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

www.hudsongoldmine.com 

Only 59 Days Until Christmas!!

It's hard to believe that summer has come and gone and now it's only 59 days until Christmas!  Here at The Gold Mine we've been busily preparing for the Christmas season.  You see a jeweler has to start thinking about Christmas around June or July so that we purchase enough stock for the store as well as anticipating what will be this year's hottest jewelry items!

Angie & I of course traveled to several jewelry shows as well as making visits to different vendors this year who could help provide us with the perfect holiday jewelry items at the perfect values!  I even got to visit a wholesaler who was going out of business and was able to pick up some wonderful buys while there.  Already many of our clients have commented on how we seem to have a better jewelry selection than most stores at better prices...so our travels seem to have paid off!

What will be hot this year?  It's our belief that there are a few trends that will be extremely popular this season such as:

The phenom created by "Rhythm of Love" where the diamonds actually vibrate to the beat of her heart is simply amazing and there are so many new styles in this featuring blue diamonds, black diamonds, rose gold, yellow gold & much more.  The price points start at $99 on these beauties and they're breathtaking!!

Another trend we're seeing is in the Lafonn jewelry brand which features the finest Lassaire Gemstones which simulate the look of diamonds set in a patented platinum/sterling silver mounting...a gorgeous piece of fine jewelry at reasonable prices!

Ladies stackable bracelets in silver, rose & yellow gold colors are also very popular with all ages and we carry what you'll discover to be the finest in the "Angelica Bracelet" line with prices starting at $25.  Plus, a portion of each sale of Angelica is donated to "Generation Rescue" which benefits the autistic!!!

Of course, I always invite you to visit our website at:  www.hudsongoldmine.com  which is constantly being updated with our latest products, news and events!

Thanks for taking time to read this blog post...I've been absent for a while and I'll try to keep you updated more often!

Take care,

Bill Warren, Owner/Gemologist

The Gold Mine

545 Main St. Hudson, NC 28638

828-726-1009

goldman86@bellsouth.net 

P.S. -  if you have questions about anything or there is something you'd really like to see us carry..please let us know by clicking on my email link above!!

No Worse Holiday To Forget Than Mother's Day

So True!!! Mother's Day is Sunday, May 11th!!!

The Gold Mine is featured on "Life In The Carolinas" TV Show

To our surprise, we were recently contacted about appearing on Carl White's "Life In The Carolinas" syndicated TV program that is aired all over NC & SC.  The show features people, places and events going on in the Carolina's!

I have to admit it was a bit nerve racking during filming but also lots of fun as Carl and his staff put everyone here at ease.  He was also very kind to focus not just on us but our town and a charity that is very near and dear to our hearts.

He also showed our son Dillon performing as well as telling a bit of background about our family and our biz...I thought our friends would enjoy seeing this if they missed the original airing of it on TV.  Click on the link below to watch our portion of the show at:

http://hudsongoldmine.com/news-and-events

You just never know what is going to happen in downtown Hudson and this program came as a pleasant surprise to us all.  Let us know your thoughts!

Take Care,

Bill Warren, Registered Gemologist/Owner
The Gold Mine of Hudson
www.hudsongoldmine.com 
email:  goldman86@bellsouth.net

Store Address:  545 Main St. Hudson, NC 28638  Telephone:  828-726-1009

What Is The Right Kind Of Wedding Band For Him?

What is the right kind of wedding band for a man?  I guess I'm asked this question at least a couple of times every week.  My stock in trade answer is usually in the form of a question such as, "What kind of work does he do?"  This often dictates what the best band is.  An important consideration besides the usual price & budget consideration would be...what kind of material do you want the wedding band made of and what kind of conditions will it be worn under?  Here are a few materials to consider for "Him":

1.  Yellow or White Gold - this comes in either 10k, 14k, or 18k gold.  10k is the hardest form of gold while 18k gold has the highest gold content.  14k has often been cited as the favorite mix of both with price & durability.

2.  Platinum - a very hard, rare and dense material that in the precious metals is probably the most durable and is naturally white in color.

