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4 Jewelry Trends for Fall
Now that October is upon us, we’re ready to welcome cooler temperatures, pumpkin-spiced desserts, and, of course, fall’s latest jewelry trends. Between fashion weeks, award shows, red carpet events and more, the trend-setters have spoken. So what are the major jewelry statements this season? From what we’ve seen, the running theme is glamour. That means rich tones, metallics and lots of sparkle. Proceed for a few of the major trends, so you can stock your collection accordingly. Button Earrings From flat metallic discs to delicate studs with gemstones, small, circular... Read more...
Jolly’s Jewelers of Raleigh is Closing
We are sad to say that Jolly’s Jewelers and Silversmith of Raleigh has announced that they will be closing after the holidays. Jolly’s Jewelers is one of the oldest retail jewelry stores in North Carolina, being founded over 130 years ago. Frank Jolly Ragsdale is the fifth generation of their family to run the long time jewelry store. According to a local news station Frank says that “there is no further interest among the members of my family to continue operating the Raleigh jewelry store.” The recession has not helped Jolly’s Jewelers... Read more...
Most Diamonds Ever Set in a Ring – Tsarevna Swan Ring
The Lobortas Classic Jewelry House of Kiev, Ukraine has set a new world record. They entered the guniess book of world records for setting the most diamonds in a ring ever. The 0.05-0.001ct diamonds total 10.48ct, but the amazing part is that there are 2,525 of them! Lobortas claims the desin and development of the ring took 530 hours and the actual fabrication took 3,625 hours! Thats over 453 days at 8 hours on the bench! This is the result of all those hours. Read more...
The Bachelor Host Showing off a J.M. Edwards Engagement Ring
The host of TV show The Bachelor is seen here showing off one of his stage crews recent engagement ring purchases from J.M. Edwards Jewelry. At J.M. Edwards Jewelry we produce engagement rings that are unsurpassed in quality and sophistication. Read more...
J.M. Edwards Jewelry about to launch new site
J.M. Edwards is proud to be approaching a completion date for their up and coming website. Many thanks to all the talented designers and programmers at Trimark Solutions. Customers in the Raleigh, Durham and Cary Area area will be able to soon go online and and see a large portion of the diamond and gemstone jewelry we make and carry, as well as our selection of beautiful custom made engagement rings. Read more...
New J.M. Edwards Jewelry Site Is Live
Everyone at J.M. Edwards is very excited to bring you our new website. You will now be able to browse more of our jewelry and engagement rings online. We look forward to adding to this site with new custom jewelry. Please send us any feed back you may have on the new site or any jewelry you may have comments on. Thanks. Read more...
Custom Jewelry and CAD/CAM in the Raleigh Area
CAD/CAM manufactured custom jewelry and engagement rings is becoming more and more common place in the raleigh area. While most people think of custom jewelry as hand fabricated or hand carved the reality is that because of reduced costs of labor, more peices than ever are being produced by CAD/CAM. While hand fabricated jewelry and CAD custom jewelry can’t be put on the same table for comparison, hand carved waxes and a CAD waxes can. And most of the time the CAD piece is better in many ways. Symmetry of... Read more...
How Are Engagement Rings Made?
At J.M. Edwards Jewelry we get many young men who come in our doors asking this question. We are one of the few jewelry stores in the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area that specialize in producing high quality engagement rings and custom jewelry in house. Engagement rings can be made a number of ways, but here is a brief description of the main methods of construction…. Hand Fabricated Engagement Rings…. This is what we often refer to as an old world technique, hand fabrication is hand forging. This is... Read more...
Finding a Quality Jewelry Store in Raleigh, NC
In the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area there is certainly no shortage of jewelry stores. But out of all those Raleigh jewelry stores how many of them have a jeweler on staff, and a graduate gemologist on staff? Not as many as one would think, many Raleigh jewelry stores can not even tighten a loose stone in your ring.  Now, ask how many of those Raleigh jewelry stores also have a certified gemologist appraiser on staff,  and the list get’s even shorter. At J.M. Edwards Jewelry we pride ourselves on... Read more...
