Treat your Valentine right this year! We are offering a great selection of promotions and goodies to share with your special someone – whether that is a partner or yourself! Please click on the link below to learn more!
Calling all Trollbeads Divas (aka Trollies)! The New Spring 2012 beads are available for sale! Trollbeads has also retired nearly 60 current beads to make room for other new beads this year. Now is a great time to update your wish list!
As you may have read in our previous post, 2012 is starting with a bang here at Atlanta Diamond Design! January and February are full of great events and promotions, some of which we’d like to share in greater detail.
During the month of January, we are offering two-for-one appraisals! You can get any two pieces of jewelry appraised for only $30!
This and next month, when you make a purchase at our Johns Creek location, we will donate a portion of our profits to support Steve Tyber as he runs in the Team in Training Publix Georgia Marathon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Tyber, good friend to staff members Alison and Amichai, is running to help put an end to both of these serious diseases. To learn more about his fundraising efforts, or if you are interested in pledging money without making a purchase, you can visit his website here.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we are offering a Trollbeads Special Event (Formerly Trunk Show) February 10-14! This is a great opportunity to stock up on new beads, get some of the recently retired beads and get great specials on it all!
*When you buy 3 beads, you get 1 FREE glass bead ($31 value)
*Receive a FREE sterling silver bracelet with the purchase of a decorative clasp
*Receive a FREE Trollbeads Trinket box with a minimum purchase of $150
During February, we are offering a very special promotion! When you make a qualifying purchase at either store, you will receive artisan chocolates and a bottle of champagne!
If you would like more information on our current promotions, click here to see our email!
Interested in re-doing or re-designing your ring, earrings or pendant? We will be having a Restyling Event in March, during which time you can get the jewelry you’ve always wanted! During these events, we offer same-day service and offer you the opportunity to pay with any broken or unused metals that you may have!
2011 was a year of significant changes and growth for Atlanta Diamond Design. On a personal level, some of us dealt with losses, moving and joyous family occasions; on a professional level, we doubled our staff and felt the bittersweet realities of opening a second store. Throughout it all, we have remained excited about sharing our capabilities with a broad audience and are examining how we can continually better our business for you, our customer. We thank every person who has done business with us; the relationships we have with our customers and the support you provide is invaluable.
That said, we have big plans for 2012. We are updating our sales system, offering new classes and special events and showcasing new jewelry. If you live in the areas surrounding Johns Creek or Cumming, hopefully you will notice our ads in your local paper, on the web or on a billboard as you drive. As we grow, we will continue to hone our special skills: jewelry and watch repair services and custom designed jewelry. We are working hard to provide you with the knowledge, selection and good relationship that expect when caring for or purchasing jewelry.
We wish you a very happy 2012!
January and February Events for 2012*
January: Trollbeads releases its much-anticipated Chinese Zodiac Beads in honor of Chinese new year!
January 20: Atlanta Diamond Design is presenting at the Lambert High School DECA Prom Fashion Show.
January 24: Izzy’s Diamond Class – New! Starting January, Atlanta Diamond Design owner Izzy Israeli will be hosting a diamond class! Whether you are thinking of proposing or want to know more about the glittering world of diamonds, this is the class for you! Each student will get a free jewelry loupe. Class will last approximately 1 hour; one class will be offered per month. Class size is limited, so give us a call if you’d like to join! 770.751.9555 (Held at the Avenue Forsyth location)
February: Jewelry, Chocolate and Champagne! When you make qualifying jewelry purchases, you get a gift of chocolates and champagne! What better way to say “I Love You” this Valentine’s Day?
February 10-14: Trollbeads Special Event (formerly Trunk Show)! The time has come again – get specials on beads, see new releases and update your wish list!
Don’t forget: Now through the end of January, Atlanta Diamond Design at the Avenue Forsyth is supporting Children’s Healthcare of Forsyth in their efforts to raise money for a children’s transport ambulance. When you donate $5 at our store, you get a gemstone grab bag. Every grab bag contains a gemstone; two lucky people will get a 1/2 carat diamond!
We have a new Facebook page just for our Trollbeads! Click Here!
(*Subject to change)
This December, we have some great ways to stock up on beautiful jewelry and accessories for the holidays.
Trollbeads
*Purchase a silver bracelet and a clasp and receive a FREE glass bead! (Glass bead $31 value)
*Gift with purchase: Spend $100, receive a Trollbeads jewelry roll for FREE!
*Gift with purchase: Spend $350, receive a Trollbeads jewelry box for FREE!
Love the Trollbeads Jewelry Box? You can purchase one for only $90! It is a great way to safely keep all of your beautiful Trollbeads jewelry!
John Medeiros
*Gift with purchase: Spend $100, receive a pair of John Medeiros Hoop Earrings for FREE!
*Gift with purchase: Spend $200, receive a John Medeiros Jewelry Box for FREE!
Sara Blaine, Scratch and our other beautiful jewelry:
*Gift with purchase: Spend $250 and receive a plush Jewelry Roll!
Please note, all offers while supplies last. We look forward to seeing you soon!
You loved it, so we are bringing it back… our very own antiques jewelry show! We are hosting this special event on Saturday (December 3rd), from 10-5. We are inviting you to bring in 2 antique pieces of jewelry to be verbally appraised, for FREE, by expert appraiser Steven Turner. Time slots are limited to 10 minutes and 2 pieces per person. We do ask that you reserve a time slot as this event will fill up quickly. Just a friendly reminder, we also buy gold and will be happy to give you money then or credit your gold towards an in-store purchase! Call now to reserve your time slot: 770.751-9555.
