Choosing Jewelry

summer proposal

Tips for the Perfect Summer Proposal

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A proposal is one of the most memorable moments of a couple’s life, so you want to make sure everything about it is special. Summer proposals are some of the best proposals, especially for couples who love travel, the beach or the outdoors. Here are a few things to consider when you’re coming up with the plans for your big moment:

Take Advantage of the Outdoors

There are so many options for summer proposals! If you are an adventurous couple, consider incorporating the proposal into something fun that you guys like to do together. However, you also want to consider just how adventurous you want to get with a ring in your pocket! Maybe don’t choose to pop the question while rafting down a river where the ring could easily be swept away in the current. A nice hike might do just the trick, instead!

If you like the idea of outdoors, but would prefer a more romantic scene, taking to sandy beaches is always a good option. Choose a sunset lookout or a romantic picnic in the park. There are so many options to make the day memorable for years to come!

Be Aware of the Weather

While there are many beautiful ways to do summer proposals, make sure you check the weather before the plans are set in stone. If you choose to propose outside, consider how hot it will be and how long you will have to be out in the heat. Try planning the proposal first thing in the morning, or later in the evening to avoid the sun at mid-day.

Choose Your Location Wisely

You want to make sure that the location of your summer proposal is special! Think carefully about where you will get down one knee and plan accordingly. Will you set up any type of scene, or will nature be your backdrop? If you will be near water and there is a possibility of getting wet, make sure to bring along towels or a blanket to place on the ground so that you don’t have to kneel on wet ground, if that’s something you are trying to avoid.

A Summer proposal can also run into the issue of crowds. If you plan to propose in a public place, like the lakeside, a park, or a beach front then you might run in to the issue of unwanted guests being present. When considering this, maybe try to think of times those places will be less busy. Another option would be to scope out the location several days in advanced in order to find a quieter spot to go to.

Overall, you know your partner best! If you think she would enjoy a romantic walk on the beach to a blanket of rose petals, take that route. If she’s more adventurous, try something a little more fun! While planning the proposal you don’t want to forget the most important part – THE RING! We have many options for engagement rings in our gallery that we would love to show you. Give us a call or stop by the shop to see some yourself!

summer style

Spring to Summer Transitions

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Summer seems to finally be making its way as temperatures are rising! Knowing how to transition your wardrobe can be difficult during the days where things are a bit cooler in the mornings, and warmer as the days go on. Even if you have to throw on a light sweater, you can definitely move into the new season with your colors.

Color Palette

Start to put away your darker colors and pick up the lighter and brighter ones. Instead of grabbing blacks, go for something navy to lighten things up. Add in pops of colors here and there. Bring back out the whites! Whether it be white pants, an accessory, or a layering piece- white is back in!

A great way to accent colors in your outfits is through jewelry. We have several items to choose from to brighten up your look.

  • Blue topaz earring studs: These blue topaz earring studs are a great example of a way to add color, while also keeping it subtle:
  • Vintage estate jade and pearl gold bangle: Bangles and bracelets bring the color more up front. This vintage estate jade and pearl gold bangle with green enamel would make a beautiful addition to your wardrobe for a warm touch.
  • Long tassel multi-color necklace: Not sure which color to choose? What about a variety? This long tassel multi-color necklace is a way to include colors in a dainty way!

Pearls

If you’re not sure that you want to branch out into colors, pearls are your next best friend! Pearls offer a lighter shade to brighten things, while keeping things simple and classy. Check out these pearl options we have available:

Design

Colors aren’t the only way to spring into summer, but also the design of jewelry. Adding in hoops or drop earrings, layered necklaces or bracelets, and detailed rings all add summer like additions to any wardrobe.

Check out these options:

We would love to help you get your wardrobe ready for summer with new jewelry to accessorize! View our gallery for more options or give us a call today.

Mother's Day Flowers

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

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Mother’s Day is almost here and you might be trying to find a last minute gift. How do you decide the perfect gift? Whether you are looking for your mom, a mother to be, your grandmother, aunt or just someone who is like a mother to you, a timeless keepsake is the perfect answer to your Mother’s Day needs! Even though we might not be able to gather together this Mother’s Day, you can still honor your mother with a timeless keepsake that she will cherish forever!

