Engagement, Jewelry

The Cost of Being a Bridesmaid

Posted on by Julianne Jacobs
04
Dic

We think it’s high time to shine a light on the unsung heroes of the wedding industry: the bridesmaids. Not only are they the trusted confidantes of the brides, but they sacrifice their time, and a sizable chunk of money, to ensure that a wedding day is unforgettable. We’ve come up with a few ways to help offset the cost of being a bridesmaid — but first, let’s break down everything that goes into the duty. The Cost of Being a Bridesmaid Being asked to be a bridesmaid feels like the highest honor your mid-twenties can bestow upon you. Your best friend and/or relative wants you standing beside her on her big day — it’s a big deal! However, every girl has that question looming in the back of her head as she’s popping the bubbly to celebrate her hitched BFF: how much is this going to cost me? I was thrilled when my best friend asked me to be a bridesmaid. I was 23, fresh out of college, and wide-eyed. My fellow bridesmaids and I immediately began making plans to celebrate our first engaged friend. A bachelorette party in Miami! Beautiful bridesmaid dresses, the kind you’ll actually want to wear again! Professional hair and makeup for the big day! After all was said and done, and the wedding hangover subsided, I was $1,000 deep in credit card debt. Millennials, right? It’s been over a year, and my budgeting skills have improved, so I decide to create a budget to avoid going into debt for the two weddings in which I am a bridesmaid in 2020. I break out the calculator and wrack my brain for everything that goes into being a bridesmaid. The dresses, the air fair, hotel stays, bachelorette parties, shoes, gifts… the list goes on. My heart sinks when I add it all together — I’ll spend about $5,000 in 2020 on weddings. Now, that number is by no means average. All of my betrothed friends live in different states, so extensive traveling costs factor into that figure. However, I’ll still be spending a big chunk of my salary on weddings that aren’t even my own. I’m not the only millennial woman facing this dilemma. In fact, the modern bridesmaid will spend an average of $1,500 on each wedding she’s a part of. Let’s break that number down, shall we? Events Besides the actual wedding, there are a few events that a good bridesmaid should attend: the bridal shower and the bachelorette party. We all have an image of the typical bachelorette party: it includes adult entertainment and alcohol. However, if you’ve been to a bachelorette party in recent years, you know that they’re more lavish now than ever before. They frequently require extensive travel, elaborate decorations and activities; today, it has to be “Instagrammable.” The average bridesmaid should budget $537 for today’s bachelorette party. That includes travel, accommodations and gifts. As for the bridal shower, our bridesmaid can budget just under $200 for that. Clothing If the bride is nice, the bridesmaid dresses will be flattering. If she’s a bridezilla, they may look like a taffeta explosion. Either way, bridesmaids will spend an average of $165 on their dress for the big day. Don’t forget about alterations, which vary widely for each bridesmaid. That was one expense that caught me by surprise — I had to fork over $150 for mine! So, that’s about $300 on a dress our bridesmaid will (probably) only wear once. Wedding It’s finally here — the big day! But, our average bridesmaid is not done swiping her credit card just yet. She still has to buy a gift for the happy couple, travel to the venue, and get her hair and makeup done. Since our bridesmaid is in the wedding, there’s added pressure to buy a nice gift. She can budget about anywhere from $45 to $195 for the gift. Hair and makeup costs about $81. Travel and lodging will set our bridesmaid back about $317. Then, she’s ready to walk down the aisle! How to Pay for Being a Bridesmaid So, where can today’s bridesmaid come up with the cash necessary to stand by the bride on the big day? Well, she can start with Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange. We buy gold, silver, diamonds, and luxury watches — and pay cash or check for them. If your bridesmaid duties are costing an arm and a leg and you have a pile of inherited junk, turn it into cash with us. You can even get a discount when you trade your cash for an accessory to wear on the big day.

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Diamond

What’s the Deal with Diamond Fluorescence?

