carreradmin, Author at Carreras Jewelers

Annual estate sale Dec. 1 through 5th

November 30, 2020 2:47 pm Leave a Comment

Style and sophistication are two words that describe vintage jewelry. These are pieces of jewelry from the late 19th century to the middle parts of the 20th century. — Periods in time where people like Coco Chanel and F. Scott Fitzgerald defined elegance.

Want to see some of the finest vintage jewelry in the region? Carreras Jewelers, known as a leader in vintage jewelry, is holding our annual estate sale. Our buyers scour estate sales, auctions and other places to purchase the finest vintage jewelry in the country. We only select items that meet our distinct tastes. We want pieces that we know our customers will admire.

The event places Dec. 1 through Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 121 Libbie Ave. in Richmond. It’s an opportunity to see these amazing, one-of-kind pieces of jewelry.

The following time periods will be represented:

Victorian – The Victorian period follows the reign of Queen Victoria in Great Britain from 1836 to 1901. Queen Victoria’s love for her husband and children inspired jewelry that reflected a romantic and sentimental outlook. Flowers, hearts, bows and birds inspired beautiful pieces of jewelry, which showed the craftsmanship of the Victorian age.

Art Nouveau – The Art Nouveau period began circa 1890 and ended around 1919. This period represents the turn of the century and the coming of the “modern age.” Jewelry that was created during the Art Nouveau period embodied art for the sake of art, as well as a dramatic trend in fashion and a rejection of industrialization. Free-flowing, asymmetrical lines were important and emphasized the designer’s innovative skills.

Edwardian – The Edwardian Period lasted from 1901 to circa 1920. Edward VII and his lovely Danish bride Alexandria brought a cosmopolitan flair to fashion and jewelry during this exuberant time in history. Jewelers used platinum and diamonds to create intricate and delicate filigree patterns that resembled lace. Light and airy designs became hallmarks of Edwardian jewelry.

Art Deco – The Art Deco Period, which began circa 1920 and ended around 1935, produced dazzling jewelry that was in sharp contrast to the jewelry of the previous periods. The emphasis shifted from soft colors and flowing lines to bold, bright colors and straight lines. The Art Deco period embraced industrialization and the big bold geometric designs.

Retro – The Retro jewelry period began in the 1930s during the depression years and lasted through the 1950s. Jewelry during the Retro period is characterized by chunky styles that showcased large colorful gemstones in over-sized cuts. Synthetic rubies and sapphires were popular along with citrine, amethyst and aquamarine. Gold became the metal of choice, as platinum was not available to the jewelry industry during World War II. Designers opted for multi-colored jewelry pieces in a tasteful combination of rose, yellow and green gold.

We have been running our estate sale for over 20 years. People continue to be amazed at the pieces we offer year after year. The event is the perfect opportunity to start the holiday shopping season and purchase that unique gift for someone you love. Our experienced staff will be on hand to answer any questions you might have about the jewelry. We can talk about the unique attributes of a particular piece and where it fits into the style of that period.

We will also have signed pieces from designers like Tiffany & Co, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Mauboussin, Fope, Mikimoto, and Georg Jensen. Our featured item this year is a “copy” of a Georgian piece found in the archives of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We are encouraging you to make an appointment prior to viewing the item because many of them are not available on our website. That way you can get a private viewing and maintain social distancing. We follow CDC guidelines to wear a mask and require everyone to stay socially distant. You can also check out our Facebook page to see some of the amazing jewelry.

Parle works to create ethical jewelry business

November 4, 2020 2:21 pm Leave a Comment

Have you ever thought about where your jewelry comes from? Have you ever wanted to know whether ethical mining practices were being used when mining for gemstones? Do you want to create an environment where local communities benefit from the jewelry business?

If you answered yes to these questions, you need to discover jewelry from Parle Jewelry Designs. Based in Idaho, Parle has spent decades promoting and advocating for ethical practices in the jewelry and mining business. It is the reason the company works with The Devon Foundation. The foundation started when several jewelers visited Madagascar and saw that people in the community did not have enough knowledge about gem cutting and crafting. The organization now works to find and train local people to work in the gem business and believes the effort benefits the economy of the community.

