kendra, Author at Knox Jewelers

Ametrine – A Fascinating Natural Phenomenon

One of the more unique and visually dynamic gemstones is the ametrine stone, a transparent quartz variant which incorporates two distinct zones of color derived from both amethyst and citrine. The stone acquires this stunning color gradient from the combination of the trace chemicals which comprise amethyst and citrine, thus leading to the development of this extraordinary and unique stone. If you are looking to represent both February and November birthdays, then ametrine is the perfect gem for the job. Let’s take a closer look now at how to choose the right ametrine stone, how to care for these remarkable gems, and how they can be incorporated into a custom engagement ring or wedding band, pendant, or other jewelry piece here at Knox Jewelers.

The Rich History of Ametrine

The history of ametrine stems from a long and rich cultural heritage. A legend surrounding the genesis of ametrine comes to us from the Europeans: It is said that a Spanish conquistador in the 17th century happened across the original Bolivian mine, and subsequently introduced the unique gemstones found within to the Spanish monarch. However, the location of the mine faded into mythology, only to be discovered again in 1960. Commercial mining operations began shortly thereafter, and in 1970 production ramped up, thus introducing ametrine into the marketplace once more.

How to Choose the Perfect Ametrine Gemstone

The only extant source of commercial ametrine mining lies in a deposit residing in eastern Bolivia. Unsurprisingly, this is also a mining site which produces commercially significant quantities of amethyst and citrine stones. In choosing a quality ametrine stone, you’ll want to look at the following factors: color gradient, cut, clarity, and carat weight. In terms of color, the finest ametrine specimens typically display an intense purple to orange gradient, usually with a clear boundary between the two poles. For ametrine cuts, the most expensive and fine stones typically incorporate the craftsmanship of designer cuts to achieve breathtaking effects. Clarity is also essential, and the majority of quality ametrine stones exhibit no visible inclusions or other artifacts. Finally, the size of a particular ametrine specimen and its color gradient are closely correlated – bigger is better (especially in the range of over 5 carats).

How to Care for Ametrine Gemstones

Caring for ametrine jewelry is quite simple. Hot water and soapy, foamy water are all that is necessary to keep your jewelery looking as good as new – no cleaning solutions or other potentially damaging products are required to keep these gems clean and spotless. We strongly recommend avoiding exposing your ametrine jewelry to harsh chemicals or other situations which could result in damage to the stone – exercise caution, especially in situations of physical exertion.

Ametrine Rings at Knox Jewelers

We have designed numerous custom engagement rings and wedding bands for our customers in the past, and many of these designs would look even more stunning with an ametrine center stone. Whether you are interested in a gold (yellow, white, or rose are all great choices)or platinum band, ametrine is bound to look great. We can also incorporate a number of stunning design flourishes, including hand engraving and other forms of handcrafted design elements. All of these facets are combined to form a beautiful finished product that connotes the special bond that you share with your loved one. Check out our collection of unique designs and see for yourself just how much attention to detail and innovation our designers put forward on each and every piece.

Design a Custom Ametrine Ring for Your Loved One

At Knox Jewelers, it is our mission to help you design a beautiful ametrine engagement ring or wedding band with a unique character that encompasses your love and admiration for your partner. To learn more about the design process and how you can be an essential part of it, get in touch with our friendly staff today to get started. We will walk you through each and every step on the way to designing your very own engagement ring or wedding band for your partner, and it is sure to be an experience of a life time. We look forward to meeting you soon and embarking upon this journey!

Half Bezel Engagement Rings – A Mesmerizing Focal Point

You might be wondering what the differences are between standard bezel settings and their younger siblings, half bezel settings. The answer is simple: a half bezel setting is just a regular old bezel setting, except that it only encompasses approximately half of the edge of the stone rather than the entirety of it. Now, you probably want to know why on earth someone would only want to have a bezel setting that covers half the edge of the stone rather than all around it. Once again, the answer is simple: By keeping around half the edge of the stone uncovered, you can show off the unique edges and angles of that particular stone. We truly enjoy designing rings with half bezel designs, and we think you’ll love how they look.