Posted on by Julianne Jacobs
15
Oct

If you’ve been looking for the perfect diamond, you might have heard the term “fluorescence” tossed around. What is it? Is it a good thing to have in your diamond? Does it affect the price? These are some frequent questions we get at Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange, and we are committed to making sure our customers make the most informed decision possible. We want you to love your stone and understand every aspect of it. Here’s everything you need to know about fluorescence in a diamond. What is diamond fluorescence? The term fluorescence refers to how a diamond responds when subjected to ultra-violet light. This can cause them to emit a bluish or even a yellow light. Similar to when you go to a bowling alley and your white socks glow under the black-light, a diamond with fluorescence will glow, too. While only about 25% to 35% of diamonds exhibit some degree of fluorescence, it’s important to know how fluorescence level affects the appearance of your diamond. The GIA describes a diamond’s fluorescence by its intensity (None, Faint, Medium, Strong and Very Strong) when compared to master stones used in the lab. If the fluorescence is Medium, Strong, or Very Strong, the color of the fluorescence will be noted. Whether or not you’ll be able to see the fluorescence with a naked eye depends on the color grade. The color grade is measured on a scale of D to Z, with D being colorless and Z being yellow or brown. In the middle of this scale lies slight yellow. Typically, you want your diamond to be as close to colorless as your budget will allow. However, fluorescence can work in your favor in a diamond with yellowish color. While your fluorescence really doesn’t matter if you can’t see it with a naked eye, strong and very strong fluorescence often makes for hazy diamonds. Since GIA grades a diamond’s fluorescence, be sure you’re buying a GIA-certified. This is the best way you can ensure you love every aspect of your diamond.

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Jewelry

Letting Go of Inherited Jewelry

Posted on by Julianne Jacobs
23
Sep

We’ve all faced the dilemma on what to do with inherited jewelry that doesn’t match our lifestyle or personal taste. While you want to honor your loved ones and keep their memories alive, it’s a simple fact that jewelry styles and design change over the years. Perhaps you love the vintage feel that your great grandmother’s watch brings to your look — or maybe you’d rather leave it in the jewelry box. Either way, there’s no need to feel guilty. In fact, there are many ways to make that piece your own, extend its good life in your family, or give it a fresh start. Here are just a few suggestions on how to honor your loved ones even if you don’t wear the jewelry they’ve passed down: Pass it down to another family member. Perhaps someone else in your family is more suited to wear your inherited jewelry. They’ll be honored with the gift, you’ll have the piece taken off your hands, and your loved one will still have their jewelry in the family — this situation could be a win-win-win! Create something else out of it. The best thing about precious metals is that they can be worked and re-worked into just about anything. Take the gold or silver in your pieces, melt it down and have something else made to suit your personal style. The same goes for diamond jewelry. Diamonds go great with everything, so turn it into something you’ll wear again and again. Sell your inherited jewelry and use the money to honor your loved one. You can donate the funds from their jewelry to a charity they were passionate about, or use the money to go back to school or even on your dream vacation. After all, it’s likely that your loved one would have enjoyed seeing you happy! We know it can be difficult to let go of heirloom jewelry. However, don’t forget: that jewelry can’t do any good while it is gathering dust in the attic. Whether you’d like to recreate your inherited pieces into something you’ll love, or you’d like to sell them to DO something you’ll love, we can help you with taking the next steps at Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange. We purchase old jewelry and can create custom pieces from your heirlooms.

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Watches

What Your Watch Says About You

Posted on by Julianne Jacobs
15
Ago

While we live in the age of the smartphone, watches are still an important component to everyone’s wardrobe. They don’t just tell time — watches show the world who you are and what you value. No matter what kind of watch you wear, the fact that you wear a watch at all shows that you’re competent and trustworthy. In fact, you’re more likely to get that job or promotion while wearing a wrist watch. So, you wear a watch and we know you’re a dependable person. What kind of watch do you rock and what does that say about your personality? Rolex If you wear a Rolex, you might be a traditionalist. You value the long-term investment over the latest fad. Whether it’s your money, career or relationships, you carefully plan your actions with the future in mind. If it’s a big-ticket item that you won’t be using in ten years, you won’t buy it. Practicality rules in your day-to-day life. While you don’t subscribe to passing trends, you’re your own kind of trendsetter. When people ask you about your clean, high-caliber style, your answer is simple — “invest in quality.” Breitling If you wear a Breitling, you might be a pioneer with a case of wanderlust. Your taste for adventure shines through whether you’re taking an African safari or checking out the new hotspot in your hometown. Breitlings are made with adventure in mind — they can withstand sky-diving, spelunking, scuba diving, and pretty much whatever else your rebel spirit will throw its way. Wearing a watch that can handle this action shows that you go big or go home. You’re willing to dig deep and give everything your 100% best, whether it’s in business or life. Tag Heur If you wear a Tag, you might be stylish. Your look is important to you, and you’ve perfected every detail of it. While trends don’t dictate your life, you still keep an eye on them and discern which trends match your style and which you’d rather let fade without participating. Just as you take great care perfecting your look, you take just as great care in life and in work. Before you send that email, you’re sure there are no typos. When you plan a trip, the itinerary is worked out far in advance. Your devotion towards getting it right the first time and dependability are made evident by that perfectly picked style of Tag on your wrist. Omega If you wear an Omega, you might be an innovator. To be sure, it’s no coincidence that the Omega Speedmaster was the watch worn by the Apollo 11 astronauts. You’re a born leader with a future-oriented mindset. You’ve got the bright ideas, whether those ideas are for leading your company bravely into the future or preventing another meltdown from your toddler. Your forward-looking mindset is a vital key to your success, and you’ve put that mindset towards one of your most important investments: your Omega. Do you relate to one of these personality descriptions, but don’t own the corresponding watch? Come in to Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange and find the watch that speaks to you. Show the world what you’re made of!  

