Milgrain setting for exceptional jewelry is making a comeback

Incomparable jewelry designs are a must of exceptional weddings and jewelry. More women are exploring designs that are uncommon or thought to be vintage or antique. Milgrain work in jewelry is an old technique that is still used today, although most common designs that best show this type of craftsmanship are considered to be vintage pieces.

What is milgrain work?

The word comes from the French “mille-grain” which literally means thousands of grains. This type of work details closely-set rows of detailed stone settings or with metal beads, used as a border. This type of craftsmanship gained popularity in the early 20^th century, around late 1920s and 30s, known as the Art Deco period and can be a great addition to the designer jewelry in Fairhope, AL. Milgrain work has been popular for thousands of years in the Asian communities and in their jewelry.

Types of design

Unlike using modern-day amenities where designers merely need to update their programs to create 3D prints, antique jewelry in Fairhope, AL was hand-rolled and soldered to the edge of the pieces to create a border like design in their jewelry.

Milgrain can use large spheres for the purpose of it being the central focus of the piece, or it can also be small spheres bordering the main stone or design acting only to accent the main setting. Diamonds in Fairhope, AL, can be set in a way to ensure that the main setting is highlighted by the milgrain setting for exceptional designs. These types of designs are slowly making a comeback and display extraordinary craftsmanship in design.

Gemstone and designer jewelry is perfect for weddings and engagements

Nowadays, the popular trend is to get as unique and creative in terms of the design of garments, websites, cars, homes and practically everything that we have. The case is no different when it comes to jewelry. Most soon to be brides spend months looking for the best engagement rings in Fairhope, AL, or jewelry that they will wear for the big day.

There are various stores that will not only stock high-end designer jewelry but also do in-house customizations to design and create unique jewelry for the customer. Buying premade designer jewelry of good quality has a number of benefits. Pandora Jewelry in Fairhope, AL, is one such designer brand that creates unique customizable charms, rings, and bracelets, ideal for gifts.

Different gemstones are underused in the wedding markets

Diamonds have a significant place in our society and there are not that many women willing to look for unique gemstones that can replace a diamond. Diamonds are supposed to signify the strength and resilience of a marriage that will last a lifetime; in earlier times, many other stones such as emeralds and sapphires were used.

Almost all stores will stock genuine gemstone jewelry in Fairhope, AL. However, it is important to check for the certification of gemologists at the stores, as many have been duped by choosing a wrong jeweler. A good jeweler will be keen to explain the differences between stones and will take the time to attend to the customer until something suitable has been found.

Our options have increased ten-fold with the advent of technology and online stores. Before splurging on a favorite piece that you have been eyeing online, it is always the best option to visit a store for right assistance and satisfaction.

Investing in designer and antique jewelry

Investing in good quality jewelry is an expensive task. Therefore, it is common to first research the stones and metals that you are looking for before heading out to the jewelry store. The store that you choose should be renowned, certified and trustworthy as buying designer and antique jewelry requires substantial investment. Also, it is better to check if they can handle repair work as you may need this service.

There are plenty of shops which will keep designer jewelry in Fairhope, AL, and it’s a good idea to check their website before heading out. Some of the good brands to look out for are Carla Nancy, Stuller, and Pandora jewelry in Fairhope, AL.

Antique Jewelry

Authentic antique pieces are hard to find and there will be only a few select stores which will be able to cater to this niche. A piece of jewelry can be called an antique when it is 100 years and above. Anything between fifty to 100 years is termed vintage.

Estate jewelry refers to pre-owned jewelry, and can be of any age. In case you own a piece of antique jewelry and want to get it appraised, it will be a good idea to get it appraised from at least two different jewelry stores before selling or insuring it.

Jewelry Insurance

Another important thing to remember is to have insurance for your antique and also contemporary, high-end jewelry pieces. Insurance will be a lifesaver in case of theft, loss or damage. Most jewelry stores will suggest an insurance company that they work with, but you can also do your own research and see what works best for you.

Hence, it will be a good idea to head out and check the stores, specifically for antique jewelry in Fairhope, AL, as it helps to actually touch and feel the pieces before buying.

What Not to Do When Going in for a Custom Engagement Ring

Whether you are going in for a custom engagement ring because you cannot find a pre-designed piece that suits your tastes and preferences or because that was your intention all along, there are a few things you need to know about. There are a few things you need to avoid when going custom engagement ring shopping. Here is what you should not do.

Not knowing what you truly want

If you do not know what you want, both you and the jeweler will only be floundering and will reach nowhere. If you don’t know what you are looking for, look for inspiration. This makes things clear and helps you find the piece you want. Check out settings, diamonds, various metals and other precious stones. Look at pictures online to put things into perspective. Don’t forget to put a little bit of your personality into the piece too.

