Men’s Engagement Rings
June 25, 2009
We all know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend but, what about the guys? We’ve looked at customs of other countries when it comes to engagements and marriage. In some countries, men and women wear wedding bands from the date of engagement and in other countries not only does the bride to be receive a ring the groom to be does as well. Engagement gifts for men vary widely from wrist watches, cars to an actual engagement ring.
We, here in the US, tend to think of a diamond engagement ring as something solely to be given to the bride to be and that’s great but, again what about the guys? Most men prefer not to wear jewelry for a whole host of reasons from finding it a bit effeminate, to their profession and/or they just find it uncomfortable. I can relate to the latter as at times wearing a ring, a bracelet or necklace even gets on my nerves and I love it. So, its no surprise that men would prefer not to wear jewelry.
So, what does one do? Well, I would say let your man choose his perfect wedding band. Men’s wedding bands can be custom made just like your diamond engagement ring. And Dora Bands has a whole host of men’s diamond wedding bands or men’s gold, men’s titanium or men’s platinum wedding bands. With Alexa Rose you have almost an endless supply of ideas from which to draw.
We’ll help you select an existing style from our showroom or we’ll help you create your groom’s wedding band. As a side note, if you have a family diamond we’ll re-set it for you in either a new diamond engagement ring, new diamond pendant or your own custom design. The hardest part will be finding the perfect ring or piece of jewelry. So, do not be afraid to ask us about options or being a bit creative. We’re glad to help.
When you think about it, one has almost as many options for a men’s wedding band as one does for a diamond engagement ring. Call us today at 480.656.0652 or email us (Sales@alexarosejewelry.com). We look forward to working with you.
An Engagement Ring that gives back…..
June 25, 2009
We all love when we have an opportunity to give back to our communities or to others.
Wouldn’t it be nice to know when purchasing an diamond engagement ring that part of the proceeds were actually being donated to charitable organization? Now, you can! Alexa Rose Fine Jewels is a proud corporate partner with the Phoenix Children’s Hospital and upon request we will donate a portion of the sale of your fine jewelry purchase to the hospital.
We believe in giving back as we are a family owned and operated business. We know the importance of family and community. We have been blessed with 2 beautiful and healthy children. However, we have had the opportunity through minor childhood illnesses to experience, the kind and giving nature of the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. It is for this reason, that we are giving back to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
So, now when you’re searching for the perfect engagement ring, earrings or diamond necklace not only will you be certain of getting a great deal but you’ll also have the warm fuzzy feeling knowing that you are indeed giving back to your community and to a sick child. So, let us help you create a lasting memory with your fine jewelry purchase and allow us to help give back to our community.
For further questions, please contact us at 480.656.0652 or visit us on line at alexarosejewelry.com
Diamond Stud Earrings
Men’s diamond stud earrings, I know this sounds a bit off the wall but, stop and think about it for a moment. A diamond stud earring (the classic diamond stud earring) is perfect for a man, woman or child. Recently, I was enjoying dinner with friends and as it often does, the topic of my industry came up.
One of the gentleman at the table wanted to know if men purchased jewelry for themselves. The short answer, Yes. However, the majority of men are selecting gifts for their wives, girlfriends and their daughters. Yet, from time to time we do have men who come in looking for a ring or specifically, diamond stud earrings for themselves.
Well, needless to say, most of the men around the table were not completely shocked but were a bit surprised by it. Which lead to the next question, do you have to purchase a whole pair of earrings? In short, No. For diamond stud earrings, we would just make up a 1/2 pair for a client. We would not split up a matching set but it is possible to purchase a 1/2 pair of earrings.
So gentlemen, diamond stud earrings are not just for the ladies. We can create a diamond stud earring just for you. You can have the fun of selecting the perfect diamond for your earring in our boutique while sipping coffee and even watching a sporting event. Remember, diamond stud earrings can be worn by anyone, man, woman or child – I’m sure if you wanted, you could fashion a pair of earrings for your dog.
