The Underwoods Journal
Season of Sapphires
The month of September marks a beautiful seasonal change from summer to fall. Spectacular colors begin to reveal themselves, such as the burnt orange of pumpkins, the rust red of fallen leaves, the supernatural blues of the clouded sky, and the darker hue of green that covers the grassy fields. It is these colors, and more, that make an appearance in this month’s birthstone. Sapphire is known for its never-ending spectrum of colors, from its more common shades of blue to the gorgeous, and more rare, padparadscha sapphire. Whether you are looking for a way to compliment your look this season or want to liven up your style with a bold accent, the sapphire gemstone obtains a number of options to suit your needs. Our most popular sapphire piece is this multi-colored natural sapphire bracelet, which includes a wide range of colors- making it ideal for daily wear throughout the seasons. Sapphires come in almost every color except for red, and when it's red, it's considered to be a ruby! Sapphires are so versatile, you can wear them during every season. For Fall and Winter, wear bolder and warmer sapphires like orange, yellow and blue. During the Spring and Summer seasons, wear brighter sapphires like pink, purple and green. The best part is, sapphires are a nine on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means they are resistant to scratching and suitable for wearing every day. That is why, since the late 14th century, sapphires have been a favored precious jewel. They were often used as an alternative engagement ring by royal families, and that same trend continues today. Imaged below is Princess Eugenie with her beautiful light pink padparadscha sapphire engagement ring surrounded by a halo of diamonds. This colored sapphire is perfect for their fall wedding! After Princess Eugenie was engaged, padparadscha skyrocketed on social media and in jewelry stores. Kate Middleton is another royal bride who famously wears a blue sapphire ring- the same engagement ring that belonged to Prince William’s mother, Princess Diana. Blue sapphire is the most sought out with millennial brides who want an alternative engagement ring that will last a lifetime. Sapphires also have a great amount of symbolism. In the past, sapphires were thought to have healing powers. During the age of the Crusades, it was believed that a sapphire worn by an impure or deceptive person would fade, and so returning Crusaders would test the fidelity of their wives with sapphires. Today, sapphires symbolize wisdom, virtue, and good fortune – and in an engagement ring, they specifically symbolize faithfulness and sincerity. Here are some must have sapphires from Underwoods Fine Jewelers to get you through the upcoming seasons. Find the perfect shade of sapphire today! Visit us at 611 W. Dickson Street in Fayetteville, or contact us at 479-521-2000 and at info@underwoods.com. Start shopping our website today! Drawn to color and character? Explore gemstone jewelry.
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May Birthstone Reflects Green of Spring
The striking green emerald is a symbol of rebirth, making it the perfect birthstone for the month of May, with blooming flowers and green leaves in abundance. The word “emerald” comes from the Greek word for “green,” smaragdus. The hue of an emerald can fall anywhere between light green and a deep, rich green. Many emeralds are heat treated to deepen the color, as darker emeralds are more valuable. Emeralds are the rarest gemstones, and the rarest of the rare are a deep green-blue color. Emeralds have been prized throughout human history, and some estimate the oldest emerald gemstones are almost 3 billion years old. Ancient Egyptians began mining emeralds during the reign of Ramses II, around 1300 B.C., and used the gems both in jewelry and burial rituals, placing emeralds in the tombs of monarchs as protective symbols. Cleopatra treasured emeralds and even claimed to own all emerald mines in Egypt during her reign. In Colombia, the Muzo Native Americans had well-hidden emerald mines that Spanish conquistadors sought for almost twenty years before finding them. Today, emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan and Zambia. The largest and most famous emerald is the Bahia Emerald, which was found in Brazil in the early 2000s and weighs about 840 lbs., approximately 1,900,000 carats. This ring is made in 18k gold and platinum. It features a 2.08 carat emerald plus .74 carats total weight of diamonds in the halo and gallery. 14 karat white gold emerald and diamond earrings. Round emeralds are set in cushion-shaped halos with split prongs for a vintage look. This necklace is made in 14k gold and features a round .34 carat emerald plus .18 carats total weight of diamonds. This sweet ring features a bright .40 carat oval emerald and .32 carats of round brilliant diamonds in a delicate halo style. Drawn to color and character? Explore gemstone jewelry.
