tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27733042075564934112024-03-06T00:11:54.552-08:00B2C Jewels BlogB2C JEWelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10707342756251208461noreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-69648669073329844412020-04-21T19:54:00.000-07:002020-04-21T19:54:50.929-07:00Finding hidden treasure!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxc8n8WhWkRwnpyI5pQM2Qj71ijvmTCUTWa8xKO-hEKvEn65Zvm1WH6V3V19CKhlMjUr25Mt8BGOCUeDzq_k-ZI7dx4y0X6R5AHHU6gliUuKnFZ8jzgwIqADMnyTbvVBR1k4qSFdxJvqht/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-hidden-treasure-arr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image credit, pirateshipvallarta.com" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxc8n8WhWkRwnpyI5pQM2Qj71ijvmTCUTWa8xKO-hEKvEn65Zvm1WH6V3V19CKhlMjUr25Mt8BGOCUeDzq_k-ZI7dx4y0X6R5AHHU6gliUuKnFZ8jzgwIqADMnyTbvVBR1k4qSFdxJvqht/s640/b2cjewels-blog-hidden-treasure-arr.jpg" title="Image credit, pirateshipvallarta.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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A fascination with Pirates is like a fascination with treasure! </h4>
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From the tales of Black Beard to the more modern versions of Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean," they would pillage and plunder their way through the oceans, looking for hidden treasure. </div>
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Gem and Jewelry shoppers can be somewhat the same - minus the pillaging and plundering part, of course. We go shopping, often, with a purpose – what is the most beautiful piece I can find, and can I get it for a great deal? Who carries the largest inventory? Can I really get it for ‘wholesale’ prices (the answer is always “no” by the way)? What online site or vendor can I <i>dig up</i> in order to find my ‘hidden treasure’? </div>
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The first and most important answer is to follow the treasure map to avoid the pitfalls of uncharted waters. Diamonds, in particular, graded ‘in-house’ or ‘by a gemologist trained by the GIA’ but without a laboratory grading report (which some bilge rats call 'certificates') might be considered a dangerous reef.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnK8hUDNl_JmIYRj8JkQ3i06IvO-6dUxAcZOdRRu73Z0x1VO8uOQanUbyUyAkI6xidikssBRRCzyR-yYnzuoQd37H0GQYrVC-zzST_1dUWdEiIAaLFSBxN-pEjHGKtbnSvPfAisSvvJ8jR/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-hidden-treasure-abandon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnK8hUDNl_JmIYRj8JkQ3i06IvO-6dUxAcZOdRRu73Z0x1VO8uOQanUbyUyAkI6xidikssBRRCzyR-yYnzuoQd37H0GQYrVC-zzST_1dUWdEiIAaLFSBxN-pEjHGKtbnSvPfAisSvvJ8jR/s640/b2cjewels-blog-hidden-treasure-abandon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Dapsmagic.com</td></tr>
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The Captain's advice when diamon' shoppin' is this...</h4>
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Stay on the map – and find the X... “X” marks the spot in shopping for diamonds – and they are often marked with a Triple-EX! That’s right, diamonds graded by a reputable lab give you a starting point for your treasure hunt. Instead of rollin' the bones, insist on a lab report from GIA, IGI or AGS so you know you've found some right proper booty!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNfkNa55oAhmjK3cSwDQI0tVqfNkqBbrDrmyv3T_ICRraBTPHsJNMvS0wpM46KrC-1U4C2uC0zk8Wfv4ubspzLRdkYoqMIOS9bOnKwXiETiLhEhBKuOxJMV3Lk7JX7UIfK5gcP5Kh0ng1/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-hidden-treasure-booty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNfkNa55oAhmjK3cSwDQI0tVqfNkqBbrDrmyv3T_ICRraBTPHsJNMvS0wpM46KrC-1U4C2uC0zk8Wfv4ubspzLRdkYoqMIOS9bOnKwXiETiLhEhBKuOxJMV3Lk7JX7UIfK5gcP5Kh0ng1/s640/b2cjewels-blog-hidden-treasure-booty.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Offbeat Bride</td></tr>
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The Hidden Treasure</h4>
In a sense, finding a diamond of the color, cut and size (carat) you want are all factors in determining whether or not it is a ‘hidden treasure.’ The clarity, however, is a great place to find value. For the diamond novice or those who are particularly picky and want only “the best” – it is often only acceptable if a diamond is flawless! Others, however, may sail far and wide, following their compass while searching for just the deals and steals in the gem world.<br />
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In almost all circumstances, diamonds graded as IF, F, VVS1, VVS2, and VS1 will vary greatly in price, but will look the same to any viewer without magnification (this is called eye-clean). Here’s the best news for those of you searching the seven seas (or 4 c’s) for the best deals; you can sometimes find VS2 or even SI1 diamonds that are also eye-clean! If you are patient, and don’t mind scouring the map, sailing from website to website and vendor to vendor, you may be able to find one of these hidden treasures among the flotsam and jetsam.<br />
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For added security ask for an in-house gemologist from the vendor to verify that the diamond is eye-clean, and then you can take it to a local jeweler once you receive it and "yo ho ho" with him on your amazing find.<br />
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When you find it. - celebrate! Fire-off a cannon, tap a cask of rum, spare some poor unfortunate soul from walking the plank, and proclaim what you have found –<br />
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“Aye, Clean!”<br /></h4>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-91475515972997605672020-04-17T18:20:00.000-07:002020-04-17T18:20:00.804-07:00Jewelry skinny dipping!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhv-2Ql09aAjhlQAZGtTu066nsbffo4uffG1jrs_qeXww5DIJe18X3fwN1QbO-26zgz99RWtJTe5ff2lLSZPbbYQGdwAsLXeKoGD2y4QQfFilf4pl0tlbjbkoWj7SISkVSIsw0P08aFsOS/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-exposure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image credit, Tesh.com" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhv-2Ql09aAjhlQAZGtTu066nsbffo4uffG1jrs_qeXww5DIJe18X3fwN1QbO-26zgz99RWtJTe5ff2lLSZPbbYQGdwAsLXeKoGD2y4QQfFilf4pl0tlbjbkoWj7SISkVSIsw0P08aFsOS/s640/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-exposure.jpg" title="Image credit, Tesh.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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"C'mon in! The water's fine" - you've heard the line before - the reassurances from someone who has committed to an act while you may remain unsure. You may be sheepishly standing on the dock, not quite certain how to proceed. Maybe you have always been the 'safe' one - not quite willing to make the dive into the water.<br />
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Let's take it one step further, eh? </h4>
Maybe it is moon-lit and we are talking about a group of young 20-somethings who have decided to go for a midnight swim! The water is dark and the boldest among you has proclaimed it to be a great night for.... you guessed it ... <b>skinny dipping!</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizA3mnp_araG_IFFqlzh6J9MbHyAgZEBLOCS3VxggBHp19uJCQ5I8me4YtySRL0FFOrbAGL4uhmkMtUx4azMU3WCJIrsuBjM-5gM6lYmY40hlfs30vw7B6haO5VfEWyoIqug2p5nBSJpA1/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-exposure-skinny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizA3mnp_araG_IFFqlzh6J9MbHyAgZEBLOCS3VxggBHp19uJCQ5I8me4YtySRL0FFOrbAGL4uhmkMtUx4azMU3WCJIrsuBjM-5gM6lYmY40hlfs30vw7B6haO5VfEWyoIqug2p5nBSJpA1/s640/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-exposure-skinny.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Garostation.com</td></tr>
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Oh MY! </h4>
Now, not only do you have to convince yourself to step out and join the fun, but you have to do it completely unadorned. <br />
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But wait a minute...</h4>
Maybe YOU'RE the person who jumps first, then reassures others that "the water is fine." Perhaps you are the risk taker - bold and unafraid. Good for you! In this situation you are treading water, laughing, the chill of the lake still settling into your skin as you try to get the others to join you.<br />
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Maybe you've been in this situation, maybe not - but it certainly applies to your jewelry, doesn’t it?. Have you considered taking your jewelry skinny-dipping? <br />
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No, No, No.</h4>
Stop. Not LITERALLY skinny-dipping with your valuable gems, but perhaps figuratively? In the comfort of your own safe-places.<br />
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Every piece we own draws attention based upon its unique personality. Individually, it has inherent charm, charisma, and beauty. Sometimes, the largest personality in your collection wants to be bold – jump off the dock, as it were, completely naked for the world to see. When you wear it - do you accessorize it? Is your beautiful wedding ring accompanied by bands on either side? Do you wear a magnificent pendant surrounded by complimentary chains?<br />
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How about putting on some favorite earrings, bracelets and rings... and nothing else?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnSCcUZuST9GPgOMcv9oBmQrStq2rp-KiOQwWPSS3OAs5u9InvD4bqBK_eJ2hAjC8W9SMZMt1SXyDZHBqidSqCIaZG2AORcfbGROzQYMUGvnnjh6R3Mni-LiG3wYlOhF1NST-ulNJ873G/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-exposure-gisele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnSCcUZuST9GPgOMcv9oBmQrStq2rp-KiOQwWPSS3OAs5u9InvD4bqBK_eJ2hAjC8W9SMZMt1SXyDZHBqidSqCIaZG2AORcfbGROzQYMUGvnnjh6R3Mni-LiG3wYlOhF1NST-ulNJ873G/s640/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-exposure-gisele.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Fashiongonerogue.com</td></tr>
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Do it.</h4>
Take your favorite pieces skinny dipping. Unadorned and unaccompanied by accessories or (gasp) any other jewelry? Can you imagine your favorite studs without a necklace, bracelet, or additional jewelry on your hands? What about taking that beautiful gemstone, on a single chain around your neck with nothing else to draw the eye?<br />
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Scary? Unconventional? “Gasp… I would NEVER!” <br />
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Would you? Could you?</h4>
Free yourself, and your jewelry... Take a piece skinny dipping soon.<br />
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C’mon – give it a try! The water’s fine!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bwt4oM3LnwhLmZ9EvO-OS_aPVHpt21jOI7X5piRXnzspK_SuA2hp6RKo8QQ7FF8zl5Th-4cQt2DLxygvON4UK2uTlK4Q-Y3heOuHkCwdhVSwoZrW5y42rOEr3UvjrDSK7yGFexIYS4Kc/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-exposure-naked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bwt4oM3LnwhLmZ9EvO-OS_aPVHpt21jOI7X5piRXnzspK_SuA2hp6RKo8QQ7FF8zl5Th-4cQt2DLxygvON4UK2uTlK4Q-Y3heOuHkCwdhVSwoZrW5y42rOEr3UvjrDSK7yGFexIYS4Kc/s640/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-exposure-naked.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, AVVO.com</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-3132522583504696922020-04-15T20:08:00.000-07:002020-04-15T20:08:10.239-07:00A collection of watches to WATCH and enjoy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb60cP3zmn0VBWl60cEnMJEbypzMfGOnIdrFmJO5J0z4Dfel7Dsji2sdXQOcBpFCckGt9euN4nK2DfqDgLT_DI7kuGLuOXqJy0MC7AD-fG95uciKJyjfhGaHm0STriptR8hfVrPmaeeBuE/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-happy-hublot.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Image credit, Hublot" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb60cP3zmn0VBWl60cEnMJEbypzMfGOnIdrFmJO5J0z4Dfel7Dsji2sdXQOcBpFCckGt9euN4nK2DfqDgLT_DI7kuGLuOXqJy0MC7AD-fG95uciKJyjfhGaHm0STriptR8hfVrPmaeeBuE/s640/b2cjewels-blog-happy-hublot.jpg" title="Image credit, Hublot" width="640" /></a></div>
Last June, Victoria Gomelsky from JCK Online covered this rainbow themed beauty, and other amazing options from the creative artists of Hublot.<br />
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A feast for the eyes is one click away, in this revival article from JCK designed to bring some brightness into your lives.<br />
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So click below- and enjoy!</h4>
<a href="https://www.jckonline.com/editorial-article/happy-hublot-timepieces/" target="_blank">Happy Hublot Timepieces to Make Your Monday Better and Brighter</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-70973232696879636102020-04-13T14:59:00.003-07:002020-04-13T14:59:41.981-07:00Arresting jewelry...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0CD9rsu4Ew0WrwmtH9y8IRXze9dU8HQ2ua7uwv7sDKobr6OhdT722pqA6QG1-ArHAV89r14GpY3K5sN4wPXt0z4p2SZT3VzQ8gsLIzJkkJnRg65WwZTDnc4kch3KQterzmbU1uBNensI/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-arresting-jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image credit, medium.com" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0CD9rsu4Ew0WrwmtH9y8IRXze9dU8HQ2ua7uwv7sDKobr6OhdT722pqA6QG1-ArHAV89r14GpY3K5sN4wPXt0z4p2SZT3VzQ8gsLIzJkkJnRg65WwZTDnc4kch3KQterzmbU1uBNensI/s640/b2cjewels-blog-arresting-jewelry.jpg" title="Image credit, medium.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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Whooop! Whooop! "PULL OVER!" - we hear it frequently on TV and sometimes in our own lives.<br />
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Normally, it's accompanied with Red and Blue lights and a sinking sensation in your gut. Yep - you've been spotted doing something out of line...and the police are pulling you over.<br />
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"License and registration, please..."</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ow2GZfDYgherdv-4nG7n1xKXSHxf2ex5XFQMtmAxfAoPnZVyxgTYZLrJw6Sye8fhzfUxu2pBeKUsVnuikS7a3Xu9yT8t5cZvhC7J4zrqt2gG4hHi9BYG_EInNUhpPjMXjZLDio8Hu_as/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-arresting-jewelry-popo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ow2GZfDYgherdv-4nG7n1xKXSHxf2ex5XFQMtmAxfAoPnZVyxgTYZLrJw6Sye8fhzfUxu2pBeKUsVnuikS7a3Xu9yT8t5cZvhC7J4zrqt2gG4hHi9BYG_EInNUhpPjMXjZLDio8Hu_as/s640/b2cjewels-blog-arresting-jewelry-popo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, MPR News</td></tr>
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Ah, the old, familiar line. Maybe it was a rolling stop. Maybe you failed to signal or maybe you went a tick over the speed limit. Whatever the case, you are hoping for a quick conversation, a warning (please?) and a nice, albeit slower, continued journey to your destination. The law is pretty clear. Either you followed the rules or you did not.<br />
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But what are the laws of jewelry?</h4>
We have all been in situations, preparing for a night out on the town or a party, when we agonize over 'what bling shall I wear?' Are these drop-earring too much? Would a simple chain and pendant work best, or should I put something more bold around my neck? I'm afraid this aquamarine doesn't go with this top.<br />
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The jewelry rules just aren't spelled out like they are when driving down the road. Sure, you can research what's trending, <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2020/03/what-jewelry-styles-are-trending-in-2020.html" target="_blank">as we presented on this blog a while back</a>. You can listen to experts about what sets off a slender neck, a broad wrist, prominent ears or a slender waist - and there is a great feeling whenever we find a piece that seems to fit 'just right.'<br />
