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As Tucson’s top jewelry store and only private jeweler, I’m often asked about trends in the jewelry industry. Here are a few occurring today:

As Tucson’s only Private Jeweler, the number one question I’m asked is: “Why a Private Jeweler, instead of a traditional brick and mortar retail jewelry store or online store?” In my nearly two decade career, I’ve answered this literally hundreds of times. Here, briefly, are the reasons:

I’m sure you know, I am the number one seller of diamond engagement rings in Tucson. Did you also know that I sell a tremendous amount of gold jewelry? Diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire studs are a specialty. If you’d like to see some, please schedule an appointment.

As the number one private diamond engagement ring seller in Tucson, I’m often asked about diamonds. I have posted a great deal of information on my website here. This month, I thought you’d like to read a bit more fun facts.

As Tucson’s best jeweler I am often asked about how jewelry stores value their client’s jewelry.

The value of jewelry can be determined by a combination of factors, such as the materials used to create it, the quality of workmanship, the rarity and desirability of any gemstones or precious metals used, and the historical or cultural significance of the piece.

Did you know, I have owned the best jewelry store in Tucson for nearly two decades? Over the years I have been asked many questions. None of them are silly and I am happy to answer and educate. Buying fine jewelry can be a bit intimidating, I’m here to help. You can learn a great deal by reading my blogs, here. Today let’s discuss how to layer necklaces and chains.

Having sold hundreds of diamond engagements rings in Tucson and nationwide, I’m considered Tucson’s Top Engagement Ring Expert. To learn more, please read what my clients say about me on my Google Reviews.

Did you know, I am the number one seller of high value diamond engagement rings in Tucson? If you’d like to know why, please read my Google Reviews. I am fortunate to meet and assist so many wonderful clients. Many men and couples have questions about diamonds and their engagement ring and bridal bands; it’s my sincere pleasure to educate them.

As a top rated Tucson jewelry store and fine jeweler I am often asked “how to care for diamond engagement rings and all types of fine jewelry” by my clients. You can read what they say about me here.

You know I’m Tucson’s only private jeweler and a top destination for gold diamond jewelry and engagement rings. I also offer natural diamonds and gemstone rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets. My Tucson jewelry store has hundreds of designs to meet every taste, style and budget.

You know I’m Tucson’s only private jeweler and a respected fine jewelry store specializing in diamond engagement rings and gold jewelry. I am good at what I do, but don’t take my word for it, please read what my clients say about me here.

This month, let’s take at look at the value of gold throughout history.

I am blessed to be a Tucson jeweler and Tucson jewelry store with many diverse clients who represent dozens of Tucson top organizations and companies.  Here’s a brief list of just some of where my clients work.  You can read their testimonials about me here.

You know I’m Tucson’s number one store for diamond engagement rings and gold and ruby, emerald and sapphire jewelry.  Here’s a bit more about me, things you probably did not know:

• I have sold engagement rings set with: ruby, emerald, sapphire, Moissanite, amethyst, aquamarine, garnet, topaz, tanzanite, morganite, peridot and ametrine.
• About 20% of the engagement rings and fine jewelry I sell is made from platinum.

As Tucson’s top destination for gold diamond jewelry and engagement rings, I offer natural diamonds and gemstone rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets. My Tucson jewelry store has hundreds of designs to meet every taste, style and budget.

Did you know, as Tucson’s top jeweler for diamond engagement rings and gemstone jewelry, I can customize rings and jewelry in gold and platinum. My jewelry store has hundreds of designs to meet every taste, style and budget.

As Tucson’s top jewelry store, I create and customize diamond engagement rings and all types of fine jewelry in gold and platinum to meet every taste, style and budget. Did you know, I sell more diamond engagement rings and gemstone jewelry in Tucson than most everyone else?

Did you know, I sell more color gemstone jewelry than any other jewelry store in Tucson? I am also one of the busiest and most respected diamond engagement ring jewelers in town. I create and customize diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire rings and bracelets in gold and platinum. I have created hundreds of designs to meet every taste, style and budget.

As Tucson’s top local jeweler for diamond engagement rings and gemstone jewelry, I can create and customize rings and bracelets in gold and platinum. My jewelry store has hundreds of designs to meet every taste, style and budget.

In the privacy of my office, I sell almost as many diamond engagement rings and pieces of color gemstone jewelry in Tucson than practically every other store. As Tucson’s top jeweler, I create and customize rings and pendant and earring in 1K yellow and white gold and platinum. My jewelry store has hundreds of designs to meet every taste, style and budget.

