A wedding is one of the most significant events of an adult’s life.  Couples spend countless hours planning the perfect day and going over every detail.  From choosing a wedding dress that feels like “the one”, to picking out a hairstyle that makes one feel that much more beautiful, a woman’s wedding day “look” is a big part of the event.  

A bride’s “look” is not complete without the perfect bridal jewelry- it’s like the icing on the cake.  With so many options, here’s what to keep in mind when choosing the perfect pieces. 

Customize

It’s no secret that the wedding ring is the star of the show when it comes to bridal jewelry.  After all, each partner will wear their wedding band daily, serving as a reminder of their love and commitment for one another.  What better occasion to create a custom piece of jewelry than for your wedding!  Many couples will choose to create something that represents a significant aspect of their lives, such as including a particular diamond from a country that both partners have a personal connection to in their wedding bands.  

Creating custom jewelry is one of the many services available at Guida Jewelers. One of our expert designers would be pleased to meet with you for a free, no obligations consultation, to discuss creating a one-of-a-kind dream piece. 

Be Yourself

One way to further elevate your “look” and add some glitter and glam to your day is through choosing the perfect bridal jewelry- the wedding ring is just the start. From earrings to necklaces, there are many ways to accessorize and personalize your style, helping you to stand out and feel confident on your special day. 

Be mindful to choose bridal jewelry which you feel represents you.  The mantra “less is more” applies in terms of how much jewelry you choose; it’s really about “quality over quantity”, and the meaning behind each piece.

Match Your Dress

The wedding dress holds a special place in every bride’s heart.  Bridal jewelry should always be selected with the style and color of your wedding dress in mind.  

The metals of your jewelry should be matched to your dress.  For a white dress, silver or platinum metals are recommended.  For an ivory or champagne gown, gold jewelry is advised, as it helps accentuate the creamy color.  If you have a blush gown, pair it with rose gold jewlery.  In general, metal types should not be mixed. 

Consider the neckline of your dress when choosing the type of necklace you accessorize with.  A good rule of thumb is for the silhouette of the necklace to match with the neckline of your dress. For V-neck gowns, it is best to accessorize with the choker or pendant which matches your earrings.  For a sweetheart or strapless neckline, a choker or shorter necklace is best, as this helps to create height and draws attention up to your face.  For halter or reverse halter dresses, your bridal jewelry focus should be a bedazzled or floral hair decoration. 

Don’t Sacrifice Your Comfort

The most important thing is that you enjoy your wedding day.  There is no need to sacrifice comfort for beauty.  When selecting bridal jewelry, keep in mind that you will be wearing it all day.  Choose pieces which feel natural to you.  You don’t want to be worrying if your hair piece is going to fall off while dancing!  Always try on the pieces you are interested in, and if there’s doubt in your mind, take the time to look for something else until you find something both beautiful and comfortable. 

The Memories Bridal Jewelry Holds

Your wedding jewelry will continue to hold significance long after your wedding day, with each piece representing your wedding and bringing up memories of your special day.  The ring is something you will wear everyday, reminding you of your love and commitment.  As far as other pieces, you may choose to wear them to other events, or during significant times in life, such as anniversaries.  It can also be touching to pass these precious pieces on to loved ones when they become a bride.  

Celebrate You and Your Love

With the many bridal jewelry styles to choose from, there is something for every bride.  Take your time in making your selection and remember to choose pieces which celebrate your personality.  While it’s always a good idea to do your research on the latest trends, remember that it’s your special day and choosing bridal jewelry that represents you is most important.  

Guida Jewelers would be happy to help guide you in selecting the perfect bridal jewelry for you. We are pleased to offer a wide selection from Gabriel & Co. Bridal Jewelry.  

Gabriel & Co. has a reputation as being passionate, dependable, and artistic designers, creators and manufacturers.  Their line of timeless bridal jewelry encompasses classic and fashion-forward design.  Stop by Guida Jewelers today to begin your journey of accessorizing for your special day.

From family heirloom pieces to modern day gems, getting an appraisal is an important part of taking care of items that are precious to you. The most important reason to have an appraisal done is for insurance purposes. In the case that your item is lost or stolen, you will need an accurate appraisal report in order to be compensated with adequate insurance coverage. Other reasons why people choose to have their jewelry value appraised include: estate tax evaluation, value comparison, casualty loss, divorce settlements, donations, loans, and for collateral and bartar purposes.

Many people assume that jewelry is covered under their homeowner’s insurance. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. While it’s important to read the fine print on your individual insurance, in most cases you aren’t covered for loss or damaged jewelry unless it is appraised and scheduled separately.

In the sad case that something precious is stolen for you, an appraisal gives a verified proof of value. If you don’t have a record of an item’s existence, which is part of what an appraisal offers, your insurance company may decide your claim is invalid and refuse to compensate you for your loss.

Think of it this way: an appraisal offers proof of your assets and their value.

What Does an Appraisal Involve?

