Exciting New Jewelry Pieces

Apples of Gold is proud to announce that we have added more new jewelry products to our selection this year alone than in any other year of our company’s history.  Providing our customers with a wide range of beautiful and unique jewelry is one of our most important values, and this year especially has been a great year with many exquisite new jewelry offerings.

In a time when many others are cutting back, we see this as an opportunity to provide better customer service and selection to make sure we have the best jewelry pieces at affordable prices.  To date we have already added over 700 brand new rings, earrings, necklaces, wedding bands, bracelets and pendants to our already extensive selection. But we aren’t content with stopping there, and plan to add another 300 – 400 exciting new jewelry pieces to Apples of Gold by the end of 2009.

Our new jewelry products are a mix of everything customers love, and range from vintage-inspired engagement rings to handmade modern jewelry by David Tishbi. One of the best ways to stay on top of our latest offerings – besides this fabulous blog, of course – is to sign up to receive our newsletter. Not only do we regularly highlight the best of the new jewelry, we also send special promotional offers on the new pieces.

So not only do you get to check out the latest and greatest, you also receive exclusive money-saving offers. And what could be better than stimulating the economy and updating your jewelry box at the same time? If you ask us, that’s just about as good as it gets.

Cushion Cut Smoky Topaz and Diamond Ring

At Apples of Gold, we’re absolute suckers for a beautiful piece of jewelry. But when you pair something beautiful with a unique design and gemstone, and it becomes simply irresistible.  It is with these high standards that we introduce our lovely new cushion-cut smoky topaz and diamond ring.

How do we love this ring? Let us count the ways…

1.  The gorgeous cushion-cut shape of the stone. A cushion-cut gemstone is a brilliant work of carefully cut edges that sparkles and pops in the light. The shape is also undeniably modern, yet still hints at a traditional sensibility. In our opinion, it’s pretty much perfect.

2.  The Smoky Topaz center stone. Smoky topaz is one of those gemstones that slips under the radar or the mainstream. The infrequent use of smoky topaz used as a center stone makes this ring not only stunning, but truly unique.

3. The WHOPPING 3.52 carat center stone. When a girl buys a cocktail ring, she wants a piece of jewelry that will make a statement. Small sized gemstones simply do not work with a statement piece, which is why we love the credibility of the 3.5 carat smoky topaz center stone.

4. The nearly .5 carat of diamonds. Diamonds really are a girl’s best friend. Say hello to your newest gal pals (all sixteen of them) with nearly half a carat of diamonds that surround the massive center stone. The diamond halo gives the ring a lovely brilliance that only diamonds can.

5. The detailed side view of the ring. While most jewelers put a lot of thought into the how a ring looks from above, we l-o-v-e that this beauty is a 360 degree stunner. When viewed from the side, the ring reveals delicate white gold metal work that sets it apart from most other cocktail rings. The craftsmanship and time that went into the smoky topaz and diamond ring is just the icing on top of an already darling design.

Apples of Gold Jewelry: JCK Las Vegas

May 30th, 2009–Apples of Gold heads to Las Vegas for the annual JCK Las Vegas Jewelry Show–considered the largest and most prevalent fine jewelry exhibition in the world, with a global outreach that far surpasses any convention of its type. It simply has to be seen to be believed.

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.

David Tishbi Dent Earrings

David Tishbi is an innovative, modern collection of sterling silver and gold jewelry. Tishbi’s  unique designs are coveted by the style-conscious and worn proudly by fashion forward people and celebrities throughout the world. Since David Tishbi jewelry was founded over a decade ago, the jewelry line has been handcrafting their pieces in Israel. This supports Israeli communities and enables Tishbi to turn out cutting edge jewelry lines in which every piece is hand made and unique. David Tishbi specializes in the juxtaposition of sterling silver and yellow gold for a striking effect.

When we saw David Tishbi’s handcrafted jewelry, we fell in love and knew we wanted to offer it to our customers. The  exquisite artistry in the collection has captivated our customers as well, and we are expanding our assortment of the Tishbi jewelry line.

One of the most versatile pieces are the David Tishbi Dent Earrings. They are simple and sleek without being boring, perfect for everyday wear. The earrings are hand crafted from nickel-free sterling silver while the face of the earring is brushed with 14K yellow gold for a striking contrast. Since both gold and silver precious metals are used on the earrings, they can easily be worn with other white gold, yellow gold and sterling silver jewelry pieces without clashing.

The Dent Earrings come in both a square shape and a circular shape, so you can choose your preferred look. The earrings are such an understated, chic style statement that they are bound to become one of your favorite go-to jewelry items.  View the rest of David Tishbi’s gorgeous designs at Apples of Gold.