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If we had only one outfit to wear or only one event to attend it would be easy - the same flattering jewelry would work every time. But in the real world (when the world is behaving normally, that is) being out with real people on multiple occasions can make the effort of picking the right jewelry accessories a bit daunting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YpNKLOCxO9wOXYRnASHuySwZ_Ki0wiNCn61i0515xPGt4SiVFxhJkmHC1NHrEu3JEmoRjb0Amd5UhaRUdZiKSdTjV1kKzYMvcO-N_K6uEEw86OSAGn8kQe_PbsXV9-9sIAQzSL92Ru0L/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-arresting-jewelry-too-much.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YpNKLOCxO9wOXYRnASHuySwZ_Ki0wiNCn61i0515xPGt4SiVFxhJkmHC1NHrEu3JEmoRjb0Amd5UhaRUdZiKSdTjV1kKzYMvcO-N_K6uEEw86OSAGn8kQe_PbsXV9-9sIAQzSL92Ru0L/s640/b2cjewels-blog-arresting-jewelry-too-much.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit: Tumblr.com</td></tr>
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Should it be, though?</h4>
How often do you just go for it? How often do you take a chance? Do you ever wear something simply because you like it? Because you think it's neat - even if it doesn't quite suit your attire or even (omigosh) CLASHES with your ensemble?<br />
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It's a bit like slowly rolling through a stop, or running a few miles per hour over the speed limit. You know you're rule-breaking there, too. The advantage of jewelry rule-breaking... or "rewelry-breaking" ...is that it's completely harmless.<br />
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Breaking the rewels</h4>
Sure, you may risk a sideways glance from a family-member, friend or colleague but why let that deter you? In fact, those who conform to what's expected may actually be a bit envious of your choices.<br />
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Another great thing when rewelry-breaking is that none of the conventions you're ignoring are ACTUAL rules. The jewelry police simply don't exist.<br />
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So go for it, I say. Be bold, shake-up traditions. Heck, be downright gaudy if you want to. It's your jewelry and no one is going to pull you over. No one is going to ask for your license and registration. You get to drive whatever jewelry-speed you wish! You bought it; wear it!<br />
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Break the rewels from time to time, it's okay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMGQ9ssjjWTquH6rnuu7U_BIba4RQaDDctZGQj1-K8oFZdWJGiXorhiyOAK8xIamsf3OQ4iSRVexVl0XI_WrVT7zg7IvvixvHuhU3RzkjH1YT6C8oZkPKEq4QcXPWOMMj2GuBZKJspIyS/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-arresting-jewelry-mr-t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="507" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMGQ9ssjjWTquH6rnuu7U_BIba4RQaDDctZGQj1-K8oFZdWJGiXorhiyOAK8xIamsf3OQ4iSRVexVl0XI_WrVT7zg7IvvixvHuhU3RzkjH1YT6C8oZkPKEq4QcXPWOMMj2GuBZKJspIyS/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-arresting-jewelry-mr-t.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, eightieskids.com</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-91486077242176999082020-04-10T14:26:00.003-07:002020-04-10T14:26:42.570-07:00Diamonds from the ocean? Really?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDq0pKskwqPePHIguD37g5d35P2mANnGMyoK9ZD6nRLEPlKBqNnpuzxwtT0s70GZKHHTAzAf3oz86_u6fPU4YDBiQtmccElPCkF-iXvpqQSC38fswwag-fcOfTAd7Gr4BhsltkDnGrGiJ/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-diamonds-depths-sea-rough.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Photo credit, Professional Jeweller" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDq0pKskwqPePHIguD37g5d35P2mANnGMyoK9ZD6nRLEPlKBqNnpuzxwtT0s70GZKHHTAzAf3oz86_u6fPU4YDBiQtmccElPCkF-iXvpqQSC38fswwag-fcOfTAd7Gr4BhsltkDnGrGiJ/s640/b2cjewels-blog-diamonds-depths-sea-rough.jpg" title="Photo credit, Professional Jeweller" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
Did you know some natural diamonds don't come from mines? They all came from volcanos (which is pretty cool) but have been discovered in many hiding places.<br />
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Those which lodged in their volcano's throat or remained in the volcanic pipes are called "primary deposits." They are mined using heavy earth-moving and crushing equipment.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXebPs3XdD5djI-jxVsUzS_09w9xHaHyimC-lDEuyRmhYXvcx2GYhvla_5p-g19JhtKcKSU_344vI7DLJYHBx3Qhr3CFDhPYlrX4Djj4xHqLBx2zLh9W2yAiNVKuRzq9oey617UfBpIc5V/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-diamonds-depths-argyle-mine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXebPs3XdD5djI-jxVsUzS_09w9xHaHyimC-lDEuyRmhYXvcx2GYhvla_5p-g19JhtKcKSU_344vI7DLJYHBx3Qhr3CFDhPYlrX4Djj4xHqLBx2zLh9W2yAiNVKuRzq9oey617UfBpIc5V/s640/b2cjewels-blog-diamonds-depths-argyle-mine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Mining.com</td></tr>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
But not all diamonds stayed there. </h4>
Some were blown clear of their volcanos and transported away by magma flows. Others were unearthed and transported away by ice-ages, rain and erosion over millions and millions of years. These diamonds are "secondary deposits." They are frequently found in remote locations where rivers now exist or used to exist. They are mined using light equipment, sieves and rockers.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03TCyK8V_ym-9ndoD2BYYlF7DADcTe7lud_pyEoejAG72MbL63lOwteIWUdtyxtKJC22OZwNRABTBNheH4VVUMDraEdK9-7iHeuRTRg2KsmCwyng0BfWJWubC9SfSM2d5y9eqYgvwF5yY/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-diamonds-depths-alluvial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03TCyK8V_ym-9ndoD2BYYlF7DADcTe7lud_pyEoejAG72MbL63lOwteIWUdtyxtKJC22OZwNRABTBNheH4VVUMDraEdK9-7iHeuRTRg2KsmCwyng0BfWJWubC9SfSM2d5y9eqYgvwF5yY/s640/b2cjewels-blog-diamonds-depths-alluvial.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Staticshare.america.gov</td></tr>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Meanwhile, under the ocean -</h4>
There is one diamond-rich area where a steady stream of rough crystals have tumbled down the Orange and Vaal Rivers to the sea for millions of years. Distributed far and wide along the coast by tidal activity, millions of carats now lie hidden in the African sediment, under the territorial waters of Namibia!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgm2Agov10p5_8o8YThCmxKsXCQuq5t08N1bJX-6fcPM_W8X6RK8Mvhn6muLt6GQgFlkL7Ynmjb4YgchdHeq6vyWt62pkXPFJKq5h1r7B0pYpY4qfKoinr_ar032xoaL6NJrpN_SI2dIm/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-diamonds-depths-sea-diver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgm2Agov10p5_8o8YThCmxKsXCQuq5t08N1bJX-6fcPM_W8X6RK8Mvhn6muLt6GQgFlkL7Ynmjb4YgchdHeq6vyWt62pkXPFJKq5h1r7B0pYpY4qfKoinr_ar032xoaL6NJrpN_SI2dIm/s640/b2cjewels-blog-diamonds-depths-sea-diver.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Wallpapersite.com</td></tr>
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In an <a href="https://gemblog.igi.org/clean-diamonds-from-the-ocean/" target="_blank">International Gemological Institute article</a>, diamond specialist <a href="https://www.pollardpro.com/bio" target="_blank">John Pollard</a> described the arrangement between the Namibian Government and mining specialist DeBeers.'<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
.<br />Debmarine Namibia (DBMN) is owned by the Government of Namibia and DeBeers’ in equal shares. After 10 years of successful cooperation the Government of Namibia and DeBeers’ announced a further agreement to cooperate in the sorting, valuing and sales of all production from Namdeb and Debmarine Namibia through 2025. Cutting and polishing has also been brought into Namibia, providing additional jobs for many nationals. These joint initiatives have resulted in tremendous infrastructure improvement and development for the country. The population is better educated, healthier, and wealthier since being able to benefit from the rich resources hidden just offshore.</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL7uImJBU_kUzm-j1Wod9SFA5ySr4vcOIHV-w5SWDBRdsVar0RvWkr92XMH67rCh50_9FD4h-m4jlgtS84hRcjWd5dEKugRU2BULC21JmhwD4mPax5eCG8qFa1rFOuu9MU_3ptnlhwDRk/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-diamonds-depths-debmarine-namibia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL7uImJBU_kUzm-j1Wod9SFA5ySr4vcOIHV-w5SWDBRdsVar0RvWkr92XMH67rCh50_9FD4h-m4jlgtS84hRcjWd5dEKugRU2BULC21JmhwD4mPax5eCG8qFa1rFOuu9MU_3ptnlhwDRk/s640/b2cjewels-blog-diamonds-depths-debmarine-namibia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Unique sustainability </h4>
The Namibian Ministry of Fishing and Marine Activity was <a href="https://www.pressreader.com/namibia/new-era/20190808/281715501243209" target="_blank">consulted and included</a> in Debmarine Namibia’s planning starting in 2005. As a result, there are no major fish spawning grounds and no commercial fishing in the mining area. Dredging equipment was designed so that stray marine life sucked into the pipe is returned to the sea alive. Unlike deep-sea dredging, shallow mining returns tailings to their original beds. The operation maintains ISO environmental compliance and Namibia's Marine Ministry is involved in monitoring and assisting with rehabilitation of mined areas. This can be compared to forestry industry rehabilitation, but it takes only 3-10 years for mined marine areas to rehab.<br />
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Approximately 1.4 million carats of gem-quality diamond rough were recovered from the ocean in 2018. This represented around 75% of all diamond exports from Namibia that year, a ratio which has played out similarly for the past 15 years. As a result, the Namibian population is better educated, healthier and wealthier - thanks to these rich resources being retrieved from just offshore.<br />
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So the next time you see a diamond sparkling, on a finger, an earlobe, a necklace or on TV you can now wonder whether or not it might have come from the sparkling African ocean.<br />
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You can learn more in the Africa News video below, and <a href="https://gemblog.igi.org/clean-diamonds-from-the-ocean/" target="_blank">read the full story here</a>.<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8yfKsn6S85Y" width="560"></iframe>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-50415225533484525822020-04-08T13:34:00.002-07:002020-04-08T13:34:40.781-07:00Diamond and Jewelry lovers - UNHORSED!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77IQue9YEUuP1mSssglcA3QbaZab4fVYFk-VWPsjfLuA51cViGJzst7Oa02Ra9J8I8cbsl7foINqeMJjuT5uowd2AlVAP6NC2ugZINdWt3oHTZ4VQ7qRIXNFEdQvmksXRq_gQppaEAhlz/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-kingdom-blingdom-henry-iii-unhorsed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image credit, epikfails.com" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77IQue9YEUuP1mSssglcA3QbaZab4fVYFk-VWPsjfLuA51cViGJzst7Oa02Ra9J8I8cbsl7foINqeMJjuT5uowd2AlVAP6NC2ugZINdWt3oHTZ4VQ7qRIXNFEdQvmksXRq_gQppaEAhlz/s640/b2cjewels-blog-kingdom-blingdom-henry-iii-unhorsed.jpg" title="Image credit, epikfails.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
"A horse! A horse! My Kingdom for a horse!"</h4>
We have all heard this famous Shakespearean quote penned for King Richard III who - upon losing his horse in battle - falls into a rage, killing everything in his path as he seeks a mount. <br />
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That quote has become a battle-cry of sorts for people who have urgent need of something which may normally seem insignificant, but suddenly looms large.<br />
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In the world of jewelry, as we absorb our transformed world of quarantine and social distancing, these trinkets and baubles that were very important mere months ago have logically taken a back-seat to the more significant topics of basic supplies, finances and family health & safety.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8Gnrx7mJss5x6AILL4o8J53q-gMPQKzWsmtUQg6cX4-4Poe-Ol9cAOwN1ATdN2WdSFsC55NSPj0UJRymeAmgk_n1hnMMcAtsNHK2LN_eurBZnq7CQaPMNf0EV1HttrycctSAg9t0NmQ1/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-kingdom-blingdom-quarantine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8Gnrx7mJss5x6AILL4o8J53q-gMPQKzWsmtUQg6cX4-4Poe-Ol9cAOwN1ATdN2WdSFsC55NSPj0UJRymeAmgk_n1hnMMcAtsNHK2LN_eurBZnq7CQaPMNf0EV1HttrycctSAg9t0NmQ1/s640/b2cjewels-blog-kingdom-blingdom-quarantine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Americanmagazine.org</td></tr>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Should we be ashamed to admit that we miss the bling? </h4>
Isn’t one of the attractions of eating dinner in a crowded restaurant seeing the bright flash from a ladies ring, or sparkle from her ear?<br />
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Noticing an elegant watch on the man standing at the bar or the stunning pendant adorning the woman crossing the floor. These are seemingly insignificant things that can suddenly loom large when they go absent from your life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4go3AaB6YaVN93Bb8Hd4RQK9upIEJ5cWJUWBAx4PT8QozkKnlt2slL1iz01JDNGIs7qfXJIJ3EJ9gCMJZGDPA8otros7oXYnNm2MEdqwpOL10uH9Xhi5GYhs1lcS7ob1v0wCp3cHe_DXJ/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-kingdom-blingdom-watch-pendant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="800" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4go3AaB6YaVN93Bb8Hd4RQK9upIEJ5cWJUWBAx4PT8QozkKnlt2slL1iz01JDNGIs7qfXJIJ3EJ9gCMJZGDPA8otros7oXYnNm2MEdqwpOL10uH9Xhi5GYhs1lcS7ob1v0wCp3cHe_DXJ/s640/b2cjewels-blog-kingdom-blingdom-watch-pendant.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Gentlemen's Journal</td></tr>
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Sure, we can google images, shop catalogs, go to our favorite online jewelry discussion forums, or even open the cases we have in our homes; these are nice (albeit brief) escapes.<br />
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But immersing oneself in the crowd while attending a symphony, or using your opera glasses to surreptitiously snoop on jewelry across the theater, or watching a parade of interesting pieces go by as people board the plane - these little thrills are now missing in our lives.<br />
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Yes, it's understood we must prioritize a #slowthecurve reality so these things cannot compare with the truly substantive things that connect us all. But, given the current state of affairs you couldn’t blame someone for crying out -<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
“Some Bling, Some Bling! My Kingdom for some Bling!” </h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU65bFA2vXFGBw6fM7JSzV9uvW6Vpbsj2LPee-E-n0N68oLmw9O0bO8QkiW9jPUZQXUbSO103B0pujJgdlo-7Sqyma8W0iXIS-Md6yDomoQGhTLMQ3uSTxme22FC_H7LGOvAD2eUVGY-gC/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-kingdom-blingdom-shouting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="800" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU65bFA2vXFGBw6fM7JSzV9uvW6Vpbsj2LPee-E-n0N68oLmw9O0bO8QkiW9jPUZQXUbSO103B0pujJgdlo-7Sqyma8W0iXIS-Md6yDomoQGhTLMQ3uSTxme22FC_H7LGOvAD2eUVGY-gC/s640/b2cjewels-blog-kingdom-blingdom-shouting.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Drraylevy.com</td></tr>
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We can only hope for a return from our current winter of discontent to something made glorious sooner rather than later. <br />
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In the meantime, find your nicest pieces - and send pics.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1Y3uZ7jqR1eWP6bRI7MFzFbgqvFJ_0Zzx9cf950laNxWRjrza7BAdlFS88lH5dmtFusdaAyokqoDP0QF9q3GvAh421009kTHneEtXblWf0OA7PIXaFe14REfplk3wx-mIWZMxij4FRxL/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-kingdom-blingdom-henry-iii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1Y3uZ7jqR1eWP6bRI7MFzFbgqvFJ_0Zzx9cf950laNxWRjrza7BAdlFS88lH5dmtFusdaAyokqoDP0QF9q3GvAh421009kTHneEtXblWf0OA7PIXaFe14REfplk3wx-mIWZMxij4FRxL/s640/b2cjewels-blog-kingdom-blingdom-henry-iii.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Nosweatshakespeare.com</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-37195488472001964332020-04-06T15:22:00.000-07:002020-04-06T15:22:19.941-07:00You don’t have to quarantine your jewelry!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeMH6kQbLnlNGwNal5txPZ-q_GeBtfwDnCVj2P-cEwkjiFtFZcKjQ_MVUTuSygFy2hRuCHFILZYC7F33tZr4aFnooAMvgvjotXa1xaQeTliOhO0GKjAxi2qFA9kZ8GEJJm91zwdp1V7sA/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-dont-quarantine-jewelry-dress-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image credit, Inman" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeMH6kQbLnlNGwNal5txPZ-q_GeBtfwDnCVj2P-cEwkjiFtFZcKjQ_MVUTuSygFy2hRuCHFILZYC7F33tZr4aFnooAMvgvjotXa1xaQeTliOhO0GKjAxi2qFA9kZ8GEJJm91zwdp1V7sA/s640/b2cjewels-blog-dont-quarantine-jewelry-dress-up.jpg" title="Image credit, Inman" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