An appraisal is done by a certified professional who examines your jewelry in order to determine its dollar value. Guida Jewelers has the most knowledgeable and experienced appraisers you can find anywhere. Along with jewelry, Guida Jewelers can appraise diamonds, gemstones, sterling flatware, watches, and more; if you are wondering if your precious item fits under our appraisal guidelines, contact us today.

What To Look for in an Appraisal

Each appraisal should be detailed and include information such as: the content and weight of any precious metal, a description of gems or diamonds (including carat weight, cut, color, clarity, measurements, proportion and finish), an internal diagram showing any inclusions in the case of diamonds, a color photograph, and an appraised value.

Note that appraised values are determined using a computerized networking system that constantly monitors prices in the industry and compares retail values.

Keep in mind that you should be able to remain present during an appraisal and that the appraisal information should be kept confidential in professional settings.

How Often Do You Need an Appraisal?

Since the value of each item is dependent on the economy, and the jewelry market in particular, it is important to keep your appraisal up to date. It’s also important to remember that changes to the condition of your jewelry, which may occur over time, also influence the appraisal. At Guida Jewelers we recommend having your jewelry appraised if you haven’t done so in the past 5 years. It’s even better to have your jewelry appraised every 2-3 years to be most accurate when it comes to current value.

Having a recent appraisal is key to making sure that your jewelry is not insured for less than its replacement value in the case that it is lost or stolen. For example, the price of gold in the early 1970’s was just over $100 an ounce, yet in current times it is worth around $1,800 an ounce; if your valuation is based off of the price of gold from the 1970’s that is the information the insurance company will base their reimbursement off of.

If you are going to be making alterations to your jewelry, such as remounting a stone or modifying the piece in any way, make sure to get the piece appraised again as this can alter its identity as well as change the piece’s value.

A Sale’s Receipt is Not Enough

As mentioned above, the value of jewelry changes over time. A sale’s receipt does not determine the value of your piece. Insurance companies don’t care how much you paid for something initially, they only need to know its current value when it comes to coverage.

Don’t Delay in Protecting Your Precious Items

Schedule your appraisal today with Guida Jewelers and feel confident in knowing that you are securing the future for your treasured items.

At Guida Jewelers we’ve built a reputation for our knowledge of diamonds and diamond settings.  If you have a stone that needs to be set, you can confidently watch us set your stone in our workshop.  We love natural diamonds.  With lab-grown diamond production on the rise, here is our NJ Jeweler’s Guide to Lab-Grown Diamonds. 

What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Did you know that lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds?  They also have the same physical and optical properties of natural diamonds, making them a phenomenal replacement.  Lab-grown diamonds are just as real, vibrant, and precious as natural diamonds. Just as natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds consist of carbon atoms that are arranged in the crystal structure that mimics the natural diamond. 

In fact, lab-grown diamonds so closely resemble natural diamonds that they can only be distinguished from each other through the use of specialized equipment.  This equipment closely examines minor differences in trace elements and diamond structure.  It is important to note that lab-grown diamonds are different from diamond simulants, which look similar to diamonds, but lack the same carbon structure.  Because of this, diamond simulants are inferior to lab-grown diamonds, and therefore sell at a lower price point. Diamond simulants can be identified using the naked eye.  When you purchase lab-grown diamonds, they should always be accompanied with a certificate which identifies them as lab-grown. 

How are Lab-Grown Diamonds “Grown”?

You may hear lab-grown diamonds also referred to as man-made diamonds, engineered-diamonds, and cultured-diamonds.  No matter how you refer to them, they undergo an advanced technological process which mimics the conditions under which natural diamonds develop in nature. When you think about it, the technology is quite impressive, as natural diamonds form in the mantle beneath the earth’s crust.  

The process of growing diamonds starts with tiny carbon-seeds from preexisting diamonds.  Complex technology, which either involves immense pressure or a special deposition process referred to as CVD, mimics the natural-diamond growing environment.  After being grown, some of these diamonds will undergo additional pressure or heat-treatments.  When it comes to colored diamonds, additional trace elements are present during the growth stage, based on the ones they contain in nature.  

In terms of sustainability, lab-grown diamonds can be a responsible choice, as they do not require any mining.  Another benefit of lab-grown diamonds is that they can be made in a variety of colors, some of which are considered rare in nature.  

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Worth the Money?

Lab-grown diamonds offer excellent quality at great value.  This is because they are more cost-effective than natural diamonds of comparable quality and size.  This is especially true when it comes to colored diamonds, which sell at more affordable prices than natural ones. 

Along with being more affordable, it is not uncommon for lab-grown diamonds to be higher quality than natural ones.  This is due to the highly controlled environment and process lab-grown diamonds are created under. The result is fewer defects, brighter quality and higher purity.  

It’s no secret that there are questionable practices when it comes to diamond mining and the ethical treatment of diamond miners.  Lab-grown diamonds offer traceability in terms of origin, allowing one to only buy ones which are ethically sourced.  At Guida Jewelers we care about sustainability and ethical practices.  When it comes to natural diamonds, we are members of the exclusive Diamond Dealers Club, which allows us to buy directly from the diamond source.  