3.  Alternative Metals - a new thing on the market would be metals made from space age technology such as tungsten carbide, titanium, cobalt, black zirconium and many others.  The benefits of each of these are that they're extremely durable and scratch resistant.  Plus, unlike the gold & platinum wedding bands, the cost is usually under $250 making them a very attractive choice for rugged men and young couples on a budget.

Personally speaking, I've enjoyed wearing a titanium and 14k gold combination band for many years giving me the precious metal that I as a jeweler enjoy plus the durability of the new space age materials.

What is right for you?  Of course, only you can make that decision.  But, we would be glad to guide and assist you...stop by the Gold Mine, take your time, have fun and get the wedding band of his dreams!

Until Next Time,

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

The Karisma Collection

Once in a long while, something comes along that makes me stand up and take notice!  When we first got the Karisma Jewelry Collection in, it most definitely got my attention!  Why you might ask..simple!  Because with Karisma Sterling Silver ladies jewelry from The Gold Mine, you literally have 400 pieces of jewelry in one...read on below about info on Karisma!

Karisma has as many looks as she does.

With over 400 interchangeable jeweled inserts, one piece of Karisma sterling silver jewelry lets a woman match every mood, every outfit, every day.  It’s the best thing to happen to jewelry since the invasion of the beads.

Each piece of Karisma is beautifully designed and crafted in sterling silver and features a round jeweled center insert.  The magic of Karisma is that a woman can simply remove the center jeweled insert and replace it with a new one. And with hundreds of jeweled inserts to choose from – in a wide array of colors, patterns and gemstones – Karisma becomes a true reflection of her.

KARISMA™

IT’S ALL ABOUT CHOICE.™

So far, we've completely sold out of Karisma rings, pendants, bracelets and earrings 12 times.  Ladies simply love that they can change the tops out of each piece to match their outfits every day!!!

I'm personally glad to see the jewelry industry offering things that are versatile because often a certain piece of jewelry can only be worn with certain colors or dresses...but not any more!

Stop by The Gold Mine on Main Street in downtown Hudson and take a look...I think you'll be impressed!

"til next time,

Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine of Hudson
828-726-1009
www.hudsongoldmine.com 
email:  goldman86@bellsouth.net

P.S. - for more info, visit the Karisma website at:  www.karismacollection.com

Introducing Lafonn Jewelry

Introducing the "Lafonn Jewelry Collection"

 

Ok, I must admit it...I'm a little tickled with myself today!  You see we recently added something that I believe our customers are going to love!  Of course, this is none other than the "Lafonn Jewelry Collection".

 

Lafonn jewelry features the ultimate in vintage jewelry design at a price that puts owning a fine piece of jewelry in everyone's budget.  With Canary yellow colors, sapphire blue as well as chocolate looks...these pieces of "Eye Candy" capture everyone's imagination!  Most of these rings, pendants, bracelets and earrings fall within the $100-300 price range...hard to believe, but true!!!

You may be asking yourself, "Ok Bill, just what is Lafonn anyway..is diamond, cz or what?"  Lafonn jewelry features Lassaire man made gemstones which are actually one of the closest things to real diamond you can get.  The gems are very tough & durable and are cut to very exacting standards.  The mountings are made of the finest sterling silver bonded with genuine platinum for look & durability.  In the purchase of a Lafonn item, you're getting a very well made piece of fine jewelry that looks like pieces that only royalty could wear but that are affordable for everyone!

I invite you to visit Lafonn's website to get a closer look at all of the beautiful jewelry that is offered at: http://www.lafonn.com  

Stop by the Gold Mine today to see the latest pieces in person and do some early Christmas shopping...you'll be glad you did!

'til next time,

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

New Line Announcement

Gold Mine Adds "Citizens Watches"

 

 

 

We are so pleased to announce the addition of the Citizen Watch line to our already huge selection of watches at The Gold Mine!  In addition to Pulsar, Seiko & Caldwell Time Company, Citizen will give us the final cog in our watch wheel!

