What's In A Shape?

The shape of a ring's center stone is, more often than not, the first thing someone notices when their eyes first take in a piece. It gives the ring personality and style, as simply changing the center stone can dramatically affect the look and feel of any given ring. Knowing a few details about each center cut can be essential to finding the right stone for you. Here's a little brush-up on one of the Jewelery 101 basics : Stone Cuts.

                                                      Round

R1228B

The most popular of the diamond shapes, the Round cut is designed to maximize the brilliance, fire and scintillation of a stone. In other words, its "sparkle". Not surprisingly, it is also known as a "Brilliant Cut'" from the amount of sparkle its gives off. The earliest recorded round diamond dates back to 1477, when the first diamond engagement ring was given to Mary of Burgundy as a promise of marriage.

R1364PC

Princess
This angular cut is the second most popular diamond cut, similar to that of an inverted pyramid with four beveled sides. First made in the 1960's, it is still a relatively new diamond cut. The Princess cut retains the high amount of brilliance that a Round cut exhibits but does it with a distinctive square shape. And when compared to a stone of the same carat weight of a Round cut, a Princess cut will appear 15% larger.

R1104OV

Oval
Like the Princess, the Oval cut is another modified Brilliant that came around in the 1960's. However, Oval diamonds have the advantage of an elongated shape, giving the illusion than it's larger than it actually is. How fat or narrow the Oval is is usually based on personal preference, with the classic cut falling in the middle around 1.35 - 1.50 millimeters. More slender cuts make the wearer's finger look slightly elongated while thicker cuts make the Oval look larger than what it's actual carat size may be.

Marquise

R1443-MQ

The Marquise diamond has one of the largest crown surface areas of any other shape, making it a good choice when trying to maximize how big a diamond looks. What is most important in a Marquise is its symmetry, with the best marquise being a complete mirror image of itself when you divide it in half. The name is derived from the Marquise of Pompadour, for whom King Louis XIV of France allegedly had a stone fashioned to resemble, what he considered, her perfectly shaped mouth.

                                                      Emerald

R1553

What the Emerald cut lacks in brilliance, it makes up in elegance. Instead of extreme sparkle, it produces a "hall of mirrors" effect, with interplay of light and dark in its step cuts. Its long inner cuts cause dramatic flashes of light and gives it more of an exquisite feel than that of the Brilliant. The shape of the cut was originally developed for the cutting of emeralds, and thus became its name.

Cushion

R1539

The Cushion cut, once referred to as the old mine cut, is a square cut with rounded corners, much like a pillow (hence the name). This classic cut has been around for almost 200 years and, for the first century of its existence, it was the most popular diamond shape to have like the Round is today. Until the early 20th century, the cushion cut diamond was the de facto diamond shape. Partially based on cut research in the 1920's, refinements to Cushion diamonds have led to a resurgence in popularity. Many buyers are attracted to the antique feel combined with its modern performance.

                                                      Pear

R1464

The Pear-shaped cut is another modified Brilliant cut and combines a round and a marquise shape with a tapered point on one end. The diamond is always worn with the narrow end pointing toward the hand of the wearer. Like Marquise and Oval cuts, the pear shaped diamond comes in a variety of slim to wide cuts and should posses good, if not perfect, symmetry.

Radiant 

R1429

First popular in the 1980's, the cropped corner square shape of the Radiant is a nice bridge between a Cushion and a Princess cut. There are diverse preferences when it comes to shape in radiant cut diamonds, from perfectly square to a more traditional rectangle. The rectangular radiant cut is an excellent option for buyers who like the Emerald cut shape, but want something with the brilliance of a Round cut.

                                                      
                                                      Asscher

R1130AS

The Asscher cut diamond was first produced in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland, famous at the time for cutting the world's largest rough stone, the Cullinan, weighing in at a whopping 3,106 carats. Around 2002, one hundred years after the first Asscher was created, the shape began to make a comeback, spurred on by cut modifications that gave the shape more brilliance than the traditional Asscher cut. The modern cut is similar to a square Emerald cut but often produces more brilliance.

R1184HS

  


Heart
The unique and unmistakable symbol of love, Heart shaped diamonds are very popular in solitaire pendants as well as rings. Symmetry is a very important when choosing a Heart since it is critical that the two halves are identical. It is another modified Brilliant cut, full of brilliance and fire, appropriate for a stone embodying the universal shape for love. Popular since the 1400's, it has been used for many types of pieces of jewelry, from simply sentimental to romantic alike.

