Jewelry trends come and go, but the way to always have style is by always incorporating classics. These five trends combine classic pieces with new or antique elements to keep things interesting.
6 Tips to Build Your Dream Jewelry Collection
Too often people buy jewelry and never wear it.
5 Considerations for Designing a Custom Engagement Ring
There’s nothing we love more than helping to create a bespoke, timeless, stunning engagement ring, from our first meeting with a client to seeing photos of the proposal. Often times, clients come to us not entirely knowing what they want, but knowing they want something special. These five considerations are key to making sure you find your perfect ring within the budget and timeline that you want it:
September Birthstone: Sapphire
Our friends born during September enjoy sapphire as their birthstone! It’s also the gemstone of the 5th and 45th anniversaries. Sapphires have been associated with wisdom, royalty, faithfulness and romance. In ancient times, kings and queens adorned themselves with the gem to protect themselves from envy and harm. In later times, clergy members wore sapphires to symbolize Heaven. More recently, sapphires have received more attention as Kate Middleton received Princess Diana’s 12-carat sapphire engagement ring from Prince William.
Engagement 202
Beyond the “four C’s” of diamond shopping, this Shah & Shah Jewelers event, which will be offered both as an in-store-by-appointment party and an online Instagram Live experience, will include a 20-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session, plus try-ons and refreshments in-store. The idea is to break through the most intimidating aspects of ring shopping with a “style-centric learning experience,” which will include such topics as how to transform an heirloom piece into a new design, deciding between real and lab-grown diamonds, colored gemstones vs. diamonds, matching your wedding band to your engagement ring, stacking bands, and navigating popular design aesthetics. Engagement 202 is available in-store by appointment, and for your remote viewing pleasure via Instagram Live (@shahandshahjewelers) on June 14 at noon. 1001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 1225; 202-223-6001.
(original post from Washingtonian)
Shah & Shah on TV!
Did you see Colin Shah on TV? If you missed the two morning shows, watch them here! Colin talks about our new program, Engagement 202.
July Birthstone: RUBY
Happy birthday to our July babies – and lucky for you, it’s the month of the ruby! In addition to July’s birthstone, rubies are the gemstones associated with the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries.
4 Ways to Upgrade Your Bridal Jewelry
Upgrading your bridal jewelry – whether it be your engagement ring, your band, or both – can be an exciting experience for both you and your spouse. Some people hesitate to upgrade because of sentimental value or a bit of guilt, but we are big believers that you can upgrade while maintaining that sentimental value, and creating a new milestone for your marriage. We find that there are a few key times we see people upgrading:
June Birthstone: PEARLS!
Pearls are perhaps the most beloved gem of all, with history dating all the way back to 2206 BC. There are both natural and cultured pearls. Natural pearls are formed in the bodies of certain mollusks, while cultured pearls are created using human intervention usually in mollusks raised for that purpose. There are 4 types of cultured pearls based on their origin:
May Birthstone: Emeralds
Emeralds are the gem of the spring, making it the perfect May birthstone. It’s also the 20th and 35th anniversary gift stone. Emeralds are in the Beryl family – as are aquamarine.
April Birthstone: Diamonds
If you’re born in April, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. While others are getting other fabulous gems for their birthdays – you’re getting diamonds, the king of all stones.
February Birthstone: Amethyst
Wishing all you February babies a Happy Birthday Month! February is represented by the gemstone amethyst, which is known for its beautiful shades of purple. February is often associated with being cold and short, so this gemstone is a perfect balance to bring about a little extra warmth, peace and strength.
Amethyst is a purple quartz and can be found in every corner of the earth. The gemstone gets its color from irradiation, iron impurities and the presence of trace elements which produces a purple hues that range from a light pinkish violet to a deep purple.
The name for this gem comes from the Ancient Greek word, word “methustos,” which means “intoxicated.” It was believed that Amethyst would ward off any intoxicating powers and prevent drunkenness. Other historical accounts say that Saint Valentine had an amethyst ring carved with an image of Cupid and the Old Testament names Amethyst as one of the twelve gemstones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel. It is also the gem for the 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.
Wishing you the happiest of birthdays!
January Birthstone: Garnet
Happy Birthday to you January babies! Your birthstone, Garnet symbolizes peace, prosperity and good health which is fitting for the start of a New Year.
DECEMBER BIRTHSTONE: Turquoise and Tanzanite
Join Us for a Special Shah & Shah Shopping Event!
It’s hard to believe holiday season is here! We’re excited to announce a very special Shah & Shah Distinctive shopping event this year. From November 5-30, we will have weekly special pricing on select collections:
Follow us on Instagram (@shahandshahjewelers) for updates on this special shopping event! Call to make an appointment today or stop by our shop Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm. Happy Holidays!
