How long should my chain be?

Have you ever wondered how long a chain you should buy—not sure exactly where it will sit on your neck? Here's a handy guide of standard chain lengths to help you decide. 

Of course, the best way to determine whether a certain length or type of chain will work for you is to try it on. Feel free to stop by our showroom anytime to explore the possibilities!

L'Odyssée de Cartier

This beautiful short film by Cartier (it seems inadequate to describe it as a commercial) is a reminder of the beauty and glamor of one of the world's oldest and most respected fine jewelers. Cartier enthusiasts will notice some of the brand's iconic designs, including the Trinity Ring, the Panthère bracelet, the Tank watch, and the Love bracelet. Enjoy!

The Five Steps of Custom Design or Redesign

RGC’s award-winning master jeweler, Simon Mattar, shares the process of creating or redesigning a fine piece of custom jewelry.

1. Evaluation:

When a client brings in a piece of old or outdated jewelry and they are not sure what they are looking for, the first thing we do is sit down with them and start evaluating the piece. We look for what they have that is reusable in gems and diamonds, then set them aside and section the scrap items they have separately.

2. Inspiration:

The next step is to try to determine the design the client is looking for. If they don’t come in with an idea already in mind, I start by showing them other pieces and/or designs to see what may pique their interest. Once we see what is interesting to them, I get to work counter-sketching the design based on the styles they like.

3. Modification:                                                                               

Once we have a couple of concepts of designs the client likes, whether modern or vintage or sometimes mixing the two, we lay out the existing diamonds and/or gems to see if they can be used in the design. Often we modify the design to accommodate the stones.

4. Design:       

Once we have the desired design sketched out, we start the designing process. This will render an actual-size drawing showing the top view and two side views, so the client can start to really see what the creation will look like. This process can take about two to three weeks, depending on the type of design.

5. Creation:

When the client approves the three-view drawings, the next step is 3-D modeling or hand modeling, to create the actual piece that the client will see and hold. This will be the final viewing before casting and finishing. Unless there are any changes needed as the piece is being finished, the next time the client will see the piece is when it is complete and they come to pick it up. That’s when I have the satisfaction of seeing their eyes light up as they get to take home a beautiful piece of new jewelry they designed themselves.

If you have any old, broken, or outdated jewelry you’d like to give “the Simon treatment,” call us for an appointment today at 858-571-4560.

All About Consignment

If you have jewelry to sell, consignment may be the way to go.  

Rock N Gold Creations provides a market for buying and selling your jewelry held on consignment. Our GIA certified jeweler, Simon Mattar, inspects your items and provides accurate descriptions of their quality and condition. He’s an expert resource who can answer all your questions about estate jewelry, whether buying, selling, or just to learn more.

Our showroom provides a private and secure location to inspect, value, and consign your precious items for sale. You will receive payment immediately when the sale is completed.

How does it work?

The whole process begins with a conversation about your piece and its position in the marketplace. Is there hot demand for it right now? Is it auction quality? What about its sentimental value to you?

The price for an item is established with you before we accept it for sale, as well as the commission, which is due when the item is sold. This price takes into consideration the item’s quality, condition, and background, and is based on the current wholesale market price for the item. The price will usually be less than retail, but more than trade. There is no listing fee.

Rock N Gold Creations has the knowledge and experience of gemology, the art of jewelry, and how to appraise to make an accurate valuation. Your item is held in our secure facility for an agreed consignment term, at a set price and commission percentage, payable to you as soon as it is sold.

How long does selling take? 

The typical consignment period is six to twelve months. If you wish to sell immediately, Rock N Gold Creations will make you an offer and you can leave with payment in hand.

To make an appointment to consign your items, call us today at (858) 571-4560.

What does a piece of fine jewelry mean to you?

What does a piece of fine jewelry mean to you?

Jewelry is so much more than a fashion accessory. A beloved piece of fine jewelry tells your story: who you are, your background, and what you value. From colorful gems and semi-precious stones to simple chains to wear on your wrist or ankle, jewelry helps define you and your sense of style.

In many countries, it’s the custom to give babies jewelry when they are very little. For both girls and boys, a piece of valuable jewelry is a sign of love and affection from the giver. No matter the child’s age, gifts of jewelry will be cherished for a lifetime. For girls, consider a baby bracelet or, if their parents have had their ears pierced, tiny earrings. For boys, an ID bracelet in gold or white gold is a lovely gift.

