Heirloom jewelry is something that’s truly priceless. You can always buy new jewelry, but heirloom pieces are irreplaceable. As jewelry ages, it doesn’t always look as good as it once did. That’s where restoration comes to save the day! Keep reading to learn more about how you can bring new life to your heirloom jewelry with a restoration appointment. 

How Can You Restore Heirloom Jewelry?

Similar to how no two pieces of heirloom jewelry are alike, the restoration process of every piece is unique. When you bring your jewelry in, the jeweler can offer their opinion on the best restoration route, but don’t be afraid to make your thoughts known too! Ask questions, and don’t agree to restoration until you feel 100% comfortable with the jeweler and their restoration plan.

One way to restore heirloom jewelry is by moving the stone to a new setting. This is a great option if you want to keep the jewelry but it doesn’t match your preferred style. If all your other jewelry is white gold and the heirloom is yellow gold, you’re less likely to wear it. The jeweler can help you find the perfect setting to fit the existing stone, and sometimes, the value of the current setting can even be deducted from the restoration price.

A new setting can also involve changing what type of jewelry it is. If your heirloom is a bracelet, but you don’t wear bracelets, it may be able to be transformed into a necklace, ring, or earrings. 

The simplest way to restore an heirloom is by keeping everything the same but enhancing its beauty. A professional jewelry cleaning can do wonders! If you want to make it feel yours, consider adding a custom engraving with your initials or surname.  

Reasons to Restore Heirloom Jewelry

If you’re still on the fence about restoring your heirloom jewelry, here are some of the most common reasons people get heirloom jewelry restored:

• The sentimental value of the piece
• Making it more wearable to match personal style and jewelry preferences.
• Making heirloom jewelry feel like “yours” through customization.
• Adding value to the piece.

Contact Bostonian Jewelers

Bringing your heirloom jewelry in for a consultation is the first step of restoration. This will give you time to ask questions and determine what you want the piece to look like when the restoration is complete. Contact Bostonian Jewelers to schedule your heirloom jewelry consultation with one of our expert jewelers. We handle every piece with the utmost care because we know just how special heirlooms can be. From a simple cleaning to a custom setting design, you’ll fall in love with the heirloom all over again when it’s finished. 

If you’re shopping for wedding bands, congratulations! It’s an exciting time but also one that’s full of questions. Choosing your wedding bands can feel daunting when you remember that it is something you’ll wear every day for the foreseeable future. Knowing the basics of wedding bands before you start shopping is recommended so you know you make a purchase that you’ll be happy with long-term. 

Metals and Finishes

The first choice you’ll have is what type of metal you want for your wedding band. White gold is the most popular, but don’t hesitate to choose something different! Yellow and rose gold are less popular but incredibly beautiful. Try to choose a metal that matches your engagement ring. If you don’t have an engagement ring, select a metal that matches your other jewelry and your personal style. 

Tungsten or platinum are great choices if you have a job requiring you to work with your hands. 

Once you’ve chosen the metal, you can select the finish. A satin or high-polished finish is the most common and creates a timeless look. Some other finishes you can choose from are hammered, stone, brushed, and matte. 

Stones

Adding stones to your wedding band is something that’s become more popular in recent years. It will increase the total price tag, but many couples feel it’s worth the investment. The price will change depending on the type of stone you choose, its size, and how it fits with the bang. For instance, if you have a stone from a family heirloom that you want reset into a band, it will be more expensive than setting a stone that was designed for the wedding band setting. 

Width

Traditionally, men choose wider wedding bands than women but don’t feel pressured to choose what’s “normal”. The best way to choose your wedding band width is to try different sizes and see how they look on your hand. When you find a width you love, note it so you don’t forget when it’s time to make a wedding band purchase. 

Personalization

Personalized wedding bands are one of the best ways to make your wedding band feel like it’s just for you and your partner. This could be a custom engraving of your wedding date, initials, or a short phrase that means a lot to you both. 

Contact Bostonian Jewelers

Take your time as you shop for wedding bands, and don’t make a purchase until you feel confident in your choice. Contact Bostonian Jewelers today to browse our wedding band collection and learn what type of wedding band would be the best fit for you.

White gold and platinum are two materials that frequently catch our interest when choosing fine jewelry. Both have a captivating charm and a dazzling white tint that harmonizes beautifully with various jewels. But despite their magnificent appearance, they differ fundamentally in their composition, usefulness, and price. Let's discover the mysteries of white gold and platinum in this post so that you can choose the ideal piece of jewelry with knowledge.