The Oscar Jewelry has gone to the Dogs
This year we found not only did the canine actor Uggie from the best picture winner The Artist get his own seat. He also was wearing a custom made 18kt yellow gold and silk bow tie collar that was made by the world renowned Swiss jeweler Chopard. The collar will be auctioned off in the months to come to benefit the Amanda Foundation, a LA based animal rights foundation. Read more...
Your Consumer-driven Jewelry Designers
As more and more shoppers move their efforts online, it is becoming apparent that jewelry stores need to do something drastically different in order to not just stay relevant, but thrive and improve on what they do. No longer will the status quo be acceptable, or profitable for that matter. Customers want something different, something that they can call their own. Jewelry stores must now strive to be more consumer-driven and tailor their handiwork to fit each customer that walks through the door. It appears that everyone makes jewelry now,... Read more...
Oldest Jewelry Store in Raleigh is Back?
After all of the news stories, radio advertisements and, signs in the windows we all thoughts the Raleigh jewelry store Jolly’s was closing forever. Well it turns out that Frank Ragsdale couldn’t keep his doors closed forever. Now they are announcing that a new location is in the works and the name will carry on. At J.M. Edwards Jewelry we are glad to see the return of Jolly’s because they are one of the good guys when it comes to the Raleigh jewelry stores. Looking forward to seeing the new location. Read more...
Nontraditional Engagement Rings in Raleigh NC
While 95% of the men in the market for an engagement ring still go to the traditional colorless diamond, the other 5% is looking for something a little different. At J.M. Edwards we see a good share of customers that come in looking for alternative stone instead of a diamond. Much of this may be fueled by the popular culture like the recent romantic comedy The Five Year Engagement where Jason Segel’s character proposes using a antique ruby ring. Another example is  when Mark Zuckerberg decided to go with a simple... Read more...
2013 Engagement Ring Trends
What are the new trends that are making the women of 2013 rush to the alter? A Twist in the Classic. A popular choice among the newly engaged has been rose gold.  Not only is it more affordable, but its unique shade compliments any skin tone as well.  The color has a feminine, pink appeal that ladies are vying for.  Some designers take advantage and completely make their rings from rose gold.  Others prefer to be subtler and make the pinkish tone an accent to a silver ring.   Out with... Read more...
Gold Price and its Effects on Jewelry Stores – Raleigh, NC
Just this past week gold prices hit a six month high at $1728. While this is still a ways away from the $1900 prices we saw in 2011 many analysis predict that we may see this trend continue to rise. Well what does this mean for the average jewelry consumer? First, and most obviously this means that the average cost most jewelry findings (ie earring backs, heads, shanks…) will be on the rise. Even though most of these components are going to be more it should not affect the prices... Read more...
Crafting Your Character
Well, another Awards season has wrapped and we watched from the sidelines as bold statements were made, style barriers were broken down and the roads less traveled were gingerly stepped upon as individuality shined brighter than the millions of dollars worth of jewelry. As onlookers, we eagerly awaited the new trends that blossomed from each star and starlet, as they strolled the red carpets, heralding their garb, seemingly channeling the characters they portrayed on the silver screen. Put your own unique character on display by giving (or wearing!) some of our in-house,... Read more...
6 Ways To Wear A Brooch
Next time you strut the streets of downtown, look stylish and classy with an alluring brooch.  With a variety of ways it can be worn, a stunning brooch is a must have accessory for every woman.     Secure your scarf with a Brooch.  A gorgeous piece will not only improve your outfit, but will also keep a scarf in place. Make a Brooch the center of attention on your bodice. Add a sparkling brooch and touch of class to any outfit.  The center location makes it a key accessory to make... Read more...
What Do Your Earrings Say About You?
