So, I just wanted to share some of the things to watch out for when buying jewelry. I’ve picked these up working in the jewelry business.
 
1. Sizing – Always ask if it can be sized to fit you. Sometimes (particularly if it needs to be sized more than 2 sizes) it can’t be done without compromising the integrity of the mounting, or causing you to lose stones. So, be sure to ask your salesperson. If they give you that deer in the headlights look, ask the jeweler on site.
 
2. Multi Stone or Pie Cut Diamond Rings
 

 

 
These are a great way to save money on a ring with a large carat weight. But, it can sometimes be difficult to find a jeweler willing to work on them. Sometimes, you have to send them back to the manufacturer. So, keep that in mind when considering these options.
 
3. Diamond Pave
 
Oh my gosh, just about anything with this flies off of the shelf & I love the look myself. But, anytime you buy something like this, be sure to have your jeweler ensure that all the stones are tight. These guys have a tendency to lose stones.
 

 
As long as you know ahead what to watch for and what to ask your salesperson for, you’ll do just fine selecting an beautiful piece for your collection!
 
Happy shopping!
 
Humbly yours,
Lisa Milam

I’ve been working in the jewelry industry for 12 (or so) years now & I’ve grown to appreciate the classics. Pieces that every woman should have in her collection.
 

1. Pearls

 

 

Beautiful, simply elegant. Studs, strands, rings – they all work for any occasion.
 
2. Diamond Stud Earrings
 

 
Find a good pair with great fire & they don’t have to be huge to make a statement! These will work for anything & can be dressed up with enhancers for a change of pace.
 
3. A Great Gold Chain
 

 
A well made gold chain & you’re golden! It can be worn alone for when you’re feeling minimalist or paired with any number of charms or pendants to completely change the look.
 
As with anything, choose your own style. But choose quality, well made basics & build on those staple pieces & you’ll have a jewelry wardrobe that will last a lifetime & suite any need.
 
Humbly Yours,
 
Lisa Milam

 

Just wanted to show our readers a few of the top new jewelry trends. It seems that you see these all over in magazines, tv, awards shows and we just love them!
 
Rose Gold
 

 

 
Midi Rings
 

 

 
Two Stone Rings
 

It is vital to the performance of your gun to clean it after use – EVERY time. You can find video tutorials on how to fieldstrip just about every type of pistol, rifle, shotgun out there if you are unsure about how to do it.  Also, if your gun is going to be in long term storage, you need to oil it regularly as well. This will keep it working and looking fantastic!

Jewelry stores provide you with some type of paperwork at the time of purchase. They usually tell you what you bought and how much you paid. IE: 14 karat yellow gold 1.00 carat total weight brilliant cut diamond solitaire ring. Which is great, but how do you know if you got a good deal?
 
Ask for appraisal paperwork.
 
Appraisal papers will tell you color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. AKA The 4 C’s How the item(s) is graded on a scale for each group, estimated retail replacement value, and should include a diagram of internal flaws. The appraisal should contain a description of the mounting as well.
 
I advise all smart shoppers to ask for an independent GIA certified appraisal. This will ensure that the person grading the jewelry has no stake in what it sells for. Thus, providing you with an unbiased evaluation of the item(s).
 
As with any high dollar purchase, ask for a guarantee. This will give you the confidence to know that if your purchase isn’t what the seller represented it to be, you’ll have recourse.
 
And shop around! See what several different stores offer and at what price, and don’t be afraid to negotiate. Let the seller know you found xyz at another store for x price, can you beat that offer? If you know what you want and for what price, you can find the best bang for your buck.
 
Happy shopping!

Thought it might be helpful for our friends to have a little help in this area.

 

All precious metal and gold jewelry is stamped to show the percentage of purity. Below are a few examples to help you educate yourself.

 

10 karat gold stamp – 417

14 karat gold stamp – 585

18 karat gold stamp – 750

Platinum stamp – 950

Sterling Silver stamp – 925

 

Gold plated jewelry is also stamped to be easily identified. Below are a few examples:

 

HGE – Heavy gold electroplate

GE – Gold electroplate

GF – Gold Filled

 

These are just a few examples. There are others out there and some are tricky. Even the experts get fooled into buying fake gold, so if you are ever unsure, please feel free to stop in anytime and we can help you to identify. Hope this helps to shed some light.

 

Thank you,
Lisa Milam

We are thick in the middle of lawn & garden season. Here’s a quick tip: remember that the trees in our area are still producing lots of debris. Make sure to keep those gutters clean. This will keep them from sagging and potentially causing water to pool on your roof. The damage can be severe.

Remember to care for your jewelry every day. It is best to take it all off prior to using any type of soap, makeup, or cleaning solutions. Most of these items have harsh abrasives that can dull and scratch your jewelry. If you need a quick cleaning: swing by and pick up a complimentary cleaning cloth!