Ladies, get ready to shine! Atlanta Diamond Design at the Avenue Forsyth is hosting a ladies’ night out this Thursday, December 1, 2011! Come enjoy a night of diamonds and drinks while leaving your handbag – and hubby – at home! Bring your girlfriends any time between 5 -8pm and come try on any and all jewelry in our store, including our custom pieces and designer lines. (Playing dress up was never this fun!) No purchases will be allowed, but you won’t leave empty handed; you will be entered to win door prizes and will receive a gift bag of goodies to enjoy at home! If you find a piece of jewelry that you just can’t live without, don’t worry… we’ll put it on a special wish list just for you! We hope you’ll join us for this fun-filled evening with friends! RSVP is encouraged; you can reach us by phone at 770.751.9555. We can’t wait to see you!
Uncategorized
Atlanta Diamond Design at The Avenue Forsyth
in Cumming, Georgia is Now Open!!!
We are to announce that our new, second location at the Avenue Forsyth in Cumming, Georgia is now open for business! The new showroom – and jewelry within – is gorgeous! We invite you to come visit us and let us show you why we continue to be your neighborhood jeweler!
In honor of our grand opening, we are hosting several special events:
Friday, November 11 – Sunday, November 13:
Featuring Trollbeads – the original bead company. This event is the perfect time to start a new bracelet! Purchase a silver bracelet and a clasp and receive Italian glass bead ($31 value.) Buy 3 beads and receive a free glass bead ($31 value). Special discount on Silver and Gold beads. Bead making demos Saturday afternoon!
Friday, November 18-Sunday, November 20:
Featuring Skagen watches and Sara Blaine jewelry. Free Travel Jewelry Roll-Up with a purchase of $250 or more.
Black Friday – Sunday, November 27:
Featuring John Medeiros Jewelry – Receive a free pair of hoop earrings with a purchase of $100 or more.
From Now until Christmas: Share the Gift of Giving!
Donate $5 to the Children’s Transport Ambulance for Children’s Healthcare of Forsyth and receive a Gemstone grab bag! Every grab bag contains a semi-precious gemstone and two lucky people will win a 1/2 carat diamond! Set your new gemstone into a ring, pendant or set of earrings while you wait! Or, exchange the gemstone for a $20 gift certificate good towards a future purchase*.
(*Please note: some exclusions apply. See gift certificate for details.)
The new location will be open 7 days a week and will have extended holiday hours beginning Black Friday. We can’t wait to see you there!
(Building and event pictures coming soon!)
Atlanta Diamond Design is now a donation site for the Marine Toys For Tots Program! We will be collecting new, unwrapped toys from now until mid-December for children in Georgia. Not only will you be helping a child celebrate the holiday season, you will receive a $25 gift certificate for your donation! (Certificate good towards purchase, not valid for service or repair.) This is a great way to give back to the Georgia community. If you would like to know about the philanthropic efforts of Toys For Tots, please visit their website
Atlanta Diamond Design is pleased to announce that we raised $1300 in support of local walkers for Atlanta’s Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure. During the months of June, July and August, Atlanta Diamond Design withheld a portion of our profits in order to support those in the fight against breast cancer. Terri Israeli, owner of Atlanta Diamond, lost her own mother to breast cancer, so the cause is particularly close to her heart. If you are looking to show your support for breast cancer research, we have a number of specially designated pink items for sale in our store. We thank all of our fantastic customers who, with their purchases, allowed us to make this wonderful donation. Thank you!
Atlanta Diamond Design received a very special honor this week. We were able to host a brief visit from Michael J. Belleveau, new US Trollbeads CEO. Belleveau, who was in Atlanta promoting Trollbeads at Oprah Winfrey’s “O You!” event, was able to spend an hour in our store to meet the staff and share his vision for Trollbeads in the United States. As one of Atlanta’s most successful Trollbeads retailers, we were thrilled to exchange ideas for expanding the company and reaching new clients with this fantastic line of jewelry.
For more information about Trollbeads and new US CEO Michael Belleveau, please click on the following link: Trollbeads Announces New US CEO
Exciting news at Atlanta Diamond Design! We will be holding a Restyling Event here at the store on October 14 and 15. This is a FANTASTIC opportunity to have a new piece of jewelry at a great price. We all know times are tough, but you deserve a treat and this is the ideal opportunity to get a great value.
A Restyling Event lets you put existing diamonds or colored stones in a new setting. For this event, we will have over 300 different rings available in-store. We will also have a large selection of loose stones available for purchase. All stone setting, ring sizing and other labor will be FREE for those two days (when you make a purchase of one of our settings), whether you purchase our stones or supply your own! Our professional jewelers will personally reset stones on the spot! You get to take your new jewelry home the same day!
So what does this mean for you? It means an opportunity to make your wedding band more fashionable, make a fun new cocktail ring from existing stones, refashion an heirloom piece into something new for kids or grandchildren or convert that former wedding ring into a “right hand ring” that can be enjoyed without the commitment. It means a great value and a great experience, whether you’re a new customer or one of our treasured long term patrons.
This is truly a great opportunity but it is a limited time event, so be sure to take advantage! We always welcome walk-ins, however, we would love to make an appointment to ensure adequate time to assist you. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call us at 770.751.9555.
If you have been waiting to begin your holiday gift-buying or want to accessorize your fall wardrobe, the time has come! We are hosting a Trollbeads Special Event on September 22-24 and would be thrilled to see you! As always, we will have fantastic offers, including:
*Get a FREE bracelet with the purchase of a specialty clasp
*Purchase 3 beads, get 1 FREE ($31 value)
*$25 off a Fantasy Pendant Necklace
*Receive $100 off a gold bead worth $500 or more
These great deals are only available during this event, so you do not want to miss out!
