Rock N Gold Creations ~ San Diego's Custom Jewelry Design Center

2012-02-14T09:46:00.000-08:00

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?

2012-02-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-04T09:05:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-04T09:03:00.000-08:00

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

Think Outside the Little Velvet Box this Valentine’s Day

2012-02-04T09:01:00.000-08:00

Gentlemen (and ladies too)—why not consider a creative alternative to the little jewelry box this Valentine’s Day? If you put your mind to it, you can present your loved one with a gift of jewelry in an original way.

Here are some ideas for ways to present fine jewelry as a gift:

—Arrange the jewelry item inside a box of fine chocolates.

—Nestle a pair of earrings into the petals of a single rose. Gold looks beautiful in a red rose, while silver or platinum pop against pink petals.

—Drape a chain with pendant or a bracelet around the outside of a bottle of fine wine or champagne.

—Jewelry in a small drawstring bag can be slipped into your loved one’s pocket (or purse), for a lovely surprise later in the evening.

—Choose a larger box from an unrelated item and carefully wrap the jewelry in layers of tissue paper or bubble wrap to hide inside. It might look like a toaster, but it turns out to be a lovely bracelet or pendant.

—Present her with a teddy bear or other stuffed animal wearing the necklace or bracelet.

Some up with some ideas of your own—the sky’s the limit. With a little creative thinking, both you and your loved one will be delighted with your Valentine’s Day gift and the little box can wait for another day.

Victoria’s Secrets: How to Clean Your Jewelry

2012-02-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

Your fine jewelry may not look its best if you don’t keep your pieces clean. The buildup of sweat, soap, lotion, and everyday grime can make your custom jewelry look dull and dirty and harbor bacteria. Although cleaning jewelry is one of the complimentary services Rock N Gold Creations offers, many clients ask me how they can do it themselves at home. Here are some tips to keep your custom jewelry clean and gleaming:

GOLD: Soak the item for 15 minutes in a two cups of warm water with a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid, like Joy. Gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

DIAMONDS: Soak for 20 minutes in a mixture of one cup warm water and ¼ cup ammonia. Gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush, getting into the small areas between the diamond and the setting. Rinse with warm water, and lay on a tissue to dry.

PEARLS: Rub each pearl individually with a soft, clean cotton cloth dampened with a solution of two cups warm water and a few drops of a mild dishwashing liquid, like Joy. (Don’t soak your string of pearls; it can cause the string to stretch.) Let them air-dry overnight.

SILVER: Rinse in warm water and pat dry. If silver is tarnished, use a silver-polishing cloth or a jar of silver-cleaning fluid. (Silver cleaner won't harm gold and platinum, but it also won't clean them.) For intricately designed jewelry, use a silver-cleaning paste to get into small crevices. (Don't use toothpaste or other abrasive cleaners, which will scratch.) Wipe with a clean, soft cloth.

Call us today to make an appointment for complimentary jewelry cleaning!

Best wishes,

Victoria Mattar

When Should I Sell My Gold?

2012-02-04T08:53:00.000-08:00

A client came in to the showroom recently and said, “I sold you some of my gold jewelry a few years ago and it was at $800 an ounce. Today I see from your website that it’s at $1,700 an ounce. Boy, I wish I’d waited!” You might think she was right to wish she had held on to her gold a little longer. But we told her, “If you think you got the best deal on your gold at that time, and the cash you received was what you needed, you shouldn’t feel bad that you didn’t hold on to it longer.”

It’s true that gold prices are high right now, up almost 600 percent over the past ten years. The uncertain economy has a lot to do with that. Clients ask us whether prices will rise even higher. We post the most current precious metals prices right on our website, but we don’t have a crystal ball or a time travel machine. We can’t tell you if gold will be worth more or less in a few months or next year. But if you need money now and you have unwanted gold jewelry to sell, we guarantee you the best price you can get in the current market, and you’ll have the cash in hand you need. That’s a pretty good deal.

Red Carpet Jewelry Trends

2012-01-31T12:09:00.000-08:00

It's awards season! A great chance to see what's hot in jewelry trends. Check out this article about what the stars were wearing on the red carpet at the recent Golden Globes awards.

Angelina Jolie wears diamond earrings on the red carpet

Victoria's Secrets: Break Out Your Bling

2012-01-20T13:57:00.000-08:00

As San Diego custom jewelers, we sometimes hear this comment from our customers, whether they’re ladies or men: “I have some wonderful pieces, but where on earth can I wear them?” Do you ever find yourself looking at a one of your larger or more glamorous San Diego custom jewelry pieces and thinking, “It’s too good to wear out just to dinner and a movie,” or “How many months is it until New Year’s Eve comes back?” Well, relax. Your pal Victoria is here to tell you there are more than just a few occasions that warrant pulling out your best San Diego custom jewelry.

Impress Your Friends

Generally, other women generally tend to have a keener eye for nice jewelry than most men do. Look at occasions like bridal showers, girls’ nights out, and even spa getaway weekends as a chance to wear some of your most beautiful and valuable pieces around people who will appreciate them. Even in the daytime, some well-chosen, beautiful San Diego custom jewelry pieces can make your outfit stand out.

Hang with the Artsy Crowd

Events like fashion shows and art gallery or museum openings are a perfect excuse to bring out your most unusual, trendy, or cutting-edge pieces. If you’ve ever been to a contemporary art gallery reception, you know no outfit or San Diego custom jewelry is too over-the-top or outrageous for that crowd. Take a look at online events listings to see what might interest you, like the opening of a retrospective of artist John Baldessari’s work at the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla, coming up on February 4. At just $10 to attend, this event is sure to feature a fascinating cross-section of art fans who will appreciate your funkiest pieces.

Looking Good While Doing Good

When it’s time to bring out the really big bling, nothing beats a charity gala, where the cream of San Diego society turns out to pony up for a good cause. The ticket price for some of these events may be steep, but look at it this way: you’re doing your part to help out, and most of it is tax-deductible. And where else will you have the chance to flash the multi-karat stones without feeling the tiniest bit self-conscious?