The most important factor if you’re purchasing a pair of diamond stud earrings is to ensure a matching set. Most jewelers will do this for you but, remember if you want something specific don’t be afraid to ask for it. They can have a pair made for you. There may be additional costs involved but again, ask the questions and weigh out your options. It might be the best decision for you. But be aware of the costs associated with going this route because the quality of diamonds that you select (certified vs. un-certified, G or better color, VS1, etc.) will have an affect on the price and there may be setting fees.
Remember, with us (Alexa Rose Fine Jewels), we’re flexible, we understand that your jewelry purchase is about your personal style not what we think your style should be; stop in today and visit with us to experience the Alexa Rose difference.
Creating your own engagement ring
June 22, 2009
We all like that special feeling, when we find the perfect pair of shoes, the perfect little black dress and better yet – is it the only one of its kind? Yes, even better! It’s human nature to have something that is completely and totally unique to you. Enter, custom design or numbered collections for shoes, jewelry, art and other apparel.
Over the past months, many of you tuning in have learned some of the finer points of buying diamond jewelry, have come to understand the 4 C’s and have learned that one needs not to break the band to have an absolutely fabulous engagement ring or a piece of fine jewelry.
As I’ve mentioned before we are essentially wholesale jewelry to the public. We are not to fond of this phrase as it conjures up images that are not exactly positive or inviting. Yet, as we are wholesale jewelers, we do not have the wholesale jewelry feel nor do we have the wholesale jewelry mentality or austere showroom. Our boutique is semi-private (we prefer to work on appointments), we’ll offer you a soda, we’ll sit with you and discuss your options for an engagement ring, pendant or earrings and then you decide which way you’d like to proceed. In short, its kind of like sitting with a friend; quite a different approach to purchasing fine jewelry.
So, what is involved when you’re designing your engagement ring or an independence ring or other piece of fine jewelry. Well, there are 3 distinct phases for creating your piece of diamond jewelry; one, the design or sketching phase, two, the CAD drawing phase and adjustments and third and final phase, production. Obviously, once these three phases are completed, your fabulous new ring is delivered. So, let’s take a brief stroll through custom designing a piece of jewelry.
First, the sketch – we’ll sit with you and hand sketch the details of the ring. This usually involves photographs of rings you’ve seen in magazines, live samples or even your own hand drawings. We’ll sit with you make recommendations based on our experience designing jewelry and then we’ll take all of our notes to our CAD department who will then take our drawing(s) and render it into a 3-D computerized version of your ring.
Example of CAD Ring
Second, the CAD drawing – this is a 3-D computerized version of your ring. It is key to remember that CAD drawings will not take into account the details that may have been requested during the sketching phases. Some of these details include miligrain, etchings and under-carriage design. All of these items will be handled in the production phase and unusually close to completion of your piece of jewelry.
Third, the production – once you’ve given your blessing to produce from the CAD drawing, we will instruct our designer to start production of the ring. Depending upon the complexity of the ring, this phase can take as little as a few days but could potentially take up to several weeks. This phase is marked by patience – the old adage good things come to those who wait comes to mind.
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s have a look at the cost of creating a ring from scratch. Depending upon the designer or the firms practices – you may find that a sitting fee is required before a sketch of your ring is completed, followed by CAD drawing fees and then finally the production quote/cost. Today, many firms have been able to eliminate some of these costs as the market has become so very competitive but, it is wise to ask about other fees associated.
As for us, we do not charge a sitting fee, nor a CAD fee to our clients as we’re essentially wholesale jewelery manufacturers. We utilize our extensive network of artisans and manufacturers to ensure quality, creativity and timely delivery for all of our jewelry regardless if its a custom designed ring or a semi-custom job. We take pride in all the jewelry that we produce for our clients because we understand that its not just a ring – its a symbol of love, fidelity and it has more sentimental value to you, no matter what the cost.
While this posting does not cover all of the intricacies with regard to custom design. My hope is that it will help provide a basis and a better understanding of what is involved with regard to custom designing of jewelry. Still have questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us at 480.656.0652 or email us at sales@alexarosejewelry.com. We look forward to working with you.