 No matter what the center, each stone cut is unique and brings something special to the ring it sits in. Whether sparkly or elegant, romantic or antique, a diamond's timelessness has remained steadfast over the centuries and will probably continue to do so for years to come. 

Especially for You

How Our Custom CADs Turn Fantasies Into Reality

 

What's the only thing better than having something that you absolutely love because it's everything you wanted? Why, being the only one on Earth who has it of course. And that's exactly what we make possible with our custom CAD designers.

It all starts with an idea. Maybe you saw an amazing ring somewhere but you'd tweak a few things about it. Or perhaps you have this mental picture of a ring you'd love to have but can't find anything like it anywhere you look. That's where we come in.

Our designers are adept at composition, jewelry knowledge and working with customers to make sure they get exactly what they want. Multiple kinds of stones in the ring? No problem! Different colors of metal to create a multi-tone look? Child's play! Intricate antique-style design all along the head and shank? We've got you covered there too!

We'll also give you some gentle advice if we think there is something that would make the ring extra spectacular or if the design needs some additions to make the mounting feasible. But, in the end, it's all about what will make YOU happy.

Once the design of the ring is sketched out, it's off to the CAD room where our designers make a 3D computer image of the ring. This rendering is then turned into a wax sample that the customer can try on and see if it's how they want it. Once we get the green light, the fun part starts! We mold it, cast it and then carefully set and engrave the ring by hand, ensuring it comes out perfectly. Every ring you see here has been specially made for a customer of ours based on their vision and desires.

The entire process of most custom jobs take a little over a month depending on the complexity of the ring. We can even put together a preliminary quote for you, just so you can see how much it would cost and how long production would take. The only limits to what we can create are those of your imagination.


So if you have an idea that you want to turn into something tangible or even if you're simply curious to see how easy it would be to make your dream ring, drop by your favorite Timeless Designs retailer and ask how you can get started on making your own gorgeous unique piece!

The Value of Green

A tsavorite chunk

How a sought-after stone can mean life or death

 

Have you ever thought about the struggle to secure a gemstone that is wanted by others for themselves? Well the story of Dr. Campbell R. Bridges clearly shows just how dangerous controlling the production of a hot new gemstone can be when he discovered a new color of garnet, the tsavorite, that exhibits a vivid intense green.

Dr. Campbell Bridges with his find

Dr. Bridges discovered the first clumps of these rocks in 1967 in northeast Tanzania, reports the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA). At first the stone was identified as green grossularite, a mineral part of the garnet family. However, the exceptional green color and transparency convinced Bridges that this was not grossularite. He attempted to bring the gemstones to the stone market, but the Tanzanian government would not give them the necessary mining permits.

Dr. Bridges' tree house

That did not stop Bridges though and he came up with a new strategy. He figured that the stone deposit stemmed from a larger formation that extended across the Tanzanian border. And he was correct. Bridges went to neighboring Kenya and rediscovered the bright green gem in 1971. The Kenyan government allowed the mining and selling of the gems, putting Bridges at the helm of the expedition.

Tiffany tsavorite earrings

A few years later in 1974, the legendary Tiffany and Co. set their sights on the new stone and launched a massive advertising campaign to promote it. It was Sir Henry Platt, president of Tiffany and Co. at the time, that named the mineral "tsavorite" after Tsavo National Park in Kenya.

Only also found in a small southern province of Madagascar, the tsavroite's rarity also increased its popularity. And with this new-found desire to acquire it came with its dangers.The Kenyan mining operation was constantly under threat from thieves and wild animals. Dr. Bridges lived in a tree house to protect himself from the predators of the jungle and even set a massive python to watch over the gemstones at night.

Even with all his precautions, one fateful day in 2009 a mob of 20 men armed with arrows, spears and machetes attacked the gemologist on his mining grounds. He died from his injuries upon arriving at the hospital. The attack was believed to be connected to a three-year dispute over control of the tsavorite mines as well as frequent death threats against Bridges. Kenya's Department of Mines and Geology took over the expedition soon after. The bloody struggle over this valuable gem gives new meaning to the saying "It's not easy being green."

A cut and polished tsavorite

Retailer Showcase

Spiegel & Son, the new standard for a quality jewelery experience.