Here are just a few charity events coming up:

• 103rd Anniversary Charity Ball, Spectacular San Diego, January 21, 2012, at the Hotel Del Coronado, benefiting Rady Children's Hospital Trauma Center. The oldest charitable event in San Diego requires formal attire and features an elegant wine reception, dinner, entertainment, and dancing, at $250 per person.

• “Rendez-vous with Mozart at Versailles,” on January 22, 2012, a fundraising soirée at the Westgate Hotel to support Mainly Mozart. Champagne, costumed musicians, a concert of Mozart's music, and an exquisite French buffet, at $275 per person.

• If you’re a fan of soaring arias, San Diego Opera's Opening Night Gala is the social event of the season, with Richard Strauss’s masterpiece, Salome, on January 28, 2012. This is the biggie -- $1,250 per person includes an evening of celebration, dinner, and dancing at the US Grant Hotel, as well as tickets to the opera performance in the best seats. Trust us, you’re not going to see more bling anywhere.

• If those are too rich for your blood, consider the 2012 Red and White Ball on February 11-12, 2012. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the San Diego Delta Foundation present “An Evening of Elegance” at Paradise Point Resort, supporting educational advancement through scholarships for students throughout San Diego County. Tickets are $75 per person.

Don’t be shy, and don’t push those beautiful big pieces to the back of the jewelry box. Look for occasions and places to wear them proudly, and add to your San Diego custom jewelry collection that will last a lifetime!

Best wishes,

Victoria Mattar

Simon Says…

2012-01-20T13:42:00.000-08:00

If you’ve made the decision to have a piece of San Diego custom jewelry designed for yourself or a loved one, you want to know you can trust the person who will design and create it for you. At Rock N Gold Creations you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that we are an award-winning San Diego custom jewelry business, GIA certified, BBB approved, and chosen year after year by the public as the best custom jeweler in San Diego. I’m eager to put my years of experience and skill to work for you, to give you the pleasure of creating and owning a piece of unique San Diego custom jewelry that will become a part of you and your family.

Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Simon Mattar

Repurpose and Redesign Your Unwanted Jewelry!

2012-01-20T13:40:00.000-08:00

Treating yourself or a loved one to a new piece of San Diego custom jewelry can be fun and affordable when you do a little mining in your own jewelry box. Is there a piece that’s been in there forever, and you just don't wear it? Perhaps it has a broken clasp or some other damage you don’t feel is worth repairing. How about a special item that’s been passed on to you from a favorite family member, but whose look you don’t like?

Master jewelry San Diego custom jewelry designer Simon Mattar can take that piece of jewelry and design a whole new look, turning your old piece into something fabulous and new. He can modernize an old setting, recreate a beloved vintage item, or take stones from two or three rings to create a whole new design. The only limit for your new San Diego custom jewelry design is your imagination.

Is It Time to Sell Your Gold?

2012-01-20T13:39:00.000-08:00

The faltering economy is not getting back on its feet as fast as we would all like, but there is a silver (or gold) lining to this continued weakness in the world markets. If you own gold or gold jewelry you no longer want, means money in your pocket, as the price of gold continues to rise.

Through our subsidiary, San Diego Gold Sellers, Rock N Gold Creations wants to buy your unwanted gold items at the best price you can find. We post current precious metals market prices on our website because we are scrupulously honest about what we are paying for gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals at all times. Visit our website www.sandiegogoldselling.com for more information.

What if you need cash but are not ready to give up your jewelry pieces just yet? Rock N Gold is also in a position to offer short-term loans with your jewelry as collateral. You can trust us for reasonable terms. (Loan minimum $2,500.) Ask us about collateral loans today.

Bring Your Feelings to Life with a Custom Jewelry Design

2012-01-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

Master designer Simon Mattar’s years of experience and skill give you the opportunity to bring your own emotions and desires to life in a piece of San Diego custom jewelry designed just for you. Your custom jewelry design will be a unique representation of you, but will also give you an heirloom-quality creation of art that you will be proud to pass down through the generations of your family.

Unique, handcrafted, San Diego custom jewelry comes in many price ranges and is by no means restricted to bridal sets alone. We are a family-owned business and work with you to create unique, one-of-a-kind custom jewelry in a comfortable, no-pressure atmosphere. Whether it’s earrings, pendants, bracelets, rings, or even cufflinks, nothing feels as good as knowing the piece you’re wearing is unique and can’t be found at a San Diego jewelry store at the mall.

Make an appointment today for a free consultation with our master San Diego custom jewelry designer, Simon Mattar.

The Latest Trends in Bridal Jewelry Design

2012-01-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

We talked with our master jewelry designer, Simon Mattar, about ring styles he thinks will be popular in 2012. A simple solitaire may be a classic (and safe) choice, but you can also let your imagination run wild with these dazzlers.

Gems of Many Colors

If you or your fiancée enjoy less traditional styles, colored engagement rings are a good bet. There are precious stones in almost any color you can think of, from pink diamond engagement rings to other colorful gems like beryl, sapphires, and rubies.

Take Your Settings to New Heights

One of Simon’s specialties when creating San Diego custom jewelry is designing detailed, elevated ring settings that are very hot right now. This 3-D look gives you more surfaces to embellish and attracts light and attention from every angle, giving your center stone an even brighter spotlight.

Surrounded by Diamonds

Current styles loaded with diamonds are a big hit among brides and designers alike, partly thanks to Prince William offering his mother, Princess Diana’s, engagement ring to Kate Middleton upon their engagement. A dazzling diamond or other gem can get lots of help from its surroundings. Not only do added smaller diamonds bring tons of sparkle, but they can also make the center stone look larger.

Bands that Twist and Turn

It’s not just the stones that get more attention in current ring designs. San Diego custom jewelers are creating rings with bands that twist and turn, combine, and even braid together. From swirling diamond bands to more streamlined metal twists, this may be the contemporary look that works for you.

Glamorous Vintage Looks

Are you a more classic kind of bride? The intricate settings and metal and diamond detailing of heirloom styles are rich in history and provide classic looks that never go out of style. There may also be a beautiful ring handed down on either side of the family that can be repurposed with a new stone or setting, saving you the cash you’ll need to embark on your new life together.