Parle supports that mission and wants the jewelry business to benefit local communities. Gemstones from the company’s “Sharing The Rough” collection go to fund The Devon Foundation and its efforts to train people in gem-cutting and other skills within the gem industry. As well, money raised from the sale of the gems goes toward paying for school lunches. The foundation is now solely responsible for the Kitarini school lunch program, which feeds over 500 young Maasai boys and girls, providing 10,000 meals a month. This way the stones within the collection improve the lives of everyone where the stones originated.

Parle has always wanted to be a source for good in the world. The company was founded in 1970s by Frank Farnsworth. Frank was born in New Hampshire and moved to Idaho as a young boy. He used to visit a local shop that carried rare stones and became fascinated with them. The shop owner taught him a lot about the different types of stones and how to identify them.

After graduating from college, Farnsworth began mining opals out of the Lost Deer Hunt claim in Spencer, Idaho. He loved the work and soon began selling opals at trade shows around the country. Over time, Farnsworth realized it was better to sell jewelry with the stones rather than just selling the stones.

“The jewelry was the wheels on the car,” Farnsworth said. “We needed the jewelry to make the stones go.”

Over the years, the business has grown and now carries a variety of jewelry with various gemstones besides opals. From amethyst to emeralds and topaz, Parle carries a line of jewelry to please everyone.

The company was originally called the Idaho Opal & Gem Corp. but adopted the moniker “Stones that Speak” when it took the name Parle. The saying was from a client who remarked: “Frank, I notice every gem you buy must speak to you.” That is how Frank became a world-renowned expert in gemstones.

The company is still headquartered in Idaho and has developed partnerships around the globe. Parle manufactures jewelry at a 17,000 square foot building and its products are sold at jewelry stores around the country.

Lika Behar finds inspiration in Turkish roots

October 17, 2020 12:04 pm Leave a Comment

Lika Behar’s jewelry combines a modern aesthetic with ancient sensibilities. The jewelry mingles gemstones, gold and silver with specialized craftsmanship, giving the pieces a unique style and texture.

Behar traces the inspiration for her designs back to Istanbul, Turkey, where she was born. The region is the historical crossroads between Europe and the Middle East and has a tradition of unique architectural and artistic designs. As a child, she wandered the streets of the ancient city and explored the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world. The market has thousands of booths where artisans displayed their unique designs. Behar would soak up the sights and smells of the market almost on a daily basis.

Her father and grandfather added to the stimulation. They owned a shop in Istanbul that bought and sold ancient coins and jewelry. Behar spent large amounts of time at the shop during her formative years and studied the ancient designs.

At a young age, Behar came to the United States where she studied economics and political science at New York University. After college, Behar worked in banking but eventually landed in the children’s fashion world. But her roots in the jewelry business kept calling her. She saw inspiration everywhere and wanted to bring her unique sense of style to a larger audience. In 2008, she launched the Lika Behar Collection. She developed a line of jewelry and partnered with jewelry stores across the country to carry her product line.

Behar has always been a worldly woman — she speaks four languages: Turkish, English, French and Spanish — and her jewelry reflects this fact. Her pieces are primarily crafted in Turkey, but the stones mostly come from the United States. All of the stones are ethically sourced, and Behar makes certain to only purchase stones from reputable dealers.

Since its formation, the business has grown, and she now employees a staff of family and friends who help turn her visions into reality. The jewelry is inspired by ancient designs but is modern and wearable. Her pieces are suitable for a business lunch or a night on the town. They are casual yet glimmer with sophistication. The designs are made using techniques that were common during Greek and Byzantine times, and the silver is blackened similar to the way artifacts are discovered at architectural sites.

Her unique designs have been noticed within the jewelry business, and her collection has received numerous awards. She has been a Jewelers’ Choice Finalist and received recognition from the Cultured Pearl Association. Her designs were a finalist for both the Jewelry Industry Authority awards and InStore Design awards.

