The Underwoods Journal
Custom Design Process
Book A Custom Design AppointmentOnce you have booked a custom design appointment, we will match you with the appropriate sales associate, depending on the nature of your request. Our team includes Certified Gemologist Appraisers, Graduate Gemologists, CAD & Jewelry Designers, Diamond Specialists, Pearl Stringers, and Master Jewelers. You are also welcome to request an associate by name in the notes section of your booking. The associate will gather all necessary information about what you are interested in creating, including who the piece is intended for, your ideal timeline, budget, and other relevant details. Together, you will then go over different options, looking at various pieces throughout our showroom to gain inspiration. Our team will notate your preferences so you don't have to worry about remembering specifics. You will likely receive a text shortly after your appointment summarizing what was discussed, along with any images of merchandise you liked. That way, you can have references to look back on in case your preferences change overnight, or if you are deciding between two styles, stones, or other options.Custom Design Appointment is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome: - Design variations (1 week after appt.) - Quote & Wax Mold (1 week after choosing design) - Final production (4-6 weeks after approval) Every Underwood Custom also comes with: - Certified appraisal (to be mailed) - Jewelers Mutual Insurance quote (to be emailed)For 67 years, we have hand-picked a diverse selection of loose gemstones and diamonds from around the world, allowing you to browse through a vast array on your initial visit. We have a variety of different shapes, sizes, & colors. If we don't have exactly what you are looking for, we can typically have a selection tailored to your preferences brought in within the week.Custom GalleryUnderwood Custom Award WinnersWe are happy to accommodate a more personal setting. Design appointments can be held in the comfort of our very own Atelier, a secure office above the showroom floor. Feel free to inquire Atelier@Underwoods.comAs mentioned above, your initial appointment is all about learning your preferences & goals for the piece you are looking to design.The associate will then guide you through the entire process, offering their expertise and opinion when needed. They will communicate with our in-house designers to bring your vision to life.Before committing to a 50% deposit, we offer the option to have a to-scale 3D wax mold printed, allowing you to see your design up close and personal. From here, we can make minor adjustments, ensuring everything is just the way you like it.Get StartedInspired to create something one-of-a-kind? Start the custom design process.
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Take Me Down to Emerald City
Meaning "the green of growing things," Emeralds have long represented life, rebirth, fertility, and love. As Cleopatra's favorite gemstone they have graced the Earth for thousands of years.
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The Lasting Legacy of Fine Jewelry
Investing in fine jewelry allows you to not only enjoy the beauty of precious gemstones but share an indestructible piece of your legacy with many of your descendants. Your name on a park bench or a brick wall is one thing but an heirloom piece speaks to the heart.
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Underwoods Award Winning Jewelry
Pearl Design International Pearl Design AwardThese unique and special cufflinks won the prestigious International Pearl Design Competition held in Tokyo, Japan, from a field of over 1,000 entries, representing 46 countries worldwide. Made in platinum with 24 karat gold inlay, these striking cufflinks were designed by shaving four flat walls on each pearl, then stacking them together, giving the illusion of a balloon being blown up behind a mesh fence.Platinum Honors AGTA Platinum Honors Award (American Gem Trade Association) Underwoods Design Team won the International "Platinum Honors Award," the Industry's premier platinum design competition. Underwoods is the first and only jeweler in Arkansas to be awarded a Platinum Honors Award. Made in platinum with 18K yellow gold accents, this Tanzanite pendant won the prestigious award in 2002, the industry’s premier platinum design competition.Red Carpet 2012 Emmy AwardsUnderwoods was invited to create a custom-made diamond bracelet for the 2012 Emmys in Hollywood, California. Access Hollywood reporter Shaun Robinson wore the bracelet during the red carpet event. The bracelet contains eight opaque faceted diamonds, weighing 17.65 carats, each in a hand forged solid gold setting. The bracelet was designed and custom made in Underwoods own shops and is one-of-a-kind.Red Carpet 2016 Emmy AwardsOn rare occasions, Mother Nature creates diamonds with a distinct and beautiful colors that