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Gemstones

August Birthstone Spotlight: Peridot, Sardonyx and Spinel

Posted on by Julianne Jacobs
05
Ago

June isn’t the only month that gets three birthstones. Bestowed upon those with August birthdays are the gemstones peridot, sardonyx and spinel. Each gemstone is vastly unique from the other and gives August babies a number of options to choose their perfect look! Read on for details on each August birthstone. Peridot Peridot is the primary August birthstone. A gem variety of the mineral olivine, peridot ranges from yellowish green to greenish yellow and has been often mistaken for emerald and topaz throughout history. In fact, some historians speculate that Cleopatra’s vast emerald collection was actually comprised (partially) of peridot. Not only is peridot the August birthstone, but it’s also the 15th anniversary gemstone. This is a great gift option for every budget, depending on the size of the peridot. While large, grass-green peridots are more expensive, there are plenty of smaller stones that would fit a smaller budget. Sardonyx Sardonyx is the original gemstone — the OG, if you will — assigned as the August birthstone. When peridot joined the party, it became the primary August birthstone ahead of sardonyx. As the name suggests, sardonyx combines alternating layers of sard and onyx. These two types of mineral chalcedony separate to create reddish and white zerbra stripes. The finest examples of sardonyx display sharp contrasts between layers. According to the American Gem Society, “sardonyx is widely available and relatively inexpensive as gems, beads, and jewelry. It is often carved into cameos, intaglios, and brooches to show the color contrast between layers.” Spinel Remember how we said the ruby is the most valuable colored gemstone besides diamonds? Well, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for a ruby, that’s where the spinel gemstone comes in handy. It comes in a wealth of colors, including intense red, and is less pricey. Often mistaken for other gemstones throughout history, the spinel has been dubbed “the great imposter.” In fact, one of the most famous “rubies” in the world, the Black Prince’s Ruby, in the British Imperial Crown is actually a red spinel. Not only is the gemstone strikingly beautiful, it carries great historical meaning. Just how great is its historical meaning? We can thank spinel for the study of gemology! As a result of the spinel’s similarity to ruby, people began to study the gemstones and their differences. Without spinel, we may not even have birthstones!

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Gemstones, Jewelry

July Birthstone Spotlight: Ruby

Posted on by Julianne Jacobs
24
Jul

Those of you with July birthdays already know your birth month is full of fiery fun. Whether it’s the heat of summer or firecrackers on Independence Day, July has as much vibrancy as its birthstone: the ruby! What’s in a ruby? According to GIA, “chromium is the trace element that causes a ruby’s red, which ranges from an orangy red to a purplish red.” Another factor that goes into a ruby’s intensity is whether or not it was formed in marble. The GIA claims that “marble has low iron content, so the rubies that originate in marble lack iron.” It’s due to this process that many have an intense red color. Some of the most renowned rubies are from Myanmar, northern Vietnam and the Himalayas are typically formed in marble. What’s so great about the July birthstone? Besides their gorgeous, sanguine color, rubies are among the most valuable gemstones. Coming in just after colored diamonds, they command the highest cost per carat out of the colored gemstones. In fact, the most expensive ruby piece, The Sunrise Ruby, smashed world records when it sold in Geneva, Switzerland for $30.4 million. Included in the hefty price sticker is the gold ring and diamonds with which the ruby was set. On top of their high price point, rubies also carry historical significance. One of the world’s first lasers was created using the July birthstone. In 1960, scientist Theodore Maiman used the red fluorescence of the ruby to create the world’s first laser. He used a ruby rod, reflecting mirrors and a flash lamp to emit light. According to an article by Forbes, “one of the coolest applications of the ruby laser back in the day was that it was used to measure the distance to the Moon in 1969.” Along with the distinction of July birthstone, the ruby is also the gem for 15th and 40th anniversaries. Whether you have a loved one with a birthday in July or one of these milestone anniversaries is around the corner, Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange can help you find the perfect ruby piece.  

