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Apples of Gold Jewelry will also donate another $300 to the American Cancer Society if we reach 1,000 Twitter followers by the end of Oct. 2009!)

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Just like the rest of us, diamond vendors have been suffering through this recession.  Various companies can be seen on the Internet, discussing their loss of profits as prices declined in the recessionary economy.  It’s interesting, isn’t it?  The price of gold increased because investors were uncertain and wanted the stability and certainty of gold in choppy financial waters.

But by the same token, they have pulled back from buying diamonds.   Prices declined, and so one of the world’s hardest substances has been hard for investors to gauge as well.

A certain amount of that is because of the system of buying diamonds in use.  The majority of the world’s diamonds are sold through the DeBeers company, which until a few years ago, tightly controlled the market through use of a cartel.  These days, things are a little looser on the market, but nonetheless, it’s a secretive and private industry which doesn’t like to open its doors to share information nearly as much as it likes to open doors to let well-heeled buyers in for a purchase.

Be that as it may be, when the recession deepened, many buyers at the retail level (where demand is generated) were simply buying smaller diamonds or not making the purchases at all.  So the prices have declined.  A few diamond mining companies have teetered or even gone into default because of the market slowdown.

DeBeers has been no different in this downturn.  The company has long-standing debt, and asked lenders for leniency (which was granted) for those debts.  But the slowdown continues to worry.  DeBeers is now restructuring its debt and its ways of doing business to address the concerns.

So what does this mean for consumers?  If the demand continues to decrease, the price of diamonds may fall accordingly.  There seems to be a recent feeling of hope in the markets that the economy is beginning to turn the corner.  But the trickle-down will be long in coming.

If an upturn in diamond sales is not soon realized, then consumers may see deflation come into play.  The prices of diamond jewelry could actually decrease and some real deals in diamonds be seen.

Which means that what has been a painful economic recession could turn out to have a bright spot.  Or rather in this case, a bit of unexpected sparkle.

Apples of Gold Jewelry’s Top Selling Products are now available for sale on Amazon.Com. So if you prefer “Checking Out” at Amazon, have Amazon Gift Certificates, or an Amazon account, you can purchase your favorite Apples of Gold Jewelry items directly on Amazon.

This was an exciting step for Apples of Gold, as not all jewelers are created equal–according to Amazon–and rightly so. In order for jewelers to list items on sale at Amazon, jewelers and their products must be “ungated” for the Amazon jewelry category. In other words, screened and approved by Amazon directly before being allowed to sell on Amazon.

The criterion for listing jewelry on Amazon is “proprietary”, but one can imagine what is required: in order for Amazon to protect its own brand, we can surmise that they take into account a jeweler’s brand, untarnished reputation, and a strict adherence to high quality product lines and customer service. A jeweler must stand above the fold.

In addition to the above metrics, Apples of Gold also qualifies with Amazon’s reputation of “getting a deal” or discount compared to traditional retail prices. Apples of Gold with its value-based pricing methodology fits the Amazon model of value and consistency for high-end quality products.

Apples of Gold’s inherent ethics policy and fine jewelry (Top Sellers) are now available on Amazon for purchase. See an item on Apples of Gold that you isn’t listed on Amazon? Contact us and we’ll have it listed for sale just for you!

About the Award Winning Ring

The gold-rimmed leaf spinner ring is crafted from oxidized sterling silver and features a matte yellow gold rimmed base. In the middle of the leaf-etched sterling silver ring lies a free-spinning thin yellow gold band that transforms the ring from special to extraordinary. It is easy to see why this unforgettable design captured the award, and at under $300 the ring is priced amazingly well.  The great price point makes its win in the $2,500 category even more exciting. If you love the design as much as we do, we suggest snapping it up before it sells out after receiving so much press.

More from David Tishbi 

David Tishbi’s collections are primarily crafted from oxidized sterling silver and accented with gold to create truly special, unique jewelry.  Though the leaf-print spinner ring received the Best Design award, Tishbi has an entire line of delicately handcrafted spinner rings to choose from.

We also love the quadruple gold spinner ring, the hammered 14K gold and sterling silver spinner ring, and the rose gold spinner ring. With such a variety of unique designs to choose from, it’ll be  difficult to choose your favorite.

It is a time for “team building” within our own company as well as strengthening relationships with current suppliers, and discovering new designers. Just being there envelops your senses in the latest and most rarefied fashions to hit the jewelry industry.

