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Please Join us on November 7th from 1 to 5 pm or the 8th from 1 to 5 pm
Do something for yourself…
By doing something for your community!
30% off select items, 10% off the rest of the store. !0% of your purchase will go to Liberty HS or the Renton Food Bank- Your choice ;)
RSVP if you can, via FB or phone us at the store (425) 793-3730
Appetizers and sips too… Bring a friend!
As boutique online jewelry destinations have grown in popularity, so have unconventional engagement rings.
At its heart, this is not a bad thing.
The online market holds brick and mortar jewelers to more accountable pricing methods and encourages out-of-the-box designs. However, the methods employed by some artisans lack the practical wisdom you may find with a more conventional jeweler.
I came across a whole rung of “Opal Engagement Rings” on Etsy the other day.
They were beautiful, don’t get me wrong.
It’s just that an opal is simply not cut out for every day wear.
Opals rank between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and are not particularly stable. The Mohs scale ranks stones and minerals susceptibility to surface damage on a scale of 1-10: 1 being the most susceptible, 10 being the least. This is not a linear scale, so an opal is many, many times weaker than a diamond. The softness of an opal leaves it vulnerable to damage. This will weaken the visual impact of the gem, or even cause it to break. Additionally, opals are exceptionally sensitive to heat, humidity, and chemicals.
We recommend using diamond and/or corundum (rubies and sapphires) for engagement and wedding bands. This doesn’t mean diamonds and corundum are fool-proof. Stuff happens, but the more durable the stone, the better.
Engagement and wedding rings are meant to last. There are some important precautions to keep in mind while selecting mountings and stones.
Choosing a more exposed mounting or stones that are especially prone to damage will increase the risk of damaging or losing stones. The quantity of stones and the way they are set impact the piece not just visually, but also structurally.
It’s recommended not to wear fine jewelry while gardening, cooking, cleaning, sleeping, washing, or exercising. We also recommend having your rings checked and cleaned at least once per year. All of these decisions can have a significant impact on maintenance costs over the years.
The cost of jewelry repair has been going up, and will continue to do so. Jewelers are fewer and further between than ever. So, when you’re in the market for a “daily wearer”, don’t be shy! Talk to your jeweler and weigh out your options.
At the end of the day, we want our guests to be both excited and well-informed on their purchases.
You do you! Just don’t buy an opal engagement ring.
We've all been there: you acquire a piece of jewelry as a gift, an inheritance, an engagement ring, you name it, and you just never want to take it off! Fast forward a few years, it's been practically glued to you, and you hardly even think about it. While we all love our jewelry, many of us unknowingly mistreat it. There are a few basic things we can all do to increase the lifespan of our fine jewelry.
Please enjoy these tips on how to show your most treasured jewelry the love it needs!
1) Keep it clean!
Clean your own fine jewelry on a monthly basis (if you are able).
Step 1: Mix a small amount of mild liquid dish soap into a small cup of warm water.
Step 2: Soak your fine jewelry for about half an hour. Brush with a tooth brush as needed.
Step 3: Rinse with water.
Always read the label of the soap or cleaning solution you are using prior to cleaning your own jewelry. Please note that certain delicate stones such as pearls, coral, jade, and opals should not be soaked, but you can always gently wipe the stone with a clean, soft rag, and scrub the metal with a toothbrush.
These tips do not apply to costume jewelry. When in doubt, give us a call!
2) Take it off!
Fine jewelry is absolutely meant to be worn and admired, but there is a time and place.
Everyday tasks like gardening, cooking, and cleaning trap dirt and debris inside of rings, bracelets, watches, etc, and run the risk of damage. If you prepare food with dirty jewelry on, the food will be contaminated. Wearing jewelry while playing sports or hitting the gym can do immense damage, not only to your jewelry, but also to your body. Earrings can be torn out, necklaces and bracelets can catch, rings can be crushed or pinched, the list goes on. Swimming, showering, and even sleeping can wear away at your jewelry.
Your jewelry should be the last thing you put on in the morning, and the first thing you take off, as needed. It's helpful to designate a specific place to safely store your jewelry while not in use.
Now you may be thinking, "So where can I wear my jewelry?"
Honestly, just about anywhere! On a date, out to lunch, running errands, at work (non-manual labor), relaxing, spending time with friends, going for a walk, the list goes on!
I hope this has helped you get a grasp of when it's best to take off your jewelry. Silicone rings are also a great option if you feel uncomfortable without your wedding, engagement, or promise ring while working out, doing manual labor, etc.
This all may seem intimidating at first, but it's just a matter of gradually building good habits over time.
3) Let us help!
On top of keeping up on your own, we recommend having your jewelry professionally cleaned and checked annually. We offer these services for free, while you wait.
4) Consider Insurance
Fine jewelry is an asset, and losing assets in events such as home invasions can be devastating. We have partnered with Jewelers Mutual Insurance as a part of their link program. This means we are able to directly upload or scan current appraisals for a free quote from Jeweler's Mutual, to help facilitate the protection of your assets. For insurance purposes, appraisals should be assessed for updates every 5-10 years. We offer updated appraisals for only $15, and new appraisals for $80. Discounts are available for those who wish to do multiple appraisals at once. All appraisals are done in-house by our very own G.I.A. Gemologist Josef Waldmann.
This dreamy ring was hand-made by our very own Joe Waldmann, and affectionately named "The Gemini Ring". As a Gemini myself, I am happy to find my astrological sign in something beautiful today, rather than a meme. Two personalities in one ring, complicating the process, yet complimenting one another in the long run.
