Here’s an oldie but a goodie from about a year ago. The Inspired Bride featured colorful rings by Becky Kelso. Her vintage-inspired designs are quirky, and they fit the bill for a gal that is looking for something that is out of the ordinary. Good thing not all kinds of jewelry goes out of style. But if you like it – who the heck cares?
Here’s an article that is probably what can illustrate what is so wrong with article syndication on the Internet - Make Your Wedding Special With Enticing Diamond Wedding Bands. While in many ways it has some good advice about purchasing a wedding band or engagement ring, the author forgets to mention a metal that really is gaining in popularity – palladium! A truly objective author would probably have conducted more extensive research.
Now don’t get me wrong. Platinum is the superior metal for wedding bands, engagement rings and jewelry in general. But there’s no mention a palladium as a precious metal choice for jewelry, and today’s consumer is becoming more interested in palladium. In fact, according to Google’s Keyword Tool, searches for the keyword “palladium” have been averaging 823,000 queries per month, with the term “palladium wedding band” is averaging 9,900 queries (upon from just a few thousand last year). Retailers – take note!
And while palladium is not a direct substitute for platinum, palladium is a better choice over white gold if platinum is not an option. End of story!
Read Make Your Wedding Special With Enticing Diamond Wedding Bands.
Are you tired of the same old wedding bands and wedding rings that are on the market today? If so, then a brand new collection of rings by American wedding band manufacturer Novell may just catch your eye. Called “Tatu,” these wedding band designs are inspired in many ways by popular tattoo styles that you might see wrapped around an arm, leg or ankle like a band or sleeve. And no, there are no Tatu wedding bands that say “Mom!”
Tatu wedding bands will be available at authorized Novell wedding band retailers by the end of June, 2010. There will be styles created in stainless steel, designs created in palladium, and a select few rings especially created in platinum. So keep your eyes peeled for Novell’s Tatu wedding bands.
Here is a pretty cool gift idea for a bridesmaid, mother-of-the-bride or future in-law. I love this bracelet’s timeless look and the simplicity of the design. You can never go wrong with a piece of jewelry like this!
From TheWeddingRingBlog.com:
Look what is available over at Sam’s Club - a stunning sterling silver hook and eye bangle bracelet with 18KT gold and diamond accents. The diamonds are set near the top clasp and have an approximate .03 total carat weight. This gorgeous handcrafted bracelet complements a variety of styles ranging from casual dress to more formal evening wear. Its high polished look coupled with a satin finish is simply perfect for any occasion. This bangle bracelet is also a nice variation on the classic hook-and-eye theme. And it's also made in America!
With today’s economic struggles, there are many brides and grooms (especially the grooms) looking for more affordable wedding bands and wedding rings. Many are looking past palladium at even lower price points that many alternative metals have now created. But there’s many materials that can be considered - ceramic, stainless steel, surgical steel, Scott Kay’s Cobalt rings, titanium, tungsten, and the list goes on and on. However, a query on UK Google has caught my eye. An individual typed in “Argentium vs. titanium.” Interesting!
With Argentium Sterling Silver becoming more and more visible, and the fact that titanium is more popular than ever, here is an article comparing the two metals which was inspired by the previously mentioned UK Google query. Argentium Sterling Silver is affordable and easy to care for, while titanium has a hard surface but can't be sized. It's an interesting comparison - especially if you are looking for something affordable.
Read all of Argentium vs. titanium - the benefits of two metals.
I guess when you look at what is currently considered best selling wedding bands on Amazon.com, it really is a sign of the times. There are a lot of tungsten and titanium wedding bands that are selling for less then what you might typically see in a brink-and-mortar jewelry store. And in the Top 100, you can see affordable precious metals such as sterling silver and 10kt or 14kt gold. And if you take a look at this titanium wedding band by a new designer, they are selling it for just $9.99! So that really tells you what the true cost of titanium might be. And also that the American public is looking for great deals.
It’s a shame that when it comes to the Internet in America, precious metal wedding bands seem to be forgotten. And according to this article on NationalJeweler.com (Blue Nile bullish on U.S., eyes growth overseas), even a big online retailer like Blue Nile is looking to expand overseas for further growth. Hopefully that will help the precious metal wedding band market overall.
Why am I big on precious metals for wedding bands? Because gold, platinum and palladium all have value and can be sized or refinished down the road. Titanium and tungsten wedding bands can not be sized and have very little overall value. And to me, jewelry that is meant to be worn everyday should have some sort of value and the ability to last or be repaired if it wears out. Tungsten wedding bands can shatter, and many websites and dealers sell tungsten wedding bands at grossly inflated prices. You can actually judge the current value of a metal on a daily basis by keeping an eye on the metal markets. But tungsten? Tungsten's value is much less. But it does make a wedding band that looks cool and feels pretty sleek, so I understand the appeal, especially at these prices online.
To learn more about the metals that are commonly available for wedding bands, wedding rings and engagement rings, download the free PDF brochure – Choosing the Right Metal for Your Bridal Jewelry.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and jewelry makes a great Valentine’s Day gift. But instead of the same old earrings, necklaces or bracelets, why not give the sweetheart in your life a little something different? You may want to consider a ring made with pink gold.
Pink is the color of passion and love. And a pink ring stands out from the rest of the ordinary jewelry that’s out on the market today. Whether it’s a pink wedding band or just a pink token of love, a pink ring shows a loved one that you think they are unique and special.
Ask your jeweler about ordering a pink ring for your Valentine’s Day gift. You can even visit a Novell wedding band retailer for help as well.
