July 23 2018

Jeweler versus Jewelry Store

Let’s discuss the terms jeweler versus jewelry store. A jeweler makes a jewelry store special. When your jewelry store has it’s own in-house jeweler the sky’s the limit. Imagine shopping through a case of rings when you spot a design you love. However, you want the sapphire in the ring next to it because it’s your birthstone. In many jewelry stores you’ll just have to keep looking. Or they might send that ring off somewhere else to get a jeweler off-site to tell them if the changes are possible and then move forward from there. But at Copeland Jewelers Austin, TX we have jewelers on staff who can help you with options to get the ring just like you want. We can put that sapphire you want into the design you found that you love. Is the ring the wrong size? No problem, we’ll size it for you too. The sizing is free when you purchase the ring at Copeland Jewelers.

In the jeweler versus jewelry store scenario, the sales staff at a jewelry store doesn’t have a bench jeweler on hand to consult with about construction and structural issues. A sales person may have the ability to converse with you about design ideas but have no idea how to execute those ideas. Or if the ideas will actually work and make a structurally sound piece of jewelry for you. We’ve seen these cases before. At times we have repaired or re-made jewelry for people after a botched custom job was not done properly. And, we’ve also repaired jewelry from “Designer” jewelers that don’t know how to make jewelry properly. Some of them won’t even consider repairing their own jewelry. If someone can’t repair and stand behind the jewelry they make then I would have less confidence in purchasing from them. (If a jewelry store wants to send a piece back to a manufacturer to keep your warranty intact, that is a valid point.)

Department Stores

Jewelry departments in Department stores are usually not owned by the department store itself. So remember, you may not be dealing with the name on the storefront and may be a completely different corporation. Their staff is not usually experienced in the constructing and structural integrity of jewelry but only in sales techniques. We have found at times that they can’t tell the difference between genuine and costume jewelry. In almost all cases, the only access to a bench jeweler, if any, that a department store has, is going to be off-site. With the rise in big box stores a real jeweler is becoming a dying art. So, if you care about value and quality, a real bench jeweler can be a trusted and valuable advisor.

April 18 2018

Natural Pearls – What You Need to Know

Gemstones, Pearls of Wisdom, Uncategorized

Natural Pearls – What You Need to Know

Natural Pearls – What You Need to Know is where we discuss natural pearls, what they are and how they differ from their counterparts.

First, let’s get some terms correct first. When we talk about natural pearls here, we mean pearls that form naturally. Today when you read about natural pearls they are quite often referring to their natural coloring as opposed to dyed colors. So be sure to clarify when someone says “natural” pearls if they mean naturally colored or true natural pearls that were formed naturally. A true natural pearl is rare and very expensive.

Real natural pearls are composed entirely of nacre (a combination of aragonite and a naturally occuring binder called conchiolin).

Natural Pearls vs. Cultured Pearls

Natural Pearls

An irritant, sometimes just a tiny grain of sand, is trapped in an oyster or other mollusk stimulating the production of nacre. Layer upon layer forms around the irritant until the final pearl comes into being. Consequently, since the irritant in the natural pearl is usually so small the pearl is formed with very thick nacre. The thicker the nacre the more lustrous the pearl. Natural pearls are very rare and are very pricey.

+ Only one in 10,000 wild oysters will produce a natural pearl.

+ Of these, only a small amount will be gem quality – literally one in a million.

Cultured Pearls

On the other hand, in cultured pearls the irritant is usually larger and always placed by humans into the mollusk. With the larger irritant, it takes fewer layers of nacre and less time to make a full size pearl. Therefore, cultured pearls are not rare, but they are much more affordable and still very beautiful.

Freshwater and saltwater pearls form in the same manner.

Natural Pearl Beds

Present day natural pearling is confined mostly to the seas off Bahrain in the Persian Gulf. For over 2,000 years these waters have produced pearls.

Today natural undersea beds of pearl-producing oysters are VERY rare! Some wild oysters are still found around Australia who has one of the world’s last remaining fleets of pearl diving ships. And currently, Mexico is beginning to revive some of their world famous natural oyster beds in an earth-friendly manner.

