Jewel Journal

Favorite Unique Engagement Ring: Sloane

unique engagement ring, pear shape diamond ring

It’s true, we can’t deny the lure of a classic solitaire engagement ring, but what if we said there was an option with a touch more je ne sais quoi for our style mavens out there?

Sass, glamour, and a sui generis disposition collide in one of our favorite unique engagement rings, Miss Sloane. Crafted for the fashion connoisseur who wants the look and feel of minimalist engagement rings with a bit of charisma, Sloane stands out as the alluring choice that will warrant a serious double take from any looker. Featuring a completely non-traditional band that wraps around in a snake-y fashion, Sloane’s slight opening provides the ring with adjustable power. A sparkling hidden halo delicately surrounds the underside of the stone for the perfect finishing touch, boasting a sweet surprise for the wearer’s eyes.

unique engagement ring, pear shape diamond ring

There is simply no denying that pear shaped engagement rings are experiencing a major comeback in the jewel sphere. Quite frankly, they are becoming one of the top choices for many of the about-to-be brides that waltz into our showroom. Their timeless asymmetry provides the illusion of a larger size in comparison to some of the other diamond shapes, so one could say that they are a better value with a sizable surface area. Set east-west, this unique pear shape diamond ring provides just the right amount of finger coverage all while elevating the look of the classic pear silhouette.

Whether worn as an engagement ring or a fabulous right hand ring, the Sloane is made for the woman that isn’t afraid of a little (or a lot) of extra attention and SPARKLE! Although we are truly in love with her as a pear shape ring, there may or may not be different versions of Sloane on the way… Be sure to keep an eye on our New Arrivals  for more updates!

Unique Wedding Bands for Your Capsule Jewelry Wardrobe

This year, we have seen a major pivot in the realm of fashion. While micro-trends boom in and out of glory, most are reverting to chic and long-lasting pieces to construct what has been coined as a ‘capsule wardrobe’. Put plainly, forever investment pieces are so in and anything that will only get a few wears is so out. When it comes to jewelry this can refer to many things, such as the materials your pieces are made of (learn about different golden materials here), or the actual silhouette of the pieces that you are purchasing.

Building the perfect set of stacking rings to compliment your unique engagement ring can be tricky, as you want to ensure that your special sparkler is always the star of the show, and that you are choosing pieces that will maintain their charm for years to come. Much like fashion, there are plenty of micro-jewelry trends (do jelly bracelets ring a bell?), however, if you are meticulous about your picks, you will find yourself with capsule pieces that will withstand the test of time!

gold wedding band, unique engagement ring

WIDE GOLD WEDDING BAND

Classic and timeless, plain gold wedding bands are a timeless staple in any jewelry wardrobe. Paired with a unique engagement ring, they create a standout look that is perfect for any bride looking to add a touch of edge to their stack. You can’t go wrong with the straight cut of a classic cigar band, but if you are in search of something a bit more artful, variations like our Torn Paper Bands provide a bit of flair with their irregular edges.

wedding bands with diamonds, unique wedding bands, unique engagement ring

CHUNKY WEDDING BANDS WITH DIAMONDS

When it comes to the art of stacking rings, we can’t say no to a touch of sparkle. Wedding bands with diamonds are a classic choice, but for a capsule piece, we are all about slightly larger diamond bands due to their versatility. Pair a larger diamond band with your engagement ring for a super sparkly look or wear it alone for an equally glittery appearance on simpler days. Pieces like these will never go out of style and will surely serve as forever go-to’s in your jewel box.

unique wedding bands, unique engagement ring

UNIQUE WEDDING BANDS

If you adore the look of stacked wedding rings, it may be time to experiment with what we refer to as nesting bands to perfectly embrace every curve of your stone. Stacking rings is a true art-form, and if you don’t mind a little bit of extra pizazz, these unique wedding bands can amplify the overall experience of your set. When it comes to capsule pieces, the name of the game is keeping it classic. With this in mind, we think the subtle curve and minimal appearance of our Melt Bands provide the perfect middle ground between a playful and sophisticated look that will carry you through each and every season.

salt and pepper diamond, salt and pepper diamond ring, unique engagement rings

HONORARY MENTION: SALT AND PEPPER DIAMOND RING

P.S. if you didn’t already know it, fall is in full swing and what many people don’t realize is that a wedding band doesn’t always need to err on the side of traditional. If you are a serious style maven who perhaps has already completed their ring finger wedding set and wants to keep stacking up the bling (ahem, push present), we think you could use a salt and pepper diamond piece in your jewelry repertoire. Don’t be afraid to wear this on your middle or pointer finger alongside your wedding stack for a chic and moody look that will turn heads for the rest of time.