An engagement ring or wedding band with a half bezel setting that exposes sides of the center stone tends to fall into the contemporary camp, though this kind of setting can look absolutely stunning in just about any context and with any kind of stone, not simply diamonds. Whether you are working with emeralds, sapphires, rubies, or diamonds, a half bezel setting can add a modern flourish and round out the rest of the design of the ring. Now, let’s take a look at some of the half bezel engagement rings and wedding bands we have crafted for our customers at Knox Jewelers in the past. If you see any you particularly like, be sure to let us know! Onto the rings…

Luna – A Contemporary Half Bezel Ring

The most common contexts where half bezel settings tend to be found are in rings which are generally labeled as contemporary, or modern. Our Luna design is a prime example of these kinds of rings, and it really showcases how a half bezel can add a level of intricacy to more pure designs – being able to view a side cross section of the center stone truly livens up the piece and gives it an elegant appearance.

Here are some other contemporary styles:

Motion Channel – A Diamond Band Half Bezel Design

Of course, half bezel settings are not simply limited to those designs that we might call “contemporary.” Our Motion Channel design is a great example of this fact: Motion Channel incorporates a half bezel that remains fluid with the entirety of the 14k white gold band in order to both show the sides of the round brilliant center cut diamond as well as remain faithful to the broader visual motifs we designed into this piece.

Some additional designs featuring a half bezel setting with a diamond adorned band:

Dreams – The Stunning Synthesis of Filigree and Half Bezel Settings

Our Dreams design is a brilliant example of how filigree and half bezel settings can work together to create an entirely new and distinctive visual style that catches the eye and guides it towards those exposed edges of the center stone. The yellow gold filigree curves gently guide the war towards the center stone, wherein it then views the side perspective of the center stone.

Filigree detailing can be added to half bezel settings in a variety of ways:

Princess Seville – A Half Bezel Ring Inspired by Antique Designs

More examples of beautiful antique inspired half bezel designs:

To demonstrate how a half bezel setting can be used in just about any sort of jewelry context, we wanted you to have a look at our Princess Seville design, an antique-inspired ring which incorporates intricate hand engraving, a beautiful 14k white gold band, and a half bezel setting that shows off the stunning center stone. Truly, half bezel settings can have a place in any kind of ring, and they can truly take them to another level of exquisiteness and fine design.

Interested in Half Bezel Settings? Get in Touch with Knox Jewelers Today!

If you enjoyed this overview of half bezel settings and some of the examples of our fine craftsmanship here at Knox Jewelers, then you may want to consider having an engagement ring or wedding band with a half bezel setting designed by hand for you. We will work together with you throughout the entire design process to ensure you have a piece at the end which is unique, stunning, and crafted specially for you and your loved one. If you have any questions about how a half bezel setting can be best used in an original design, please do not hesitate to contact us today to learn more about getting started. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Amethyst – February’s Regal Birthstone

Amethyst, the stunning February birthstone, has a rich historical legacy that fits its elegance and regal nature. It is also steadily gaining in popularity as customers forgo diamonds as the center stone for their engagement rings for more personalized options, such as birthstones. At Knox Jewelers, we have crafted a plethora of unique amethyst jewelry for our customers, and this lovely stone looks fantastic in a variety of media and designs. Without further ado, let us take a look at the history and lore surrounding amethyst, as well as give you a tour of some of our exquisite custom designs that would look great with an amethyst center stone.

The History of Amethyst

The history of amethyst is one steeped in rich lore and symbolism, and its historical roots extend into the past for thousands of years. The color of amethyst is often a rich combination of red and purple hues – that’s why the ancient Greeks associated the stone with Dionysus, the Greek god of wine making, and other revelries. Throughout the ages, amethyst has come to be associated with different gods and symbols to fit the culture and context of the times. The royal and noble families of many European nations also incorporate amethyst stones into their heirloom jewels, thus giving amethyst a certain sense of prestige that can only come from a royal inheritance.

