A Butterfly Affair

My granddaughter with a
Monarch Butterfly

Monarch butterflies are one of the great joys of our summer. In addition to their beauty, the story of their life cycles and incredible journeys is amazing and inspirational.

Five years ago I met with a couple about wedding rings. They were older, somewhat unconventional and wanted their rings to express how they felt about their new lives together. They went home to think about it. It took a while! I was delighted to hear from them this spring.

A monarch caterpillar had attached its chrysalis to the eves of their house. They actually saw it emerge.

They were struck by the unique turquoise color and golden markings of the chrysalis as well as the wonderful metaphor of the new life emerging as this glorious creature. “Ah ha! Let’s call Jim.” They asked if this symbol could be used as a design for their custom made rings.

I found two elongated oval turquoise stones. The ring is made of 14K yellow gold with a line of pure gold beads representing the pattern of gold dots on the chrysalis.

Beautiful, meaningful, and certainly unique!

Let’s talk about diamonds

Let’s talk about diamonds. They are beautiful, unique gifts from the earth – the symbol of something that will last forever and never fade. If you want a diamond I will get one for you.

First of all it is very important to me that the diamond you buy is “conflict free”. This is assured by working with reliable, trusted and ethical suppliers - people that I know personally, have a long relationship with and who share this concern.

When you come in, I will explain what diamonds are all about.  In ten minutes you will know more about diamonds than many people who sell them. We will talk about quality and price, then, if you like, set up another appointment. I will go get several diamonds in your price range for you to look at and choose from.

I do not have a drawer full of stones or hundreds of “unique” settings. I only have a few diamonds as samples to show you.

What I do that is different from the stores, is to go to my suppliers and carefully look at each diamond available and choose one that meets my standards and has the qualities you have asked for.

After decades of being in this business I have come to know the subtle differences in the qualities of a diamond that go beyond the standard classifications. Does the cut enhance the brilliance of the stone. Are the flaws dark or light. Are they in a place that can be easily seen or not. Is there clearness in the structure of the stone or a slight haziness. Is there florescence and if so is that good or bad. It is essentially a matter of how does the stone look to my experienced eye.

You learn about diamonds. I find the best ones. You choose the one you want. And you will most likely save money. I charge less than the stores because I don’t have a lot of money tied up in stones and when you get here you will see that I don’t have a lot of overhead.

Diamonds are like people and couples. Each truly is unique. You have chosen each other. I would love to help you chose the right diamond. 

Winter Wonderland

Final ring- Front with cabin 

Ann and Steve are good friends of mine who were recently married. Steve and his family have a cabin in the Black Hills where they have spent wonderful times together. They asked me to make their rings for them. 

Final ring- Deer tracks leading to rose

When I asked what they wanted their rings to be like, Steve thought of the cabin. He then drew a sketch. Ann wanted a rose to be a part of the design as well. There are deer tracks leading from the rose to the trees surrounding the cabin- a winter wonder land.

The "sketch"
You don't need to be a Rembrandt, I'll know what to do

Stebgo Metals

It is important to me to integrate my values with the people I work with. I would like to share with you a brief story of the company I buy my gold from.  This is a small, local, family owned business called Stebgo metals. I have been with them from the beginning more than thirty years ago. Tom Stebbing Sr. worked for another company that I dealt with occasionally but did not connect with particularly well. But I liked and respected Tom. Tom left that company and started his own company which is now run by his children whom I knew as little kids. I have included a link to a recent article in a trade magazine called Mid-America Jewelry News If you would like to read more about the company. http://midamericajewelrynews.com/featured-articles/1583-minnesotas-stebgo-metals-a-greener-integrity-minded-family-refinery 

The reasons I deal with Stebgo are first of all these are honest and honorable people. They offer a good reliable product, they are prompt and fair in their pricing. They provide only recycled gold. We all consume products that in their production have an impact on the environment. I, as I am sure you do, try to choose those that have the least impact. The practice of offering only recycled gold means that less of the earth is torn up to find new gold by mining. They have invested in state of the art facilities to make the refining process as environmentally save as is possible.

One of the services I offer is to recycle old gold that you may have; broken chains, no longer warn class rings, single earrings, ugly jewelry you know you will never wear, even old gold teeth returned by the dentist. I pay considerably more for this gold, silver or platinum than anyone else I know of. I collect it and when I have enough I bring it to the refinery and have it returned to me as pure gold which I then alloy to make Karat gold to make new pieces. The value of this gold can be used for payment of something new that I would make for you (often I can use the actual gold in the new piece if it has sentimental value) or I will give you a check. Now is a good time to sell since the price of gold is high and it will be recycled as beautiful and meaningful handmade jewelry. (And you know it’s just going to sit in that little drawer for another twenty years)

Jim