What Do The 4 C's of A Diamond Really Mean?

        We often Hear The Basic Guide To Diamond Buying Depends On The Four C's ....

Color

Cut

Clarity

Carat-weight

But How Do Each of These Basic Characteristics Work Together To Create the Best Possible Diamond You May want to Purchase for an Engagement Ring, Wedding Band, or Any Diamond or Gemstone Creation?

      First, The Larger the diamond or its carat-weight the rarer it is. However Size isnt everything. The Better the color the more valueable it is. The greater the clarity, the more beautiful it is although shape is a matter of personal taste, it is the quality of the cut that gives the diamond its brilliance.

     A Larger diamond with poor clarity or color may not be as valuable as a smaller diamond with greater, clarity & color. Although separate qualities, each of the 4 C's work together to indicate the beauty and therefore the value of a diamond.

10 Secrets of Great Retail Jewelry Service

More So Than Ever When Making a Jewelry Purchase, its not only the quality of what you're buying, but also the quality of service you receive from who you're buying from. It's a buyers market so you should be treated with a great deal of recognition and re-assureance from the following points happen the next time you  go shopping for an engagement ring, a wedding band, diamond, or gemstone jewelry etc.

The Do's and Donts of Store Greetings

    This Holiday Season, it's more important than ever that as a customer, you are provided with a great service from the moment you walk through the door. The sales person should make you feel an immediate sense of recognition with eye contact, a genuine smile and appropriate words of greeting within 5-10 seconds of your visit.

   The words chosen for this initial greeting set the tone for your visit and may or may not create an atmosphere for you to want to make a purchase. "How can I help you?" or "What are you looking for?" are not words you should be hearing.
   
     Instead the sales person should be more focused on you as an individual shopper by greeting you warmly and indicating a genuine desire to provide assistance during your visit by asking; "What brings you in today?" "Where would you like to begin" or "What may I help you find" In this way you can avoid having to say "Just Looking" and instead feel more comfortable in working with the sales person to potentially fulfill your shopping need this holiday season.

7 General Guidelines For Marketing Millenials

1. 13-30 Years Old Born in The 1980's-2000's

2. Preference for Experiential marketing, social respocibility with a desire to share information with peers as a way to stay connected with each other.

3. Key values include: Tolerance, social awareness, resposibility, and equality. 

4. Primary personality trait is a strong sense on individuality, never trading key values for image.

5. General Lifestyle qualities: Quiet, Friend Oriented with an overall desire for convenience.

6. Trust Areas
             *Value word of mouth
             *Peer review

7. Distrust
             *Mainstream media

5 Basic Steps on How To Be A Successful Manager

Create mutually agreeable achievable, time bound goals

Clearly define tasks and goals

Offer recognition & re-assurance, but don't over praise

Detail tasks to do

Create daily must, should & could be done goals

The overall management goal is to create self directed versus structure oriented employees

6 THINGS THE SALES PERSON SHOULD BE DOING WHEN BUYING JEWELRY

6 THINGS THE SALES PERSON SHOULD BE DOING WHEN BUYING JEWELRY

1.  In general, the sales person should listen more and talk less.

2.  Feelings and emotions should be gauged by the sales person.

3.  Care and sincerity should be shown.

4. Relationship specific questions should be asked; i.e "What brings you in today?", to determine who the purchase may be for.

5. Sale specific questions should be asked to setermine what exactly you may want to purchase.

6. Pay attention to body language by the sales person. Is there eye contact, smile as they are listening, leaning in to show interest, note taking, etc.?  

THE 4 WAYS A CONCERN WITH A JEWELRY PURCHASE SHOULD BE HANDLED

THE 4 WAYS A CONCERN WITH A JEWELRY PURCHASE SHOULD BE HANDLED

When a concern comes up with the purchase of  jewelry or a retail purchase of any kind, the salesperson should observe  what is known as the L.A.S.T. rule.  This anagram stands for;

1. Listen-without interruption or second guessing. Listen for what is the real problem and not just a problematic symptom.

2. Acknowledge-You should receive genuine understanding recognition and reassurance about your concern. Acknowledgement of your  concern by the salesperson or manager should make you feel receptive to the solution offered.