are called “Fancy Colored Diamonds.” Many colors are extremely rare and this masterful combination of colors and shapes will dazzle the eye with its wide pallet of natural colored diamonds. Pink, purple, green, orange and yellow … just a few of the enticing array of 45 natural fancy colored diamonds featured in this one-of-a-kind bracelet. The 994 fully cut white accent diamonds are individually hand set. This bracelet has a famous history as it graced the red carpet of the 2016 Emmy awards, worn by celebrity reporter Natalie Morales of Access Hollywood. Featured in magazines and news stories, Underwoods was recognized across the industry when asked to participate in Hollywood’s Emmy Awards.Spectrum AWARD American Gem Trade Association The Spectrum Award is the nation's most prestigious colored gemstone jewelry design contest, attracting the nation's top designers. Underwoods is the first and only jeweler in Arkansas to be awarded a Spectrum Design Award. This award winning pendant features a stunning aquamarine gemstone imported from Paraguay. It was designed and hand-crafted in Underwoods own shop.Case Awards 2014 Winner (Jewelers of America) Jewelers of America, the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry retail marketplace, has awarded Craig Underwood, Becki Lamascus and Tom Weishaar, of Fayetteville’s Underwood Fine Jewelers, a first-place award in the 2014 CASE Awards, the association’s annual jewelry design competition. The team competed among more than 63 jewelers in the competition. The CASE Awards recognize the creativity, artistry, style and excellence in jewelry design from top jewelers across the nation. It was held at the JA New York trade show.Case Awards Honorable Mention This Underwood custom creation is one of our latest award winners, winning Honorable Mention in the national CASE award from Jewelers of America, representing more than 5000 jewelry stores nationwide, and recognizing Creativity, Artistry, Style, and Excellence. Made in platinum and 18 carat rose gold, the center diamond is over 2 carats and is perfectly cut.Robert M. Shipley Award American Gem Society 2022 Craig Underwood,a G.G. and C.G.A. and local native of Fayetteville, AR. is as involved in his community as he is in the American Gem Society. Craig Underwood, a second-generation jeweler at Underwoods Fine Jewelers is the recipient of the 2022 Robert M. Shipley Award. This high honor is American Gem Society's most prestigious recognition and is presented annually to a retailer for their contributions to the jewelry industry and their local community.AGS Full ArticleInstore Magazine Full ArticleJCK Magazine Full ArticleNational Jewelers Full Article Ready to find the right piece? Explore fine jewelry.
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Go Back to School with Custom Razorbacks!
Underwoods Fine Jewelers Go Hogs!Shop Now!It's That time of year again, fayetteville! It’s that time of year when streets are flooded with people, busy again with all the students returning for school. Thankfully, with the return of the students also comes a wave of Razorback pride! Football season has begun, and Razorbacks are being seen all over the place – on shirts, pants, hats, and even painted on faces. we love our hogsThe staff at Underwoods is made up of Razorback fans too. Being located right next to the University of Arkansas means that we are in the heart of Razorback country. We have been on Dickson Street since 1957 and have been cheering “Woo Pig Sooie” and calling the hogs for just as long. Because of this, we wanted to give our customers another great way to show their pride with our line of custom Razorback jewelry.Shop Hogsmake it custom Our custom Razorback jewelry collection features pieces like earrings, pendants, rings, cufflinks, pins and tie-tacs. We can’t think of a better way to show school spirit than with a beautiful Razorback piece. It’s perfect for game days, pep rallies, alumni events, and gifts for any Razorback lover. Shopping Our wide variety of styles means that there’s something for every fan in range of different prices. Whether it’s football, basketball, or baseball season you’ll be able to call those hogs in style all year round. Personal Fashion Personalize your Razorback piece with rubies, diamonds or any other stone of your choosing! Pick between 14k yellow, white or even rose gold. We have several different sizes of Hogs to choose from along with single or double sided styles. No need to worry if you don't have the exact style in stock, these Underwood pieces are also made to order!Check out some of our classic stylesCameo Razorback RingsAR State Frame with HogRun-Thru HogUltimate Diamond HogArkansas Dangle HogDouble-Sided Ruby Diamond Hog How We Wear ItUnderwood InstagramLatest Blogs Read MoreCustomer Reviews-Thomas H.-Anna F.-Brandon M.-Kim V.Want to Schedule an Appointment? Inspired to create something one-of-a-kind? Start the custom design process.