What is rarest fine gem? Answer: July’s birthstone ruby, also known as “The King of All Gems.” Did you know, at my Tucson jewelry store www.mjkpj.com, I have over 200 stunning round red rubies in-stock and ready for you to select your favorite shade of red. Crimson, carmine, scarlet, fire-engine and even pigeon blood red are all available.

Did you know, only one gemstone in the world is created by a living animal? June’s birthstone Pearl is formed and grown inside oysters and other mollusks.

Did you know, “pearls are in?” Many people have been buying pearl strands and rings from my Tucson jewelry store, especially since I specialize in color gemstone jewelry, as well as diamond engagement ring. Continuing the year’s long look at birthstones, today we’ll look at pearls.

Did you know, some women prefer a color gemstone over a diamond in their engagement ring? In the last few months I’ve helped a dozen couples create the perfect engagement ring, with color.. two of them with emeralds.

Owning a fine jewelry store in Tucson for over a decade, I get asked many questions. None of them are dumb and I'm always happy to explain and educate you. Gemstone and diamond jewelry buying is not easy, the smarter you are, the better decisions you will make.

Did you know, I sell the most gemstone jewelry of any jewelry store in Tucson? I am also one of the most respected and busy diamond engagement ring jewelers in town. I create and customize diamond and ruby, emerald and sapphire rings and bracelets in gold and platinum.

Did you know, I sell more diamond engagement rings and gemstone jewelry in Tucson than practically every other store? As Tucson’s top jeweler, I create and customize rings and bracelets in gold and platinum.

As Tucson’s number one jeweler for diamond engagement rings and gemstone jewelry, I can create and customize rings and bracelets in gold and platinum. My jewelry store has hundreds of designs to meet every taste, style and budget.

As Tucson’s top destination for gold diamond jewelry and engagement rings, I offer natural diamonds and gemstone rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets. My Tucson jewelry store has hundreds of designs to meet every taste, style and budget.

I sell dozens of pieces of fine jewelry every month to clients in Tucson and nationwide. 14K and 18K white gold and yellow gold rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets and earrings by the dozen, in every color of the rainbow! These beautiful pieces are set with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and other semi-precious gemstones. If you dream it, I have it or can custom-make it for you. I also buy old gold and accept trade-ins too.

You’ve probably read or heard that gold is now selling at all time highs. As a result, I’ve been bombarded with calls to 520-382-9221 and website messages and request to schedule appointments from here by people all of Tucson who want to sell their old and broken gold jewelry.

Channel

A channel style setting is basically a ring whereby the diamonds or stones are set into a channel or groove within the band. This means that the metal of the band is exactly sized so that the tension is correct to hold the stones in place.

Elegant and refined, a channel style setting is often used in conjunction with other stones and settings, sometimes with a larger central stone in the middle, with channel set stones on the band itself.

You probably know by now, the number one call or text message I receive is about buying an engagement ring. As Tucson’s only private jeweler and the number one jewelry store for buying engagement rings, I sell a lot of diamond rings…. for anniversaries too. This is because I highly personalize diamond ring shopping and make the process easy, simple and fun.

Did you know, the number one call or message I receive is about buying an engagement ring?   As Tucson’s only private jeweler and a top destination for buying engagement rings, my Tucson jewelry store sells diamond rings daily.  This is because I highly personalize engagement ring shopping and make the process fast, simple and fun.

Did you know, as a respected private jeweler with one of Tucson's top jewelry stores and over 140 Google 5-star reviews.

As the diamond engagement ring specialist of Tucson, and jewelry store owner, I'm often asked about current trends in jewelry and rings. Some of today’s most stylish bridal sets are displayed on my engagement ring page. I thought you’d also like to see the results of The Knot’s most recent Jewelry & Engagement Stud.

You know I’m Tucson’s only private jeweler and a respected fine jewelry store, but did you know I also buy broken, unloved and old gold, diamond, precious gem and sterling silver jewelry? Clients from Green Valley to Marana and Vail to Casa Grande regularly schedule appointments to sell their jewelry to me.

As a top Tucson jeweler and Foothills jewelry store, I regularly assist men and couples with the most important piece of jewelry they will ever acquire and gift: their engagement ring. Well guys, the good news is: the hard part is over, you've found her! And you're now ready to spend the rest of your life with her. Selecting an engagement ring is not difficult, and I make the process fast, simple and affordable.