When it comes to jewelry, it’s always fun to experiment with different looks and change up your style based on your mood, outfit choice or dress code of an event you are attending. And most women know that no outfit is really complete without the addition of earrings. Whether you are the type for dangles, hoops or studs, what you choose to wear to adorn your ears can say a lot about both your personality type and the look that you are going for. With so many options to choose... Read more...
Napoleon’s Engagement Ring Sells for Almost $1 Million
The engagement ring Napoleon Bonaparte gave to Josephine de Beauharnais has just recently sold at the Osenat auction house in France for an amazing 730,000 euros ($948,000). It is not unusual for incredible engagement rings to be sold at auctions for these numbers, but what is amazing is that the auction house expected the ring to only sell for 10,000 to 15,000 euros. The ring features a pear shaped diamond and a pear shaped sapphire that together don’t even total 1 carat. When the auction house estimated what they thought the selling price... Read more...
5 of the Most Expensive Desserts that Feature Jewelry
Who doesn’t love a good dessert every now and again after a wonderful dinner out? Many diners love to indulge, but there are several restaurants around the globe that take indulgence to an entirely new level – they add expensive jewelry to their dessert dishes. Can you imagine going out to a fancy restaurant, ordering dessert, and receiving a diamond and gold bracelet along with dessert? That’s what one New York City-based restaurant offers its diners – and that’s just the beginning. You’ll be stunned by these 5 radically expensive... Read more...
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
What better time to show your love for somebody than a day designed specifically for love? Whether you are ready to pop “the question,” looking for something for your romantic partner, or a daughter looking for something special for mom, we have something for you! With February 14th just around the corner, it’s high time to begin shopping for your Valentine. Are you feeling a bit stuck? You’ve come to the right place! Allow us to be your Valentine’s Gift Spirit Guide. Read on for our “hearty” Valentine’s Day Gift... Read more...
Holiday Jewelry Ideas for Everyone On Your List
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Did you know there are about six less shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas than there were last year? If you’re stumped for ideas on what to get the people on your list, you’ve come to the right place. You can’t go wrong with the gift of jewelry—for men or for women. Whether you’re a caring husband stumped on what to get your other half or a daughter searching for the perfect thing for her father, the right gift is only an... Read more...
Birthstones By Month
Surely at some point in time you have learned what your birthstone is, but do you know what your birthstone means? Each and every one of the 12 birthstones has some kind of meaning or symbolism. See our guide to birthstones, below! January – Garnet January birthdays, your birthstone is symbolic for passionate devotion, friendship and vitality. Though often seen in a red hue, Garnet is also available, naturally, in a variety of colors. February – Amethyst In beautiful hues of purple, February’s birthstone is a symbol of sincerity and... Read more...
4 Spring 2014 Jewelry Trends We Love
As we leave 2013 behind and approach the New Year, we gain new trends in the fashion world. 2013 saw trends like minimal pendant necklaces, gold cuffs, mid-finger rings, and bold-dangle earrings, among many others. Admittedly, some of these trends are timeless, but leaving others in the dust for fresh trends is exciting! Fashion magazines and blogs have been predicting 2014 trends since New York Fashion Week back in September. According to the trendmakers, 2014 will be full of fun, fresh jewelry inspiration – and there’s something for everybody! In... Read more...
What are the Four Cs of Diamond Quality?
Are you considering popping the question to that special someone in your life? This is an important time in your life and it should be treated as such. If you have no idea where to start, or still need some guidance in choosing the perfect diamond, allow us to help. Let’s start simple. You have likely heard about the “Four Cs” at some point in time. But, do you know what they are? If not, that’s ok, we’ll outline it below. The Four Cs of Diamond Quality Color Though most... Read more...
