Monday, October 9, 2017

THE HISTORY OF THE WEDDING BAND


Marriage is one of humanity’s oldest institutions, and symbolizes the love and commitment between two people who wish to stay together for the rest of their lives. Joining together in matrimony is a statement to the world that you consider each other life partners spiritually, physically, and legally for the remainder of your days.
When two people are to be married, tradition dictates that a wedding band is given to symbolize their love and promise to each other – but where did this tradition come from? The more we learn about the history of the wedding band, the more we come to realize just how wonderful it is.
An ancient tradition
Although the tradition of publicly displaying the promise of marriage likely dates back far earlier than we can trace, the first instances of wedding bands date back to Ancient Egypt. It wasn’t until the discovery of metal crafting, however, that they really became popular. We have the Romans to thank for that. They traditionally gave bands of gold or silver to new brides as they crossed the threshold. They believed that the eternity of a circle stood for the never ending love that they had for each other. It really is beautiful to know that you are continuing this age-old tradition when you slip that ring on your loved one’s finger.
Medieval times and later
Fast forward to Medieval Europe, and things begin to become more lavish. The betrothed would exchange gold bands, and would sometimes even add in gem stones. It was also common during later years to give “gimmel” or puzzle rings. These were interlocking bands that the bride and groom would each have separately, and then combine at the ceremony for the wife to wear. Perhaps the most romantic of the bunch was the “poesy” rings trend of the Renaissance. These sterling silver bands were engraved with an expression of love such as a poem – which is a great idea for a custom ring, even today.
Modern innovations
These days, the wedding band is often used in conjunction with an engagement ring, and double-ring ceremonies are common in North America. While it was common only for the bride to have the band in the past, both the bride and groom now receive one in the vast majority of cases. This is mainly due to changing attitudes of equality between the sexes, and marketing campaigns of the early 20th century. These days, rings can come in many different colors and sizes, and metals. The variety of designs and extras that can be easily added to a ring makes now the best time to be buying a wedding band that is truly unique – the days of the wedding band as an afterthought in wedding planning are gone.
It doesn’t matter how people celebrate love between each other, who gives the ring to whom, or how much it costs, the only thing that really matters in the love that is behind it. Throughout history, people have symbolized their promise of eternal love to each other with beautiful wedding bands and rings. We are certain that this wonderful tradition will continue well into the future, too. If you are looking for the perfect wedding band, look no further than the Gold Mine. We can help make your dreams come true.
'til next time,
Bill Warren, Owner/Gemologist
The Gold Mine  828-726-1009

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR WEDDING BANDS AND ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Although our rings are designed to be long lasting, resistant to damage, and stay shining and brilliant for a lifetime, there are a few things that you should to do to ensure that they maintain their beauty. If you care for your rings properly, you can not only make them look better in the present, but you can ensure that they keep looking good well into the future. You need to make sure to do it right, though. It is important that you learn how to clean your wedding bands and engagement rings.
First, make sure you know what has gotten onto the ring
It is important to know what is on the ring because that could determine the best way to clean it. For example, if there is oil or some other kind of tough material, it is important to take it to a professional that has experience in dealing with this. You want to make sure that it gets done right so that you don’t damage the ring. If it is normal dirt, then you can probably handle it yourself, but it is best to be sure first.
Next, get some water
If your ring has been soiled by normal substances like common dirt, lipstick and the like, then all you need is some warm water and hand or dishwashing soap. Mix it together and soak your ring in it for about half an hour.
After 30 minutes…
After the time is up, take the ring out and gently brush it with an extra-soft tooth brush. Make sure to be gentle but thorough. Clean in the crevices and around the stone, especially in the setting where dirt tends to be stubborn. Do not use household cleaners like bleach – this is very bad for the ring. Once you are done brushing, run it under warm water. Your ring will be as good as new.
The sentimental value of your wedding band or engagement ring make it one of the most valuable things that you could ever own. It would be shame to not take care of it, and even worse to damage it instead. Follows these tips on how to clean your wedding bands and engagement rings, and keep them looking beautiful for a lifetime.
'til next time,
Bill Warren, Owner/Gemologist
The Gold Mine 828-726-1009