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Go All Out With Custom
underwood custom Get creative and design the perfect piece of jeweleryLet your imagination and creativity come to life.Browse Our Custom GalleryDid you knowUnderwoods has a Custom Design Department! If you’re tired of browsing through jewelry shop after jewelry shop looking for that perfect ring, pendant, or pair of earrings with no luck, then Underwoods should be your next stop. With so many different metals, gems, and current styles it’s hard to find a piece that has everything you want. Maybe you want something with a vintage look or a not-so-traditional design. Underwoods will take the time to design a one of a kind piece of the highest quality just for you or someone special. The best of the bestWe have a full time professional designer on staff, as well as three professional goldsmiths who can create beautiful pieces designed specifically for you. Underwoods is the only jewelry store in the United States to have two Certified Master Bench Jewelers on staff. This level of education and expertise goes far beyond what any other store can offer. We’re the very best at what we do. Our designer takes into account your desires and draws designs that flatter your unique look. First, you’ll meet and discuss what design elements you would like to see in the finished project. Then, for no additional cost, the designer will develop an artist rendering in full color and actual size. You’ll also receive a cost estimate should you decide that you like the design. Once approved, you’ll pay a deposit and our design team will begin to bring your customized design to life. Master bench jewelersOur goldsmiths meticulously mold and sculpt the metal from its raw stage to the finished product with the utmost attention to detail. By controlling the design from concept to completion, Underwoods can ensure that the quality and artistry of each finished piece rises to exacting standards. Nothing leaves the custom shop until it receives the Underwoods personal seal of approval. No gemstone or piece of jewelry is exempt from these high level, quality control standards. Then, and only then, is a piece stamped with the Underwood name. a few of our favorite custom designsBrowse Our Custom GalleryReviews "Underwoods talented Custom Jewelry Designer worked with me to create the perfect rose gold ring setting for my precious gem. Ultimately, I am admirably pleased with Underwoods service and selection. A big thanks from a now "customer for life" client!" "The ring Becky designed reflected my personality, and the craftsmanship exceeded our expectations. Her willingness to really listen helped make the process comfortable and enjoyable. We couldn't be more pleased, and would definitely recommend the team that is "Underwoods".""The design and the craftsmenship of their custom goldsmithing is really second to none. Absolutely a beautiful product at the end of the day." Underwoods Fine Jewelers 611 W. Dickson Street Fayetteville, AR 72701 479-521-2000 info@underwoods.com Inspired to create something one-of-a-kind? Start the custom design process.