It has been several weeks since the government asked us to stay inside, avoiding contact with the outside world.<br />
<br />
Our dependence on video conferencing using FaceTime, Zoom, Google Hangouts and other platforms seems to have gone up. Our collective human tolerance for a more "casual" version of ourselves has also risen proportionately. <br />
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It can be nice, even refreshing, for men to go a few days without shaving, and women to eschew the full make-up and carefully chosen outfits they might have insisted on wearing a few weeks ago. A video ‘happy hour’ with friends isn't the dress-up affair it tends to be in public. It's more comfortable in house pants, a sweatshirt and sporting hair that's left tamed, but not styled.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8mzUfKdWpmMKxYqMmXo0wQlKc501CEpkXNtCzaUUB1o02GRehIjnGRauAPdPhD6jxN4K9uo9_Z5YzPOGhPNFVU97bBrMwttjGLzywJapmRCPI4KkbByTKLBlKi68ZsHNX0yXe4Rpiqhu/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-dont-quarantine-jewelry-thor-lebowski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="800" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8mzUfKdWpmMKxYqMmXo0wQlKc501CEpkXNtCzaUUB1o02GRehIjnGRauAPdPhD6jxN4K9uo9_Z5YzPOGhPNFVU97bBrMwttjGLzywJapmRCPI4KkbByTKLBlKi68ZsHNX0yXe4Rpiqhu/s640/b2cjewels-blog-dont-quarantine-jewelry-thor-lebowski.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Marvel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now that barbers are closed I have seen scores of men taking shavers to their heads. Put simply, we've have allowed out true selves to shine a bit more, and the trappings of our existence to matter a bit less. I believe this is a good thing in the long run!<br />
<br />
For years we've seen a tendency on social media to put forward the ‘best’ of each person. It can make the observer’s life seem mundane and uninspiring, compared to the glamorous insta, face and pinnings of others.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
But, I can’t help but think…maybe our jewelry is getting lonely?</h4>
Imagine our every-day bling left in dark jewelry boxes for weeks now. Our fancier pieces lying in the dark, with no recourse but to out-last the quarantine. <br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
NO! I say.</h4>
I'm speaking up for those lovely and valued pieces of our lives. Find a way, ladies and gentlemen, to make your jewelry feel loved during this time!<br />
<br />
Schedule a romantic dinner date, in your house, with your spouse, significant other or roomie. Insist on dressing-up, wearing your beautiful watches, necklaces, earrings and pendants. Take pictures, post them on social media and recapture a flavor of the finer times of life!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDo7XbOVvWWwTxpGfFXbXSrazgYMKNPQmrhyphenhyphen6pECgHkhxgzgVGfs-62UztL0UZFT3Ma4L_jDYs31lnoQIYXnqcHEw8gmvWkiOLX_foNWBGc2bvjpurHN7eB5vgAxXlPJwKRc0FVLX5ctCt/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-dont-quarantine-jewelry-event.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDo7XbOVvWWwTxpGfFXbXSrazgYMKNPQmrhyphenhyphen6pECgHkhxgzgVGfs-62UztL0UZFT3Ma4L_jDYs31lnoQIYXnqcHEw8gmvWkiOLX_foNWBGc2bvjpurHN7eB5vgAxXlPJwKRc0FVLX5ctCt/s640/b2cjewels-blog-dont-quarantine-jewelry-event.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Pinterest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you want to go big: Share recipes and schedule a weekly dinner date via Zoom with friends. Create the same appetizers and entree'. Decide on the same wine and dessert. Put your friends on the table with you... Talk, laugh and exchange stories over your silver and crystal - enjoying the same kind of dress-up company you once took for granted. Afterwards, be sure to post screenshots and selfies tagging one another.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUHhGyLX-vAUGzBDbiwNMJLX7v1tRUM5m6hqfyzsxDrYyKmqo6SAxFfZPvHDkaahpgE6zaNT2B6F0niu74PpxOCLgWqNHdYJtSpMZK3sJpApAMPhFmkvRYa3NPxc8uEevrBzPKM4fq5Pk/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-dont-quarantine-jewelry-wsj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUHhGyLX-vAUGzBDbiwNMJLX7v1tRUM5m6hqfyzsxDrYyKmqo6SAxFfZPvHDkaahpgE6zaNT2B6F0niu74PpxOCLgWqNHdYJtSpMZK3sJpApAMPhFmkvRYa3NPxc8uEevrBzPKM4fq5Pk/s640/b2cjewels-blog-dont-quarantine-jewelry-wsj.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Wall Street Journal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, read the comments from those who have left their jewelry hidden away and see if you don't spark a movement.<br />
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Yes, we must live with social distancing and limit our exposure to the outside world for a while longer. But, as a jewelry advocate, I implore you - don’t quarantine your jewelry!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlF0XRZrzdNTBB70cYIwvZnmt0o1bn32wNbYIf7Vd8EqJpGTuN-sSuNTaHAZRsRL-CauVf1lYCAek3PnnBzGnZrpyjBMtMjf63I19eEdG9QCJdWPSkvxYldFTIP6rh0GaJnrs3NfYI8ZH/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-dont-quarantine-jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlF0XRZrzdNTBB70cYIwvZnmt0o1bn32wNbYIf7Vd8EqJpGTuN-sSuNTaHAZRsRL-CauVf1lYCAek3PnnBzGnZrpyjBMtMjf63I19eEdG9QCJdWPSkvxYldFTIP6rh0GaJnrs3NfYI8ZH/s640/b2cjewels-blog-dont-quarantine-jewelry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Studybreaks.com</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-81416249591830515882020-04-03T13:33:00.001-07:002020-04-03T13:34:16.650-07:00The dude abides. And so will we.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv865pCv8msxGaVItYv6qvJznF4kOtCx03T5GY_ooGIoouD7jjV61FcDOH3liMF32V6vajTVXQouoGxxhzoTWUU8K6MA4IR2ddXoGGpbUyAfxG1oUhoOgQv5lTnuUe3OVSjmDWA_JMJ3R-/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-dude-abides-mayer-baller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo credit, Ben Baller" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv865pCv8msxGaVItYv6qvJznF4kOtCx03T5GY_ooGIoouD7jjV61FcDOH3liMF32V6vajTVXQouoGxxhzoTWUU8K6MA4IR2ddXoGGpbUyAfxG1oUhoOgQv5lTnuUe3OVSjmDWA_JMJ3R-/s640/b2cjewels-blog-dude-abides-mayer-baller.jpg" title="Photo credit, Ben Baller" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hey jewelry lovers - put a smile on someone's face by sharing this little tidbit from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Mayer" target="_blank">John Mayer's</a> 40th birthday bash, back when the world was normal.<br />
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In October 2017, before we were all abiding this crisis, Mayer approached Jewelry maker Ben Baller to create a piece inspired by Jeff Bridges' iconic character in the Cohen Brothers' comedy classic, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118715/" target="_blank">The Big Lebowski</a>.<br />
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This jewelry tribute is composed of 18k white gold and studded with 41 carats of D/E color VVS clarity diamonds. The chain weighs 300 grams by itself and the pendant weighs 260 grams. A special etching on the backside of the pendant reads -<br />
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<i>“Yah, well, that’s just like, your opinion, man” </i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIO2b12DinTCX9xZsAl2YaJfHsi1EYL5zbSP8Dd4Q345_esIDG6ROiJucCN-ePCDeOkOlF0W29qcjazE5d9erwoj6iwRAhqCtpvo_tYUzN0BRhzF5alWYqzIx-WFtJheej3wFQgP5B466/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-dude-abides-mayer-baller-opinion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIO2b12DinTCX9xZsAl2YaJfHsi1EYL5zbSP8Dd4Q345_esIDG6ROiJucCN-ePCDeOkOlF0W29qcjazE5d9erwoj6iwRAhqCtpvo_tYUzN0BRhzF5alWYqzIx-WFtJheej3wFQgP5B466/s640/b2cjewels-blog-dude-abides-mayer-baller-opinion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit, Ben Baller</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Baller described the design process to <a href="https://www.gq.com/story/john-mayer-ben-baller-40th-birthday-big-lebowski-necklace" target="_blank">GQ magazine</a>.<br />
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<i>"I had to make sure his hair looked three-dimensional, that it looked wavy, because it’s The Dude. I wanted to make sure he had his robe. All the diamonds are white, super high-quality, the best of the best. John will not accept anything less. Last minute, he said, 'I want a little purple to represent the V-neck T-shirt he wore throughout the movie.' So we went back to the drawing board. We had 90 percent completed the piece, and at the end I had to figure something out for the shirt. It was tough. We changed one thing and, to be honest, I was stumped. And John was like, 'How about if we change the sunglasses?' He was like, 'Ben, these are Vuarnets.' And I was like, 'Dude, you don’t have to tell me about Vuarnets."</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEild16jI6R17mBqa3YFm2K_xmML2FTYcsVOl0Y3XqAn76wLDSYsWWyCKYgUuMDd3hLj8okcHXB9sEtd-V5rUMPANujMgegW0OzYfPU1ZvkiHO-gZyB10aQnSgsqv26bizaMHyRcmL1eGvuW/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-dude-abides-mayer-baller-jeff-bridges-lebowski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEild16jI6R17mBqa3YFm2K_xmML2FTYcsVOl0Y3XqAn76wLDSYsWWyCKYgUuMDd3hLj8okcHXB9sEtd-V5rUMPANujMgegW0OzYfPU1ZvkiHO-gZyB10aQnSgsqv26bizaMHyRcmL1eGvuW/s640/b2cjewels-blog-dude-abides-mayer-baller-jeff-bridges-lebowski.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, imgflip.com</td></tr>
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<h4>
The dude abides. </h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
And so will we.</h4>
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I don't know about you, but I take comfort in that.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-48425872149628171932020-04-01T13:42:00.000-07:002020-04-01T13:44:10.627-07:0099 cts of diamonds from Arkansas! No fooling.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWPxo8RyOKQ0U5wujudhSARCo8gNqeQdrWkJnLpi7YAJ6Rsparay8iO8nTi4Jld4zvsVxQfi0x_EIVk_Y0WejKkrvE9yvfSW4rptcyYvPIgqCZ-yCmzp_tmwAGJuUvE31mVenLMtSnJTp/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-99-carats-arkansas-crater-of-diamonds.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Image credit, Arkansas State Parks" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWPxo8RyOKQ0U5wujudhSARCo8gNqeQdrWkJnLpi7YAJ6Rsparay8iO8nTi4Jld4zvsVxQfi0x_EIVk_Y0WejKkrvE9yvfSW4rptcyYvPIgqCZ-yCmzp_tmwAGJuUvE31mVenLMtSnJTp/s640/b2cjewels-blog-99-carats-arkansas-crater-of-diamonds.jpg" title="Image credit, Arkansas State Parks" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div>
Over 33,000 diamonds have been discovered by visitors to the <a href="https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crater-diamonds-state-park" target="_blank">Crater of Diamonds</a> in Arkansas since it became a state park in 1972, and last year was a doozie!</div>
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491 diamonds were found there in 2019 including 336 in the the white range, 82 yellow and 73 brown. The total weight found and registered was 99.14 carats. That's nearly a 30% increase from 2018.</div>
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The average weight of diamond found was 20 points (0.04 grams, or 1/5 of a carat), but 18 diamonds were recovered which weighed over 1 carat, including the whopper below, a 3.29 carat brown.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46ZvdWDxlCotcFpRNUlC_0FXVy3D43c-tJgqemwwwTNodFhG0eE81K1bF3fLmAPqqzO3yEK-sAJMX2h1sVaRzlUfYuXjcngNPXgDMoHFB0uGxS_5wA3zEOQBAv7hX4APBciQJO1aT16ed/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-99-carats-arkansas-329-brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46ZvdWDxlCotcFpRNUlC_0FXVy3D43c-tJgqemwwwTNodFhG0eE81K1bF3fLmAPqqzO3yEK-sAJMX2h1sVaRzlUfYuXjcngNPXgDMoHFB0uGxS_5wA3zEOQBAv7hX4APBciQJO1aT16ed/s640/b2cjewels-blog-99-carats-arkansas-329-brown.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Mypulsenews.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Visitors from 37 states went home with treasures discovered by sorting, wet-sifting, and sometimes just spotted at ground level.</div>
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<div>
Notable diamonds found at the Crater include the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_Sam_(diamond)" target="_blank">40.23-carat Uncle Sam</a>, the largest diamond ever unearthed in the U.S., which was featured in our post: <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2020/03/a-diamond-named-lucy-in-sky-other-cool.html" target="_blank">A diamond named LUCY in the sky & other cool stuff</a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFqarroY_JU0tYYlRahkvFc4wwfEVnYG2KRy9B8GpJtcG3dw83iNwUQbrLis0nQmY_8smbpfKs27DIwH1a75hcpowL5RBtoVNcN07q7eDLBROMPtcy3GTf-3fp70e3D3fnWUwWhZmHEGo/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-diamond-facts-uncle-sam-diamond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="800" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFqarroY_JU0tYYlRahkvFc4wwfEVnYG2KRy9B8GpJtcG3dw83iNwUQbrLis0nQmY_8smbpfKs27DIwH1a75hcpowL5RBtoVNcN07q7eDLBROMPtcy3GTf-3fp70e3D3fnWUwWhZmHEGo/s640/b2cjewels-blog-diamond-facts-uncle-sam-diamond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, GIA<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-11690331591482177262020-03-30T13:00:00.000-07:002020-03-30T15:50:40.353-07:00Quick tips: Hand washing & Jewelry care<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here are four quick tips to keep your jewelry safe and healthy as you frequently wash and sanitize your hands.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
1. Remove your jewelry</h4>
There are two reasons to remove your finger-blingers before scrubbing: On the one hand (so to speak) you don't want soapy suds to dull their sparkle. On the other hand (you saw that coming) you should be cleaning every part of your hands, including the skin normally covered by rings or bracelets. Develop a habit of placing your jewelry in sight, so you don't forget it, but not where it's in danger of dropping into a sink or waste-bin.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3Ii49Xbob1qSMuyRcwHyFppaIgmtpp_qbD_OQJQXUmn_I6c8_uLtxpMLz5ta8tUn6ITHBSUp8yBgbB0Nzqg9iFBKqCc0R0Lqwkxem1Zjb71BMOGGvwM5QfAOreGhuCC_YKwJ1BkVY03v/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-hand-washing-jewelry-care-remove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3Ii49Xbob1qSMuyRcwHyFppaIgmtpp_qbD_OQJQXUmn_I6c8_uLtxpMLz5ta8tUn6ITHBSUp8yBgbB0Nzqg9iFBKqCc0R0Lqwkxem1Zjb71BMOGGvwM5QfAOreGhuCC_YKwJ1BkVY03v/s640/b2cjewels-blog-hand-washing-jewelry-care-remove.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit, Clay Banks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
2. Use alcohol-based hand-sanitizers</h4>
When selecting hand-sanitizer, choose one that's alcohol-based. The brands which use chlorine-based germicides can cause jewelry to tarnish, corrode and even crack, particularly sterling silver and nickel white golds. Experts say that an alcohol concentration between 60–95% is most effective at killing germs, and is completely safe for most (but not all) jewelry. Read on...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9VZh9l5EYMgkX5kb2BHY7zVJyrZdXLx2M0EtPIygbvspil3rdliCPwMjPWU20vbreE5r9Snc97XL1mMG8PpkRZXaavcyypQ3Z-8b3hYlrUYXdkwNIM19-IaDVuIfflVvVhcbdivX_ZuB/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-hand-washing-jewelry-care-alcohol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9VZh9l5EYMgkX5kb2BHY7zVJyrZdXLx2M0EtPIygbvspil3rdliCPwMjPWU20vbreE5r9Snc97XL1mMG8PpkRZXaavcyypQ3Z-8b3hYlrUYXdkwNIM19-IaDVuIfflVvVhcbdivX_ZuB/s640/b2cjewels-blog-hand-washing-jewelry-care-alcohol.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit, Anna Earl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