Friday, September 22, 2017

TIMELESS WEDDING BAND TRENDS FOR MEN


Women tend to focus a lot of attention on their engagement ring, from its conception and design right through to the final product. And while some men do get excited about wedding jewelry, many might be overwhelmed by the choices they have to make that come with shopping for wedding band.
Fear not, here are some tips for choosing or creating the perfect wedding band while keeping the latest trends in mind.
Platinum
Platinum is one of the best choices when it comes to picking a base metal for a wedding band. It is the strongest and most durable metal available. It also has a beautiful look to it, and right now a matte finish is one of the most popular ways to wear it. The matte finish subdues some of the metallic shine to give it a nice toned-down colour and texture.
Many of our men’s wedding bands are offered in Platinum so you can choose to have one of our classic wedding band styles like the WB-6901SP – which displays a unique milgrain outline that accents a brushed centre – in a stylish and modern metal like such as platinum.
Sticking to Something Traditional
If you like to keep it plain and simple – we totally get it. There’s nothing wrong with choosing a ring that will transcend time because it’s rooted in tradition.
When it comes to choosing a traditional ring, the type of metal and the thickness of the ring are the two things to think about. The traditional choice of metal would be yellow gold, but do you want a white gold ring or perhaps rose gold? Do you prefer a thinner cut to a ring or do you like the look of a denser piece?
We have a beautiful selection of wedding bands of all kinds to guide your decision.
We want you to have a happy wedding and that starts with making the right choices when it comes to one of the most important symbol of marriage and love – the ring.
'til next time,
Bill Warren, Owner/Gemologist
The Gold Mine
828-726-1009

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Three Misconceptions About Buying Engagement Rings



Marriage is one of the beautiful things in life. Nothing rivals seeing two people in love forever joining together in holy matrimony. But nobody ever said it was easy! Working up the courage to ask is just the beginning. There’s a lot of planning, budgeting, adjusting your original plans when things change and actually managing all of the major issues in the process. Buying an engagement ring is just one of many tasks on your plate. There’s a lot of misinformation out there so we thought we’d clear up 3 misconceptions about buying engagement weddings rings to help you along.
It’s very complicated
The selection at The Gold Mine is vast. We have many different types of rings and with all types of colors and styles in our catalog – and it might be overwhelming to first-time buyers. In fact, getting an engagement ring with our store is actually easy. All you need to do is talk to your partner, and then talk to the store nearest you. They will walk you through the process and even make recommendations. Find the right size, pick your favorite color, and voila! At the end of the day, it’s hard to go wrong with any of our beautiful rings.
Custom is too expensive
There are plenty of companies out there that might overcharge for customization, but getting a custom ring is less expensive than you might think. Technology has come a long way and the craft has been honed by experts around the world. You should never go into the process blind, though. Ask us for advice. Try on some of our rings to get a feel, and search our collections for something to your liking. Who knows, you might find one here that you like and not need the customization after all.
You can’t find good rings at affordable prices
There are many persistent myths in the jewelry world: you need to spend several months’ pay on a ring, you need to buy a ring with a large stone, or that you can’t possibly find a good ring at an affordable price. That’s all false. The right ring for you is not a matter of price but of fit. You need to find the right ring for your partner and not worry about what other people say about spending money.
Buying a ring doesn’t have to be a stressful process. We deal with plenty of couples that are anxious for their big day, but want to find the right ring first. Finding the right engagement ring will help make the whole process a lot easier – feel free to contact us for more information!
See ya,
Bill Warren, Owner/Gemologist
The Gold Mine

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

EMERALD - THE MAY BIRTHSTONE


Green is the color of Spring and has long symbolized love and rebirth. As the gem of Venus, it was also considered to aid in fertility. In addition, it was believed that wearing an Emerald would improve one’s memory and intelligence, enabling one to think clearly. Cleopatra, Egypt’s  female monarch was famous for wearing Emeralds. The deeper and more vivid the color of green, the more valuable the gemstone. To clean your emerald, use room temperature running water and a soft toothbrush with mild soap. Do not clean an emerald in ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners or acetone. 


