By Andrew Z

I was really surprised when I read the results of a poll asking women about their marriage proposals. The results indicated that around 80 percent felt that theirs were not memorable and, even though they were very happy to be engaged, the event itself was not exciting. In an effort to help change this, here are six different familiar but classic proposal ideas with a twist. You don’t necessarily need to follow them verbatim, but rather use them to stimulate your own creativity. Whatever you decide to do, personalize it and make it memorable in a loving way. Be considerate in your plans and be careful not to embarrass anyone. And the final and most important suggestion: Be prepared with a nice diamond engagement ring.

Dinner Dates:
1. Prepare a nice candlelight dinner for the two of you, with her favorite foods. Bring her a glass of champagne with the engagement ring not at the bottom of the glass, but tied to the stem with a ribbon.

2. Take her to dinner at a nice Chinese restaurant. When dinner is over, give her a fortune cookie that has a message prepared in advance by you. The message could read, “Diamonds are in your near future,” or “Will you marry me?” Of course, the next step is to hand her the ring. Special-message fortune cookies can be ordered online if the restaurant cannot prepare them.

Sweet Nothin’s for Sports:
1. Take her to a high school or college basketball game. Forget the message on the marquee; instead, in advance, arrange with the school and sports announcer to call the two of you to center court for a special announcement, perhaps calling your seat numbers as “winners” of a “great prize.”) Offer a donation to the team in return. Once on center court, get down on one knee and take your best shot! A variation to the school sports proposal is to buy an ad in the program booklet, if the school has one, and include your proposal in it. Hand it to her and wait for her reaction.

2. Watching a game from home? Place the ring box at the bottom of her Cracker Jacks box. Pull the little prize out of your box and then ask her what prize is inside.

Romancing the Reader:
1. Buy a book by one of her favorite romance authors. With a razor blade, neatly cut out a pocket through the center of the pages—just like they do in spy movies to create a secret hiding place for valuables. Place the ring in this secret pocket. Make sure that there are a few uncut pages above the ring pocket. When the two of you are alone in a quiet place, give her the book and ask her to read a couple pages. If there is a great line or paragraph about love in the beginning, highlight it. Once she turns the page to the ring…well, you know the rest of this love story.

2. For your beloved bookworm, take her to the library or her favorite bookstore. Ask her to find a specific book for you while you “look” for something else. Prearrange to have the ring or ring box in the book’s place, perhaps along with a special card or note with her name and “Will you marry me?” When she’s gaping at the “book,” rejoin her and write the happy ending!

If you are still unsure or a little uncomfortable about these suggestions, show these ideas to a female friend and get her opinion. If she’s anything like the 80 percent that responded to the poll I mentioned, she’ll be nodding a firm yes to the idea.

It’s time to get off the fence and start setting the stage for a moment that she will never want to forget. Get your thoughts together and put this event in motion. Good luck!

By Andrew Z

A modern “Gold Rush” is happening as you read this, but this time around, the gold isn’t in them thar hills, and it just might be right in your own house. The title of this article may be tongue-in-cheek, but there is no kidding about the treasure that might be at the bottom of your jewelry box or in the back of a drawer. I’m talking about that which is referred to in the trade as “old gold” or “scrap gold.” This is typically jewelry that is either broken (not worth fixing), out of style, single earrings, or just plain ugly. You know the stuff—but what to do with it? Well, a booming gold market (as well as platinum and silver) may hold the answer to that question.

Many of my friends, family, and customers have been bringing in their old gold and platinum jewelry for me to evaluate and then turn into cash for them in the form of a check or store credit for new jewelry. The last time that I remember this type of opportunity was around 1980 when the gold market was around $800 per ounce. Over the past couple of months, the gold market has been back and forth over the $1,000 per ounce mark! (As I am writing this in early April, it is around $900, plus or minus a few dollars).

If you are thinking of getting together your old gold treasures, there are a few things that you should keep in mind:

1. Gold jewelry is typically not 100 percent gold content, because other metals were blended or alloyed with gold to make it more durable and workable, and also to bring the cost down. A few simple formulas to figure the gold content are as follows:

Pure gold = 24k
18k = 18/24 = 75 percent pure gold
14k = 14/24 = 58.3 percent pure gold
10k = 10/24 = 41.67 percent pure gold

2. The value of the gold content varies directly with the gold market’s ups and downs.

3. The gold content within your old jewelry must be extracted and refined back to pure, useable gold. This is an expensive process and is figured in during the payment for your scrap.

4. Not all is as it appears. Just because there is a stamped gold mark, say 14k, doesn’t mean that it is real. Counterfeits and low-karat impostors exist, but this is mostly with pieces purchased from unreliable and questionable sources.

Before you bring in any old gold, make up two bag lots: one with broken and unusable pieces, and another with good workable jewelry where the only thing wrong with it is that you no longer like it. The second bag may have items with a value higher than scrap. Also, diamonds and gems can usually be removed or added to the value.

Happy Mining!