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Knives

Nine Giant Leaps for the Case Astronaut M-1

Posted on by Julianne Jacobs
16
Jul

“One Small Step for Man… One Giant Leap for Mankind” -Neil Armstrong July 16th, 2019 is the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch towards the moon. On July 20, 1960, the first men in history would make their mark on the moon. Physically, they left their footprints and an American flag. Emotionally, they made an even bigger mark. This mission kindled pride in the American people. To commemorate this anniversary, Case Knives remade their contribution to the moon landing: The Case Astronaut M-1, originally made for NASA’s Apollo and Gemini missions. Why did the astronauts need such a serious knife? According to Case, the astronauts had two days worth of supplies to survive an off-course landing on earth. Their knife would come in handy on our own home planet in case of an emergency. What else makes this knife special? Other military knives didn’t make the cut (so to speak). “The [1966] handle was made of an ultra-lightweight synthetic which was found to withstand a hard impact without shattering. It also exuded no fumes, a feature that was critical to maintaining the purity of the air quality within the spacecraft,” described Case. “NASA replaced the white synthetic handle for a gray aluminum grip with a crosshatched surface.” Not only was the material makeup of the knife perfect for the mission, it was well-tested. It flew from Earth to the moon and back nine times to be sure that it could withstand the monumental trek. Where can I get a Case Astronaut M-1? At Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange! To commemorate the launch of the Apollo 11 half a century ago, we snagged one of these limited-edition knives. Now is the time to buy — we only have one in stock! It is located in our Dallas location at LBJ and Preston Rd.

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Gemstones, Gift, Jewelry

June Birthstone Spotlight: Moonstone, Pearl & Alexandrite

Posted on by Julianne Jacobs
16
Jun

Lucky you, June babies! You have not one, not two, but THREE lovely gemstones to choose from as your birthstone. Most consider pearls as the primary birthstone for the month of June, while Moonstone and Alexandrite are alternatives. All of these stones are rich in their own unique beauty and history. Keep reading to find out more about your lovely birthstones and why you get more than one. Why are there three June birthstones? The Jewelers of America put together the first official list of birthstones in 1912, listing only Pearl and Moonstone for June. It wasn’t until 1952 that Alexandrite was added to the June birthstone list. We guess three was just the lucky number for June! Pearl Like other gemstones, pearls form naturally, slowly for as long as two decades. Unlike other gemstones, mollusks, such as oysters and clam create pearls. Depending on what part of the world the mollusk is from, it changes the pearl type. Due to their rarity and difficulty to find, natural pearls have remained an expensive stone since ancient times. They were revered among royalty and nobility alike and symbolized purity, integrity and love. Moonstone When we say “gemstone,” moonstone may not be the first one that comes to mind. They aren’t as popular as pearls, but we think they are a modern, beautiful alternative. Their adularescence is the first thing you’ll notice in the moonstone. According to GIA, “adularescence is the light that appears to billow across a gemstone, giving its surface a glowing appearance.” Visually, the glow has a moon-like quality, which is where the name moonstone comes from. In the picture above, you can see a moonstone both in its rough form and polished. FUN FACT: The moonstone is the Florida State Gemstone to commemorate the moon landings that took off from Kennedy Space Center. Alexandrite The Alexandrite is one of the newer gemstone discoveries. It was discovered in the Russian Ural Mountains in 1830 and wasn’t added to the birthstone list until 1952. Known as the chameleon of the gemstone family, it’s an “emerald by day, ruby by night” due to its color-changing tendencies. It’s bluish-green in daylight and reddish-purple in lower light. Due to its toughness on the Mohs scale, it makes a great option for rings or bracelets. Just be sure to clean it with warm, soapy water. If you enjoy our gemstone spotlights, follow us on this blog, Instagram and Facebook. Did you miss our May Birthstone Spotlight? Check it out here!

