Shock and Awe-More

So what is it, this thing called love? I can be an accomplice to the perpetrator(s) of this elusive emotional phenomenon. I have a great deal to do with many relationships where a simple gold bracelet can eventually lead to an engagement ring and later evolves into wedding bands that then lead to “I Do.”  I’m not exactly a flying Rodin- like cherub with bow and arrow in hand (although It would be hard to argue that point if you saw my baby pictures from 1954). 

The winding road to a loving relationship in most cases begins with a piece of jewelry, and my profession is that of a jeweler/goldsmith… not Cupid. (Then again, a pair of wings could come in handy!) Presenting fine jewelry is a two-way street and will be cherished during the many milestones of a meaningful relationship. Every time it is worn and wins compliments, which will be a sure way to bring her back to that moment in time and the reason why will always be remembered.

I especially love it when my clients send me pictures moments after presenting the engagement ring; the locations are always interesting. Two of my favorites were of the happy couple on the top of the great Pyramid in Egypt, another couple at the top of the Eiffel tower in the city of love…Paris. I was not so romantic presenting our engagement ring to my wife-to-be; it was on my knee in the isle at a very crowded jewelry convention in Las Vegas. she thought I bought the ring for stock at my island shop. I told her to put on the platinum sapphire and diamond ring so I could see how beautiful it was on her, and then proposed right then and there. I caught Andrea totally by surprise because she had been trying on rings, necklaces and bracelets for two days straight.

There are many other catalysts of creating this feel-good phenomenon: flowers, candy, a new car, exotic vacation or a romantic greeting card with dinner for two. Only problem with those is flowers die, candy and dinner gets consumed, the vacation is only a memory and even the car won’t last forever, and what guy nowadays remembers to buy a romantic card?

Who knows where it began? My theory is that a prehistoric smelly cave dwelling Cro-Magnon named Groonk could have decided to tie a bear's tooth to a strip of leather and present it to the apple of his eye… the first shock and Awe-more! I’m sure she was surprised and impressed and maybe they shared a cozy fire and a bearskin blanket that evening?

I have a slightly twisted and meandering imagination, but it’s a fact that things progressed very quickly from that bear's tooth to shiny rocks and newly discovered metals. As time marched on king’s bestowed unimaginable jewels and gold jewelry to their queens and princesses - you would think it would eventually get boring to the ladies…but I doubt it.

I see the look of joy on people’s faces almost every day, whether it was a repair of someone’s favorite piece of jewelry as simple as a broken neck chain that is now good as new or presenting an expensive hand-crafted diamond necklace or ring. It creates a special feeling, kind of like buying your first new car…only better. Your car will eventually have to be replaced. But a person that presents a memorable piece of fine gold jewelry to his loved one(s) will experience that magical feeling every time that person wears that gift of love and affection. I have perpetrated that joy and have been complimented for decades and even beyond. Let’s just say my fine jewelry has achieved its desired results. Many missions accomplished hand crafting fine “one of a kind” jewelry is a time-consuming labor of love. It begins with a concept - it can be some pencil sketches, or something someone saw on the internet. The designs are only limited by one's imagination. Jewelry made to order is not inexpensive, so don’t expect to present some old rings and loose gemstones thinking, oh! This can’t cost much to do!

You would be wrong. The process is complicated and time consuming that is also labor intensive and that = $$$$; in a nutshell buying a fine piece of jewelry out of a showcase is usually more practical monetarily

That’s where someone like me comes into the picture. Not every custom piece of jewelry has to be a long-drawn-out expensive process. A goldsmith can combine several pre-made components to create very unusual pieces of jewelry. This can be achieved by mixing different colors of gold such as yellow, white and even rose, then mix colored gemstones or diamonds - the combinations can be endless. I have always lived by the K.I.S.S, system (Keep it simple stupid). A single high quality diamond set into a simple four prong setting on a diamond cut chain is spectacular! Notice I said “high quality” - mediocre won’t cut it guys. Even a smaller high-quality diamond blows away a larger poorer quality diamond because of its superior color, luster and scintillation. 

Let’s get back to the shock and awe thing. Presenting the love of your life a truly radiant piece of diamond jewelry for the holidays (or maybe just because she has been putting up with you for a quarter a century or more!) can achieve that special moment in time for her. It can be that simple before mentioned diamond pendant she will cherish every time she wears it, diamond stud earrings are a sure thing every time, and if you wish to duplicate “Groonk’s gift giving results to accomplish the cave fire and under the bearskin blanket thing… I suggest a magnificent multiple diamond bracelet or the latest diamond “just because” ring to set the mood. Remember…Live love and laugh often and there’s a big difference between living and living well.