By Andrew Z

We’ve all heard the old sayings “Where did all the years go?” and “Life is too short!” You’ve probably even used them yourself—I know that I have. These are comments of regret that may sound corny and overused, but they stick around because the truth rings through them. I’m very fortunate to be in a business that allows me a special opportunity to share many of life’s important moments with my friends and clients. Every day, somebody is celebrating a personal event or milestone, such as a new baby, an anniversary, an engagement, or a “Just because I love you.” I get the pleasure and privilege of helping them select or create a tangible symbol of their love, commitment, and joy. Try this: Just ask anyone about a nice piece of jewelry they’re wearing, and I’ll bet that nine times out of ten, their face lights up with a huge smile and they start to tell you a story about a special anniversary, or a significant birthday, or a special evening with a special someone!

The economy will always have cyclical ups and downs, and good financial times will always return. However, if you don’t stop and celebrate life, you may be the one saying, “Where did all the years go?” Don’t let special moments pass you by.

Another one of those shopworn sayings that I like is “It’s the thought that counts.” A large budget isn’t always necessary to give a thoughtful gift of jewelry. The Pandora brand charm and bead bracelet with a few meaningful, well-chosen charms is one lovely example. The charms start at under $20, and additional ones can be added. The bracelet is suitable for women and girls of any age. You could always keep a few charms or beads handy as a reward to your daughter for a job well done, or as a little token of affection to be added to your wife’s bracelet. Let your children give one to Mom. All the women in the family can share in the fun of giving and receiving, and having a similar piece of jewelry to compare and talk about.

My last little platitude: “Life is good; let’s enjoy every moment.”

By Andrew Z

“With this ring, I thee wed.” As these words are spoken, a circlet of precious metal is placed on the fourth finger of your left hand.

The most recognizable symbol of a union between man and woman is that very special ring: the wedding band. Have you ever wondered where and when this tradition started? Did you know that in different cultures, the wedding band is worn on different fingers or on the other hand? Or that it’s only in the last four decades that men began to wear wedding bands? How about this: Many years ago, a ring on the woman’s finger told everyone that she was some man’s property!

Actually, history tells us that the wedding ring has a long tradition in various cultures. As far back as 5,000 years, Egyptian hieroglyphics depicted a circle worn on the finger as a symbol of eternal love. The Romans regarded a wedding ring as a representation of the legal and binding union between man and woman. This meant that the woman was no longer a “free” person. Christian wedding ceremonies began to include the wedding band as an important nuptial element around the year 870. Today, modern couples wear and enjoy the rings as a symbol of their sacred commitment.

Which Hand, Which Finger?

While most societies reserve the fourth finger on the left hand for a wedding ring, there are other traditions, depending on the culture. For example, many Europeans wear their rings on the right hand. Some Scandinavian women wear three wedding rings: one each for engagement, marriage, and motherhood. Jewish brides may wear their ring on the index finger because that is the finger used to point to the Torah, the scroll that includes the first five books of the Bible, while reading it.

Why the Fourth Finger?

The Romans and Egyptians both believed that a vein they named vena amoris (vein of love) ran directly from that finger straight to the heart. So, on what better finger can you place a wedding ring in order to capture someone’s heart?

Men’s Wedding Bands

Only since World War II have men worn wedding bands as a reminder of their loved ones and as a symbol of their commitment. At first, a plain gold band was sufficient and acceptable for a man to wear. Today, men can choose from many different metals, and also include diamonds.

The Smallest Wedding Band

This story of the smallest wedding ring that I’ve ever heard of makes one stop and think about how society has changed over the years. This tiny ring was for bride-to-be Princess Mary, daughter of King Henry XIII. Her wedding date was to be October 5, 1918. She was only two years old, and her new spouse was less than a year old! One can only imagine her ring size!

With This Ring, I Thee Wed. Wedding bands—a 5,000-year tradition still going strong.

By Andrew Z

Q. What are the Four Cs of diamonds?

A. The four main important characteristics associated with the quality, value, and beauty of diamonds are referred to as the four Cs. They are Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. I often suggest a fifth C—confidence in your jeweler. This helps you make certain that the first four are in line with your needs and expectations.

Q. If two diamonds each weigh 1.0 ct (carat), why is it that one of them can appear larger than the other?

A. There are two good reasons for this. First, 1.0 ct is the weight of the diamond, not its dimensions. So, depending on how the particular diamond was cut (deeper or shallower), the face-up dimension (diameter for a round cut) will vary accordingly. A typical well-cut and -proportioned round diamond will have a diameter of around 6.5mm.

The other reason has to do with brilliance and sparkle. A well-cut and -proportioned diamond will have more brilliance, fire, and sparkle, which results in a larger appearance. This is a double bonus—it looks larger and it has more sparkle!

Q. What color is the Hope Diamond?

A. The Hope Diamond is a steel-blue color and is currently on display at the Smithsonian. It weighs 45.52 ct. and is very attractive.