Why Jewelry for Mother’s Day?

You might worry about jewelry being expensive, but you can purchase jewelry that is beautiful and filled with character on a budget. Buying mom a new ring or pair of earrings is a way to show her your love and appreciation through an item that will last for years to come. Not only can she appreciate the gift, she can wear it out to show off to friends and family.

How to Decide Which Jewelry to Buy?

To decide which jewelry to buy for Mother’s Day, consider her personality and what she tends to wear. Would she enjoy a more sentimental piece, subtle jewelry, or something unique to show her style? One great option for sentimental jewelry are pieces that are her children’s birthstone colors. If she has a quiet nature and tends to lean towards neutrals tones, a simple gold necklace might be exactly what she needs! There are lots of options to get something fun for her to add to her collection if she likes colors and loud pieces. Find something that would speak her language and show off her style!

What About Custom Designs?

How can you take your Mother’s Day gift to the next level? Custom jewelry can be a great way to add simple, but meaningful touches. Engraving children’s birthdates or a sweet note into a necklace is a great way to make the gift more sentimental. Do you have something specific in mind? Bring in a drawing of your own and we can create it from scratch. Your mom is sure to appreciate the consideration that goes into creating a custom piece just for her! Though custom jewelry might take a couple of weeks to complete, it’s sure to be a late Mother’s Day gift she will never forget!

During this time, let’s not forget to show our moms how much we love and appreciate them! Mother’s Day can be made simple and special with new jewelry that she can cherish for years to come! View our gallery online, or give us a call. We would love to help you find the perfect gift!

Spring Style

Spring Into Style

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As the seasons begin to change and spring begins to poke through the winter chill, you might be preparing to change out some items in your wardrobe. Not only do you need to begin trading your boots out for sandals, you can also consider how to transition your jewelry. Whether it’s the colors you choose or the way you style your jewelry, your wardrobe can speak of the coming season. Keep the following in mind as you transition to spring into style!

 

TRANSITIONAL JEWELRY

While winter styles are typically neutral and toned down, spring months bring the opportunity to stand out a bit more! As you begin to fade out the winter items in your closet it is easy to mix in simple, but bold pieces that quietly hint at the change of the season. Large, simple hoops add a more playful nature to an outfit to keep it fun, but not too overbearing. Modern Pearls are a great way to incorporate a lighter tone with some of your darker transition clothing articles. Any type of solid metal jewelry is another way to begin to shift your accessories from winter to spring.

 

Gold and pearl jewelry

 

 

POPS OF COLORS

Colors are one of the easiest ways to begin warming up your style. While keeping some of the winter neutrals around, you can also begin throwing in pops of color in your jewelry. As we move closer to spring, the colorful jewelry trend will begin to take off even more. Soft, pastel colors tend to be a popular choice during this time of year to slowly move from neutral to bold. The 2020 color of the year is blue, which can be the perfect tone to include in your jewelry choices to warm things up a bit with its bright and fun hues.

 

 

Light blue earring studs

 

SEASONAL STYLING

There are many ways to style your jewelry to signal the change in seasons. Styling bright-colored studs with some of your heavier winter blouses is a way to keep things subtle, but colorful. Incorporating a touch of color with a bracelet, a ring, or a pendant necklace allows you to keep your warm winter clothes on as long as need be but steps up the soon coming of a new season.

 

Soon the air will be warmer and we will be back to wearing tanks and sandals, but in the time between there are many ways to transition your style with the turning of the seasons. Pops of color, simple but bold jewelry, and styling appropriately around your light sweaters and scarves are the perfect ways to spring into style with the changing of the temperatures. Our gallery is full of options to help you plan the perfect wardrobe. Look around (online), or stop by the showroom and try some on for yourself!

 

 

Isbell Rubies Featured Image

Valentine’s Day Rubies

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Valentine’s Day is a day of romance, chocolate, hearts, and cupid’s arrows! It is a day to celebrate the one you love most and hold them close. Valentine’s Day rubies are a perfect way to do that!

Valentine’s Day has been around for centuries and got its name after Saint Valentine, a Catholic Priest who lived in Rome in the 3rd Century. 200 years after his passing the 14th of February was proclaimed St. Valentine’s Day and is still celebrated around the world. Over the years Valentine’s Day has emerged into a day of sending gifts, letters, and flowers to your loved ones to express affection.

