Tips for Insuring Your Jewelry

A standard homeowner’s policy will provide a limited amount of coverage up to a specified dollar amount as stated in your homeowner’s policy. Some losses may not be covered and that is why it is advisable to purchase additional coverage, also known as a floater.

When purchasing the extra floater insurance, an updated appraisal certificate and pictures of your jewelry will be required so the insurance company has them on file. The floater would cover those pieces if they would be lost, stolen, or in some cases, if you lose a stone, they would be covered under this policy.

It is very important that your jewelry is appraised by a certified appraiser. An appraisal certificate will outline all the details of the item, i.e. size of stone, karat of gold, weight, type of metal, unique features, current market value. It is also recommended to have the appraised pieces updated every 2-3 years because of the fluctuations in the gold market.

Imagine owning piece a piece of jewelry that was appraised several years ago with a replacement value of $2,000.00. Years pass and the value has increased to $4,500.00

Now if that piece is lost or stolen, and the appraisal is not current, the replacement value will be based on the $2,000.00 value.

Insurance companies have their preferred jewelers, also know as their preferred vendors and will indemnify you to your exact state before your loss. So for example, your 1kt VS1 diamond will be replaced with a 1kt VS1 diamond.

If your ring was insured for $6,500.00, and the insurance company can have it replaced for $5,500, you have the option to have their jeweler replace your ring or you could choose to have your own jeweler replace your piece. In the latter case, the insurance company would pay you out, also known as cash-out on the actual value—in this case you would receive $5,500—less your deductible, if applicable.

With regard to antique jewelry, which would be difficult to replace, the appraisal certificate would provide all the details and it would be based on the replacement value. You would receive a cash settlement.

Please note, this is a very GENERAL OVERVIEW and may not apply to your own specific insurer. I strongly recommend that you contact your individual agent to determine your insurance company’s specific policies with regards to insuring jewelry.

Your Guide to Wedding Anniversary Gemstones

Just as each month has a gemstone associated with it, which definitely make gift giving easier, each year you are married, symbolizes not one, but several gemstones. This gives you choices as to what type of gemstone jewelry to purchase for your other half. I have not listed all the years, but if you wish to know about a specific one, please email me.

1st Anniversary - opal, cat's eye, peridot, fresh water pearls
5Tth " - sapphire, spinel, turquoise, tourmaline
10th " - diamond, blue sapphire, emerald, jade, onyx, coral
15th " - diamond, ruby, rhodolite garnet, alexandrite
20th " - jade, emerald, yellow or golden diamond
25th " - tsavorite, green garnet
30th " - pearl, diamond
35th " - coral, emerald, jade
40th " - ruby
45th " - sapphire, cat's eye
50th " - golden topaz
55th " - emerald, alexandrite

I love this one, from the 56th anniversary onwards it diamonds all the way--buckets of diamonds, forever diamonds. Perhaps they will get bigger with every year that passes. We should all be blessed with such long anniversaries :)

A Guide to the Different Types of Jewelry Settings

If you are planning to purchase a piece of jewelry, whether its custom made or store purchased, there are numerous settings that gems are set into and knowing a little about them can help you in making the right choice when purchasing your purchase. Some stones benefit from one type of setting, while the beauty of another stone might not suit a particular setting. The list below highlights the more common settings.

1. Prong/claw settings are the most common settings that are on the market. The metal has tips that secure and hold the stone in place. Average number of prongs is 4, but 6 and 8 is fairly common--usually dependent on stone size.


2. Bezel settings stones are placed within a setting and have a slightly raised "collar" with the metal wrapped around it.


3. Channel settings are usually seen in bands where there is a small 'channel' carved and the stones are very tightly set beside each other. Stones are flush with the setting.


4. Pave settings are a cluster of gemstones that are set very closely together. Gems are separated and held with tiny prongs. The surface of the setting resembles a pavement.


5. Tension setting, while it showcases your gem, is not as secure, since the gem is held between two pieces of metal. Imagine a round band that is split in the center, pulled apart, a stone placed in the center and then the edges pulled in. The stone is suspended between two edges.

In conclusion, while setting may not seem significant, it can really make a difference whether a stone reflects its maximum beauty. A good jeweler will advise you accordingly. If you have any questions, it is always my pleasure to assist you.

Amethysts' Many Interesting Facts

Amethysts, are one of the most beautiful and valued of gems belonging to the quartz family.

The finest quality amethyst deposits are found in Brazil and Uruguay.

Amethysts traditionally are faceted stones, but many are also cabochon cut.

On the Moh's scale of hardness, they are #7.

The name amethyst is derived from the Greek word amethyein, which means "not drunk" and was worn by the early Greek as an amulet to protect them against drunkenness.
Wine was also served from amethyst pitchers.

Amethyst's, when worn, diminish migraines as well as improve concentration. Many amethyst wearers charm others with their personality and charisma.

Hmmm, a gem that keeps the doctor away, and attracts people :)

Staying positive,
Baya

Discovering the Beauty of Mother-of-Pearl

Such a glorious and majestic creation of nature. It is called mother-of-pearl because it is the mother of true pearls. It is also known as the nacre--mother of pearl is the nacre of the pearl and is the lining of the mollusk.

They have unique inlays because of the irregularities they develop and are found in salt and fresh waters. Their colors are like a spectrum ranging from solid black , white to a rainbow collage.