Composition Of White Gold

Pure gold mixed with other white metals like silver, nickel, palladium, or zinc creates the magnetic alloy known as "white gold." Its name comes from the gorgeous white appearance of alloying gold with these metals. White gold's gold content is expressed in karats, with 18K and 14K being the most popular. Compared to 18K white gold, which has 75% gold, 14K white gold has 58% gold, making it more durable due to the higher proportion of other metals.

Composition Of Platinum

On the other hand, platinum is a naturally white metal that is prized for its scarcity and purity. Due to its tremendous density and strength, it is highly coveted and is the perfect material for intricate jewelry creations. A usual designation on platinum jewelry is 950Pt or 900Pt, denoting a content of 95% or 90% platinum. Those with sensitive skin will find it a great option because of its innate toughness and hypoallergenic qualities.

Durability and Wear

Jewelry made of white gold is recognized for its durability and strength. However, because it is alloyed, it could occasionally need care to keep its brightness. The rhodium plating used to improve the whiteness of white gold can tarnish over time, necessitating re-plating to bring back its luster. Professional jewelers use this straightforward maintenance procedure to guarantee that your white gold jewelry keeps its magnificent beauty.

Since platinum is inherently white, rhodium plating is not necessary for platinum jewelry. The likelihood of scratches or damage is reduced by its inherent strength and density, which make it very resistant to wear and strain. Unlike white gold, platinum keeps its shine over time and develops a lovely patina that gives the item individuality and charm. However, platinum can be polished to restore its original sheen if desired.

Affordability and Value

One benefit of white gold over platinum is that it is less expensive. White gold typically has a lower price tag because it contains a higher proportion of less costly metals. Because of this, it's an excellent choice for people who want white metal jewelry's elegance and appeal without breaking the bank.

The rarity and purity of platinum contribute to its fantastic price. It is preferred for individuals looking for the highest quality and prestige due to its higher density and opulent appeal. Platinum may need a bigger initial investment, but because of its timeless beauty and durability, it will hold its worth over time.

Contact Bostonian Jewelers

Ultimately, your preferences, financial situation, and desired level of care will determine whether you choose platinum or white gold. While platinum exhibits an unequaled level of purity and endurance, white gold offers an attractive combination of affordability and durability. 

Whichever metal you choose, platinum and white gold are both guaranteed to dazzle with their classic elegance and bring out the best in the jewels they are set with. Therefore, whether you choose the cozy embrace of white gold or the majestic allure of platinum, your decision will make an impression. Contact Bostonian Jewelers to find the best selection of white gold and platinum jewelry.

As summer peaks, it's the perfect opportunity to embrace the great outdoors and bask in the glorious weather. 

Summer brings numerous benefits, from active social life to an uplifted mood, particularly during summer vacations. However, one aspect can suffer during this season: your jewelry.

When spending time outdoors during the summer, it is advisable to wear sunscreen and bug spray for protection. However, these products can leave residue on your jewelry, causing it to lose its shine. 

Removing your jewelry before applying sunscreen or bug spray is recommended to avoid frequent cleaning. This simple precaution can prevent the buildup of irritating substances on your jewelry and keep it looking vibrant.

However, there are some other ways as well that you can apply to protect your jewelry in the summer. This article will summarize all these methods to protect your summer jewelry. 

Tips to Protect Your Jewelry in Summers 

Summer is beautiful weather, but it can damage our jewelry when exposed to the outdoors. There are some tips to protect your jewelry from any damage during summer. These tips are: 

Avoid Wearing it in Pool, Lake, or Beach 

If your family or friends are planning water adventures, it's a perfect idea in summer. But leave your jewelry at home. 

The chlorine in the pool can discolor or damage your precious jewelry. It can also remove the polish of some gemstones, such as diamonds. Furthermore, salty water and sand on the beach can damage your precious jewelry. 

Prevent Sunscreen Buildup 

Wearing sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn or harmful rays is good. However, sunscreen or even bug spray can cause an irritating buildup on your jewelry. 

This buildup will make your necklace or precious bracelets dim and dull. Make sure to take your jewelry off while applying sunscreen or bug spray. 

Organize While Travelling. 

It is vital to organize your jewelry properly. Place your rings, bracelets, and other precious jewelry separately. Keep them in a bag or airtight box. This will prevent them from getting direct sunlight during summer and prevent them from getting tangled or scratched. 