Having owned a fine jewelry store in Tucson for over a decade, I’m often asked about famous jewelry brands such as by Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and of course the most recognizable to American’s Tiffany. No question is ever dumb and I’m happy to educate at my Foothills store.

As Tucson’s only private jeweler, I do everything that a traditional jewelry store does without having the tremendous overhead of a retail store, so I save you money. I do this when I buy and sell diamonds, jewelry, that is both new and vintage and also gold and silver bullion and coins.

Did you know that as Tucson’s private jeweler, I do everything that a jewelry store does without having the tremendous overhead of a retail store, thus I can save you money?  One example of this is in buying and selling gold and silver bullion and coins.

Did you know that as Tucson’s private jeweler, I do everything that a jewelry store does without having the tremendous overhead of a retail store, thus I can save you money? One example of this is in buying and selling gold and silver bullion and coins. Yes, I buy and sell gold and silver bars and bullion frequently, as well as old jewelry and diamond rings. So I thought it would be helpful to explain a bit about bullion, specifically, gold coins.

Did you know that as Tucson’s private jeweler, I do everything that a jewelry store does without having the tremendous overhead of a retail store, thus I can save you money? One example of this is in buying and selling gold and silver bullion and coins. Yes, I buy and sell gold and silver bars and bullion frequently, as well as old jewelry and diamond rings. So I thought it would be helpful to explain a bit about bullion, specifically, gold coins.

Having owned a fine jewelry store in Tucson for over a decade, I get asked many questions. None of them are dumb, I'm happy to educate. Gemstone and diamond jewelry buying is not easy, the smarter you are, the better decisions you will make. And frankly, I want you to make the best decisions possible, even if that means not acquiring anything. I've posted several new tools on my website to help you. For example, this explains the 4C's of diamonds.

I sell diamonds, diamond engagement rings and wedding bands from my Tucson jewelry store to consumers all over Tucson and nationwide. Some diamond buyers come to me with very little knowledge while others have spent hours and hours Googling and researching - I'm happy to help both groups and everyone in between. And while you're looking, here's a selection of my diamonds.

As your Tucson diamond engagement ring specialist, I'm often asked about diamond shapes and ring styles from decades ago. So I thought you might like to read a recap of what's changed over the last 100 years. Today's most current bridal ring styles are displayed on my custom designs page. Of course you can browse other Tucson jewelry stores for ideas, then please make an appointment to met with me.

Caring for your Jewelry

As a knowledgeable and experienced Tucson jeweler I have serviced, repaired, cared for and cleaned thousands of pieces of Tucsonan's fine gemstone and diamond jewelry. Since diamonds and jewelry are valuable, you should protect and take good care of them. Start by keeping them stored in felt lined jewelry boxes with multiple compartments and separators.

As a respected Tucson jeweler with one of Tucson's top jewelry stores and an A+ from the Tucson Better Business Bureau (BBB) I'm often asked about celebrity diamond and gemstone engagement rings and wedding jewelry.

As a premiere Tucson jeweler and Foothills jewelry store, I regularly assist dozens of men and couples with the most important piece of jewelry they will ever acquire and gift: their engagement ring. The good news is: the hard part is over, you've found her! And you're now ready to spend the rest of your life with her. Selecting an engagement ring is easy and I make the process fast, simple and affordable.

Did you know that second only to Christmas, Mother's Day is the biggest jewelry gifting day of the year? Sons and daughters from the Foothills and all over Tucson are right now shopping at jewelry stores, looking for the perfect gift for the woman that's loved them since the day they were born. The closer the calendar gets the more calls I receive for mother's rings, lockets, pendants and all sorts of birthstone designs. My Tucson jewelry store in Sabino Canyon starts hopping from May 1.

Being as well respected as any of Tucson's jewelers, I'm often asked about acquiring a fine timepiece. About half of the time men are contacting me directly about a watch they've seen online. The other fifty percent, are women who call me for assistance with their husband's birthday, anniversary or Christmas present. My Tucson jewelry store buzzes in December with Christmas watch questions.

February 14th is important not just for Tucson jewelers but lovers and couples worldwide.  Valentine's Day is typically the third highest jewelry buying holiday after Christmas and Mother's Day.

I thought you'd like to read about these worldwide industry records and interesting facts about the diamond and jewelry industry. Though my Tucson jewelry store is not as old and my jewelry collections are not quite as rare and valuable, I do have some stunning custom designs.

Jewelers are the "tip of the spear" of weddings. In other words, we're first and nothing much really happens before our involvement. As you know, I'm quite different than a typical Tucson jewelry store and having sold hundreds of diamond engagement rings and wedding rings to couples here and nationwide, I'm often asked for wedding planning advice.

