Rough Diamond Jewelry

White Gold Rough Uncut Diamond Necklace

When we think of diamonds, what immediately comes to mind are the meticulously polished, highly cut diamonds of the diamond industry, but rarely do we think of the natural, raw diamonds from which these more traditional, refined versions are created.  Unlike cut diamonds, rough diamonds have not been faceted, polished, or altered but left as nature made them—raw and untouched crystals of singular beauty.  Raw diamonds in their natural rough, unpolished form manifest an intrinsic beauty and natural elegance elegance which lend an air of timeless sophistication to our own rough diamond jewelry pieces.  To give you a better introduction to our uncut diamond jewelry here are a few facts on the history of these fascinating gemstones:

• Created by geological processes deep within the interior of the earth’s mantel, diamonds are born from carbon and are one of the oldest minerals having being formed over billions of years.
• Over 1,000 years ago in the 4th century BC, rough diamonds were first prized as precious gemstones in Central India. Ancient Hindus described diamonds as vajra or “thunderbolt” and valued them for their rough quality, leaving diamonds uncut since they prized them for their natural beauty.
• From 800 BC until 1375 AD when jewelers began the practice of faceting and cutting diamonds; kings, queens, and emperors wore rough diamonds and treasured them as precious gemstones.
• Although the process of cutting and faceting a diamond reduces its carat weight by as much as 50%, a rough diamond is not altered in any way and thus loses none of its size or its brilliance.
• Temperature, pressure, and the earth’s shifting layers can all radically change the formation of a diamond, making it impossible for any two rough diamonds to be alike.  Each raw diamond is a one of a kind stone, having it’s own unique shape and texture quite unlike the uniformity of cut diamonds.

White Gold Rough Uncut Diamond Ring

Inspired by nature’s raw beauty and designed with Liza Shtromberg’s signature organic look, our rough diamond jewelry is lovingly made in recognition of the inherent beauty of raw, untouched diamonds. Our white gold rough diamond ring showcases an elegant twist of tiny micro pavé diamonds which have been hand-set under a microscope by a highly skilled diamond setter.  These micro pave diamonds entwine a rare cube-shaped rough diamond which shimmers as if hiding an inner fire.  Over thousands of years rough diamonds have become associated with faithfulness, longevity, healing and relationships filled with love.  Declare your own unique love with a one of a kind rough, uncut diamond ring.

Pearls: The Wedding Gem

Freshwater Pearl Necklace

Shimmering luminously with a soft inner glow, a strand of iridescent white pearls or even a single pearl can be the perfect piece for any bride on her wedding day.  This most precious and revered gem has long been regarded in every culture as one of the rarest, most valued and symbolic of all gemstones.  And no wonder!  The pearl is unique among all gems due to its organic nature, being the only gemstone which is created inside a living creature, a mollusk.  Therefore, it should be no surprise that the pearl, praised throughout the ages by the great poets of every culture for its unparalleled beauty, cool luster, and exquisite shape, has been the gem of choice for generations of brides on their wedding day.

Grey Freshwater Pearls with Sterling Silver Paisley Clasp

“And Krishna brought forth pearls from the depths of the sea

to give to his daughter on her wedding day.”

-The Rig Veda, Ancient Hindu Book, c. 1000 BC

Among the many cultures which celebrate the tradition of wearing pearls as wedding jewelry, the Hindu culture traces its pearl lore back to its holy book, the Rig Veda.  This ancient text chronicles the discovery of the first pearl, describing how the god Krishna descended into the sea, unearthed the pearls, and joyfully presented them to his daughter on her wedding day.  What a magnificent and queenly gift!  A perfect illustration of the pearl’s peerless value and unmatched beauty.  Perhaps the first record of pearls and weddings, this Hindu text marks the beginning of the age-old belief that pearls are jewelry befitting a bride.

Gold Filled Freshwater Pearls and Cubic Zirconia Chandelier Earrings

 Not just India but many cultures all over the world from Greece to Rome to Polynesia possess a rich history of associating pearls with purity and love.  In Polynesian pearl lore there is a legend that when the god of peace and fertility wanted to show his affection to the Princess Boro Boro he offered her a single perfect pearl as a token of his love.  Pearls were considered in much the same way by the Romans who believed that pearls were symbols of love, which would help ensure marital bliss.  To the Greeks, pearls were considered the “wedding gem,” a stone unmatched in beauty.  What a perfect and meaningful gem to grace your neck on one of the happiest days of your life!  