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Award Winning Jewelry
What happens when you combine a dedication to craftsmanship with painstaking attention to detail? You get some of the finest jewelry in the nation. Don't take our word for it - here are just a few of the examples of our work being recognized on a a national level. CASE Awards 2014 Winner Jewelers of America, the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry retail marketplace, has awarded Craig Underwood, Becki Lamascus and Tom Weishaar, of Fayetteville's Underwoods Fine Jewelers, a first-place award in the 2014 CASE Awards, the association's annual jewelry design competition. The team competed among more than 63 jewelers in the competition. The CASE Awards recognize the creativity, artistry, style and excellence in jewelry design from top jewelers across the nation. It was held in March at the JA New York trade show. Honorable Mention This Underwood custom creation is one of our latest award winners, winning Honorable Mention in the national CASE award from Jewelers of America, representing more than 5000 jewelry stores nationwide, and recognizing Creativity, Artistry, Style, and Excellence. Made in platinum and 18 carat pink gold, the center diamond is over 2 carats and is perfectly cut. The Red Carpet 2012 Emmy Awards Underwoods was invited to create a custom-made diamond bracelet for the 2012 Emmys in Hollywood, California. Access Hollywood reporter Shaun Robinson wore the bracelet during the red carpet event. The bracelet contains eight opaque faceted diamonds, weighing 17.65 carats, each in a hand forged solid gold setting. The bracelet was designed and custom made in Underwoods own shops and is one-of-a-kind. 2016 Emmy Awards On rare occasions, Mother Nature creates diamonds with a distinct and beautiful color and they are called "Fancy Colored Diamonds." Many colors are extremely rare and this masterful combination of colors and shapes will dazzle the eye with its wide pallet of natural colored diamonds. Pink, purple, green, orange and yellow ... just a few of the enticing array of 45 natural fancy colored diamonds featured in this one-of-a-kind bracelet. The 994 fully cut white accent diamonds are individually hand set. This bracelet already has a famous history as it graced the red carpet of last year's Emmy awards by celebrity reporter Natalie Morales of Access Hollywood. Featured in magazines and news stories, Underwoods was recognized across the industry last year when Underwoods was asked to participate in Hollywood's Emmy Awards. American Gem Trade Association AGTA Platinum Honors Award Made of platinum with 18K yellow gold accents, this Tanzanite pendant won the prestigious "Platinum Honors Award" in 2002, the industry's premier platinum design competition. Underwoods is the first and only jeweler in Arkansas to be awarded a Platinum Honors Award. International International Pearl Design Award These unique and special cufflinks won the prestigious International Pearl Design Competition held in Tokyo, Japan, from a field of over 1,000 entries, representing 46 countries worldwide. Made of platinum with 24 karat gold inlay, these striking cufflinks were designed by shaving four flat walls on each pearl, then stacking them together, giving the illusion of a balloon being blown up behind a mesh fence. Ready to find the right piece? Explore fine jewelry.
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"An Artistic Eye" (Celebrate Arkansas June, 2016)
We're excited to share this article appearing in June's issue of Celebrate Arkansas featuring Craig and his talent as a photographer. View the digital edition here. An Artistic Eye The majestic landscape at Yosemite National Park first inspired Craig Underwood to try his hand at nature photography. In the summer of 1995, Craig and his wife Laura traveled through this magnificent park on a vacation. Seeing the beautiful nature photos of Ansel Adams prior to taking the trip, Craig was motivated to bring his camera along and take some landscape pictures. But it didn’t turn out as you might think. He openly admits, “I foolishly thought I would take some spectacular Yosemite landscape photos of my own”. Since this was back in the days of film cameras, he didn’t see his results until the film was developed two weeks after the trip. He became disheartened when he saw his results. He describes these photos as a “dismal failure”. After this experience, Craig used the Pentax K1000 (given to him by his father, Bill, many years before) primarily for taking photos of family and friends. A Fayetteville native, graduate from Baylor University, and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA),Craig has spent the last 28 years as the President of Underwoods Fine Jewelry. His passion, artistic talents, and creativity have helped create beautiful,nationally recognized,award-winning jewelry designs and more recently, award-winning photography. Although Craig’s first passion is jewelry, he has always had an interest in photography. Craig enjoyed photographing his three boys growing up, but once the youngest entered his teenage years, it was no longer cool for dad to take family photographs. With his favorite subjects no longer willing to pose for him, Craig decided to try his hand again at nature photography. This time around, he pledged to first educate himself on proper techniques. In the spring of 2012, he took a photography workshop from native Arkansas photographer, Tim Ernst. “He is my mentor when it comes to photography,” Craig said. “His weekend workshop was an eye opening experience for me and lit the passion I now have for nature photography.”After this workshop, Craig began taking his photography more seriously. Craig continued “If someone has an interest in nature photography, the single best piece of advice