3. Protect pearls and corals</h4>
Most jewelry can be exposed to alcohol-based hand-sanitizer, but remove all pearls and corals. Alcohol can cause color-change and loss of luster. Pearl and coral lovers already follow this rule with perfumes and hairspray - it should be extended to hand sanitizers as well. In fact, you should wait for your hands to dray completely before putting those items back on.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dBh1Q7BGf7lbqaUMshgMJYeVo9RBxeFS6ExPWoZt_zKStB8sVHSLkZJ3qYV4_M891PWmhMjUYPqwXAADzFAg4sth224UN6ih1egYIrrwvRUgJaDmhtkettOwxgsv60Q70_x7ADHJQKw1/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-hand-washing-jewelry-care-pearls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dBh1Q7BGf7lbqaUMshgMJYeVo9RBxeFS6ExPWoZt_zKStB8sVHSLkZJ3qYV4_M891PWmhMjUYPqwXAADzFAg4sth224UN6ih1egYIrrwvRUgJaDmhtkettOwxgsv60Q70_x7ADHJQKw1/s640/b2cjewels-blog-hand-washing-jewelry-care-pearls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit, Alex Maloney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
4. Rock a regular routine</h4>
Clean all of your daily-wear rings and bracelets with regularity (we suggest once per week). This can be done by soaking them in warm-water and dish-washing soap, scrubbing with a soft-brush to remove any detritus that has collected underneath or in hard-to-get-to areas, rinsing with cold water and letting them towel-dry.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWnWJbUmUp2ZZrtrhoSuqRJkjczu0eJL5T5CfLtwdPFpXakbovCWIyHBqhgMCmHSpCxFSxGqaLb6ojYBwwcS478e8lmbnmNogsMV2-NbcQgHFMfV82jbVdbc87NlXYX1mzOd486jsxp_e/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-hand-washing-jewelry-care-dry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWnWJbUmUp2ZZrtrhoSuqRJkjczu0eJL5T5CfLtwdPFpXakbovCWIyHBqhgMCmHSpCxFSxGqaLb6ojYBwwcS478e8lmbnmNogsMV2-NbcQgHFMfV82jbVdbc87NlXYX1mzOd486jsxp_e/s640/b2cjewels-blog-hand-washing-jewelry-care-dry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit, mom4real.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Follow instructions and store safely</h4>
Never expose colored gemstones to chemicals, solvents or ultrasonics without knowing their specific cleaning requirements.<br />
<br />
And when you remove jewelry to store, whether short or long-term, be sure to place each piece in a soft bag so it doesn't rub or knock against other pieces.<br />
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Follow these tips to protect your jewelry while also protecting your health.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-22528018059478841282020-03-27T12:42:00.000-07:002020-03-27T12:42:44.020-07:00What jewelry styles are trending in 2020?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Jewelry and fashion are constantly changing. People may not be gathering en masse right now due to the world situation, but we've kept our eye on the evolution of style, regionally and globally.<br />
<br />
From last year's final runway expositions to televised entertainment and celebrity fashion, here are trends that have enjoyed a groundswell of popularity through the first quarter of 2020.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
1. Layered jewelry</h4>
Traditional layering sees chains, bracelets and bangles of similar style combined together. In 2020 we have seen a breakaway from homogeneous layering to combinations of diverse lengths, thicknesses and styles. That can look great as long as the combination make design-sense and use the same flow as the outfit being worn. For example, we wouldn't recommend layering warm and cool themed jewelry together, unless that's a reflection of the clothing choices.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUMjXoUMWDGLCxubALpTGCg-mXq5ezVywatguEitpn59tQkMDKm0AhjQ_hDHaGpr6UUhN2Z9ICeHP1gUV3vfCpv7ADI8If_PDYlcdo_2MUAabqFKhGQektDgKiVOs1uSzqNA9gOD8cEsN/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-early-2020-trends-layering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUMjXoUMWDGLCxubALpTGCg-mXq5ezVywatguEitpn59tQkMDKm0AhjQ_hDHaGpr6UUhN2Z9ICeHP1gUV3vfCpv7ADI8If_PDYlcdo_2MUAabqFKhGQektDgKiVOs1uSzqNA9gOD8cEsN/s640/b2cjewels-blog-early-2020-trends-layering.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Standard.co.uk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<br />2. Chokers</h4>
As you're considering how to layer that neck-wear, it may be helpful to know chokers are definitely in style now. They come in many different iterations, from petite to bold. Chokers have always captured attention by highlighting the neck. From delicate chains to leather bands to complex fashion, chokers have experienced a surge in popularity this year.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGA0oltBw_L3dYgOd4QIl1XvGXFfDxEvZhnnHEyYBgavKntwH1vz28NXTOrMLN64UW8A4RlahyoKkRwl_fGL99hh81KCvJdO_wtBg02cRwXcoBxP7ofjgf9TJbOQjHCd1W6l62u507iWxH/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-early-2020-trends-chokers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGA0oltBw_L3dYgOd4QIl1XvGXFfDxEvZhnnHEyYBgavKntwH1vz28NXTOrMLN64UW8A4RlahyoKkRwl_fGL99hh81KCvJdO_wtBg02cRwXcoBxP7ofjgf9TJbOQjHCd1W6l62u507iWxH/s640/b2cjewels-blog-early-2020-trends-chokers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Glowsly.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<br />3. Pearls</h4>
Pearls are back in style, and not just for jewelry. Many accessories are also pearl-studded. Their great versatility means they're just as happy on a purse or belt right now, as they were on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_I_of_England" target="_blank">Queen Elizabeth's neck</a> over 400 years ago. Around 15% of couples choose something other than a diamond for engagement and pearls are a popular choice. The most publicized recent example was <a href="https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a30127662/emma-stone-engaged-dave-mccary-ring-photo/" target="_blank">Emma Stone's engagement to actor Dave McCary</a> a few months ago in December, 2019.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciq5nAg6PCxHZMN67VshSwsLUv4eo2FMRexR14Yt4OnLxTXpMFz4TO8IfomwhsICbZELB97rCiW8nFHS7ElAFItLe3fz_LjFA_7UpLMj84NvrCCx-hbz0yPHaQkKM-j3BQzO3ax0VSLwB/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-early-2020-trends-pearls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciq5nAg6PCxHZMN67VshSwsLUv4eo2FMRexR14Yt4OnLxTXpMFz4TO8IfomwhsICbZELB97rCiW8nFHS7ElAFItLe3fz_LjFA_7UpLMj84NvrCCx-hbz0yPHaQkKM-j3BQzO3ax0VSLwB/s640/b2cjewels-blog-early-2020-trends-pearls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Elle.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<br />4. Natural materials</h4>
Organic designs are in style, and a number of jewelry designers have responded by putting natural stones, shells and minerals in their pieces, frequently unworked. Crystal healers have done this for many years in their own homemade applications. Now the long-presumed "energy" of different natural stones which have calming properties has become fashionable. It seems right to mention this now, since aquamarine, the birthstone of March, is seen as a powerful meditation tool, employed by crystal healers to guide an individual toward finding her or his core spirituality.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNgmKy__jgGdEjKu9jQMsBWyuYl4mtqE5d9D_rFJmZFnyvFnxUXhcWN_6-o1uwbUs2DdT0N4mXXCmu_rIyHNGx8U3xt8IYmB9Iz6TiGljMKPCDDuB9zlQfQmpIWs7uKgB_qgTNYvlobiE/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-early-2020-trends-natural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNgmKy__jgGdEjKu9jQMsBWyuYl4mtqE5d9D_rFJmZFnyvFnxUXhcWN_6-o1uwbUs2DdT0N4mXXCmu_rIyHNGx8U3xt8IYmB9Iz6TiGljMKPCDDuB9zlQfQmpIWs7uKgB_qgTNYvlobiE/s640/b2cjewels-blog-early-2020-trends-natural.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Katarina Perez</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<br />5. Wildlife-inspired pieces</h4>
Finally, in keeping with natural, organic themes, the popularity of wildlife themed jewelry is on the rise. Whether it's a dolphin pendant, butterfly necklace or something more exotic, there's abundant creativity in the world of sealife, insect and animal-inspired jewelry.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrcu6aT88pNtixr-wgRhE1um5W9aMyHs_atG-4uJExQag5BkgSjA4GdTcOmNYGW1jBjyJDfl4XH1MBcw9CwX2V0iYCZYXn6Gghc84QNe9_AIo2hhDycw3j8PZ4Idl9LoE2ML0fNxhRPxs/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-early-2020-trends-wildlife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrcu6aT88pNtixr-wgRhE1um5W9aMyHs_atG-4uJExQag5BkgSjA4GdTcOmNYGW1jBjyJDfl4XH1MBcw9CwX2V0iYCZYXn6Gghc84QNe9_AIo2hhDycw3j8PZ4Idl9LoE2ML0fNxhRPxs/s640/b2cjewels-blog-early-2020-trends-wildlife.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Pinterest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-55658137586998060442020-03-25T11:19:00.000-07:002020-03-25T11:33:23.206-07:00Six movies from 2019 with BLING to stream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UEf-ro1i-PCNIEUtsNv_iXs8UbC2TsSKq73Migwz3B4wh7mmq0bvPUqRvpyLzdMlZLgiVZCnciRScHrIANkxiGyKo6VYeQgLyskGBTzVsA6pzZv4KU4Xmekx20olbd-BT70YlzuVAk5S/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-2019-movies-to-stream.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Image credit, Paramount" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UEf-ro1i-PCNIEUtsNv_iXs8UbC2TsSKq73Migwz3B4wh7mmq0bvPUqRvpyLzdMlZLgiVZCnciRScHrIANkxiGyKo6VYeQgLyskGBTzVsA6pzZv4KU4Xmekx20olbd-BT70YlzuVAk5S/s640/b2cjewels-blog-2019-movies-to-stream.jpg" title="Image credit, Paramount" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Hey jewelry lovers.</h4>
Bookmark this Oscar-worthy collection of 2019 movies that include epic bling. There are more than a DOZEN hours of fun and distraction described below, with duration and trailers included (you’re welcome).<br />
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With so many people sheltered in place, this list is intended as a stay-at-home streaming menu.<br />
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Originally compiled by <a href="https://www.jckonline.com/writer/amy-elliott/" target="_blank">Amy Elliott</a> of JCK as an <a href="https://www.jckonline.com/editorial-article/best-jewelry-films-of-2019/" target="_blank">Oscars prelude</a>, the vivid verbal descriptions come from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stylewriternyc/" target="_blank">Laurie Brookins</a> of <a href="https://www.screenchic.com/" target="_blank">Screen Chic</a>, a career fashion journalist and stylist who has authored for The Hollywood Reporter, Town & Country, Ocean Drive, and a number of regional luxury lifestyle publications.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Ready? Set… Go!</h4>
Pop the popcorn. Grab a blanket and prepare for dazzling diamonds, jewelry, gemstones - even rhinestones (Hello Elton) - as you enjoy some of Hollywood’s best movies of 2019.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7131622/" target="_blank">Once Upon a Time in Hollywood</a> | <span style="font-weight: normal;">2h 41m</span></h2>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ELeMaP8EPAA" width="560"></iframe>
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"Costume designer Arianne Phillips was nominated for her work in this 1969-set Quentin Tarantino film, and she indeed excels in capturing the mood of Los Angeles in this moment. Leonardo DiCaprio wears pinky rings and necklaces that a stylish star of that era would wear. Phillips worked with L.A.-based jewelry designer Stuart England on some pieces—while for Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate, the jewelry was both of-the-moment and understated, much like Tate’s own style. The most poignant fact of the pieces Robbie wore is that some had once been owned by Tate: The late actress’s sister, Debra Tate, had given her blessing to Robbie playing the role and loaned the pieces to the production as a sign of her approval."<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6398184/" target="_blank">Downton Abbey</a> | <span style="font-weight: normal;">2h 02m</span></h2>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tu3mP0c51hE" width="560"></iframe>
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“Audiences eager for Downton Abbey’s return with a big-screen sequel weren’t disappointed, especially fans of the series’ costumes. The central plot point, a visit to the titular manor by King George V and Queen Mary, meant that costume designer Anna Robbins could pull out all the stops with the formal looks needed. That extended to the jewels seen in the film: not only a reproduction of Queen Mary’s famed Vladimir tiara from 1874, complete with the 15 emerald drops the queen had added to the tiara after she acquired it in 1921, but also the vintage diamond tiaras worn by Elizabeth McGovern, Laura Carmichael, and Dame Maggie Smith, all dated between 1880 and 1910 and loaned by London-based jeweler Bentley & Skinner.”<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2066051/" target="_blank">Rocketman</a> | <span style="font-weight: normal;">2h 01m</span><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S3vO8E2e6G0" width="560"></iframe></h2>
“How do you reproduce the high-profile looks of a man known for his love of adornment? You secure the services of a jeweler that excels in craft, color, and a sense of whimsy, and that’s what costume designer Julian Day did when he reached out to Chopard to provide the jewels for Rocketman, the Elton John biopic. As the legendary singer/songwriter, Taron Egerton conveys how Elton embraced both his newfound wealth and the onstage character he had created, and the pricey Chopard jewels he wears—brooches, oversize diamond pendants, earrings from the jeweler’s Happy Hearts collection—also reflect that.”<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7549996/" target="_blank">Judy</a> | <span style="font-weight: normal;">1h 58m</span> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/98t7aXRaA6w" width="560"></iframe></h2>
“It’s a shame that costume designer Jany Temime wasn’t nominated for her work in Judy; she does such a great job at capturing the late-’60s look of Judy Garland, both onstage and off. That extends to the jewelry, especially the vintage button earrings you see Renée Zellweger wearing throughout the film. In interviews, Temime has talked about how this independent film ran on an incredibly tight budget, so she looked to a close resource for accessories, using the vintage jewelry, as well as silk scarves by Hermès and Dior she had inherited from her late mother.”<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5503686/" target="_blank">Hustlers</a> | <span style="font-weight: normal;">1h 50m </span><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LUG2U-IxPx0" width="560"></iframe></h2>
“A central role of a film’s costumes is to capture not just a story’s era but also the flavor of its theme, and that’s certainly true of Hustlers, a story that delves into the highs and lows of excess. With costumes designed by Mitchell Travers, the women in Hustlers define the success of their nefarious plans through the things they buy and how they adorn themselves, and in addition to name-checking brands like Gucci and Christian Louboutin, jewelry plays a central role in that idea. Here, the yellow gold is either piled on or just really prominent, from Jennifer Lopez’s nameplate hoop earrings to the “sexy” choker or multiple bangles worn by Constance Wu, the resulting look effectively communicates that everything is just a bit much.”<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Bonus ~</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5727208/" target="_blank">Uncut Gems</a> | <span style="font-weight: normal;">2h 15m</span> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vTfJp2Ts9X8" width="560"></iframe></h2>