We have the new Fall collection, the new People’s Bead, the US World Tour Collection and all of your classic favorites. There is truly something for everyone.
Can’t make it to our event? Come by anytime between now and September 15, 2011 to receive a FREE Trollbeads tote bag with any $100 Trollbeads purchase! Not only are they cute, these bags are great for school, work or weekend fun.
Drum roll, please… The Trollbeads Fall 2011 Collection is now available!
We know that you have been patiently waiting and they are finally here! This new collection features over 20 glass and silver beads, all in colors perfect for celebrating Autumn’s cool weather and fun activities.
Sparkling Goldstone captures the radiance of the changing colors… ‘Fireflies’ flicker year-round on a beautiful bracelet… ‘Flower Clouds’ reminds us of a thick quilt that offers warm protection against cool evenings.
As every fan can attest, Trollbeads is known for its highly artistic designs and detailed craftsmanship. Several permanent, skilled designers contribute to the ever-changing collection; three years ago, Trollbeads began an annual design competition open to their followers to design a bead that would speak for the populace. The winner of this year’s People’s Bead Competition is Hong Kong resident Denise Tong. Her “Rolling Waves” design, inspired by the destructively powerful tsunami that hit Japan in 2011, was chosen from over 4,000 submissions based on sleek design and symbolic message that nature is both life-affirming and wildly unpredictable: “The ocean has given us many wonderful things… yet it can also bring about mighty power to do harm…” Says Denise, “We are indeed very small; and we have to be humble and respect nature”. The “Rolling Waves” bead is now available for sale at Atlanta Diamond Design and is perfect for anyone who appreciates nature’s awesome power.
Ladies and gentlemen, you may start your cheering! Trollbeads’ Fall Release is scheduled for this Friday! We cannot show pictures at this time but trust us… You will definitely want to add these beads to your collection!
Mark your calendars! We are hosting a John Medeiros Trunk Show on August 26 and 27. John Medeiros jewelry is intricately crafted using a combination of materials which results in affordable, beautiful jewelry. We invite you to get lost in the splendor of
sparkling earrings, dazzling necklaces and glittering bracelets. Not only will you enjoy original designs and affordable fashion; when you spend $100, you will receive a FREE jewelry box in which to store your treasures. We look forward to seeing you!
It is already August again – can you believe it? While we are not quite willing to let go of the warm weather, we are energized for an Autumn full of special events and big changes for Atlanta Diamond Design. As we mentioned earlier, we are opening a new store at the Avenue at Forsyth in Cumming, Georgia! In preparation for the new store’s opening, we have been working extra hard scouting new products, enhancing our design capabilities and introducing interesting new opportunities for our customers. One event that we began recently was our very own “Antiques Show” Event.
We brought in an expert appraiser, Steve Turner, to provide our customers with free, 10 minute verbal appraisals for up to 2 pieces of jewelry. We also showcased our own antique and estate jewelry, which made for a day of fun and learning all around. Due to its success, this opportunity will be available again this Fall, so be sure to check back for more information!
Hear Ye, Hear Ye! We are thrilled to announce that we are opening a new store!!! In addition to our current Johns Creek location, we will have a store at the Avenue Forsyth, in Cumming, Georgia. This new location should be open for business in October 2011, just a few months from now! The new store will have the jewelry you know and love as well as a selection of new and different pieces not seen before. Be sure to check back often for more information regarding our official opening date and special events!
(Note: The original Johns Creek store will continue to offer the same great products and service you already enjoy!)
As a part of our commitment to custom designed jewelry here at Atlanta Diamond Design, we are introducing a new program to further aid our patrons in their jewelry needs. This program will allow our customers to participate in the design process by seeing and changing a virtual model in real time! You can “play” with an extensive library of over 2,300 models and customize the perfect piece. This tool is offered in addition to our current capabilities and will be a great aid for those who want a “hands on” experience in designing their jewelry. Whether a ring for your beloved or a pendant to celebrate a joyous occasion, we will work with you to produce jewelry that will be worn with pride. (Pictures coming soon!)
Summer is in full swing and we are so excited to present a variety of special events at Atlanta Diamond Design. July 22-23, we are hosting a trunk show for Sara Blaine jewelry in conjunction with our very own tax-free weekend. This means that you will get to choose from an even larger-than-normal selection of Sara Blaine jewelry and not have to pay tax on it or anything else in store! We pay your taxes! (Isn’t that a nice thing to hear?)
Sara Blaine is an Alpharetta, Georgia-based designer. Her unique jewelry is made using bronze, silver, gold and semi-precious stones and is handcrafted by skilled artisans. Be sure to stop by our show – you won’t be disappointed!
If you have been eagerly anticipating the release of the United States World Tour Beads from Trollbeads, you wait is over! We have them available for purchase in store now! These WILL go quickly, so hurry in today!
Star Spangled Bead
Stars shine bring through fireworks of red, white and blue, the inspiration for Francis Scott Key’s “The Star Spangled Banner,” a poem written in 1814 that now stands as America’s national anthem.
The White House
More than just the residence of the American Presidents and their families, throught the world, the regal white pillars and unique architectur of The White House are recognized as a symbol of the United States. After surviving fires in 1814 and 1929, The White House symbolizes strength and preserverance.
Old West
Race through the desert, gaze upon purple mountains under spacious skies, let the wild spirit of the land of opportunity fill your soul. As the American Old West passed into history, legends of this region took firm hold in the imaginations of Americans and people the world over.
