The Underwoods Journal
It's All About Citrine
As the temperature continues to drop, citrine can add some much-needed warmth into your life. It is often called the “gift from the sun” because of its golden glow. Citrine is the birthstone for November and is the preferred gift to give your loved one on your 13th wedding anniversary.Citrine has a rich history and a fair amount of folklore. The name "Citrine derives from the word “citron”, which is the French word for "lemon". This refers to its lemony luster that is a perfect complement to the warm colors of the fall season. Throughout history, people have believed that citrine carried the power to calm tempers, soothe anger, and manifest desires. To leverage these powers, Egyptians used citrine gems as talismans, the ancient Greeks carved iconic images into them, and Roman priests fashioned them into rings. Citrine was enormously popular in the 1940s because of its sunny color and dramatic proportions that suited the bold styles of the era. Today, citrine is relatively plentiful, and available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, making it ideal for someone looking for the perfect piece of jewelry to go with any outfit. Citrine is said to benefit you by helping the heart, kidneys, digestive tract, liver and muscles. Citrine is also known to promote creativity, help personal clarity, and eliminate self-destructive tendencies. Modern jewelry designers love to set citrine in yellow gold and combined it with other gemstones. Here at Underwoods, we paired this citrine necklace with the warmer colors of smoky quartz and mokaite set in 18K rose gold. Overall, citrine is a timeless gemstone with plenty of interesting benefits, history, and folklore that we at Underwoods would be happy to help you discover more about. Visit us anytime for more information at our storefront in Fayetteville at 611 W. Dickson Street from 10am-6pm Mon-Fri and 10am-5pm Sat or through email or phone at info@underwoods.com or 479-521-2000. Shop online by visiting our website at www.underwoods.com. Drawn to color and character? Explore gemstone jewelry.
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Fall Trends Worth Falling For
It is important to consider seasonal trends for fine jewelry. As your collection grows, so will the variety of pieces you obtain with each passing year. Over time, your jewelry collection will reflect your previous styles and blend with new trends. Your collection can remain timeless and be worn every single day. For this fall season, fashion trends to consider when looking for fine jewelry are opaque diamonds, warm colored gemstones, black diamonds, gold jewelry, stackable cluster rings, and one of a kind pieces for that bride-to-be! Opaque DiamondsThe unique coloring of an opaque diamond is what makes this trend so alluring. It is also a great compliment to the other diamonds in your jewelry collection because it is the same gem, just with a slightly different effect on the viewer’s eye. The best part about opaque diamonds is their hardness; you never have to worry about scratches or abrasions even if it is worn often. Black DiamondsWe love this trend because it is the easiest color to match with everyday style and it looks beautiful with every kind of outfit. Black diamonds are on an upward trend that will continue on through the next few years. Warm Colored GemstonesWhat better way to welcome fall than to WEAR fall! Find your favorite autumn hue in our vast collection of citrines, garnets, and smoky quartz gemstones. Many of these pieces can be easily mixed together to create one stunning, fall look. Gold JewelryGold is the way to go this fall, specifically, yellow gold! Which could be anything from a simple accent on a bracelet to a bold, gold chain made for adorning the neck. More ways to incorporate this trend would be layering multiple gold necklaces, pairing statement earrings with a matching bracelet, or using a yellow gold setting to create a custom, fall themed ring. Stackable Cluster RingsWear multiple bands at one time and mix and match how you please! Mix the color of metals with different textures and patterns to complete any outfit. Stackable bands are on the rise and are not going anywhere, anytime soon. Bridal RingsThere are two trends to look out for this season when it comes to wedding rings. The first is placing an oval, pear, or round shaped diamond in the center of a halo. This is a modern take on a vintage inspired design that is perfect for highlighting the main gem. The second bridal trend is to stay traditional and display one, round diamond in a solitaire, yellow gold setting. Find the perfect fall jewelry by visiting us in Fayetteville at 611 W. Dickson Street from 10am-6pm Mon-Fri and 10am-5pm Sat or contact us at 479-521-2000 and info@underwoods.com. Shop online anytime by visiting our website at www.underwoods.com. Ready to find the right piece? Explore fine jewelry.