While it wasn’t nominated for an Oscar (so we don't have Laurie Brookins' expert overview) this fast-paced, frenetic film will be a breathless ride for jewelry fans. Adam Sandler plays a fast-talking New York City jeweler and compulsive gambler. As his debts mount, with angry collectors closing in, he must risk everything in hope of staying afloat and alive. When you watch this film The New Yorker described as “mesmerizing chaos," you'll have a two-hour escape back to the busy New York City streets we're all accustomed to. Just one warning - there’s an awful lot of “F!” going on in this movie. And I’m not referring to colorless diamonds. Know what I mean?<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-52673957704826890092020-03-23T13:25:00.001-07:002020-03-23T13:25:38.867-07:00What good is jewelry in a crisis??<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthHFcES3Yo6NHveEzMONqN5fnL4fzvbgXlsBnzA1R4TLxrXNot3Z7HAGma6JFOywMVDqlawdlVZTb7nt6ipEG47m1Y45puObpQZ5f_PSlVpLwYnOdztGS4WmzzMp63gKMLPbp35gFtksY/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-flowers-crisis-masks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image credit, ABC" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthHFcES3Yo6NHveEzMONqN5fnL4fzvbgXlsBnzA1R4TLxrXNot3Z7HAGma6JFOywMVDqlawdlVZTb7nt6ipEG47m1Y45puObpQZ5f_PSlVpLwYnOdztGS4WmzzMp63gKMLPbp35gFtksY/s640/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-flowers-crisis-masks.jpg" title="Image credit, ABC" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<b>It's like a disaster movie.</b></h4>
</div>
People are sequestered for days, weeks, some for months on end. There are rumors of military troops on the ready, shortages in stores, and a medical industry that cannot adequately prepare for the upcoming months due to lack of equipment. Downtown streets, normally hustling with thousands of people are empty, the stock exchange is in turmoil, retail businesses are shuttered for an indefinite time period, and school yards are empty. People are scared.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIbBFfMI1wq-Rs6icm4ij1JzTQ3ezVVS4kmSBLiqwrks6ZK_l521cJyhAVD5xxIHoO7b62HXt8-iSHII7BJB96nHUiv7fQzoVDEHiIO8zNV1-YcvG-dz_SQ7ybscz1lsjUd0f0httCdzU/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-flowers-crisis-toilet-paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIbBFfMI1wq-Rs6icm4ij1JzTQ3ezVVS4kmSBLiqwrks6ZK_l521cJyhAVD5xxIHoO7b62HXt8-iSHII7BJB96nHUiv7fQzoVDEHiIO8zNV1-YcvG-dz_SQ7ybscz1lsjUd0f0httCdzU/s640/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-flowers-crisis-toilet-paper.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Mercury News</td></tr>
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I spoke to some relatives in Poland earlier today. They have been quarantined in their 450 sq. foot apartment for over a month. My 91-year-old relative hasn’t been able to leave the apartment and relies on her son to bring her essentials every day. The medical infrastructure in their town of half a million people has been overwhelmed for weeks, with no sign of improvement in the near future. She is the ideal host for the virus, she is older, physically vulnerable, and lives on the 11th floor of a densely populated, close-quartered apartment high-rise. As I was preparing to offer what comfort I could, she surprised me with her trademark optimism saying -<br /><br /><i>"But you know what? The flowers on my balcony are beginning to bloom and I am anticipating their beauty and smell. Nature just continues on. Where my flowers are, I find joy."</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkORgmZfc6WxxcWDqO3b1tmwF8W72gxJy_nLFLlNaIA4XPJIdNuyojCgSYl7uDMKCKpTlGXapskVtpO_NYuU5t3tLMvbZ4w66ZXNqPtt6wUNxqsyD6I5MCX9JOKiiW1NwxDk0JusRsj8s/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-flowers-elderly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkORgmZfc6WxxcWDqO3b1tmwF8W72gxJy_nLFLlNaIA4XPJIdNuyojCgSYl7uDMKCKpTlGXapskVtpO_NYuU5t3tLMvbZ4w66ZXNqPtt6wUNxqsyD6I5MCX9JOKiiW1NwxDk0JusRsj8s/s640/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-flowers-elderly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I paused and thought on this incredible woman.<br /><br />
I am practicing social distancing with the same veracity of anyone in America. I am able to FaceTime with my friends and family and Zoom with my co-workers. I pray for my family, my community, my country and the world daily. I worry for the retail workers who cannot earn, I worry for the truck drivers who are sometimes unable to find a meal, and especially for anyone who has been affected directly by the Coronavirus. Amidst all of that, I had already forgotten, I think, what Henia from Gdansk made perfectly clear:<br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Focus on the beauty around you. </b></h4>
Don’t forget the little things that make you smile. Never let an external force steal the joy from your life.<br /><br />
I, like millions of people worldwide, find a profound joy in jewelry. Diamonds, especially. The science geek in me is still enamored by angles, percentages and inverse-proportion light performance. The artist in me is still intrigued with the light spectrum and brilliant white flashes that are created.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5MgmMPTB1OAG4y9gOioI4qKu54PXow4PlIfKr-4HFkkq0Fr1FVFXxS4ctQD6cckme-bJFaLqWHov0lsd1MYcIAr7vYIrNSiYtWKdug_EDxedGNs84JBR2iqTaFxY5iqFjT20aKvtIcub/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-flowers-crisis-dispersion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5MgmMPTB1OAG4y9gOioI4qKu54PXow4PlIfKr-4HFkkq0Fr1FVFXxS4ctQD6cckme-bJFaLqWHov0lsd1MYcIAr7vYIrNSiYtWKdug_EDxedGNs84JBR2iqTaFxY5iqFjT20aKvtIcub/s640/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-flowers-crisis-dispersion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Iridescent Flame</td></tr>
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While transactions may have slowed, while purchases may be paused, and our lives are altered, nature continues. People will celebrate (as best they can) birthdays, anniversaries and engagements. Love will still blossom and excitement will build as relationships grow stronger.<br />
<br />
Like Henia’s balcony flowers, I can find my escape periodically into the world of gems and jewelry. My “flowers” are diamonds, classical music and good wine. If all of us pause for a second to discover our own metaphorical flowers, it may make this entire ordeal a bit easier.<br />
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Thank you, Henia for reminding me that passions and distractions help us deal with life’s worries – where your flowers are, you’ll find joy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLX3x7CGNNqXv6tQImsFkAdKhYMNyJKTlHH220U-tmK0scSwo-rXpWCY06bOhIvq5ES0bqRnzO-_WSQkeDN_dvjUanoN20JucpO7V0rXmFhNhWQr-YFy9Gs6e-OLX6u9rYZ44gD1mX-Ow/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-flowers-crisis-balcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLX3x7CGNNqXv6tQImsFkAdKhYMNyJKTlHH220U-tmK0scSwo-rXpWCY06bOhIvq5ES0bqRnzO-_WSQkeDN_dvjUanoN20JucpO7V0rXmFhNhWQr-YFy9Gs6e-OLX6u9rYZ44gD1mX-Ow/s640/b2cjewels-blog-jewelry-flowers-crisis-balcony.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Powerhousegrowers.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>- Brian, Director of Consumer Education, B2C Jewels</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-16037414873177258352020-03-21T10:19:00.002-07:002020-03-21T12:01:05.050-07:00A diamond named LUCY in the sky & other cool stuff<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOUQNoPBpfDVEUPQwmj4TiNOL8EzdfESTGbsGva9WNKlm80_1cNh6_3xfjhHhkiFnvG16IqB7U8B21ULF7q9eqgCJIfBHFdTkgq-TP2XsI8_OC_ql2rmZIx8h3JeJzuGV5DxoFZzpzzPE/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-diamond-facts-astronomy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Image credit, Valuewalk.com" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOUQNoPBpfDVEUPQwmj4TiNOL8EzdfESTGbsGva9WNKlm80_1cNh6_3xfjhHhkiFnvG16IqB7U8B21ULF7q9eqgCJIfBHFdTkgq-TP2XsI8_OC_ql2rmZIx8h3JeJzuGV5DxoFZzpzzPE/s640/b2cjewels-blog-diamond-facts-astronomy.jpg" title="Image credit, Valuewalk.com" width="640" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
No Joke.</h2>
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A 10 billion-trillion-trillion carat diamond named Lucy is floating around in outer space. And a certain priceless diamond arrived to its museum via U.S. Mail.</div>
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Here are a few fun facts about diamonds we hope you'll enjoy (<i>and share, hint-hint</i>).</div>
<h4>
<b>1. Stars and gods</b></h4>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Some of the ancient Romans and Greeks thought diamonds were tears cried by the gods which fell to earth and hardened. Others believed they were splinters that had broken off of falling stars.</div>
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<h4>
<b>2. There's a diamond named LUCY in the sky</b></h4>
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<a href="https://www.wired.com/2009/02/dayintech-0213/" target="_blank">In 2004 astronomers discovered</a> a pulsating white dwarf star 50 light-years from Earth. The star was named after the Beatles song, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” A chuck of crystallized carbon, Lucy is estimated to weigh 10 billion-trillion-trillion carats!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMw3yQcwyscmr9_4QDOeX1-v5zxrhnwb90UiKs2_YSgKnTLMMAAOIbbH-lMmYrQxyhekgTORKnv5D522iEZ9RE86mNM8y_qqalc4m6LfPzwRpfE5MshZ2ZffJCAJzzVwgfyddIGLJyKOv/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-diamond-facts-lucy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="800" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMw3yQcwyscmr9_4QDOeX1-v5zxrhnwb90UiKs2_YSgKnTLMMAAOIbbH-lMmYrQxyhekgTORKnv5D522iEZ9RE86mNM8y_qqalc4m6LfPzwRpfE5MshZ2ZffJCAJzzVwgfyddIGLJyKOv/s640/b2cjewels-blog-diamond-facts-lucy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Image credit, documentarytube</td></tr>
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<h4>
<b>3. I can haz carrot?</b></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">The word carat comes down from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carob" target="_blank">carob tree</a>.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> That tree's seeds were used as a standard of measure for weighing precious gemstones. Of course carob seeds can vary in weight. It wasn't until 1913 that carat weight became metric. One carat is now equal to 200 milligrams, or 0.007 ounces. </span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<b>4. Diamond Fire</b></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You can actually burn a diamond. It would require enormous effort, at a magnitude of 700-900 degrees Celsius, or 1,290-1,650 degrees Fahrenheit. House fires can sometimes reach those temperatures. So can jeweler's torches (be careful out there, friends).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3OwOlEg2J2BBTex2KQHjV_QSFs3qMZMiF2QS5scx0KePqVCP9NkaIVSDZO4z-_EGULedywGGbweJ0zmMaGoGz8Mtd7_B_YVg5uLB_I8yin23ybpVffoBG8CdEs-KD_t6d41SHIV7ZcnT/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-diamond-facts-torch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="800" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3OwOlEg2J2BBTex2KQHjV_QSFs3qMZMiF2QS5scx0KePqVCP9NkaIVSDZO4z-_EGULedywGGbweJ0zmMaGoGz8Mtd7_B_YVg5uLB_I8yin23ybpVffoBG8CdEs-KD_t6d41SHIV7ZcnT/s640/b2cjewels-blog-diamond-facts-torch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Wikimedia</td></tr>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<b>5. No. No. No... Yes.</b></h4>
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Only 30% of the world's diamonds are gem-quality. Ugh. It's hard enough to mine diamonds in the first place, and then over two-thirds of it gets used as industrial or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bort" target="_blank">boart</a>. Bonus fact: Although the USA produces nearly no diamonds for commercial sale, America is the largest importer of diamonds, buying over 40 percent of the world's gem quality supply.</div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<b>6. The Diamond Diet</b></h4>
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When a gem-quality diamond goes through production it loses up to 50% of its original rough weight before it's finished. The excess polished away in the process get collected and used as polishing-grit in the fashioning of other diamonds.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkdcSRxa1HVR7YoqOU1QVRrRmXJufNiWSBD0cfeU4KTPP9AsUPr7E_jZZrP8Jia2kvl3SVGUkPmk9I1ZpIO0TJqxaJ8R21YQV69fFRaYBhGyBhV0B4mFTZUf1wEJ4ZBGSvZLLaGO97u27/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-diamond-facts-diet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkdcSRxa1HVR7YoqOU1QVRrRmXJufNiWSBD0cfeU4KTPP9AsUPr7E_jZZrP8Jia2kvl3SVGUkPmk9I1ZpIO0TJqxaJ8R21YQV69fFRaYBhGyBhV0B4mFTZUf1wEJ4ZBGSvZLLaGO97u27/s640/b2cjewels-blog-diamond-facts-diet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Cape Town Diamond Museum</td></tr>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<b>7. "Hand me that pencil, Ramesh."</b></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Diamonds were recognized for their amazing hardness when discovered in India, and were used to engrave other gemstones as early as 300 BC.</div>
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<b>8. Oh, cursed Hope.</b></h4>
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Some people believe the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hope_Diamond" target="_blank">45.52 carat Hope diamond</a> is cursed. There's a reason for that. One of its owners, Evalyn McLean, considered it to be her good luck charm, but after taking possession of it her son was killed in a car accident, her husband divorced her and her daughter committed suicide.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolmnHOK-vc7dZr7q78IIdiKWfBzADjeyaf6vWSHLCPMAPYVIhDU7DMSKViJrlNN7iW6C2GPUHwCuB9jJ6WZ01PwHSACBpRGxzta6lbcBOQkTFn7VWW8D_tG84ozaqa20b-fbKmwnp2s0L/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-diamond-facts-hope-diamond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="800" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolmnHOK-vc7dZr7q78IIdiKWfBzADjeyaf6vWSHLCPMAPYVIhDU7DMSKViJrlNN7iW6C2GPUHwCuB9jJ6WZ01PwHSACBpRGxzta6lbcBOQkTFn7VWW8D_tG84ozaqa20b-fbKmwnp2s0L/s640/b2cjewels-blog-diamond-facts-hope-diamond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, Telegraph.co.uk</td></tr>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<b>9. Oh, crazy Hope.</b></h4>
The Hope diamond arrived to the Smithsonian in 1958, sent to the Institution via the U.S. Postal Service mail! At least it was registered First Class.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<b>10. Born in the USA</b></h4>
Found in the Crater of Diamonds State Park in 1924, the <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncle_Sam_(diamond)" target="_blank">Uncle Sam</a></b> is the largest diamond ever discovered in the USA. It weighed 40.23 carats in the rough, and was faceted into a 12.42 carat emerald-cut. It has a high clarity of VVS1 and, while it can appear slightly pink to observers, it's officially classified as an M color (for 'Murica!).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOTffLdQfZjXJh3R-8xk5pMgreRHaX6ovQb9-674Vh0Mb2PzYwhauJfA0LmajLLxiDUYz2BnK6YCR2IW7-SE_z02fsvmv1hx2JuiVq-trWR_6mUNTBjQPremiD4VWwBBYnwT_honWXWoj/s1600/b2cjewels-blog-diamond-facts-uncle-sam-diamond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="800" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOTffLdQfZjXJh3R-8xk5pMgreRHaX6ovQb9-674Vh0Mb2PzYwhauJfA0LmajLLxiDUYz2BnK6YCR2IW7-SE_z02fsvmv1hx2JuiVq-trWR_6mUNTBjQPremiD4VWwBBYnwT_honWXWoj/s640/b2cjewels-blog-diamond-facts-uncle-sam-diamond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit, GIA</td></tr>
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</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-20762271379137649512020-03-18T14:48:00.000-07:002020-03-18T14:49:30.093-07:00Diamond music to "Rock" your world<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For the many people on our planet with extra time on their hands these days, here's some fun, musical distraction. We all know diamonds are symbols of love and commitment. Well many of history's best songwriters knew that too.<br />