“I am truly honored and humbled by the variety, frequency, and the sheer amount of awards I have received over the short 12 years my work has been in the marketplace,” Behar said. “Most if not all of these awards were bestowed on Lika Behar Collection by our peers in our wonderful jewelry industry.”

Popular Richmond wedding cake bakeries

June 25, 2020 11:05 am Leave a Comment

Credit: Morsels

A wedding is an amazing event for any couple, and no wedding is complete without an exquisite wedding cake. Since Roman times, desserts have played an important role in a couple’s wedding nuptials. Today, vows are said and rings are placed on each partner’s finger. Then, a meal is consumed and cake eaten — a shared devotion to the couple’s love.

According to a recent study, nearly 80 percent of weddings include some kind of dessert. Desserts come in all shapes and sizes, but most couples want a multi-tiered wedding cake. The cake can be decorated with anything from flowers to superheroes, depending on the interests of the wedding party.

Are you looking for a wedding cake for a Richmond-area wedding? Richmond has some outstanding bakeries and independent bakers. They offer everything from traditional wedding cakes to unique custom designs. Most offer tastings, but some do charge a small fee. Imagination is the only limit.

Note: Please contact the bakery about the availability of tastings as these are subject to change during the pandemic.

Pearl’s Bake Shoppe

Baked with love and inspired by grandma. Laurie Chapman Blakey’s grandmother taught her to bake. When she opened Pearl’s Bake Shoppe in 2010 she named it after her grandmother, Pearl Gentry Chapman. The bakery is located on Patterson Ave and has a private room to taste wedding cakes. It offers over 120 flavors and provides gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free options. Blakey’s grandmother created many of the recipes.

Westhampton Bake Shop

One of Richmond oldest retail businesses, Westhampton has been making wedding cakes since 1952. The bakery provides a consultation and tasting during the wedding cake selection process, but appointments are required. Pound cake is used for all wedding cakes, and there are seven different flavors. The cakes are custom-designed and iced with buttercream.

Sweet Fix

Sweet Fix specializes in custom cake orders and offers fondant and buttercream wedding cakes. It’s been a Wedding Wire Couple’s Choice Award Winner since 2014 and has a gluten-free option. The bakery is not open to the public and appointment is required for a consultation. The designers work closely with the couple so the design matches the wedding theme.

River City Sweets

River City Sweets is a small-batch bakery established in 2013. It operates out of a private residence in Richmond and makes custom-designed wedding cakes. The bakery will work with the couple to accommodate dietary restrictions and special needs. A “To-Go Tastings” package is offered, where samples of four of its most popular flavors can be consumed at the home. Traditional wedding cake consultations are also offered at the residence.

Katherine’s Confections

Katherine’s is a small bakery in Chesterfield County. The bakery offers custom wedding cakes and only produces one or two cakes per weekend during wedding season. Tastings are available by appointment and 10 cake flavors are offered. The bakery uses buttercream but not fondant icing. Cupcakes and mini cupcakes are also offered.

Credit: Melissa’s Simply Sweets

Melissa’s Simply Sweets

Melissa started Melissa’s Simply Sweets after feedback from a cake for her son’s birthday party. She now runs a custom baked shop and offers numerous flavors and styles. Each cake is custom-built. Tastings are available for wedding parties over 100 and four cake flavors and two icing flavors are provided. She prefers only two to three people at a tasting.

The Mixing Bowl Bakery

The Mixing Bowl is a small, neighborhood bakery on Richmond’s West End. Founded in 1926, the bakery offers a one-hour consultation. Wedding cakes as well as a variety of wedding desserts are offered. Nine cake, six filing and four icings are standard but additional styles and flavors are available upon request.

Ukrop’s

Ukrop’s bakery was originally part of a supermarket chain, but become independent when the chain of stores was sold. The bakery has been in operation since 1976, and offers nine-pound cake flavors and makes traditional and fondant icing. They are hand-decorated and delivery options are available.