An Overview of Amethyst

Amethyst is a variety of quartz that is well-regarded and known for its purple and red color. Depending on the specific sample, the color can incorporate more tones of red or purple, thus giving amethyst many different possible shades and combinations. Furthermore, amethyst is a prime example of an attribute unique to certain stones called “color zoning.” The phenomenon of color zoning involves different sections (zones) of the stone exhibiting darker or lighter shades, thereby giving the stone a dynamic visual appearance. Truly, amethyst is one of the most stunning purple-colored gemstones in existence.

How to Choose an Amethyst Stone

There are a few different factors of quality you ought to keep in mind when choosing an amethyst stone. The most highly valued and prized amethyst stones are those who have the right balance of red and purple and produce no color zoning. In addition, the presence of brown tints can decrease the value of a particular sample. As for clarity, amethyst follows the pattern for many other stones by deriving more value from inclusion-free samples, though there are a few exceptions to this rule. Finally, there are a variety of custom designer cuts that can give an amethyst stone a signature look and feel – let us know if this is an option you are potentially interested in.

Taking Proper Care of Amethyst Jewelry

Caring for your amethyst jewelry is a relatively simple process. You’ll want to exercise caution and common sense by removing your ring prior to engaging in activities which could potentially expose it to physical or chemical damage. Cleaning an amethyst stone is a matter of gently scrubbing with a soft-bristled toothbrush in a solution of warm, soapy water.

Amethyst Engagement Rings at Knox Jewelers

At Knox Jewelers, crafting stunning custom engagement rings is what we do best. We will work together with you to design a unique engagement ring that successfully incorporates your design touches and a personalized character. Let’s take a look now at a couple of designs to help you acquire an idea of how an amethyst stone could look with one of our beautiful rings:

Bonita

Our Bonita design features hand engraving, filigree, and milgrain texturing in addition to a 1.30 carat round brilliant cut center stone. An amethyst stone would look absolutely stunning in conjunction with these design features and the 14k white gold band.

Design 2231

To demonstrate how versatile and beautiful amethyst can look in any context, take a look at our Design 2231 ring. Imagine combining the lovely accent diamonds with a 0.90 carat cushion cut amethyst center stone along with the 14k yellow-white gold band.

Get In Touch

If you would like to learn more about amethyst engagement rings and how to best incorporate this beautiful birthstone in your own jewelry, get in touch with us today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to talking to you soon!

Wide Wedding Bands – Boldly Beautiful

What do you think about wide-banded rings and wide wedding bands? Most commonly, our customers at Knox Jewelers order wide bands for use in wedding rings or as anniversary bands. But, these rings are starting to evolve in terms of their function. Today, it is not uncommon to see individuals wearing a wide band for no other reason than “just because,” and that’s great news! When our designers have the opportunity to work with a wide band, they can incorporate far more creative ideas and visual motifs into their designs than when they do not have has much real estate with which to work. When it comes to ring design, every millimeter counts, and wide wedding bands give us a huge canvas from which to craft something truly amazing. But, don’t just take our word for it – let’s have a look at some of these magnificent and unique wide-band design styles.

Organic
These elegant styles capture some of the beauty of nature. Flowing vines are adorned with leaves and flowers that have been fashioned out of precious metals and gemstones.
Some of these bands feature free-flowing borders, while others are framed with bands of micro pave.

Contemporary
Minimalistic designs that highlight brilliant, dazzling diamonds, and lustrous high polished or satiny brushed metal. These rings also often feature geometric elements or movement in the band to create dimension.

Mokume Gane
The stunning wood grain patterns of these designs are created from scratch each time, so every ring is truly one-of-a-kind! These bands are easily customized with different color combinations and the addition of diamonds or gemstones.

Hand Engraved
The breathtaking patterns shown are all hand-carved into the metal of these rings with a sharpened steel tool called a graver. When the jeweler creates these intricate designs, they must be very precise with each and every line they make. Changing the pressure and depth of their strokes as they carve into the metal produces dimension when the light hits the engraved design.

Filigree and Scroll-work
Filigree curls of all shapes and sizes create a beautiful movement within a design. These scrolling lines can easily add vintage inspiration to a ring. Many times the sweeping line of metal is accented with diamonds or gem stones, hand engraving, and a beaded milgrain texture.