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We just added two-dozen songs involving diamonds to the playlist below. So enjoy some intrigue, romance and fun as you listen to the diamond music and let the diamond beats 'rock' you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15wqcdMz-5LNmeqsoF2x4mxtAywxnPfMH2i-vOyebiqoB1jHPP26QXj1wV5NE9Wu9m9w0MCtxWRG5p1wcFT3yw3PtTbNtWSkWMSVLdm-VjP9vebs7FrVsR0Xn0wPSicHKyyhNwirZfN37/s1600/b2cjewels-diamond-music-to-rock-you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15wqcdMz-5LNmeqsoF2x4mxtAywxnPfMH2i-vOyebiqoB1jHPP26QXj1wV5NE9Wu9m9w0MCtxWRG5p1wcFT3yw3PtTbNtWSkWMSVLdm-VjP9vebs7FrVsR0Xn0wPSicHKyyhNwirZfN37/s640/b2cjewels-diamond-music-to-rock-you.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The playlist spans 70 years of diamond songwriting history so it's enjoyably diverse. Whether you're alone, with family, walking with earbuds or simply seeking something to do - Enjoy!<br />
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<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/7H7gTqjAdvIHqMgIQ9avdV" width="300"></iframe>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-14484353026431970462020-01-03T17:00:00.000-08:002020-01-08T06:55:26.498-08:00You're Engaged! Yay! What's Next Though?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You said yes and now Pinterest boards, bridal magazines, "oh, what about the dress?" thoughts are swirling about your head. Stop. Breathe. Let us handle this for you. Here's a list of 5 things you should do after you say, "YES"!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-LBMl4LhEHSimV6FpqjzDiWnS_wmxNk48htio4t7FD-sG-fbX1ozoj9STbtiF1gRO5SA1mUSmwoC_nupVTv2oUuMkBSzUJR5_MQrJ4zsgbDfIhei-hpHCQ1vjtxXG79WlDKSg326HtvG/s1600/gift-habeshaw-Goa8mFLZHQ8-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-LBMl4LhEHSimV6FpqjzDiWnS_wmxNk48htio4t7FD-sG-fbX1ozoj9STbtiF1gRO5SA1mUSmwoC_nupVTv2oUuMkBSzUJR5_MQrJ4zsgbDfIhei-hpHCQ1vjtxXG79WlDKSg326HtvG/s640/gift-habeshaw-Goa8mFLZHQ8-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Family Comes First</b><br />
Before you post ring selfies and cutesy captions on social media, talk your family! Your near and dear ones deserve to know before your online friends and followers. Mom and dad, siblings and BFFs probably already know the proposal was due so give them a call to share the good news.<br />
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<b>Nails on Fleek</b><br />
You're going to be showing off that sparkler for the next couple of weeks. Not just on social media but friends, family and co-workers will want to take a look at your ring. It would be a good idea to get a manicure. You can still have nice nails with clear polish if you're a fan of the natural look. Oh and grab your favorite lotion and show your hands some love!<br />
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<b>Time to Get Social</b><br />
Ok, now you can open up Instagram! You can share a nice photo of you and your fiancé or a close up shot of your ring. If you and your partner are not comfortable sharing the news online, you absolutely don't have to! Share as much or as little as you wish. If you're planning on having a small wedding, it may be best to keep the news off social media completely.<br />
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<b>Insure That Sparkler</b><br />
This is a piece of jewelry you're going to have for a loooong time and it's precious so it makes sense to have it insured. You can ask about ring insurance from the jeweler that you bought the ring from. Understand the differences between ring insurance and having an extension to your homeowner or renter's insurance before picking one.<br />
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<b>You and Me Time</b><br />
Unplug from social media, cancel all plans and just spend some time with your fiancé. The next couple of weeks are going to be a whirlwind so dedicate some time just for the two of you. Talk about what kind of wedding you would like, the venue and other big questions. <br />
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You can go on to wedding planning from here!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0New York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972839.9423093 -75.296866299999991 41.483241299999996 -72.7150793tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-43871780817178868412019-11-25T12:00:00.000-08:002019-11-26T00:57:08.763-08:00Engagement Ring Trends of 2020 Part 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is part 3 of our engagement ring trend series, where we compile all the #ringgoals of 2020. Check <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2019/11/engagement-ring-trends-of-2020-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> and <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2019/11/engagement-ring-trends-of-2020-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a> to get inspiration for your engagement ring. Let's jump right into the next trend in this post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LpQLCr0w6wmc_Fkg_Zhb9wpIckMi31L2Lpgcw16gght8KPe4J4W2C5JvioU1nzsWjUUSLloWeCLQOIhoNQsnf4W7gZHcu3JeapV5gN7lYmA47Y3eDcHhrVdQmnjzJJF5ApG4-t1X5pWQ/s1600/nathan-dumlao-_-prYEEf0v4-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LpQLCr0w6wmc_Fkg_Zhb9wpIckMi31L2Lpgcw16gght8KPe4J4W2C5JvioU1nzsWjUUSLloWeCLQOIhoNQsnf4W7gZHcu3JeapV5gN7lYmA47Y3eDcHhrVdQmnjzJJF5ApG4-t1X5pWQ/s640/nathan-dumlao-_-prYEEf0v4-unsplash.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Think outside the round brilliant diamond box!<br />
The round brilliant diamond continues to be the most popular diamond shape for engagement rings but we do think a lot of modern brides are exploring other diamond shapes. Your engagement ring will be your most personal piece of jewelry so it makes sense to choose a diamond and setting that speaks to you.<br />
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<b>Emerald Cut Engagement Rings</b><br />
We predict the emerald cut with its long facets and understated elegance will see a surge in popularity in 2020. This cut has many celebrity fans. Beyonce sports a whopping 24-carat emerald cut engagement ring and recently Jennifer Lopez has been wearing a 15-carat emerald cut engagement ring.<br />
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The emerald cut diamond performs a lot differently than the round brilliant cut diamond. Rather than the sparkling effect of a round brilliant diamond, the emerald cut throws subtle flashes of light. Due to the way this diamond is cut with long step-like facets, it is very essential to choose a diamond with superior clarity grades. Unlike round brilliant diamonds that can be forgiving of inclusions, you have to be careful of inclusion when choosing an emerald cut diamond. Talk to one of our diamond advisors at 1-866-522-2539 to find the perfect emerald cut diamond for your dream engagement ring.<br />
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Take a look at this minimalist, super chic <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/emerald/1/asaj5261/classic-channel-set-princess-cut-diamond-engagement-ring-in-14k-white-gold" target="_blank">emerald cut engagement ring</a> from our latest collection. The princess diamonds on the band add to the allure of the ring.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxvSKXYJxKJ-S6S8RwEc7Omr0wOV8-1-1SuxFqkv3Rjr7n4rDf-6EhGZGyMrus-39CHUWtvQrLdGNCaet8urgjO8Nqppz2-d6QYiqbsjlaRtN-TrapFC3C4wQB_p1gFYzYBl9WO4BWu83/s1600/zoom1_Emerald_17061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxvSKXYJxKJ-S6S8RwEc7Omr0wOV8-1-1SuxFqkv3Rjr7n4rDf-6EhGZGyMrus-39CHUWtvQrLdGNCaet8urgjO8Nqppz2-d6QYiqbsjlaRtN-TrapFC3C4wQB_p1gFYzYBl9WO4BWu83/s320/zoom1_Emerald_17061.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This cut is quite versatile. It can look quite stunning with a vintage-style setting too as you can see with <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/1/asaj3951/vintage-petite-diamond-engagement-ring-pave-accents-14k-white-gold" target="_blank">this petite engagement ring</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioehXJe7vQgsGmtMiVZCXCxspQZhKNw0_aK294gWl3e4eSukw5aKNcUMio-NGDYWZiyk1I4zMk_sOp7HhO9XOlKjJIA0QFtMFB0bKiSwUQDcEIFG6h4kFsHO7jFMaJ7gNIdE9N-Bkc_AEb/s1600/zoom3_Emerald_15595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioehXJe7vQgsGmtMiVZCXCxspQZhKNw0_aK294gWl3e4eSukw5aKNcUMio-NGDYWZiyk1I4zMk_sOp7HhO9XOlKjJIA0QFtMFB0bKiSwUQDcEIFG6h4kFsHO7jFMaJ7gNIdE9N-Bkc_AEb/s320/zoom3_Emerald_15595.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Oval and Pear Diamonds</b><br />
Some of the other diamond shapes that you'll be seeing brides wearing a lot in 2020 are the elongated silhouette shapes like oval and pear. These two shapes have the same sparkling effect as the round brilliant diamond but come in intriguing shapes. Both shapes also have their own pros and cons.<br />
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The pear shaped diamond and the oval cut diamond with their elongated shapes offer the most "finger coverage". This means that when you compare an oval and pear diamond with a round diamond of the same carat weight, these two diamonds appear bigger due to the nature of their shapes. This is a big pro.<br />
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The con with these two diamond shapes is the bow-tie effect. The bow-tie effect is when there is a dark region in the center of the diamond, shaped like a bow tie. This happens due to the way these diamonds are cut. There is always going to be a bow-tie effect and in fact, it is a part of the beauty of the cut. The trick is to find oval cut and pear diamonds with minimal, not-severe bow-tie effect. This is why we suggest talking to our diamond experts on 1-866-522-2539 before choosing the center diamond for your dream engagement ring.<br />
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We hope these insights into 2020 engagement ring trends help you find your engagement ring. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0New York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972839.9423093 -75.296866299999991 41.483241299999996 -72.7150793tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-23821389476786194032019-11-22T16:30:00.000-08:002019-11-26T00:57:59.592-08:00Engagement Ring Trends of 2020: Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Engagement ring trends, just like fashion trends, come and go. But having a look at these engagement ring trends of 2020 gives you an idea about what is popular right now and what you may want your own engagement ring to look like. For more engagement ring trends of 2020, take a look at <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2019/11/engagement-ring-trends-of-2020-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> and <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2019/11/engagement-ring-trends-of-2020-part-3.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a> of this series. In Part 2 of this series, we’ll specifically look at center diamond trends of engagement rings.<br />
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<b>Pop of Color</b><br />
What do Princess Eugenie, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Elizabeth Olsen have in common? All ladies have beautiful engagement rings with colorful gemstones as the center stone. Although exact gemstone details of all the rings were not made fully available to the public, we can definitely see the rising popularity of colorful center stones. While this is certainly a beautiful trend to see on celebrity ring fingers, how practical is it on your own ring finger? Let’s find out.<br />
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Diamonds are not only beautiful but also sturdy. Ranking 10 on the Mohs scale that measures the hardness of natural substances, these sparkling gemstones are a great choice for jewelry that is worn every day such as engagement rings and diamond studs. Sapphires and emeralds are next in line when it comes to popular gemstones for engagement rings. They each rank 9 and 8 on the Mohs scale respectively.<br />
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But the scale only tells a part of the story. The numbers on the scale reflect which next harder substance will scratch the substance ranked below it. This actually translates quite differently in real-life circumstances. Although diamonds rank 10 and sapphires rank 9, they are about 90 times harder than sapphire. Both sapphires and emeralds are more prone to scratching than diamonds and require to be handled carefully. But does that mean a total and complete no to your dreams of a colorful engagement ring? Here’s how you can incorporate this celebrity trend safely in your life.<br />
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An engagement ring with sapphire side stones can be an excellent compromise between durability and color. This <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/1/gsus1041/channel-set-blue-sapphire-round-diamond-engagement-ring-14k-white-gold" target="_blank">sapphire and diamond engagement ring</a> is perfect as the sapphires add a subtle pop of color and you don’t have to worry about the durability of the gemstones as they are securely channel-set.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-gH39XmsO16k9u61ubOF9WDFLtJqX19xdIzapNUITI_1kE8XE2mOjgm5ysZiruTIbFVkDD1W8pqMBOMtRZ_a-Jz_7dif4sYJsZmyxfyQDKFGLb0CAqaSol_q3RG0qbam81GvPJpYYxu-/s1600/zoom3_Round_14288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-gH39XmsO16k9u61ubOF9WDFLtJqX19xdIzapNUITI_1kE8XE2mOjgm5ysZiruTIbFVkDD1W8pqMBOMtRZ_a-Jz_7dif4sYJsZmyxfyQDKFGLb0CAqaSol_q3RG0qbam81GvPJpYYxu-/s320/zoom3_Round_14288.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another option for adding color to your ring finger is with a colorful gemstone band. This <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/gemstone-rings/mraj0018/pink-sapphire-gemstone-diamond-fit-eternity-band-14k-white-gold" target="_blank">pink sapphire and diamond half eternity band</a> can work as a stacking ring or a pretty wedding band.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJpnyy3y_6J2n9EXTuyWP-TzzFRLZxR86tN-XdrsaMVsHndZahnrR6FXhAmFEgumwnoHnCAeiW2pDL8ExhyqIbXLp0z1yi9xt1clJdaR5wEaMPwtUWrUpn2v-QLj1zxoygVATDgn06ml8/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJpnyy3y_6J2n9EXTuyWP-TzzFRLZxR86tN-XdrsaMVsHndZahnrR6FXhAmFEgumwnoHnCAeiW2pDL8ExhyqIbXLp0z1yi9xt1clJdaR5wEaMPwtUWrUpn2v-QLj1zxoygVATDgn06ml8/s320/Untitled.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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But if your heart is set on a colorful center stone engagement ring, we recommend a fancy colored diamond engagement ring. Diamonds are available in many beautiful, vivid shades. We are partial towards golden, glowing yellow diamonds. We have a <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/diamond-search/fancydiamond" target="_blank">separate search for fancy colored diamonds</a> to make your diamond search easier. In this search, you can find diamonds in shades like yellow, pink and even green!<br />
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This <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/fancy-color-diamond-rings/asaj2291/cut-pear-yellow-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-18k-white-gold" target="_blank">yellow diamond engagement ring</a> is from our signature Cinora collection of engagement rings. It features a beautiful pear cut yellow center diamond.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQMIUYM5_C2qNOA_sFp5pQYWE4jj-N3n5ys1v6CHlJgeW-ditOTMc_AFtmRMH-p9Gxu_QiaWQ0MbPntU-ANxdiWfjd4m6odzcC9768SuAewUJGwEL0GCZqpi3Lb8geineZyYO1VoYc0ym/s1600/Zoomimg1_14459.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQMIUYM5_C2qNOA_sFp5pQYWE4jj-N3n5ys1v6CHlJgeW-ditOTMc_AFtmRMH-p9Gxu_QiaWQ0MbPntU-ANxdiWfjd4m6odzcC9768SuAewUJGwEL0GCZqpi3Lb8geineZyYO1VoYc0ym/s320/Zoomimg1_14459.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