Your Bridal Jewelry……
June 15, 2009
You’ve been working for months on selecting the perfect venue, the flowers, the caterer, the music and yes even the perfect set of wedding bands and your wedding day is suddenly upon you. Do you feel ready? Or are you suddenly remembering some of those little things that had slipped your mind? Well, you’ll be happy to know that if you’re like most of us; you’ll suddenly remember a flood of items right before the wedding! Unfortunately, they usually pertain to either your jewelry or shoes or both.
Hopefully, what I am about to type here will be of assistance or at least make you feel better. I was reading an article recently that described which items are most often purchased at the last minute – would you like to guess what topped the list? It was (drum-roll, please) the little black clutch, followed by earrings and necklacesfor a special occasion. I found this fascinating, as most of us, plan our outfits to the office, the gym and even weekend wandering down to the T, including the jewelryso, why do we so often forget it for special occasions? Well, we all know the answer, it’s so very simple; we’re consumed with all of the other details that our thought process becomes this will get done during this outing or that outing but somehow it always manages to get pushed to the 11th hour. At least, it does for me? I can not tell you how many times, I have rushed out to find the perfect little bag or the perfect earrings or pendant.
While, I have not been married, I have several friends who have been brides and each one of them shared with me that they felt their jewelryfor their ceremony was rushed and more of an impulse buy rather than something thought out and even tried ahead of time. After speaking to my friends, I asked the question, what if you could have tried on your bridal jewelry ahead of the ceremony; would it have made a difference?
A resounding, YES was my answer! So, with the input of quite a few of my friends; we’ve added this service to assist our brides. In short, this is how it works, you come in to our boutique and look through the wide variety of styles we have available. You select up to 7 different pieces, let us know the date of your next fitting, its location and we’ll meet you there so you can see which items will look best with your gown. Once you’ve made your selection; we’ll make arrangements for payment or need to rethink your look, we can do that as well. Best of all, you have flexibility in styling, selection and as we’re wholesale to the public, we can assure you’re getting the best possible price. So, regardless of your desired look, we can help you ensure your perfect day has the perfect bridal jewelry as well.
Check out some of the different options available. If you don’t find what your searching for on our website, give us a call at 480.656.0652. I’m certain we can help you create the perfect look for your wedding day.
Engagement Rings; Price and perception…
June 12, 2009
Tracy Efune with a client
Your wedding day, a day that most women have been dreaming about since they were small children. I, on the other hand, well, let’s just say I think that I am not truly from Venus but rather from Mars. I never dreamt of my wedding day or even my engagement ring nor did I play with Barbies as a child. I was too busy outside, playing ball, climbing trees and being an all around tom-boy. In fact, my Barbies slept for months on end and then ended up missing.
Ah, I know, this begets the question, how on earth did I end up in the jewelry business? A business that is driven by love and the white dress; in short the whole enchilada. Well, the vote is still out how I ended up in this business but the consensus, I fell into it. And no regrets, our customers are great and I love showing people how they can get the engagement ring of their dreams and not break the bank!
Well, if I have to count my blessings and I do, I am grateful that we are not the typical jewelry store. We’re for the most part wholesale to the public and this translates to our to diamonds, finished jewelery or even gemstone jewelry. While we may be wholesale to the public we do not have that wholesale feel, our environment is comfortable and inviting. We offer personalized service and a large selection of jewelry for you to choose. It is our commitment to service that we believe sets us apart from the other guys. However, as I’ve said before, you’re spending a great deal of money and you need to be comfortable and confident with whomever you choose to do business. So, be a little selfish – shop around.
We’ve spent a lot of time talking about the finer points of selecting jewelry and diamonds. Given the current economic conditions,it is imperative that you are smart about your purchase and shop around. While I am not an advocate of using the words cheap to describe jewelry, we do offer a wide range of engagement mounts that are inexpensive. Ones that yes, can be described as cheap engagement rings. We also have expensive designer engagement rings and as we do custom designed engagement rings we have something that will appeal to everyone. I must say that I prefer to use the phrase inexpensive to describe an engagement ring rather than the word cheap to describe an engagement ring. If you’re viewing our website and do not see something that fits your budget, give us a call or email us at sales@alexarosejewelry.com, as we do have other options available. We just are unable to get every style available onto the website.
