On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

12 Bohemian Garnets

Popular during the Victorian Era, Bohemian Garnets are dark rich garnets often rose-cut set in clusters that almost resemble Pomegranates, which not coincidentally is where the name Garnet comes from. These 12 pieces of jewelry (all featuring bohemian garnets) range in price from just $250.00 up to $1,895.00 and are the perfect evening wear.

11 Pearl Bracelets

These stretchy freshwater pearl bracelets come in a variety of colors. They are fun to mix and match and stack and range in price from $20.00 to $32.00 each.

10 Painted Agates

Echo of the Dreamer is one of the newest designers we are working with. Each one of the items shown has at least one beautiful painted agate. Echo of the Dreamer is finely fabricated in Sterling Silver with beautiful assorted embellishments. Items pictured range in price from $245.00 to $796.00.

9 Bollicine Baubles

One of Roberto Coin’s newest collections, the Bollicine collection evokes the playful effervescence of champagne bubbles, this anthology of jewels is one to love. Set in 18k yellow or white gold, with or without accentuating diamonds, this collection is one of the most sensual styles there are. The 9 items pictured range in price from $1240.00 to $2700.00.

8 Moonlit Icicles

The moonlight ice collection from David Yurman features sterling silver and ruthenium with white and black diamonds and/or beautiful colored gemstones. Items pictured range from $900.00 to $2850.00.

7 Colored Diamonds

1.70Ct Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond set in 18K yellow gold $25,995.

2.38Ct Fancy Yellow Diamond set in Platinum by renowned jeweler Joshua J with 1.71cttw accent diamonds. $44,300.

1.51 Ct Fancy Deep Brown/ Yellow / Orange Diamond set in Platinum by Joshua J with 1.87cttw accent diamonds. $72,725.

1.14Ct Fancy Light Brown Diamond set in 18K white gold by Joshua J with 1.14cttw accent diamonds. $9950.00

2.35Ct Fancy Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond set in Platinum with 0.48cttw accent diamonds. $34,650.

1.11Ct Light Pink Pear shaped Diamond set in Platinum by Joshua J with 0.40cttw accent Diamonds on an 18K white gold chain. $28,500.

Chandelier Earrings featuring 3.49cttw Fancy Yellow Pear shaped diamonds set in Platinum and 18K yellow gold by Joshua J with 2.06cttw accent diamonds. $47,000.

6 Silver Stingrays

Sterling Silver jewelry by Zina features designs from the most simple elegant pendants to beautifully complex bracelets. All of the pieces shown here feature sterling silver fashioned in the pattern and texture of stingray skin. Pieces shown range in price from $130.00 to $260.00

5 Gold Rings

We know, you expected yellow gold. White gold is extremely popular, especially for wedding and engagement rings because it goes with everything. Featured here are rings from designers B&Co, Harout R, Ritani, Alishan, and Dora. We also carry engagement rings from Joshua J, as well as custom designs by our own Hugo Carson and Ron Beauchamp. Rings shown range from $795.00 to $6725.00

4 Gorgeous Gemstones

All four of these rings were custom designed and made right here in Albuqueruqe, NM by our own jewelers. They feature some of our most gorgeous gemstones (we have many more) including, spessartite garnet, tourmaline, and citrine. Prices range from $2345.00 to $9500.00.

2 Princess Diamonds

We now carry two very distinct Princess Cut diamonds. The picture shows models of a traditional princess cut diamond and the FireMark Diamond, the most perfectly cut princess diamond in the world. You really have to see them to understand how amazing the FireMark Diamond really is.




The Firemark Princess
What makes the FireMark Princess the most perfectly cut princess diamond in all the world? Find out for yourself! Click on the above picture to watch a video.

And . . .

Cento Diamonds in a pair of earrings

The Cento Diamond by Roberto Coin is exquisite. Each round diamond features 100 facets to increase the fire and scintillation in each stone. 2.22cttw Diamond Stud Cento Earrings G/SI2 $35,600.

Jeff Feero always brings with him an amazing collection of jewelry by internationally known Designer Alex Sepkus. The selection will be outstanding. This is a wonderful opportunity to view unique array of designs in pendants, rings, earrings, bracelets, bridal rings, bands and men’s jewelry. Alex Sepkus is a unique talent whose work is characterized by such fine detail and craftsmanship. One can only fully appreciate each piece with magnification to reveal the depth and intricacy of each design. What you may not know is that Alex Sepkus will set your own stones in his magnificent designs. Bring your loose gemstones and you can sit down with Jeff and find a design that will work to complement your own gemstones.

Tuesday Evening March 22 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Light Hors D’oeuvres and Refreshments by Make My Lunch

All Day Wednesday March 23 9:30am to 5:30pm

You can preview Alex Sepkus’ designs at www.bcjewelers.com

RSVP via Facebook
RSVP via Email

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

12 Tiny Treasures

Designs from the Tiny Treasure Collection are available in 18K White or Rose Gold and range in price from $420 to $1500.

