The Underwoods Journal
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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"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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Run for the Roses at Horton Farms
On Saturday, May 7, Underwoods proudly participated in the live auction at Run for the Roses at Horton Farms. A charitable event that features a silent auction, live auction and giveaways, Run for the Roses at Horton Farms is a horse race based on the Kentucky derby, with dinner, drinks, and more. All proceeds benefit JDRF Diabetes Foundation. The Underwoods donation featured a night on Dickson Street that included a one night stay in the Underwoods condo, a $50 gift certificate to Powerhouse Seafood & Steaks and a $2,000 gift certificate to Underwoods Fine Jewelers. We're very excited to have participated in this wonderful event. Together with all the other sponsors, we hope to one day "turn Type One into Type None." Ready to find the right piece? Explore fine jewelry.
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AGS Conclave – Washington DC
This past week, Craig Underwood, Certified Gemologist Appraiser, traveled to the American Gem Society’s annual Conclave. He attended several gemological classes, learning the latest techniques and procedures in the gem world today. Craig Underwood is pictured here with Dr. James Shigley. Dr. Shigley is considered to be one of the world’s foremost gemological scientists, and an industry leader in education. Recognized as the face of the Gemological Institute of America, Dr. Shigley researches and travels the world, lecturing and publishing on topics related to diamonds, colored stones, and gem identification. 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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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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Gifts That Glisten
For you last minute Valentine's shoppers, head on over to our promotional items to select some of our favorites. Our matching Onyx and Diamond pendant and earrings are sure to steal her away. For some color, check out our Pearls Galore necklace. Our promotional page is there for a reason - it is some of our favorites! Whether it be diamond earrings or a diamond bracelet, Underwoods team of experts is bound to find your perfect piece of jewelry. Stop by our store on Dickon Street and our staff can help you pick out the perfect gift that glistens. Looking for a gift that feels personal? Shop fine jewelry gifts.
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