Two Tone
A great way to create a unique ring is to incorporate two different colors of metal. These two tone designs showcase how much different parts of the design can be highlighted simply by

Like What You See? Get in Touch!

At Knox Jewelers, we’re here to help you design the custom wide wedding band of your dreams. Or, if you are not currently looking for a wedding band, we can help you to design the perfect ring for any context. Any of our pieces can be created with or without a center stone. If you have any questions about the process, or if you just want to get in touch with us, please contact us right away. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Emerald Cut Engagement Rings – Reflecting Nobility and Elegance Throughout the Ages

Emerald cut engagement rings are stunning, beautiful, and unique, and we are proud to offer them at Knox Jewelers. Why should you consider an emerald cut center stone over the plethora of other options available to you? For one, rings with emerald cut center stones are popular among the powerful and famous, including Camilla Parker Bowles (wife of Prince Charles), Grace Kelly (fiancée of Prince Rainier), and Melanie Knauss (fiancée of Donald Trump). The emerald cut is an elegant cut which incorporates a stepped square stone with cropped corners in order to reduce light dispersion and brilliance. Let’s take a closer look at this cut now and show you just how versatile and lovely it can be in any context or design.

The History of the Emerald Cut

Originally, the emerald cut was designed – unsurprisingly – as a special way to cut emeralds in order to address the issue of inclusions that emeralds naturally have. However, as time progressed, the emerald cut found its way into use with other stones, too, including diamonds. Today, the emerald cut is widely regarded as bold, elegant, and striking- all of which are attributes we strive to imbue within our own designs at Knox Jewelers. And, as we’ll discuss shortly, we’ve taken this classic cut in innovative new directions.

The Advantages of the Emerald Cut

The emerald cut has a number of valuable properties which make it a great and versatile choice for those customers looking to incorporate elements of nobility and boldness in their engagement ring for that special someone. What makes an emerald cut stone so versatile is its ability to be placed in almost any context and still look amazing and harmonious with the other elements of the ring. For instance, it is not rare to see an emerald cut center stone crafted in conjunction with such features as micro pave and halos, to name a couple.

Customization Options

To that end, we offer an almost unlimited variety of customizations options for your emerald cut engagement ring at Knox Jewelers. To best show you the variety of options available to you, let’s take a close look at some of the engagement rings we have designed for our customers.

Emerald Cut Whisper – Hand Engraved Emerald Cut Beauty

A stunning example of a hand engraved solitaire we have designed in the past is our Emerald Cut Whisper ring. This beautiful design features a hand engraved pattern reminiscent of wheat that gently guides your eye to the luxurious .65 ct emerald cut center diamond.

Design 1158 – A Stunning Emerald Cut Sapphire

Naturally, you are not limited to emeralds or diamonds when it comes to the emerald cut. Our lovely Design 1158 is a striking variation of our Lucille design which swaps the center diamond for a gorgeous sapphire that truly gets the spotlight on this platinum-based ring.

Design 1857 – An Exquisite Combination

We are quite fond of micro pavé stones, here, and Design 1857 takes our fondness for them to an entirely new level. This exquisite ring evokes a sense of nobility and pride due to the .80 ct emerald cut diamond that is framed in a four prong setting. Micro pavé stones are present all along the exterior of the 14K white gold band. This design truly exemplifies the versatility of an emerald cut stone.

Design 2754 – A Lovely Halo-framed Emerald Cut Stone

The final ring we want to showcase is our brilliant Design 2754. As we said before, an emerald cut center stone can be used in just about any kind of context, including within a halo arrangement. In this piece, a 1.00 ct emerald cut emerald is embedded within an Art Deco-inspired micro pavé halo and shoulder detail. No matter the surrounding elements, an emerald cut stone is guaranteed to both enhance those elements as well as look fantastic all on its own.

We’re Here to Help!

If you are interested in incorporating an emerald cut center stone in an engagement ring for that special someone, then please do not hesitate to contact our friendly staff here at Knox Jewelers. We would be thrilled to discuss the options available and how best to utilize this remarkable cut in a stunning piece just for you. We’ll explore different customization options, including band types, engravings, and more. We look forward to working together with you to design a unique emerald cut engagement ring!