11 Pairs of Earrings

We have stud earrings in every color from diamonds to rubies to sapphires. We have topaz, emeralds, aquamarine, peridot, citrine, tanzanite, and diamonds, of course.

10 Yurman Necklaces

For the gentleman in your life we have a wide selection of David Yurman jewelry including these necklaces. We also have cufflinks, rings and bracelets for gentleman. Oh, and of course we have a wide selection of David Yurman jewelry for the ladies too.

9 Ladies’ Datejusts

From Rolex we have Datejust watches for the ladies in 26mm, 31mm, and 36mm diameters.

8 Strands of Milk-white pearls

A classic part of any jewelry wardrobe are beautiful white pearls. We have white pearls in many different sizes as well as colored pearls.

7 Submariners Swimming

We didn’t put them underwater for this picture but the Rolex Submariner is water resistant to 300 meters (1000 feet). Despite its affinity for water it is perfectly appropriate for desert dwellers as well.

6 Gift Cards Giving

Can’t decide what to get your true love? Give her a gift card and let her pick out her own gem from Beauchamp Jewelers.

5 Golden Rings

This was the easiest verse of the song for us. We have golden rings with and without precious gems. Pictured are rings from designers Alex Sepkus and Cherie Dori.

4 Calling “Birds”

Art Nouveau Bracelet circa 1890 featuring the four images of a beautiful woman in 13K yellow gold.

3 French Flowers

Antique watchkeeper Pin “Fleur- De-’Lis” plated in Rose Gold. 18kt Cherie Dori “Fleur De Lis” pendant with black and white diamonds on an 18″ chain. Sterling Silver and 18K yellow gold Konstantino ring featuring “Fleur-de-lis” pattern.

2 Turtle Doves

15K yellow gold Victorian micromosaic pin circa 1860-1880 featuring two beautiful illustrated doves.

And a . . .

Pear shaped diamond in a gold ring.

Partridges aren’t really our thing, but we do like Pears; at least when they are pear shaped diamonds. This beautiful 18K yellow gold ring features a 1.70Ct Pear shaped natural fancy intense yellow diamond with a GIA Certificate and 0.18Ct diamond melee.

April’s birthstone is the most famous of all the gems: Diamond. For more technical information about diamonds you can check out the following posts from our Gemologist:

Diamond Color
Diamond Cut
Carat Weight
Diamond Clarity

The most famous diamond in the world is probably the Hope Diamond which you can read about here:

The Biggest Diaimond You Own

If you are looking for the perfect birthday gift for an April Birthday you might try some of what you see below. Diamonds can of course be found in earrings, pendants, rings, bracelets, watches, and every imaginable form of jewelry. You will also find beautiful diamonds in all of our designer lines including David Yurman, Konstantino, Alex Sepkus, Cherie Dori, and of course Roberto Coin, whose Cento Diamond cut is head and shoulders above the rest with 100 facets which add to it’s brilliance and fire.

Click on any picture to find out more about the item or visit our web page at bcjewelers.com for more beautiful diamond pieces.

Our annual Alex Sepkus trunk show is coming up and we hope to see you there. Our trunk show is a special showing of the entire collection of 18kt Gold and Platinum jewelry by internationally known Designer Alex Sepkus. This is a wonderful opportunity to view a unique array of designs in pendants, rings, earrings, bracelets, bridal rings, bands and men’s jewelry. Alex Sepkus is a unique talent whose work is characterized by such fine detail and craftsmanship. One can only fully appreciate each piece with magnification to reveal the depth and intricacy of each design.

Wednesday Evening March 10th 5:30pm till 9pm
Light Hors D’oeuvres and Refreshments
Door Prizes

All day Thursday March 11th 9:30am till 5:30pm

You can preview Alex Sepkus’ stunning collections at www.bcjewelers.com

RSVP via Facebook
RSVP via E-mail

Cut – The forth “C”
In the 1200’s and prior diamonds were worn in their rough or natural octahedral shape because of the difficulty in cutting something so very hard. It wasn’t until 1375 in Germany where a guild of diamond cutters formed and developed the Point Cut. The point cut was an octahedron. Next came the Table cut in the mid 14th century. The table cut was a point cut diamond with some of the top cut off. By the end of the 14th century the single cut or 8/8 cut was introduced. The single cut was a table cut with the addition of four corner facets top and bottom. About the mid 16th century the Rose cut diamond was introduced. It had triangle facets arranged in a symmetrical radiating pattern with a flat bottom. The first brilliant cuts were known as Mazarins and were welcomed in the mid 17th century. They were cushion shape and had 17 facets on the crown as well as 17 facets below. Also in the 17th century came the Peruzzi cut. It has 58 facets like most modern round brilliant cut diamonds today. It had 33 facets on top and 25 below the girdle. Because bruting had not been developed yet all of these cutting styles had square or rectangular outlines. These were given a general name of cushions also known as Mine cuts. Bruting is the rounding of the diamonds girdle with a lathe. Sometime in the mid to late 18th century came the Old European Cut which also had 58 facets but a shallower pavilion, rounded outline and a different facet arrangement. The old European cut was the forerunner to our modern cut round brilliant cut diamond and was used throughout most of the 19th century. In 1919 Marcel Tolkowsky developed the model of today’s ideal cut diamond.