Citizen's watches have been around since 1918.  They chose the name "Citizens" so that the name would be close to the heart of people everywhere.  Not only is Citizens one of the most recognized names in quality timepieces but they have the best selection of style & design we've seen.

You'll be pleased to know that the majority of Citizens watches are powered by the superb "Eco Drive" system....which also stands for "Solar Powered".  You'll never need a battery as any light source both natural or artificial can charge your watch with up to six months of power!

Guess what else?  These finely tuned watches come with a 5 year "Trouble Free Guarantee"...

So there you have it...the latest watch styling, with a watch that never needs a battery...Citizen Watches...stop by today for your preview!  You can also visit their website to get a great overview at:  www.citizenwatch.com

'Til Next Time,

Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine
www.hudsongoldmine.com
goldman86@bellsouth.net
828-726-1009

 
 

Black Pearls For Black Friday

Well...its almost here...yes, thats right...Thanksgiving!  Of course, we'll all be eating turkey and dressing til our bellies are full!  I love it...what a special time!

Then comes you know what..."Black Friday" and all of the big sales associated with it!  This year, because of the economy, there certainly will be great deals everywhere!

Our store is no different...and we certainly do our best to host a great "Day After Thanksgiving Sale" every year!  For the past 5 years, we've served no less than 500 customers the first two hours (8 'til 10 AM) and its always a pleasure!

I wish to thank each of our customers for their loyalty and patronage! If you're not a customer yet, let me invite you to stop by and experience the difference it makes to shop at The Gold Mine..

Perhaps you're wondering what will be on special at the Gold Mine...see below on a postcard I've sent to all of our customers to discover our great "Black Friday Specials"....

Happy Thanksgiving From The Gold Mine crew!

Check Out Our New "IMAYA" Collection

Ok folks, you're are going to love the new line of jewelry we've brought into The Gold Mine!  Its called the "Imaya Collection"!

It is said that the crystallized moonlight shines in the most wondrous way, for rather than reflecting ambient light, its radiance comes from the reflection of the wearer's inner beauty.  This is the source of inspiration for the Imaya Jewelry Collection.

This lovely line features the most intricate and gorgeous sterling silver & diamond jewelry we've seen.  And the prices, well, let me just say...its within the reach of anyone's budget!

I've pictured a few items above, but this simply doesn't do Imaya justice!  Stop by and your convenience for a preview of this line before its gets picked over!

Thanks,

Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine
Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-1009
www.hudsongoldmine.com
email:  goldman86@bellsouth.net

You Change The Oil In Your Car Right?

You change the oil in your car right?  Then let me urge you to have your jewelry maintenanced just like changing oil in your car.  Remember, tips on prongs do wear out, sometimes your clothing may pick it and raise a prong and cause a stone to be loose or worse yet, you may loose it altogether!!!

Here at The Gold Mine, we offer FREE jewelry cleaning and prong tightness checks daily...now if you'd take care of your automobile, why don't you put the same thought and treatment into your precious jewelry? Huh??

Perhaps you haven't been by The Gold Mine lately so let me take a moment to tell you about a few new things...

1. Southern Gates Sterling Silver Jewelry - New Styles Are In!
2. Fossil Watches - We recently added this cool line to our inventory
3. Chamilia Jewelry - the latest beads have just arrived
4. Gold & Silver price continue to soar!  Now is a great time to sell us your old, unwanted silver & gold...let us put cold hard cash in your pocket!

Stop by today or give us a call if you have any questions at 828-726-1009!

Success,

Bill Warren/Registered Gemologist/Owner
The Gold Mine
828-726-1009
http://www.hudsongoldmine.com/
goldman86@bellsouth.net

Cupid Is Looking Your Way!

Wow!!! Where has time flown?  Here we are at the start of an exciting New Year and yes, Valentine's Day is fast approaching.  Has Cupid been eyeing you?

What better way to show your loved one how much you care than with the gift of fine jewelry!  Yes, long after the flowers have wilted and the chocolate is gone, those beautiful gleeming gems will remain as a testament to love you share!