As expected, turn-out was much more conservative this year, with turbulent economic news on everyone’s minds and the unfortunate reality for many manufacturers and wholesalers that the financial expenditure of exhibiting, and for some, merely attending the show is no longer feasible (not to mention the scores of jewelers who have closed up shop permanently).

The previous year we had seen about a 30% decrease in attendance (utilizing our keen visual observance) as the first signs of economic trouble descended upon the jewelry industry in 2008. This year, 2009, as I strode the near-empty halls and conversed with fellow observant jewelers, it had seemed that we had not a 30% drop in attendance, but a 30% attendance rate compared to 2008 (in effect 70% or so less people walking the confusing, maze-like halls of the Venetian/Sands Expo where JCK houses its exhibition).

However, the exhibitors in attendance were focused, in jovial spirits, and in a good position to target the healthier jewelers that had made it to this year’s JCK, Apples of Gold, being among them.

After all, if you were able to tend, you were probably doing okay. There is a sense among many jewelers today that if you can ride this barrage of economic difficulties, you will be one of the stronger jewelers left standing.

Our first stop at JCK was with a current supplier that we had brought onboard only 3 months prior: gold and silver jewelry designer, David Tishbi. Their eclectic and unusual collection, handmade in Israel, had been a great hit for us and we wanted to meet them in person to discuss what we could do to improve our already successful endeavor with them.  David Tishbi mixes bold, fashionable designer pieces using nickel-free sterling silver and 14k solid gold and rose gold.

We also met several fashion-forward designers, including Liz Donahue of Starhaven, whose beautiful silver jewelry line will be added to our designer collection, we hope, in the upcoming months, after having made an exclusive agreement to select and feature some of their top selling jewelry pieces on our website (items that can easily co-exist and augment the Apples of Gold brand). I also couldn’t help but pick up one of their pieces for my wife, whose birthday falls a week after JCK ever year (lucky her!)

Along with several other gold jewelry pieces that we had to fill in from manufacturers who either went out of business over the course of the year, or categories that had been previously underdeveloped, we made many potential successful points of contact to fill these categories with new lines of gold pendants, gold bracelets, gold earrings, and many other of the classic gold jewelry lines that are must-have staples for any serious gold jeweler.

A more daunting task: we also have been attempting to source a quality, affordable, socially conscious diamond supply, with conflict-free diamonds from a reliable source. We made some promising strides in securing several suppliers and socially conscious diamonds are now available from Apples of Gold as loose diamonds by request. The greater challenge is securing new lines of socially conscious diamonds in many of our finished pieces also.

To this effect, we met with Unique Settings of New York to bring on hundreds of new diamond engagement rings and semi-mount. Look for a strong and contemporary line of high-end, handmade diamond engagement rings to come from Apples of Gold over the course of the next few months.

With many more opportunities to come this year, Apples of Gold has and will be expanding its jewelry line more this year than ever before. We are thankful that we have been able to do so in light of the current economic climate.

Look for upwards of 700 or more new pieces to come out of Apples of Gold Jewelry in the remaining part of 2009 alone! And with each piece, there will be a pledge of affordability and quality–as well as fine, designer pieces that you will not find at any internet jewelry retailer.

The JCK Las Vegas is a not-to-be-missed event in the jewelry industry, precisely why Apples of Gold will be in attendance. In our effort to stay on top of the latest jewelry trends we will be scouting out the next big styles in jewelry to bring them to our customers.  Top 2009 colored stone trends we’re keeping our eyes out for are vibrantly colored jewel tone gems and muted romantic hues that have been making a splash on the fashion catwalks. Beautiful fashion forward rings, earrings and necklaces will also be at the top of our watch list, as well as unique wedding bands and diamond engagement rings.

Keep checking back with our blog to see some of the new designers and jewelry pieces we have in store. But until then, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

The sale was made in Switzerland; the purchase made by an anonymous buyer calling in.  The rectangular-shaped ”knuckle-buster” stone is the rarest to enter the international market this year.  The price was bid up in a two-party battle that see-sawed between two callers for 15 minutes.

The purchase price stunned the market.  The stone sets a record price per carat for any gemstone sold at auction of $1.349,752.  And the meaning wasn’t lost on participants.

“It is fantastic in this market and shows that these rare things are very much in demand,” according to David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby’s European and Middle East market group.

The stone itself is mounted in a platinum ring.   The new owner will have the right to name the African diamond, which was mined last year in the historic Cullinan mine in South Africa.  It was mined, cut, and brought to market within 12 months in what many consider a down market, to stunning results.  None of that diminish the sale or the gem itself.