3. Say-The salesperson should say what can be done to solve theconcern you may have about the purchase. If not, you should be asked what you would like to be done to satisfy your concern,

4. Thanks-You should be thanked for shopping and invited to return.   

 

2 EASY WAYS TO TELL IF YOU HAVE STERLING SILVER

2 EASY WAYS TO TELL IF YOU HAVE STERLING SILVER

Because the price of gold and silver has been going up over the past several years, many of us are taking a second look at jewelry and other items for the purpose of selling them.

Silver especially is a questionable commodity if you don't know what to look for in terms of marks or symbols imprinted on it to verify it being authentic sterling silver. 

Some items may be silver but do not carry a mark. Others may only have  thin layer of silver or plated with another metal below it. In these cases, silver without markings should be tested professionally.

The most popular marking for the US is the number 925 or 950 indicating that the silver is 92.5% or 95% pure.

The other most popular marking is one used for English silver.

In this case a lion facing left is the symbol indicating silver.

Engagement Ring History

 

 

Engagement Ring History

An engagement ring is a ring indicating that the person wearing it is engaged to be married, especially in Western cultures. In the United Kingdom, Ireland and North America, engagement rings are traditionally worn only by women, and rings can feature diamonds or other gemstones. In other cultures men and women wear matching rings. In some cultures, engagement rings are also used as wedding rings.

Conventionally, the woman's ring is presented as a betrothal gift by a man to his prospective spouse while he proposes marriage or directly after she accepts his marriage proposal. It represents a formal agreement to future marriage.

In North America, Ireland and the United Kingdom, it is customarily worn on the left hand ring finger, though customs vary across the world.

Before agreeing to marry, a couple may choose to buy and wear pre-engagement rings, also called promise rings. After marrying, the couple may wear both engagement rings and wedding rings, or if they prefer, only the wedding rings. Some brides have their engagement and wedding rings permanently soldered together after marriage.

(Excerpted from Wikipedia)

4 WAYS ENGAGEMENT RING & JEWELRY SHOPPING SHOULD HAPPEN WITH TRUST !

 

 

 

 

4 WAYS ENGAGEMENT RING & JEWELRY SHOPPING SHOULD HAPPEN WITH TRUST

When shopping for fine jewelry and engagement rings, the salesperson should be creating a relaxed and trusted environment for you to make your selection. Check to see if the following occurs during your visit.

1. You should be greeted with a smile and pleasant eye contact throughout your visit.

2. It should be clear the salesperson is there to serve you;       "You're the boss. Whatever makes you happy."

3. You should have the reassurance that your feelings are important;  "I understand what you're saying.                   You're absolutely right."

4. If you have done some research about what you want to purchase, mention it.  The salesperson should appreciate your product knowledge; "I love a customer who has done his or her homework. This makes my job so much easier.

All of the above are ways in which you the customer should be made to feel relaxed, comfortable and filled with trust when purchasing Jewelry. 

 

 

JEWELRY SHOPPING HABITS OF MEN !

 

 

 

 

JEWELRY SHOPPING HABITS OF MEN !

Men and women have different shopping styles for jewelry.  The following should be kept in mind when men shop for jewelry.

1. Men spend 20 minutes or less.

2. Men do not like to be shown too much, too fast.

3. The salesperson should be asking vital questions to help the male shopper make a selection. Who, What, When, Where should be determined about a potential jewelry gift. 

4. Other important questions/statements for the male shopper include; "What's her name?", "Does she know you're doing this?", "Are you looking for someone special?", "Is it for a special occasion?" "When do you need it?", "Has she told you what she wants?", "Women love surprises.".

As a general rule, men buy when there is peace of mind and freedom from risk.  Women on the other hand buy for fashion style and sentiment.    

 

 

6 Ways Problems With Jewelry Purchases Should Be Addressed

 

 

 

 

6 Ways Problems With Jewelry Purchases Should Be Addressed

These days it's not only what you buy, but how and who you buy from.  This is especially true when it comes to a jewelry purchase.  So here are 6 area's of recognition your salesperson should be providing you with, especially if you are a discerning customer who had a problem with a purchase.

1. Assurance-You should be assured that any problem that arises from your purchase will be addressed, taken care of and solved.

2. You should be asked questions: "Please tell me what your problem is, please tell me all about your, please explain to me."

3. You should be empathized with: "I understand your frustration, I would feel the same way".

4. Venting should be encouraged by the salesperson asking more questions: "Please tell me more about your concerns, problems."