November Birthstone: Citrine + Topaz
Happy birthday to our November babies! You are another of the lucky ones with two birthstones: citrine AND topaz.
Citrine is very rare in nature, and is a yellow/orange variety of quartz. Because of its rarity, most citrine available on the market are actually heat-treated amethyst. The yellow to orange hue is a result of traces of iron that is found in the gem. In Bolivia, amethyst and citrine can actually be present in the same crystal, a unique gem called ametrine. Citrine was particularly popular in the Victorian era, often seen in brooches and rings, because of Queen Victoria’s fascination with the gem.
Citrine brings about joy and happiness, positivity and sunshine, even its name is derived from the French word for lemon! It is also said to activate the imagination and to bring financial successes. Citrine is also the 13th anniversary gemstone.
November’s second birthstone is topaz, a versatile gemstone that can be found in variations of blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. Most people are only familiar with blue topaz (December’s birthstone) which rarely occurs naturally.
Ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave them strength, and during the European Renaissance, people thought that topaz could break magic spells. Indian culture has believed that topaz worn near the heart brings long life, intelligence and beauty.
Happy Birthday to you!
As Seen In: The Study by 1stdibs
Our coral skull ring was recently featured on 1stdibs’ blog, The Study! Below is an excerpt from the article, and you can read the full article on The Study.
THE LONG-LIVED APPEAL OF SKULL JEWELRY
Beloved by rockers and history buffs alike, skull jewelry has stayed relevant across centuries.
Edgy? Morbid? Timeless? Depending on your point of view, any of these adjectives could be used to describe jewelry featuring skulls. For the historically inclined, skulls are a popular symbol in memento mori jewelry, a design style dating back to the 16th century intended to remind wearers that one day they will die. In other words, it was a message to the God-fearing masses that you better live right or face the consequences later.
October Birthstone: Opal
If you are an October birthday, you are one of the lucky ones! Opals are rich with color, lore and mystery and are one of the most globally treasured stones.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fine Jewelry
We get asked a lot of great questions about jewelry every single day, and we wanted to share some of them with you. Many people ask about pricing, habits and design. Here’s our Fine Jewelry FAQ’s:
How to Wear Stacking Rings
Our number one tip when it comes to creating a stunning ring stack is keep it simple! Here are 3 stacking tips we can’t get enough of:
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Mother’s Day is less than two weeks away! We’ve got the perfect gift she’s been wanting – for all types of moms:
The Hard Truth: When To Take Off Your Wedding Rings
We know the feeling – being given something so incredible and beautiful that you never want to take it off. Most women feel that way about their engagement ring and wedding band. We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but there are a few times when you really should:
April Birthstone: Diamonds
If you’re born in April, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. While others are getting other fabulous gems for their birthdays – you’re getting diamonds, the king of all stones.
4 Things to Know about Insuring Your Fine Jewelry
Purchasing fine jewelry – including an engagement ring – can be fun, exciting and an investment. Chances are you’re either wearing the new piece, or giving it to someone special. The last thing you want to think about is something like insurance, but things happen and when they do, you’ll be so relieved you took the time to insure your new jewelry. Here are some tips on getting your new jewelry insured:
What to Know Before Purchasing a Custom Engagement Ring
As seen on OvertheMoon.com, see the original article here. Originally stemming from ancient Egyptian tradition, the process of creating custom engagement rings has been adopted by cultures around the world for thousands of years. Since it’s arguably one of the largest purchases your significant other will make in their lifetime, it only makes sense that both the betrothed-to-be and the one proposing not only love the ring they’re creating, but also feel like they’ve had a significant role in the creative process.
All About Jewelry Appraisals
What’s a jewelry appraisal and why do I need it?
March Birthstone: Aquamarine
Aquamarine, often just called aqua, comes from the Latin word for seawater and has centuries of lore behind it. Said to keep the waves calm and keep sailors safe, aquamarine is also rumored to keep marriages happy with its calming and soothing characteristics. Not only is it March’s birthstone, but it’s also the gemstone of the 19th wedding anniversary!
Shopping for an Engagement Ring at Shah and Shah
Purchasing an engagement ring doesn’t just entail picking out a pretty ring for your soulmate; it is a thoughtful purchase that is the beginning of the story of your life together.
The Right Watch for the Right Man
Luxury watches are unique among the various items of menswear because they are the one accessory that is ubiquitously worn, both in formal and casual situations.
Tips for Traveling with Fine Jewelry
Are you packing for your dream vacation and wondering if you should bring your favorite pieces of jewelry? Here are some tips for traveling with your fine jewelry.