Pearls should be the last item you put on and the first item you take off. They are porous; therefore they can absorb makeup, lotions, hair spray and perfumes.

To maintain the quality and luster of  your pearls, we recommend annual cleaning and depending on how often you wear your pearls, annual re-stringing as well.

Pearls can be cleaned at home with a clean soft cloth. If necessary, you may lightly dampen the cloth but be careful that you do not get the silk that the pearls are strung on too damp. This will weaken the strength of the silk.

Our pearl stringer will clean your pearls individually after she has removed them from their current stringing material. This will allow the true shine and color of the pearls to show. Then our stringer will re-string your pearls with silk thread and hand knot between each pearl so that the pearls do not rub up against each other and sit nicely around your neck.

Whether your pearls are in a pattern, graduated in size, or all similar, our pearl stringer will take the utmost care and attention to detail when taking care of your pearls.

Visit us to discuss all of our jewelry repair services and to inquire about having your pearls cleaned and strung.

We have a large selection of pearl jewelry in-stock so you can add to your beloved collection.

Click the link below to view some of our pearl jewelry items:

http://carrerasjewelers.com/jewelry-categories/designer-jewelry/carreras-pearl-collection/

Pearls are the birthstone of June and are also the gift for the 3rd & 30th wedding anniversary.

Carreras Jewelers is the Jeweler in Richmond, VA to help you with any Antique, Vintage, Estate Jewelry repair, selling, or purchasing request.

Contact us with any questions regarding Antique, Vintage, Estate Jewelry 804-282-7018 or info@carrerasjewelers.com

Our 2012 Valentine’s Specials are bright, cheerful and priced specially until February 14th. Call us today to reserve the Specials for your Valentine. 804-282-7018

Valentine’s Special: Set for $199

Necklace: regular $235, special $190

Earrings: regular $45, special $39

Our Valentine Necklace is sterling silver with semi-precious gemstones. It is 40″ so it can be worn as a long single strand or doubled. The earrings are sterling silver.

Trends that have staying power and will translate from 2011 into 2012 ~

TRUE COLORS: Big saturated gemstones in a variety of cuts and hues will color 2012. Highlights: there is a continuation of the ethereal feeling of feldspar family: moonstone and labradorite, – all shades of orange, from pale apricot to tropical mango in stones that range from sapphires to fire opals – purple/blues -geode, slice and rough stones still come on strong

MAKING A STATEMENT: Large necklaces, chunky cuffs and ultra long earring, which strolled down Spring 2012 ready to wear runways in various materials and incarnations get a dose of reality when translated into fine jewelry

GETTING PERSONAL: From Dogeared’s new “Create” collection, (mix, match and add on pendants from a variety of sayings, drop stones and motifs) to Cassandra Erin’s handmade and one of a kind pendants, from which she recreates handwriting of loved ones–this is a trend that keeps taking on new ways for your clients to “tell their story.”

WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE: the use of precious and non-precious materials for fine jewelry continues in popularity, particularly in bigger, bolder pieces (which helps keeps prices accessible for stand out styles as well as offers refreshingly surprising -combinations. Some options: wood or horn with colored diamond accents, and rose gold, rubber and diamonds, brass and bronze with an antiqued or patina finish with gemstones.

NEED A CHANGE: Multi-functional and interchangeable pieces such as earrings that have removable parts, starting with a hoop and adding on a drop and then a larger longer drop which can be worn as a daytime pendant earring or an evening chandelier. Designers are also creating links styles that turn from bracelets into necklaces and offering add on tassels and clip on medallions, charms and pendants.

Visit our showroom to see jewelry items that fit in all of the new trend categories.

January’s birthstone is among the most diverse of the gemstone groups, because it encompasses different species and varieties. These varieties are extraordinarily diverse in color, and some rare varieties exhibit phenomenal characteristics, such as asteriation (a star effect in pinpointed light) or a color-change effect when viewed under different lights. THe deep, red varieties of garnets have been compared to pomegranate fruit, and in fact, the word “garnet” is a derivation of that name.