Of course Tucson jewelers can't claim to have invented the diamond engagement ring, its history predates The Old Pueblo.

Did you know, until the 15th century, only kings wore diamonds as a symbol of strength, courage and invincibility. Over the centuries, diamonds acquired their unique status as the ultimate gift of love. In fact, it was said that Cupid's arrows were tipped with diamonds which have a magic that nothing else can ever quite equal.

Here are a few facts about diamonds and the diamonds industry. These are true for the diamonds in my custom designs and the diamonds on your finger.

Here are some worldwide records from the fine jewelry industry. Unfortunately, these stunners weren't sold by Tucson jewelry stores, but as a private jeweler I have similar and significantly more affordable pieces in my collections.

1. $30.3 million was paid in 2015 at a Sotheby’s auction for the Sunrise Ruby, the world’s most expensive ruby. The 25.6 ct.

1. Significantly lower overhead equals a better value for you.

   Because I don't pay incredibly high shopping or strip mall rent, nor am I financing a building, my expenses are lower than other Tucson jewelers. Because I don't have a staff requiring salary, high commissions, bonuses and benefits my overhead and cost of running my business is lower than all other Tucson jewelry stores. And I pass these savings on to you, my clients.

As a leading Tucson jeweler I thought you might like to know that Emerald is the Birthstone for May. Here's a little folklore about this stunning gemstone that few jewelers in Tucson stock, though I do, in many jewelry styles and custom designs.

The ancient Egyptians mined emeralds nearly 4,000 years ago.

Did you know, professional jewelers are extremely particular when choosing exactly which diamonds and gemstones to offer to their clients. They select only the best and on average, reject ninety-nine out of every one hundred seen. Where do you think the rejects end-up?... online. Think twice before acquiring diamonds, gems or jewelry that educated professionals have rejected.

Quartz is found in abundance from every corner of the earth. In its purest form, quartz is colorless, but is most prized for its purple variety: amethyst. The traditional birthstone for the month of February, is available in small and large sizes, although as with all gemstones, very large sizes in rich, deep colors have always been rare.

With purple long considered the color of royalty, it's not surprising that amethyst has been in demand throughout history. Fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels and were a favorite of Catherine the Great and Egyptian royalty. Leonardo da Vinci believed that amethyst could dissipate evil thoughts and heighten intelligence. Amethyst is available in all sizes, although very large gems in rich, deep colors are rare.

January's birthstone garnet comes in a rainbow of colors, from the deep red Bohemian Garnet to the vibrant greens of the Russian demantoid and African tsavorite. The oranges and browns of spessartite and hessonite hail from Namibia and Sri Lanka and subtle pinks and purples can also be found.

Garnet the birthstone for Jan traces its roots to the Nile Delta in 3100 BC, where Egyptian artisans would craft the gemstone into beads. Did you know, Jan's birthstone garnet comes in a rainbow of colors, from the deep red Bohemian Garnet to the vibrant greens of the Russian demantoid and African tsavorite.

Tanzanite is an exotic vivid blue gemstone, kissed by purple hues. Legend has it that tanzanite was first discovered when brown crystals lying on the dry earth were caught in a fire set by lightning. Masai herders driving cattle in the area noticed the beautiful blue color picked-up the crystals and became the first tanzanite collectors.

Christmas Jewelry Buying Tip: Jewelers can't afford to overstock their inventory. In Dec they offer just enough of a selection so they'll run out. The most attractive jewelry and best values always sell first.

Egyptians said Topaz was colored with the golden glow of the sun god. Early discoveries from Brazil in rich reddish cognac colors to vivid pinks, were used to grace the jewelry of the 18th and 19th Century Russian Czarinas, hence earning the moniker of "Imperial Topaz.

Diamonds are incredibly rare and there hasn't been a substantial new discovery in over 25 years. A few facts:

• Diamonds form 250 miles underground and are violently forced to the surface by volcanic eruption. (The most recent occurred 100 million years ago.) Very few diamonds survive the trip from the Earth's core to its crust.

Vivid reds, hot pinks, verdant greens and blues abound in this stunning gem variety. Earth tones as varied as a prairie sunset are available. Not only does tourmaline occur in a spectacular range of colors, but it also combines those colors in a single gemstone called bi-color Tourmaline.

