds, Buying Jewelry, Holiday Proposals, Holiday Jewelry, Diamond Tennis Bracelet, Journey Diamond Necklace , add a commentThe holiday season is quickly approaching, and as the days get shorter we are quickly being presented with the thought that the season for giving will soon be upon us. But what to get the special people in our lives? Jewelry is always in fashion. The size is always right and every woman will tell you you can never have too much jewelry or too many pairs of shoes! There are so many choices that it can be hard to know what’s right for the person we’re shopping for. With that in mind, here is some advice on what to shop for this holiday season, starting at the top and working our way down.
Earrings
No matter the taste in earrings of the person you’re buying for, you can find them a nice pair by spending a little time doing some digging. The choices in earrings range from hoops to studs with a short stop in the dangle range. With earrings being made in every metal imaginable, you can find them in white gold, yellow gold, silver and palladium. You can add gemstones or diamonds to really make an impression, but whatever the case, there is something out there for absolutely every taste.
Keep in mind your recipients’ taste when purchasing as well as their lifestyle. If buying for somebody with small children, avoid hoop or dangle earrings in favor of studs. Good advice is to look for studs with a security clasp as this will give the wearer peace of mind that the earrings will not easily fall off and be lost. Many jewelers can swap out current clasps for the security type. It may cost a little more, but it’s definitely worth it. Every woman will tell you that earrings can easily get lost! If all of their jewelry is either silver or white gold, keep it along those lines, or buy some palladium jewelry. Also keep in mind that some people do have allergies to certain metals, and buying them a pair of earrings that they’ll be allergic to will certainly take some of the specialness out of the moment.
Necklaces
A lot of the rules that applied to earrings also apply to necklaces. Avoid necklaces that hang too low for those with small children or who work in the nursing field. Small chidren and paitients may try and grab for the necklace chain, resulting in a broken necklace . You can choose a variety of chain lengths and most jewelers can easily shorten the chain length on a necklace. Don’t be afraid to ask for this. Most women love wearing a necklace and finding one that can be worn everyday is a true treasure! A simple charm hanging on a chain is beautiful and timeless. Choosing a necklace with a yellow gold chain and a white gold charm or diamond is especially versatile because it can always be worn with white or yellow toned jewelry.
The Journey Diamond Necklace has grown in popularity, with companies like Danforth Diamond and Kay Jewelers promoting this necklace with its string of diamonds that can be set in both white gold and yellow gold. This necklace is perfect for couples that are just dating, have just married, or have been married for years.
If the Journey Diamond Necklace isn’t quite to the recipient’s taste, there are always a host of necklaces with both pendants and jewels that can fit with any person’s style, be it high fashion or jeans and a t-shirt, in a variety of metals and with numerous precious stones.
Bracelets
Easy Steps to Survive the Holidays November 13, 2007
Posted by Jill Renee in : Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Buying Engagement Rings, Buying Diamonds, Buying Jewelry, Holiday Proposals , add a commentAlthough the holiday season is one of the most wonderful times of year, it can also be one of the most stressful as we scurry to “get it all done.” It’s important that we do not allow the hectic holiday pace to overwhelm us. We must take the time to do something special for ourselves: dine with those long lost friends whom you have been meaning to call, laugh through the tacky light tour with friends and family, or simply sit in a warm bath for peace and solitude.
We must remember to recharge our batteries because if we are not well charged those around us will notice our dwindling light! Let your light shine by exhibiting patience and practicing random acts of kindness such as becoming an angel by buying a toy for a child in need. Be positive in your mind, and in your interactions with others. You will find that your attitude will spread like the flu! It is the little things that make a big difference in life.
Here are a few ideas to help you through the holidays:
Shop online! Shopping online is a good way to get a head start on your holiday gift giving plans. Web shopping has never been more secure or convenient and many online retailers are even offering free shipping. Easy returns and great bargains can also be found. Most of your favorite stores have easily navigable sites to lead you to the perfect gift. Buying online allows you to stroll though the mall and enjoy the decorations without having to deal with hectic crowds, long lines, or the burden of carrying heavy packages.
Classic gifts! Jewelry and electronics will always be popular. No one can have enough jewelry, and companies are constantly updating electronics. These gifts are always appreciated and there is no worrying about getting the right size, unless of course you are purchasing a diamond engagement ring. Some websites offer free ring sizers and have tips to determine that special someone’s ring size, so if you have your heart set on a diamond ring, finding the right size is easy. Most women love jewelry and men always want the latest electronic gadget.
Make memories! Movie tickets, concert tickets, and game tickets are fun and memorable gifts. If the receiver has a favorite musician or team, hop online and see when the next show or game is.
Crafty ideas! If you would rather put your talent and time into crafting a present, here are some good ideas. Create a box full of love. Cut out hearts, write something special on each heart, and fill a shoe box with reasons for loving the receiver. Or you could create a memory book. When creating this type of book it is important to pick a specific time in one’s life to cover, for example a college career or a trip oversees. Fill a book with pictures, brochures, ticket stubs, and cards to remind someone of a special time in their life. A third idea is to print T-shirts. If you and a group of friends have recently done something fun together, grab a picture, think of a funny catchphrase, and put it onto a T-shirt.
Remember the best gift you can give your friends, family and community is the gift of caring. Continue to give your best, even if it is just picking up some litter along the street, sharing a smile with a stranger or letting someone cut ahead of you in traffic. It matters, it’s contagious, and it will make you feel great! Happy Holidays!
7 Easy Steps to Survive the Holidays
- Be Patient.
- Plan ahead and make lists.
- Do more shopping online. Gifts such as jewelry, electronics and event tickets are especially appreciated.
- Have lunch with an old friend.
- Shop with friends who are looking for similar presents.
- Give to the needy.
- SMILE!
Happy Holidays
-Jill Renee
