Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Cambodian Jewelry

The owners of Handiwork Jewelry are from Cambodia, so it only makes sense there are a few handcrafted pieces from their native country.


This Cambodian star pendant has 2.65 Carats in round brilliant cut diamonds. This is such a distinctive Cambodian piece that many other Southeast Asians know the wearer is often Cambodian.





This version of the Cambodian pendant looks more like a flower.



These 18 Karat white and yellow gold necklaces feature round diamonds in a bezel set. This is the Cambodian version of Tiffany's diamonds by the yard necklace by Elsa Peretti (before there was such a thing!)


Here is a close up of the trio diamond tennis necklace.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Enamel Jewelry

A post on Faberge enamel jewelry is available here, but this post is more about Art Deco inspired enamel jewelry. The owner of Handiwork created several pieces with black enamel and white diamonds in the late 1990s.

A statement ring best worn on a pointer finger features black enamel accenting the 2.50 Carats of white diamonds.


The black enamel on this 2.10 Carat bangle makes the seven round brilliant cut diamond solitaires sparkle even more.


This vintage black enamel ring features 0.55 Carats in round diamonds.
Cost: $450

This 0.70 Carat diamond ring has a delicate black enamel border.
Cost: $725

The texture and colors on this blue enamel band are sure to get many compliments.
Cost: $475

Red Diamonds

The most famous red diamond is the 5.11 Carat trillion cut Moussaieff Red diamond (i.e. Red Shield), originally found in Brazil. More can be found here at the Smithsonian website.


At Handiwork, we have one elegant 14 Karat white gold pendant with red and white diamonds in a concentric circle.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Jewelry Repair


Many of our customers know Handiwork Jewelry for our jewelry repair services. We repair necklaces and rings, as well as size rings and make bracelets and necklaces longer with added extensions. Have you ever lost one earring? If we are unable to make a match, we can transform the remaining earring into a pendant or ring for continued wear.

Here is a price list of a few jewelry repair services offered at Handiwork Jewelry in Memphis:
$5 Sterling silver jump rings (small)
$6 Watch battery replacement
$10 Watch bracelet adjustment (adding or removing watch links)
$10 Sterling silver clasps
$10 Cut and remove a ring too small from finger
$15 Solder (welding) small necklaces and thin bands
$15 Starting price for ring sizing
$2 per inch Pearl re-stringing with knots in between each

We have a jewelers bench on site at Handiwork for a quick turnaround of 2-3 days. Our jeweler rotates between our two other locations (Crown Jewelry and Star Jewelry), so we can sometimes offer same day service. Watch services can be provided while you wait (10 to 15 minutes).

Many customers also ask if we repair eyeglass frames. We unfortunately only work with gold, platinum, or sterling silver. We recommend your local Fast Fix. In Memphis, there is one location in the Wolfchase Mall.

May Birthstone

Natural emeralds come in various shades of green. Take a look at how emeralds look set in yellow gold with diamond accents.

This is a large 2.00 Carat princess cut, emerald ring with 1.00 Carat in baguette and round diamonds in 14 Karat gold.
Cost: $3150


This is a unique trillion, cabochon cut emerald ring with pave diamonds in 18 Karat yellow gold.



These earrings feature a 1.00 Carat radiant cut emerald in each ear in 14 Karat gold.
Cost: $1290





Here are just a few of the natural emerald and diamond rings available at Handiwork in white gold and platinum.


This bezel set emerald ring with prong set diamonds in white gold has a vintage appeal.


A pear shaped emerald is accented by two pear shaped diamonds in white gold. Notice the fine antique engraving in the band.


Radiant cut diamonds surround this radiant cut emerald in a simple three stone platinum setting.

This wide diamond pave band features an oval cut emerald in white gold.


Trillion cut diamonds accent this radiant cut emerald in a simple and elegant setting.


A cushion cut 1.35 Carat emerald is accented with two round diamonds, each weighing 0.20 Carats.



Friday, May 15, 2009

Birthstone Re-Cap

October was the last birthstone featured, so I figure there should be a re-cap of November to April before May can be posted. Here goes!


NOVEMBER

Yellow topaz is the official birthstone for November, but citrines and yellow sapphires (and even a yellow diamond) would all work well for Thanksgiving circa babies.

This 18 Karat gold Torrini ring features a bezel set, multi-faceted citrine.


Belts can be worn around your waist... or on your hand. This citrine belt ring is accented by chocolate diamonds with a black enamel background.



For only $159, this 14 Karat yellow gold right hand ring featuring a large natural oval, yellow topaz is sure to make a statement.




DECEMBER

Blue topazes are a favorite, even if you were not born in the month of December.

This bangle with a solitaire, trillion cut blue topaz and yellow topaz is a perfect transition from November to December.





This trillion cut blue topaz pendant in white gold is accented by five round diamonds


These 14 Karat gold chandelier earrings will dangle with briolette cut blue topaz tear drops.


JANUARY

Garnets are a deep red brown hue that people either love or hate. If you appreciate antique jewelry, garnets can often be found in vintage pieces.







This 14 Karat natural, oval garnet ring with round diamonds is a steal at only $145.




This past, present, and future three natural, oval garnet ring in 14 Karat gold is only $99!


FEBRUARY

Purple amethysts here we go... a resilient and well priced gemstone.


This is another 18 Kart gold ring from Torrini and features a multi-faceted amethyst that reflects the light with little stars.





MARCH

Aquamarines and their light light blue, green (seagreen) color are also found in vintage jewelry. Aquamarines can be very expensive depending on their hue and quality.




APRIL

Diamonds are a girl's best friend... and April babies are just plain lucky. If you want an alternative, try white sapphires, or synthetic diamonds (cubic zirconia).