Did you know, diamonds are mined from the sea floor? This vessel (there are only 5 in the world) is mining off the cost of Namibia in SW Africa. Recovering diamonds from the ocean floor is like scattering 1lb of sugar over a football field, then trying to recover the sugar at night, using a Dustbuster.

Sapphire is the ultimate blue gem. Ancient Persian rulers believed the earth rested on a giant Sapphire and its reflection colored the heavens blue. Did you know, Sapphire is available in every color of the rainbow? Just as rose is a family of flowers that bloom in many colors, Sapphire is a family of gems that Mother Nature created in many colors. However, she sprinkled them throughout the Earth. Sapphire symbolizes a pledge of trust and loyalty.

The second most requested piece of jewelry (after an engagement ring) is a matched set of diamond stud earrings. Elegant, timeless and worn with everything, diamond studs are a staple of every woman's jewelry collection. Unlike her engagement ring, which she'll show-off and look at herself one million times during her lifetime, she will never see the diamonds in her ears. And no one else will closely examine those diamonds either.

Peridot (pronounced PAIR-ih-doh) is treasured in Hawaii as the goddess Pele's tears. The island of Oahu even has beaches made from tiny grains of Peridot. Its fresh lime green color is its distinctive signature. Fine large Peridot is found in Burma, China and at 15,000 feet above sea level in the Himalayan Mountains. Peridot is harder than metal but softer than most gemstones, so it should be carefully stored to avoid scratches and protected from bumps.

Resort destinations, border towns, islands, even cruise ship retailers all know, you are visiting for a very short time, and likely, will never return.

This invites ethical lapses, and even fraud. Now, I know, many people have made this mistake, so now that you know, be smart and spend your vacation dollars elsewhere.

Ruby is all about passion, nothing says "I love you" quite like them. Ruby has been recognized for centuries as the world's most valuable gem. Far rarer than diamonds, Ruby is found in only a handful of mines worldwide. Madagascan Rubies are mined at a high altitude deep within an impenetrable jungle.

Did you know that gold, diamond and precious gem jewelry can be easily cleaned with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush? Be sure to first pull-up the sink stopper or cover the drain, and then carefully dry your jewelry after cleaning. Stay away from steam and ultrasonic cleaners which can damage many gems. These should only be used by trained jewelers.

According to ancient Chinese legend, the moon holds the power to create pearls, instilling them with its celestial glow and mystery. Pearls have been treasured for their lustrous, creamy texture and subtle iridescent reflections since the dawn of mankind.

Pearls are unique in the world of gemstones - they are the only one formed within a living creature.

When you acquire fine jewelry, always request three documents:

1. Statement (or invoice) that describes in detail your jewelry. This should include: number, size and weight of all gemstones and the type of gold or precious metals used and of course the value paid.
2. Guarantee: A written document that explains, that what you acquired is genuine. (In other words, that whatever the jeweler told you, was the truth and that he's backing-up his statements in writing.

With colored gems, value begins with rarity. The rarer the gem the more valuable it is. Ruby is the rarest gem, followed closely by diamond, emerald and sapphire. For color gemstones, "color" is always the second most important factor. A .50ct pigeon-blood red (yes, that's what it's called) ruby is rarer and more valuable then a pinkish-red .75ct ruby.) Size/ct weight is the next consideration, so if the gem and color are identical, the larger one is usually more valuable.

• About 1 ton of dirt must be moved to discover one half carat of diamond rough.
• 80% of diamond rough located is considered "industrial quality" that is, not good enough for jewelry.  It is used for cutting and grinding.
• It costs $10 million to simply identify a location for a mine and then $1 billion to open it.
• Fewer than 1% of all mine deposits located in the last 25 years have contained enough rough diamonds to make mining economically viable.

Rare and fascinating, mysterious and magical, the diamond has ignited romantic passion throughout history. The word alone conjures up a thousand images of rare, precious and desirable sparkling tokens of love.

The very name aquamarine brings to mind the clear blue tint of the sea. Legend says that Neptune, the King of the Sea, gave aquamarine as gifts to mermaids and from then on, it has brought love to all who have owned it. The gem was long thought to have a soothing influence on married couples, making it a good anniversary gift. It is the symbol of youth, hope, health and fidelity.

Gemstones created in a laboratory can be practically identical to gems created by Mother Nature visually, physically and chemically, but they didn't come from a mine deep within the Earth's crust.  If a gem is created in a lab, that affects its value. (Some gems are manufactured for just a few dollars each.) Because consumers can be easily fooled, the Federal Trade Commission ruled that lab created stones must be identified as such.