Q. What is the history of the Taylor-Burton diamond?

A. The Taylor-Burton Diamond is a pear-shaped 69.42 ct diamond. Cartier of N.Y. purchased the diamond at auction in 1969 and gave it its own name. The next day, British actor Richard Burton bought the diamond from them to give to Elizabeth Taylor, also gaining the right to rename it. In 1978, Taylor put the diamond up for sale. Prospective buyers had to pay $2,500 each just to view it. This was to cover security expenses. Finally, in June of 1979, the diamond was sold for over $3 million.

Q. A friend was considering some diamonds for sale online and, after comparing their specs and four Cs, felt that even though he wasn’t an expert, he found a good deal. His main hesitation to buy was an uncomfortable feeling about making such an expensive and important purchase without actually seeing and comparing the diamonds in person.

A. Your friend may not be a diamond expert, but doing some research is a great idea. It also sounds like he has a good gut instinct about not making a blind purchase. Buying a diamond based only on its specifications without seeing, comparing, and getting to know about it in person is sort of like choosing a spouse after only reviewing a handful of driver’s licenses. There are just too many interacting variables that can’t be visualized by reading numbers on a piece of paper!

My suggestion is to work with a trusted and qualified jeweler or gemologist that has diamond or gemology credentials and experience. Have him show you a few diamonds in different lighting—even outside, if he’s agreeable—and under the microscope. Also, discuss how you’ll be wearing the diamond as well as different types of settings for it. Ask if a diamond-grading certificate accompanies the diamond and if a trade-up policy applies in the event you’d like something larger or different in the future. This may sound funny, but if you’ve ever purchased or adopted a puppy or kitten, remember how you asked questions and then had fun playing around with it to see if the pet was right for you? Purchasing a diamond in a hands-on way can be a very enjoyable and memorable experience. You’ll also go home with a satisfying confidence in a diamond that is forever.

By Andrew Z

A comment that I often hear in my jewelry store is “Your jewelry looks so nice and sparkly. Is it because of special store lighting?” I’m sure that the lighting helps, and of course, fine gem quality is where the beauty originates. But the simple fact that everything is clean and polished is what allows the fine gems to sparkle and show their brilliance.

Here’s the obvious truth about keeping your jewelry at its finest: If you take good care of your jewelry and keep it clean, polished, and in good condition, it will look as good as it did when it was new—as nice and sparkly as in a jewelry store. Jewelry care is pretty simple if you know what to do and what not to do. Here are a few tips to help you.

Knowledge Know what you own, and be aware of any limitations. Are the gems soft or relatively brittle like opals and emeralds? Are the prongs thin or worn? Does the clasp open and close nicely? Is your watch waterproof, or just water resistant? Are stones loose? A good home test for loose stones is to shake your ring near your ear and listen for any rattling.

If you feel you need help answering any of these questions, find a competent jewelry professional and ask his or her advice. Use the Internet for gemstone information. You can log on to my Web site for information on a number of gems.

Environment Chemicals, extreme temperature variations, and dry air are some examples of environmental factors that may have a negative effect on certain types of jewelry. Home-cleaning products such as abrasives, adhesives, and harsh cleaners can damage or dull gems and precious metals. Even personal-care products like hairspray and lotions will cause buildup and dullness. Chlorine will damage gold, especially at higher temperatures, like those in a hot tub. Chlorine can cause porosity and brittleness in the gold solder that is holding the prongs around your diamond. Once the solder becomes brittle, it doesn’t take much of a blow to break it right off! Chlorine can also blacken silver. Extreme temperature shifts and hot, dry air can cause certain gems—opals, for example—to crack and craze.

Storage Because we know that some gems are harder than others are, it makes sense that tossing multiple pieces of jewelry with gemstones into a single bag or drawer will eventually cause scratching or chipping. This will definitely put a damper on brilliance and sparkle. Use common sense when storing your valuables. Provide individual pouches or some type of separator so they won’t touch one another. Also, consider the environmental factors like heat, cold, and moisture. This applies to your costume jewelry as well, especially if the stones are glued in place. This may seem funny, but I know some men who take better care of their cigars in a humidor than their wives do with their diamonds.

Cleaning Have your jeweler periodically inspect and professionally clean your jewelry. In between these visits, you can mix up a simple cleaning solution of warm sudsy liquid for removal of light surface dirt and oils. Commercial jar cleaners can also do a very good job, but I suggest using only a brand that your jeweler carries. Make sure to read the directions. Some cleaners are too aggressive for certain gems. A jeweler’s polishing cloth is a great thing to keep handy. It can impart a nice shine to dull gold or silver.

Final Tip My final tip is to wear and enjoy your jewelry. If you follow the tips I’ve given you, you should have bright, clean, and sparkly jewelry in good condition that wants to be worn and enjoyed. And if you bring one of your pieces into my store under the lights, I will put on my sunglasses!

Andrew Z owns Andrew Z Diamonds and Fine Jewelry in Anthem. For more information on tips for caring for your gems and jewelry, visit andrewzdiamonds.com.