VALENTINE GEM:

There is no better way to celebrate the day than by showering your love with a symbol of devotion, such as a Ruby gemstone. Rubies are associated with love and passion. Their bright red to light pink hues are said to ignite feelings of courage, happiness, and commitment. Rubies are the traditional gemstone gift for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversary, so if you are celebrating many years together this Valentine’s Day, be sure to consider the ruby gemstone as a present and sign of continued devotion to your spouse.

ALL ABOUT RUBIES:

Other than the beauty of this gem, it also holds many characteristics of durability. This gem is only second to diamonds on the Mohs scale of hardness ranking at a 9. Some also believe that they also possess the ability to energize and balance, stimulate the heart chakra and encourage a passion for life.

 

Rubies are relatively easy to care for. Warm soapy water will do the trick and is always a safe option. Allow the ring to sit in the water for 15 to 20 minutes before removing and carefully rubbing clean with a soft cloth or toothbrush.

 

GIVING THE GIFT OF JEWELRY:

Picking out the perfect Valentine’s Gift can be difficult, but we are here to help! Expressing your love through buying a piece of jewelry is one of the most treasured ways to say ‘I love you.’ It is a timeless, sentimental gift that can even serve as an heirloom piece later in life.

We have several Ruby, or other gemstones, options in our gallery that we would love to show to you. Whether you are looking for a small ring or a pendant necklace, we have something that would be the perfect Valentine’s Gift for your special someone. Come in to see for yourself, or view our gallery online!

uncut garnet stones

Garnet Jewel: January’s Birthstone

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If your birthday falls within the month of January, then you have found your way to the right place! We are sharing interesting facts and helpful tips about the Garnet Jewel: January’s birthstone.

garnet pearl diamond ring

HISTORY:

The word “garnet” comes from the 14th century Middle English word gernet, meaning “dark red.” The word is derived from Latin word granatum, which means “seed,” and is called so because of the gemstone’s close resemblance to the red seeds of the pomegranate.

The gem has been around for ages and held a popular role throughout centuries with the Egyptians, Romans and Victorians. The gem was favored by nobility in middle ages and used for jewelry making by many.

LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS:

More than just their beauty, the garnet has held several symbolic meanings over the years.  Ancient healers relied on garnets for healing power, as they believed that placing it in wounds would bring restoration. The Spanish believed that the garnet represented the sun, and some believed that the garnet would cure depression or protect against bad dreams. Throughout the world and amongst the different people groups, the garnet’s virtue has always been believed to include passion, true friendship, fidelity, success, self- esteem, loyalty, devotion, energy, faith, consistency, and truth.

BEAUTIFUL COLORS

While most would recognize the garnet jewel as being a dark red hue, it can actually be found in a variety of colors. Depending on its chemical makeup, the gem can reflect colors of greens, oranges, yellows, and golds. So, if your birthday falls within this month but red is not your color- you have options!

DURABILITY

The garnet is one of the most durable pieces, as there are remnants that can be found remaining dating back as far as 3000 BC. While not as strong as a diamond (which rates a 10 on the MOH’s scale), it doesn’t rank far behind at a 7 to 7.5.

CARING FOR YOUR GARNET

It is important to care for your jewels properly to get the best life out of them. Cleaning your jewel is best done with warm soapy water and a very soft brush. Make sure that you rinse the stone well after washing it with soap and never steam your jewel, as it can cause damage. 

garnet necklace
Sterling Silver Garnet Necklace

We have several beautiful garnet pieces in our gallery! Browse them online or stop by and see them in person. We are sure we can find the perfect piece to celebrate you!

jewelry presented in gift box

Jewelry to Celebrate New Beginnings

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As the 2020 New Year approaches we often feel refreshed and invigorated at the thought of a “start over” or a “clean slate” in our lives. Unblemished by life’s changes and hardships, we feel encouraged and inspired. This feeling happens any time of the year when we accomplish big things. Think about birthdays, anniversaries, graduations…all signify the end of a period of time and the beginning of another. We usually give gifts to commemorate these milestones and often the gift is jewelry. There are other times in life where new beginnings could be celebrated. We wanted to highlight some of those times to give you ideas on how to gift jewelry to celebrate new beginnings for a loved one and what types of jewelry could be appropriate!