Sugar and Salt

Owner Sara Ayyash is the former executive pastry chef at the Jefferson Hotel and started Sugar and Salt several years ago. Most cakes are three layers tall and contain two layers of icing. Buttercream, fondant and ganache are the main offerings. Cakes can be designed based on a drawing and are sometimes decorated with fresh flowers.

Credit: Mosels

Morsels

Opened in 2015, Morsels is a bakery on the Northside of Richmond. The hidden gem is distinguished by a pink door. The founder started baking for friends, and that grew into a business. The bakery offers $30 tastings, which are usually scheduled on Thursdays and Fridays. A vegan option is available as well as a variety of buttercream toppings.

Carytown Cupcakes

While not a traditional bakery, Carytown Cupcakes offers 4-inch and 6-inch cupcakes for a wedding. A variety of cupcake flavors are sold. The shop offers tasting for weddings with 75 or more guests. Custom colors and decorations can be ordered. A custom flavor can be developed for an additional fee. Vegan or gluten-free cupcakes are available.

Carreras to reopen Tuesday, June 2

June 1, 2020 7:04 pm Leave a Comment

We are so excited; we’re reopening!

After being closed for nearly three months due to the governor’s stay-at-home order, Carreras Jewelers is reopening on Tuesday, June 2.

But to ensure everyone’s safety, we have established strict guidelines. To start, we will be limiting the number of people who enter the store at any given time. Please call 804-282-7018 when you arrive and let us know that you are waiting. We strongly encourage people to make an appointment before they arrive. That will help us better manage the number of people inside the store.

We have limited hours:

Jewelry store hours

Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Please call or text 804-282-7018 for an appointment.

Carreras Buying Office

You can only visit with an appointment.

Please call 804-673-1967 to make an appointment

We will be practicing the following rules:

Social distancing

Please respect the distance between staff and customers. That applies both inside and outside the store.

Facemasks must be worn inside the store

We will provide complimentary disposable facemasks. If you need one, disposable masks are located inside the foyer. All of our staff members will be wearing masks. We have the right to refuse entry to anyone whose face is “overly” covered.

Stay home if you have been sick within the past two weeks

Following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, no one should enter the store if they or a member of their household has been sick within the past two weeks.

Multiple cleanings

We will clean any piece of jewelry after it is shown to a customer and will be cleaning and disinfecting surfaces throughout the day.

Exquisite selection of gifts for Mother’s Day

April 27, 2020 3:50 pm Leave a Comment

We love all types of mothers. We love young mothers, mothers with teenagers, mothers who have become grandmothers, working mothers, stay at home mothers, adopted mothers and step-mothers.

And Mother’s Day is right around the corner. So, wouldn’t it be a great idea to give your mother, no matter what type of mother she is, a gift that shows you appreciate her and care about her?

We have assembled a few ideas for a Mother’s Day gift. There is everything from diamond earrings to our collection of jewelry by women designers. Take a look.

Stackable Rings: A favorite gift to celebrate all of mom’s accomplishments, including her family! Click here to see the collection.

A Bujukan Bracelet: The Bujukan Bracelets from Gabriel will leave her wanting more. Click here to see the bracelets.

Celebrate mom with a local designer: Emily Lawson Dahl is an American jewelry designer from the Tidewater Region of Virginia and is new to our store. Click here to browse her collection.

Studded earrings: A mom’s life is hectic! Give her a beautiful pair of stud earrings that she can wear to work or to play with the kids. Click here to view our collection of diamond earrings.

Art-driven jewelry collection: Evocateur is full of color! Lots of delicious designs to choose from. Click here to see the wonderful styles.

Peter Storm necklace: Peter Storm’s collection of Tessuto Colori is amazing for layering. We especially love this necklace! Click here to see the amazing necklace.

Charles Garnier collection: The new Compass Rose Collection from Charles Garnier symbolizes guidance and the ability to point you in the correct direction. Click here to see the collection.