Environmentally Friendly Rings

Let us know if it’s important to you to design the symbol of your everlasting love with a clear conscience. Rock N Gold Creations is committed to using recycled or repurposed gold settings as much as possible.

Inspired by these ideas? Or just interested in fine-crafted San Diego custom jewelry? Call us to make an appointment to meet with master San Diego custom jewelry designer Simon Mattar today!

Sparkling wishes for the holiday season

2011-12-21T17:37:00.000-08:00

From all of us at Rock N Gold Creations —sparkling wishes for the holiday season.

Christmas is almost here! We are open and ready to help with your last-minute gift needs.

Holiday hours: Monday-Friday 10am to 6pm

Saturday 10am to 4pm

• Gift wrapping available

• Centrally located

• Free, easy parking

• No waiting!

This year, choose a precious gift that will last a lifetime.

May’s Birthstone, the Entrancing Emerald, Ushers in Spring

2011-05-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

The intense brilliant green of May’s birthstone, the emerald, is the perfect symbol of spring, a time of new growth and rebirth. The wonderful green color of emerald is without compare in the gem kingdom. Emerald’s precious green color comes from small amounts of chromium and is enhanced by traces of iron. The deeper the color, the more valuable the stone.

Example of an emerald-cut emerald

The emerald is a member of the beryl family. The green crystals grow slowly within metamorphic rocks and are restricted in size by the rock, making large emeralds rare and costly. Although emeralds are relatively hard and durable, they must be protected from blows because the inclusions found within make them susceptible to breaking.

Emeralds usually contain inclusions and other flaws, but they are the only gemstone for which these inclusions are not considered a flaw that reduces their value. The French call the tiny fractures or inclusions often found within emeralds “jardin,” or garden, because of their resemblance to foliage. Indeed, flaws are considered part of the character of an emerald, an assurance to the purchaser of a natural stone.

Emeralds were first mined in Ancient Egypt in the extremely hot, snake- and scorpion-infested eastern desert region of the country, 2,000 years before the birth of Cleopatra. During her reign, that famous queen claimed the emerald mines as her own, as this was her favorite stone. She often wore lavish emerald jewelry, and was said to bestow visiting dignitaries with large emeralds carved with her likeness when they left Egypt.

Emeralds in their natural state: specimen from
the Malyshevo Mine, Sverdlovskaya Oblast', Russia.

Ancient Egyptians would also engrave Emeralds with the symbol for foliage, to represent eternal youth, and bury these jewels with their dead. In ancient Rome, the emerald was associated with fertility and rebirth, and dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.

In the sixteenth century, the Spanish Conquistadors in the New World were amazed to find the natives wearing emeralds larger and more magnificent than any they had ever seen. Although the natives attempted to hide their emerald mines, the Spaniards soon discovered and conquered most of them. But it was not until twenty years later that they found the abundant mining operation held by the Muzo Indians, in the area known today as Colombia, and another thirty years to overtake this aggressive tribe. The Muzo mine remains the source of the most prized emerald specimens to this day.

Colombian emeralds have a deep green color without any blue tint. Typically the deepest green gems are the most coveted. And on occasion a rare Trapiche emerald, with six rays radiating from the center, is found. The rays are actually inclusions that have formed a hexagonal shape. Emeralds are also found in Brazil, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Russia.

Today, the most common way to cut emeralds is an “Emerald Cut,” a long rectangular shape with large flat surfaces. Emeralds are also cut into cabochons and used as beads. Some people believe that wearing an emerald brings wisdom, growth, and patience. This explains why a gift of emerald for an anniversary is considered symbolic of love and fidelity.

Use Your Synergy Card and Earn Points Toward More Bling!

2011-04-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Do you have your Synergy card yet? Rock N Gold is partnering with Synergy World to bring more rewards to our customers. Synergy cards are both a rewards card and a gift card. With your Synergy card, you’ll earn points for every purchase at Rock N Gold. When you reach 30 points (at $1,000), $30 will automatically be loaded onto your card for use at Rock N Gold! As for referrals, you’ll receive 1 point for every dollar your referred customer spends. For example, if they spend $1,000 you’ll receive $10 added to your card automatically. USe your RGC card at other locations to earn rewards with them and save.

Also: give the Synergy card as a gift card, and it can be used at any place that accepts Synergy cards, to earn more points. Make sure you’re signed up for a Synergy card and start earning points toward more bling!

Forged in the Earth to Delight People Forever… April’s Birthstone, the Diamond

2011-04-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

“A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”

Born in April? Lucky, lucky you. You will have a lifelong excuse—as if you need one—to treat yourself to what is still the most popular and valuable gemstone on earth: the dazzling diamond.

Is there any stone more beloved and desired than the diamond, April's birthstone? Considering its rarity and value, it’s a tribute to the diamond’s appeal that so many women today own at least one, and many men do too.

The diamond is remarkably simple in its composition, yet stunning in its unique ability to reflect and refract light into vivid flashes of brilliant color, for which humans have always revered it. The ancient Hindus called the diamond “vajra,” meaning lightning, because of the sparks of light it throws off, as well as its invincible strength. The diamond is harder than any other substance on earth—four times harder than the next hardest natural mineral, corundum (sapphire and ruby). In 16th-century England, uncut diamond crystals were set into “scribbling rings,” the exposed points used by lovers to etch romantic messages into windowpanes. Diamonds have been used as cutting and engraving tools since early times, for carving cameos from stone, cutting jade, and drilling pearls.

The diamond’s value is not arrived at arbitrarily. It has many qualities that make it the most expensive and prized gemstone on earth. If you are a fan of superlatives, this list is for you:

Pear cut

• As mentioned above, a diamond is the hardest substance on earth by a wide margin. Nothing can scratch a diamond other than another diamond. And a diamond can scratch anything, even a sapphire.

• Pure diamond is completely colorless and transparent over a larger range of wavelengths (from the ultraviolet into the far infrared) than any other solid or liquid substance. Nothing else even comes close.