I can give is to take one of Tim’s workshops”. Last summer Craig entered his first photography competition, the “Ozark Photographic Challenge”. Photographers from the states of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri participated. The contest featured 10 categories but allowed photographers to only enter in a maximum of three categories,one photograph for each category. Craig submitted photographs for three categories and placed first in two of the three. Craig was the only photographer to win multiple first place awards. A few months after entering in his first competition, Craig entered asecond photo contest. In the 13th annual Photographic Society of Northwest Arkansas Fall Fair Print competition many photographers entered their beautiful works. Craig’s work won first place among all of the entries. “Craig has what it takes. He will do anything, go to whatever length it takes, to put himself in position to find and capture that great light” says Tim Ernst. “His passion and work ethic are reflected in the beautiful quality of his photographs - what more could you ask for from an artist.” Craig’s skill with photographic composition most certainly has its influences from his jewelry design talents.To be able to photograph nature, a specific skill set is used to find the perfect shot. Lighting, symmetry, color and balance are all important factors. Many of these same elements are used in jewelry design. He looks for precious gemstones that explode with life, color and brilliance. Then he will visualize how the gem could be used in a design. Finding that great nature shot is like finding that perfect gemstone for an original design. To be able to do both, an understanding of natural beauty is taken to the next level. Nature photography allows for an artist like Craig to show viewers how he sees the world. When dealing with photography, lighting is one of the most important aspects. Lighting can completely change the feeling of a photograph. “He can see and feel great light - that is one key to being able to capture it in the first place - most people don’t get it, but Craig does,” Ernst says. “It takes a great deal of work and commitment to find and capture great light, and very few photographers will work hard enough to be successful at that - Craig has what it takes, and he is willing to put in the hours”. Color is also a factor which can make a good image into a great image, but it can also ruin that same image. The interaction of color with light can change the photograph,allowing viewers to see an image as if they were there. Craig began to develop his art skills early, during junior high and high school. He performed odd jobs in the family business, such as engraving and some bench jeweler work. This introduced him to the basics of design concepts. “Being a bench jeweler is definitely not my calling in life,” Craig laughingly said. “The meticulous dexterity required for bench work is a whole specialty in itself. It’s a skill set I just don’t have. However, working at the bench gave me a great understanding for jewelry design, helping me to see structurally what can and can’t be done.” When Craig was in high school, he designed some jewelry for pure enjoyment, such as a small eagle head, a cross, and sculptural designs. During his time in California at GIA, Craig took classes on counter sketching and design. These classes laid the foundation for working with designs for different types of jewelry. The skills he learned at GIA were further developed while working for a jeweler in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When he moved back to Fayetteville to work in the family business, he worked even more with jewelry design. He has a passion for creating original designs, using the loose gemstones bought directly from cutters around the world. “Here at Underwoods Fine Jewelers, we do so much in custom that I got involved in working with the different custom designs and created a look and style that is mine,” Craig said. He has adopted a style that can range from “very intricate, beautifully styled pieces to some really rough, hand-forged pieces.” Craig’s designs, built by the Underwood design team, have won national awards. They have also been worn on Hollywood’s red carpet events, such as at the Oscars and the Emmy awards. Two of Craig’s designs have won CASE Awards. Presented by the industry’s largest organization, Jewelers of America, the designs are awarded for Creativity, Artistry, Style and Excellence. With an eye for design, and a mind active with creative ideas, Craig Underwood continues to create beautiful art. His photography uses the raw materials of the natural world, combined with technical skills, to create beauty to hang on a wall. His jewelry designs use raw materials from nature, combined with extensive knowledge and skills, to create stunning, unique pieces, worn and enjoyed every day. Ready to find the right piece? Explore fine jewelry.
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Make Mom’s Day special with a gift from Underwoods!
With Mother’s Day just around the corner visit Underwoods Fine Jewelers to help you find the perfect gift that will show any woman in your life how much they mean to you. Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate one of the most important women in our lives and although they might like flowers and breakfast in bed, Underwoods Jewelry line will show any mother how much they mean to you. At Underwoods we have a great selection of rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets that are a sure way to say ‘thank you’ to the mothers in your life. We are loving pearls this season and here are some of our favorites for Mother's Day: Looking for a gift that feels personal? Shop fine jewelry gifts.
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