Birthstone: All the birthstones! Moms love to celebrate their children by wearing their birthstones. For example moms of March babies will enjoy one of our beautiful aquamarine pieces. Click here to see our aquamarine jewelry.

Shower mom with gifts made by women: We carry an impressive collection of jewelry from women designers. Click here for jewelry by Gumuchian. Click here for jewelry by Sloane Street. Click here for jewelry by Lika Behar. Click here for jewelry by Lawson Dahl.

Shop are amazing selection of graduation gifts

April 20, 2020 12:39 pm Leave a Comment

“Graduation” is just around the corner. While students might not be filling a gymnasium or auditorium this year, they will still be turning the page on an important chapter in their lives. So, why not celebrate this amazing achievement with a special gift?

We offer a wide array of gifts for high school and college graduates. As always, when you shop online with Carreras, we will send it beautifully wrapped and with free shipping.

Here are a few gift idea:

Classic gifts

Pearl Stud Earrings: Pearls are the perfect gift to send a graduate. We have a wide variety of pearls to choose from. We have classic classic white pearls, luscious black pearls, and colorful dyed pearl. Click here to see the selection. You can also click here to see our entire collection of pearl necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

St. Christopher’s medals: St. Christopher is a patron saint of travel. Give the gift of protection as students begin the new chapter in their life. The medals come in two different styles, three different sizes, and can be engraved. They are perfect to wear as a pendant or on a charm bracelet. Click here to see our collection.

Other gift ideas

Cuff link box: This cuff link box is a great way to store that perfect pair of cuff links that a student wears at graduation. The box has a stripped interior and modern design. Click here to see the box.

Pewter Virginia Juelp Cup: This cup is the perfect recreation of a Virginia tradition. The 8 oz cup can be engraved with the graduate’s name and the Class of 2020. Click here to see the cup.

Pewter “Images of America” Jewelry Box: This jewelry box will last her a lifetime and a special reminder of her accomplishments. The top can be custom engraved. Click here to see the jewelry box.

Wolf “Palermo” travel jewelry case: Style and sophistication exemplify the Wolf travel jewelry case. Named after a seaport city in Italy, the box contains multiple compartments to store various types of jewelry. Click here to see the case.

Mastoloni 16″ Freshwater Pearl Necklace: For 100 years, the Mastoloni name has been synonymous with pearls. Any graduate would adore this classic set of pearls. Click here to see the fine necklace.

Mastoloni 14K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond “Empress” Earrings: Dangling pearl earrings are a unique way to display the beauty of a pearl. The earrings are topped with diamonds and celebrate a graduate’s achievement. Click here to see the earrings.

18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Bracelet: A double-cuff-style bracelet highlights this piece of extraordinary jewelry. The bracelet is perfect in both casual and formal attire and will make the perfect gift for a recent graduate. Click here to see the bracelet.

Shops on Libbie and Grove go virtual

April 7, 2020 12:38 pm Leave a Comment

Note: The information below is based on the most available information but is subject to change.

Libbie and Grove is a thriving section of Richmond, and businesses continue to operate despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses have had to adjust the way that they operate, but they are continuing to offers valuable services to customers.

“We realize these are tough times, but we are excited that businesses around Libbie and Grove are still functioning,” said Rejena Carreras, owner of Carreras Jewelers. “You can get food at a local restaurant or shop online at the multiple boutique stores. It’s a great way to support our community.”

Here is a list of how the shops on Libbie and Grove are operating:

Carreras – Open online here with free shipping. Purchases made through our website are completely returnable. (Note that we do reserve the right to cancel orders for “misuse” of this policy. Please read the returns policy on our website for details) We would be glad to talk to, email or or text you about pieces on our website, and send any additional information or images that may help you with your purchase. Also, purchase a gift card now until we reopen and we will add 15% extra to it.

1z, 2z, 3z – Shop online here, home delivery and free shipping available.

Apothec – Shop online here, curbside pickup, home delivery, and shipping available.