Fall Nailspo to Match Your Unique Engagement Ring

The seasons are changing, and nothing indicates the arrival of a new quarter quite like a fresh polish change! If we know anything, it is that chic-ly executed bold moves are all the rage this fall. That includes wardrobe, nails, and yes, jewels! If you are sporting a fabulous unique engagement ring on your finger, it is imperative that you sport the season’s hottest mani to match. In true SKFJ fashion, we have compiled all the season’s hottest nail trends and paired them with our most popular engagement ring styles to ensure that this fall, no hand is left behind.

simple engagement rings, unique engagement rings

SIMPLE ENGAGEMENT RINGS + IRIDESCENT SHIMMER NAILS

Classic and sophisticated is the name of the game. Nothing quite beats the timeless allure of simple engagement rings, positioning the dazzling center stone as the star of the show.  If this description matches your sparkler, then this nail trend is for you! Classic with a touch of shimmer, iridescent nails are all the rage. Ask your manicurist for a neutral nude or pink base and a coat of gold or silver shimmer to seal the deal!

salt and pepper engagement ring, unique engagement ring

SALT AND PEPPER DIAMOND RING + NAKED AND MINIMAL NAILS

If you are rocking a salt and pepper diamond ring we know that you have a knack for the perfectly imperfect. The modern minimalist, you are not afraid to take risks and your manicure should absolutely reflect that. Expressive lines have been a nail trend all year but give it the fall treatment by incorporating dark and moody shades such as black or grey. The “naked” nail underneath allows the design to pop while maintaining a minimally sophisticated feel.

sapphire engagement rings, unique engagement ring

SAPPHIRE ENGAGEMENT RINGS + AURA NAILS

Despite popular belief, the changing of leaves doesn’t always indicate the loss of color. Sometimes, a pop of color is essential to tying a look together and providing that final flair of personal style. If you are a color lover adorned with a sweet sapphire engagement ring (hi, September birthstone!) then this season’s Aura nail trend is calling your name. Airbrushed nail art has been around for quite a while, but this dreamy upgrade is one of the season’s hottest trends. Explore an array of colors for either a color synchronous or color-blocked look that will pair beautifully with your unique engagement ring’s hued glow.

champagne diamond, unique engagement ring

CHAMPAGNE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING + CHOCOLATE GLAZED DONUT NAILS

Did someone say champagne? And by champagne, we mean diamonds of course! For a combo that will certainly warrant the popping of bubbly, try pairing your sparkly champagne diamond with this season’s “it” manicure. If style icon Hailey Bieber has taught us anything, it is that a simple coat of white chrome creates a delicious glazed effect over almost any color, and fall-inspired browns are no exception. Head to the salon and choose a chocolate-y shade that calls to you, then ask your manicurist to mix it with a clear topcoat to create the perfect sheer base. Seal the deal with a light layer of white chrome and voila! You will be left with the perfect glistening shade that practically tastes like fall!

What Your Dream Unique Engagement Ring Says About You

Marilyn put it best when she sang the ever-so-famous words… Diamonds are indeed a girl’s best friend. Whether or not you are currently in the market for a sparkly left-hand ring or already have one placed on your finger, we glam gals can agree that the gazillion accumulated hours spent daydreaming about that sparkling token of love practically commenced in the womb. Likely, this vision has shifted drastically as the years have gone by and trends have gone in and out of glory. However, the truth is that your personal style speaks volumes and can dictate what style of unique engagement ring may be right for you. Feeling lost? Not to worry, we’re here to play matchmaker for you and your destined dazzler.

emerald cut unique engagement ring

EMERALD CUT DIAMOND RING

You are a polished woman who prides herself in having a taste for the finer things in life. Champagne towers will be the primary decor at your wedding… And the dress? A minimal, slinky silk gown, of course. Your favorite movies include 13 Going on 30 and The Devil Wears Prada because, duh… Fashion and NYC. Glimmering city lights are your main source of inspiration and if you’re not already living it, you dream of a cut-throat, fast-paced life as a glamorous sophisticate. Clean and contemporary, the long, sharp facets and clean lines of an emerald cut diamond ring make the perfect companion for any chic and refined soul.