Garnets have always been prized for their rich color and brilliance. The deep red that gave garnets their name is the most commonly occurring color. These versatile gemstones come in a rainbow of colors ranging from deep red to vibrant green with orange, golden, brown, pink, lavender and purple in between.

Spessartite-bright orange from the Kunene River in Africa

Rhodalite-rose red or pale violet

Tsavorite-brilliant green from Kenya and Tanzania

The Garnet is known as the stone of health and commitment and reflects the attributes of devotion, warmth and understanding. It is said to instill patience, incite personal magnetism and cooperation in instances of change.

Visit us to shop our lovely selection of garnet jewelry!

Anniversaries are the perfect occasion to give the gift of jewelry in precious metals and gemstones. Below is a chart that will guide you to the perfect gift, whether it is the 1st anniversary or the 75th.

Gold	Garnet	Pearls	Blue Topaz	Sapphire
Amethyst	Onyx	Tourmaline	Lapis	Diamond
Ruby or Peridot	Emerald	Silver	Pearls	Emerald
Ruby	Sapphire	Gold & Diamond	Diamond	Diamond

For the Bride, Groom, Wedding Party and More

Wedding days are about celebration, laughter, and having loved ones together on the special day. During the often-frantic times of planning every detail of the wedding, it is important to remember to thank those who have helped make the day possible. There is no better way to show your appreciation than fine jewelry from Carreras.  Fine jewelry gifts are available in a wide range of styles and prices.  Here are a few suggestions:

For the Bride: An engraved crest pendant with her new monogram is a sentimental gift she will cherish forever. Aquamarine, sapphire, or blue topaz earrings, pendants or bracelets become a lifetime reminder of her “something blue”. Photo lockets or charms have been around for years but new styles are classic.  An old family wedding photo or a photo of her future husband as a little boy placed inside will touch her heart.
For the Groom:   Classic cufflinks will be cherished for years and years to come. If you haven’t already done so, get his wedding band engraved.  It will be a hidden secret for him your lifetime together. “It is about time” can be a message when you give a fine timepiece.  Watches are also valued heirlooms.
For The Bridesmaids: A pastel or brightly colored necklace that matches the color of their dress or their flowers, is the perfect gift to get them down the aisle on time and in style. An engraved silver cuff bracelet will always remind them of your friendship over the years. A charm bracelet is a memento that will not only help the attendants remember your special day but is something they can add on to and cherish forever. Each bridesmaid can have a unique theme that captures their individual personality.
For The Groomsmen: Give a pair of classic sterling silver cufflinks that he is sure to wear again and again for years to come. A sterling silver money clip that is in the shape of a dollar sign is sure to meet his delight. Key rings in stainless steel or sterling silver are a great way to show your thanks.
For The Mother of the Bride or Groom Gorgeous brooches make the perfect statement. Plus, brooches are becoming one of the hottest, must-have accessories. A classic strand of Tahitian pearls is sure to complement her outfit on your (and her) special day.
For The Father of the Bride or Groom Handsome pocket watches are sure to be treasured (just as much as his new son or daughter). Sterling silver cufflinks engraved with his initials shows how much your truly care.
For The Flower Girl and Ring Bearer For the flower girl, a little girl charm bracelet with lady bugs or farm animals or a little gold locket with her initials engraved on the back are great gifts that are sure to help her look adorable walking down the aisle. For the ring bearer, a silver engraved belt buckle will give him a polished look and let him feel all grown up around the groomsmen.

TEN SIMPLE TIPS TO ENSURE YOU FIND THE PERFECT RING

Tip #1: Determine a budget. How much to spend on an engagement ring is a personal matter. The commonly accepted guideline of two months’ salary was developed to be a directional tool to help establish a budget. Once a budget is established, it is important to select the finest quality stone available at that price.