For thousands of years pearls have been highly prized for jewelry. Some of the earliest and most famous of natural pearl beds were in Mexico. Spanish explorers discovered the pearls being worn by Mexican natives in the mid 1500s. Henceforth, from 1535 to 1821 thousands of pearls were exported to Europe from Mexico on a continual basis. These pearls had no rivals in the world! An article from The New York Times in 1903 says in regard to Mexico’s pearls, they are “the finest jewels of this kind found anywhere in the world”. Touting that the area is acclaimed and “noted for its fancy pearls – that is to say, the colored and especially the black ones”.

Freshwater & Saltwater Pearls

Although both varieties share most of the same chemical and physical properties, the marine (or saltwater) specimens have historically set the standard of beauty for the appearance of all pearls. Natural freshwater pearls are more irregularly shaped and have less luster. However, with improved cultivation techniques, today’s farmed freshwater pearls can now come close to matching saltwater pearls in appearance. Because of these farming techniques freshwater pearls are now much more affordable than marine pearls. But if you see the two side by side you can tell the marine pearls still excel in beauty over the freshwater pearls.

Since marine pearls are still the gold standard for beautiful pearls, the demand remains strong. However, most saltwater (or marine) pearls are cultured rather than natural because historically as well as in today’s world, even the tiniest of natural pearls demands a very hefty price tag.

Matching Pearls

The secret to matching pearls, including natural pearls, is to match them according to age. Unlike humans, pearls age at the same rate. So choosing pearls of the same age is critical to make sure they match and thereby assuring they all look the same over the life of the strand.

At Copeland Jewelers Austin, Tx our manager has been stringing pearls for over 25 years. We can help you with natural pearls – what you need to know and how to choose the right pearls for your style and budget.

November 26 2017

Essential Information All Ring-Wearers Should Know | Austin Fine Jewelry

Rings

ATX jewelry repair

Rings are among the most common pieces of ATX jewelry we buy and wear today, and they’ve been popular for many thousands of years. Chances are good that you own a ring that has special meaning for you, or you at least know someone who wears a special ring.

The part of the ring that wraps around the finger (or the toe, but the finger is more common) is referred to as the hoop. In a ring that’s one uniform circle, the hoop constitutes the entire ring, but in a ring with a setting, the hoop is only the band, or the approximately three-quarters of of the piece that are usually positioned at the sides and below the finger. The center portion of the top of the ring, where a stone or gem is positioned, is known as the bezel, and the small, generally slanted portions on either side of the bezel are referred to as the shoulders. The bezel is usually the thickest and widest part of the ring’s band, so that there’s enough support for any kind of setting and/or enough space for engraving or other decoration on the bezel. (It’s important to note that while there are many kinds of settings that can go on the bezel of a ring, “bezel” may also refer to a particular kind of setting, in which a thin band of the metal or other material that makes up the body of the ring encircles the gemstone to hold it in place.)

Rings have long been used to communicate certain cultural information about the wearer, and that still holds true today. Of course, it’s common in the United States and other countries for women to receive and wear rings when they become engaged and for both men and women to wear wedding rings after they’re married. Signet rings are also common today, and they’re a tradition that goes back a few millennia. “Signet” literally means “sign,” and signet rings are worn to give a sign of membership in a certain group or social organization. One of the most common signet rings denotes membership in the Masons. Class rings, which are similar to signet rings, have been popular in the United States for the past hundred years or so, and they denote alumni status from a particular high school or university. And an engineer’s ring is a simple ring of iron or steel worn on the pinkie finger of the dominant hand after one swears the Engineer’s Oath.

If you wear a ring or are thinking about buying one, it’s important that you know the parts and history of rings so you know how to talk about and care for yours. At Copeland Jewelers, your ATX custom jewelry store, we’re always happy to educate our customers about the items they purchase from us or bring in for sizing or repair. If you’re interested in purchasing a special ring for yourself or someone else, come in and see us today!

