Independent Jewellers

Category: Engagement Rings

Engagement Photo Contest!!

From now till June 1st we are having a little competition.  And it is free!  No need to even come into our stores (not that you’re not welcome), or buy anything…just submit a photo of your engagement!  We want to see some beautiful pictures of engaged couples!  Once you have submitted your photo you will be entered to win one of three gift certificates to Independent Jewellers:

1st Place – $250

2nd Place – $150

3rd Place – $100

How do you win first place? Simple: submit your photo and get your friends to vote to increase your odds.  The more votes you have the more entries you will have in the draw (one vote, per person, per day).  And remember, simply submitting your photo gives you one entry into the draw!

Go to our Facebook page here, and click on the contest tab!

Good luck to all!

Engagement Rings

It seems like there are so many options today in the engagement ring market; everyone wants something different, something unique, something beautiful…and they should get it!

We are proud to carry many designers here at Independent Jewellers, but there are a couple that I would like to mention.  Scott Kay engagement rings are very traditional in there look (I have mentioned them before here).  They like to use lots of diamonds on their rings so you will find many Scott Kay rings with micro-set pave on the shoulders of the ring.

Two other designers we are proud to have, that most Canadians have never heard of, are Mark Schneider and Frederic Sage.  Each designer makes incredibly unique pieces, rings that I am convinced you will not find anything like in any other jewellery store.  The quality of their product is superb, and since they are both smaller design companies, it is easy for us to just pick up the phone and talk to Mark or Frederic directly.  That is a convenience that is usually not available with larger companies.

Most of our rings today are stocked as semi-mount product.  What “semi-mount” means is that the ring you see in the showcase is made of gold, all the small little diamonds are diamonds, however, the center stone is a CZ (Cubic Zirconium).  The reason we do this is simple: 99% of the time we have to special order the ring in.  And this is good!  This way we can customize the ring to each individuals preference, and we can order it in the proper size (as most couples shop together, we can get her ring size).  Often the couple will want a specific size diamond in the center, with specific quality characteristics, and if you don’t find the diamond you want in our collection of loose diamonds, we will find the diamond and bring it in.  The perfect ring for the perfect girl!

Gift Idea #16 – Hearts On Fire

Hearts On Fire makes more than just beautiful engagement rings.  They also have a stunning line of jewellery that is very modern and very sparkly.  The diamonds that are put into their jewellery are cut to very high standards and the quality is superb; everything is made in 18K white or yellow gold or platinum.

Prices start at about $700.

Available at both our locations.

Another Way To Earn Air Miles Reward Miles

So in addition to earning Air Miles Reward Miles on Pandora, we are also offering Air Miles with the purchase of an engagement ring!

For every $1000 spent on an engagement ring you will earn 100 reward miles!!

This is on the pre-tax amount and limited to 1000 Air Miles.  Past purchases not eligible.

Birthstone Series – April

Diamond is the birthstone for April.  However, as we all know, many people who buy diamonds are not born in April. Diamonds have become the gemstone of choice for engagement rings, anniversary rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, etc. It has, quite justifiably, become the king of gemstones.

Diamonds are the hardest substance known to humankind, and can only be cut and polished by other diamond material. Industrial-grade diamonds are used in drill-bits for drilling through hard materials.  However, hardness does not equate to toughness. The former equates to resistance to scratching, whereas the latter equates to cohesion. In practical terms, this means that you cannot scratch a diamond except with another diamond, but if you hit it with a hammer, it will likely shatter.

Diamonds are sourced from many countries. Numerous African countries, Australia, Russia, and Canada are all major producers. In fact, Canada has become the number three producer of diamonds based upon value, behind only Botswana and Russia. The source of diamonds has become an issue in the past decade, as some diamonds being produced in Sierra Leone, Angola, and a few other African countries, were being used to fund illicit military activities. These diamonds became known as “conflict” or “blood” diamonds. And although they represented less than 2% of global production, it did become a serious issue to the trade. In response, producers, governments, manufacturers, ngo’s, and others came together to form what has become known as the “Kimberley” process. This proccess effectively curtailed the movement of conflict diamonds to the extent that, today, they are almost completely eliminated from global distribution.

Diamonds are valued based upon the four gemological characteristics known in the trade as the “four C’s”. Carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut quality, are the primary determining factors in establishing a diamond’s value. It is important therefore, when purchasing a diamond, that it have a certificate from a reputable lab, like the Gemological Institute of America or the American Gem Society. Alternatively, a description by an accredited gemologist will also help in making a “buy” decision.

Diamond prices in Canada today are actually somewhat lower than 5-10 years ago. Three reasons account for this. First, diamonds are globally priced in US dollars. Today, our dollar is flirting with parity, thereby giving us more buying power than when we had a 62 cent dollar. Secondly, since 1914, our industry was subject to an excise tax. It was archaic, but the only government to follow through on its promise to abolish the tax was the Harper government. This was accomplished in their first budget, thereby eliminating 10% from the cost of all jewellery. Thirdly, we cannot ignore the effects of the most recent recession. The jewellery industry was especially hard-hit. This resulted in an over-supply of diamonds to the trade, and the severe competition saw diamond prices drop as a result. Therefore, consumers today can effectively buy diamonds at a reduced price as compared to some years ago.

Diamond purchases represent significant events in the lives of the purchaser. Be it for that special birthday, the symbolism of an engagement, the marking of a milestone between two individuals, or the sheer joy of making a self-purchase, they remain one of the finest and long-lasting purchases one can make. As a company, we are privileged to be partakers in the brokering of these special events, and thank-you for allowing us into your lives in such an intimate manner.