Baby jewelry can be custom designed for the child, but can also be modified as the baby grows up. For example, a young girl can wear her baby ring on a chain when she outgrows it. Baby jewelry can be a gift for many lifetimes, passed down to their children and their children’s children.

Baby jewelry is just one example of how the gift of a beautiful piece of fine jewelry can last a lifetime. Our master jeweler Simon Mattar is happy to help you choose a beautiful gift for a special someone. Call us or visit our beautiful showroom today.

Getting Married this Summer? Then Read this Now!

Even with the perfect climate we enjoy in San Diego, the summer months are still the first choice for many weddings. If you and your fiancé are planning to tie the knot this summer, NOW is the time to order your bridal jewelry.

Many brides don’t have much experience in choosing jewelry for themselves. It can be even more challenging when it comes to picking out bridal jewelry, because the bride wants every detail to be perfect.

Seek inspiration from bridal magazines and websites. That will give you some idea of current trends, creative ideas, and what appeals to you. It also helps to have a picture of your wedding dress if you want the jewelry to compliment it, while being timeless enough to wear for a lifetime.

For many brides, custom bridal jewelry is the best choice, because it ensures your ring, necklace, and earrings will be absolutely perfect. For example, you can have your necklace made in just the right length for the neckline of your wedding gown. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of designing your own pieces. At Rock N Gold Creations, our award-winning master designer, Simon Mattar, has years of experience in design and will be there to guide you, provide ideas, and show you samples.

Your custom bridal jewelry is only limited by your imagination (and your budget). Are you a fan of clean modern design, or a classic vintage-style look? Although colorless gemstones and pearls are a lovely tradition, there’s no need to limit yourself to them if your tastes lie elsewhere. Pearls can be pink, lavender, grey, or beige, and gemstones come in a rainbow array of prices and colors. Choose colors you love or that reflect your personality. You can also choose from different shapes of pearls.

As for metals, in addition to yellow and white gold, rose gold has become very popular. To achieve the look you want at an affordable price, consider 14k gold instead of 18k, and sterling silver instead of white gold or platinum.

In order for your custom bridal pieces to be ready in time for your summer wedding, we recommend making an appointment with Simon Mattar now. Have some fun and be creative with your designs. When they are complete, not only will your handcrafted wedding jewelry be perfect for you, but it will be also be even more special because you helped design it.

Call us today at (858) 571-4560 for an appointment.

What is Estate Jewelry?

Sometimes clients ask us what is meant by estate jewelry. Let me let you in on a little secret: You don’t have to inherit an entire estate to own estate jewelry! Estate jewelry is just a term used in our business to describe previously owned jewelry, whether acquired through inheritance or as a gift. Usually, estate jewelry is vintage and/or antique.

Vintage jewelry includes many eras, each with its different designs. These include Georgian, Early Victorian, Mid-Victorian, Late Victorian, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Retro. Any jewelry you currently own is estate jewelry. It can be fine antique and vintage heirlooms, diamonds left over from old relationships, even some costume and fashionable semi-precious jewelry.

Rock N Gold provides a full spectrum of services in the estate jewelry field, including appraising and repair. We truly care for your pieces. Owners often have doubts or fears about selling their valued items. We believe in education to help you understand how the estate jewelry market works. We also believe in educating buyers to see the value in a particular piece. Sometimes it takes a little more effort to appreciate estate jewelry, but it’s worth it.

If you have questions about the value of your estate jewelry, or are looking for a special vintage piece, call me today at (858) 571-4560.

Best wishes,

Victoria Mattar

March 4 A Cause: Shop and Help Children in Need

Like a gem that reaches its full potential with tender love and care, a child can shine brilliantly with our help and support. During the entire month of March, we will be donating a percentage of sales to children whose lives have been affected by illness, abuse, or neglect.

Sparkling diamonds can make shining smiles. When you make a purchase in March, we will be donating a percentage of sales to children whose lives have been affected by illness, abuse, or neglect.

When you purchase something beautiful, you do something beautiful. Thank you for your support.

Happy Valentine's Day to all our wonderful customers!