Pursuit of Happiness
From apple pie and baseball games, to building a foundation and following a dream… in the United States, “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” are considered unalienable rights. The smiley face has been a pop culture symbol of the pursuit of happiness since the 1950s. The graphic was further popularized in the 1970s in Philadelphia by brothers Bernard and Murray Spain. Have a happy day!
(Note: All information below photo is taken directly from the Trollbeads USA World Tour Release brochure.)
We love Trollbeads. They are beautiful, original and lots of fun. We know other people love their Trollbeads too. Now, even if you own a bracelet that isn’t Trollbeads, you can still enjoy their handcrafted glass beads. Trollbeads has released a series of beads called the Universal Unique beads, which are designed with larger holes to fit all competing bracelets.
These beads truly are unique; they are not currently found in our storybooks and are creations of the artist’s whim. The colors, patterns and textures vary, so we encourage you to come in and see for yourself the beauty of these fantastic new beads.
Exciting news at Atlanta Diamond Design! We will be holding a Restyling Event here at the store on June 24th and June 25th. This is a FANTASTIC opportunity to have a new piece of jewelry at significantly discounted prices!
A Restyling Event lets you put existing diamonds or colored stones in a new setting. For this event, we will have over 300 different rings available in-store. We will also have a large selection of loose stones available for purchase. All stone setting will be FREE for those two days, whether you purchase our stones or supply your own! Our professional jewelers will personally reset stones on the spot! You get to take your new jewelry home the same day!
So what does this mean for you? It means an opportunity to make your wedding band more fashionable, make a fun new cocktail ring from existing stones, refashion an heirloom piece into something new for kids or grandchildren or convert that former wedding ring into a “right hand ring” that can be enjoyed without the commitment.
This is truly a great opportunity but it is a limited time event, so be sure to take advantage! We always welcome walk-ins, however, we would love to make an appointment to ensure adequate time to assist you. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call us at 770.751.9555.
Special Note: In loving memory of Felicia Stammer (mother of our store owner, Terri), a portion of all sales from this event and sales from the months of June, July and August will be set aside in support of our customers taking part in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure Walk in October. We thank you for your support!
Summer has commenced in Atlanta and we have had several customers getting jewelry repaired in anticipation of trips, family gatherings and festive outings. We are excited to hear about our customers’ travels and events; with that thought in mind, we want to share some tips on how to care for your jewelry this summer (and beyond).
- Before you do anything, make sure your jewelry is fully insured! This can be done by getting your jewelry appraised. If you have not gotten an appraisal in the last 2 years, get one! The prices for gold, silver and platinum are very high right now; if your jewelry is under-insured, you will not receive proper compensation for missing items. (We charge $30 per piece for appraisals.)
- Get your jewelry cleaned and checked. We ask people to leave their jewelry with us for 2-3 hours to be cleaned. Allowing your jewelry to soak in an ultrasonic cleaner for that time lets all the dirt, skin, lotions and such to loosen and be more easily removed. When jewelry is clean, it is easier for us to spot any missing stones or worn prongs. Fixing worn or missing prongs and tightening stones is important for the overall “health” of your jewelry. We urge our customers to do this at least two times a year.
- Make sure your jewelry is safe. If you are leaving your fine jewelry at home while traveling, make sure to store it in a secure place. If your jewelry is accompanying you on your journeys, make sure that your hotel, condo or villa has a safe.
- Keep your jewelry and watches out of the water. If you are going to be spending time by the pool or ocean, take your jewelry off and keep it in a safe place. Even if your watch is water resistant, that doesn’t mean you should take it diving or swimming in the pool; water resistance generally means that your watch will function normally after very brief interactions with moisture (such as washing your hands or watering the lawn).
- Make sure your jewelry fits properly.
We would like to offer a big “Congratulations!” to the students in our area who are graduating high school, technical school, college and graduate school. This is a time to honor hard work, celebrate success and to determine the next goal. Great job, all!
While a diploma is often reward enough, gifts from family and friends are always appreciated. Jewelry is a great way to commemorate an achievement and we have many beautiful items for your special someone. Are you at a loss for ideas? Consider a charm bracelet with an engraved diploma charm, a beautiful Skagen watch, or a gold necklace. Want to have something custom made? Refashion a family heirloom or create a ring that can become a new favorite piece. However you would like to honor your graduate, we can help you do it.
We hope that everyone had a lovely Mother’s Day! Our Trollbeads Trunk Show was great fun and we appreciate our fantastic customers who came out to support us and took advantage of the fantastic deals.
For those of you who were not able to make our trunk show or who are interested in something different, we have some specials available for the rest of May. All of our Nicole Barr Jewelry is 50% off the ticketed price. This beautiful silver and enamel jewelry is great for spring and would make a fantastic gift for a special grad, mom, or grandmother. Also, when you buy $100 worth of merchandise, you get a free gift! (This offer is not good on repair services.)
With these great offers in mind, now is a good time to start thinking about a Father’s Day present. We recommend a stylish, sleek Skagen watch, now available at our store. These watches are made with steel or titanium and are lightweight and very slim. We have several styles available, so one is sure to match the man in mind. Each watch comes with a limited lifetime warranty and if that isn’t sweet enough, we offer complimentary gift wrapping! See you soon!
The big event has finally arrived! Our Trollbeads Trunk Show is going on now! Our special offers for this show include:
- Buy 3 beads, get one free
- Get $50 off a two-tone bead
- Buy a silver clasp, get a free silver bracelet
- Get a free gift with $100 purchase
We would love to see you!
