Jeweler's Corner

Estate jewelry can offer a one of a kind look that will set your style apart, without straining your wallet. From contemporary to antique, estate jewelry offers consumers both an excellent value and distinctive styles. However, when shopping for estate jewelry many people wonder what they should consider.

Three things to consider when purchasing Estate Jewelry are: condition, craftsmanship and design.

(1) Condition – This will influence both the value and the longevity of any item. If you purchase an item for a great price that is in poor condition, over time you may add substantially to the cost with needed repairs or the item may break beyond repair.

(2) Craftsmanship – Was the item well constructed, will it continue to stand the ultimate tests of time and use?

(3) Design – Overall style is a matter of personal taste. What one person may dismiss as unattractive another person will instantly fall in love with.

However, one thing to consider when contemplating the design is how comfortable it will be to wear. Sometimes an item will look great on display but will be uncomfortable to wear.

If you love to wear and collect jewelry, with a little consideration estate jewelry may be the perfect choice to expand your collection while saving you money. At Amoskeag Jewelers we are buying everyday and have an extensive collection of estate jewelry that is always changing. So whether you are looking for a distinctive piece of estate jewelry or just looking to sell or trade an item that you no longer want, let the team at Amoskeag Jewelers guide you through the process.

The name diamond comes from an ancient Greek word meaning “unbreakable”. Perhaps that is why for many a diamond is the ultimate symbol for their unbreakable love and commitment. Diamonds are among the most significant and memorable gifts we will ever receive or give. As a result it can be a daunting task to choose the perfect stone.

Choosing the perfect stone – Not all diamonds are created equal, therefore diamonds undergo extensive grading. All of the grading that is done for each diamond is summarized with “The Four C’s” of diamonds. “The Four C’s” referrers to: Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight, these are the four main factors that determine the diamonds grade and ultimately it’s value. Understanding “the four C’s” for quality grading is the key to unlocking the internal mystery of a diamond and choosing the perfect stone.

The Four C’s

Cut refers to the physical cut of the diamond, not the shape. The cut effects the brilliance (the light reflected from a diamond), the fire (dispersion of light into colors of the spectrum) and the scintillation (flashes of light or sparkle when a diamond is tilted).

Color is graded by how closely a diamond approaches colorlessness – the less color, the better the grade and the higher the value. (The exception to this is fancy-color diamonds, such as browns and pinks, in fancy color diamonds more color is desirable.) The scale begins with the letter D, representing colorless, and continues with increasing presence of color to the letter Z.

Clarity refers to the unique internal inclusions contained in most diamonds. Most of these are invisible without magnification. A clarity grade ranges from flawless to diamonds with obvious inclusions. Most diamonds fall in the middle of these two extremes.

Carat Weight: Diamonds, along with other gemstones are weighed in metric carats: one carat is equal to 0.2 grams. In a well proportioned stone the higher the carats, the larger the stone.

The helpful staff at Amoskeag Jewelers guide you through the process of weighing all “Four C’s” and choosing the perfect diamond to fit any budget.

Love, friendship and loyalty. These are the words that best describe the history and lure of the Claddagh ring. From it’s humble beginnings over 300 years ago in a small fishing village in Ireland, to the international symbol for love and friendship. The Claddagh ring stands alone as a tradition unlike any other.

Over the years the style of the Claddagh ring has undergone some minor changes but the overall appearance has remained the same. The hands of the ring denote true friendship and togetherness, the heart signifies love despite all odds and the crown stands for loyalty in the face of any adversity. Let the helpful staff at Amoskeag Jewelers guide you through the process of selecting the perfect Claddagh ring to symbolize your love, friendship and loyalty.

The wedding day has passed, the thank you cards have all been sent. You and yours are starting your wonderful new life together. With all of the planning that goes into such a wonderful event many times people overlook one small but very important step. Insurance for the most special pieces of jewelry you will ever own, your engagement and wedding rings.

Whether the value is $100.00 or $50,000.00, jewelry insurance represents not only the financial value but also the sentimental value of your treasured items. Most home owners and renters insurance policies do not automatically include jewelry coverage. Insuring your jewelry doesn’t have to be complicated. Let the helpful staff at Amoskeag Jewelers guide you through the jewelry insurance process. Our on location Graduate Gemologist will properly identify and valuate your jewelry so that it can be properly insured. Weather you choose to purchase ring insurance (also known as a rider) through your existing insurance company or with a company that specializes in jewelry insurance, let our experienced staff help guide you through the process. With an insurance appraisal from Amoskeag jewelers you will have what you need to protect your jewelry for years to come.