5. Reassurance- You should be reassured that your needs, wants will be solved.

6. Action Plan Proposal-A solution should be suggested with choices. As a customer, you should be made to feel in control.

If  you do not like the choices being presented as options to solve the need/problem, you should be asked how you would like to see things resolved. 

 

November Birthstone-Citrine

 

 

November Birthstone 

Citrine

November's birth stone is citrine or also known as Topaz, The name citrine is derived from the French word "citron," meaning lemon. Most citrine available was at one time amethyst. In forming citrine, the gemstone is heated, changing its color to a brilliant gold. .
        
Symbolic of love and affection, early discoveries of precious topaz were placed in the jewelry of Russian Czarinas in the 18th and 19th centuries, thus earning the name “Imperial topaz” as well.
        
To ancient Egyptians, the color of yellow topaz symbolized Ra, the Egyptian sun god. The Greeks believed it conferred strength. It has been worn as an amulet to ward off enchantment, break spells, dispel sadness, and strengthen intellect. It was also said to make the wearer invisible, and assure beauty, intelligence, fidelity, and long life. It was powdered and stirred into wine to cure asthma, insomnia, hemorrhage, and burns. It was also said to darken in the presence of poi-son. These magic powers were thought to vary according to the phases of the moon.

 Here at NY Diamond Boutique we have a wide selection of  Citrine Stones , in various styles of jewelry such as bracelets, rings, bangles, and pendants.

8 TIPS A JEWELRY SALESPERSON CAN USE TO HELP YOU CHOOSE SOMETHING SPECIAL

8 TIPS A JEWELRY SALESPERSON CAN USE TO HELP YOU CHOOSE SOMETHING SPECIAL 

Of course it can be uncomfortable if a jewelry salesperson is not helpful, ignoring you or seems a little overly helpful approaching "pushy". Here are some tip to keep in mind to know if the sales staff is really trying to help you in making your selection. 

The salesperson should be using phrases such as:

1. "Did you see this one?"

2. "Just look at this."

3. "Wait 'til you see this one."

4. "I've gotta show you my favorite."

5. "Guess what's in my vault."

6. "Hold on. I want to show you what goes with this."

7. "Check this out."

8. "That's part of a set and here's the rest of it."  

Diamond Shapes and Clarity Information

The Diamond

Our Diamonds at New York Diamond Boutique are conflict free diamonds. With every purchase of a diamond piece, you will receive a free appraisal, with jewelry's real retail price. 

What Are The Birthstones For Each Month ?

 

Monthly Birthstone Chart

Birthstones are a fun way to celebrate your birth month. Each month has its very own gemstone. Wearing your birthstone is considered very lucky and is thought to provide the wearer with good fortune.
Giving personalized birthstone jewelry is a special way to celebrate someone's birthday. There are many items these days with birthstones such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.

What Is The History of Diamonds and Gemstones ?

 

 

 What Is The History of Diamonds and Gemstones ?

 Diamonds

Diamonds.

Diamonds were first mined in India.^[9] Pliny may have mentioned them, although there is some debate as to the exact nature of the stone he referred to as Adamas;^[10] In 2005, Australia, Botswana, Russia and Canada ranked among the primary sources of gemstone diamond production.^[11][12]
The British crown jewels contain the Cullinan Diamond, part of the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found (1905), at 3,106.75 carats (621.35 g).
Now popular in engagement rings, this usage dates back to the marriage of Maximilian I to Mary of Burgundy in 1477.^[13]

Other gemstones

Many precious and semiprecious stones are used for jewellery. Among them are:

Amber

Amber, an ancient organic gemstone, is composed of tree resin that has hardened over time. The stone must be at least one million years old to be classified as amber, and some amber can be up to 120 million years old.

Amethyst

Amethyst has historically been the most prized gemstone in the quartz family. It is treasured for its purple hue, which can range in tone from light to dark.

Spanish emerald and gold pendant at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Emerald

Emeralds are one of the three main precious gemstones (along with rubies and sapphires) and are known for their fine green to bluish green colour. They have been treasured throughout history, and some historians report that the Egyptians mined emerald as early as 3500 BC.

Jade

Jade is most commonly associated with the colour green but can come in a number of other colours as well. Jade is closely linked to Asian culture, history, and tradition, and is sometimes referred to as the stone of heaven.