Contact Bostonian Jewelers for Professional Cleaning 

Summer is a beautiful season, but it can tarnish your jewelry quickly. Therefore, protecting it from direct sunlight and other things that can damage its beauty is essential. 

However, if you already experience buildup or dullness, contact Bostonian Jewelers. Our expert jewelers can professionally clean any jewelry piece and bring them back to life! Give us a call or fill out our contact form today!

Your engagement ring is one of the most unique rings you can possess throughout your lifetime. The intrinsic value increases as the days pass by and the love grows. However, the engagement ring is not immune to changes in circumstances. But all hope is not lost. You can upgrade your engagement ring to fit the needs of the day. Upgrading comes in different forms depending on budget, preference, and occasion. 

Do you want to make changes to your engagement ring? Here are some upgrade ideas that can help improve the value of your engagement ring. 

Add a bigger diamond

If you use a single diamond ring with a prong holding it, a bigger diamond can be an upgrade. It is possible to upgrade this ring by removing the old one and adding an even bigger ring. That is a way of showing the growth in the love in the relationship. You can also change a gemstone to a better or bigger one. Changing is not exclusive to diamonds. 

Add more diamonds or stones

You can also add more diamonds or stones to your ring if appropriate. A three-stone engagement can upgrade to five stones. Adding a bigger stone or diamond might be challenging without removing the other diamonds. In this instance, it is best to add more to the sides. The best part of this type of upgrade is its continuity. Adding a stone to the ring during different relationship stages can become a tradition. 

Restore the Spark

Depending on the level of use, wear, and tear, your ring can start to lose its lustrous shine. Some ring types can also resist scratch better than others. However, you can upgrade your engagement by recoating the ring with shiny alloys. This step will return the ring's lustrous quality. It will be just as new. You can change the ring to a new parent metal while keeping the diamond or stone on the prongs. Changing the ring to a more expensive and better metal can also be a form of upgrading. 

Resize

While the ring size remains the same, love continues to grow among couples. And in some cases, the body grows too and changes in size. The ring starts to feel too loose or too tight. Both instances are uncomfortable. But you don't have to continue in such discomfort. You can resize the ring to a newer and more appropriate size. Resizing does not damage your ring if you employ the services of an expert jeweler. Keep the love alive, and keep the ring on the finger. 

Contact Bostonian Jewelers

Knowing that your ring can receive massive upgrades brings massive delight. It is best to look at the different options and explore the best for you. It is important to upgrade your ring when necessary. But choosing the right jeweler is also essential. You will relish the decision if you contact a trusted jeweler to help with the upgrade. If you want to upgrade your ring, consider contacting Bostonian Jewelers, an expert in such services.

The start of Forever has to be a memorable event. This sentiment is why engagements are special. And the engagement ring? The quality of the ring should highlight the special occasion. You can contact a reliable jeweler to buy or build your favorite ring. The best part is that there are different types of metal for engagement rings. It's not just about the diamond or stone at the top; the ring is equally important. Hence you should select a suitable metal. 

Platinum

A platinum ring is the ultimate choice for engagement, irrespective of gender. It is a metal that feels heavy yet luxurious and classy. The best feature is the metal resistance to scratches. So imagine having a ring that remains the same through years of use. It doesn't scratch, and it never loses its lustrous shine. You need little maintenance practices to keep using this ring. The fantastic quality reflects the price of getting a platinum ring. It is the most expensive on the list. 

Gold

Gold is the most popular option on the list. Its shiny, beautiful, and lustrous look contributes to the high demand for gold for various use. On its own, gold is very soft and can quickly press out of shape. This soft property is why this metal mixes with alloys to strengthen its structure. The best part is that the mixture gives you varieties of gold to pick for your engagement ring. 

Here are the types of gold rings available for engagement rings:

Yellow Gold

This gold uses alloy combinations that maintain the color and lustrous nature of gold. The level of mixture determines the purity level of the gold. For example, 18K gold is purer than 9K gold. 

Rose Gold

When you have a rose-golden-colored ring, you have a rare ring for special occasions like engagements. Mixtures of gold, copper, and silver give you a rose gold ring. Rose gold does not have a coating. The copper mixture reddens with time, adding to the vintage design of the ring. 

White Gold

White gold happens when you mix gold with white or silvery alloys. These alloys include palladium or silver. These additions make it look whiter. Note that this doesn't reduce its shiny qualities. The white gold also has an alloy coating to prevent scratches. 