Folklore suggests that people who wear mother-of-pearl jewelry are protected and attract prosperity. It also heightens intuition and creative imagination.

Positively, Baya

Alluring and Mystifying Facts About Moonstones

One of the most unique and mesmerizing characteristics of moonstones are the mysterious glows of light from within. This incredible white light glides across the surface of the stone. It intensifies in natural sunlight. This phenomena is known as adularescence.

Since it is associated with the "moon" it is known as the stone of love and for lovers. In some parts of the world, a moonstone represents fertility and has been known to be sewn into women's nightgowns.

Moonstones are also associated with promoting a healthy hormonal balance in women and also helps strengthen the immune system.

On an emotional level, it minimizes anxiety and enhances the inner harmony for the wearer.

They are available in a variety of colors--yellow, orange, pink, green, white, grey and brown. A color for everyone.

Moonstones are definitely the number one choice for many women worldwide.

Positively,
Baya

Six Reasons to Wear A Silver Band

Sterling bands are very popular among women and men since many are very unisex in design, classic, sophisticated, ergonomic and very affordable.

Did you know that silver band can symbolize different things to people?

1. The first thought that comes to

mind is "wedding band".

2. A friend who means the world to

you would be honoured to wear

a "friendship band" that symbolizes

your friendship.

3. A "couple's band" represents your commitment to each other.

4. A promise to keep a secret, an intention of marriage, but can't afford a diamond ring yet, can
be symbolized with a "promise band".

5. Stack em beside each other for a diverse look, mix and match them as stacking rings/bands.

6. Or simply, wear them as a great ring for everyday.

You can have an engraver inscribe a personal message.

Positively,

Baya

Calling all Ladies with Charm Bracelets

I remember as a child receiving my first charm bracelet with a charm. My "first charm", oh yes, my father with his great sense of humour, took my "first tooth" and encased it in a small gold setting and that was my first charm. As the years passed, each charm that I received reflected a part of me--ballet slippers, trophy, my first ring, etc.

Charm bracelets are as unique as your signature and no two are alike. I enjoyed wearing my charm bracelet throughout my growing years, but after a while, I can honestly say that I got bored of it.

It was tucked away for several years and when I started wearing it again as a young adult, it became an annoyance--it got caught in things and jingled all the time. Too bad I never thought to wear it around the Christmas season--Santa and I would have had a lot of jingle belling in common :)

Well, it got put away again for a few more years.....but when I rediscovered it, I looked at it in a whole new light. Instead of wearing it as a bracelet, I thought how about wearing it as a "charm necklace"?

With a simple modification, the closures were removed and a chain was soldered to each end of the bracelet. Today, I wear it as one of my signature pieces of jewelery. It is not tucked away in my jewelery box, but worn in its full glory.

Another suggestion would be to have the charms removed and wear them as individual pendants, or have them individually soldered to a chain with large links. Not only would you have a new neck-piece, but a new bracelet.

And yes, I still get questions about that tooth......

Positively Always,

Baya

Rediscovering the HIdden Treasures in Your Jewelry Box

When was the last time that you

really looked inside your jewelry

box? I don't just mean opening your

box and taking a quick glance, but

emptying it out and looking at

each individual piece of

jewelry. With the soaring price of gold,

and believe me, it is only going

up, and economic hardships,

many people are not acquiring

or adding as many pieces

of jewels to their collection.

Formerly cufflinks and now earrings

So what is a girl to do when she wants to add a new little treasure to her collection, but is limited because of finances and doesn't want to break the piggy bank? I can promise you, that by opening your jewelry box and "rediscovering" your pieces, you are going to be surprised at what you will find--a treasure of goodies that can be recreated, recombined, redesigned, remodelled, or my favorite "renovated", into something new and outstanding.

Over the years, our clients have brought in their jewelery, literally thrown into plastic bags

emptied onto our showcases as if they were junk. As we started to look at each individual piece

and showing them what could be done, they were in awe, of all the possibilities. Now all of a sudden that old vintage brooch, could be looked at in a different light. Most importantly, they would have a new "bling, bling" at a fraction of the cost.

Original setting was removed

from a brooch and made into

this elegant ring

Let me share a couple of recent "jewel reno" stories with you.

One of our clients recently brought in her "goody bag of gold". She had rings from the Victorian and Art Deco period, an older brooch she never worn and a very heavy plain gold bangle bracelet, as well as many odd and broken pieces of jewels. We recreated an entirely new brooch from her existing brooch by cutting off the settings from the rings and adding them to the brooch as well as adding diamonds throughout. Her plain gold bangle bracelet became an "eternity" bracelet because we set it with diamonds. Her reaction when she saw the finished pieces were, AWE, SPEECHLESSNESS AND COMPLETELY OVER THE MOON. Yes, she was one happy lady.

Another one of our customers sent us several rings, as she lives out of town. One of the rings was her mother's multi diamond engagement ring. We removed the large diamond in the center and reset it into a beautiful rose gold ring which originally had a ruby in it. Into her mother's engagement ring, we set a beautiful rich garnet in the center, which was surrounded by smaller diamonds. The little ruby was set into another gold ring which originally had a glass stone. When she received all the ring she emailed me with the subject line 'Christmas in March'. She loved all her 'new rings' and did not which which one to wear first.

Stay tuned to this dial, cause I have a lot to share on this topic.

Remember, stay positive because you will be prosperous in all aspects of your life :)

Baya