November 19 2017

Re-stringing Pearls Essential. Find Out Why! | Austin Jewelry Repair

Birthstones, Pearls of Wisdom, Services

re-stringing pearls multi-colored pearls

Re-stringing Pearls and Beads

Re-stringing pearls is a must for this popular and classic jewelry. Whether they’re necklaces, bracelets, or anklets, pearls are among the most popular pieces at your Austin jewelry store. They’re among the most-loved versatile jewelry looks. Pearls instantly adds a touch of glam and sophistication to any outfit in any situation. However, no strand of pearls will last forever. No matter what material was used to string it. There are a number of materials on which pearls can be strung: wire, monofilament, very thin chain, or thread made of silk, nylon, or polyester. However, fine pearls are almost always strung on silk or nylon thread.

Routine Maintenance

Re-stringing pearls and bead strands are part of the occasional maintenance necessary to keep them intact and looking their best. At Copeland Jewelers, we take great care when re-stringing pearls. We like to make sure they get a careful cleaning when necessary before the re-stringing. Since pearls tend to get perfume, lotions and, heaven forbid, hairspray on them, this makes a gentle cleaning important. Consult with us and we’ll be happy to help you take care of these beautiful organic gems.

As the strand is worn, it comes up against day to day abuses. Body oils, residue from perfumes, makeup and lotions create a buildup of things that are harmful to the pearl and the stringing material. In addition, natural movement of the piece and bumps or snags to the strand causes stress on the string. Even if a necklace, bracelet, or anklet is treated with the utmost care, it will stretch out over the years and will eventually break. Obviously, breakage could result in the loss of one or more pearls, and it could potentially be an embarrassment if it occurs in a public place. Therefore, it’s important to pay attention to the condition of your strand of pearls and have it re-strung before disaster strikes.

re-stringing pearls pearl bracelet

When is it Time to Re-string Pearls?

How do you know when it’s time to get your pearls re-strung? The time is right when you first notice any extra space between the individual pearls that wasn’t present when the piece was purchased or after it was last re-strung. When you notice any discoloration, fraying, or other signs of wear of the stringing material. Then you know it’s time to get the strand to a jeweler to prevent potential problems.

With multi-strand necklaces or bracelets you may only question the integrity of one of the strands. However, it’s better to go ahead and have the entire piece re-strung at once. If one strand looks iffy now, it’s likely that the others will develop problems very soon. Stretching out is a sign that re-stringing is necessary. In comparison, when a strand of pearls is re-strung, it usually leaves the jewelry slightly shorter than it was prior to re-stringing. So, it’s important to get all strands of a multi-strand piece redone at once making sure each strand remains proportioned and hanging properly with each other. Let our manager, Katy, give you advice on re-stringing pearls and beads with a quick visual of your strands. She can recommend what’s necessary to keep your pearls and beads in their best condition, especially those multi-strand pieces.

Experience Counts

Stringing pearls is a very particular art, one that not all bench jewelers are trained in. At Copeland Jewelers, home of your ATX jewelry repair experts, our manager is professional pearl stringer, Katy Sebree. With over twenty-five years of experience, she will string your pearls on the appropriate silk thread, placing a knot between each bead. What’s the benefit of the knots? Well, with knots between each pearl, if the strand ever breaks at a one spot, only one pearl will fall off. And, you may even be able to catch that one single bead!. Without the knots, if the string breaks, all the pearls will fall off at once, bouncing and rolling every which way. What a nightmare!

Sometimes people want their strings of pearls to be double-knotted. But this is not a good idea. First, it doesn’t make the strand any stronger. Next, it requires more material and more work. Therefore, likely to mean more expense to the customer. Finally, it keeps the piece from laying correctly when it’s worn. One knot between each pearl is the best idea – no more, no less.

If you have any questions about the integrity of your strands of pearls or want to learn more about the intricacies of pearl stringing, come in to Copeland Jewelers in Austin today!

November 12 2017

How Much Do You Know About November’s Gorgeous Birthstone? | ATX Jewelry Store

Birthstones, Gemstone Guide, Gemstones

Austin jewelry store

This time of year, most Americans start thinking about the many things in life that we’re thankful for. At Copeland Jewelers, your ATX fine jewelry store, we’re thankful for many things, but we’re especially thankful for this month’s beautiful, versatile birthstone: the topaz.