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Tour of Tourmaline
The tourmaline gemstone is commonly known as the “Gemstone of the Rainbow” because of its wide variety of colors; such as pink, orchid, blue, green, red, yellow, black, brown and watermelon tourmaline. The formations of these colors have many different causes. For instance, trace amounts of iron and titanium induce the green and blue colors found in tourmaline, which range from a soft light mint color to a deep rich forest green. These colors are unique because many of the green tourmaline gemstones have pleochroism- which is an optical phenomenon where different colors can be perceived at various angles.PleochrosimThe rarest of color is found in the Paraiba Tourmaline. It is one of the most sought-after in the world because none of the other gemstones, including other tourmalines, have the vivid blue glow found in Paraiba. The difference is the small amounts of copper apparent in its formation, causing an incandescent glow that appears to light up the stone from within. Paraiba comes in colors ranging from turquoise to majestic blue-green and is almost always custom cut because of its extremely high value.Paraiba TourmalineTourmaline’s spectrum of colors doesn’t stop there. When manganese is present in the formation, it produces beautiful reds, pinks, and even yellows. These Underwood pieces are a perfect example of different shades that tourmaline can have. Notice the bracelet featuring an entire rainbow of tourmaline hues, from a light-yellow to deep red, blue, and brown, as pictured below. Finally, Watermelon Tourmaline is a popular, but rare, kind of tourmaline that exhibits pink, white, and green colors all within one crystal. It is known as a Master Heart crystal because its green and pink colors represent the colors of the heart. It is also said to have healing energies that work well with the heart’s emotions and energy. Watermelon Tourmaline is often used to assist in balancing and merging all the other tourmaline energies because it exhibits its most common hues all at once.Visit us at Underwoods Fine Jewelers in Fayetteville or explore our online website to view all the colors of tourmaline we have to offer. Each item is custom-made and displays the gem in a way that is just as unique as the person you are looking for. If you have any questions, you can find us at 611 W. Dickson Street from 10am-6pm Mon-Fri and 10am-5pm Sat or contact us at 479-521-2000 and info@underwoods.com. Drawn to color and character? Explore gemstone jewelry.
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Opals and What You Should Know
More than 90% of the world's precious opals come from Australia, and the rest can be found in other parts of the world such as Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, and the USA. With seasonal rains, silica deposits are carried underground between the layers of rock. When the water is evaporated, these deposits form tiny spheres. Opal’s flashing play-of-color is caused by dispersion of light by silica spheres stacked like tiny ping-pong balls in a box. There are many legends from ancient peoples that try explain this phenomenon. In Australia, they believed that the creator came to Earth on a rainbow, leaving these colorful stones where his feet touched the ground. Today, opal is prized for its unique play-of-color, which is how its value is determined. The finest opals possess broad patterns over the stone’s entire surface, in which all the colors of the spectrum are represented.Symbolism The ancient Romans and Europeans believed opal to be a symbol of love, hope, fidelity, and purity because it encompasses all the colors of all other gems. Many cultures have credited opal with supernatural origins and powers. The ancient Greeks believed opals gave their owners the gift of prophecy and protected them from disease. Throughout most of history, opal has been regarded as the luckiest and most magical of all gems because of its many colors.Opal There are over a dozen variations of opal. White opal is the most common variety, displaying a milkier color with hints of the entire rainbow- making it ideal for statement jewelry that can be worn with anything. The piece we recommend to wear with any outfit is our 18K white gold ring with a 1.78 carat oval opal. It is adorned with 112 fully cut diamonds and takes on the timeless halo style.Black OpalBlack opal is among the most prized for its blue, gray, or black color. This type of opal has a darker base allowing for more rainbow colors to disperse- as shown in this custom-made ring. This immaculate ring is made in platinum and features a 4.35ct oval shaped black opal and has 42 fully cut diamonds.Fire Opal The Mexican Fire Opal gives off a glowing red-orange color, unique to its formation. It is created when water seeps into silica-rich lava. Then, under incredible heat and pressure, becomes trapped within itself. The result is a bold and breath-taking hue. Since the times of the Mayans and Aztecs, it has been regarded as giving its wearer confidence, energy, and joy. This Underwood pendant is made in 18K white gold and features a 3.04 carat cushion shaped Mexican Fire Opal and is surrounded by 25 fully cut diamonds.Boulder OpalBoulder Opal has a unique relationship with its host rocks in that you can see the formation behind them. The result is a surface of exotic patterns and celestial imagery. It is placed on creative display just as often as it is set in jewelry. For the boulder opal, Underwoods recommends this “trapeze” style necklace. It features a free-form shape 3.20 carat boulder opal made in 14K yellow gold that is surrounded in fully cut diamonds in the halo.Come see these amazing Opals and much more only here at Underwoods Fine Jewelers! Located at 611 W. Dickson Street in Fayetteville. Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm and Sat 10am-5pm. You can contact us at 479-521-2000 or info@underwoods.com. Drawn to color and character? Explore gemstone jewelry.