Jasper

Jasper is a gemstone of the chalcedony family that comes in a variety of colours. Often, jasper will feature unique and interesting patterns within the coloured stone. Picture jasper is a type of jasper known for the colours (often beiges and browns) and swirls in the stone’s pattern.

Quartz

Quartz refers to a family of crystalline gemstones of various colours and sizes. Among the well-known types of quartz are rose quartz (which has a delicate pink colour), and smoky quartz (which comes in a variety of shades of translucent brown). A number of other gemstones, such as Amethyst and Citrine, are also part of the quartz family. Rutilated quartz is a popular type of quartz containing needle-like inclusions.

Ruby

Rubies are known for their intense red colour and are among the most highly valued precious gemstones. Rubies have been treasured for millennia. In Sanskrit, the word for ruby is ratnaraj, meaning king of precious stones.

Sapphire

The most popular form of sapphire is blue sapphire, which is known for its medium to deep blue colour and strong saturation. Fancy sapphires of various colours are also available. In the United States, blue sapphire tends to be the most popular and most affordable of the three major precious gemstones (emerald, ruby, and sapphire).

Turquoise

Turquoise is found in only a few places on earth, and the world’s largest turquoise producing region is the southwest United States. Turquoise is prized for its attractive colour, most often an intense medium blue or a greenish blue, and its ancient heritage. Turquoise is used in a great variety of jewellery styles. It is perhaps most closely associated with southwest and Native American jewellery, but it is also used in many sleek, modern styles. Some turquoise contains a matrix of dark brown markings, which provides an interesting contrast to the gemstone’s bright blue colour.

Some gemstones (like pearls, coral, and amber) are classified as organic, meaning that they are produced by living organisms. Others are inorganic, meaning that they are generally composed of and arise from minerals.
Some gems, for example, amethyst, have become less valued as methods of extracting and importing them have progressed. Some man-made gems can serve in place of natural gems, such as cubic zirconia, which can be used in place of diamond.<sup>[14]

Excerpted From Wikipedia</sup>

How The Opal Got Its' Name

Naming of The Opal

The word opal is adapted from the Roman term opalus, but the origin of this word is a matter of debate. However, most modern references suggest it is adapted from the Sanskrit word úpala.
References to the gem are made by Pliny the Elder. It is suggested it was adapted it from Ops, the wife of Saturn and goddess of fertility. The portion of Saturnalia devoted to Ops was "Opalia", similar to opalus.

Another common claim that the term is adapted from the Greek word, opallios. This word has two meanings, one is related to "seeing" and forms the basis of the English words like "opaque", the other is "other" as in "alias" and "alter". It is claimed that opalus combined these uses, meaning "to see a change in color". However, historians have noted that the first appearances of opallios do not occur until after the Romans had taken over the Greek states in 180 BC, and they had previously used the term paederos.

However, the argument for the Sanskrit origin is strong. The term first appears in Roman references around 250 BC, at a time when the opal was valued above all other gems. The opals were supplied by traders from the Bosporus, who claimed the gems were being supplied from India. Before this the stone was referred to by a variety of names, but these fell from use after 250 BC.
(Excepted Source-Wikipedia)

NY DIAMOND BOUTIQUE SUPPORTS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

 NY DIAMOND BOUTIQUE

SUPPORTS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER WALK WITH DONATIONS FROM FINE JEWELRY SALES AND GOLD BUYING SERVICES

NY Diamond Boutique, (71-46 Austin Street, Forest Hills, NY, 718-544-0222), one of  New York’s largest independently owned and operated jewelry stores, will support this year’s American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, (Sunday, October 20, 2013), with donations from fine jewelry sales and their gold buying service US Gold and Diamond Buyers.

Well known for the beautiful, fine gold, diamond, platinum, precious gemstone and high-end watches sold at NY Diamond Boutique, a percentage of sales starting now through the month of October will be donated to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.  In addition, NY Diamond Boutique has created several beautifully designed, fine silver bracelets and necklaces featuring the classic ribbon symbol of the charity of which a full 50% of their sales will be donated.  

October is “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” and the goal of NY Diamond Boutique’s event is to create a unique ways to raise funds for Breast Cancer research by creating this customized fundraising event planned to coincide with the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.