Once upon a time, the word “topaz” was used to refer to all yellowish stones, but today the word refers to stones with the chemical composition aluminium silicate fluoride hydroxide. Topaz is generally thought of as a yellowish-brown stone, but pure topaz is actually clear! If certain impurities are present in the stone’s chemical make-up, however, the gem can appear as any one of a great many colors – blue, green, yellow, pink, red, brown, and even black. The most prized and most expensive variety of topaz is a brilliant orange shade with pink undertones, named “imperial topaz” after the Russian czars, since it was mined in Russia’s Ural Mountains. During the nineteenth century, only royalty was allowed to own imperial topaz in Russia. Blue topaz was once extremely rare, but these days it’s easy to use modern irradiation techniques to turn clear topaz blue with a little bit of heat. Blue topaz is especially important to Texas because it became our state gem in 1969; although it’s not commercially mined here, it can be found naturally various places in the state.

In ancient Rome and Egypt topaz was associated with various sun gods, and people believed it had powers to heal and protect. During the Renaissance, Europeans believed topaz could break spells and calm anger, and ancient Hindus considered the stone sacred for its supposed powers to bring one wisdom and a long life. Topaz has also been believed by various cultures to prevent mental disorders and protect against sudden death. There were a number of medical theories about the gemstone; it was thought that adding powdered topaz to wine could cure asthma and insomnia, and wine that had had a topaz resting in it for three days could improve vision if it was rubbed on the eyes.

Today we know that topaz is a wonderful stone for making jewelry because it is very hard and durable, thanks to its strong chemical bonds. Topaz earrings in various shades of color seem to be a particular favorite of Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, and topaz is also popularly used in bracelets, necklaces, clips, and brooches. Today most topaz is mined in Brazil, although it is also produced in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Russia, Germany, Australia, and Nigeria and in New Hampshire, Utah, and California in the United States.

The largest uncut specimen of topaz in the world weighs nearly six hundred pounds! It was mined in Brazil and is on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and it is certainly a sight to see. If you’re looking for topaz of a slightly more manageable size, contact your Austin custom jeweler, Copeland Jewelers, today! We love to work with topaz, and we would be thrilled to help you find your perfect topaz piece or create something bespoke for you this holiday season.

November 5 2017

Trust Your Business to the Austin Company that’s Crafted Fine Jewelry Since 1983 | ATX Custom Jewelry

Designers

ATX jeweler

Clay Copeland first began working in the jewelry business while he was in high school in the 1970s. He was trained as a bench jeweler (an industry term meaning someone who is experienced with all aspects of jewelry making, from designing to making to repairing) in 1976 while managing the shop at The Sheftall Company. Upon opening his own Austin jewelry store in 1983, Clay decided to create a company unique among jewelry firms in the area, from its high quality service to the wide variety of jewelry sold to the breadth of services offered. The compay soon moved to the Arboretum Market and became known as Copeland Jewelers, and it moved again in 2000 to its current location in Davenport Village.

Thirty-three years after founding his company, Clay Copeland is still running a one-of-a-kind Austin jewelry store that carries some of the finest pieces on the market. However, Copeland Jewelers is also well-known for its custom jewelry design services. Clay and his colleague and fellow bench jeweler, Martin Fernandez, are passionate about every step of the process, beginning with designing the piece, then modeling it out of wax, then casting the precious metal, and finally setting stones of all types.

Your Austin custom jeweler can help you with nearly any piece of jewelry imaginable; the options are endless. We can help you design a custom engagement ring or other gift for a loved one. We can re-size your grandmother’s ring to fit your finger. We can add an engraving to the back of a watch. We can take a stone from an old piece of jewelry and rework it into a new, modern setting. Copeland Jewelers knows how precious and personal your jewelry is and will be for years to come, and in everything we do, we keep in mind our goal of providing our customers with the best possible jewelry experience in Austin or anywhere else!

If you would like to set up a consultation to work with our experienced, professional jewelers, please call your Austin jewelry designer today!

October 30 2017

How Much Do You Know About the Clasp on Your Necklace or Bracelet?

Uncategorized

ATX jeweler

Most people don’t put much thought into the clasps on their jewelry. As long as they can open the clasp and it stays closed on its own, what more is there to know, right? Well, there’s actually a lot! There are many different types of clasps for necklaces and bracelets. Some are better suited to certain styles of jewelry, and some require more or less dexterity than others, so the right clasp is an important consideration when choosing a piece to wear or purchase. Your Austin jewelry destination, Copeland Jewelers, has the 411 that you need to know about this important piece of your jewelry!