Titanium

Titanium is becoming a popular option for men's engagement rings. It is stress and scratch resistant. It continues to maintain its lustrous design with little management. Titanium is strong but also lightweight. You won't feel it on your fingers. However, titanium can be considered too strong for rings. Once you cut a shape, it is not easy to reshape. If you are getting one, be careful and accurate with the size. 

Schedule a Consultation with Bostonian Jewelers! 

Spring is here, which means spring cleaning is around the way. Although your garage and basement need to be sorted, your jewelry could also benefit from a little cleaning. Have you noticed that your diamond ring doesn’t sparkle as brightly as when you first got it? Do you see unsightly scuffs and marks? It is important to clean your jewelry occasionally to keep it looking like new. Cleaning could also protect your jewelry from potential damage. 

Different types of jewelry require different cleaning practices. In this article, we will discuss the best tips for keeping your diamond, gold, and platinum jewelry in the best condition. 

How to Clean Diamond Jewelry

Diamonds are absolutely gorgeous in any jewelry piece due to their incredible sparkle. However, it is essential to keep up with maintenance to keep its shine and durability. Although diamonds are one of the strongest materials on earth, oils, sweat, and debris can damage their appearance over time. 

To make the best cleaning solution for your diamond, mix a quarter cup of ammonia or mild dish detergent with one cup of lukewarm water. Let your diamond pieces soak in the solution for 20-30 minutes, and then gently brush the jewelry with a dull toothbrush to clean away any hard debris. Lastly, rise off your pieces and dry them with a microfiber towel. Avoid air-drying, for it can leave hard water spots, which will lead you to repeat the cleaning process all over again. 

How to Polish Gold Jewelry

All types of gold have the same cleaning procedure. Any standard commercial gold polish can effectively clean your gold jewelry. If you do not have a specific gold polish or your jewelry has begun to tarnish, soak your gold pieces in a mixture of lukewarm water, dish soap, and a few drops of ammonia. After soaking, wipe your jewelry with a lint-free cloth. This process should even work for gold jewelry with large gemstones; however, if the tarnish is more aggressive, it is best to see a professional for thorough cleaning. 

How to Clean Platinum Jewelry

Platinum is one of the most common metals used in jewelry and one of the easiest to care for. Due to its durability, it does not tarnish from discoloration; however, it can accumulate scratches and scuffs over time. To polish your platinum jewelry, use lukewarm water, mild dish soap, and a chamois cloth. Rub gently to avoid scratching your piece. 

Contact Bostonian Jewelers

It is always best to get your jewelry professionally cleaned a couple of times a year. Bostonian Jewelers provides cleaning solutions for at-home cleaning, as well as cleaning services in-store. Contact us to schedule a cleaning or for more information! 

Whether you are simply buying yourself a ring to add to your jewelry options or buying a significant gift for a wedding anniversary, or even an engagement, one of the first things you need to consider is the metal that makes up your jewelry. This article will discuss the different metals and how to choose between them. 

What Metals Are The Most Expensive For Jewelry?

First, you want to consider your budget for jewelry. Suppose you are buying

jewelry for an anniversary or an engagement. In that case, you will probably want something that can last a lifetime and represents a momentous occasion. Jewelry made of pure metals like gold, silver, and platinum will be more expensive but less likely to tarnish over decades of use. By contrast, metal types like white and rose gold are created by mixing metals like rhodium and copper. These might lose their color over time and need to be re-plated. This is also true for plated jewelry in general. Plated jewelry usually uses a less expensive metal as a base and then adds a gold or silver coating on the metal that might rub off over time.

Should You Buy A Gold Wedding Ring?

Gold is among the most common and popular choices for special occasions. Yellow gold is the purest type of gold recommended for anniversaries and jewelry. It is also hypoallergenic. Quick tip, if you are ever buying jewelry for someone else as a gift, it is wise to ask them what metals they are allergic to. Some metals irritate the skin, so it is important to know that beforehand. You can also get their metal preferences if they have them. 

Should You Buy Platinum/Silver Jewelry?

Platinum and silver jewelry are very highly recommended for special occasions. Platinum, like gold, naturally has its unique color and doesn’t tarnish easily. It is perfect for a wedding band or engagement band. Many prefer silver or platinum for diamond jewelry because it doesn’t distract from diamonds. Silver colors accent the diamond’s color and clarity better than yellow gold might. 