We hope your day is filled with sparkling love and joy.

Why Choose San Diego Custom Jewelry?

Why would you decide to have a piece of fine San Diego custom jewelry made by our master designer, Simon Mattar? There are lots of reasons why custom jewelry might be a better choice than buying something ready-made:

You have in mind a very specific and unusual design. For example, a horse lover or a fan of the races might want a ring or pendant showing a beautiful image of a horse. You would have a hard time finding that design ready-made.

You want to combine elements of several designs into one. Customers often come in with design ideas that combine certain features of two or three pieces they love into one single ring. You might want to combine the surface texture from one ring with the color or gemstone mounting of another. Only custom jewelry can give you exactly what you want.

You need a nonstandard ring size. Even if you find the ring of your dreams with the design and gemstones exactly as you want, your ring size might not be available. The solution is to order custom jewelry made specifically to fit you.

You’re looking for high-end craftsmanship. Custom jewelry is produced in single pieces and requires individual attention from our skilled master jeweler, Simon Mattar. It is done by hand and perfect hand finishing is provided. You know you’re receiving the best possible quality and value.

These are just some reasons to come to our award-winning designer, Simon Mattar, to create a unique piece of San Diego custom jewelry for you. Call us to make an appointment today.

Engagement Rings: A Candidate for Redesign

 Rock N Gold Creations’ master San Diego custom jeweler, Simon Mattar, is a San Diego custom jewelry design specialist. A customer comes to him with an idea, a dream of a beautiful new item, and he brings it to life. Sometimes he creates a piece from scratch. Other times, customers come to him with old jewelry that they don’t wear anymore and he turns an old piece into a stunning new custom ring or custom necklace that they will love and wear every day.

When the design is for a new custom engagement ring, we think it’s a good idea to involve the woman in the design. Even if she isn’t sitting in on the meetings because the man would like to surprise her, he should have ideas of what she likes. Bringing in pictures she has cut out of magazines or notes of specific requests she has made is a great idea. If you’re going to plan your future together, you should be able to agree on what you want in a custom ring design. After all, this is a beautiful symbol of your commitment to each other that she will be wearing every day for the rest of your lives together. The last thing you want is to surprise her with something that doesn’t match her personality or style.

One example is choosing a diamond that is high in quality, but sacrificing size for clarity and cut. Although it is a fine diamond, it might not look very impressive on your fiancée’s finger. She might prefer a slightly larger diamond that was not as perfect. (Rock N Gold Creations focuses on premium to ideal quality GIA-certified diamonds.) A small but almost perfect diamond in an outdated setting is a perfect candidate for Simon to create a new setting that really sets it off, using old stones to create a whole new look. If you have an engagement ring that you never really liked, or would simply like to update its look, call today to make an appointment with Simon to explore the possibilities.

Simon Says... Shopping for Your Valentine

Valentine’s Day is here, and there is still time for you to pick up a beautiful item of San Diego custom jewelry for your loved one. Men's bracelets are hot right now, and designer watches are very popular. (Rock N Gold Creations stocks vintage and classic watches from many fine designers.) Heart-shaped custom jewelry (the universal symbol of love) is always a great pick for Valentine’s Day, as well as jewelry with gemstones in pink and red shades like rubies, garnets, amethyst, pink topaz, pink diamonds or sapphires, and pink tourmaline, among others.

Another great choice this year is vintage jewelry, and we have a large selection of estate items to choose from. Charms and charm bracelets are hot sellers, along with chunky rings. Charm bracelets never go out of style, and you can choose from thousands of charms, so there will always be one with a special significance to your valentine.

Think about your valentine's tastes. What does she like and dislike when looking at jewelry? Is her look big and bold or does she prefer simple and elegant? What will this gift mean to her? Will she still wear it long after Valentine’s Day, or will it end up in the jewelry box with all the other items that just didn't fit her style or personality?

Women can think creatively about gifts for the man in your life, too. One example is to give him sports tickets held in a beautiful vintage money clip, or custom cuff links for his favorite dress shirt.

Whatever you choose, the high level of quality and workmanship you receive from Rock N Gold Creations will show your valentine you want to give them nothing but the best. Come see everything we have to offer in our showroom, for all budgets.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Simon Mattar