2009 JCK Jewelry Show

The JCK Jewelry Show in Las Vegas is quite possibly the largest jewelry show of the year. Jewelers from across the globe convene in Las Vegas to get a sneak peek on the latest jewelry trends, scout new designers, discuss industry trends and network with their peers.  Despite the tough economic climate, this year’s JCK Jewelry Show is shaping up to be a hugely successful and well-attended event. The week-long show is currently underway until Tuesday, June 2nd, and features presentations by industry experts, exclusive exhibits, webinars, trend forecasting and networking events. Amidst the excitement and bling are jewelry exhibitors from 22 countries attending the jewelry show, making it a truly global event. 

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.

Tinkerbell Jewelry Trend

Despite growing up and becoming  perfectly responsible, hardworking adults, many women are still enamored with Disney’s Tinkerbell. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia for our younger, more carefree years, or the feeling of freedom involved with flying.  Or maybe today’s women relate to her feisty take-charge attitude; Tinkerbell certainly never took ‘no’ for an answer. Whatever the reason, the sassy little pixie has captivated the hearts and minds of women everywhere (celebrities included!), showing up on trendy vintage t-shirts, cosmetics packaging and even jewelry.

In a playful ode to everyone’s favorite fairy, we have created a beautiful line of Disney jewelry that features the fabulous pixie herself on different style pendants. Just as fabulous as Tink, our Disney jewelry is designed on solid 14K white or yellow gold to show off your love for her in style. If you cherish Tinkerbell as much as we do, you’ll adore the following pieces:

White Gold Tinkerbell Silhouette Pendant

This silhouette pendant features Tinkerbell at her finest – haughtily looking over her shoulder while showing off her adorable pom pom flats and sassy pixie dress. It’s the perfect gift for Tinkerbell fans, and can be worn with a variety of different outfits thanks to the neutral white gold. 

Solid 14K Yellow Gold Tinkerbell Necklace

Tinkerbell works it in this gorgeous, warm yellow gold necklace. Her pose is very demure and sweet, as she fixes her hair while standing on her tiptoes, ballerina style. Carefully crafted from solid 14K gold, this piece is for the true Tinkerbell lover, and also comes in white gold.

Personalized Gold Tinkerbell Name Pendant

Fans of the fairy will love this adorable name plate necklace. The design features Tinkerbell blowing heart kisses toward the name you choose to have engraved in the necklace, blending both the name plate trend with the Tinkerbell trend for a fashionably fabulous pendant.  As with the above necklace, this pretty piece is also available in solid 14K white gold.

For more Tinkerbell jewelry designs and other official Disney fine jewelry, check out our selection at Apples of Gold.

Antique Style Sapphire Ring Wedding Set

The more we head into the future, it seems that style-wise we are looking to the past. This statement is especially true when it comes to jewelry, and wedding rings in particular. During the 1980s and 1990s, jewelry styles went from oversized and over-the-top to super sleek, subdued and modern. But during the 2000s, a subtle shift in taste occurred that led style backwards in time – all the way back to the Victorian era.

The Victorian era was the period in history that set many of the wedding traditions society still holds dear today, including the bride’s white dress, diamond engagement rings and elaborate cakes.  So perhaps it makes sense then, that the same jewelry style that defined that era will always be considered beautiful in the design of engagement rings and wedding bands. As we head towards 2010, everything old is new again with vintage inspired color palettes, fashion and jewelry, and wedding rings seem to have followed suit.

To celebrate the beautiful antique designs from history, we have created this gorgeous antique style sapphire wedding ring and wedding band set for the bride. Though antique in style, it still makes a modern statement with the stunning blue sapphire stone set in 14K solid white gold. To maintain an authentic appearance, the white gold ring is not rhodium plated to reflect the beautiful patina of vintage white gold jewelry. Finally, the detailing in the white gold ring is exquisite; paisleys and filigree adorn the bands for a truly unique (and very vintage) effect.

For couples who love to customize their jewelry, this antique sapphire wedding ring set is also available in 18K white gold, yellow gold and platinum. Since your wedding ring should truly define your style and personality, choosing the right rings is an important task. Check out Apples of Gold’s selection of wedding rings for men and women to get some wonderful style ideas.

Bridal Bouquet Rosary

There are many creative ways to inject meaning and religion into a wedding other than by having your ceremony in a church. Many brides wouldn’t dream of having their wedding outside the church they grew up attending, which makes honoring their religion inherent in the ceremony. But more and more modern brides are opting to have their ceremonies next the ocean, overlooking miles of vineyards or atop a hillside at sunset, far away from the traditional church ceremony. Regardless of whether you are a nature-loving barefoot bride or plan to walk down the church aisle with covered sleeves, incorporating symbols of your religion into the wedding day can be a powerful reminder of the sanctity of marriage.

One idea we love is the wrapping of a rosary around the bridal bouquet to carry down the aisle. Not only does it look gorgeous and really dress up the bouquet in pictures, it’s a great way to add personal meaning to your bouquet. Many brides choose to carry a rosary that has been passed down in the family, making it their something old or something borrowed. If you already have a lovely rosary that belonged to a cherished aunt or grandma, make sure you let your florist know you will bring it on the day of the wedding so she can secure it to your bouquet.