As you (hopefully) know, Atlanta Diamond Design is a truly unique store. Not only do we carry some beautiful designer lines of finished jewelry but we also specialize in custom designed jewelry. We have shown in previous posts how we can work with individual customers to create a few pieces of one-of-a-kind jewelry. You might not know that, sometimes, individuals need several pieces of one-of-a-kind jewelry. Recently we created 100 pins for a professional awards ceremony. In the past, we created 100 bracelets for the sales department of a major corporation. We have a lot of experience in meeting the varied needs of our customers.
Whether you are interested in creating a ring for yourself or looking for a great way to honor a group in your company, please consider us for your needs. We are capable of handling a job big or small. We would be happy to create an enduring piece of jewelry for you or your colleagues to enjoy.
Atlanta Diamond Design is hosting a Trollbeads Trunk Show, May 5 through May 7, 2011!
A trunk show is an opportunity to take advantage of specials on beads, win prizes, get gifts and enjoy treats with the family of Atlanta Diamond Design. Even better, this trunk show is just in time for Mother’s Day (May 8 ) – Trollbeads make fantastic gifts!
In the past, we have given away Trollbeads Jewelry Cases and jewelry cleaner for our customers who spent over $200 and offered a free bead ($31 value or less) for every four beads purchased. We have also given away “play trays” and gift certificates to contest winners. We will be offering similar incentives for this show and will continue our promotion of “buy a specialty clasp, get a silver bracelet free”.
We encourage you to check out this exciting event. We have had great fun in the past and are sincerely looking forward to another enjoyable event!
For more information, check out the Trollbeads website.
Spring brings new energy and a desire for new things. In order to bring new and exciting jewelry to our customers, we are having a sale (50% off!) on our entire stock of Nicole Barr jewelry and select diamond pendants!
Nicole Barr jewelry is beautifully crafted silver and enamel jewelry. Made with vitreous enamel (as opposed to resin) and created using a technique called plique-a-jour, these pieces are designed to withstand the test of time.
This beautiful line has been discounted by 50%! This is a fantastic deal and the jewelry is perfect for a Mother’s Day gift. This opportunity is limited; once these pieces go, they will no longer be available. Be sure to get yours today!
Spring has arrived! Frequent April showers are preparing the way for May flowers (we hope) and the cars in Atlanta all share the same yellow dust from the copious amounts of pollen in the air. Allergies aside, we are excited for warmer weather, longer evenings and holidays with family and friends. We are also very excited to announce that we will once again carry a watch line for both women and men. This week we debuted Skagen Watches, a line that takes inspiration from the town of Skagen, Denmark. Incorporating elements of Danish design and environment, Skagen watches are sleek, attractive and affordable. Skagen offers cool ceramic, strong stainless steel and tough titanium watches with genuine Swarovski crystals and real diamonds.
These watches are both stylish and affordable. These watches are great for yourself or make thoughtful gift! We offer complimentary gift wrapping on all of our jewelry.
Come see us today!
Want to know more about Skagen Watches and Jewelry? Visit their website at www.skagen.com.
We’ve told you about Trollbeads; now we’re going to tell you about our newest and most inexpensive line from Elly Preston. This beautiful collection represents our “fun” side; it is comprised of great pieces for everyday wear and casual occasions. Formerly known as Behind the Purple Door, Elly Preston’s line is now self-titled. So, who (and what) is Elly Preston?
“Behind the Purple Door of her Hamden, Connecticut home in 2005, Elly Preston began her jewelry business. Combining skilled craftsmanship with the artistic, Elly began to create modern, sophisticated, simple, and yet fun jewelry offered at a sensible price. Throughout her collections, Elly’s appreciate and passion for color and texture is evident in her choice of gemstones, pearls and crystals. Each item is selected and arranged carefully by hand, often incorporated with shells, silk threads, ribbons and leather to show off the jewelry in its natural beauty. Unlike many jewelry designers today who merely assemble bought components, Elly’s designs are like pieces of art. Each piece is unique…” (This excerpt is taken from the Elly Preston Jewelry 2011 Design Collection Catalogue.)
We have a lovely assortment of Elly Preston jewelry; stop in today to see which piece is perfect for you (or for a friend)!
If you’ve kept up with our blog (and we sincerely hope you have), you know that we at Atlanta Diamond Design specialize in custom designed jewelry. What you may not know is that we also carry several fantastic lines of jewelry that are ready-to-wear and are very affordable. These lines include Trollbeads, John Medeiros, Elly Preston, and Nicole Barr.
The Trollbeads Company was founded in Denmark over 30 years ago. What started as a small artistic outlet has since become an international phenomenon, with stores across the globe. Many imitators have tried to copy the unique concept developed by Trollbeads, but Trollbeads is THE original company to offer lovely glass, silver and gold beads.
There are over 500 beads, all of which fit beautifully on a bracelet, necklace, or fantasy pendant. Trollbeads jewelry is easy to use and simple to customize. Feel like you’re not the “creative type”? Let Trollbeads suggest an arrangement from the Inspiration Gallery. There truly is something for everyone!
We love Trollbeads for its originality. Trollbeads are created and designed by a diverse community of artisans who lend their talent and insight to create unique pieces. Furthermore, Trollbeads jewelry is affordable and extremely durable, which means that everyone can have jewelry that they enjoy and wear frequently. In fact, a majority of the staff at Atlanta Diamond Design has at least one Trollbeads bracelet, including the store’s owner! As a small, independent jewelry store, we never sell products to our customers if it doesn’t excite us first; we are so pleased to offer a line that fits well with our commitment to unique jewelry and commitment to superior craftsmanship.
We are so sure that you will love Trollbeads jewelry that we have agreed to indefinitely extend a special offer! When you buy one Trollbeads Decorative Class, you receive one silver bracelet free!