antique diamond three stone engagement ring

ANTIQUE DIAMOND 3 STONE ENGAGEMENT RING

Queue the white horses! You are a special light filled with wonder and magic. Frolicking in a garden in the English countryside is your vision of bliss and you thrive on sentimental flourishes. Bridgerton? You binged that in one weekend. Despite living in a world full of doubt, you maintain belief in the magic of love at first sight and will settle for nothing less than a fairytale ending. The mystery of vintage jewelry captivates you and you look forward to curating your own collection of heirlooms to pass down. If this sounds like you, an antique diamond 3 stone engagement ring is your destiny. Romantic and elegant with the perfect dash of vintage flair, three stone rings are truly enchanting. Plus, the finger coverage is hard to ignore. As we always say… Who wants just one diamond when you could have three?

oval solitaire engagement ring

LARGE OVAL SOLITAIRE

Hello, fashionista! You are a gal who is ALWAYS up to date with the latest Instagram trends. Pinterest is your best friend and you commend yourself for your “it” girl status. A style maven at heart, you spend your weekends hunting the coolest threads and your wardrobe is never outdated. You like to keep up with the Kardashians and couldn’t help but revel in excitement when you saw Kourt’s newest engagement ring. If this sounds like you, we think you’re betrothed to a large oval solitaire. We know that you are not afraid of too much sparkle or a dash of drama. Dress it up with sparkly nesting band stackers and you’ll find yourself with a unique engagement ring that, dare we say, is almost as fabulous as you.

salt and pepper engagement ring

SALT AND PEPPER ENGAGEMENT RING

Trends are cool, but you pride yourself in going against the norm. You are not afraid to take risks – in life and in design choices, especially. When it comes to entertainment you aren’t completely entranced by reality TV or rom coms. Rather, you appreciate black and white films for their simplicity and charm. Your dream wedding errs on the side of non-traditional and you envision yourself rocking a short gown to make a statement. If this sounds like you, a Salt and Pepper nontraditional engagement ring is your destiny. Their distinctive features deliver just the right amount of edge and their neutral color pallet makes them fun to style. Looking to up the cool factor? Experiment with rose-cut or hexagon shapes and pair with a couple of inverted side stones for a look that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Choosing an engagement ring is a big decision. We know, a lifetime of hopes and dreams are riding on this momentous occasion and we want to ensure you feel confident in your decision. Our best advice? Align your personality with one of these classic silhouettes and your treasured bauble will never be passé. If you are still feeling like you want more assurance, take our Engagement Ring Style Quiz for an extra boost of confidence before your in-person engagement ring appointments. Most importantly, take your time and listen to your heart – it’ll never let you down!

Ta Ta Tarnish! 3 Tips for Starting a Fine Jewelry Collection

Nothing, we repeat, nothing is more frustrating than having a favorite piece of your daily gold jewelry turn rusty or even worse: turn you green. While green may be this season’s “it” color, we certainly don’t love it when it comes to our skin color (sorry, Hulk). Sadly, fast fashion has severely impacted the jewelry industry, and knowledge regarding the various nuances of gold is not widely distributed. The learning curve can seem daunting, but if you know what to look for you will never find yourself with dull, tarnished jewels again. Not to worry if you’re feeling alone! We golden gals are here to help and aim to make the whole process feel as approachable as possible. It’s time to ditch the green skin and wave hello to a new era where you can finally douse yourself in the fine golden jewels that you deserve.

TIP #1: KNOW YOUR METALS

We’ll be honest: when it comes to the first time learning about gold variances, it’s not uncommon to feel overloaded. There is a lot to absorb and to make matters worse, the internet is filled with a large sum of misleading information. Unfortunately, it can be all too easy to fall into the trap of overpaying for poorly manufactured gold pieces, as it’s common to hear brands state that gold plated, filled and vermeil jewels only differ slightly in comparison to those made of solid gold when the truth is that the disparity is striking. Knowing how to distinguish these key differences is the first and most important step toward beginning to curate your fine jewelry collection.

When talking about gold jewelry, it is best to divvy the information into two categories based on longevity. We like to refer to these categories as fashion and fine. Fashion jewelry consists of plated, filled, and vermeil pieces whereas fine jewelry is any jewelry that is made from precious metals such as gold, silver, or platinum.