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Jewelry, Style, Watches

The Modern Guide to Men’s Jewelry

Posted on by Julianne Jacobs
07
Jun

Have you ever considered wearing men’s jewelry, but weren’t sure where to start? With the popularity of social media and online shopping, it seems everyone’s style is on display more so than ever before. This means seriously upping your fashion game, whether you’re a man or a woman. Men’s jewelry is seeing a resurgence in street style. In fact, according to The New York Times, global sales of men’s luxury fine jewelry reached $5.3 billion in 2017, up from $4.3 billion in 2012 (an increase of 22%). It’s a way to add some flair to the everyday or revamp your style completely. With Father’s Day just around the corner, now is your opportunity to start your man’s jewelry collection and level up your style. Guys… it’s time to accessorize. Adding jewelry to your everyday style can seem intimidating if you’ve never rocked bling before. That’s why Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange has created the Modern Man’s Jewelry Guide to help you incorporate jewelry into your personal style — and look good doing it! Whether you’re 18 or 90, we want to make it as easy and enjoyable to add jewelry to your everyday look. Watches A good watch is the perfect first stop on your journey to your newly curated style. Now, you may be asking: “why would I wear an analog watch when I have a smartphone?” Did you know that wearing a wrist watch has been proven to make you appear more competent and trustworthy? Or that just wearing a wrist watch can improve your chances of getting hired or promoted? So, the real question is: “why wouldn’t you wear a wrist watch?” Your watch acts as an anchor for your style and sets the tone for the rest of your look. From our experience, you can never go wrong with a pre-owned Rolex. It’s easier on the budget and you can wear it for years to come. However, that’s certainly not your only option. Take the time to check out some wrist watches and decide which one conveys your personality best. Cufflinks You’ve picked out the perfect watch, but still want to experiment with some bling. If you want to invest in something to express your style discreetly, fashionable cufflinks are the way to go. They are still basic necessities, and you can go as muted or as flashy as your style permits. While not necessary, it looks sleek if you match metals with your watch and your cufflinks. Want to get fancy with some designer cuffs? We’ve got you covered there! Or, are you looking for something simple and sleek? We’ve got options for you, too. Rings Long gone are the days where men only wear wedding rings – fashion rings are back in full force to add some manly panache to your everyday. Start out with just one ring if you already wear a wedding ring. If you’re a bachelor, go for one on each hand. Rings, like watches, add some interest to your everyday look straight away — especially since your hands are one of the first things new acquaintances will see. Necklaces This one might be a new one for you, but trust us; even just a simple chain can pull together your look like nothing else. To start, we recommend a necklace length of about 56-60 cm so it hits directly on your sternum. Whether you want to rock an edgy pendant or a sleek chain, we suggest matching your metals to the rest of your bling. Now that you’ve read our guide, take this Father’s Day as an opportunity to cultivate your style and go shopping at Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange — treat yourself!

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Gemstones, Jewelry

May Birthstone Spotlight: Emerald

Posted on by Julianne Jacobs
14
May

May is upon us, and those of you with birthdays this month have a stunning birthstone: the brilliant emerald. This gemstone’s rich green shade symbolizes the renewal and rejuvenation of spring. In fact, the name “emerald” comes from the Greek word “smaragdus,” which literally means “green.” Interested in learning more about emeralds? Keep reading for a rundown on why this gemstone is so special. In honor of the May birthstone, here are some fun facts about emeralds: High-quality emeralds can actually be worth more than diamonds on a per-carat basis. One of the most expensive, the Rockefeller Emerald, is worth just over a whopping $5.5 million! Emeralds are made up of a type of mineral called beryl, the same mineral that makes aquamarine. Gem experts differ on exactly what shade constitutes an emerald or a less-expensive green beryl. GIA uses lab-graded comparison stones to determine if the green color is dark enough and saturated enough to be called emerald. Cleopatra famously had a passion for these brilliant green stones. Funny enough, Elizabeth Taylor, the actress who notably played the Egyptian queen, had an affinity for emeralds, as well. Her on-again, off-again husband, Richard Burton, gifted her a beautiful necklace beset with emeralds and diamonds from Bulgari. Emerald measures between 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Though they are durable stones, emeralds are susceptible to chipping and cracking. Rather than using harsh cleaners on emerald jewelry, use mild soap and water to ensure the gemstone’s quality. Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange carries much more than diamonds, silver and gold. We carry a wide range of jewelry featuring gemstones, especially emeralds! If you’d like to see more of our selection, come in and see us weekdays 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. or Saturdays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. If you enjoyed this post, keep an eye out for future monthly gem spotlights.

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