• Diamond conducts heat better than anything—five times better than the second best element, silver. (This is the basis for testing diamonds, as it’s easy to do and can’t be faked.)

• Diamond has a high index of refraction (ability to bend light), which gives it the high luster called adamantine. Diamond also has a relatively high optical dispersion, which gives it the flash of “fire” that makes it so desirable.

Diamonds have been revered throughout history, embellishing the items of royalty like crowns, swords, and emblems, as well as jewelry. Diamonds have also been credited for having certain medicinal properties. During the middle ages, they were thought to heal illness, but only if the ailing person took the diamond into bed to warm it up first.

Historically, only the elite could own diamonds. In the 13th century, Louis IX of France even passed a law reserving diamonds only for kings. But as more sophisticated methods of diamond mining and exporting evolved, diamonds became more plentiful and accessible to others.

A diamond before cutting

Formed deep within the earth where there is intense heat and pressure, diamonds are simply crystallized carbon. Volcanic activity brings the gemstones to the earth’s surface, where they are found either in volcanic rock formations or washed out into rivers. India is the first riverbed source of diamond mining, but today diamonds are found primarily in Australia, the Soviet Union, and Africa.

Believe it or not, an uncut diamond often looks like nothing more than a plain pebble upon the beach. The stones’ true beauty was not revealed until gemstone cutting and polishing techniques were perfected in the 16th century. Today, the value and appeal of a diamond depends largely upon how skillfully it is cut and faceted. Diamonds may be nearly any color in the rainbow plus browns, grays, and white. Shades of yellow are most common, followed by colorless. Blue, black, reddish, and greenish are more rare, and more valuable.

Princess or round cut

The ancient Greeks believed that the fire of a diamond reflected the flame of everlasting love. In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented his fiancée, Mary of Burgundy, with a diamond ring, this beginning the tradition in the West of presenting the diamond as a promise of marriage and a symbol of everlasting love, now adopted the world over. It’s believed the origin of wearing the engagement ring on the third finger of the left hand is rooted in the ancient Egyptian belief that the “vena amoris,” or vein of love, runs from the heart to the top of this finger.

From the stunning displays of designer stones flashed by movie stars on the red carpet to the modest engagement rings of young brides, diamonds continue to enjoy great popularity people from all walks of life. As actress Zsa Zsa Gabor said, summing up this universal love of diamonds: “I have never hated a man enough to give his diamonds back.”

“Men grow cold as girls grow old, and we all lose our charms in the end. But square-cut or pear-shaped, these rocks don't lose their shape—diamonds are a girl's best friend.”
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Carrying on the great tradition of diamond jewelry, RGC specializes in creating the most unique and perfect expression of your love and commitment in engagement rings and bridal sets. For all the information you need about buying diamonds, such as an explanation of the Four Cs, please visit our website.

Simon Says…

2011-04-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

The late Elizabeth Taylor wearing the Taylor-Burton diamond.

If, as Marilyn Monroe sang, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” then the incomparable Elizabeth Taylor, whom we lost recently, had a lot of VERY good friends. Taylor’s gifts of jewels from her two-time husband Richard Burton put her on the all-time list of diamond collectors. Starting with Burton’s first jewelry purchase for Taylor, the 33.19-carat Krupp Diamond, in 1968, the superstar couple’s names were on the list of important diamond auctions. (By the way, Taylor wore this magnificent stone in a ring almost daily, until her death.)

For her 40th birthday in 1972, Burton gave Taylor a heart-shaped diamond known as the Taj-Mahal, a large flat stone with an Arabic inscription on either side, set with rubies and diamonds in a yellow gold rope-pattern necklace. “This diamond has so many carats, its almost a turnip," Burton said about it at the time. But by the far the best known of his purchases was the 69.42-carat pear-shaped stone later to be called the Taylor-Burton Diamond. It was cut from a rough stone weighing 240.80 carats found in the Premier Mine in 1966, and subsequently bought by famed jeweler Harry Winston. You can read a fascinating account of how the stone came into Taylor’s possession, and what happened to it after that, here: http://famousdiamonds.tripod.com/taylor-burtondiamond.html

Hollywood icons like Monroe and Taylor helped give diamonds the meaning and significance they have today. Although you may not be looking for a 60-carat stone, in today’s diamond market, it’s a good time to add more friends to your collection! Diamond prices are currently good, but like everything else, as the economy changes the diamond market will change with it. Medium diamonds are your best value. The collection diamond prices are still holding strong, but some good values can be found depending on the size you may be looking for. Come in to see our diamonds—we only carry premium to ideal collection diamonds, along with some great non-certified diamonds with our own specifications to give you the best value.

Trust Your Instincts... RGC Designed

Best regards,
Simon Mattar

The History of Jewelry, Part 5

2011-04-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

Jewelry of Asia

China
One of the earliest cultures to begin making jewelry in Asia were the Chinese, around 5,000 years ago. Chinese jewelry designs were inspired by religion, featuring Buddhist symbols, a tradition that continues to this day.

The Chinese used more silver than gold in their jewelry, and decorated it with their favourite color, blue. Early on, they tied blue kingfisher feathers onto jewelry, and later, blue gems and glass were incorporated into their designs. However, jade was preferred over any other stone. The Chinese revered jade because of its hardness, durability, and beauty. It is so hard that it had to be fashioned using diamonds. The first Chinese jade pieces were very simple, but as time progressed, they evolved into more complex designs. Jade rings from between the 4th and 7th centuries BC show evidence of having been worked with a compound milling machine, hundreds of years before the first development of such equipment in the west.

In China, jewelry was worn frequently by both men and women to show their nobility and wealth, and in later years, to accentuate beauty. Women wore highly detailed gold and silver headdresses and other items, while men wore decorative hat buttons to show their rank, and silver or gold rings. Women also wore bands of gold on their foreheads, much like women in the Indus Valley. This was an early type of tiara, often decorated with precious gems. The most common jewelry worn in China was earrings, worn by both men and women. Amulets with a Chinese symbol or dragon were also common. Dragons, Chinese symbols, and phoenixes are frequently found on jewelry designs. Most Chinese graves found by archaeologists contain decorative jewelry.