Let’s break it down even further. In the fashion realm, gold-plated pieces are the lowest on the scale in terms of cost and longevity. Gold plated means that an ultrathin layer of gold, usually less than .05%, has been electroplated onto a non-precious base metal “core” such as brass, copper, or nickel. Often, this results in tarnishing, which is that dreaded red rusty color as that golden layer rapidly wears down. Tarnishing is a chemical reaction that occurs when the other metals that are mixed with the gold and silver in fine jewelry come into contact with air and other various substances such as lotions, perfumes, and oils on the skin and cause it to darken.

A close second place to gold plated is gold filled, which offers a thicker layer of gold (about 5%) pressure bonded to a base metal that is usually brass. While this thicker layer may seem promising in the realm of longevity, although delayed, the tarnishing process will still take place as the piece is exposed to daily habits such as sweating, applying products, or showering. Given the higher price tag that gold-filled pieces typically come with, it’s more economical in the end to simply save and invest in fine jewelry.

Last, there’s gold vermeil which is similarly electroplated with an even thicker layer of gold. The primary difference is the base metal, which is always sterling silver. Although much more delayed (gold vermeil can offer the gold shine for years), tarnishing can still happen.

So, now you’ve found yourself in fine jewelry land, where you are presented with a new set of options: 10k, 14k, 18k, 24k, and everything in between… So what is the difference? Gold’s purity is measured in Karats or parts, out of 24. Therefore 24k gold would be pure, 18K would be less pure and 14K even less so. Although the thought of pure 24k gold may sound enticing, gold at that purity level is far too malleable for everyday wear, and not to mention, the higher the karat = the higher the cost. Moving down the line, 18k is 18/24 parts solid gold with the remaining parts consisting of various alloys to make the metal stronger. 14k is 14/24 parts and 10k… Well, you get the idea.

Another factor to consider is the color, as the more gold content present, the more yellow the metal will appear. 18k is going to present itself as a rich and buttery yellow, whereas on the opposite end of the spectrum, 10k will appear as a much softer hue.

So, what is the best option? These days you will find 10k, 14k, and 18k to be the predominant choices. What is best will greatly depend on your preference, lifestyle, and budget. 10k will surely be more budget-friendly than its 14k or 18k counterparts, although the purity level falls at the less than half mark in comparison. We typically recommend 14k for fine jewels as it is ultimately the perfect happy medium in terms of color, purity, and hardness for daily wear. When shopping for fine jewels, you should always be able to find a small stamp placed somewhere on the piece indicating its karat. This is always smart to check for, although be warned: this stamp can be fraudulently placed – thus leading us into tip #2.

14k fine jewelry stacking rings

TIP #2: DO YOUR RESEARCH

Time to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes! You’ve learned all about metals and are now feeling ready to invest your hard-earned money into a few key fine jewelry pieces. It’s imperative to research who you are buying from to ensure that they are a trusted and reputable brand. Read reviews, look the brand up on social media, and most importantly, read the description for every product that you are interested in.

Some brands will advertise that they carry 14k gold jewelry, but upon reading the fine print under the item, you will sometimes find that it is actually 14k gold plated or filled, which is not the same thing. This is a common marketing technique, especially when it comes to online retailers, so it is imperative to check and double-check the items that you are planning on purchasing. Additionally, beware of scammers. If the prices look too good to be true, they probably are. Always trust your instincts and be sure to research to the best of your ability before hitting that Add To Cart button.

14k wide gold stacking bands

TIP #3: START WITH THE BASICS

We get it: fine jewelry can be pricey and it can be hard to muster up the pretty penny it takes to build a solid collection. While it can be tempting to purchase everything at once, we recommend starting slow. Perhaps this means only purchasing a few pieces per year, in which case, examine your current fashion jewelry collection and determine what your most worn pieces are. Are you primarily a bracelet, necklace, or ring gal? Do you have a certain style of chain that you find pairs well with a majority of your wardrobe? These are the kinds of questions to take into account when commencing the process. We highly recommend starting with timeless styles in each category to ensure that your investment will live up to its maximum potential.

If you are a fashionista who strives to be a golden goddess dripping in jewels ‘round the clock, it may be time to take the leap and invest! With Summer in full swing, we want to ensure that your jewels are going to withstand your sun-soaked adventures and allow you to feel your best at all times. Remember: educate yourself, research where you are buying, and start with the basics! And then you too can finally wave ta ta to tarnish and hello to a stunning collection of golden heirlooms!