Many of you know about my family's connection to the Hiddenite emerald mines in nearby Alexander County.  Emeralds have always been fascinating to me as they seem to be to many others.  Let me invite you to stop by our shop today..take a look at this stunningly beautiful gemstone in the many rings, earrings, pendants & bracelets we have...you'll be glad you did!

'til next time,

Bill Warren, Owner/Gemologist
The Gold Mine
828-726-1009
www.hudsongoldmine.com 

Monday, April 3, 2017

RING TERMS DEFINED: CONTEMPORARY



Here at The Gold Mine, we are happy to continue the tradition of giving finely-made, breathtakingly-beautiful rings as gifts at many of life’s special occasions. This is a major purchase, though, so we want to make sure that you are as well-informed as possible before you make that selection. Modern-style or contemporary rings are different than their older counterparts, and knowing what the term means will help you make the perfect selection. Let’s cover it in-depth so you know what you are getting in to.
What does contemporary mean?
When dealing with jewelry, something that is contemporary means something that was made in the style of more recent times. This includes everything from material and color to look and feel. While an older ring might be made to fit the ideals of the time, so too does a contemporary ring reflect current values. That is why we are beginning to see new metals, more diverse colors, and different weights becoming popular.
B095-01
What do they look like?
While a vintage ring might be large and bulky, a modern ring will usually be sleek and light. This is due to a more minimalistic modern style, and our movement away from past aesthetics. Contemporary rings will usually have minimal decoration and a smaller stone at the top; not only that, but metals such as titanium and cobalt are becoming popular instead of traditional silver and gold. What we are beginning to see is a trend toward shiny and sleek rather than large and elegant.
B002-01
Who wears it best?
A contemporary style ring is best for the person who enjoys making a quiet fashion statement, or one who prefers to be minimalistic. They fit best on the hand of someone who values shine and feel rather in-your-face beauty. Lightweight and stylish, a contemporary ring might go best with a young, trendy couple or with someone doesn’t like to make a lot of noise in a social setting.
B038-04R
Modern or contemporary rings are very different than their old-fashioned counterparts. They differ in nearly every area. That doesn’t mean one is better or worse than the other, it just means that different styles will fit different kinds of people. Now that you know what it means and who it works best on, stop by to see the Gold Mine's vast collection to see if you find the right fit.

'til next time,
Bill Warren, DDJ (Doctor of Dynamic Jewelry) & Owner
The Gold Mine
www.hudsongoldmine.com 
828-726-1009

Monday, March 27, 2017

Which Precious Metal is Right for You?



There are a lot of options for engagement rings and wedding bands out there. However, it is incredibly important to find the metal that is right for you and your aesthetic preferences. There are many benefits to each type of metal. Here is some information on your options when choosing an engagement ring or piece of jewelry in general.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold has a mesmerizingly rich color. For centuries, traditional jewelry across different nations, histories and civilizations was made of yellow gold. Of all the existing colors of gold, yellow gold most closely resembles the color of the metal when it is mined. There is nothing quite as iconic or rich as a yellow gold ring, and any piece created in yellow gold is sure to carry a certain classical beauty with it.
White Gold
White gold, unlike silver which can look similar at first glance, is a far superior metal than silver. It does not tarnish to black in the way silver does, and as a result does not need the same kind of cleaning regimen.  An alloy of gold and at least one other white metal, white gold can contain nickel, palladium, or be plated with rhodium to emphasize the white color. White gold makes a very sturdy and long lasting piece of jewelry that truly shines.
Rose Gold
For that touch of personality and uniqueness, rose gold is the way to go.  Rose gold is a type of gold with more copper in its alloy – the more copper present in a gold alloy, the more of a rose hue or tint.  Most often, rose gold will consist of partly silver, partly copper, and of course gold. Rose gold offers a splash of unexpected color in any piece and would suit anyone with a creative or expressive streak.
Platinum
Platinum has an unparalleled rarity and is naturally white in color, letting any platinum piece shine with a breathtaking vigor. This hypo-allergenic metal does not tarnish, ages well over time, and is a clear choice for any jewelry piece that will last forever and stay beautiful the entire time.
Knowing all you can about the best materials for your jewelry can make all the difference. Taking into account a person’s occupation, personality, and aesthetic preference, each precious metal has a unique appeal.
'til next time,
Bill Warren, DDJ (Doctor of Dynamic Jewelry) & Owner
The Gold Mine
828-726-1009