For today’s bride there is a much more diverse selection of pearl bridal jewelry with pearls available in a variety of shapes and colors including white, champagne, pink, blue, brown, and gold.  Such a large variety of pearls allows each bride to take this traditional gem and personalize it. Pearl bridesmaid jewelry can also make a lovely and memorable gift for your bridesmaids or even the mother of the bride.  On your wedding day, feature elegant, lustrous pearls at your neck, encircling your wrists, or even dangling from your ears for an unforgettably timeless look evoking ancient traditions of love as you walk towards your future.

Color Diamond Rings

Yellow Gold Colored Diamonds Cluster Ring

One of the most beautiful options for a non traditional diamond engagement ring are color diamonds.

Color diamonds are created when a variety of minerals are introduced into the diamond while it is being formed. Natural colored diamonds come in a variety of shades of pink, yellow, browns, red, green and blue. Although diamonds are now available in lab enhanced colors, all of the diamonds used in Liza Shtromberg Jewelry are natural color diamonds.

Yellow Gold Champagne Rose Cut Diamond

The color diamond collection features rose cut diamonds and brilliant cut diamonds, set in platinum, yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold.

Yellow, White and Rose Gold with Champagne, Pink and Canary Yellow Diamonds

This collection is also wonderful for everyday diamond rings as well as engagement rings and commitment rings. Some rings feature one center stone, while others combine several color diamonds in a medley of sparkle.

Since color diamonds grade in quality according to the vibrancy of the color and clarity of the stone, all of the diamonds used in Liza Shtromberg jewelry are clean to the naked eye and vibrant in color.

There is a wide variety of ready made ring styles to choose from as well as a selection of loose color diamonds ready to create a custom designed piece that fits the individual’s needs and style.

Liza Shtromberg on Groupon

Liza Shtromberg Jewelry is being featured on Groupon on June 5-6, 2011. Get this great deal while it lasts, limited quantity available.

Liza Shtromberg on Groupon

Recycling makes a happy bride and groom!

Recently a lovely couple came to Liza Shtromberg Jewelry to buy wedding rings.

Pave diamond white gold engagement ring

We told them they can bring unwanted gold and platinum jewelry to be recycled, and used for store credit. Their family decided to pitch in and donated a few pieces of unwanted jewelry, and one of the rings had a center diamond that we were able to use in the style the bride loved the most. We were able to modify the setting to fit the size of the diamond. With the biggest expense in a diamond ring being the center diamond, and the credit from the recycled gold, the couple was able to get their favorite styles by spending only 25% of the total cost of the rings!

And they lived happily ever after…

Create your own happy wedding ring story at Liza Shtromberg jewelry. Be green, and save green with our unwanted jewelry recycling program, and by choosing engagement and wedding rings made with 100% recycled metals and diamonds at Liza Shtromberg Jewelry. We have a new selection of solitaire styles, with complimentary his and her wedding rings.

Destination Wedding Jewelry: Greece

Dreaming of a destination wedding on a Grecian Isle?

Let your dreams be graced by the romantic crystal clear Aegean Sea, bright red sunsets, and streets that wind through whitewashed buildings.  Feel the warmth of the sun, earth, magnificent food, and joyous people amplified by your love.  The grounded support of history is beneath your feet as you take your step into the future.

A blessing to be able to have your wedding in Greece, you and your guests will remember these moments for the rest of your lives.  If this dream can’t burst into your reality, why not bring a little Greece to your day wherever you may be on the map?

Liza Shtromberg designed the Destination Greece jewelry collection based off an imprint she took of Phaistos Disc, a disk of clay about 4,000 years old from Crete, with visually intriguing Minoan text.  The Mediterranean coastal palate of land, sky and sea is present in each piece; truly complementary to the Grecian Isles.

Mother of pearl, Amazonite, Phaistos Disc Sterling Silver necklace

In Greek tradition, a gold band is worn on the left hand of both partners upon engagement.  This band is usually inscribed with initials or names, and the engagement or wedding date.  After marriage, the rings are moved to the right hand.

Hand-sculpted men's 18k gold wedding band - can be inscribed

A Greek wedding ceremony is composed of many traditions- here are a few examples to consider adding to your own “Greek” ceremony:

- Holding candles together to represent the light in your new life together.

- “The Joining of Hands”; holding hands throughout the ceremony to represent that you are joined as one.

- Being crowned with wreaths tied with ribbons that link your partner to yourself; representing the joining of two souls, as well as honoring that you’ll be the rulers of your new kingdom in your life together.  Traditionally the wreaths are swapped back and forth 3 times in ceremony.