Get Recommendations on Jewelry at Bostonian Jewelers 

If you live in the Boston area, Bostonian Jewelers is a trusted jewelry company that has helped hundreds of people get the perfect ring for the perfect occasion. Whether you are looking to buy something for an anniversary or to add to the collection, we are happy to help. Schedule a consultation with us today!

If you’re looking to make a jewelry purchase that’s unique, meaningful, and built to last, custom jewelry could be the perfect solution. Custom jewelry has many benefits that not only make it more special but also make it potentially more valuable. Discover all the benefits of your new custom jewelry and get inspired before your appointment!

It’s Unique

The most apparent benefit of custom jewelry is how unique it is. No one else in the world will have a piece identical to yours. This makes it feel more personal and special, knowing what you’ve purchased is one of a kind. Whenever you look at the jewelry or someone compliments it, you’ll be proud to know it’s unique.

Another benefit of unique jewelry is incorporating personal, meaningful elements. Select stones with meaning, choose a specific shape or add a custom engraving with a special message. 

Get Your Perfect Piece

When you shop premade jewelry pieces, you’ll likely find things that are almost what you want but not quite. Instead of compromising what you want, you can get your perfect piece. Custom jewelry begins with an in-depth conversation with your jeweler about what you want the final product to look like. 

During this process, you can be as specific as you want to get a final product that is your perfect jewelry piece. Remember to speak up if you don’t like any aspect of the jewelry during the design process to get a final product you love. When it comes to custom jewelry, no detail is too small. 

Let Your Creativity Free

The creative process that comes with creating custom jewelry is fun, inspiring, and exciting! Let your creativity run wild as you help design your custom jewelry. Creativity isn’t involved when you shop premade jewelry, so this benefit can’t be overstated. Even if you don’t consider yourself creative or artistic, you’ll be amazed at what sparks once you start designing!

Invest in a Piece of Art

Custom jewelry is typically more valuable than premade pieces. Fine jewelry should be considered an investment because its value can change over time. Choosing custom jewelry makes your investment much more important and special. Your custom jewelry will remain valuable and could even pay off big someday.

Contact Bostonian Jewelers

If you want to create custom jewelry, contact Bostonian Jewelers today to schedule a consultation! Whether you already have an idea of what you want or are coming in with an open mind, our jewelers will help you every step to create the custom jewelry of your dreams.

Buying fine jewelry is much more than just getting a new accessory. It’s a long-term investment that can gain value over time. To properly protect that investment, you’ll need to get a jewelry appraisal. Many people have never had a jewelry appraisal before and aren’t sure why it’s so important or what to expect from the process. That’s why we’re here! 

Find the answers to all your jewelry appraisal questions, learn how much it will cost, and go into your jewelry appraisal appointment feeling confident.

What is a Jewelry Appraisal?

A jewelry appraisal is a way to view the written value of your fine jewelry. This includes a detailed description of the piece that explains its current value. Jewelry appraisals can help you properly insure your fine jewelry investment, resell it, and more.

Jewelry appraisals are done by highly trained, experienced jewelers. They must have the knowledge to assess a piece's metal, stones, and overall quality to provide you with an accurate appraisal. 

How Much Does It Cost?

Jewelry appraisals are rarely free. Some jewelers offer a free appraisal when you buy your jewelry, but after the time of purchase, it will cost you. Most jewelers charge a flat rate per piece of jewelry that’s being appraised. Prices can start around $100 and go up from there.

What to Expect

Before your jewelry appraisal, you must schedule an appointment or contact the jeweler to find out when to drop off your jewelry. Some jewelers offer same-day appraisals during your appointment, while others will have you leave the jewelry. The turn-around time can be as short as a couple of days or as long as a couple of weeks, depending on how many pieces of jewelry you have.

When the appraisal is complete, the jeweler will provide you with the written appraisal and a detailed breakdown of how they reached that appraisal value. This is your time to ask any questions and retrieve your newly appraised jewelry.

How Often Should Jewelry Be Appraised?

You should get a jewelry appraisal every three to five years to know your jewelry's most accurate current value. Jewelry prices constantly fluctuate, so an appraisal from ten years ago won’t accurately represent today’s value.

Contact Bostonian Jewelers

If you want to appraise your jewelry, contact Bostonian Jewelers today to schedule an appointment. Our experienced jewelers will handle your fine jewelry with the utmost care and provide a detailed, accurate appraisal of your investment.