Learn more about Trollbeads at: www.trollbeads.com
In our excitement to introduce the crew earlier in this blog, we forgot some very important people! Um…well, not people, exactly… some very important animals! These pretty pooches obviously aren’t jewelers or gemologists, but they help to entertain our customers and remind folks that we are a friendly, family business with a reputation for excellence.
Nell, an overly affectionate Cocker Spaniel, loves to be the center of attention. She won’t let you forget that she enjoys constant petting. She is always on the prowl for treats and has more than once finished someone’s lunch when they were otherwise distracted. If you have a snack – do not leave it unattended! (Not pictured.)
Lilly is a fun-loving, ball-chasing, energetic Boston terrier. She enjoys making new friends and customers often stop by to tell her hello. When she isn’t enthusiastically greeting people, Lilly can be found napping in her bed with a beloved plush toy.
Sweetie is the newest addition to the canine family. She is a rescue dog and is as lovable as her name suggests. Kept as puppy mill breeder for approximately 8 years, Sweetie enjoys her new-found freedom and abundance of treats. She likes to stare contentedly out the window and bask in sunny spots.
As a store that specializes in custom creations and does a large number of jewelry repairs daily, we see a lot of broken or poorly “fixed” jewelry come through our door. One customer (we’ll call her Jane) came in with a tanzanite ring that looked especially pitiful. The tanzanite had been glued into the ring, not set in prongs (like it should have been) and the overall design of the ring did nothing to maximize the beauty of the stone. Jane had made purchases on finished products in our store before, but had never had a piece designed for her. She was extremely hesitant to allow us to refashion her ring, despite the fact that it is our specialty.
After considering her options, Jane realized that she did not enjoy the ring as it was and that it was silly to have jewelry she did not like to wear. She finally agreed to let us redesign her ring to better suit her desires. We dismantled the original ring, safely removing the glue from the stone. Then, we redesigned a 2-tone (yellow and white gold) piece that showcases the unique cut and color of the stone. When Jane saw her new ring, she was astounded. All of her initial concerns faded and she enthusiastically agreed that a new ring was an excellent choice.
Jane is definitely not the first customer to have jewelry that no longer excites her like it once did. We routinely update old jewelry or create new pieces using a customer’s preexisting stones. If you have ever thought that your pendant or ring needs a “face lift,” or if you have questions about the process, please contact us. Jane learned that “custom design” doesn’t mean a long, arduous process or a scary price tag. It is a unique, personalized experience that will allow you to have the jewelry you’ve always imagined.
You can see more examples of our custom work on our website! www.atlantadiamond.com
The popular purple stone known as amethyst is purple quartz. A true amethyst is always purple, although the purple hue can vary from very pale lavender to a deep, rich purple. (Pale purple stones can be irradiated to create a yellow or green colored stone, but once altered, they are no longer considered amethysts, and thus those marketed as “green amethysts” are done so incorrectly. For example, a citrine stone is a heat-treated amethyst.) An amethyst can be cut into a variety of shapes, although it is often shaped into a brilliant round cut in order to fully showcase the purple hue.
Like other gemstones, amethysts are divided into different grades according to the desirable traits present in the stone. The most commonly used distinctions are:
- Siberian: high grade, excellent color
- A high quality, or Siberian, amethyst will be medium to deep purple, with flashes of red throughout
- Uruguayan: medium grade, good color
- Bahian: low grade, poor color
These classifications do not necessarily reflect an amethyst’s origin. (For example, an amethyst found in South Korea could be given a grade of Uruguayan.)
Amethysts have been utilized in jewelry for thousands of years. The purple quartz has also been fashioned into amulets and goblets. Amethysts are referenced in the Torah and historically have been associated with royalty due to their distinctive purple color. Until the recent discovery of large quartz deposits, amethyst was quite expensive and treated as a gemstone comparable in worth to a diamond, ruby, or sapphire. Today, however, it is an abundant material, which has greatly reduced both its cost and prestige among gemstones.
Amethyst is produced globally, in places such as the United States, Canada, South Korea and Brazil. Thunder Bay, Ontario is home to the largest amethyst mine in North America, while Zambia (in South Africa) has the distinction of being one of the largest amethyst producers in the world. (Zambia’s yearly production is approximately 1000 metric tons.) Although it comes from a variety of sources, amethyst is not the same around the world. Amethysts are often unique to their country of origin; sometimes, they can be unique to even a specific mine or area within a country. Highly trained experts can determine where a stone came from based on a number of factors that act as the stone’s individual “DNA”.
The Greeks had several stories for the creation of the purple quartz. In one tale, Dionysus, angered from some slight, sent out tigers to destroy his foe. Instead of finding Dionysus’s offender, the tigers came upon a beautiful young woman; in order to spare her, the goddess Diana intervened and turned the maiden into a white stone. When Dionysus realized what had happened, he cried tears of wine on the stone, causing it to be dyed purple. In a different version of the story, Dionysus, while in a fit of anger, declared death on the first mortal he saw. A lovely woman named Amethyst was the unfortunate being to cross his path first. The goddess Artemis, seeing his evil intentions, turned Amethyst into pure white quartz. Feeling contrite after he realized the harm his actions had caused, Dionysus performed a wine offering over the stone, thus giving the quartz its distinctive purple hue.
Amethyst is purported to have a myriad of powers, including protection against alcoholic intoxication and healing properties. (The Greek word, ‘Amethystos’, means ‘not drunk,’ after all.) It is also believed to encourage amiability and gentility. Purple quartz is often used in alternative healing rituals as well.