Are you looking for jewelry ideas, but not sure what the quality brands are? Or just don’t know where to start (aside from the local mall store)? Try reading the latest issue of The Jewelry Book.
The Jewelry Book is available to view online as a high quality PDF or in a Flash interactive version. If you see something that you may like, you can easily print out a page and deliver it right to your favorite jeweler. Sometimes The Internet can be a cluttered place to look for jewelry, so The Jewelry Book is a great place to start.
Here is more information about The Jewelry Book, and links to some of the top jewelry designers (from Novell’s wedding band blog):
Made in America - A new way to think about Made in America.
Sholdt Design - In 2010, Sholdt celebrates seventy-five years of classic, made-in-America design.
Hofmeister - In a world of less-than-perfect service, Indianapolis-based Hofmeister Personal Jewelers is an oasis of excellence.
The Jewelry Made in America Gallery - See designs created by manufacturers and designers that can proudly say that their jewelry is Made in America.
Feel free to visit our featured designers and links:
Alex Sepkus| Atara| Bachendorf's Jewelers| Centurion
Charles Krypell| Christopher Designs| Gem Platinum| Hofmeister Personal Jewelers
Hoover and Strong| Jack Kelege| JB Star| Jeffrey Daniels | John Buechner
Katharine James| Lieberfarb| MCR Gems| Novell| Novell Platinum| Platinum Guild
Let the “Jewelry Made in America” games begin. American wedding band manufacturer Novell Design Studio, in co-operation with jewelry industry trade publication The Jewelry Book, has launched the beginning stage of their “Jewelry Made in America” initiative to help raise awareness – and also raise the bar – for jewelry products that are fashioned by America-based craftsmen. This project will highlight a variety of jewelry manufacturers from around the country.
This is a very important theme to remember in these tough economic times. While a lot of what is imported for jewelry is much less expensive, there may be an issue of quality. It’s also important to recall that once upon a time, the term “American made” meant a higher quality product. This is a time to analyze exactly what “Made in America” should mean, and aspire to reach a better standard.
An upcoming edition of The Jewelry Book will include a product gallery for American-made jewelry products. The issue will also include a thoughtful and very original article by Novell’s Bruce Pucciarello, which will illustrate the demise of the true meaning of “Made in America” as it began with the auto industry, and bled into jewelry making as well.
Stay tuned!
Here's what's hot off the presses! Well - the Internet! With This Ring, a leading influential bridal blog, featured Novell’s latest creation – bangle bracelets specially manufactured with Argentium Sterling Silver.
“One of our fabulous sponsors, Novell, launched a new line of bridal bracelets this week that are truly unique. The bracelets are made of Argentium silver, which is a 'green' metal and friendly to the environment. There are several different styles to choose from – one for every bridesmaid!”
The cool thing is that it seems that "the word" is getting out about Argentium Sterling Silver. I really do believe that it is a step up from ordinary sterling silver, and is a better bang for your wedding buck if you are looking for affordable wedding bands or jewelry.
Day’s Jewelers, a small New England-based retail chain, has decided to put a face to their employees' names and functions. The company is now posting its employee biographies on DaysJewelers.com. And since the jewelry industry can be a tricky business, it’s always good to feel that you know – and trust – your jeweler.
“We’re trying to develop a relationship, showing we’re real people with real stories selling real jewelry,” comments Day’s Jewelers’ President Jeff Corey (on Internet Retailer.com).
It also gives the employees a chance to share the brands and styles that they like as well. For example, the biography of Whitney, the diamond specialist at the Bangor, ME, store, includes, along with her training and certification credentials, the fact that she likes Elle brand jewelry. You may also get a kick out of the fact that she is a former cheerleader, too. And since consumers may not always be aware of the brands and brand attributes that go along with a piece of jewelry, a recommendation can go a long way - even if it's not exactly face-to-face.
Visit DaysJewelers.com to see their great selection of wedding bands.
Novell Design Studio, an American wedding band manufacturer that specializes in customizing its wedding bands, has journeyed into the world of fashion jewelry. At this year’s JCK Show in Las Vegas, Novell will unveil its new My Bridal Party bangle bracelets. Fashioned with Argentium Sterling Silver and 14kt gold accents, My Bridal Party bangle bracelets do not easily tarnish and smudges can simply be removed with a soft dry cloth. Finally – jewelry that’s easy to take care of!
My Bridal Party bangle bracelets are a perfect gift from the bride to the bridesmaids and other family members so that everyone will remember the most special day of all – a perfect wedding day. My Bridal Party bangle bracelets can also appropriate for almost any gift giving occasion as well. Novell will also create larger and baby sizes as a special order by request. This may take a few days, but you will certainly get what you want. THAT is the beauty of Novell!
Until recently, I had never seen much of Argentium Sterling Silver being used for jewelry making. Argentium Sterling Silver is a step up from most of the Sterling Silver that’s on the market today. Here are some of the metal’s benefits (from Novell’s website):
• Argentium Sterling Silver stays brilliant and beautiful for years.
• Argentium Sterling Silver is a naturally hard metal, which lends itself to greater strength than regular Sterling Silver. It is durable and can be considered problem-free by most standards.
• Argentium Sterling Silver is highly tarnish resistant – so its shine is long lasting. There is no need for additional professional polishing or excessive care. Warm water and a mild detergent are all that are required to maintain its appearance.
• It is a “green” metal – friendly to the environment. Chemicals are not required to correct potential fire scale (or fire stain) damage which sometimes occurs when metals are heated during the manufacturing process.
So it’s durable, affordable, simple to clean, and can be considered “green?” Sign me up!