Monday, March 20, 2017

Tips For Taking Care of Your Engagement Ring



So you’re shopping for an engagement ring. You’re pumped, you’re excited and you’ve potentially decided on a style or on an era that reflects on aspects of your partner’s personality and demeanor. You went to The Gold Mine and found an absolutely flawless engagement ring. You’ve even found the perfect wedding band as well – a handsome gold rope ring. Now what?
Yes, you’ll get to show it off to all your friends and family on social media with the utmost grace and dignity. But here are some things to think about before you purchase your ring to take care of your rings post-purchase so you can enjoy your jewelry for the rest of your married life, worry-free.
Ring Insurance
Whatever the value of your ring is – you should highly consider insuring it so in case it is lost, stolen or damaged, you will be partially or fully covered. Ring insurance can be an extension of your homeowner’s insurance and personal property. As long as you save your receipts and have your rings appraised by a certified gemologist, you can easily have the ring insured along with other expensive and significant items in your home.
It is also important to have the rings appraised every 5 years as the cost of diamonds and precious metals is always fluctuating. This ensures that you know its worth at all times and there are no surprises if you do have to replace a missing ring.
Wearing it Out
If you wear your rings out in public, make it a general rule to never take them off till you’re back at home. This will ensure that you can never lose them down a bathroom sink or leave them somewhere where they can be stolen.
Maintenance
Avoid wearing your rings while you’re using hazardous household products. This will make sure your rings stay in good condition, as exposure to chemicals can damage or corrode it. The same thing goes for wearing then when you’re doing activities that can potentially put the ring in a rough situation.
Finally, have your rings professionally cleaned every once in a while.
Following these steps will help you ensure that you and your partner can enjoy the best of your wedding jewelry for the years to come. If you change your mind or still haven’t found your perfect ring, let us help you. Stop by, take a look at our wedding band and our engagement ring collections, and feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.
'til next time,
Bill Warren, DDJ (Doctor of Dynamic Jewelry) & Owner
The Gold Mine
828-726-1009

Monday, March 13, 2017

FINDING THE PERFECT ANNIVERSARY BAND



Many couples celebrate anniversaries by getting each other new rings. Eternity bands, which feature a circle of stones around a thin band, are a great gift and a great way to accessorize your wedding ring.
There are no set rules about anniversary bands —it’s a development of modern fashion that allows you to explore your personal style. If you’re thinking about getting an anniversary band to symbolize the continued love in your life, here are some things to consider.
Style Coordination
Anniversary bands are meant to compliment wedding and engagement rings. It’s essential to choose a ring that matches the set you already wear. Since your wedding ring is a precious metal, your anniversary band should be a precious metal as well. Balance an ornate wedding ring with a more subdued anniversary band to avoid looking ostentatious and tacky.
The most important consideration when shopping for anniversary bands is to coordinate the new addition with the other prized jewelry in your collection.
Placement
Before committing to an anniversary band, think about how you want to wear it. Unlike engagement and wedding rings, there is no standard finger for anniversary bands. Some people choose to wear anniversary rings on the same finger as the wedding and engagement ring, while other people decide to wear their anniversary rings on the ring finger of the opposite hand.
Some people even choose to wear their anniversary band instead of their wedding ring. Where you choose to wear your ring can impact the aesthetic consideration of choosing an anniversary band. For instance, if you decide to wear your anniversary band on the same finger as your other rings, you’ll want to choose something less loud, but if you wear the ring on a different hand, you have room to explore more ornate options.
An anniversary band is an excellent way to represent the continued love and commitment in your life. If you’re thinking about getting an eternity band for your upcoming anniversary, stop by to see The Gold Mine's stunning collection of anniversary rings and make this year one to remember!
Until Next Time,
Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine  www.hudsongoldmine.com
828-726-1009