Lobster claw

This is what most people think of when they happen to think about jewelry clasps. Its shape resembles a lobster’s claw; when a tiny lever is pressed, a spring activates a hinge, pulling the bottom part of the claw toward the curved part of the clasp so a ring or loop can be hooked on. Letting go of the lever causes the clasp to close up. Lobster claw clasps come in many sizes and styles, including a swivel style, which allows the clasp to rotate fully without twisting up the necklace or bracelet. Lobster claws are great for jewelry of light or medium weight, but they may be difficult for people with limited dexterity.

Spring ring

Spring ring clasps function similar to lobster claws, but pressing the lever causes part of the clasp to slide back inside a tube, rather than hinging into the open space. Like lobster claws, spring ring clasps are great for light- or medium-weight jewelry, but dexterity may be an issue. Spring ring clasps are especially hard to fasten one-handed, so they may not be a good choice on a bracelet, unless you know you will have someone to help you put it on.

Barrel or screw

Barrel or screw clasps have two barrel-shaped pieces, one on either end of a necklace or bracelet. They fasten when one piece is screwed tightly inside the other. This clasp absolutely requires two hands to fasten, so it shares the same drawbacks as a spring ring.

Slide lock

Slide lock clasps consist of two metal tubes, one on either end of a necklace or bracelet. One tube slides inside the other and locks in place. This clasp is specifically designed for multi-strand jewelry; each tube has little rings along it, one for each strand of the necklace or bracelet. Slide lock clasps do not require as much dexterity as many of the other options.

Toggle

Toggle clasps also have two separate piece. One is a bar, and the other is an open shape (usually a circle). The clasp is fastened by tilting the bar to insert it through the open side and then allowing the bar to straighten out, so it catches on the ring. There are many different styles of toggle clasps, and they are often used as decorative accents on a piece of jewelry, especially necklaces that are intended to fasten in the front. Toggles work best with heavier jewelry, since the weight of the piece will provide tension to help the necklace or bracelet stay fastened. When choosing a piece of jewelry with a toggle clasp, be sure the bar and the open shape are good sizes so they fit together easily but are not prone to coming apart unexpectedly. Unless the pieces of the clasp are very small, this style of clasp tends to be easier for people with limited dexterity.

S hook

Unsurprisingly, S hook clasps have a hook shaped like the letter S that slides through a ring on the other end of the necklace or bracelet. This is one of the very oldest jewelry clasps in existence, and the styles of S hooks range from simply functional to very decorative. When choosing an S hook clasp, be sure the hook will not easily slide out of the ring and the hook will not snag on clothing or other objects.

Fishhook

Fishhook clasps have a metal hook on one side and a delicate, oval-shaped (almost “fish-shaped”) metal box on the other. The hook catches on a little bar inside the box and may lock with a spring mechanism. These clasps can be quite fancy, even adorned with diamonds and other jewels, and they are usually used on classic pearl necklaces and other very elegant pieces. Due to the delicate nature of the clasp, fishhooks can be difficult to fasten one-handed and therefore may not be a good choice for bracelets.

Magnetic

Magnetic clasps come in many shapes and sizes, and they fasten very simply, with magnets at the ends of the necklace or bracelet that snap together. These clasps can be plain or decorative, and they are an excellent choice for people who struggle with dexterity or who always have to put on their own jewelry. The strength of the magnets can vary from piece to piece; naturally, stronger magnets will be needed for heavier jewelry.

When you’re choosing a piece of Austin fine jewelry, whether it’s for yourself or for someone else, it’s very important to notice the style of clasp it has and consider whether it will work well for the person who will wear the necklace or bracelet. Also, when you choose a necklace or bracelet from your own collection, be sure to think about what outfit you’ll be wearing and whether you run the risk of snagging delicate fabric. If have any questions about the clasps on your jewelry, or you’d like to learn more about how clasps can be modified, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Copeland Jewelers!

