The Underwoods Journal
60 Reasons to Shop at Underwoods
As we near our 60th anniversary, we're celebrating the qualities that make our work stand out. There are many reasons why our customers in Arkansas and nationwide have trusted us to create their custom jewelry for 60 years. Here are just a few: We have a storied history of excellence in crafting remarkable jewelry, which has been recognized in local, national, and international arenas. · We became the first certified gemologist in Arkansas in 1961. · We won the International Pearl Design Contest in 1986. · In 1991, we were inducted into the National Jeweler's Hall of Fame in New York. · We won the the AGTA Platinum Honors Award in 2002. · We were also the winner of the AGTA Spectrum Design Award in 2009. · We represented the jewelry industry at the Emmy Awards in 2003, selected as the official jeweler for the Emmy Awards gift basket at the annual awards ceremony. · We have also represented the jewelry industry at the Oscars. · We were named the InStore Magazine Coolest Store in the Nation in 2006. · Underwoods was the winner of the Jewelers of America C.A.S.E. Design Awards in 2012 for a custom-made diamond ring. · Our founder, Bill Underwood, made a bracelet featured in the Smithsonian Museum. · We are the only jeweler in Arkansas to win state, national and international jewelry design awards. · We have been named Celebrate, Citiscape and Democrat Gazette Best of the Best for numerous years. Our expert staff and facilities are beyond compare. · The owner is in the store. · We have the only store in the state with four certified gemologist appraisers. · We also have two certified master bench jewelers. · Underwoods is the only store in the state whose independent, accredited gemologists can fully grade a diamond in-house, check and re-check the grade. · We have the most advanced gem lab in the state. · Our founder, Bill Underwood, and current president, Craig Underwood, are both past presidents of the American Gem Society. · Bill was awarded the Robert Shipley Award, the jewelry industry's highest award, in 1993. · Bill was awarded the American Gem Society “Circle of Distinction” award in 2005. · Bill appraised the Elvis Presley ring. · Bill patented the Beauty Grade Machine, which is in our store. · Craig served as President of the Diamond Standards Committee. · Craig serves as the only “stand-alone” jeweler on the Jewelers Mutual International Board of Directors. · We were the first store in the U.S. to have the new Hologem technology. · We instill the highest ethics and integrity in every employee. We have impeccable standards for quality. · We travel the world to make direct connections to buy the very best from the source. · Only 1 out of 20 diamonds that pass through the Gem Lab are kept because of our quality standards. · Our pearls are handpicked in Kobe, Japan, and matched perfectly for necklaces and earrings. · There is no synthetic or lab-created jewelry in our store. · We have the widest selection of loose diamonds in the state. Where most stores put cz’s in their mountings, we set live diamonds. We are dedicated to giving our customers the best experience and helping the Fayetteville community thrive. · The Underwoods Building was designed and built in 1966 by internationally renowned architect E. Fay Jones, which helped revive and positively contribute to Dickson Street. · Our newly remodeled store has private bridal shopping, a renovated pearl department, a spacious and comfortable check-out center, and a relaxing showroom. · We provide complimentary gift wrapping in our custom French wrapping paper with every purchase. · It is our priority to have every piece priced at the very fairest price, which means we don’t play the “change the tag” game. · We offer custom Razorback jewelry for U of A fans. · Our color stone department is one-of-a-kind with many loose color stones. · We offer fine jewelry in every price range. · We give to many local charities and our annual Fab Five every year. Thank you, Fayetteville, for 60 wonderful years of crafting the finest jewelry for you and your loved ones. We look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and distinction. Visit us at our shop on Dickson Street or call 479-521-2000 to set up an appointment. Ready to find the right piece? Explore fine jewelry.
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Father’s Day Shopping Guide
Father's Day is coming up on Sunday, June 18, and we have some great gift ideas for your father or husband! Razorback Cufflinks Show your U of A spirit with these unique 14-karat gold Razorbacks cuff links, handcrafted by the artisans at Underwoods and set with genuine ruby eyes. Dad will go hog wild over these fun yet classy cuff links. William Henry Knives William Henry Knives are considered to be among the finest knives in the world. Each one is crafted in America with the finest steel, precious metals, and gemstones. These unique and distinctive knives make a perfect Father's Day gift for a one-of-a-kind dad. Men's Wedding Bands Upgrade his wedding band this Father's Day! From simple and sleek to decorative and detailed, available in platinum, white, yellow, and rose gold, we have a variety of wedding bands so you can find the perfect ring to symbolize your lasting bond. Stop by our shop on Dickson Street in Fayetteville to get a Father's Day gift that will make him smile all year round. Looking for a spirited local piece? Shop Razorback 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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Mother’s Day
Pearls Galore Necklace $175 Our versatile sterling silver and freshwater pearl necklace is 48 inches in length and can be worn as a single, double or even triple strand. Sterling Silver Rose Color Bracelet $50 This sterling silver, diamond-cut beaded bracelet has a rose gold color and a magnetic clasp — perfect for stacking! “Love Knot” necklace $65 This 16″ necklace is made in sterling silver. It features two fresh water cultured pearls that dangle from a permanent knot in the silver chain. Traditional Mother's Day gifts include flowers and chocolates. While these gifts can be wonderful, they only last so long. A gift of jewelry can serve as a daily reminder of your appreciation for your mother or your spouse who is the mother of your children. These stackable magnetic bracelets come in a variety of colors, including sterling silver oxidized black, rose colored sterling silver, and gold colored sterling silver. These versatile accessories go with every outfit from casual to formal. You can preview and order these bracelets here. The Love Knot Necklace is an elegant 16″ sterling silver chain with two freshwater cultured pearls. The permanent knot in the chain is a symbol for unbreakable love and devotion, perfect for expressing the bond between you and your mother or the bond between you and the mother of your children. You can preview and order this necklace here. The Pearls Galore Necklace is a 48 -inch sterling silver chain set with freshwater pearls in a variety of colors. Pearls are said to symbolize wisdom gained through experience, purity, generosity, integrity, and the loyalty that the gift-giver feels toward the recipient of the pearls. All of these qualities make pearls a perfect Mother's Day gift. You can preview and order this necklace here. Underwoods offers cleaning services to keep the symbol of your appreciation bright and sparkling. To choose the perfect gift for Mother's Day, visit our store on Dickson Street in Fayetteville or call 479-521-2000 to set up a consultation for a custom design today. Looking for a gift that feels personal? Shop fine jewelry gifts.