 

Shyla brilliance - R1489

Welcome to 2013's first edition of Retailer Showcase! For this special article, we are featuring the pristine and well-trusted Spiegel & Son in Beachwood, OH! Led by Stuart Spiegel, this jewelry establishment aims to not only give customers superior jewelry but to also form a bond and loyalty with their customers by giving them an outstanding jewelery-buying experience. It's no surprise that they are showered with shining testimonials from so many of their customers!

Dazzling Wedding band - R1132/WB

Spiegel & Son Jewelers was started by Stuart's father, Martin, in 1947. Martin had come the the U.S. from Czechoslovakia as a refugee from the second World War. It was in downtown Cleveland that he set up his first shop in 1950.

Martin set the standard for how Spiegel & Son would handle business. From early on in his business as a goldsmith and diamond setter, his quality of work was known to be immaculate and timely, both while at a fair price for the work. Martin then branched out into the jewelry retail business selling engagement rings and wedding bands, as well as other pieces of fine diamond and colored gem jewelry. He also made sure that he treated his every customer as if it were his best one. Never pressuring anyone into a sale, Martin gave his customers honesty as well as superior service to build lasting relationships with them.

Stunning double halo - R1474

Then in 1993, Stuart joined his father in the family business and eventually took the helm while still maintaining the decades-old core values of Spiegel & Son and their commitment to giving each customer an outstanding jewelry experience. Weekly update calls about your ring, availability after-hours and on weekends and free services such as cleaning, polishing and prong checks are just a few of the things that make Spiegel & Son stand apart from the rest.

Shyla studs - E1372

So if you're ever in the Cleveland area, be sure to stop in and check them out! Not only do they have a great selection of some of our best Timeless Designs pieces, but they have a plethora of other gorgeous fine jewelery as well. You can find out more about this awesome retailer by visiting their website or dropping by in person!

Spiegel and Son
23611 Chagrin Blvd. #350
Beachwood, OH 44122
216-514-3355
info@spiegelandson.com

A Timeless Holiday

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

'Twas the weekend before Christmas, and all through the shop, 
Timeless elves were still working, making jewelry nonstop!
Packed all snugly up, sparkly rings with vintage flair, 

Keith, Allison and Donna - Ready to PARTAY!

All to fly out that night, to our customers with care.
So this season enjoy, love, eat and drink wines, 
Happy Holidays to you, from Timeless Designs!

 The Team here at Timeless Designs wishes everyone Happy Holidays and a very happy and bright New Year!

Team Spirit! - Tiffany, Jessi, Leilani, Jackie & Oscar

We celebrated the holidays right before Christmas with our annual holiday party at Connolly's Pub & Restaurant on 45th Street in New York City. 

  

The Cohens - Who wins the free day off?!

Our fearless leaders, the Cohens, even took a minute to specifically show their appreciation for the team. Over $200 was raffled off in prizes and our superstar production manager, Allison, even won a free day off! It was a time of food, drink, celebration and, of course, fun with the amazing people who work at Timeless Designs. We truly are blessed to have such an awesome and talented team.

Izzy, Enes, Jessi & Melanie - just chillin

So we march forward to 2013 with high hopes and drive to make this our best year ever! Thank you everyone who follows us and likes our  jewelry! We wish you all the best in 2013.

 See you next year! 

Happy Holidays from Timeless Designs!

~ Team Timeless 

Once Upon a Timeless Bride...

Jessi - New York City

There are few things in life that compare to the excitement, effort and overall experience of getting married. There is so much that goes into the big day and it can seem overwhelming at times, especially for the upcoming bride-to-be. So we here at Timeless Designs thought why not ask the experts? And there is no better place to start than with our in-house Timeless Bride and Customer Service Manager, Jessi.

 

Jessi and her husband Enes met at a "Welcome Home" party thrown by her best friend when she moved back to New York City. They were part of the same circle of friends but never actually met, even having both attended a Sweet 16 years back for a close mutual friend. But fate took its time and they finally officially met in the Fall of 2010. They've been inseparable since, which isn't even a joke because they now both work for Timeless Designs!

Jessi's engagement ring is the stunning yet classy R1295. "I love my ring," Jessi says, "because it is just a classic and makes me feel so special to have been given something so beautiful by the man that loves me so much. (awwwww)." Also an avid fan of the British royals, it sure doesn't hurt that her ring resembles the one wore by a certain late but legendary princess.