October 23 2017

Are You in Danger of Losing Your Diamond? Don’t Let It Happen to You! | ATX Custom Jewelry

Gemstones, Rings, Services

ATX jewelry store

Sometimes it’s easy to tell when things get worn out: The color fades from the bristles in your toothbrush. Your tire tread becomes smooth and flat. The sleeves of your sweaters stretch out, or the fabric pills. These changes are easy to see, and we replace these items to help keep our teeth clean, our cars safe, and our wardrobes sharp. But when it comes to our jewelry, changes aren’t so easy to see – and without proper attention, those changes may lead to missing diamonds. But never fear – your Austin fine jewelry store can help you prevent disaster!

Some of the most important (and most often ignored) parts of many jewelry pieces are their prongs. Prongs are the little metal claws that hold diamonds and other stones in place in most settings. They can be flat, round, pointed, or V-shaped. They’re almost always found in rings, and they suffer the most stress in rings, since they’re worn on the hands and often worn every single day. Most ring designs that feature prongs have either four or six of them – having four allows more of the stone to show, but having six is safer and more secure. However, prongs can be a part of any piece of jewelry, and if the prongs of your necklace, brooch, or bracelet get damaged, it can be just as problematic as with rings.

Prongs work hard to keep your beloved stones in place, but they get rubbed, snagged, knocked against hard surfaces, and submerged in all kinds of substances while you wear your rings, and some of these things happen to other pieces as well. Over time, prongs can become bent or flattened, which can weaken the metal and make the gemstone less secure. Prongs can even break off entirely, leaving stones free to fall out of their settings at any moment in any place.

How do you keep your prongs in good shape? It’s simple – examine them on a regular basis with a magnifying glass. Look at each prong from all angles – if there’s any space between the gem and the metal, you have a damaged prong, and you should stop wearing the piece until you can bring it to your Austin jewelry repair destination, Copeland Jewelers. And even if you frequently examine prongs yourself and don’t find any issues, it’s important to periodically bring pieces in to our store to be examined by experts, just in case you missed something.

We understand that your jewelry means the world to you – it’s got a lot of special memories attached to it, not to mention quite a bit of money. Of course you want to keep it safe, secure, and beautiful, so do yourself a favor and stay ahead of possible prong problems. Copeland Jewelers can repair and replace your prongs any time you need, and we can also replace any gemstones that go missing should a prong break before you’re able to bring the damaged piece in to us. Trust us to prevent and repair all your jewelry emergencies!

October 17 2017

Precious vs. Semi-Precious: Is My Tiny Diamond Worth More Than My Large Amethyst? | ATX Jewelry

Gemstone Guide, Gemstones

Austin custom jewelry

You’ve heard the terms “precious” and “semi-precious” used to describe different types of gemstones, but what do they really mean? Diamonds are precious, so they must be worth more than semi-precious amethysts, right? Well, not necessarily. There are a lot of factors that go into determining the relative worth of different stones, and those two confusing terms really have nothing to do with it. Your Austin jewelry store, Copeland Jewelers, is here to set the record straight!

Believe it or not, “precious” and “semi-precious” are actually arbitrary terms when it comes to gemstones. In fact, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has discussed banning these descriptors so as not to confuse consumers. The terms were originally coined in the mid-1800s by jewelry executives who wanted to make certain stones seem more valuable than others and also denote that they were popular and rare. The distinction between the two kinds of jewels is generally only used in the West.

Today, the only “precious” stones are diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Opal, amethyst, and pearl were once classified as precious but are now categorized as semi-precious. Other semi-precious stones include turquoise, topaz, garned, citrine, jade, peridot, jasper, rose quartz. Materials used for jewelry that are not minerals, such as amber and jet, are also considered semi-precious stones. In fact, the list of semi-precious gems is incredibly long and includes many materials you’ve probably never heard of, such as algodonite, hayune, euxenite, and chicken-blood stone, just to name a few.

You might be thinking that the terms “precious” and “semi-precious” at least have something to do with how abundant different gems are, or how easy they are to find, but no. Amethysts were downgraded once large deposits were discovered in South America in the nineteenth century. Diamonds, however, kept their “precious” classification even after large deposits were discovered in South Africa, also in the nineteenth century. The semi-precious gem tanzanite, however, can only be found in Tanzania and is much more rare than diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. Alexandrites and tsavorite garnets are also very rare but considered “semi-precious.” Many semi-precious stones of high quality command much greater prices than medium-quality precious stones, so it’s truly all relative.