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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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Your Guide to the Ultimate Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is on its way! February 14th has been a day for romance since the Middle Ages. Read on for the history of Valentine’s Day, ideas for great Valentine’s Day dates, our picks for movies to watch with your Valentine, and engagement ring ideas if you’re planning to propose on February 14th!The History of Valentine’s DayValentine’s Day has roots in both ancient Roman and Christian traditions. There were at least three different Catholic saints named Valentine or Valentinus, and all became martyrs. One legend suggests that in the third century in Rome, Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men because single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families. Saint Valentine, a priest, recognized the injustice of the decree and continued to perform marriage ceremonies in secret. When this was discovered, Claudius ordered the priest’s execution. Other legends say Saint Valentine tried to help Christians escape the harsh conditions of Roman prisons; one story suggests that Valentine was himself imprisoned, and sent the first “Valentine” after he fell in love with a girl who visited him during his imprisonment. He allegedly sent a letter to her before his death signed “From your Valentine.” The accuracy of these legends cannot be confirmed, but we know that by the Middle Ages, Saint Valentine was associated with romantic love and was one of the most popular saints in England and France.Valentine’s Day has become one of the biggest holidays for sending cards and giving jewelry as a gift to loved ones. It’s also a big day for taking your special someone on a special date. Valentine’s Day Date Ideas1. There’s always the classic dinner date.2. Want to avoid the crowd and the cost of dining out? Grab something to go from your favorite restaurant. To make this option even more special, take your dinner to a park or, if it’s too cold, drive beyond the city limits and snuggle up in the car with a view of the stars.3. Take the day off from work, school, and the kids. Hire a babysitter for the afternoon so that you have the whole day together to go on an adventure or relax without worries.4. Go ice-skating – just the two of you.5. Stroll through a museum or art gallery together. This can lead to interesting conversations that may help you better understand your significant other’s perspective.6. Reminisce by pulling out photos of you and your Valentine together. If you’re married, cue up your wedding video. Talk about your memories of the first time you met and the moment you knew you were in love.7. Watch the sunrise or the sunset – or both.10 Romantic movies to watch on Valentine's Day27 Dresses(500) Days of SummerA Walk to RememberLetters to JulietLost in TranslationMusic and LyricsSerendipityThe NotebookThe ProposalThe Wedding DateGift-giving has been a part of the Valentine’s Day tradition for hundreds of years. Here are some romantic gift ideas:1. Make homemade Valentine’s Day cards and gifts. A great Valentine’s gift is the handmade “Coupon Book” with coupons for back rubs, sleep-in days, doing your significant other’s chores for a day – anything you know your Valentine will love.2. Flowers and chocolate are a staple on Valentine’s Day. Make your gift a little more special by skipping the red roses and getting a bouquet of your Valentine’s favorite flowers.3. Jewelry is always a great Valentine’s Day gift. Some favorites include red rubies, pink sapphires, and purple amethysts. Classic jewelry gifts are diamond bracelets, diamond earrings, or even a diamond heart necklace that will be a lasting reminder of your special bond and your romantic day together. Looking for a gift that feels personal? Shop fine jewelry gifts.
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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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Get Started on Christmas Shopping with These Gorgeous Pieces from Underwoods
It’s not too early to start Christmas shopping, and we have something for everyone on your list! These sterling silver bracelets with magnetic clasps are a great accessory for any outfit from casual to formal. The black is oxidized silver and the rose and yellow are plated on sterling silver. These are collectible in various choices of colors for $50.00 each. These elegant Three Fresh Water Cultured Pearl Earrings are set on sterling silver wire hooks for $60.00. The matching Three Fresh Water Cultured Pearl Pendant is also set in sterling silver with a 16-inch box chain included for $55.00. Pair the earrings and pendant for a gorgeous matching set that will make an excellent gift. The matching Three Fresh Water Cultured Pearl Pendant is also set in sterling silver with a 16-inch box chain included for $55.00. Pair the earrings and pendant for a gorgeous matching set that will make an excellent gift. The Pearls Galore Necklace is 48 inches of dyed fresh water cultured pearls in a lovely mix of sizes and colors, stationed in sterling silver. This is a piece that goes with everything for $175.00. Stop by Underwoods on Dickson Street in Fayetteville or contact us to set up a consultation to find the perfect gifts for the special people in your life. Looking for a gift that feels personal? Shop fine jewelry gifts.
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The Underwoods Building: Turning Fifty and More Beautiful than Ever
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