For brides who want to carry a rosary but don’t have one yet, Apples of Gold carries the most exquisite gold rosary that comes in three different varieties:

Solid 14K Gold Rosary Prayer Necklace

This rosary (shown at top left) is stunning up close and in person. It features detailed 14K gold rosary beads strung on a 14K gold chain, and an intricately crafted crucifix with Jesus’ body. This 29” long rosary is family heirloom quality, perfect for passing down through the generations to start your own rosary wedding tradition for future children and grandchildren.

Tri Color 14K Gold Rosary Prayer Necklace

The tri color gold rosary prayer necklace is two inches longer than the previous, and is a modern spin on the beautiful tradition of carrying a rosary. For brides on a tight budget, consider the smaller tri color gold rosary prayer necklace, which is a few hundred dollars cheaper but just as beautiful.

Blue Titanium Wedding Bands

The beauty of titanium wedding bands is that the metal is durable and can be coated with other colors.  A popular look for men’s wedding bands, colored titanium rings usually feature an engraved design that is specially powder coated with black, red, green or blue.  The addition of color makes the ring standout, and allows a guy to incorporate his favorite color into his wedding band.

We’ve already featured some of our most popular Black Titanium Wedding Bands, but our Blue Titanium Wedding Bands are also a hit with many future grooms. Titanium wedding bands are a strong, durable choice for guys who like to play sports or enjoy the outdoors, while the blue design adds a cool effect to the ring without sacrificing masculinity.  Additionally, the blue color is powder-coated titanium oxide that will last throughout the life of the ring, making it virtually maintenance-free. The result is a wedding band that is unique, manly and eye-catching – what more could a guy want?

Apples of Gold carries a variety of blue titanium wedding bands. Designs range from a simple, sleek line of blue titanium oxide to an elaborate Celtic knot etched into the titanium.  If you like the look of blue titanium, we encourage you to check out our entire selection of Titanium Wedding Bands. Here are some of our favorites we’d like to highlight:

Lined Blue Titanium Wedding Band

This band (shown at top left) is for the traditional man who likes to keep things simple. Two thin blue lines are inlaid in the titanium wedding band for durable style.  A more modern version of this ring features only one blue line in titanium oxide that is slightly off-center and makes a statement.

Celtic Blue Titanium Wedding Band

The continuous, seamless look of Celtic patterns make them a popular design choice for wedding bands. This Celtic Titanium band (at right) features endless interwoven hearts that are abstract enough to be masculine. If hearts aren’t your favorite Celtic design, consider our Celtic infinity ring, which featured the hourglass infinity design in the signature blue titanium oxide.

Christian Themed Blue Titanium Wedding Bands  

The Christian themed wedding band is ideal for men who want to proudly wear their faith.  The Blue Cross Titanium Wedding Band features three simple crosses in the middle of the ring while the blue ichtys titanium band features one simple ichthys fish.  These bands are a great way to express your faith and love for God as well as your devotion to your marriage.

Rose Gold Hoop Earrings

After a long lull in popularity, rose gold jewelry is becoming increasingly trendy and mainstream. The warm, rich shade of rose gold looks lovely against almost any skin tone, especially with a glimmer of spring and summer tan. Like rose gold, hoop earrings are also experiencing a resurgence in popularity. But despite the fact that the trendiness of hoop earrings waxes and wanes with the fashion scene, we feel that they are a mainstay in the stylish woman’s wardrobe. Hoops are simple enough to mesh seamlessly with most outfits, and can be worn year round, making them a jewelry box staple. Plus, hoop earrings come in a myriad of different sizes and widths, so women can choose the perfect pair to suit their lifestyle.

Since the different sizes of hoop earrings dictate how they should be worn, we’ve created a simple guide below for the best sized hoop earrings to wear for particular occasions. Read on to find out which hoops you should pull out to wear with that party dress and which are perfect for the office.

Office-Ready Rose Gold Hoops

For women who work in a conservative, business casual office environment, hoop earrings up to one inch in diameter are the perfect choice. Apples of Gold offers two lovely choices for rose gold hoops in this size range, the ¾” diameter and the 1” diameter (shown below, right). Despite the small size, the fact that the hoops are rose gold makes them an instant style statement.

Weekend Wear Rose Gold Hoops

Go slightly bigger in hoop size for casual night and weekend wear. 1 1/8” diameter hoops to 1 ½” diameter rose gold hoops are the ideal size for letting your hair down and relaxing in style. Date nights, brunch with the girls and family get-togethers are all perfect occasions to sport hoops up to 1.5”.

Party Perfect Rose Gold Hoops

For big nights out, only the boldest rose gold hoops will do. Make a big statement with a pair of 1.5” to 1.75” in diameter hoop earrings. They will draw attention up to your face, and are simple enough to pair with your best little party dress without competing.

Apples of Gold carries a wide selection of gold hoop earrings. If we haven’t highlighted a pair of hoops you love, check out our main page to browse all the hoops we have in stock. Happy hunting!

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