India
India has the longest continuous legacy of jewelry making anywhere, dating back to Ramayana and Mahabharata times. While Western jewelry traditions were at the mercy of the rise and fall of empires, India enjoyed a continuous development of its art forms for five millennia. One of the first to start jewelry making were the people of the Indus Valley (present-day Pakistan and northwest India). By 1500 BC, residents of the Indus Valley were creating gold earrings and necklaces, bead necklaces, and metallic bangles. Before 2100 BC, before metals were widely used, the largest jewelry trade in the Indus Valley region was in beads, made from rough stones, that were placed into a hot oven and heated until they turned deep red, a highly prized color. The red stone would then be chipped to the right size and be bored with a hole with primitive drills. The beads were then polished and sometimes painted with designs. Bead making was often passed down through generations, with children of bead makers learning how to work beads from an early age.

Jewelry in the Indus Valley was worn predominantly by women and girls. They wore many clay or shell bracelets, shaped like doughnuts and painted black. Over time, clay bangles were replaced by more durable ones. Today in India, bangles are made out of metal or glass. As in China, women frequently wore were thin bands of gold on their brows, as well as earrings, primitive brooches, chokers, and gold rings. Some men in the Indus Valley wore beads, including tiny ones crafted to be woven into men’s and women’s hair.

India was the first country to mine diamonds, with some mines dating back to 296 BC. Realizing their valuable qualities, the Indians initiated the diamond trade, which flourished about 1,000 AD. Today, many Indian jewelry designs and traditions are still in use, and elaborate gold jewelry is commonplace in Indian ceremonies and weddings.

March’s Birthstone: the Brilliant and Beautiful Aquamarine

2011-03-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

Picture the brilliant blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and you’ll understand why March’s birthstone is named the aquamarine—from the Roman word “aqua,” meaning water, and “mare,” meaning sea, this pale blue gem does indeed resemble the color of seawater. The ancient Romans believed that the aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea, having washed onto shore from the jewel boxes of sirens. Early sailors wore aquamarine talismans, engraved with the likeness of Neptune, as protection against dangers at sea.

This association with water led to the early belief that the aquamarine was particularly powerful when immersed. Water in which aquamarines had been submerged was used in ancient times to heal a variety of illnesses of the heart, liver, stomach, mouth and throat. Aquamarines were also used to reverse poisoning and to aid in fortune telling.

The aquamarine is a member of the beryl family, a mineral that crystallizes within large-grained igneous rocks on the earth’s crust. As long as 2,000 years ago, beryl was used to correct vision, and it continues to be used today in the manufacture of eyeglasses. It is a very hard mineral, making the aquamarine a durable gemstone for use in jewelry.

Aquamarine varies in color from clear blue-green to a light sky blue. The majority of aquamarines, unlike other gemstones, are flawless. The largest deposits can be found in Brazil, but other sources of aquamarine are in China, India, Australia, Africa, and the United States.

The hardness and durability of aquamarine make it a fine gemstone, and its light blue or aqua color makes it a fine choice when the harsher colors of some other gemstones would overwhelm or distract from an outfit. Its typical delicate color allows it to be used in a larger stone where its beauty can be impressive.

Aquamarine jewelry is associated with beauty, honesty, loyalty, and happiness. A gift of aquamarine symbolizes both safety and security, especially within long-standing relationships. It has even been said that the aquamarine reawakens love in a tired marriage, so if you want to bring back that spark in your partner’s eyes, you might consider this gem as an anniversary gift!

Enter our Facebook Contest and Celebrate St. Patty’s Day with a $50 Gift Card!

2011-03-14T07:47:00.001-07:00

Have you Liked us on Facebook yet? Why not write a review?

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day and all things Irish, the first five Facebook fans to write a review in our Facebook Reviews section before March 17, 2011, will receive a $50 gift card! What could be easier? Go to our Facebook page and post your review now!

The History of Jewelry, Part 4

2011-03-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

Romanticism
Starting in the late 18th century, the Romantic movement had a profound impact on the development of western jewelry. The public was fascinated by ancient treasures being discovered through the birth of modern archaeology, and also with Medieval and Renaissance art. Changing social conditions and the start of the Industrial Revolution also led to the growth of a middle class that wanted and could afford jewelry. Driven by this demand, the use of industrial processes, cheaper alloys, and stone substitutes led to the development of the first types of costume jewelry.

Distinguished goldsmiths continued to flourish, however, as wealthier patrons sought jewelry that stood apart from that of the masses, with precious metals and stones but also superior artistic and technical work.

It was during this period that a unique new category developed, quite in keeping with the philosophy of romanticism: mourning jewelry. It originated in England, where Queen Victoria was often seen wearing jet jewelry after the death of her beloved husband, Prince Albert. This allowed the wearer to continue wearing jewelry even while in deep mourning for the death of a loved one.

In 1837, Charles Lewis Tiffany formed Tiffany & Co., putting the United States on the jewelry world map and gaining fame for creating dazzling commissions for people such as the wife of President Abraham Lincoln. Later the flagship store in New York would win fame as the setting of the film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” In France, Pierre Cartier founded Cartier SA in 1847, while 1884 saw the founding of Bulgari in Italy. The modern production studio catering to the general public had been born, moving away from the dominance of individual craftsmen and wealthy patronage.

This was also the time of the first major collaboration between East and West: collaboration in Pforzheim between German and Japanese artists lead to Shakudō plaques set into filigree frames being created by the Stoeffler firm in 1885. The summit of the Romantic period in jewelry were the masterpieces of the Russian artist Peter Carl Fabergé, working for the Imperial Russian court, whose Fabergé eggs and jewelry pieces are still considered as the epitome of the goldsmith’s art.

Art Nouveau
In the 1890s, jewelers began to explore the potential of the growing Art Nouveau style and the closely related German Jugendstil and British (and to some extent American) Arts and Crafts Movement.

The many distinct features of Art Nouveau jewelry include a focus on the female form and an emphasis on color, most commonly rendered through the use of enameling techniques including basse-taille, champleve, cloisonné, and plique-à-jour. Popular motifs included orchids, irises, pansies, vines, swans, peacocks, snakes, dragonflies, mythological creatures, and the female silhouette.