Hand-made titanium ring, double tension set with 0.25 carat diamond and 0.10 carat sapphire. This men's wedding ring gives the appearance of an engagement and wedding band, but all in one solid piece. The tension setting process is particularly difficult when done with more than one stone.
The Etruscan Revival was sparked by 19th century archaeological digs in the Etruscan ruins of Italy. An Italian jeweler by the name Fortunato Pio Castellani is credited with the rediscovery of the Etruscan gold working technique. He created amazing replicas of the ancient jewelry excavated from Greek and Italian ruins, and passed on his knowledge to his son, Pio Castellani. Their influence spread throughout Europe and America, gaining popularity in the 1860's and 1870's. Etruscan Revival jewelry is characterized by applied beading and filigree, specialized woven and rope motifs, and granulated surface effects. These pieces are made from 14 karat yellow gold, using a special technique to bond higher karat gold to the surface with mercury. This era of jewelry is unmistakable, and its beauty awe inspiring.
When we happened upon this bracelet, it was covered in who knows what! Thankfully, Joe was able to restore this piece to its former glory. The turquoise may or may not be original to the bracelet (it's hard to tell), but the piece itself is authentic, and in remarkably good condition!
We believe this particular piece to be American-made, as European pieces from this movement were generally hallmarked.
Now that's something you don't see every day!
Note the organic, asymmetrical nature of the metalwork.
Stunning from every angle.
Can I keep it? lol
The Etruscan revival was one of several revival movements during the 19th century, which lost ground to modern styles introduced in the Aesthetic and Arts & Crafts periods of the late 1800's and early 1900's. This style of jewelry making has died out, but the pieces live on!
This bracelet is for sale for $2,900. Please note this would be best suited for an individual with a small wrist. Regardless of what you're in the market for, I'd recommend people come take a look while they can. We've rarely come across pieces like this in person, and it is just a thing of beauty.
Our friends over at Prisms just sent over a huge selection of unique handmade pieces- just in time for the holidays!
Prisms create modern European styles featuring a wide array of colored gems in sterling silver and 18 karat gold.
These are just a few of our favorites. Come on in to shop dozens of fresh new styles, featuring colored sapphires, tanzanites, pearls, tsavorites, citrine, peridot, and more!
Sterling silver french rose quartz and pink sapphire ring, size 6. $237
Sterling silver opal doublet ring, size 8. $312
Sterling silver open back hammered bangle bracelet with 18k yellow gold plated rims. $510
Sterling silver .69 ct tw rainbow sapphire pendant. $362
Sterling silver and 14k white gold 10 mm pearl and .13 ct tw diamond ring, size 7. $650
Sterling silver and 14k white gold .70 ct tw blue sapphire and 8.6 mm peacock pearl ring, size 7. $625
Sterling silver and 14k white gold oblong pearl and .61 ct tw blue sapphire pendant on 18" sterling snake chain. $825
Sterling silver 4.44 carat peridot and .05 ct tw diamond ring, size 6. $1250
Sterling silver 18.22 ct amethys and 0.36 ct tw pink sapphire ring, size 8. $1287
Sterling silver 9.91 ct tw red garnet dangles. $425
Sterling silver 2.77 ct tw red garnet cross pendant. $213
I love the team work that goes into the pieces we create!
A client brought in two gorgeous Tahitian pearls she had purchased while traveling, and worked with Nancy to put together a sketch of what she would like. We landed on this beautiful modern look, and added a diamond for good measure.
Joe immediately got to work on the wax. Once the wax was complete and we got the green light, we had it cast, finished the gold and set the stones, and had it delivered.
The final product is so chic! The way everything fits together is just so perfect, and I can't wait to see what we make next.
We are so excited for our sale this Thanksgiving weekend!
40% off select items in store from 11/24 through 11/26. Gorgeous selection of new and estate jewelry, regularly priced $295-$8,200, on sale for $177-$4,920! Come see us this Small Business Saturday, and enjoy the comfort of a mom and pop shop, without compromising on savings!
Don't forget to support your favorite local businesses this Small Business Saturday! :)
Good afternoon, friends and followers!
Charlotte here, adding some sparkle to your day.
Delightful vintage new arrivals are in-store right in time to accessorize for the Fall!
Feel like modern day royalty in these sumptuous vintage gems!
Not going to lie, I've been wearing all of them between taking pictures, and while I'm writing this now. These pieces are not only gorgeous, but also incredibly comfortable.
Vintage, Art Deco 18k white gold filigree diamond ring. Size 6.75. (Sizable). $1,050.
Vintage 14k white gold bright violet blue 4.0 carat tanzanite and 1.12 diamond carat total weight ring. Size 6.75. (Sizable). $2,195.
Vintage, Art Deco 18k white gold filigree diamond ring. Size 6.25. (Sizable). $675.
Vintage 14k white gold diamond and pearl bracelet. 7.5". $3,000.
Pictures really do not do these pieces justice! Stop by any time and we'd be happy to show you all of the items we're excited about.
As always, we are eager to take on custom work and repairs as well!
Until next time,
Your friends at Porter Jensen.
I just had to share this amazing specimen.
Pony was brought to us in need of a new home. This vintage cameo horse sat in an old silver band, which simply was not sparkly enough for our dear pony.
Our expert team custom-made a 14 karat white gold band with a grandiose double halo of diamonds, fit to shelter the prettiest of ponies.
This is one of my absolute favorite rings we have done in quite a while. A picture-perfect blend of old and new, this cameo ring is sure to make quite the statement for years to come!