For an Overcomer

Christopher Robin said to Pooh Bear “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”  (A.A.Milne) Life is hard and sometimes our loved ones could use a reminder of the fact that we love them and believe in them. Perhaps they just began or ended cancer treatments, or battled and won over an awful addiction…or maybe they fought a private storm that only you and a few others knew about… but in all these situations, they were victorious. Pearls come to mind in these situations. Do you know how a pearl is created? It was a tiny grain of sand or debris that landed inside the shell of an oyster or mollusk. The oyster then over the course of a long time (around 3 years) fought the struggle of the irritation brought by the sand and covered it in tiny layers until it formed a beautiful pearl. A pearl necklace, earrings, or pearl ring given as a gift could signify the struggle your loved one has overcome and been victorious!

For Someone Starting a New Journey

High School and College Graduations certainly fall into this category, but it could also include loved ones whose lives have significantly changed. Perhaps the home has just became an empty nest or they relocated and began a new life in a strange city. Maybe the dream of a new job or opening of a new business is the new journey. Gold could be an appropriate gift that could remind them of the pride you feel for them on this new adventure. The process of refining gold is centuries old. Through the process impurities are removed, leaving behind the true pure gold in the highest quality for jewelry. A gift of gold (either yellow or white) could remind your loved one that you have watched the journey they have traveled, how it has refined them, and that you are there supporting them in this next stage of life. A pendant, ring, or a pair of earrings with a beautiful gemstone or their birthstone could make it even more personal.

For Someone Who Has Simply Been There Through It All

Hopefully, you have someone in your life that has been there for you through the good, the bad, and the ugly times. If you do have someone like this in your life, you know what a gift their support has been. It is becoming rarer and rarer and it is invaluable. They deserve to be celebrated and while their role may not be a new beginning in the sense we are discussing here, it is a constant in your life that deserves to be celebrated. On the Mohs scale, diamonds are the hardest stone to cut. For someone who has stood by you when it was most difficult or just for as long as you can remember, diamonds would be a good gift to express your gratitude. Just as the diamond has endured tremendous pressure and held together, so has your loved one’s faithfulness to you (or your family or even your business). A diamond pendant, bracelet or stud earrings would be an especially meaningful gift to express your thankfulness for them staying the course with you for so long.

We hope you have a wonderful new beginning yourself in 2020. Take notice and celebrate those around you and if you decide to purchase a gift of jewelry to celebrate new beginnings for someone you love, we hope you will let Isbell help. For even more ideas on celebrating others visit our blog Honoring Loved Ones with Jewelry. Happy New Year!

smiling woman opening gift

Choosing the Perfect Piece of Jewelry for Her…

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’Tis the season of gift-giving and the stress of choosing the perfect gift can really get to you. Perhaps you are feeling more more “bah humbug” than “Merry Christmas.” We can help ease those holiday stressors with these tips for choosing the perfect piece of jewelry for her.

Take Notice of What She Wears…

    Take a look at what she wears daily. Are her earrings dangly or does she prefer studs? Is the jewelry she already has more yellow gold or white gold or silver? Is she a gemstone lover? Does she wear bracelets? Are her necklaces shorter or longer around her neck? All of these questions can help you discover her style. Maybe you are more of a visual learner? In that case, let’s look at some options from our gallery. 

length of necklaces

stud earrings vs hanging

yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold jewelry

Look at Your Budget…

Our showroom holds pieces from many different price points. Stop by and have a chat with us and we can present you with options. We know we can find the perfect piece of jewelry for her at a price you can afford. Keep in mind that a beautiful piece of quality jewelry will last decades or longer, and can be passed down through the generations. Most women would prefer a quality piece in their style over a lesser piece that will succumb to wear and tear over time.

Gift with Confidence…

Gary Chapman, author of the 5 love languages says this on the love language of gifts: “Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous – so would the absence of everyday gestures. Gifts are visual representations of love and are treasured greatly.” While not everyone speaks the love language of gifts fluently, most everyone can appreciate the fact that you took the time to seek out something of worth for someone you love!