A leading figure in this trend was René Lalique, working for the Paris shop of Samuel Bing. German input came from the Darmstadt Artists’ Colony and the Wiener Werkstätte, while in Denmark, Georg Jensen, though best known for his silverware, also contributed significant pieces. In England, Liberty & Co. and the British arts & crafts movement of Charles Robert Ashbee contributed more geometric but still characteristic designs. The new style moved the focus of the jeweler’s art from the setting of stones to the artistic design of the piece itself; Lalique’s dragonfly design is one of the best examples of this. Enamels played a large role in technique, while the most recognizable design feature remaining sinuous organic lines.

Art Deco
With the end of World War I, another change in public attitudes ushered in a more sober style of dress and ornament. In the 1920 and ‘30s, more effective manufacturing techniques for mass production of high-quality jewelry, combined with growing political tensions, the after-effects of the war, and a reaction against the perceived decadence of the turn of the 20th century all led to the popularity of a simpler style of jewelry known as Art Deco. Walter Gropius and the German Bauhaus movement, with their philosophy that there be no barriers between artists and craftsmen, led to new, stylistically simplified forms. Modern materials such as plastics and aluminum were also introduced, and of note are the chromed pendants of Russian-born Bauhaus master Naum Slutzky. Technical mastery became as valued as the material itself; in the west, for example, this period saw the reinvention of granulation by the German Elizabeth Treskow, in which precious metals are decorated with small spheres fused to a base piece.

Simon Says

2011-03-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

I see many clients each month who come in for us to clean and inspect their jewels. Sometimes they’re proud to tell us they have not taken off their wedding rings for years. That means they are wearing pieces with a lot of bacteria and dirt on their skin that can sometime cause a rash or even skin loss around their fingers. They may even think they’re allergic to their ring, while most often it is the bacteria from lotions, soaps, dirt, foods, etc. that is stuck inside and on the surface of their jewels. Not only is this unhealthy, but it dulls the shine and beauty of the ring. Why would you spend thousands of dollars on the most significant symbol of your lifelong commitment, only to let it get dirty and battered year after year?

We have a step-by-step procedure to see what is the issue, the first being cleaning and inspecting the jewelry. This necessity of maintenance is very important, and once we remove the ring we do a thorough cleaning and inspection of the piece or pieces. We make sure all stones are in a secure setting; sometimes we catch some stones that are about ready to fall out from natural wear. The setting can be repaired at a much lower prince than replacing the stone if it fell out and was lost. After the inspection and repairs, we do a complete refinishing, if needed, to make the jewels look like new again, for more years of enjoyment.

To keep your beloved jewelry pieces in tip-top shape, especially the ones you wear every day, we recommend you return within three to six months. Regular maintenance will keep your jewels looking new and reduce the chance of bacteria growing back to irritate your skin. This necessity of maintenance service is at no charge to our clients for the cleaning and inspection, and we never charge for refinishing our own custom-made pieces.

Sincerely,
Simon Mattar

Victoria's Secrets: The History of Jewelry, Part 3

2011-01-26T08:26:00.000-08:00

The Middle Ages
Jewelry-making skills continued to develop in post-Roman Europe, with the Celts and Merovingians in particular noted for their jewelry, whose quality matched or exceeded that of Byzantium. The most common artifacts found from this era include clothing fasteners, amulets, and to a lesser extent signet rings. The torque, a large, rigid neck ring, was common throughout Europe as a symbol of status and power. By the 8th century, jeweled weaponry was common for men, while other jewelry (with the exception of signet rings) became the domain of women, who were often buried with all their jewelry. The Celts specialized in intricate continuous patterns and designs, while Merovingian designs are best known for stylized animal figures. The Visigoths also made quality pieces, as the numerous decorative objects found at the Anglo-Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo, in Suffolk, England, can attest. On the continent, cloisonné and garnet were perhaps the quintessential method and gemstone of the period.

To the east, the Byzantine Empire continued many of the methods of the Romans, although religious themes came to predominate in its designs. Unlike the Romans, the Franks, and the Celts, however, the Byzantines used lightweight gold leaf rather than solid gold, and placed more emphasis on stones and gems than just metalworking. As in the West, Byzantine jewelry was worn by wealthier females, with male jewelry apparently restricted to signet rings. As in other contemporary cultures, jewelry was commonly buried with its owner.

The Renaissance
The boom in world exploration brought major changes in jewelry development in Renaissance Europe. By the 17th century, world exploration and trade led to the increased availability of a wide variety of gemstones, as well as exposure to the art of other cultures. This period saw the increasing dominance of gemstones and their settings. A fascinating example of this is the Cheapside Hoard, the stock of a jeweler hidden in London during the Commonwealth period and not rediscovered until 1912. Among his treasures were Colombian emerald, topaz, amazonite from Brazil, spinel, iolite, and chrysoberyl from Sri Lanka, ruby from India, Afghani lapis lazuli, Persian turquoise, and Red Sea peridot, as well as Bohemian and Hungarian opal, garnet, and amethyst. Large stones were frequently set in box-bezels on enameled rings. It was in the 1660s that Jean-Baptiste Tavernier brought the stone that was to become the Hope Diamond to France.
When Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor of the French in 1804, he revived the style and grandeur of jewelry and fashion in France. Under his rule, jewelers introduced parures: suites of matching jewelry such as a diamond tiara, diamond earrings, diamond rings, a diamond brooch, and a diamond necklace, all part of a matching set. Both of Napoleon’s wives had beautiful sets such as these and wore them regularly. Another fashion trend resurrected by Napoleon was the cameo. Soon after his cameo-decorated crown was revealed to the public, cameos became highly sought-after.

The Renaissance period also saw the early emergence of costume jewelry, with fish scale-covered glass beads in place of pearls or conch shell cameos instead of stone cameos. New terms were coined in France to differentiate the arts: jewelers who worked in cheaper materials were called bijoutiers while those who worked with expensive materials were called joailliers, a practice that continues to this day.

