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Eduardo wanted to propose to Patty on their vacation in Columbia with a unique emerald cut diamond. We sourced a beautiful 1.01 carat emerald diamond, G color and VS2 clarity. We set the diamond horizontally instead of vertically, in a platinum, custom cast halo style ring. The halo is accented with 22 round brilliant cut diamonds, G in color and VS in clarity, for a total carat weight of 0.11 carats.

Meeta wanted us to create a cocktail ring for her that would represent her Indian Heritage. She wanted it to be unique and something she could adorn with her Indian clothing. Meeta sent us a picture for her inspiration. We made this gorgeous emerald cocktail ring for her. The ring is made in 18K yellow gold, custom design, custom cast manufacture and measures approximately 23.2mm x 49.2mm consisting of a center, circular setting, with three, concentric, open oval frames with surrounding pierced scrollwork motif exterior frames. The ring is set with 328 emeralds for a total carat weight of 1.32 carats.

 – Appraisal Value $10,650.00

Meeta wanted a statement ring for her 40th wedding Anniversary. And we believed she deserved the best. For Meeta, we sourced a stunning round 2.6 carat F color, VVS2 clarity diamond. We set this diamond in a 18k white gold, custom cast manufacture, halo style ring. The halo frame is accented with 18, round brilliant diamonds and each side is accented by 7, round brilliant diamonds for a total of 32 diamonds, E-F color and VVS clarity for a total weight of 0.59 carats. We also made Meeta a wedding band that she would either wear flush with the ring or wear alone. The band is a 18K white gold, custom cast manufacture band with two half rows of diamonds. This unique design features 18 round brilliant cut diamonds, E-F color and VVS clarity for a total carat weight of 0.45 carats. The half rows represent 2 people coming together as husband and wife – as partners in life.

– Appraisal Value $71,500.00

Nick proposed to Marin in front of the Taj Mahal in India with a aquamarine promise ring. We took this inspiration and sourced a crisp, sky blue 9mm round aquamarine for Marin. We set the stone in our classic platinum 4 prong setting. We designed a custom ring guard with a contoured top to accommodate Marin’s aquamarine engagement ring. The ring guard is a platinum, custom cast manufacture, curved ring guard. Each side and top is accented by 42, round brilliant cut diamonds. The diamonds are F color and VS1 quality for a total carat weight of 0.42 carats.

– Appraisal Value $6,000.00

After making Charu’s gorgeous Ruby ring, Jeff wanted us to make him a wedding band that mirrored Charu’s ring. I met with Jeff, and we brainstormed at his office where we essentially sketched his design on a white board. For Jeff, we made a men’s custom design, custom cast manufacture, eternity band in 14K white gold. The center features an integrated half bezel set with 1-3mm natural corundum, deep red color ruby. The center stone is accented on each side by 2 round brilliant cut diamonds. The band is accented by an infinity row of 45 natural corundum deep red color rubies. We also inscribed the inside of the band to say “Shall I fall behind, wait for me”– the title of a Bruce Springsteen song – one that is very special for Jeff and Charu.

–Appraisal Value $5,000.00

Charu loves the color red and loves rubies even more. We sourced a pristine deep red, 1.63 carat, oval shaped ruby and set it in a 14K white gold, custom cast manufacture. The ruby is surrounded by 12, round brilliant cut diamonds. The diamonds are 0.05 carats each, F color and VS1 clarity with a total weight of 0.60 carats.

 – Appraisal Value $10,700.00

For Mat and Audrey’s 10th wedding anniversary, Matt wanted to surprise her with a significant and unique piece of jewelry. We sourced the most vibrant purplish-blue 2.22 carat Tanzanite for him. We set this Tanzanite in a platinum, custom cast manufacture double halo setting. The tanzanite is accented by 75 round brilliant cut diamonds, F color and VS1 clarity with a total carat weight of 0.86 carats.

 – Appraisal Value $10,350.00

For Arpana’s 20th wedding anniversary, she wanted an upgrade from her original ring which was a round 1.2 carat G VS1 solitaire. We sourced the most gorgeous round 2.4 carat F color, VVS1 clarity diamond for Arpana. This was exactly double the carat weight she started with. This diamond was set in a platinum 6 prong custom cast manufacture eternity style ring. The eternity shank is accented by 39, round brilliant diamonds. The diamonds are F color and VS1 clarity with a total weight of 0.39 carats. We made a matching eternity band to sit flush with the ring.

 – Appraisal Value $73,750.00

Mabé cultured pearls grow in saltwater mussels and some oysters, forming on the inside of the shell, rather than in the mussel’s tissue. Also called blister pearls, their size is determined by the size of the implant.

CULTURING MABÉ
Either a half-round plastic bead or piece of mantle tissue is glued on the inside lip of the host shell. As the mussel secretes pearl nacre it forms a domed blister. At the end of the growth period, the pearl is removed from the shell, the nucleus removed, the
blister filled with epoxy and then backed with mother of pearl before setting.

MAKE THE GRADE
As with other cultured pearls, assessment criteria include luster, surface, and strength of color. The most desirable color is white with pink undertones, but an increasing interest in dark, smoky, and blue colors has emerged.

DELICACY AND CARE
Handle Mabé cultured pearls with care. Their thin nacreous layer can crack or damaged by misuse.

WOULD YOU LIKE THAT LOOSE OR FINISHED?
Mabé comes both ways. Choose rings, earrings, or pendants from our Mabé jewelry or select loose Mabé cultured pearls and a mounting in one of our many metal qualities.

Although originally produced in Japan, 90% of the world’s freshwater pearls now come from China. Unlike other pearls on the market, freshwater pearls typically do not come from an oyster at all. Most are farmed in varieties of freshwater mussels,
particularly Hyriopsis cuminigii. Freshwater pearls are generally irregular in shape but new farming and pearl-enhancement technology produce more round pearls in a new array of colors in sizes up to 9.5mm. Freshwater pearl harvests are typically bought while in the shell. Because they are plentiful, they are the most
affordable pearls and are widely used in jewelry.

CORNMEAL AND WAX?
In their natural state, freshwater pearls are not marketable for jewelry and require enhancements. After cleaning and sorting, they are pretreated in a warm and cold chemical solution. Unless they have a strong color, they are bleached. At this point some are dyed to provide the dazzling rainbow colors that inspire fashion jewelry. Finally all receive that finishing touch: they are polished with a mixture of cornmeal and wax. Now they’re ready to make their way in the world.

THE SMALL, PROLIFIC TRIANGLE SHELL
Though only 5cm to 6cm long, each triangular-shaped Hyriopsis cuminigii receives 12 to 16 grafts of mantle tissue rather than a round nucleus. The tissue is placed directly into a mussel’s mantle to initiate nacre production and the shell produces an
amazing up to 40 pearls. These pearls range in size from 4.0mm to 10.0mm, but larger ones are less likely.