Three Fascinating Facts About Jewelry
Though it may not be top of mind when you think of jewelry, the act of adorning yourself in jewels and metals dates back centuries upon centuries. Jewelry has truly stood the test of time, outliving many trends and products that have come and gone with the years, but what is the history behind all the many traditions of jewelry trends? At J.M. Edwards we truly love jewelry! We are always reading up on new trends, looking for new ways to wear old staples, and learning every interesting fact we... Read more...
The Perfect Gift for Every Mom
With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, you’re probably wondering what to get mom on this special day where we thank her for all she’s done and sacrificed for your sake. Or maybe not, maybe you have her gift neatly wrapped with a bow, card signed and brunch reservations made. But for the rest of us, we’re still milling over the countless gift options for our moms who seemingly have everything. You could get her flowers, but why get her a gift that only lasts a few days? You could put together... Read more...
Choosing a Nontraditional Engagement Ring
While the majority of men buying engagement rings in the Cary and Raleigh area still go for traditional colorless diamonds, nontraditional ring choices are on the rise. Men will sometimes consider the future bride’s favorite color when choosing a stone, or perhaps he wishes to feature her birthstone. Nontraditional rings are perfect for the girl who takes pride in her sense of individuality and isn’t afraid of making a bold fashion statement. Still not sure if you’re ready to take the plunge and go for something other than a colorless... Read more...
Gem Stories: Pearl
Pearl, the lustrous gem of the sea, has been synonymous with wealth, status and power for thousands of years. Unlike other gems, pearls need no cutting or polishing to reveal their beauty.  Although we are not sure when pearls were first discovered, the oldest written mention of pearls dates all the way back to 2206 B.C. Nearly every culture has praised pearls throughout history, each bestowing their own meaning and significance upon them. Queen Elizabeth I of England had a boundless love for pearls.  She had over 3,000 gowns adorned with them,... Read more...
The Inaugural Triangle Charity Polo Classic
J.M. Edwards proudly sponsored the 2014 Triangle Charity Polo Classic to benefit Guiding Lights Caregiver Support Center.  On a perfect June afternoon, team J.M. Edwards competed against team Maserati at beautiful MacNair’s Country Acres. Carl and Rose had a blast riding onto the field in a Maserati with ABC 11’s Barbara Gibbs. After six chukkers (or rounds) team J.M. Edwards brought home the winning silver cup! During half-time, the ladies attending the match lined up for the Best Hat Contest. There were so many fantastic hats, Rose had a tough decision to make... Read more...
Vintage Jewelry: Past and Present
Award-winning television show, Downton Abbey has captivated audiences with its gripping drama, and of course, the breath-taking wardrobe and jewelry worn by the Grantham family and their friends.  We are excited the show has highlighted this exceptional time in jewelry history.   Downtown Abbey begins during the Belle Epoque period (1871-1914), a time of opulent, yet delicate jewelry, as demonstrated by our very own estate brooches.  In the early 1900’s, Louis Cartier became the first jeweler to successfully create platinum jewelry, launching it’s popularity in the following decades. Much of the jewelry in... Read more...
Gem Stories: Opal
Opal’s mesmerizing display of color encompasses the hues of all other gems.  This kaleidoscopic quality has led many ancient cultures to believe that opal is the most magical and lucky of all stones. It was thought to lessen inhibitions and encourage spontaneity by amplifying buried emotions and desires.  Among its perceived powers is the ability to preserve the color and beauty of blonde hair. Europeans cherished opals as symbols of truth and purity and Ancient Greeks thought the colorful stone could prevent disease. Though opals originate from semi-desert areas like... Read more...
AGTA Tucson GemFair 2015
We headed to Tucson, Arizona for a week immersed in gemstones and beautiful jewelry! In the Tools, Technology and Supplies Pavilion we learned about new and exciting ways to create jewelry. We explored cutting edge technology, like this 3D scanner! On the main floor of the GemFair, hundreds of vendors and designers showcased their impressive collections of jewelry and rare gemstones. We chose beautiful aquamarine and raspberry colored rhodolite garnet beads from this amazing selection of natural gemstone strands. There was so much inspiration in the endless array of color!... Read more...
