wide wedding band Archives

April’s Custom Engagement Ring Spotlight

Spotlight-April-1024x768 Unique Engagement Rings — Knox Jewelers Custom Design 3234

One of our new favorite custom created engagement ring is built around the mesmerizing step cut facets of a 1.00 carat asscher cut diamond held in a low four prong setting. Marquise shapes set with micro pavé diamonds and square carre cut diamonds are placed together in this design to create a rhythmic pattern of ovals and arches. Bezel set side diamonds and milgrain edges add lavish antique detailing to this wide band engagement ring. This mosaic inspired design can be recreated to accommodate any type, shape, or size center stones. Contact Knox Jewelers today to custom tailor this design to your preferred precious metal and central gemstone selection to create your own one-of-a-kind engagement ring!

Diamond’s Rare Hues

Colored diamonds are among the rarest and most coveted gemstones on the planet today. Their legendary nature dates back to ancient times, and they continue to remain some of the most awe-inspiring stones in the world. In fact, only one in 10,000 diamonds has a vibrant color, and the most expensive gemstone ever auctioned – the Graff Pink Diamond – sold for a staggering $46,000,000. These diamonds are rare, beautiful, and superbly valuable, and they would make a great addition to your very own custom engagement ring. At Knox Jewelers, we have extensive experience in working with all kinds of gemstones, including colored diamonds, and we would love to have the opportunity to design a work of art just for you and your loved one. Let’s take a closer look now at the history and background of colored diamonds to see just why they’re so special and valued.

The History and Legacy of Colored Diamonds

Ancient India is the origin of the world’s first color-grading system for diamond stones, wherein they served as a mark of honor and reputation in the caste structure of the country. Depending upon an individual’s specific role in society, they were permitted by the ruling castes to wear one of many different known colored stones of that era.

Since then, the jewelry industry has adopted a number of more modern grading systems for these diamonds, and these systems continue to evolve as the years march forward. Sources of colored diamonds include Southeast Asia and South America in a variety of different countries, including Brazil and Indonesia. From Australia, the Argyle mine produces stunning pink diamonds – among the most coveted of this class of gemstone.

The Rarity and Splendor of Colored Diamonds

Although many of our clients are familiar with the classic gemstones such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, many of them are not so familiar with colored diamonds. Nonetheless, these diamonds can easily match the beauty of the former gemstones, and they are bound to make a great addition to any piece of jewelry. After all, there is nothing quite like having a stunning colored diamond center stone to adorn your engagement ring or other jewelry.

Colored diamonds are certainly making a comeback in the industry today, and “fancy colored diamonds” – that is, diamonds which have rich hues and intense colors – are among the most prized by both designers and customers. Colored diamonds are achieving this new found popularity by combining those qualities which make more traditional gemstones like ruby and sapphire so renowned with the durable and enduring properties of diamond. Without a doubt, these rare gems will continue to gain market share and repute.

Design Your Very Own Unique Engagement Ring at Knox Jewelers

At Knox Jewelers, we are experts in designing heirloom jewelry that will last for countless generations and stand the test of time. We want to help you design a custom engagement ring with a colored diamond center stone that truly evokes feelings of love, loyalty, and family – all the necessary ingredients in the creation of a true heirloom. We are proud to help our valued clients to physically manifest these eternal bonds and relationships, and we look forward to helping you create your very own design.

We start with a consultation to determine what your goals are for the piece. Then, we help you select the perfect center stone. Finally, we will make final adjustments to the design and select a metal for the base. As our talented jewelers bring your creation to life, we’ll send you photos of its progress along the way. This process is truly intimate and one-of-a-kind, and you’re sure to remember it fondly well into the future.

Have Any Questions? Let Us Know: We’re Always Happy to Help!

If you happen to have any questions at all about colored diamond stones or the jewelry creation process at Knox Jewelers, please be sure to let us know. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to working together with you to design a work of art that will last and be passed down throughout the ages. Get in touch with our friendly and professional staff today, and we’ll get started on the journey to creating your very own, one-of-a-kind piece of custom jewelry.

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!

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.

Unique Wide Wedding Rings and Engagement Bands

We receive calls and emails from around the world inquiring about our unique wide wedding bands and unique engagement band designs. The ring designs that generate the most inquires tend to be wider than average designs. Some have center stones, like the cushion cut diamond, while others do not. All are singularly unique in their design and are meticulously and expertly hand crafted from the ground up. We feel these two facts combined help our wedding rings (especially signature designs such as these) stand out from more conventional wedding band or engagement ring styles. In fact, many of these unique rings would translate well as a right hand ring or anniversary band.

Click here to browse our Unique Wedding Bands

We wanted to have an article in our journal that featured some of these wide wedding ring designs along with a little info about each ring. Please note that the images are linked (when possible) to additional photos/videos of the design.

Let’s start with a design that features a wide ring design with an Asscher cut center diamond along with sky blue sapphires set in the filigree between the two diamond pave set outside rails of the ring.

Here are other versions of this beautiful, unique, wide wedding ring:

Shown with a princess cut center diamond and deeper blue sapphires set in hand made filigree.

This unique wide wedding ring is shown with a radiant cut center diamond and rich green natural emeralds set in hand made filigree.

This engagement ring is shown with a princess cut center diamond and bead-set micropave diamond rails. Some of the filigree scrolls have diamonds set in them

This next wide wedding ring was a real labor of love for our artisans and we think this fact ‘shines through’ in the beautifully intricate detailing of the unique ring design. This is one of our wider ring designs at approximately 15mm

Since our original “Caledonia” design was created we’ve had a few custom versions made with center diamonds and sapphires.

Here are two versions of our Dolce design. A very unique wide wedding ring, set with fancy colored diamonds in two tone gold to accentuate the diamond color.

Here is our “Dolce” wedding ring set up with fancy yellow diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold with 18k White Gold.

Here is Dolce set up with fancy pink diamonds in 14k Rose Gold.

This is another unique wide wedding ring with an open pattern flower, leaf and vine motif.

Here is our “North Star” Design… A very vintage style engagement ring when set up with a center diamond. Or can be used as an engagement or anniversary band (right hand band).

“North Star” with a low set center diamond.

Our Original “North Star” Wedding Band.

Allamanda features a flowing leaf and vine pattern. Set with several smaller round diamonds, this ring would also make a lovely right hand ring.

The following engagement ring was a big favorite when it came through the shop. The interplay of the deep blue sapphire with the bright white of this polished white gold makes for a stunning contrast. Similar to Allamanda, this unique ring features an organic leaf pattern.

The wedding ring below was created using 18kt white gold and 18k yellow gold. To truly appreciate the craftsmanship on this wedding ring, click on the photo to see other views, as well as a video.

Click here to see more of our Unique Wedding Rings