Author Archives: dgse

Official Diamond Shape Guide

So, you’ve decided to start looking for a diamond engagement ring. Good news — you’re in excellent hands! We’ll help you find your dream engagement ring at Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange for the very best price. The first step in creating the perfect engagement ring is choosing the right diamond, starting with its shape. Choosing the diamond shape for your engagement ring is deeply personal, so take your time in making the right decision. To help you along your path to the perfect engagement ring, check out the Diamond Shape Guide from the experts at Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange: Diamond Shape 101 Even if you’re just beginning your journey to your dream diamond, chances are the first thing that comes to mind is its shape. A diamonds shape (not to be confused with cut), refers to the general silhouette of the stone, according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Each diamond shape has their own defining attributes that match different styles and personalities. Round Round diamonds reign supreme as the most popular engagement ring choice. They are a classic option that look gorgeous in a wide variety of settings. It makes them the perfect diamonds to pass down as a family heirloom because they stand the test of time and trends. This shape is well-suited for the woman with traditional style and who keeps their accessories simple and timeless. Princess As the second most popular diamond shape behind round, this diamond fits a wide variety of styles from contemporary to traditional. Like the round diamond, it fits perfectly many different settings. If you are on the hunt for a diamond that is easy on the budget, the princess cut is a great option since the process of cutting is simpler and keeps more of the rough diamond — and, of course, it shines just as brightly as other shapes! Emerald Emerald cut diamonds are a fabulous way to make a statement. They stand out among other cuts due to their mirror-like step facets and their elongated, rectangular shape. Emerald diamonds make wonderful solitaire options, three stone settings or settings with small accent diamonds. This diamond suits a wearer with sophisticated style and can also give an elongated effect to ring fingers. Asscher This royal shape is unique in that it is the first diamond shape to be patented — and it’s no surprise why The Asscher Diamond Company would want this cut all to themselves! This diamond shape is cut with step facets, similar to the emerald cut diamond. The “hall of mirrors” effect with the Asscher cut exudes old Hollywood glamour and royalty, so this is the perfect shape for the bride-to-be that dreams big and has a flair for vintage items Marquise This regal cut is making a comeback — and for good reason! The marquise diamond boasts a brilliant 58 facets and its slim figure can appear larger than its carat weight. Some are even opting to set it horizontally for a modern take on an antique-style shape. Setting it vertically can have a slimming effect, as well. This style is perfect for the recipient with a flair for vintage and elegant style. Oval This stone in particular is having a moment. Oval diamonds are a modern twist on the classic round diamond. Similar to the round diamond, they fit wonderfully in a variety of settings. The elongated shape of oval stones can also make a ring finger appear longer and leaner. This shape is a beautiful option for the bride-to-be with chic and modern style. Pear This unique style resembles a teardrop and, according to the GIA, “blends the best of the round and marquise diamond shapes.” A versatile shape, some romantics like to wear their pear-shaped diamond with the point facing their heart, while others find a slimming effect with the point facing the tip of their fingers. We find this cut gorgeous with a curved band shaped to hug the diamond — it makes a fabulous compliment to a stunning shape. Heart If your bride-to-be is a romantic with an affinity for pink, look no further than the heart-shaped diamond. Living up to its name, the heart diamond embodies the symbol of love and affection and therefore makes a gorgeous engagement or anniversary ring, or even as a special gift for Valentine’s Day. This diamond is cut similarly to the pear shape and features two rounded edges divided by one cleft. Here’s a little-known fact about heart shape diamonds: it is one of the most difficult cuts to create, making it all the more special!  

R.I.P., James Avery

Picture of James Avery

We have carried many items designed by James Avery over the years, and we were sad to learn of the legendary jeweler’s passing on the last day of April at the age of 96. His was a great Texas story: like many of us, he started his journey somewhere else – born in Milwaukee, raised in Chicago – before coming down here to accomplish great things. After serving as a bomber pilot in World War II, Avery taught himself jewelry design and opened a one-man shop in Kerrville, Texas, in 1953. That grew into an empire based on his designs, many of them with religious themes. You can read more about his remarkable life in this New York Times obituary. His legacy will live on in our stores for a very long time.