Next time: Romanticism, Art Nouveau, Art Deco

Simon Says…

2011-01-26T08:20:00.000-08:00

2011 is here, and it’s a great time to look into your jewelry box to see which pieces are outdated or haven’t been worn for a while. Bring them in for us to evaluate, and we’ll transform them into a new piece for you. The newest addition to our services is Rock N Gold Estates, reconditioning new and vintage estate jewels and fine watches of good quality and great value. We are seeing more clients every day who want to use existing jewelry they’re not wearing any more as credit toward purchasing custom-designed new or vintage jewels, allowing them to clear the miscellaneous scraps out of their jewelry boxes and fill them with unique quality pieces. Let’s set a time and we’ll see what will best fit you in 2011!

Happy prosperous new year, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Valentine's Day Offer: Dinner, Roses, and Sparkle

2011-01-26T08:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine’s Day!

What could be more romantic for Valentine’s Day than dinner, roses… and a small box to give to your sweetie with the sparkling proof of your everlasting love inside?

Right now through Valentine’s Day, Rock N Gold is offering a special deal to our fantastic customers. We’ll give you a $100 dinner gift card, a dozen roses, and a RGC $50 gift rewards card, with the purchase of one of our fine jewelry items, all for just $800! (The jewelry item will be chosen from our available stock and must be purchased three days prior to February 14th to receive the roses for Valentine's Day.) Make an appointment today to make this a Valentine’s Day to remember!

January’s Birthstone: The Gorgeous, Glowing Garnet

2011-01-26T08:13:00.000-08:00

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s perfect that January’s birthstone is the glamorous garnet, the gift of love. Due to its relative abundance compared to other precious stones, the garnet is significantly more affordable and makes a great gift.

One look at the deep red seeds at the heart of a pomegranate fruit explains why the word “garnet” comes from the Latin word “granatus,” meaning “grain” or “seed.” This name was given to the garnet because of its close resemblance to the succulent pomegranate seed.

First mined in Sri Lanka more than 2,500 years ago, the garnet is also found in Africa, Australia, India, Russia, South America; and in the United States, in Arizona and Idaho. Although most commonly known as a red gemstone, it does come in a variety of other hues, including muted yellows, vibrant oranges, rosy pinks, lime greens, and violets—a virtual rainbow of colors. This diversity is due to unique combinations of elements within each particular gem, such as iron, calcium, and manganese.

Archaeologists have found primitive garnet jewelry among the graves of lake dwellers, dating the early use of this gemstone to the Bronze Age. But not all garnets are of gem quality. Garnet is also a very effective abrasive and is used commercially for grinding and polishing, for example in garnet-coated sandpaper for industrial use.

Beliefs about the garnet’s extraordinary capabilities have abounded through its history, changing over time. Up until the 18th century, many soldiers wore garnets in the belief it would help heal their wounds. The red varieties, which can show as much fire as the rubies, were thought to influence the way blood flows inside the body. It was also said that garnets changed color when the bearer was facing danger. They promote love and protect the house from fire and lightening. The orange, yellow and green gems helped increase sexual capability and energy.

This gemstone is formed over millions of years at very high temperatures and enormous pressures in the Earth’s crust. For this reason, the garnet is very though. However, it can still be damaged if you are not careful. Make sure you do not expose your garnet to sudden temperature changes, hot steam or acids. To clean it, use warm water or ultrasounds at our shop.

The garnet is traditionally considered the protective gem of journeyers. A gift of garnet is thought to be symbolic of love and the desire for a loved one's safe travel and speedy homecoming. Contact us today to see the beautiful garnet pieces we have available, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Simon Says…

2010-12-08T07:46:00.001-08:00

The holidays are here! Throughout the year we are all busy with our lives, especially in today’s world of uncertainty and economics upon which our success so largely depends. When giving during the holiday season, choosing a special gift for the person you love is so much more meaningful than just buying something off the shelf. Here at Rock N Gold Creations, I specialize in unique fine jewels that are worn for a lifetime of that special meaning! Giving a special piece in times like these will always remind us we are together, no matter what life will bring us. Take a few moments to tell us your thoughts about that one special person to whom you would like to give a gift that keeps on giving for a lifetime. We will make it a reality!

Happy Holidays!

Simon Mattar

“Before you become a designer, creativity is all about growing yourself. When you become a designer, success is all about creativity growing for others.”

Countdown to Christmas!

2010-12-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Kwanzaa to all our customers and friends! The countdown is on… there are just a few weeks left until Christmas!

You know nothing will excite someone you love more than to find a small box with their name on it under the tree on Christmas morning. Rock N Gold has a wide selection of beautiful gifts in any price range, from fine watches and men’s items to custom jewelry designs. Tell us about the person you’re shopping for – their preferences, style, and tastes – and we will help you pick out the perfect gift in your price range. You can be sure it will be the best gift they receive. Call to make an appointment today!

Our December Birthstone: the Blue Zircon

2010-12-08T07:37:00.000-08:00

The zircon is a famous gem of many colors, known for hundreds of years for its luster and fire. Zircon is found in many Asian countries, notably Sri Lanka as well as in Brazil, Australia, and East Africa. Colorless when pure, the zirconium silicate takes on various shades due to impurities. The brilliance and beauty of this gemstone makes it very popular and is reasonably priced in comparison with most other gems. The wide variety of colors of zircon, its rarity, and its relatively low cost make it a popular stone. It is often looked upon as an affordable diamond substitute, but is, in fact, a valuable gem in its own right.

Zircon comes closer to resembling diamond than any other natural gem. Its powerful luster and intense fire gives it splendor that no other natural gem but diamond can surpass. Colorless zircon can be distinguished from diamond by its strong double refraction and lower level of hardness. It must be treated with care, as it can crack or chip if banged too hard. For this reason, care must be also be taken when cutting zircon.

The blue variety of zircon is ofen known as Starlite. It is similar to aquamarine, topaz, indicolite tourmaline, and blue spinel.

Do you Like us, with a capital L? Then Like us on Facebook!