*Many thanks to the following sources, from which this post was constructed: www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amethyst, www.galleries.com/minerals/gemstone/amethyst/amethyst.htm, www.bernardine.com/gemstones/amethyst.htm, and www.3dchem.com/molecules.asp?ID=184
Don’t touch that dial… erm, mouse… exciting new posts will be arriving shortly!
During the month of February we will be lowering our already fantastically low price on jewelry appraisals! We explained to you earlier in our blog how important it is to have your jewelry appraised; now, there is no excuse not to come see us. For this month only, appraisals will be $30 $25 per piece. This is a great deal, so don’t delay!
We were recently asked by a young woman on Facebook if cleaning her diamond wedding ring would hurt it. Her husband was concerned that the ring would be damaged; he was not confident in the cleaning solutions he had seen. The couple lives in Pittsburgh, so they can’t come into our store to have the ring cared for, but we wanted to address this concern in case others shared similar concerns.
Answer: Keeping jewelry clean not only helps it look better, it can potentially help you better notice any problems that could arise, such as a worn prong or missing stone. At Atlanta Diamond Design, we encourage people to bring their jewelry in at least two times a year to be thoroughly checked and cleaned. Jewelry stores use an ultrasonic cleaner and steam; this is the most effective way to get all the gunk out of the hard-to-reach spots of a ring. A diamond ring will not be harmed by either the ultrasonic or steam. Cleaning is a free service at our store; we also sell personal sonic cleaners and small containers of cleaning solution, which are appropriate to be used at home. When leaving jewelry to be cleaned, we ask that customers allow us several hours. The longer you can leave it, the cleaner it will be.
Taking your jewelry off while washing dishes, gardening, crafting, or applying creams or lotions is recommended. These activites allow your jewelry to interact with materials that will make it dull and dirty, faster. (Just make sure to put it in a safe spot so that you don’t lose it!)
Note: Some materials, such as opal and coral, can’t handle being cleaned in an ultrasonic. If you have jewelry about which you are concerned, we will be happy to tell you whether or not it can be done.
Interested in making some quick cash? Host a gold party!
The price of gold is currently very high, but it won’t stay that way forever. Get rid of your broken, mismatched or unused gold and silver jewelry for cash! We do the work – you get the reward! When you host a gold party, you get 10% of the profits from your party. You can keep this money for your own use or designate it for a charity or important cause. Izzy will help you host an event that is both fun and profitable!
Izzy has been in business for 30 years, both in Atlanta and abroad. Atlanta Diamond Design’s gold prices are the best around and its reputation is well established. You can learn more at: http://atlantadiamond.com/.
If you are interested in hosting a gold party or you just have questions, please call the store at 770-751-9555. We will work with you to establish a date, time and location for your party and then take care of the rest! Everyone could use some extra money, so don’t delay – call today!
If you are not interested in hosting a party, you can always bring your gold or silver to the store. We will be happy to provide a free quote for the value of your items. If you decide to sell, we will pay you on the spot! If you are interested in selling or have any questions, please let us know.
We love sharing information about what we do here at Atlanta Diamond Design. We thought it would be nice to share a little about the people behind the scenes. ADD currently employs 5 individuals: Izzy, Terri, Tasha, Chuck and Ali.
Izzy is founder and president of Atlanta Diamond Design. He is a professional jeweler and has been in business for over 30 years. Izzy oversees the management of the store and is actively involved in all aspects of his business on a daily basis. It is usual to see him helping customers design a piece of jewelry, helping newly engaged couples learn about diamonds, or writing appraisals. Izzy is not only a business man, but is also a family man who is very active in his community. He and his wife, Terri, raised four children together and he gave of his time and resources to the Boy Scouts of America for a number of years. Aside from jewelry, Izzy’s other passions include professional and recreational photography.
Terri manages the finances for Atlanta Diamond Design and is responsible for spotting such great new products as Trollbeads and John Medeiros. Terri also maintains the inventory and provides lovely decoration to the store each holiday. Like her husband, Terri is also very active in the community and has devoted much time and effort to the Girl Scouts of America. She is particularly passionate about nature; she has studied to become a Master Birder and can be found teaching at the Chattahoochee Nature Center when not at the store or working in her garden. (Not pictured.)
Tasha is Atlanta Diamond’s resident CAD/CAM expert. (CAD/CAM stands for Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacturing.) When a piece of jewelry is being designed, it goes to Tasha first. She is able to take a written description or roughly drawn picture and translate it to an exact digital rendering of what that item will look like when complete. She provides an invaluable service and enables us to provide a greater degree of service for our customers. Tasha’s creative abilities extend far beyond her duties at work; she creates lovely glass beads and jewelry at home. (Not pictured.)
Chuck is the store’s full time jeweler. He is a highly skilled craftsman and an exceedingly good stone setter. Chuck handles the bulk of the jobs that come in to Atlanta Diamond Design, including sizing rings, engraving, and repair work. Chuck has been working the jewelry business since he was a kid. He began his career by helping out in his father’s store; he went on to have his own business at one point and to eventually join the team at ADD. Chuck is not only good with his hands; he’s good with his brain! He recently received a degree in Engineering, with honors.
Ali is the most recent addition to the Atlanta Diamond family. She graduated in 2009 from Agnes Scott College and has been involved with the store for approximately a year. Her primary responsibility is providing great customer service to her customers on the sales floor. She also takes care of many miscellaneous tasks such as pearl restringing and helping to promote the store through media such as Twitter and this blog. She enjoys trying new foods and visiting new places. (Not Pictured.)