If you are still overwhelmed after reading this, then just get her a diamond!  (You can learn everything you need to know from our blog post on How to buy diamond earrings!) Stop by and see us and we can lead the way on choosing the perfect piece of jewelry for her!

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What’s in Style for Fall

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Pearls, Parures, and Daytime Drama are all about what’s in style for the fall of 2019!

Fall Style: Pearls   

Pearls with flair will be in this fall. These are not like your grandmothers (although grandma’s pearls ARE lovely!) Expect to see strands of single pearls layered and also paired with beautiful antique brooches and cameos. A traditional string of pearls paired with other simple necklaces will give a chic look also. 

Fall Style: pearl drop necklace
Classic Freshwater Pearl Drop Necklace on a Pearl by the Yard Chain
Fall Style: dangling pearl earrings
Fabulous Quartz and Pearl Drop Earrings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall Style: Parures

“Parures” is an elegant word for matching sets of jewelry and will be seen on the runways this fall. Don’t have a parure in your jewelry box? We have several gorgeous gemstone sets in our showroom that we would be happy to show you. Parures are not about being “matchy-matchy” but instead a coordinated elegance. Baroque, classically styled jewelry such as lockets and cameos will also grace necks and wrists.

Fall Style: Pearl Bangle Set
Antique Pearl Bangle Set
Gold Locket Pendant
14k Gold Medallion Locket

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall Style: Daytime Drama

Gone are the days of saving your best pieces for only special occasions. Pull out those beautiful stones for everyday errand running! Feeling nervous about making bold fashion moves? Vogue even agrees! Wear those pieces with confidence!

Antique Brooch on Pearls
Antique Family Heirloom on Mikimoto Pearls
Fall Style: Emerald and diamond ring
Antique Emerald and Diamond Ring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that you know what’s in style for fall, stop by Isbell and browse our collections. We can help you find the perfect piece!

Pieces of Jewelry Pearls

5 Pieces of Jewelry Every Girl Needs

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If you’re not necessarily a jewelry connoisseur, then it might be a little overwhelming to pick out jewelry. It’s sometimes hard to know what are timeless pieces and what will get worn once for a special occasion and then never again. It’s also easy to get bogged down in trying to follow the trends of the time. If this sounds familiar, then let us help take some of the pressure off of you by giving you a list of 5 pieces of jewelry that will never go out of style and can be worn with just about anything!

Pearls are a Girl’s Best Friend

Contrary to popular belief, pearls are indeed a girl’s best friend. They are beautiful when paired with a more casual look as well as can classy up a more formal look. You can’t deny that you feel just a bit more beautiful wearing a pearl necklace.

Pearls aren’t just great for necklaces but for earrings as well. If you’re someone who doesn’t like to fuss with changing your earrings to “match” your outfit or maybe you just don’t like hoops or other dangling earrings, a pair of pearl studs will change your life. Because they are so versatile, you can wear them every day with whatever you want and not have to think twice.

Don’t Forget Ol’ Faithful

Despite believing that pearls are a girl’s best friend, you can’t deny that diamonds are a classic and obvious must-have. A pair of diamond studs while having many of the same benefits of pearl studs are a little more neutral. Diamonds are everyone’s style. They are a bit more expensive than their pearl counterparts though so be careful. If you’re wearing them every day, make sure to have sturdy backs on them and to not get in the habit of taking them on and off as to lose them.

Another faithful piece of jewelry that every girl needs to have is a diamond necklace. There are tons of different styles of diamond necklaces that have a large price range, but you need one for any special occasion or time that you just want to feel a bit more dazzling. Putting on that special necklace that fits your style has a way of making you feel just a bit better.

One More Piece

We’ve talked a lot about earrings and necklaces, but we can’t forget a little something to wear on your wrists. You might not be a big bracelet person but having something simple to put on can help to tie a whole look together. We suggest getting some kind of simple banded bracelet. It can be a diamond band, a silver band, rose gold, whatever you like! Make sure it’s something neutral that you can pair with just about anything and you’re golden (no pun intended)!

If you’re in the market to start, add to, or complete your jewelry collection come on by Isbell Jewelers. We have a wide selection of beautiful pieces and can find something for everyone. We’d love to help you find your must-have, feel-good, jewelry.