They’re Blinger-Lickin’ Good!

Gold Covered Chicken Wings

Gold is a wonderful element that gives us joy, usefulness and value in many, many ways. But this just might be the place to draw the line. A New York-based restaurant/bar chain called The Ainsworth has just added gold-covered chicken wings to the menu. It’s a collaboration between the kitchen and over-the-top foodie Jonathan Cheban, who has actually named himself “Foodgod” so he fits in better when he appears on Keeping Up With the Kardashians. The blingwings are marinated in a batter of coconut butter, honey and chipotle for 24 hours, then fried and dusted with flakes of 24-carat gold. Blue cheese dip comes on the side. Surprisingly, you can indulge in preposterous poultry for a reasonable price. A plate of 10 golden wings goes for $30, while 20 will set you back $60. But to really do 24-carat chicken right (and impress your date), the 50-wing feast comes with a bottle of pricey Ace of Spades Champagne for a mere $1,000. Personally, we’d rather wear gold than eat it, so we’ll stay out of the chicken business for now. Bon appetit! **UPDATE** Comedian Tim Heidecker was inspired to write a satirical song about all this called “Jonathan’s Golden Wings.” You can hear it, and download it for a $1 contribution to the Los Angeles Food Bank, here. So maybe something good will come out of this after all.

All that glitters… shouldn’t be traded for a guitar

Painting a rock gold

Like Grandma always told us: Never buy gold in a parking lot. Kudos to Cody Gleason, a Dallas man who braved embarrassment and went public with his tale of foolishly trading a $3,000 guitar for gold bullion that turned out to be fake. As seen here in a TV news story, Gleason refurbishes guitars and sells them on Craigslist. A buyer offered to trade him gold bullion and arranged a meeting in a parking lot. Gleason brought a magnet that he thought proved the gold’s authenticity, and made the deal. The next day he took it to a gold trader, who gave him the bad news. Police tracked down the scammer, who’s facing fraud charges. Though understandably sheepish, Gleason told his cautionary tale to spread a message that you’d hope everyone would already know. Bring your precious metals to Dallas Gold & Silver, the home of honesty, integrity and value for more than 40 years. Our parking lots are for cars, not for deals.

A Golden Look at History

The Power of Gold Statue

If you love and appreciate gold, and we bet you do, don’t miss a new exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art about one of our favorite subjects. It’s called “The Power of Gold: Asante Royal Regalia from Ghana,” running through August. The curators have put together a dazzling collection of over 250 items, including regalia, intricately woven silk kente cloth, ceremonial furniture, state swords, and other significant objects with one thing in common: gold. They all relate to Asante royalty, which ruled the Ashanti Empire from the 17th Century through modern times and still exists as a constitutionally recognized part of Ghana. In addition to the exhibition, the DMA has scheduled special tours, lectures and kids’ activities throughout the run. You can download the exhibition guide and schedule here. Of course, The Power of Gold is also on display every day at our stores in Dallas, Euless, Southlake and Grand Prairie.

Put A Ring On It!

Diamond Implant on Finger

There’s a terrible new trend out there that Dallas Gold & Silver is determined to stop. Women are going on social media to display the new diamonds on their fingers – without a ring.           “Nothing says everlasting love like burrowing a gemstone in your skin,” Marie Claireproclaims sarcastically in an article on the subject.             Here are the painful details: you implant an anchor under your skin, insert a diamond stud, and then pray you don’t snag it on your sweater.             PLEASE! DON’T! We can help!             If you shop at Dallas Gold & Silver, you can afford the diamond AND the ring. We even do custom settings at prices you won’t believe.             You’ll be safe, you’ll be happy, and you’ll have enough money left over to buy Band-Aids and disinfectant to help out any friends who think every trend is a good idea.

Black Friday Sale Up to 40% OFF: November 29 - 30

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