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Game Day Glam
Support the Hogs this season by shopping our one of a kind Razorback jewelry. Featuring all the latest trends in accessories, our assortment of game day necklaces, pendants, bangles, earrings, and bracelets are sure to be a crowd pleaser. This entire collection is designed and created in house at Underwoods Jewelers, making it custom to everyone’s style and game day needs. How to Customize Your Jewelry Choose between 14K yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold. Select a size (there are four options for pendants). Pick between single or double sided. Add a diamond or ruby accent for the Hog’s eye. Want to complete the look? It is common to mix and match this collection or pair it with other popular stones, such as rubies and garnet. Whatever your style, every piece is made to last and offer timeless beauty perfect for any Razorback occasion. Our staff is made up of Razorback fans, all ready to assist you in your HOG needs. Be sure to stop by our store located at 611 W. Dickson Street in Fayetteville or call us at 479-521-2000. Looking for a spirited local piece? Shop Razorback jewelry.
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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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Top 10 Summer Jewelry Trends of 2018
Summer is in full swing, and so are this year’s hottest fashion trends! Here is what made our list of Top 10 jewelry trends to help you shine as brightly as the summer sun. 1. Stackable Bands Make it your own with stackable bands! Mix and match this summer with any color of metals, gemstones and textures to create a one-of-a-kind look to fit your individual style. 2. Solitaire Pendants Classic and bold, a single diamond pendant is a perfect choice for all of your summer events! Wear it to a night out on the town or to your favorite local festival. Change it up with a fancy shaped diamond like a pear or an oval. This look is a definite must for any outfit! 3. Diamond Bands Add some ice to your summer look! Diamond bands don’t have to be boring, play it up with some cool details. Make your summer look unstoppable with a versatile two-toned ring or a fun playful band. 4. Stackable Bracelets Wear stackable bracelets all summer long to make your outfit pop! Go from simple to elegant to over the top with this big summer trend. 5. Rose Gold Not only will you see rose gold in wedding rings this summer, but you will see them in all things jewelry! Rose gold is a huge upward fashion trend that has sky rocketed. This summer, people everywhere have hopped on board with this gorgeous trend. 6. Diamond Earrings You can’t go wrong with the simplicity and elegance of a pair of diamond earrings. Not only is this look huge this summer, but it makes an amazing gift for any occasion. The diamond earring summer trend will stay in style for a lifetime. 7. Pearls Reminiscent of ocean waters and sun-kissed beaches, pearls are a perfect summer accessory. From backyard weddings to an adventurous vacation, pearls are trending and are here to stay. 8. Statement Rings Be bold with fashion from flexible spirals to leaves of gold. These unforgettable trendy rings are sure to make a splash even on the hottest day. Make your statement this summer with a ring you can wear all year round. 9. Mixing Metals Wearing white, yellow, and rose gold all at the same time is really heating up! This universal trend is unlimited with all of the fashion possibilities. For your summer wedding, pair your white gold engagement ring with a rose or yellow gold wedding band! 10. Arkansas Razorback Pendants Call the Hogs in style with one of our must-have Razorback pendants! These necklaces are very much a local fashion favorite that can be worn every day. Help us say Woo Pig Sooie this summer! Visit our store located at 611 W. Dickson Street in Fayetteville to see this selection of hot summer jewelry and more! Underwoods, It’s Where You Buy the Best. Ready to find the right piece? Explore fine jewelry.
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Top 10 Engagement Ring Trends for 2018
With so many engagement ring styles out there, the options can seem endless — especially with all the gorgeous 2018 engagement ring trends surfacing lately. So, if you're planning on buying an engagement ring in the near future, or if you're curious about what style you like the most, you're in luck! We've been taking notes on the most popular engagement ring trends 2018 has to offer, and you can check them out right here. Oval Diamond Rings Oval diamonds are more popular than ever! Their elegant elongated shape offers a distinctive spin to the classic round diamond. While oval diamonds look striking as the centerpiece of a solitaire engagement ring, we also love the look of ovals in three stone engagement ring settings, trendy east-west settings, and sparkling halo settings. DLFR1347 Platinum DLFR0877 What attracts us to platinum? Could it be because the symbolism of platinum is tied to rarity and exclusiveness? Platinum became popular in the 1700s in the European culture and was usually worn by royalty. That early symbolism is carried over into how we view the precious metal in todays society. Think about it, in todays world we see platinum as a high status, from platinum album sales to platinum credit cards. Having a platinum engagement ring not only signifies rarity but it is also a metal that is extremely durable. The precious metal is more rare and more difficult to work with than gold and therefore usually costs more. Choosing platinum is a strong choice as a statement for a wedding or engagement ring because it symbolizes the very best. Twisted Accents We love the romantic notion of a twisted band — forever intertwined like your love. Symbolic and stunning, this on-trend infinity design represents two lives coming together and becoming one. There are many ways to add an elegant "twist" to your engagement ring. You can feature diamond twists on the side of your engagement ring or just add a diamond twist wedding band to