Alton Lane – Shop online here.

Beijing on Grove – Delivery available. Visit their website here.

Bliss – Shop their Instagram! @bliss5812

Caturra on Grove – Temporarily closed.

CCH Collection – Shop online here.

Continental – Available for take out. Visit their website here.

Fraiche – Offering free local delivery on purchases over $50 within a 15-mile radius of Fraiche and curbside pickup available during 11-4pm, Monday-Saturday. If you need anything please don’t hesitate to call: (804) 282-4282, or send an email: contact@fraichehome.net Shop online here.

Gearharts – Temporarily Closed

Gelati Celesti – Order online for pick-up here.

Hampton House – Shop online here.

Irresistibles – Shop their social media and online here. Free shipping and door delivery available

J Emerson Fine Wines & Cheese – Open and practicing social distancing. Curbside pick-up available. Visit their website here.

Jack Brown’s – Menu available for pick-up under tents and delivery. Visit them online to order here.

Kamborian Rugs – Shop online here

Levy’s – Offering Delivery and Shipping options! To talk or text dial 804-840-6714

Libbie Market – Open 7 days a week and for customers who would prefer to stay at home, they offer online shopping, with delivery or curbside pick-up, through their website here.

Mango – Temporarily closed. If you’d like to support your stylist while they are closed order yourself a bad hair day hat from here. It’s the perfect way to not stress about your hair and 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the livelihood of their team members. Be sure to select Mango Salon at check out.⁠

Montante – Open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm for essential appointments. Visit their website here.

Nellie George – Shop their Instagram! @shopnelliegeorge

On U – Shop online with free shipping here

Palani Drive – Open for to-go orders with new hours. Visit them online here.

Palette – Available help with home projects & paint projects by calling 804-716-1742. Shipping paint for Free. Delivering art (to try or buy) to your home. More information on their website and social media.

Paper Plus – Follow them on Instagram @paperplusongrove

Peter Blair – Shop online here.

Pilar and Peacock – Follow their social media and visit them online here.

Scents of Serenity – Temporarily closed. Gift cards available here.

Shaheen, Ruth, Martin & Fonville Real Estate – Open and has the ability to show properties virtually. Visit their listings online here!

Taste – Curbside pickup and delivery available. Visit their website here.

Thistles – Shop online here

Zazoli Sweets – Open limited hours for curbside pick-up. Free Delivery. Shop online here.

Buy 2 get one free on select Peter Storm bracelets, necklaces

November 14, 2019 11:17 am Leave a Comment

Jewelry designer Peter Storm loves color and has created a line to honor that passion. It’s called the Tessuto Colori, or the Fabric Colors collection. It is a collection of bracelets, earrings, and necklaces in colors galore.

For the holiday season, Carreras Jewelers is holding a special on a select group of the Tessuto Colori line. When you purchase two of the sterling silver link sparkle bracelets or necklaces, you get the third one for free. You can mix and match bracelets and necklaces and colors.

The sale runs from now until Christmas Eve. Bracelets and necklaces are available in silver and rose, yellow, and black-finish sterling silver. Bracelets are $90 and necklaces run between $165 and $255. You can pick three of the same or mix and match bracelets and necklaces and colors! Free item must be of equal or lesser value.

Perfect gifts for your daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and friends!

Promotion available in-store only or by calling 804-282-7018.

Fine Antique & Estate Jewelry event takes place Dec. 6 and 7

10:56 am Leave a Comment

Come secure a piece of history at Carreras Jewelers’ Fine Antique & Estate Jewelry Event. The two-day affair will feature vintage and estate jewelry marked to sell for the holiday season.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 7 at Carreras Jewelers, 121 Libbie Avenue in Richmond. A variety of styles will be on display, including Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Retro, Contemporary and Designer.

Looking for the perfect engagement ring or wedding bands? The sale will also feature vintage and estate wedding jewelry. Maybe a lit bit of history can provide the perfect piece of jewelry for someone you love?

Carreras Jewelers - Richmond, VA

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