Talk to our jewelry advisors on 1-866-522-2539 to understand which engagement ring trend will be a good, lasting choice for you.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0New York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972839.9423093 -75.296866299999991 41.483241299999996 -72.7150793tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-89903390542112963822019-11-18T13:30:00.000-08:002019-11-26T00:59:37.641-08:00Engagement Ring Trends of 2020 Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's that time of the year again when we review engagement rings of the past and present and predict the engagement rings we'll be seeing a lot of in the future. Without further ado, let's jump into our list of engagement ring trends for 2020. For more engagement ring trends, check out <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2019/11/engagement-ring-trends-of-2020-part-2.html" target="_blank">part 2</a> and <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2019/11/engagement-ring-trends-of-2020-part-3.html" target="_blank">part 3</a> of this series.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnc9TMM_RV4KqIQ9hLvIffGV01IzAmHMpvN89RD3z_EjrE4nRwRf5MJzYmasydh4nsvgaWq5meyOUxXGCe2_BEqOWQFfU-PMPhC-RkUJ4tGN0cLsEgfrkJxcaZQ2HMHAFpFKXpyhPZ2MYU/s1600/rachel-pfuetzner-fAIklKagBcw-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnc9TMM_RV4KqIQ9hLvIffGV01IzAmHMpvN89RD3z_EjrE4nRwRf5MJzYmasydh4nsvgaWq5meyOUxXGCe2_BEqOWQFfU-PMPhC-RkUJ4tGN0cLsEgfrkJxcaZQ2HMHAFpFKXpyhPZ2MYU/s640/rachel-pfuetzner-fAIklKagBcw-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Halo Is Out, Pave Is In</b><br />
The halo engagement ring setting is a very pretty and a very clever one. The aptly named "halo" of smaller diamonds surrounding the center diamond makes the center diamond appear bigger than it is. This optical illusion is why many budget-conscious couples go for the halo engagement ring. You get the big-diamond look for a lot less. But we are seeing a shift in popularity toward another sparkle-ful engagement ring setting, the pave setting.<br />
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Pave setting is where tiny melee diamonds are mounted on the jewelry with small blobs of metal, without any prongs. This technique gives the appearance of the jewelry being diamond-encrusted as the metal holding the diamonds in place fades into the backdrop of metal. The pave setting is also a great choice for couples looking at budget-friendly engagement ring setting. An engagement ring with a pave band adds plenty of extra sparkle to the ring so a budget-conscious bride can get away with a smaller, less expensive center diamond.<br />
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The pave trend is also influenced by some stunning celebrity pave engagement rings such as Brittany Snow's tasteful round diamond and thin pave band engagement ring. This is a design-classic that you can personalize according to your tastes. Take a look at this <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/1/asaj6041/compass-point-prongs-petite-diamond-engagement-ring-in-14k-white-gold" target="_blank">compass-point engagement ring</a> from our latest collection. The ring features the two classic elements: solitaire center diamond and the twinkling pave band. The playful element of the prong placement adds a personalized touch to the timeless setting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__pBq8x3v3oX-Mawr7hZwtRDEG_cosbFToQJyf1gTi6y1ujyZos0a6lUpyCkIdjGN1lWx1hU9DDJSmBr7dOonJHjt9ySQ30CcCI1161uIlhhYre9LwPycWem9TQpazD6awO_FBkSyFBAK/s1600/zoom3_Round_17384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__pBq8x3v3oX-Mawr7hZwtRDEG_cosbFToQJyf1gTi6y1ujyZos0a6lUpyCkIdjGN1lWx1hU9DDJSmBr7dOonJHjt9ySQ30CcCI1161uIlhhYre9LwPycWem9TQpazD6awO_FBkSyFBAK/s320/zoom3_Round_17384.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's another take on the solitaire center diamond with pave band engagement ring setting, the <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/1/asaj6061/criss-cross-accented-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-in-14k-white-gold" target="_blank">criss cross shank engagement ring</a> from our latest collection. This delightful ring has an intertwined, twisting pave set band that adds visual interest and of course lots of sparkle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbiYOj-U7dIeejY_WGeigvumC-fVZj41YyURdpJKTFn-C3gpP9Ve8ziEO1VzortNekduq5wv7j_hGFod2cxs5Ahyy5p3IshtnpDu3AMAvTnDlrCrwwjMG4AG7yAq05U3J8bE4c2l9YtRR/s1600/zoom3_Round_17394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbiYOj-U7dIeejY_WGeigvumC-fVZj41YyURdpJKTFn-C3gpP9Ve8ziEO1VzortNekduq5wv7j_hGFod2cxs5Ahyy5p3IshtnpDu3AMAvTnDlrCrwwjMG4AG7yAq05U3J8bE4c2l9YtRR/s320/zoom3_Round_17394.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Upgrading Your Engagement Ring and Wedding Band</b><br />
This next engagement ring trend isn't one design but rather a change in the outlook towards engagement rings and 'engagement ring and wedding band' sets. Earlier this year, when Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, gave birth to her baby boy, she also created history by changing her engagement ring and wedding band set. The duchess used to wear a yellow gold wedding band along with her custom-designed three-stone engagement ring. While the yellow gold band remains unchanged, her new set includes another beautiful three-stone engagement ring setting and a pave-set eternity band.<br />
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Upgrading your engagement ring or adding a new wedding band following an important event (think, anniversary or the birth of your child) is a trend we absolutely love. Your tastes and where you are in life changes so it makes sense that you would want to see those changes reflected in your engagement ring and wedding band. Check our diamond upgrade policy here.<br />
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Read <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2019/11/engagement-ring-trends-of-2020-part-2.html" target="_blank">part 2</a> and <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2019/11/engagement-ring-trends-of-2020-part-3.html" target="_blank">part 3</a> of this series for more engagement ring trends of 2020. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0New York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972839.9423093 -75.296866299999991 41.483241299999996 -72.7150793tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-31662537109126807482019-11-12T11:30:00.000-08:002019-11-19T07:04:13.354-08:00How to Get Your Dream Diamond Ring With Our Black Friday Discount<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You're just recovering from Labor Day and back-to-school sales and before you know it Black Friday sales have already started! With discounts and shopping events that happen all year round, it can be quite natural to develop Sale-Fatigue. In this post, we're going to explore whether Black Friday Sales are worth it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHfp09f8A1t6nhY2j9VhDuTUcY5NyV8GGxRcJ1olG8CfapWxcIvaPHHn3kRXPCIB45dCQlf4KI2GoBgwyOyQCemI_nQkDiDDwvO1VtVqq_U5-VINQzutDWl8QIlAcAEL-EbCG7J6gl6Mi/s1600/rupixen-com-Q59HmzK38eQ-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHfp09f8A1t6nhY2j9VhDuTUcY5NyV8GGxRcJ1olG8CfapWxcIvaPHHn3kRXPCIB45dCQlf4KI2GoBgwyOyQCemI_nQkDiDDwvO1VtVqq_U5-VINQzutDWl8QIlAcAEL-EbCG7J6gl6Mi/s640/rupixen-com-Q59HmzK38eQ-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's When We Think Black Friday Sales Are Totally Worth It: You Were Already Planning on Buying the Thing on Sale. Whether you were planning on buying a TV or an engagement ring, a Black Friday discount only makes sense when the item was already on your shopping list / wish list. We are not believers of impulse-buying and we firmly believe that having a good sale strategy is what makes Black Friday Shopping totally worth it.<br />
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Now that we cleared that up, let's find out how you can get your dream diamond jewelry with <a href="https://www.google.co.in/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=9nO6VPW0E6HV8gfakoDoAw" target="_blank">our Black Friday Sale</a>! If you're planning a holiday proposal, the time to buy the engagement ring is NOW! Choosing the perfect diamond and the best engagement ring setting takes time and careful planning so mid-November is the right time to start the buying process for your engagement ring. We understand this and that is why we launched our Black Friday Sale early!<br />
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Another big advantage of doing your holiday-proposal engagement ring shopping online is that you don't have to face the holiday shopping crowds or traffic :) But seriously, shopping online means no pushy salespeople and shopping at your own pace. Another great thing about buying your engagement ring online is that you can do your research, read reviews and then make an informed buying decision together. Here are some of our top picks for a magical holiday proposal.<br />
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This <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/1/asaj6081/scrollwork-accented-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-in-14k-white-gold" target="_blank">lovely engagement ring</a> with vintage-inspired scrollwork on the shank is a great choice for a romantic holiday proposal. The intricate design adds a certain magic that is perfect for setting the mood of your festive proposal.<br />
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<a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/1/asaj6081/scrollwork-accented-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-in-14k-white-gold" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuSUFiQzTgsRLqR1uSg6Rkx77FrMBj6HL0rgAUFEqwcCpMoAGEvBmrzJt2TRikXhPRn9TxtYHvdX9HPTNZY-UvVoFV2KO3ziQmZMpJZZlqDXLgpGWcpOgqrewQf6chFmjzr62lgjfv5gC/s320/zoom3_Round_17404.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If dainty is not your style, we recommend our <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/1/asaj4841/star-burst-halo-petite-engagement-ring-in-14k-white-gold" target="_blank">star-burst halo engagement ring</a>. This ring will outshine your Christmas decor ;)<br />
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<a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/1/asaj4841/star-burst-halo-petite-engagement-ring-in-14k-white-gold" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEUzC3ZsT4Us1hhbY53PLuCK3aKu8ywWPK4GZrgAy9IR-tbFmvTC_71Q0zJqubUudZ25E_hPV68cKk-iY2Uvr4lWIANkCHjhhF56tx-quIQxqBh6AoshmKMB5kCNXXuWCjMrllP558vT9/s320/zoom3_Round_16978.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
For the purist, we would suggest our <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/1/TSAJ5981/classic-six-prong-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-in-14k-white-gold" target="_blank">classic six-prong engagement ring</a>. It doesn't get more picture-perfect holiday proposal than this!<br />
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<a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/1/TSAJ5981/classic-six-prong-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-in-14k-white-gold" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrQ9ie9EN03nQWqa8dqYGpw1Q-ACnxtswz9m_RM1BOLIDN1G4KEMm8ixpfgWj87sfgctGP3yhoSaT4qtUdWiMK-zbFqK_Vi3KpsgxJoUZ-tCKKbpCGbIlvFk-A2wGwPBbJEUkgGriarag/s320/zoom3_Round_17159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Our Black Friday sale is also an excellent opportunity to start your holiday shopping. Starting early means you get thoughtful gifts for loved ones and no last-minute panic-y dash to the jewelry store.<br />
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Besides getting an amazing Black Friday discount, another advantage of our early Black Friday Sale is that we have extended returns till 15th January 2020*. We understand the holiday season can get quite busy so we extend our usual hassle-free returns period of 30 days. Want some help with choosing the perfect holiday gift? Here are some of our suggestions.<br />
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The holidays are the perfect time to get a brilliant buddy for your engagement ring. We pick this <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/ladies-diamond-wedding-bands/draj4951/pave-set-diamond-wedding-band-14k-white-gold-1-5-cttw" target="_blank">classic diamond band</a> that can work as a wedding band, anniversary band or a stacking ring.<br />
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<a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/ladies-diamond-wedding-bands/draj4951/pave-set-diamond-wedding-band-14k-white-gold-1-5-cttw" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvF06F-nL20OQ-xKXhyphenhyphenOPo_1ROLcQ2dWaIEuD9SS-OQLo4hIT07ycxN5r6C8GMqkhgfQ8QdTaDY0aD8b29muqPQymRt68U-1V5XFQkq2ILZRQQ-aUBeSG6G7_438zVf8Fcc1OocgL8ZHP/s320/Zoomimg1_17025.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
This <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/gold-pendants-and-necklaces/gprc7646/xo-symbol-pendant-14k-yellow-gold" target="_blank">dainty 'XO' pendant</a> is a best-seller and just perfect as a holiday gift for a loved one or for yourself because holiday time is treat-yo-self time!<br />
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<a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/gold-pendants-and-necklaces/gprc7646/xo-symbol-pendant-14k-yellow-gold" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLX0SUvdzLq_1NVUYD64SDmpEldm8y7RIC2WWzBUGJfXveMlvfxb1yw9ZESEILCZz8_ToTr1vrlU642Nd4pjDNw0YJ4BbOr_R_3UYwpUOGxxEI2TUEt2wsRnf0Vq8V1zMKrXyXWDrSdQzE/s320/Zoomimg1_15339.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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This <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/diamond-pendants/dpaj0016/chevron-diamond-pave-set-bar-pendant-14k-white-gold" target="_blank">chevron diamond pave pendant</a> is absolutely darling and will make someone very happy as they tear open their holiday gift.<br />
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<a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/diamond-pendants/dpaj0016/chevron-diamond-pave-set-bar-pendant-14k-white-gold" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRHHlLszA9plZ50V8BZx9iDuNzyijJja2CbyzbkJMW50FkT3GfONTjYRMMOxWvvMesMzYmZ0LDaJjy9vsjJw7rtNj_Tk3whCaqFs5yxHqCxfeufpLAr7LDudcHYiHqNAx0LjdWvKVkNaf/s320/Zoomimg1_15345.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
So, are you ready for our <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/" target="_blank">Black Friday Sale</a>?<br />
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*extended returns do not apply on loose diamonds, loose diamonds set in create your own jewelry or customized jewelry <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0New York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972839.9423093 -75.296866299999991 41.483241299999996 -72.7150793tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-38081757291985256082019-11-04T07:36:00.001-08:002019-11-04T07:39:17.737-08:00Citrine: The Warm-Hued Birthstone of Chilly November<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Available in earthy tones of yellow, brown and orange,
Citrine, the birthstone for the month of November, is the perfect choice for
adding subtle sparkle to your fall wardrobe. November may be a chilly month but
the warm hues of citrine are sure to cheer up lucky November-born ladies.</div>
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Citrine is a type of quartz and the traces of iron found
in the quartz crystals are responsible for the yellow undertones. It often
occurs in geodes along with other quartz like amethysts. The name citrine comes
from the French word, Citrine which means lemon. This sunny gemstone has an
interesting history as people believed it was capable of soothing tempers and
granting prosperity. The Greeks carved images into citrine while the Egyptians
used them as talismans. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqTQw2d_NBNB4UgkkKPKRLrnnzbVVX0GBKjUa1yjj6HsUk58GuIbdDP3LsVxpvKDXg4En9sqcTPTXe2uv9NSSA0ufjDb2pfvqCzLj1UJXbrvR8or3nrZyk9fqOQMXRMaZd3-bgwvrik-a/s1600/Zoomimg1_952.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqTQw2d_NBNB4UgkkKPKRLrnnzbVVX0GBKjUa1yjj6HsUk58GuIbdDP3LsVxpvKDXg4En9sqcTPTXe2uv9NSSA0ufjDb2pfvqCzLj1UJXbrvR8or3nrZyk9fqOQMXRMaZd3-bgwvrik-a/s200/Zoomimg1_952.gif" width="200" /></a>As fascinating as may be the history of citrine, we love
it for its brilliant hues ranging from pale yellow to glowing orange. The
lovely shades of citrine are beautifully showcased in this gorgeous pendant.