122.5 Carat Blue Diamond Unearthed!
Diamond mining group Petra Diamonds has found a 122.5 carat blue diamond at their Cullinan mine in South Africa. The company is still evaluating this “exceptional” stone and has not yet determined a price.  In 2010, a 507 carat white stone sold for $35.5 million, making it the highest amount paid on record  for a rough diamond. Experts expect Petra’s latest find to surpass that record.  Blue is one of the rarest diamond colors, making this a particularly significant discovery! Read more...
5 Interesting Facts About Diamonds
1. Diamonds come in almost every color you can imagine. A diamond that is not colorless or near colorless is considered a fancy color diamond. Yellow and cognac diamonds are the most common fancy colors, followed by pink then blue.  The most rare colors are red, green, purple and orange.  Diamonds can also be black, and appear opaque because light cannot pass through them.  Instead, the light bounces off the faceted surfaces, giving them a very unique and beautiful sparkle.   2. On average, miners yield about 0.30 carat of... Read more...
Introducing Sethi Couture
We are excited to introduce a new jewelry line, Sethi Couture!  Gisele Bündchen and Julia Louis-Dreyfus are just two of the many celebrities who have embraced the collection for its old world charm and contemporary glamour. Supermodel Gisele Bundchen looks stunning in the Enchanted Garden Rose Cut and Cognac Diamond Stud Earrings Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus wearing the White Baguette Diamond Bar Necklace in 18 Karat Rose Gold.   As the daughter of two gemstone purveyors, designer Pratima Sethi grew up exploring her parents’ collection of rare, natural colored diamonds.  She... Read more...
Know Your Setting Styles
When designing your ideal engagement ring, it is important to be familiar with the various setting styles.  The setting you choose will depend upon your taste, but also your lifestyle. We’ve compiled a quick, informative list to help you understand the terminology and benefits of each. Prong Setting Prong setting is especially popular for engagement rings.  With minimal metal, it really shows off your diamond or colored stone. Prongs are placed over the surface of the stone and then shaped.  Depending upon the size and shape of the stone, there can... Read more...
Holiday Gift Guide 2014
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Still looking for the perfect gift for the special ladies on your list? Jewelry has been one of the most popular gift items for centuries, and not without good reason.  It’s timeless, beautiful and will last for years to come. Check out our Holiday Gift Guide and put some sparkle under the tree! Something Silver Brighten up her everyday wardrobe with sophisticated silver featuring unique colored gemstones. Blue Christmas Exceptional sapphires and modern designs make these fashion pieces stand out from the... Read more...
2nd Annual Triangle Charity Polo Classic
J.M. Edwards was proud to sponsor the 2nd Annual Triangle Charity Polo Classic! This event is a great opportunity to get to know the impressive sport of horse polo while benefiting Transitions Guiding Lights, a wonderful charity that supports caregivers of those struggling with dementia. Polo is also a great opportunity to socialize!  Our guests enjoyed the polo match over food and drinks in our sponsorship tent. Miss North Carolina, Beth Stoval, stopped by our tent and visited with Caroline and Addy Rose. So many beauties in one picture! The match opens with a fleet... Read more...
New Year New Look
At JM Edwards Jewelry here in Cary we are constantly looking for ways to better serve our clients. We started the year off right by getting some new cases that allowed us to expand our bridal selection that allows for a better experience for those looking at taking that next step. The rest of our cases have been refitted with new whiter lights for a more clean and modern look. As well as a few other cosmetic changes that you will just have to see for yourself. If you are... Read more...
Industrial Men’s Wedding Bands
Men’s wedding band designs can be a little bland. We all remember our fathers traditional half round 5mm gold wedding band that was the standard for so many years. Today many new styles including Industrial men’s wedding bands are becoming more and more popular. The term industrial men’s wedding bands is referring to designs that are reminiscent of old factories, and machined parts. At JM Edwards Jewelry we take design cues such as these and make them into a one of a kind custom piece that will be unlike any other. Whether you... Read more...