If you are like a lot of our customers, you have beautiful jewelry that is precious to you but you haven’t found the time to get your jewelry appraised for insurance purposes. We understand that you are busy and that it may not seem like a priority, but it should be. Having fine jewelry is like having a luxury car; it needs regular check ups and it needs to be insured should an accident occur. An appraisal will help your insurance company be aware of the value of your things so that they are properly insured. It is frustrating and upsetting to lose a piece of jewelry or be subject to a crime; you don’t want the added burden of fighting to obtain your rightful compensation.
If you have never had your jewelry appraised or if you haven’t had an appraisal in the last few years, please come see us. The process is quick and requires no appointment. You will meet with the store owner, who will assess your jewelry while you wait. We will complete the process by typing an official copy and mailing it to you. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it will provide peace of mind.
What: Appraisal
When: As Soon as Possible
Why: To make sure that your jewelry is correctly insured
Cost: $30 per piece
Do you know the color of a garnet? If you said, “Red, of course,” you’re right. If you mentioned orange, yellow, green or purple, you’re also right! Garnets are truly remarkable gems! The colors of the garnet family are determined by varying chemical compositions. The technical terms for these different colored garnets are: Rhodolite, Hessonite, Tsavorite, Almandine, Demantoid, Pyrope, Spessartite and Uvavorite. Below are brief descriptions of each. (Don’t worry, there will not be a test on this later!)
- Rhodolite: Can be pink or a red-lavender
- Hessonite: Bright to dull yellow
- Tsavorite: Yellowish green to intensely green
- Almandine: Pure, deep red to orange or purplish red
- Demantoid: Yellowish green to medium green
- Pyrope: Pure, deep red to purplish red
- Spessartite: Orange to reddish-orange
- Uvavorite: Bright green
Not only is the garnet popular due to its fantastically varied colors, it is purported to have an abundance of powers. Some cultures have attributed healing properties to the garnet, specifically in aiding with heart, skin and blood ailments. Other people believe that garnets are helpful in regulating the body’s chakras. Because garnet jewelry was found in burial sites as far back in time as the Bronze Age, the garnet may have been regarded as useful in the afterlife as well.
The term ‘garnet’ is believed to have originated from a Latin term meaning pomegranate, a fruit with red seeds that are similar to some garnet crystals. Others believe the term comes a Middle English word ‘gernet,’ which means ‘dark red’. While either explanation is appropriate for the beautiful gem, it only highlights a small characteristic of an otherwise diverse mineral.
Garnets are used worldwide and hail from a variety of different areas including Russia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and the United States. They are useful beyond inclusion in beautiful jewelry. They are used, in whole or part, as abrasives, additives in water jet cutting, and in water filtration systems.
The garnet has been recognized as the gemstone for January in the United States since 1912, at which time it was adopted by the National Association of Jewelers. It is an appropriate gift for both the second and sixth wedding anniversaries and is also the stone of the Zodiac sign Aquarius. Although the bright red garnet remains a popular choice in jewelry today, it is appropriate to give, or receive, any color of garnet.
When selecting your next gift for someone special, why not consider custom designed jewelry? We can help honor your loved one born in January with a beautiful red, green or yellow garnet piece!
(Atlanta Diamond Design would like to wish a very ‘Happy Birthday’ to our friends and family celebrating their birthdays this month!)
**Information in this post is derived from the following sources: http://www.bernardine.com/birthstone/garnet.htm, http://www.bernardine.com/gemstones/garnet.htm, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garnet
…And we provide the best.
We at Atlanta Diamond Design produce a lot of unique and interesting pieces, so we were particularly excited when we were approached by new recording artist Wyld Money from New Age Rock Stars (N.A.R.S.) to create a pendant worthy of a rising star. If you’ve ever wondered how a hip-hop artist (or anyone else) gets their jewelry custom-made, here’s the sneak peek!
Diamond pendants are fabulous, but the process to make them isn’t all glitz and glam. A lot of preparation and hard work is involved to make the outstanding jewelry our customers expect. The first step in making a piece of jewelry is to create a 3-D computer rendering, or picture. This is important because our customer sees exactly what they will be getting; it also enables us to make any necessary adjustments without wasting resources.
Based on our customer’s approval of the rendering, we create a wax prototype of the intended jewelry using a mill machine. The wax piece becomes the base for a mold, which is created from a plaster-like substance called investment. While in liquid form, investment is poured around the wax and allowed to dry fully, creating a mold. Finally, the mold is put into a kiln so that the wax burns away.
Once the wax has been burned out of the mold, the metal to be used is heated and poured in, which is known as lost wax casting. Generally speaking, one qualified individual can measure, melt and pour metal for a ring or small pendant with relative ease. Wyld Money’s pendant proved to be a challenge during casting. With approximately 300 grams of 10k white gold comprising the pendant, it earns the recognition of being the largest piece of jewelry that we have created. As it is such a large piece, it required two jewelers, several torches and a lot of patience to get the gold hot enough to liquefy and pour properly. It took four attempts, but we finally got it!
The last steps were setting a dazzling variety of black and white diamonds and polishing the giant pendant in preparation for its adventures onstage with Wyld Money.
We would like to offer a special thanks to Wyld Money and Graham of New Age Rock Stars for their patronage and for allowing us the opportunity to share our work!
Hello All!
We at Atlanta Diamond Design are so excited to begin our new blog! We hope to use this wonderful resource as a means to connect with you, the customer, in a way that is both unique and insightful. We welcome any questions that you may have concerning jewelry manufacturing and care. In the future we will be sharing information about the store, what we do and we will feature our beautiful jewelry! We look forward to strengthening our ties with our community and sharing our passion for beautiful, original jewelry. Cheers!
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