Three gemstones in graduating sizes and different shades are set beautifully to
achieve an ombre effect. The <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/gemstone-necklaces/mpst4569/14k-yellow-gold-citrine-pendant" target="_blank">14K yellow gold pendant</a> perfectly complements the warm
tones of the citrines. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Zqkh_uQnJnGQzYa_eBVbSFssdChp95if03zIFGhtbDpXfNexkZz1fxdrgjWrTgJseEcoujWgwQKXI_AWB5dadMCBKM7JPzzFCN6j28Wl3pzaM0aGiDeRHtXNBOxkbd7Zy2hNVqSPEzo4/s1600/zz.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Zqkh_uQnJnGQzYa_eBVbSFssdChp95if03zIFGhtbDpXfNexkZz1fxdrgjWrTgJseEcoujWgwQKXI_AWB5dadMCBKM7JPzzFCN6j28Wl3pzaM0aGiDeRHtXNBOxkbd7Zy2hNVqSPEzo4/s200/zz.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
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Besides November birthday boys and girls, citrine jewelry
is also given as gift on the 13<sup>th</sup> anniversary. If it is a (lucky) 13<sup>th</sup>
wedding anniversary gift that you are looking for, we would recommend the
citrine ring from our collection. Featuring three citrines in two fascinating
shades, this ring is also accented by six sparkling diamonds. The two reddish
side stones are called ‘Madeira’ citrine because the vibrant shade resembles
the red of Madeira wine. The 14K yellow gold mounting adds to the beauty of
this <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/gemstone-rings/mrst2825/14k-yellow-gold-genuine-citrine-and-diamond-ring" target="_blank">three stone gemstone ring.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifC2ztAVmIn7f1QfD4cyac41vMskCR-FqDCCC4o8MRy4j5uNletPHJyzxGtfHqysitoRnamzUvpopKCiLAvth9aPYsq0qkMBbCdIwcc_kNjkKnOfHOD9uYn8xO9tBjMlu02Izl1oBa_qjB/s1600/3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifC2ztAVmIn7f1QfD4cyac41vMskCR-FqDCCC4o8MRy4j5uNletPHJyzxGtfHqysitoRnamzUvpopKCiLAvth9aPYsq0qkMBbCdIwcc_kNjkKnOfHOD9uYn8xO9tBjMlu02Izl1oBa_qjB/s200/3.gif" width="200" /></a>Citrine measures 7 on the MOHS scale that quantifies the
hardness of gemstones. This means that with reasonable care, citrine jewelry can
be used on a daily basis as the gemstone can withstand the wear and tear of
regular use. We think this <span id="goog_1649951799"></span><a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/gemstone-necklaces/mpcm0421/citrine-cushion-cut-gemstone-pendant-necklace-in-14k-yellow-gold-6mm" target="_blank">cushion cut citrine pendant</a><span id="goog_1649951800"></span> would be perfect for
brightening fall outfits. The gemstone is set in a secure bezel making it ideal
for everyday use. </div>
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The sunshine-y gemstone gained quite a popularity in the
1920s and featured in a lot of Art Deco jewelry. The vivid shades juxtaposed
beautifully with the angular lines of Art Deco masterpieces. Hollywood icons
like Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford favored citrine jewelry. We think some of
that old world elegance is reflected in this citrine and peridot ring.
Featuring two emerald cut peridots and an <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/gemstone-rings/mrst4916/14k-yellow-gold-genuine-citrine-and-peridot-diamond-ring" target="_blank">emerald cut citrine</a>, this ring is set
in 14K yellow gold. <br />
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If you have your heart set on citrine, here are some tips
to care for your citrine jewelry. It is always a good idea to store citrine or
any other gemstone jewelry separate from loose diamonds or diamond jewelry or
any other material that may scratch it. And although it was believed to be a
gift from the sun, citrine should be protected from direct sunlight. Prolonged
exposure to sunlight may cause the bright gemstone to fade.When cleaning your
citrine jewelry, use mild soap and water and be sure to let it dry completely.
Start your love affair with citrine <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/birth-stone/82/citrine" target="_blank">here</a>!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-9462721061063271502019-09-16T16:30:00.000-07:002019-09-17T23:44:22.885-07:00How to Be A Smart Engagement Ring Shopper<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When it comes to engagement ring shopping, there are many outdated "rules" that you can ignore. But financing your engagement ring smartly is the one thing you cannot overlook. So, how do you go about being a smart engagement ring shopper? Let's start at the start.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtGIQoB5Lwue8O30v0D5a0ODnxsdMWDU-dLbmiEqZeUKoeypiiM0sZnZrbwiHpeXg9BlbsOwp95jjoJaKneNZWetvN2-6dOyU1gJ9_h8U89fZsKbQiUo3Zsu-qfJdDaGkHeQN4hi-Yu7m/s1600/andrew-avdeev-HDdDoFvdy0Y-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtGIQoB5Lwue8O30v0D5a0ODnxsdMWDU-dLbmiEqZeUKoeypiiM0sZnZrbwiHpeXg9BlbsOwp95jjoJaKneNZWetvN2-6dOyU1gJ9_h8U89fZsKbQiUo3Zsu-qfJdDaGkHeQN4hi-Yu7m/s640/andrew-avdeev-HDdDoFvdy0Y-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Your Budget</b><br />
Many factors go into setting a budget for an engagement ring, such as, are you planning on buying a home, what is your wedding budget, what does your dream engagement ring look like. You and your partner need to have an honest, open conversation about it. Only the two of you can decide on the budget. And trust us, there are many <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/design-your-own-ring" target="_blank">stunning engagement ring options</a> for every budget imaginable.<br />
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<b>Financing Options</b><br />
It is always a good idea to know what options you have. Many jewelry retailers, including us, offer our customers financing options to make it simpler to have your dream ring. Check the attractive <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/financing" target="_blank">financing option </a>we offer to see what will be your rate. <br />
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<b>Understand the 4Cs</b><br />
How well you understand the 4Cs, determines how your ring will look and what it will cost. A well-cut 0.90-carat diamond can look better and perform better than a poorly cut 1-carat diamond and it will be priced lower too.<br />
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Is color important to you? You can choose an on-the-lower-end J color grade diamond but go higher in carat weight. A slightly warm diamond can look stunning in a yellow gold or rose gold ring setting. You can make the most of your ring budget when you understand your 4Cs well.<br />
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<b>Do Your Research and Go Online</b><br />
Most shoppers have an idea in their head what ring shopping looks like. They think they have to go into a store and pick a ring from the selection available there. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Ring shopping should actually start with research. What is your dream ring style, what kind of diamond do you want, how can you make the most of your budget. And, you certainly don't have to limit yourself to traditional brick and mortar stores.<br />
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Online jewelry stores have access to <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/diamond-search" target="_blank">thousands of diamonds</a> and<a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/design-your-own-ring" target="_blank"> hundreds of ring designs</a> to choose from. You have a lot more control over the budget and quality of ring when you choose a diamond and ring setting separately.<br />
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<b>Future Upgrade </b><br />
Here's an option most couples are unaware of: upgrading your diamond in the future. Most online diamond retailers offer an upgrade policy for your diamond. B2C Jewels has a <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/lifetime-upgrade-policy" target="_blank">lifetime upgrade</a> policy! You can save and exchange your diamond for a bigger, better diamond, say two to five years from now with this easy upgrade policy.<br />
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Check these five options to be the smartest ring shopper you know.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-86157482733426335762019-09-09T17:30:00.000-07:002019-09-16T03:32:09.549-07:00Engagement Ring Master Class: Everything You Need to Know<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We're talking all things engagement rings and today is Part 2 of our engagement ring series. Read <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2019/09/engagement-ring-101-how-do-you-choose.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> here to get started on your ring journey.<br />
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Now, that you know which diamond you want for your engagement ring, let's talk about the ring itself or the engagement ring setting. Engagement Rings come in many different styles and settings and each has its own unique beauty. Let's talk about the most popular ones.<br />
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Solitaire Engagement Rings: This setting has only one diamond on the ring and it is one of the most endearing settings of all times. The diamond can be mounted on the band with prongs or bezel. There can be other design elements such as engraving on the band but the star of the show is the diamond.<br />
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Halo Engagement Rings: Halo settings are a design genius! The center diamond is surrounded by a "halo" of smaller diamonds giving the appearance of a bigger diamond.<br />
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Side Diamond Engagement Rings: Engagement ring with smaller, accents diamonds on the band are a great choice for people who like the additional sparkle on their engagement ring. <br />
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You can watch our video tutorial to know more. But if your style is unique, you can have your ring custom designed <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/customized-engagement-ring" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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If you are buying an engagement ring for your partner, it is very important to keep her style and personality in mind while choosing the ring. Read our tips on how to choose a ring based on her personality <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2019/07/how-to-choose-ring-that-matches-her-personality.html" target="_blank">here </a>and also to find her perfect ring size <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2019/07/how-to-find-right-engagement-ring-size.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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But, we also recommend to not keep the ring design a surprise from her. An engagement ring is a deeply personal choice and also something she is going to wear all the time. We know just how you can keep <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2019/06/how-to-buy-your-engagement-ring.html" target="_blank">the proposal a surprise while shopping for the ring together</a>.<br />
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Besides being beautiful, it's important that your engagement ring also be functional. We have many <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2019/06/how-to-buy-beautiful-and-sturdy-engagement-ring.html" target="_blank">tips</a> on how to choose an engagement ring that is lovely and practical.<br />
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But, if there's only one thing you'll read today about choosing an engagement ring, watch this video: We give you insider tips that you'll never find anywhere else on how to save on your engagement ring.<br />
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Now, you're ready! Get started on your <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/design-your-own-ring" target="_blank">ring journey</a>.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0New York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972839.9423093 -75.296866299999991 41.483241299999996 -72.7150793tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-87084984103013801052019-09-04T15:00:00.000-07:002019-09-14T02:47:36.479-07:00Engagement Ring 101: How Do You Choose Your Engagement Ring?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A sparkling round brilliant diamond in a classic six-prong setting or perhaps a dreamy oval halo on a rose gold band<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">—</span>some women just know their dream ring, have a Pinterest board dedicated to it and all. But, if you're not one of them, that's okay, we're here to help. In this series of Engagement Ring 101, we'll cover everything from what diamond shape should you choose for your engagement ring to should you inscribe your ring with an inside joke? So, how do you choose your engagement ring? Let's get started.<br />
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<b>No. 1: There are NO RULES!</b></div>
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Seriously! This is your ring<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">—</span>get what you want. Do you love color? Maybe, a sparkling yellow diamond is more your thing than a traditional colorless diamond. Perhaps, you prefer a dazzling eternity band to an engagement ring. You do you. We seriously suggest trying on a few styles before deciding on your, the one.</div>
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Check some of our unconventional engagement rings here: <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2018/09/5-offbeat-engagement-rings.html">https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2018/09/5-offbeat-engagement-rings.html</a></div>
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What to know more about yellow diamonds? Check this <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2018/09/yellow-diamonds-are-your-new-best-friend.html" target="_blank">post</a>. </div>
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<b>No. 2: Diamond Shape</b></div>
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Once you have decided on overall your engagement ring or diamond band style, it's time to look at diamond shapes. Every diamond shape performs differently and has its own unique beauty. Check our video tutorial on diamond shapes to know more. </div>
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<b>No. 3 Know your 4Cs. </b></div>
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This is where you will (and should) spend the most time researching. But, once you know these fundamentals, you're very close to buying your dream engagement ring, we promise!</div>
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Start with the <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2018/10/diamond-education-diamond-cut.html" target="_blank">diamond cut</a> because the way your diamond looks and performs depends on how well it is cut. And then go through our video tutorials on diamond color and diamond carat.</div>
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And then finally take a look at diamond <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2018/10/diamond-education-clarity.html" target="_blank">clarity</a>. </div>
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In the next post, we'll cover engagement ring settings and then you're ready to choose your dream ring! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2773304207556493411.post-3304098923977887232019-08-29T19:00:00.000-07:002019-09-03T02:51:36.114-07:00Gifts for Groomsmen and Best Man Gifts: Ideas, Etiquette and More<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The wedding party plays such a big role in making your dream wedding come true so it makes sense that you want to appreciate all that they have done with the perfect gift. Read our tips on picking jewelry and gifts for <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2019/08/how-to-choose-bridesmaids-jewelry.html" target="_blank">bridesmaids</a> and the <a href="https://blog.b2cjewels.com/2019/08/maid-of-honor-gift-guide.html" target="_blank">maid of honor</a> here. This post covers the best man and groomsmen. Let's figure out how to thank your groomsmen and best man for standing by your side!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYngRh67IRPaD5U3zB3fQsoYBCpkdJQmr7_wrJAhFd-I8oSoFR2NSWyYFm1a0fXPsZfiR466L_IdMdgD-61nxpR42X__kJkHntAIZi73EguuVOjPl4adaXZ3Ex0ZGR8oJBHSiyMP0beTbs/s1600/katelyn-macmillan-PzDvVdwotUk-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYngRh67IRPaD5U3zB3fQsoYBCpkdJQmr7_wrJAhFd-I8oSoFR2NSWyYFm1a0fXPsZfiR466L_IdMdgD-61nxpR42X__kJkHntAIZi73EguuVOjPl4adaXZ3Ex0ZGR8oJBHSiyMP0beTbs/s640/katelyn-macmillan-PzDvVdwotUk-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When you start, you have some questions - How much should you spend on your groomsmen gifts?<br />
Does the best man get a different gift than the groomsmen? So when do you give your groomsmen and the best man their gifts? Let's start at the start - How much should you spend on your groomsmen gifts? The answer to this question is never simple and differs for every couple. A good place to start is to look at your wedding budget and then compare it with what the groomsmen and the best man are spending to be a part of the wedding. These are not cardinal rules, merely a place to start.<br />
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Does the best man get a different gift than the groomsmen? Most couples prefer to give something special to the best man, after all, he has been doing his job in the months leading up to the wedding. Additionally, the best man (and maid of honor) will be a part of not only your wedding but your life. So, it's a thoughtful gesture to pick out something nice just for him.<br />
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When do you give groomsmen and best man their gifts? Choose the right time to give your gifts. Times that work are at the rehearsal dinner, at the bachelor party or even on the wedding day.<br />
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Now, let's figure out what to give your groomsmen and best man!<br />
1. Something for the Wedding Day<br />
Jewelry and accessories that coordinate with what they will wear on their wedding day are always appreciated. Subtle yet stylish bracelets from our collection of <a href="https://www.b2cjewels.com/51/titanium-bracelets" target="_blank">men's bracelets</a> make the best groomsmen gifts. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4OY31_tigsW5w7RF6Ze20J3WsBGkxSisTwmy_SfO8KVJ3Zvw7xiQ2Xo8uPMYyL-beGeAKVmRtHb0SSLVKV5q0L2ZCbyu8iNtUEodH34t1TrHRJzQLjLeSg3NA1kmJEdwJuilB8XXSGzt/s1600/bracelet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4OY31_tigsW5w7RF6Ze20J3WsBGkxSisTwmy_SfO8KVJ3Zvw7xiQ2Xo8uPMYyL-beGeAKVmRtHb0SSLVKV5q0L2ZCbyu8iNtUEodH34t1TrHRJzQLjLeSg3NA1kmJEdwJuilB8XXSGzt/s320/bracelet.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. Something That Reflects Their Personality<br />
How about choosing unique best man and groomsmen gifts? Groomsmen gifts that reflect their personalities are gifts that the groomsmen can use after the wedding is long done. Music lovers will appreciate great headphones. For fitness enthusiasts, sports water bottles or protein shakers make the perfect groomsmen gifts.<br />
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3. Something Personalized<br />
Personalized gifts for groomsmen and the best man are a thoughtful touch. You can have almost anything personalized with their names, initials or even favorite football team's logo. Some ideas for personalized gifts include personalized beer mugs, tie clips, dopp kits, BBQ tools, barware, wallets and more.<br />
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Choosing perfect gifts for best man and the groomsmen takes time and thought so plan in advance and we hope these ideas help you get started.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0New York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972839.9423093 -75.296866299999991 41.483241299999996 -72.7150793