As you may remember from our last chat , Edwardian Jewelery is jewelery that was produced during the reign of King Edward VII of England. He held the throne from 1901-1915. One  often finds disparity in specific dates for the Edwardian era. Some scholars use the exact dates in which he ruled , others include the ten years prior to his coronation . Some insist that the era ends with the onset of WWI in 1914 but yet others state that it ended in 1915. As with any style there  always  seem to be an overlap . One does not see exact cut off dates.When dating jewelery I  find the term”circa ” very useful in that it allows for an approximation  of dates.

  The Edwardian era is often referred to as the garland style. It is exuberantly feminine.Ribbons, bows,  Garlands of roses and leaves drape the most quintessential examples of this  design style.

Edwardian Ring in Platinum and Diamonds

Notice the heart shape motiff  on the side of this ring . The ring  is exquisite in detail and very delicate in appearance.Platinum became the metal of choice  during the Edwardian era ,thanks to the advent of the oxyacetylene torch in 1900. Prior to this date jewelers did not have torches that could reach sufficient temperatures to work the metal.Platinum melts at approx.3300 F . Platinum properties being such that the most delicate models could  be executed without compromising the stability of the item being produced . The density of platinum allowed for unheard of detail and long wear .  The purity of the metals color combined with its’  durability provided the ideal setting medium for the jeweler.

Early 20th Century Platinum Diamond Ring

Notice the beaded border on the ring above. This millgraining is a technique that Edwardian jewelers often used .

 One also finds the use of yellow gold in Edwardian jewelery as well.This bangle bracelet exemplifies the delicate and feminine nature of this era

Edwardian Bangle Bracelet with Sapphires

For more lovely examples of jewelery from this era check out our website at www.bcjewelers.com I could go on and on about the beautiful jewelery from this time period look for more on my next blog and happy hunting for your next antique or vintage piece.

I’m sure you have started thinking about doing some holiday shopping by now. To help you with your holiday shopping we have a few things to tell you about.

First, if you could use a little extra cash we are having a special Gold Buying Event on Sunday, December 6 from Noon to 5pm. Recycle your broken, or old jewelry or watches and get some quick cash to help with your holiday shopping. Gold prices are the highest they have ever been. We will be open for holiday shopping that day as well.

From now through Christmas Beauchamp Jewelers will be open every day of the week! We will be open Sunday December 6, 13, & 20 from Noon to 5pm for holiday shopping. If you can’t get in to see us during the week we’ve added one more day to help you out.

As always, we will write down a wish list of items you are interested in so you can give it to someone who may be looking for just the right gift for you, or we can keep it here in the store and you can let them know that the friendly staff at Beauchamp’s knows just what you want.

Don’t know where to hide that special item you purchased? We’re happy to keep your Beauchamp purchases in our vault until right before Christmas so you don’t have to worry about her finding that special gift.

Carat

Most people want the biggest bang for their buck, so carat weight seems to be the most important. A carat in the gem world is a magic number because it is a whole unit. Carat is derived from the carob seed. Before modern times, diamonds were measured for weight by comparing them to the carob seed which is very uniform in size and weight. So carob became carat to weigh gemstones. There are one hundred points to a carat. Think of it like pennies to a dollar. A gem that weighs 0.25 carat is 25/ 100ths of a carat or a quarter carat, a gem that weighs 0.50 carat is 50/ 100ths of a carat or a half carat, a gem that weighs 0.75 carat is 75/ 100ths of a carat or a three quarter carat, and so on and so forth. A larger diamond is always rarer and than a smaller diamond. The largest rough diamond ever discovered is the Cullinan Diamond. It was discovered in 1905 at the Premier Mine in South Africa. It was cut into nine large diamonds and about one hundred smaller diamonds. The largest of the nine diamonds is the First Star of Africa also known as the Cullinan I. It is a pear shape and weighs 530.2 carats. It is set in the Scepter in the British Crown Jewels. September 24, 2009, a 507 carat rough diamond was discovered at the Cullinan Mine in South Africa.

Two smaller diamonds don’t equal one larger diamond. If you have two 0.50 carat diamonds they will not equal the value of one 1.00 carat diamond if all the other characteristics of the diamonds are the same. For example, as of the publishing date of this article, a 0.50 carat, round brilliant cut diamond, G color and VS2 will cost approximately $3,200.00 (retail) and the same quality 1.00 carat, round brilliant cut diamond, will cost approximately $12,000.00 (retail).

First Star of Africa

Beauchamp Jewelers cordially invites you to an evening preview of original designer handbags by artist Debbie Brooks. Debbie will be in our store to autograph her works of art and to unveil a new limited edition handbag inspired by Albuquerque’s annual Balloon Fiesta. We will also be featuring our new fall collections from designers Cherie Dori and Roberto Coin, including Roberto’s spectacular, CapriPlus designs. Come join the fun!

Friday, October 9 6 to 9 PM
Saturday, October 10 9:30am to 4pm