Jessi also had her Timeless Designs family, serving as a fairy godmother of sorts, that adorned her with other collection pieces to wear down the aisle. Our stunning Br470 wrapped her wrist with timeless flair and the delicate P1373S draped around her neck. She has always loved the classic vintage look but is also a girl for some sparkle. And sparkle she did.

As goes for most brides planning their own wedding, Jessi had her work cut out for her. But the thing she most struggled with was not choosing the style of the bridesmaid dresses or finding a venue that worked with her theme. "My biggest hurdle was feeling the weight of being solely responsible for creating an environment that would make two families, from vastly different cultures, as comfortable as possible while still honoring our own wishes."

 

It was a bit of a challenge for them, as accommodating both sets of the couples' parents sometimes are. And there was some push-back in the beginning about respecting traditions and what their respective families expected. You know the saying: Marry the person, marry the family.

After trying to figure out what would please both families, Jessi and Enes made the collective decision to focus on what inspired them, as this was their day after all, and hope for the best. Jessi summed it up by describing the decision as "a 'hold each other's hands, close our eyes and take the big jump' moment." And thankfully on the day of the wedding, their families came and showed their support, seeing the bigger picture of two people in love wanting to celebrate that happiness with them.

So they decided to make it so "traditional" would not be the word to describe their wedding at all. Their ceremony was short and sweet, only pausing for a single love poem and the vows themselves. Even further resiting tradition, Jessi chose a "Man of Honor" as her right hand and Enes had his "Best Woman" stand next to him on their wedding day. And in lieu of having a giant wedding cake, the couple decided on an array of cupcakes (including a wildly popular popcorn flavored one) to satisfy any of their guests' sweet tooth.

And naturally Team Timeless was there to spice up the party too! Gorgeous open-air views of the New York and New Jersey skyline served as a backdrop while we ate, laughed and danced as the sun set over the Hudson River.

The DJ played everything from 70's jams to the newest hit and the dance floor was alive with energy. All in all, Jessi and Enes chose what they wanted for their wedding and kept their love and desires in the forefront. And it turned out to be the best decision they made for their big day. It was a time of fun, family, friends and, of course, love.

Jessi and Enes were married on August 5th, 2012 at Chelsea Piers in New York City.

The Party Girls of Team Timeless: Ana, Allison, Rachel, Donna & Jackie

The iPad Factor

The APParent Boom in iPad Use for Jewelers

New technologies have revolutionized almost every field of life, and the jewelry industry is no different. Creative innovations combined with ever-improving technology has allowed jewelers to display and sell their gems in new and better ways. One such innovation is the use of tablets and, more specifically, the iPad.

The use of an iPad in a jewelery store setting really has enhanced the entire process of showcasing collections, customizing pieces and allowing the customer to be more involved in the entire process. Many retailers who use the iPad report that just bringing the customer closer physically, by having them interact with a program or app, makes the process much more personal and involved. This not only great for developing the customer relationship but also for efficiently finding what the customer needs.

With the vast amounts of information that can be displayed on the iPad coupled with a stunning high definition display, entire collections of jewelery can be easily browsed with a mere swipe of the finger. Many jewelers store their collections and catalogs of different lines on the iPad for easy accessibility to any customer. Whether they are simply browsing or looking for something specific, the ability to effortlessly show an entire collection on one device allows for more interaction with the customer as well as the ability for the jeweler to determine what the customer is really looking for. This is especially true and helpful with bridal customers.

The newest adaptation in jewelers using the iPad is the development of apps for specific stores and vendors. Even famous high-end vendors such as Tacori and Cartier have jumped onto the app bandwagon.

And of course, we here at Timeless Designs have developed an app of our very own! Our newly-designed app features a stunning display of our collections, on-the-spot retail pricing, and a Google Maps locator to help find nearby jewelers who carry Timeless Designs pieces. You can even create your own unique 3D rendering of a ring in the "Your Couture" section! A number of our vendors have already downloaded and use the app in their stores! Nettles Jewelry in St. Augustine, FL and P. Church Jewelers in Chelmsford, MA are just a couple of examples of jewelers benefiting from having the app on hand for customers to play with.

From the exceptional visual display and browsing convenience to increased interactivity with customers and vast amounts of information at one's fingertips, using the iPad is a fantastic new way to enhance the jewelery buying experience.

The Timeless Designs iPad app is currently available for download from the iTunes store. You can check it out and learn more about it here!