Tip #2: Understand the 4C’s. One of the most wonderful lures of diamonds is that no two diamonds can ever be exactly alike, even though they may sometimes look identical. Determining the quality of every diamond is the 4 C’s: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. For more information visit us at Carreras for a quick diamond presentation and you will leave very wise.

Tip #3: Look at her existing jewelry wardrobe. It will give you a lot of hints about her personal style. If she has a lot of sterling silver or white gold, then she is a cool metal person, making a white gold, platinum, or palladium ring an ideal choice. If she has more yellow metals that she is a warm metal woman so stick to yellow gold or rose gold.

Tip #4: Take note if she is traditional or non-traditional? If she has jewelry that is bold and funky, then she most likely wants a ring that is different from all of her friends.

Tip #5: Pay attention. Note her reaction to other women’s engagement rings. The best clues can be found this way. When in doubt, ask a friend. Find a trustworthy friend who knows her style. They will be able to get a lot of information that you might be able to obtain without being suspicious.

Tip #6: Shop with her. More and more couples are shopping together for their engagement rings and wedding bands. Want to surprise her? Narrow down the choice between two or three rings so she won’t know exactly which one she will be receiving.

Tip #7: Get the size right. If you can, sneak a ring that you know fits her ring finger, take it to a jeweler and have them check the size. If you only have a few minutes with the ring before she notices that it is gone, press the ring into a soft bar of soap. The ring will leave an indent that the jeweler should be able to determine a size from.

Tip #8: Shop with a reputable jeweler. At the end of the day, where you shop is the most important factor. Shop with a jeweler you trust, like Carreras. Either ask for a referral from your friends or look for a well-established jeweler who has an excellent reputation for integrity and service, like Carreras.

Tip #9: Make note of the exchange or return policy. If she would still prefer a different ring, you will need to make sure you can exchange it. Carreras will work with you and handles each situation individually.

Tip #10: Get it insured. After you find the right ring, make sure you get it insured properly. Look into getting a rider on your homeowner’s insurance or a standalone policy. Carreras offers complimentary new sale appraisals for your insurance company & appraisals for rings not purchased from us. Call to make an appointment with our certified gemologist appraiser. 804-282-7018

Celebrity Inspired Engagement Ring Trends

It appears that all of young Hollywood has fallen in love.  They have also fallen head over heals in love with their engagement rings!  When you’re contemplating an engagement ring, you may care to consider that engagement rings can tell you a lot about a person.  Here are three top celebrity engagement ring styles and some clues to what the style means:

Fancy Shaped Diamonds

When you think about engagement rings, most people think of round stones.  Round is undoubtedly the most popular shape.  However, outside of rounds stones lies a world of “fancy” shapes including emerald, oval, marquis, pear, and cushion.  These fancy shaped sparklers say the person is fashion forward and looking to break out of the pack with distinctive style.  Celebrity fancy shape engagement ring wearers include Ellen Pompeo (emerald), Katherine Heigl (pear), Eva Longoria (emerald), and Victoria Beckham (marquis).

Romantic Vintage Inspiration

Vintage engagement rings are romantic and ornately crafted.  However, you don’t have to scour estate stores to find vintage design.  New, vintage inspired rings are being meticulously designed to be just as beautiful as their successors.  Platinum is the metal of choice but white gold is another option for vintage styles best suited for cool metals.  Vintage inspired rings say the person is passionate, optimistic and hopelessly romantic.  Celebrities such as Kate Walsh, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Love Hewitt adore vintage styles.

Brilliant Color

Getting engaged is a colorful time in a couple’s life.  Engagement rings are now equally as vibrant and vivid.  Diamonds come in every color in the rainbow.  However, like a rainbow on a clear day, they are very rare.  Being rare also makes them very valuable and pricey.  Yet, small accent stones can be attainable and make a big impact.  Yellow diamonds are more widely available than nearly every other color in the engagement ring arena.   Women wearing colored diamonds want to make heads turn and are fun spirited while craving luxury.  Heidi Klum, Rebecca Romijn and Brooke Mueller (Charlie Sheen’s wife) all have yellow diamond engagement rings.