2010-12-08T07:35:00.000-08:00

Rock N Gold is now on Facebook and we invite you to find our page and Like us there! You’ll get all our latest news, interesting links, special offers, and photos of our amazing custom-designed pieces. It’s a great way to stay in touch with us as well.

We invite you to recommend our Facebook page to your Facebook Friends who are also interested in fine jewelry or gold buying.

FACEBOOK-ONLY OFFER!

From now through the month of December, everyone who Likes us on Facebook will automatically be entered in a random drawing to win a $25 gift card good towards any purchase or service at Rock N Gold Creations! You’ll also receive a free cleaning, inspection, and refinishing of your fine jewelry just in time for the holidays! So just click through, and click “Like” today!

What is the “Evil Eye”?

2010-12-08T07:33:00.000-08:00

Many cultures have a superstitious belief that anything new, precious, or beautiful must be protected from the envy of others, otherwise it will be jinxed with the Evil Eye. They believe such a look can cause injury or bad luck for the person at whom it is directed, out of envy or dislike.

To ward off the Evil Eye, these cultures developed jewelry featuring a blue stone shaped to look like an eye. The jewelry can be elaborate or consist of just a glass bead or turquoise or lapis stone in a simple setting.

The Evil Eye is also known as “Mal de ojo.” Mediterranean cultures and many others around the world believe in the concept, and especially protect newborn babies by pinning blue stones to their clothes. In many Latin American countries, parents will tie a red ribbon around the child’s wrist or ankle. In the Middle East the blue stone is often combined with the image of a hand, known as the Hand of Fatima, or khamsa.

Victoria's Secrets: The History of Jewelry, Part 2

2010-12-08T07:32:00.000-08:00

Mesopotamia

By about 4,000 years ago, jewelry making had become a significant craft in the Mesopotamian cities of Sumer and Akkad, in what is now Iraq. The Royal Cemetery of Ur, where hundreds of burials dating 2900–2300 BC were unearthed, produced evidence from tombs containing many artifacts in gold, silver, and semi-precious stones, such as lapis lazuli crowns embellished with gold figurines, close-fitting collar necklaces, and jewel-headed pins. In Assyria, men and women both wore lots of jewelry, including amulets, ankle bracelets, heavy multi-strand necklaces, and cylinder seals.

Jewelry in Mesopotamia tended to be manufactured from thin metal leaf and was set with brightly colored stones (chiefly agate, lapis, carnelian, and jasper). You can see many different shapes including leaves, spirals, cones, and bunches of grapes. Jewelers made pieces for people and also to decorate statues and idols. They developed a wide variety of sophisticated metalworking techniques, such as cloisonné, engraving, fine granulation, and filigree.

Mesopotamians kept extensive and detailed records about the trade and manufacture of jewelry, which have also been unearthed at various archaeological sites. One record in the Mari royal archives, for example, gives the composition of various items of jewelry:

1 necklace of flat speckled chalcedony beads including: 34 flat speckled chalcedony bead, [and] 35 gold fluted beads, in groups of five.

Greece

The Greeks started using gold and gems in jewelry in 1600 BC, although beads shaped as shells and animals were produced widely in earlier times. By 300 BC, the Greeks had mastered making colored jewelry and using amethysts, pearl, and emeralds. Also, the Greeks were the first to create cameos, using Indian Sardonyx, a striped brown pink and cream agate stone. Greek jewelry was often less elaborate than in other cultures, with simple designs and workmanship. However, as time progressed their designs grew in complexity and different materials soon emerged.

Jewelry in Ancient Greece was mostly worn for public appearances or on special occasions. It was frequently given as a gift and was mostly worn by women to show off their wealth, social status, and beauty. Some jewelry was believed to give the wearer protection from the “Evil Eye,” or give the owner supernatural powers, while other pieces had a religious symbolism. Older pieces of jewelry were dedicated to the Gods. The largest production of jewelry in these times came from Northern Greece and Macedonia.

The Greeks created jewelry using two different methods: lost-wax casting and hammered sheet metal. Casting had been practiced since the late Bronze Age; however, in Greece, fewer pieces of cast jewelry have been recovered. The more common form of Greek jewelry was the hammered sheet type. Sheets of metal were hammered to thickness and then soldered together. The inside of the two sheets were filled with wax or another liquid to preserve the metal work. Different techniques, such as using a stamp or engraving, were used to create motifs on the jewelry. Jewels could then be added to hollows or glass poured into special cavities on the surface.

The Greeks took much of their designs from the outlaying areas of their empire, such as parts of Asia conquered by Alexander the Great. In their earlier designs, other European influences can also be detected. When Roman rule came to Greece, their influence began to be felt in jewelry design. By 27 BC, Greek designs were heavily influenced by the Roman culture. That is not to say that indigenous design did not thrive; for example, numerous multicolored butterfly pendants on silver foxtail chains, dating from the 1st century, have been found near Olbia, with only one example ever found anywhere else.

Rome

Although jewelry work was abundantly diverse in earlier times, especially among the barbarian tribes such as the Celts, when the Romans conquered most of Europe, jewelry changed as Roman designs developed. The most common artifact of early Rome was the brooch, which was used to secure clothing together. The Romans used a diverse range of materials for their jewelry from their extensive resources across the continent. They used gold and sometimes bronze or bone, and in earlier times, glass beads, and pearls. As early as 2,000 years ago, they imported Sri Lankan sapphires and Indian diamonds and used emeralds and amber in their jewelry.

In Roman-ruled England, fossilized wood from Northern England, called jet, was often carved into pieces of jewelry. The early Italians worked in crude gold and created clasps, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. They also produced larger pendants that could be filled with perfume.

Like the Greeks, Romans often used jewelry to ward off the “Evil Eye,” given by other people. Although women wore a vast array of jewelry, men often only wore a finger ring. Although they were expected to wear at least one ring, some Roman men wore a ring on every finger, while others wore none. Roman men and women wore rings with engraved gems, used with wax to seal documents, a practice that continued into medieval times when kings and noblemen did the same. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Roman jewelry designs were absorbed by neighboring countries and tribes.

Next month: The Middl Ages and the Renaissance