a simple solitaire engagement ring.DLFR1245 Colored Gemstones UCDC0298 We are seeing engagement ring trends move towards center diamond alternatives like gem stones. Precious gem stones are unique in that each one possesses different symbolisms, shapes and different colors. This year we think that colored gem stones as diamond alternatives will be a huge hit. Come see us to get the very best advice on which gemstones will be perfect for your everyday wear! Rose Gold There are so many reasons women are mesmerized by this gorgeous metal. Rose gold is yellow gold that is alloyed with copper to create a soft, feminine blush tone. Another thing that is great about rose gold- it's a unique choice for an engagement ring, but it's also a safe bet because it will never go out of style. Rose gold has been around for hundreds of years and women of all ages love it. Men are also wearing rose gold wedding bands to harmonize with their spouse's ring. DLFR1336 Traditional Solitaire Traditional Solitaire A solitaire is a single center diamond without diamonds on the sides of the ring. Nothing says classical sophistication like a solitaire engagement ring. This engagement ring style represents around 70% of the engagement ring market and it’s not hard to see why celebrities like Gisele Bundchen, Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston, and Mila Kunis opt for these timeless treasures. Solitaire engagement rings can be designed in a variety of styles to give it a modern and unique twist while still retaining its elegant aesthetic and simple lines. There are several other solitaire styles and options that we would love to show you! Fancy Shapes A fancy shaped diamond is any other shape other than round. Everyone falls in love with certain shapes that become an important part of their personal style. Fancy shape diamonds give consumers the option to choose a stone that reflects their unique aesthetic, so it makes sense that fancies are gaining popularity in this age of personalization and unconventional engagement rings. DLFR1189 Stackable Wedding Bands DLW1495 Audrey Hepburn’s husband Mel Ferrer may have kicked off the trend of stackable rings in different metals, a style that’s still going strong today. By giving the style-conscious star rings in different color metals, she could switch them out to match her outfit. The stackable bands can be worn with the engagement ring, or worn as a right hand ring. Add one for each special occasion! Vintage Style Vintage styles can come from any past era, depending on the style you like. In general, vintage engagement rings usually feature more ornate designs and can be handcrafted, like our cutwork filigree ring shown. There is nostalgia and romance associated with antique style rings, and there are usually more textures, with details different from modern rings. Often, small colored stones like ruby, sapphire and emerald are used in vintage inspired designs. This upward trend is classic and timeless!UCD0513 Bypass DLFR1310 It’s a style that has been around since at least the 1830s, but most of us have probably never noticed the elegant, twisted style wrapped around our friend’s finger. In the last couple of years the bypass ring has become a growing trend. The curves and twists of a bypass ring give it an elegant look, while still being modern and sleek. You can have two-stones on a ring that sit next to each other and represent you and your loved one. Ready to find a ring with this kind of meaning? Explore engagement rings.
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The Holidays Are Perfect for Proposals
We’ve all felt it – the first cool breeze of Autumn, flowing through the trees with a quiet exuberance, heralding the magical holiday season to come. If you’ve been waiting for the right atmosphere to propose, wait no more. A holiday proposal is enchanting. It’s romantic. And whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Day, you simply can’t go wrong proposing during this charmed season. The Weather There exist few places quite as beautiful as Northwest Arkansas in the fall. The slopes of the Ozarks put on a dazzling display of colors ranging from gold, to orange, to bright red and yellow. These warm hues create the perfect backdrop for that coveted proposal photo, allowing you to plan the perfect place to declare your love. Later on, if you’re lucky, a fresh snowfall can also create the perfect ambiance. Too cold? A fireside proposal might be the perfect choice. Family and Friends to Celebrate With After selecting the perfect Underwoods diamond, picking the moment, and popping the question, many couples are eager to share the news with loved ones. If this sounds like you, then there’s no better time to propose than during the holidays. This time of year lends itself to celebrations, and with your closest family friends already gathered, there’s no better time to toast your new life together. Atmosphere During the holidays, the local area comes alive. Whether that’s colorful lights, or shiny tinsel, holiday proposals are bursting with opportunity. The intricate interior decorations and romantic atmosphere of this season are unrivaled during any other part of the year. There’s something about warm fires, hot cocoa, and festive activities that never fails to deliver a familiar warmth within our souls. A New Chapter What better way is there to start off the New Year than with the promise of forever with the one you love? Toward the end of the year, people tend to start thinking about the opportunities offered by the New Year. A winter proposal (or New Year’s engagement) offers a wonderful way to mark those new beginnings. No matter what you choose, you can put your own spin on the holiday season to plan a brilliant proposal that celebrates your relationship and your future together. When it comes to choosing the perfect ring for that magical moment, and for more advice on how and when to pop the question, come see the experts at Underwoods Jewelers. Looking for a gift that feels personal? Shop fine jewelry gifts.
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