Keep Your Pearls Looking Gorgeous
18kt white gold south sea pearl pendant custom made by JM Edwards Jewelry First and foremost be sure to wear them! Since pearls are formed in the water they benefit tremendously from absorbing some of the oils from your skin. After being worn wipe your pearls down with a soft cloth to remove any excess oils and dirt before putting them away. When not being worn make sure to store them away from other jewelry or objects that may scratch their finish, and never store them in an airtight environment... Read more...
The Perfect Valentines Day Jewelry
Want to win Valentines day this year?  Then overpriced chocolates, flowers that will wither away, and stuffed animals that will end up in a box somewhere, just wont cut it. Give your partner a gift that will last and they can treasure forever. The gift of fine jewelry! Here at JM Edwards that’s our specialty! Not sure what to get? We can help with that too! Here are a few good places to start when trying to pick out the perfect piece of valentines day jewelry for that special someone.... Read more...
Aquamarine the birthstone of March
While in the month of March it only seems fair to feature its birthstone! Aquamarine! History and Lore of Aquamarine The stone aquamarine was named was derived from two Latin words, aqua, meaning “water,” and marina, meaning “of the sea.” due to its beautiful blue and green colors. The Egyptians and Sumerians believed aquamarine was a symbol of happiness and granted everlasting youth. It has also been found in many Egyptian tombs and burial pits Roman fisherman believed it would provide them with abundant catches while on their fishing trips. The Romans... Read more...
July’s birthstone: The Ruby
Good news for those born in July, your birthstone is the always gorgeous Ruby. The Ruby is considered one of the most historically significant colored gemstones. Commonly called the “king of precious stones.” With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, Ruby is a beautiful stone that will last for generations with proper care. The color of the Ruby is associated with some of the most intense emotions—love and anger, passion and fury. Ruby is associated with objects of power and desire as the vivid hue also signifies wealth... Read more...
Diamond found containing a rare ice crystal!
Inclusions in diamonds brought up from deep within the earth provide valuable clues to the mineralogy and chemistry of parts of Earth that we cannot otherwise sample.  Earlier this month researchers stumbled onto a native ice-VII sample by accident. Inside a diamond formed deep in the Earth’s mantle. As much as 400 miles beneath the crust.  Though ice-VII was known to form in space, it had only been created in lab conditions on Earth. More about Ice-VII What we know as ice is just one of many chemical structures that frozen... Read more...
Finding the Perfect Engagement Ring to Fit Your Style – Quiz
Picking out your engagement ring can be a daunting task. Since you will be wearing it every day for the rest of your life, it should symbolize the happiest day of your life, and it should make you smile when you look at it. To help you determine which ring is right for you we have put together a quick little quiz to help give you a place to start! Answer the questions and tally up your answers to see which of the five most popular styles is right for... Read more...
How to Choose a Custom Jeweler
Deciding on how to choose a custom jeweler can be a challenge to say the least. Most people don’t have a vast knowledge of how custom jewelry is made and what qualities to look for in a custom jeweler. Luckily we are here to make that process a whole lot easier by simplifying everything into a list of things to look for and questions to ask your potential custom jeweler. Determining the capabilities of a Custom Jeweler Many jewelry stores make the claim that they offer custom service but for... Read more...
How to Care for Your Engagement Ring at Home
Your engagement ring is probably the most special piece of jewelry you own. Properly caring for your ring will keep it looking like it did the day you said ‘yes!’ There is a lot of information out there about how to care for and clean engagement rings, specifically diamond rings. Here are our top tips for keeping your ring safe and sparkling for decades to come. Keeping Your Engagement Ring Secure The first thing you should do to protect your ring is insure it. Your homeowners insurance policy may cover... Read more...