Monday, March 6, 2017

Reasons To Consider Rose Gold



Rose gold has a strikingly beautiful hue. It is comprised of a percentage of yellow gold mixed with copper and other metals. The result is a gorgeous, warm and romantic version of traditional gold.
A Brief History
Did you know Rose Gold used to be called “Russian gold” back in the 19th century? It began to become popular in the 1920's when wedding ring designs were blossoming and moving into the use of uncommon alloys. During this time, highly creative jewelry was on the rise that made a distinction from the geometric and monochromatic “icy white” designs of the Art Deco period in the 1930's.
Rose gold has such a beautiful delicateness to it that compliments all skin types and can be combined with many different kinds of gems and diamonds. This is why rose gold trends came back with a vengeance — and this is also why it was able to stand the test of time.
Rose gold brooches, cocktail rings, and large cuffs all became part of the glitz and glamour of that era— influencing the current era where rose gold is a standard option for all types of ring choices.
Some of our Favourite Rose Gold Designs
Do you love the look of a vintage ring with the diamond surrounded by a beautiful halo? Let your eyes rest on the beautiful engagement ring pictured above. The Rose gold is the absolute perfect back drop to let the diamonds shine.
Ready to have your heart stolen? This Rose gold ring with floral carvings has gorgeous vintage detailing
Learn more about The Gold Mine's wide range of uniquely designed rings and happy ring shopping!
See you soon,
Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine  www.hudsongoldmine.com 
828-726-1009

Thursday, March 2, 2017

How To Find A Ring That Suits Your Hand


Everyone’s hand is a little bit different. Fingers can be long, short, thin or wide; they can be spaced close together or far apart. Rings can always be resized for a perfect custom fit, but there are certain ring designs that flatter certain types of fingers, in the same way that certain dress patterns compliment certain figures. If you’re looking for a ring that will perfectly embellish your finger, follow these helpful tips for finding a ring that suits your hand.
Short Fingers
If you have short fingers, your ideal ring should lengthen your hand. Narrow-width bands are the best way to create that elongated shape. Marquise, oval or pear-shaped centers are more elongating than rectangular or square centers.
Long, Slender Fingers
Many different styles of bands and stones will be flattering on long, slender fingers. The engagement ring or wedding band you choose is really dependent on your personality, so find a ring that suits your unique style. Rings with a princess-cut center diamond, are a particularly strong and dynamic choice for people with long, slender fingers.
Wide Fingers
Slender bands may accentuate the width of your fingers, so you may want to avoid them if you have wide fingers. A split-shank band can help to elongate the finger, drawing the eye along the length of the finger rather than focusing on its width.
Knuckles
If you’re trying to draw attention away from your knuckles, a ring is the perfect way to re-shift the visual focus of your hand. Wide bands and ornate centers are a great way to pull the eye along your finger away from your knuckles. Let the ring become the centerpiece of your hand, and all the other features of your finger will fade into the background. 
Finding the most flattering ring for your finger can be a challenge. It’s important that your ring be proportionate and attractive without compromising your personal style. If you’re looking for your dream engagement ring, wedding band, or anniversary ring, you’ll find it in The Gold Mine's wide range of styles and designs.
Stop by soon,
Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine www.hudsongoldmine.com
828-726-1009