Style Code GR1519
As I have mentioned previously, some cost saving options are as follows; consider setting a CZ until you are able to afford a diamond or even consider a mossiante. You may also want to consider a gemstone rather than a diamond. There is no law out there that says you have to buy a diamond. Do what is comfortable for you and your budget. We’re glad to help you, what ever you decide. Just be certain of one thing – that you and not the store are 100% satisfied with your diamond engagement ring purchase. As always we are here to help, feel free to give us a call at 480.656.0652 or email us at sales@alexarosejewelry.com
We can never stress enough the importance of ensuring quality when purchasing and diamond engagement ring. Further, you need to remember to do your homework before and when you’re out shopping keep an open mind. Shop around and work with people with whom you feel comfortable. Jewelers are very much like your banker or financial adviser, you’re spending a great deal of money with them, you might as well work with someone you actually enjoy working with……
So, keep in mind the following tips.
Style # YJS6501
One – Get to know your perfect diamond.
Before you go shopping for your diamond engagement ring be certain to have done some research. Begin by researching the 4 C’s (Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat) and start to understand how this will affect the final price. This will help you to develop your budget for your diamond engagement ring.
Each one of the 4 C’s lends something special to your diamond for your engagement ring be certain to have a basic understanding before beginning your search. When you’re sitting with your sales consultant, remember, ask questions and have them clarify anything you do not completely understand.
If shopping for other pieces of fine jewelry, you can still loosely apply the 4 C’s, ask your sales consultant about the quality of the diamonds, the total carat weight and if it’s a large pendant, see if there is a smaller size available.
Two – Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices.
We shop around for the best prices on computers, televisions and cars why not diamonds? I think its partially because usually diamond purchases are like doctors, lawyers, etc. We ask our friends and they refer us to someone with whom they had a pleasant experience. This adds to the level a comfort and trust. While this is good to follow you may not be completely comfortable with their consultant, don’t be afraid to look around. However, in the end make sure you’re dealing with a reputable company. Even if you have to pay a little more, in the long run its usually worth it.
Three – Time to Upgrade?
During down turns in the market, larger diamonds (those defined as 2.0ct or greater) usually experience higher levels of inventory. As a result the larger stones typically drop in price, so if you’ve been waiting to upgrade; this could be the best time for you to upgrade and receive a great price.
Four – Deal with a reputable company.
Ensure that you’re dealing with a reputable company. Just like your mechanic, you need to be certain that you’re dealing with someone who has a good track record and who is honest. Check with the Jewelers Board of Trade as this firm rates jewelers according to several different factors. Also, checking with the local BBB is another great way to check on a business and its reputation.
Be certain to also check the company’s return and exchange policy, this could affect you later so be certain that you have a complete understanding before you buy.
Five – Look for jewelers who extend credit or offer payment terms.
This dove tails with item four. Most reputable jewelers will have financing options available for customers. In today’s market, some jewelers are starting to offer layaway options for clients as well.
Grandma's Ring
Six – Recycle a diamond!
Do you have a ring that was bequeathed to your or a tie tack, pair of earrings or even a pendant? Consider using that stone for your diamond engagement ring. You’ll be amazed at the new life a diamond will take on when placed in a new setting. This will save you thousands and potentially allow you to purchase a more expensive diamond mount that you had originally planned.
Seven – A final word – the 4 C’s
We’ll close this as we began. We routinely are asked about the 4 C’s (Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat) and what one can successfully sacrifice in the interest of their budget. This truly is a personal preference, let your sales consultant know your budget. Do not be shy about it as they should be able to provide you with enough choices for you to make an informed decision. In short, let your eye and your pocket book be your guide.
An engagement ring is one of the single largest purchases that most couples will ever make – Alexa Rose Fine Jewels is here to help you, however, if you’re not in our area we would like to be certain that you’re able to make an informed, smart and quality purchase. We invite you to visit our showroom in North Scottsdale for your engagement ring consultation. We look forward to working with you, please feel free to call us at 480.656.0652 or email us at sales@alexarosejewelry.com