Is there a different way to classify gemstones that isn’t so confusing for ATX fine jewelry lovers? Definitely. Gemologists label them based on their physical features, such as the type of crystals that form the stones or the chemicals that compose them. For example, diamonds are made of carbon. Gemstones are also categorized by their hardness, luster, specific gravity (a measure of density), dispersion and refractive index (measures of how light passes through the stones), and cleavage and fracture (patterns of the stones break). These systems of classifying jewels are based in science and have merit beyond marketing purposes. And once stones have been cut and polished, their worth is largely determined by the “four Cs”: color, cut, clarity, and carat.

So back to our original question about your tiny diamond and large amethyst. It’s impossible to measure the actual worth of either stone or piece of jewelry without being able to examine them in person. Our suggestion, when it comes to choosing jewelry for yourself or someone else, is to focus on what you like (or what the recipient would like) rather than arbitrary terms that really have no meaning in the grand scheme of things. It’s good to understand what “precious” and “semi-precious” refer to, but don’t use them as the main basis for your jewelry purchase. Copeland Jewelers is pleased to educate our customers on the finer (and sometimes weirder) points of jewelry, but we’re mostly concerned with helping you choose a piece that will be treasured for years to come!

October 11 2017

Brilliant Ways to Wear Your Jewelry for Halloween | Austin Custom Jewelry

Uncategorized

ATX fine jewelry

Halloween is almost here! It’s such a great holiday because it gives us all a chance to dress up, experiment with fashion, and become someone totally different than who we normally are. Some years you may be busy and tired and only have time for a pumpkin T-shirt or a witch hat, but you should always make an effort to go all-out for Halloween at least once in your life! Here are some great suggestions for costumes for ATX jewelry connoisseurs who want to look fun and fabulous for Halloween this year.

Marilyn Monroe – Who wouldn’t want to be Hollywood’s most famous and most glamorous starlet for an evening? Marilyn Monroe is one of the most iconic film stars of all time and is still considered a treasure today. She starred in films such as The Seven Year Itch, Some Like It Hot, How to Marry a Millionaire, and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. While the latter featured Monroe’s famous version of the song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” the actor is most frequently associated with a string of pearls. Her second husband, Joe DiMaggio, bought her a beautiful string of pearls on their honeymoon in Japan from the famous Mikimoto company, and it was one of the few pieces of fine jewelry that Monroe owned outright. For your Marilyn costume, all you need is a glamorous evening gown, a pair of long gloves, and, of course, a beautiful pearl necklace!

Glamorous pirate captain – Swashbuckling pirates of the high seas have been a fascination of many for years, and they’re one of the easiest and most popular Halloween costumes! You can buy a ready-made pirate costume, or you can piece one together from thrift store items and things you already own. All it takes is a long-sleeved white shirt (bonus points if it has laces near the throat); a vest and/or a long, old fashioned coat with tails; dark pants; and dark boots. You can make or buy a hat or simply tie a bandana around your forehead, and you can add items such as an eyepatch or hook. Then add the piece de resistance: gorgeous gold hoop earrings! You can tell people you looted them in the Caribbean.

Ancient Egyptian queen – Fancy yourself a powerful pharoah like Cleopatra or Nefertiti – strong, beautiful, intelligent women who ruled alongside their brother and husband (respectively) and later ruled without the men. The most common cloth in ancient Egypt was white or light-colored linen, because it was easy to weave and lightweight in the desert heat, and linen is still popular today. You’ll want a long skirt and a fitted top. Throw on some sandals, and you might also want to add an Egyptian-style wig. Many ancient Egyptians wore wigs both for fashion reasons and to help keep head lice out of their real hair. The ancient Egyptians marked their eyes with black kohl and wore eyeshadow and red lipstick. And their favorite fashion accessories were their jewelry: they used gold and semi-precious stones such as amethyst, carnelian, and turquoise. Cuff bracelets or a collar necklace are ideal choices!

However you celebrate Halloween this year, your Austin jewelry store would love to help you get into the spirit! Visit Copeland Jewelers today and see the wide variety of beautiful pieces in our jewelry cases!

1 2 3 4 5 >»