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

3 Misconceptions About Buying Engagement Rings



Marriage is one of the beautiful things in life. Nothing rivals seeing two people in love forever joining together in holy matrimony. But nobody ever said it was easy! Working up the courage to ask is just the beginning. There’s a lot of planning, budgeting, adjusting your original plans when things change and actually managing all of the major issues in the process. Buying an engagement ring is just one of many tasks on your plate. There’s a lot of misinformation out there so we thought we’d clear up 3 misconceptions about buying engagement weddings rings to help you along.
It’s very complicated
Our selection at The Gold Mine is huge. We have many different types of rings and with all types of colors and styles – and it might be overwhelming to first-time buyers. In fact, getting an engagement ring at The Gold Mine is actually easy. All you need to do is talk to your partner, and then talk to one of our friendly sales associates. They will walk you through the process and even make recommendations. Find the right size, pick your favorite color, and voila! At the end of the day, it’s hard to go wrong with any of our beautiful rings.
Custom is too expensive
There are plenty of companies out there that might overcharge for customization, but getting a custom ring is less expensive than you might think. Technology has come a long way and the craft has been honed by experts around the world. You should never go into the process blind, though. Ask our experts for advice. Try on some of our rings to get a feel, and search our collections for something to your liking. Who knows, you might find one that you like and not need the customization after all.
You can’t find good rings at affordable prices
There are many persistent myths in the jewelry world: you need to spend several months’ pay on a ring, you need to buy a ring with a large stone, or that you can’t possibly find a good ring at an affordable price. That’s all false. The right ring for you is not a matter of price but of fit. You need to find the right ring for your partner and not worry about what other people say about spending money.
Buying a ring doesn’t have to be a stressful process. We deal with plenty of couples that are anxious for their big day, but want to find the right ring first. Finding the right engagement ring with one of our friendly staff will help make the whole process a lot easier – feel free to contact us for more information!
828-726-1009

Friday, February 3, 2017

Should I Wear Yellow & White Gold Together?



Perhaps one of the questions we're most often asked is, "Should I wear yellow gold & white gold or sterling together?"  Let me digress with an answer...over the last 30 years I've been in the jewelry business, I've noticed a change in attitudes about this question.

Years ago, ladies always wore one color or the other and never the two should meet on the same hand!  Yes, when clients walked in..our sales staff always knew that this person was a yellow gold person while the next client might be a silver or white gold only person.

A unique thing started happening over the years and that was the development of "Two Tone" jewelry.  People immediately saw that the two colors could actually compliment each other in a bracelet, ring, necklace or earrings.

Now fast forward to today and we quite often see ladies wearing a yellow gold necklace with a white gold ring...in fact, my wife Angie loves to do just that!  Of course, each and every person has their own "Sense of Style" and whats right for one may not be for another.

All this being said, we've been a highly "White Metal" dominated market for about the last decade.  However, this past year we noticed many coming in our store asking for more yellow gold.  As a matter of fact, we sold more yellow gold this Christmas than all the past 5 years combined!

Personally speaking, I like a balance of both white & yellow colored metals instead of it being completely dominated by one or the other.

How do you feel?  Drop me a line at:  goldman86@bellsouth.net and let me know!

'til next time,

Bill Warren, DDJ (Doctor of Dynamic Jewelry) & Gemologist
www.hudsongoldmine.com
828-726-1009

Monday, January 30, 2017

Exciting Weekend Buying New Jewelry At Show


Yes..being a jeweler is certainly fun!  We spent the better part of this weekend picking out new styles and buying stock for our store.  Of course, we get to see all of our jewelry biz friends who are actually more like family.  After nearly 30 years, our industry contacts have become invaluable to us and we couldn't do without them.

In the picture above, you can see my wife Angie and valued employee Lynn Stringham picking out gold & silver chains and earrings!  We carefully scrutinize and look at each piece selecting it for quality and value.  Some stores simply order 30 chains and throw them in their showcase...we'll go thru 30 chains to find that meets our standards for value and price.

This particular jewelry show which is part of the SJO Jeweler's Group of which we are members also fed us extremely well..as a matter of fact we'll probably need to go on a diet!  :)

Stop by in the next few days and see the new merchandise...we've picked some pretty items for sure!  Also, please overlook the mess our store is in as we are in "Part 2" of our remodeling.

'til next time,

Bill Warren, DDJ (Doctor of Dynamic Jewelry) & Gemologist
www.hudsongoldmine.com 
828-726-1009