Going overboard with your budget

Prior to dealing with designer jewelry in Fairhope, AL, and its designs and patterns, set aside a budget or else you are more likely to go overboard with your final design. Set aside a budget and stick to it. Jewelers can give you a rough estimate about how much a piece will cost so make sure you know all of these facts beforehand.

Not conducting adequate research

When checking out custom engagement rings, have a general idea of what you are looking for. To get this rough idea, do your research well and choose certified jewelers to help you with finding the ideal ring.

If you are looking for antique jewelry in Fairhope, AL or even Pandora jewelry in Fairhope, AL, head to us at Brenny’s Jewelry.

What Happens When your Ring Prong becomes Loose

All is fun and games when your engagement rings in Fairhope, AL, are shiny and sparkling. However, at some point or the other, there are going to be repairs and restorations that will be mandatory. One of the most common problems people face is a loose prong. This occurs because, over time, your ring gets susceptible to everyday wear and tear. Here is what you should do if you are faced with the same issue.

Check out loose prongs

Gently tap the ring and see if it makes a rattling sound. If it does make a sound, it implies that your diamond is moving around and your prong is loose. You can also try moving your diamond around physically with your fingernail. If your diamond twists or moves around with your nails, the prongs need repair.

Remove the ring from your finger

Under no circumstances should you continue to wear the ring, even when you know that the prong is loose. Taking the ring off your finger and heading for repair is the best thing you can do. Remember, delicate prongs are the only things that hold your jewels in place.

Contact the right professionals

Since loose ring prongs are a common scenario, it is not difficult for jewelers to fix them up for you. If the prong is bent a little, an experienced expert can easily straighten it out. If it is broken, the entire head may need a replacement. It is best to let the professionals examine it first and then carry out the required course of action.

Other than this, if you are looking for Rolex repair in Fairhope, AL, or even diamonds in Fairhope, AL, get in touch with us at Brenny’s Jewelry.  

How to Determine the Quality of the Diamond

You can find diamonds in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Each of these stones comes with the intricate characteristics that make them diverse from each other. While choosing the shape and style that best suits you is based on personal preference, the quality of the diamond is something you should never compromise with. Here is how you can determine the quality of the diamond and whether you are picking a good one.

Color quality holds precedence

When looking at antique jewelry in Fairhope, AL, or more modern designs, remember that the ideal diamond is colorless. Later, as you move downwards through the scale, as brown or yellow tinges crop up, the diamond diminishes in value. To know the diamond’s right color quality, turn it upside down on a white sheet of paper in a properly lit room.

The cut of the diamond is key

When heading for designer jewelry in Fairhope, AL, examine the way in which the diamond you choose sparkles and shines. If the cut of the diamond is good, the better it sparkles. Look at scintillation that is the contrast between the light and dark areas of your diamond, brightness that is the white reflection of the diamond and fire that is the flashes of color your diamond possess whenever light refracts.

The diamond’s clarity

A poor clarity diamond comes with imperfections and inclusions. These appear in the form of surface aberrations and chips. Clarity is an essential element when it comes to understanding the rarity of a stone. A diamond with a low clarity rating can easily chip, shatter and even crack.

So when shopping for Pandora jewelry in Fairhope, AL, or any other kind of jewelry for that matter, make sure you keep these points in mind before selecting a diamond.

When it’s Time to Take your Watch for Repair

Even the best and sturdiest of luxury watches succumb to damages owing to everyday wear and tear. This is why regular maintenance and repair every now and then is a must. To know when you need to take your watch for a Rolex repair in Fairhope, AL, you need to know when they require repair in the first place. Here are a few signs that make this dilemma easy.

If the timekeeping keeps fluctuating

Although the timekeeping of mechanical watches tends to fluctuate every now and then, if it does so on a frequent basis to the extent that timekeeping becomes wildly erratic, it is better to head to a store that conducts a proper and systematic check.

If the second-hand jump four to five seconds consecutively

This situation takes place frequently in quartz watches and is a definitive sign that your battery is about to die. This is true even if the watch continues to function appropriately for another week or so. This is more like a reminder that your watch is soon going to stop so the moment you notice it, it is best to take it to a professional.

If there are traces of moisture

If your watch has condensation on the glass, air bubbles floating around under the glass or if there are water droplets on the dial or hands, rust can form. In this case, it is better to head to an expert before it’s too late.

These are just some of the signs that tell you your watch requires repair. For the best and most impeccable watch fixes as well as diamonds in Fairhope, AL and engagement ring in Fairhope, AL, contact us at Brenny’s Jewelry.