Ask the Experts

What if you love your friend’s engagement ring, but you don’t want to be a copycat?
August 20,2009, Lucy Zimmerman

You don’t have to. Talk to a jewelry designer about the ring you admire; describe everything you like about it. If you think about it, what you really admire is the style rather than the details.

Do you like the stark simplicity or  the intricate filigree details? Is it the striking combination of white and yellow gold in the setting that makes the ring look so bold?

Think style and you will end up with an engagement ring where every detail is you.

Creating custom jewelry is an exciting process for both; you and the jewelry designer. It is more than a process; it is a journey. And the destination is as exciting as the road that leads to it.

You can use “Old” to make “New”
August 05,2009, Lucy Zimmerman

Have you inherited an engagement ring from your grandmother or a diamond wedding band from another woman in your family?

The “old” pieces carry a lot of sentimental value. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to “re-use” all of these diamonds in your own ring?

Work with a jewelry designer to incorporate the stones into the new engagement ring. Your ring will not only be unique, but will carry a part of all the women in your family.

Is Custom Right for you?
August 02,2009, Lucy Zimmerman

It is not a secret that we, women, love to shop. We love to express who we are on the inside by showcasing it with what others see on the outside. And when the inside and the outside find a perfect balance, the result equals good taste.

The same is true about shopping for an engagement ring. When looking for an engagement ring, it is not the size of the diamond, the color of gold, or the side stones that are important. What we are searching for is that perfect balance between our personality and the style of the engagement ring.  If you are not sure that custom jewelry is right for you, seek help from a good jewelry designer.

What qualities does one need to become a jewelry designer?
December 28,2008, Lucy Zimmerman

First of all, you have to be truly passionate about jewelry. You need to be willing to put time and effort into learning the history of jewelry making, as well as the nature and properties of diamonds and colored gem stones.  You need a keen eye for design and style, and you need to be very, very patient to work with metals and stones. Creativity is also an important requirement for becoming a jewelry designer.

When I design jewelry, I design for a specific person; I create a piece that reflects the person’s lifestyle and taste.

I don’t know of any other profession that would give me as much satisfaction as designing jewelry.