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Diamond Dazzles as April Birthstone
April is a special month, marked by the most prized gem of all: the diamond. This Underwoods custom necklace is made in 14k white gold and 18k yellow gold. It features a 1.42 carat round ideally cut diamond plus .39 carats total weight of ideally cut accent diamonds. These hoop earrings are made in 14k yellow gold and feature 1.30 carats total weight of fully cut diamonds.of 1.80 carats. They are surrounded by fully cut round halo diamonds with a total weight of .46 carats. This spectacular Underwoods custom designed ring is made in platinum and 18k rose gold. It features a rectangular radiant shaped diamond that weighs 2.62 carats. This is accented by two pear shaped natural fancy pink diamonds surrounded by halos of pink and white diamonds. Diamonds have an amazing ability to shine. The reflection and refraction of light within each faceted diamond creates the sparkle and brilliance you can see from across a room. The diamond is legendary for its hardness, it is 58 times harder than anything else found in nature! This is why it can only be cut with another diamond. If cut and polished with skill, diamonds have the ability to shine very brightly with fire and brilliance. Diamonds can come in a variety of colors, from yellow, pink, and red to blue and green, and generally those with the richest color are highest in value. Some historians estimate that diamonds began to be traded as early as 4 BC. Diamonds first became popular in India, when the Moghuls and Imperial Colony were able to mine them easily from deposits along major rivers. Some ancient cultures believed diamonds were the physical incarnation of lightning, and this association may be the root of the belief in the healing powers of the gemstone. Diamonds were thought to cure brain disease and draw toxins out of the blood. In many cultures the gem has been a symbol for eternal love, leading to its use in engagement rings. Did you know? One of the most famous diamonds is the 140.50 Carat Regent, said to be the most beautiful diamond in the world for its exceptional cut and shine. Thomas Pitt, the Governor of Madras, acquired the uncut gem in India in 1698 and sent it to England to be cut. The Regent purchased the diamond from Pitt for the French Crown, and it was first set in the band of Louis XV’s silver gilt crown at his coronation in 1722. It was then worn on Louis XVI’s crown in 1775; set in the hilt of the First Consul’s sword in 1801; set on the Emperor’s sword in 1812; set in the crown for the coronation of Charles X in 1825; then was used to ornament the diadem of Empress Eugenie. It is now on display at the Louvre in Paris. The largest cut diamond in the world is the Great Star of Africa at 530.20 Carats. It was cut from the largest diamond crystal ever found, the 3,106-carat Cullian discovered in Transvaal, South Africa, in 1095. Joseph Asscher and Company of Amsterdam examined the crystal for six months before deciding how to cut it, and ultimately divided the crystal into nine major and 96 smaller stones. Legend suggests that the Cullian was part of a larger crystal, but the “missing half” has never been found. The Great Star of Africa is set in the Royal Scepter, which is kept with the other Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. With its prominent history and beauty that speaks for itself, the diamond is a truly special birthstone. To explore our diamond selection and find a setting perfect for that special someone born in April, visit our shop on Dickson Street in Fayetteville or call 479-521-2000 to set up a consultation for a custom design today. Ready to see Underwoods diamonds in person? Explore diamond engagement rings.