Why did it sell for so much?  Blue diamonds are the rarest of all these most valued gems.  Vivid blue, flawlessness, and the size are what sets this gem apart.

All gems are valued for their rareness.  If diamonds, gold or platinum was found under every rock on any given day of the week, we wouldn’t value them as highly.  But still, this gem sets us agog.    We thought you’d like a peek at what had the jewelry world abuzz.

What Exactly Does Purity Mean?

Purity encompasses a range of virtues, but the general idea is behind it is to possess a pure heart, pure mind and pure spirit. Being ‘pure’ is about purging sin from one’s life in order to embrace living in accordance to the virtues of the Bible. The well-known biblical quote “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” from Matthew sums up the drive behind teenagers’ commitment to purity. By living a virtuous life, the hope is that they will become closer to God and their religion.

Why Wear a Purity Ring?

Though purity rings receive the most notoriety for the wearer’s commitment to abstinence, it also encompasses much more than that. Being pure also means treating others kindly, generously, and setting a good example for others. Wearing a purity ring serves as a daily reminder of one’s promise to God and commitment to being virtuous. The meaning is similar to that of a wedding band; a powerful symbol of the person’s vows and commitment.

Where Can I Buy a Purity Ring?

A number of fine jewelry establishments sell purity rings, and Apples of Gold is proud to be among those retailers. We carry a wide selection of purity rings for both males and females who want to make a commitment to leading a virtuous life. Some of our favorite purity rings include a cross symbol on the jewelry to signify faith, including these two reasonably priced options:

Maltese Cross Diamond and White Gold Purity Ring

Simple and lovely, this purity ring (pictured at top) features a Maltese cross centered on the delicate solid white gold band and dotted with diamonds for a beautiful sparkle.

Cross and Heart Purity Ring in Diamond and Ruby or Diamond and Tanzanite

These beautiful purity rings come in solid white gold and the sparkle of diamonds plus the pop of color from a center stone ruby or tanzanite (above right).

If you are looking for a unique purity ring, check out our main page filled with beautiful purity ring designs for men and women.

Scammers are on the gold-buying circuit, promising everything from “the highest per ounce price being paid” to “overnight cash back.”  ”It’s easy,” they say, to “turn Jewelry into CASH” like in the advertisement shown here.  (Don’t click on that , by the way.  It’ll just frustrate you.) But let me first say this: with the recession at full throttle, this is not the time to be making quick deals with people you don’t know.

Media representatives are reporting that consumers are being taken advantage of by unscupulous gold buyers and it has been an expensive lesson to learn.   In fact, to get a look what’s being written about them by former employees, check out the ComplaintsBoard.com, where someone claiming to be a former employee of Cash4Gold.com has offered their behind the scenes take on the company and… it ain’t pretty!

One local TV station in San Diego decided to try a few of the bigger name goldbuying websites.  They bought their own gold rings for $58 each.  They sent them off to three different websites: www.cash4gold.com, www.goldkit.com, and www.getgoldcash.com.  One of the sites returned $2.80.   Another sent $2.92 (and then later “upped their offer, sending another check for $4.99) and a third sent a check for $7.63.  They took the fourth ring to a pawnshop in the area and got $18 for it.

Now we all know that jewelry made of precious metals and gemstones are more expensive than gold by the ounce, because of the workmanship.  (And thus, you can’t sell it to a pawnshop or anyone and get the value that you paid for it, because you as the purchaser are paying for a “work of art” which the repurchasing agent may not be interested in) but falling from the range of $58 to roughly one-tenth of the value is not evidence of the value of scrap metal; it’s evidence of that sellers are being caught at a severe disadvantage.  (And I personally have never understood how you get your jewelry back, if you don’t accept their “offer?”)

So here’s the best advice: buy and sell from a reputable jeweler.  Deal with people you know.  If dealing with an online jeweler, check their credentials and BBB Rating. Very importantly: Make sure they publish their rates on their website clearly before sending them your gold! If company does not publicly list rates or makes it hard to find, its because they have something to hide!

Go armed with knowledge.  Find out how much gold you have before you take it in for them to weigh.  And find out what the spot price is.  If you know approximately how much value you’ve got, you’ll be able to negotiate a lot more effectively.

And about the heirloom that you’re not so sure of?  Keep it and sell the necklace from the 1980’s.   The heavy gold will be back one of these days, but family treasures never go out of style.