Apatite and Mother of Pearl Earrings

Returning Home with Treasures from Thailand and India

Liza had a wonderfully active trip in India, scouring the country for the most brilliant gems and jaw dropping diamonds to bring home to you!   Loose rose cut diamonds in white, champagne, and chocolate would look incredible in an LS Delight ring setting, while a large mesmerizing Labradorite would make an incredible custom pendant!

Come in today to see the beautiful assortment of treasures ranging from Rubies to London Blue Topaz to hand-carved Jade!

Citrine, Lemon Quartz, Ruby, Smokey Quartz, and London Blue Topaz

Amazing Pieces of Labradorite

Carved Jade- flowers, Ganesha, Buddha, and a dragon

* ALSO IN CARVED RUBY *

Champagne and Chocolate Rose Cut Diamonds!

AND MUCH MORE!

We are anxious to see these gems in the fabulous LS designs.

Put in your custom order before they are set into action here at LS!

Yes, it’s YOUR day ~ but don’t forget the mothers!

Mother of bride, and mother of groom; the importance they have in our life is immeasurable.  A role that neither distance nor time can lessen.  After years spent nurturing and providing advice, it can be a difficult and sentimental experience for a mother to see their child completely nurtured, and advised, by another.

On your wedding day it is important to acknowledge and honor these bittersweet feelings your mother may be experiencing, and to graciously thank the mother of your partner for raising such a wonderful human being as your new spouse.  Let them know that though you are starting a family of your own, they are not being replaced or forgotten, and will always be appreciated for what they have done for you.  How beautiful that through their unconditional love, you in turn have found a love of your own!

For the support they’ve provided throughout your lives, and throughout the preparation of your wedding, thank them with the gift of  a unique piece of jewelry that can be forever associated with this important day.  In every photograph from your wedding day, expressions of love and joy will flow freely.  Express your love for the mothers in your life with a beautiful token that will show forever in these photographs!

The following are some thoughtful wedding gift ideas to honor the mothers:

A sterling silver lace printed necklace (featured here with rose quartz) will forever remind your mothers of the importance of their love in your life.  This piece will also fill them with new love; knowing that you are truly loved by another, as the beautiful creation they raised ~

If the mother of the bride’s, or mother of the groom’s, wedding wear has a neckline that won’t support a necklace, consider a bracelet as a token of appreciation!  This sterling silver flower and pearl bracelet shows your appreciation of  their love that has supported you to bloom and grow ~

You may even choose to  personalize a gift of gratitude for the mother of the bride and mother of the groom with customization such as hand stamped initials, names, and/or the date of your wedding!

Something Beautifully Blue

 

“Something old, something new

Something borrowed, something blue

And a silver sixpence in her shoe.”

This pre-19^th century English rhyme has been a standby for modern brides, along with the proverb, “Marry in blue, lover be true.”   Blue has always been associated with purity, grace, trust, commitment and protection (think Virgin Mary dressed in blue).  In ancient Rome the bride wore blue to symbolize loyalty and fidelity.  In many cultures and spiritual paths, blue is a color of divinity and spiritual intuition.  Royalty honored with “divine right to the throne” are said to be born of “blue blood”.   The Best in Show is awarded a blue ribbon.  To some, blue can also symbolize new beginnings, optimism, opportunity – blue skies; a bright new day!

On your wedding, feature a splash of cool blue on your neck, wrists, or hanging from your ears with this wonderful color connotation in mind.  Blue stones can resemble a delicate grace as the icy aquamarine, bold elegance as the blue topaz, deep mystery as the sapphire, and strong earthly wisdom as the turquoise.

“Something blue” as a stunning piece of jewelry, can be passed down through generations as a gracious wedding heirloom.   How will you embody the symbolism of blue on your wedding day?

Gems of Love

 

Throughout time and cultures,  these gems have been known to enhance, inspire, and cultivate love.

 

The Ruby

The Ruby has been used as a stone of noblemen, especially in the Asian countries of India and China, and has been called “Lord of the Gemstones”.  It is sometimes used in addition to the diamond on engagement rings because of it’s strong symbolism of love, respect, and dignity.

 

The Garnet

This gem can be traced back to 3100 BC- as it was used in Egyptian jewelry.  The Garnet is a stone of romantic love, passion, sensuality, sexuality, and intimacy.  According to Ayurveda, Garnet should be set in gold for individuals with nervous or sluggish dispositions, while active people should wear Garnet set in silver.

 

The Rose Quartz

If you are looking to attract love into your life, Rose Quartz is the stone for you.  Since the Middle Ages, Rose Quartz has been given as a love charm to young girls.  A stone of unconditional love, especially unconditional love of one’s SELF, Rose Quartz is sensitive, calming, and reassuring.