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January Birthstone Adds Warmth to Cold Season
Although garnet can be found in a variety of colors including bright orange, vibrant green and most rarely blue, the most recognized color is the deep red Pyrope garnet . Appropriately so, because the word “garnet” comes from the Middle English word gernet, meaning “dark red.” The Middle English word is derived from the Latin word granatum, meaning “seed,” which refers to the gem’s similarity to lustrous red pomegranate seeds. Spessartite Garnet Rhodolite Garnet Tsavorite Garnet Garnet has a long history of symbolism in several cultures. Ancient Egyptians used garnet to inlay jewelry and carvings and considered it a symbol of life. Romans often used garnets for signet rings and Roman warriors carried garnets into battle as talismans for protection. It was also believed that garnet could ward off pestilence and plague, and healers would place garnets on wounds to facilitate recovery. It was sometimes called the “Gem of Faith” because those who wore it and did good actions would draw more good fortune upon themselves, but those who wore it and did bad actions would draw bad fortune. Folklore suggests that the gem brings peace, prosperity, and good health in the home, and those who wear garnet jewelry will enjoy eternal health, wealth, and happiness. Today, the garnet is considered a symbol of lasting friendship and trust. Garnets are 6.5-7.5 on the Mohs scale and are so strong that fragments of garnet have been found from jewelry dating back to the Bronze Age. Garnets can be found in Wyoming, Czech Republic, Greece, Russia, Tanzania, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and India. The fiery reds of the well-known Pyrope garnets and brilliant oranges of Mandarin garnets add a splash of warmth during the cold month of January, both because of its color and because of the warmth of friendship it symbolizes. The rare green Tsavorites make stunningly unique pieces that sparkle with the chilly hues of the season, but are likewise a reminder of friendship and togetherness that warms the heart. A symbol of friendship and trust as durable as the gem itself, garnet jewelry makes a beautiful and meaningful gift for anyone from friends to siblings to spouses. Visit our shop on Dickson Street in Fayetteville or call 479-521-2000 to learn more about our wonderful selection of garnets! Drawn to color and character? Explore gemstone jewelry.
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Wedding Bands 101
Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials from all of us here at Underwoods Fine Jewelers! We want to make sure you get a ring that you’ll want to wear for the rest of your life. Here’s what you need to know when searching for the perfect wedding band. There are several types of wedding bands! Here at Underwoods, we have multiple options to choose from and can help you accommodate ring styles to fit your personality. Here are a few rings we have waiting for you to try on! Yellow gold, comfort fit with hammered center and milgrain edges Rose gold with brushed center and polished edges Platinum with engraved and milgrain scroll pattern design White gold with a brushed center and polished edges White gold with a satin finish and polished edges Two-toned in white and rose gold with a florentine finish center and polished edges 6mm high polished comfort fit band Two-toned with a brushed finished, high polished edges and a round Underwoods Diamond We have various finishes such as high polish, satin, hammered, florentine, engraved and brushed as well as a wide range of metals to choose from including white, yellow and rose gold, platinum or two-toned. You can even add diamonds for a little flare! Underwoods has bands in all styles for men and women, so you can find the perfect pair for the both of you on your wedding day and begin making great memories right away. Want to know more about our wedding bands and customization? Our expert staff of Underwoods Fine Jewelers can help. Call 479.521.2000 or visit us at 611 W. Dickson Street in downtown Fayetteville. Marking a milestone? Explore wedding and anniversary rings.
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Opal and Tourmaline Offer Dazzlingly Unique Birthstones for October
Opal Opals are the most individual gemstones. Every opal is as unique as a fingerprint, with a one-of-a-kind combination of colors. Long ago, opal was called the “Queen of Gems” because the colors of all other gems can be found inside it. An ideal opal includes every color of the rainbow, but some hues may be more prevalent than others in individual gemstones. From those swept up by oceanic blues and greens to those blazing with reds and yellows, there is a unique opal to fit every person’s preference. The word “opal” comes from the Greek word opallos, meaning "to see a change (of color),” and the source of this name becomes clear as you rotate an opal and watch the colors shift in the changing light. Tourmaline Tourmaline, from the ancient Singhalese phrase tura mali, means “stone with mixed colors” - an apt name for a gem that can be several colors at once. An old Egyptian legend explains this mixture of colors by saying tourmaline, journeying up from the center of the Earth, passed over a rainbow and assumed all the colors of the spectrum. Still called the “Gemstone of the Rainbow” today, tourmaline comes in a dazzling spectrum of hues, from bright red and magenta to delicate pink and orange, from vibrant yellow and forest green to ocean blue and violet. Bi-color and tri-color tourmaline gems come in many different combinations. You can even find a multi-color variety called Watermelon Tourmaline, which has green, pink, and white bands. Jewelers cut this gemstone to resemble a watermelon, with each slice sporting a pink center, white ring, and green outer edge. Both opal and tourmaline gemstones come in a dazzling array of unique colors and combinations, ensuring that you will find the perfect gem to represent you or your loved one. To find a birthstone gem as unique as the person wearing it, visit our shop on Dickson Street in Fayetteville or call 479-521-2000 for more information. Drawn to color and character? Explore gemstone jewelry.