Will Lab-Grown Diamonds Lose Value?

Lab-grown diamonds are treated similarly to natural diamonds when it comes to how they are certified and graded.  After they are grown, lab-grown diamonds are sent to an independent gem lab, where they are certified by a gem expert. Just as is the case with natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are graded based on their cut, clarity, carat, and color: the 4 C’s of diamond grading.  

Lab-grown diamonds are durable and won’t lose quality over time.  As with all gems, the value of lab-grown diamonds may vary over time.  Since lab-grown diamonds are newer to the market, there isn’t much information on future pricing, when compared to natural diamonds.  

Due to their sustainability and ethical production, it is speculated that lab-grown diamonds will remain a popular and perhaps necessary choice amongst jewelry lovers.  

Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds can be insured. Guida Jewelers can help guide you in obtaining Jeweler’s Mutual Insurance, which is the only insurance company which specializes and protects jewelers and the personal jewelry of the United States. 

Phenomenal Quality at a Great Value 

Overall, lab-grown diamonds offer phenomenal quality at a great value.  Lab-grown diamonds can be worn daily or for special occasions.  If you are looking to treat yourself or a loved one to a jewelry piece that will be valued for a lifetime, come to Guida Jewelers.  For something truly unique, ask about a custom jewelry consultation with one of our expert designers.  Whether natural or lab-grown, Guida Jeweler’s can offer expertise in choosing what diamond or piece is right for you or your loved one.

Jewelry is one of our most precious possessions.  Understanding how to care for your jewelry helps to ensure that you maintain the beauty of each piece and that heirlooms can be cherished for generations to come. 

Know When to Remove Your Jewelry 

Chances are you or someone you know has a story of losing a special piece of jewelry.  Whether it be losing a ring down the sink drain, or having a precious piece carried away in the ocean, it’s important to know when to remove your jewelry so you can prevent it from getting lost or damaged.

Take Off Your Jewelry While Swimming

Always remove your jewelry before swimming. When we are in cold water, our extremities shrink, making it easier for rings to fall off. Salt water and chlorine are also damaging to jewelry.  Chlorine is known to discolor and damage metals like gold and platinum, and also erodes the finish and polish of gemstones.  

Take Off Your Jewelry During Times of Vigorous Activity

Jewelry should be removed prior to any vigorous activity.  Did you know that sweat can damage jewelry?  This is particularly true when it comes to sterling silver.  It’s also important to remove jewelry prior to gardening or before exposure to sand on the beach.  This is because soil and sand can be abrasive, which can cause permanent scratches. 

Take Off Your Jewelry Before Showering and Bedtime

Taking off your jewelry before showering is a good practice.  Submersion in water is harmful to certain pieces, and soap can contain harsh chemicals and cause residue buildup.  Removing your jewelry prior to bed can help to prevent breakage.  

Be Mindful of Light and Heat

Just as we need to be mindful of the sun’s rays when it comes to our skin health, excess sun exposure can damage jewelry.  The UV rays of the sun can actually bleach certain materials, in particular natural stones.  In some cases, excess heat and sudden changes in temperature can fracture gems. This is because heat removes the natural moisture that gems need to keep their beauty. For instance, opals can turn white or brown and develop tiny cracks, and pearls can crack and discolor in the presence of heat.  

Also, keep in mind that lotions and sprays dull jewelry and often accelerate tarnishing. 

A good rule of thumb is to remove your jewelry and keep it at home if you are not sure whether a certain activity or exposure will pose a threat of damage or increased risk of being lost. 

Maintaining and Storing Your Jewelry

Make it a habit to keep your jewelry in a safe, dry place.  It is a good idea to have a designated space for your jewelry, so it won’t be easily misplaced.  A special jewelry box, which is lined with fabric and has multiple compartments, is ideal; this way, you can separate pieces which helps to prevent scratching. It is also a great idea to have a to-go storage option for your jewelry; this will help prevent damage when traveling with your treasured pieces. 

In terms of cleaning your jewelry, do so gently with a soft cloth.  Never submerse gem studded pieces in water.  If there is any buildup of debris, use a solution of water with gentle soap and a soft cloth.  Never use abrasive materials such as a toothbrush to clean your jewelry.  In general, it is recommended to clean your jewelry once a month and to bluff it with a soft cloth when needed. 

Examine Your Jewelry Regularly

Keeping an eye on your jewelry will help to ensure you catch any vulnerabilities in your jewelry, such as loose gems or brackets, before it’s too late.  If you are unsure of what to look for, bring your jewelry into Guida Jewelers to be examined by one of our experts.  

Insure Your Jewelry

Jewelry is precious.  Each piece is beautiful in its own right and made even more special by the memories it evokes.  Taking all of the above steps will go a long way in preserving your jewelry, yet accidents do sometimes happen.  It is important to have your jewelry insured in the case that it is lost or stolen.  

At Guida Jewelers we can help you get your precious pieces insured and discuss individualized care of your jewelry.  Our personalized expert service makes all the difference.  Schedule a consultation today!