We have just had the fun of another Valentine’s
Day, a day which sees the purchase of many
engagement rings. And we are coming up to the
spring season, another popular time to begin the
process of searching for that important symbol. If you
are already married or engaged, you most likely have
a very clear memory of how that ring was given to you,
and how that all-important question was asked. Or,
for the men, you may remember the nerve-wracking
planning which went into asking for a lifetime
commitment.
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is
discovering the wonderful creativity used in making a
proposal of marriage. Here are some of the stories I
have heard: presenting a family heirloom ring on top
of a mountain, midway through a camping trip;
dropping the ring into a glass of champagne at dinner;
tying the ring onto a Christmas tree, like any other
ornament; re-enacting a first date, with the ring
presented at the last stop. One story I heard recently
involved the presentation of a fine fountain pen,
personalized with the phrase “marry me,” before the
presentation of the ring. I have jeweler-friends in other
states who have had proposals made right in their
stores.
These stories become family legends, and every time
you look at that engagement ring you are reminded of
your own special moment. Stumped for a memorable
way to ask for her hand? Come in to any of our stores
and ask my colleagues and I to share some of the
stories we have heard. Or ask us for a copy of a book
we have entitled Twenty Ways to Pop the Question.
You are sure to get some inspiration to make your
proposal in your own special way.
| Charm Bracelets |
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Charm bracelets have continued to be a popular
gift. I
have recently helped create a charm bracelet for a
40th birthday, a 50th birthday, and, in silver, for an 8th
birthday. This last will now become a family tradition,
each granddaughter receiving a charm bracelet when
she turns eight. Creating such a bracelet makes a
completely personal piece of jewelry, each charm
representing something important about the
recipient’s life, and just the selection of the charms
themselves is a fun part of the process.
Although we carry a good selection of charms in our
stores, we will normally review a catalogue with you,
allowing you a much larger selection.come in and let
us help you create a lifetime memory for a cherished
friend or family member.”
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| March Birthstones |
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If you were born in March, you have a choice of
birthstones. The first is aquamarine, a beautiful sky-
blue gem, said to calm the temper, protect sailors,
and guarantee a safe voyage. The shape and size of
the crystal lends itself to fashioning large gems of the
emerald-cut shape, allowing one to see into the depth
of the gem itself. Perhaps because of this geometric
shape, it was a favorite of many jewelry designers in
the Art Deco period. You often see it set into beautiful
platinum and diamond bracelets, rings, and
pendants. (And since this was also the era of the
great ocean liners, perhaps its association with safety
at sea helped justify the purchase of a beautiful
aquamarine suite to wear at the formal dinners.)
Interestingly, it is the same mineral as emerald: they
are both a mineral called beryl. An important source
for aqua is South America, notably Brazil . It is also
found in several African countries, as well as
Pakistan . Although the same color as blue topaz,
aqua will have greater transparency and brilliance.
We normally have a very nice selection of aquamarine
rings, particularly in our estate jewelry collections.
Another March stone is bloodstone. It is a type of
jasper, mostly dark green highlighted with flecks of
red. Legend has it that the red flecks were created by
drops of Christ’s blood falling onto jasper at the base
of the cross. Its strong color makes a wonderful gem
for a man’s ring, and you often see it used in ancient
carvings.
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Fund Raisers |
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For the second year, Gleim the Jeweler donated a
raffle prize for the annual fundraiser for the Ragazzi
Chorus. This is a wonderful group on the Peninsula ,
giving serious choral training to boys as young as six.
The fundraiser had a “ Hollywood ” theme, as a
prelude to the Academy Awards. Last year we
donated a diamond ring, happily won by a long-time
supporter of Ragazzi. This year we donated some
diamond earrings, happily won by the very same lucky
guest! Guess who you should sit next to next year?
Our philosophy is to give back to our community
through supporting local organizations as much as
we can.
Green for St. Patrick’s Day
Want to make sure you are properly observing St.
Patrick’s Day? How about a green gem? You have
many different choices in all price ranges: Emerald (of
course!), Green Tourmaline (in many shades),
Tsavorite Garnet, Demantoid Garnet (who says
garnets all have to be dark red?), Jade (for a bit of
luck), Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye (for the unusual), and, of
course, several varieties of quartz. Collect them all,
and you will be well-prepared for any St. Patrick’s
occasion.
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Joseph,
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