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What’s Hot for Summer ’16: Rose Gold
In the world of jewelry, white and yellow gold are timeless. But in the last four years, rose gold has become very popular -- from Hollywood to the heartland. Actress Blake Lively, best known for her part of Serena in “Gossip Girl,” rocks a 12-carat oval diamond mounted in a rose gold engagement ring given by actor Ryan Reynolds. At Underwoods Fine Jewelers, we have seen rose gold and diamond engagement rings become one of our best sellers. With fashion rings, Underwoods most popular rose gold pieces feature the gemstone Morganite, in peach or light pink tones. Demand is now strong enough that our company makes rose gold hog pendants to celebrate the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. We even ship our gold hogs to U of A alumni across the country and world! Historically, rose gold first became fashionable in Russia during the 19th century. It was referred to as “Russian gold” since they were among the only wearers of the uncommon alloy at the time. Rose gold jewelry then gained popularity in the Victorian era, but soon fell behind during the platinum loving 1930's "Art Deco" era. During World War II, platinum was considered a strategic mineral vital to the war efforts, causing many countries to restrict – even prohibit – its use during the war. With platinum sidelined, gold once again became the precious metal of choice in jewelry. The use of both yellow and rose gold distinctly defines jewelry during the war years. The 21st century’s desire for rose gold jewelry involves several factors. For one, the pink hue happens to match nicely with all skin types. Fashion-wise, rose gold has an understated elegance that matches well with feminine styles. Few colors say “femininity” and “softness” more than pink. The pink color is achieved by alloying the gold with some copper. Rose gold looks warm and subtle, complimenting both colorful gems and diamonds. We can help you find the perfect rose gold jewelry pieces. Visit our qualified, experienced staff in downtown Fayetteville, Arkansas or call 479-521-2000. Looking for a spirited local piece? Shop Razorback jewelry.
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Brooches: From simplicity to statement.
What is a brooch? A brooch or lapel pin is an ornamental jewelry pin that is designed to attach to garments. Brooches have been around for centuries. They have evolved in shape, size and color, but a major change has been in the way it’s worn. For years, brooches have been associated with flea markets or grandmothers. Today brooches have transformed into a fashion statement. A brooch or lapel pin can be worn both by women and men. It can be a great signature fashion piece. Underwoods has a fantastic brooch line and here are two of our favorites. Great for the Spring or Summer months, these brooches can be worn in several ways. Bold statement Multiple brooches can be used as jewelry statements. There could be multiple pins around the garment’s neckline to simulate a necklace or multiple brooches on a lapel, cardigan or jacket. Simple statement A single brooch can be used as the main jewelry item on an outfit. It could be attached to a cardigan or lapel, used to close a sweater or scarf, or on the center of a garment’s neckline. Wedding statement Brooches have become popular items for weddings. A bride will attach brooches to her bouquet to make it her something blue. Looking for a distinctive statement piece? Explore brooches.
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Bill Underwood's Beauty Grade Machine
In 2007, Bill Underwood's Beauty Grade Machine®, received its U.S. patent (7,193,694B2) for the laser technology. The machine is the only technology of its kind to exist in the world and is incredibly accurate. The machine measures the light return from a diamond and is used for grading the diamonds. It is based on a scale from 1 to 100; 1 being worst and 100 being best. The machine is changing the way customers and jewelers can view and grade their diamonds. INSTORE Magazine stated, "The entire process took about five minutes, and the results are compelling." View the article here. Results from the Beauty Grade Machine® Want to learn more about Underwoods history? Visit our website! Ready to see Underwoods diamonds in person? Explore diamond engagement rings.
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