Our Valentine's Catalog will soon be coming out and we are receiving new jewelry items in our store daily.  What are some of the new items you may ask?  Southern Gates Silver Jewelry patterned after the ironwork gates of Charleston, Chamilia bead jewelry, Camelot Bridal Wedding Rings (what better time to get married than at Valentines?)

If love is in the air for you, stop by the Gold Mine soon, so we can make your dreams come true!

Cordially,
Bill Warren - Owner/Registered Gemologist
aka:  Doctor of Love
www.hudsongoldmine.com
828-726-1009
goldman86@bellsouth.net

17 and Counting

Ok, I must confess...I got the above blog title from watching that reality TV show 18 & counting and I just liked the title!  So humor me ok?

Yes, next month marks The Gold Mine's 17th Year Anniversary and its so hard to believe....where has time gone?  However, I'm very thankful to my wonderful & faithful clients who keep supporting us year after year and even through the tough times of the last few years!

Of course, we will be having a super Anniversary Sale as we always do, but the purpose of this post is to simply say, "Thank You" for allowing us to continue doing the thing that we love and for watching our baby (The Gold Mine) grow into a mature and strong retail business which has been named "Best Jeweler" as well as "Small Business of the Year" for Caldwell County.

A few thoughts...its been nice having a wonderful team of people around me all these years.  No one is a success without the help of others.  We truly stand on the backs of others as we reach the top rungs of the ladder of success.  Most importantly, I'm thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ for giving me the grace and strength to do what I love and with each passing day, hopefully I'm able to point more people to him!

The last few years while challenging, have also been the most rewarding as we've seen our store grow in leaps and bounds thanks to "Out of the Box" marketing and the goodwill of our great customers.  To each of you I humbly say, thank you for your kindness, your love and your support...its meant so much to me and my family over the years.  We will strive to serve you ever better in the coming days and hold your friendship dear!

Success,

Bill Warren, Owner
The Gold Mine
828-726-1009
www.hudsongoldmine.com
goldman86@bellsouth.net

P.S. - How many of you remember the play pen our son grew up in at the old store across the street?  Guess what?  He's driving now...talk about time flying...wow!!!

A Pearl Of Wisdom...Ladies Love Pearls...The June Birthstone

Many folks do not realize that pearl...yes, those lovely gems that come from an oyster..are the birthstone for June!  I've always had a deep fascination with how pearls form...a little grain of sand or a small bead(inserted by man's hand) enters an oyster.  The oyster then starts secreting nacre around this irritation and over time...a gorgeous pearl is formed!

Pearls come in many colors/tones such as the gorgeous white, rose' and creme colors we're very familiar with..but also the rare black pearl and of course, lets not forget fun peachy colors, chocolate color and even lime green!

Pearls have come a long way since we first started associating them with our favorite celebrites such as Jackie Kennedy or Barbara Bush.  By the way, check out the gorgeous set of colored pearls that speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi often favors and is seen with!

Its also important to remember that pearls may be worn everyday but are fragile in nature.  You cannot use regular jewelry cleaner on them..much too harse and they only need to be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.  Also, take care not to wear them when you might be doing something very physical which could easily scratch or chip them...best to take them off!

Our store stocks a wide variety of pearl jewelry in the form of earrings, necklace, bracelets, rings, etc.  We also keep all the different types of pearls such as:  Mabe', keshi, freshwater, saltwater, tahitian, south sea pearls and of course, all of the exotic colors instead of just the familiar white versions!

If your loved one has a June birthday, they are very lucky, because just as no two people are just alike, no two pearls are either and with such a wide variety now available...there really is somethign for everyone!

Success,

Bill Warren, Owner/Gemologist

The Gold Mine

545 Main St.

Hudson, NC 28638

828-726-1009

http://www.hudsongoldmine.com/

http://www.warrenmarketing.blogspot.com/

goldman86@bellsouth.net

Remember that Dad's Like Jewelry Too!

Yes, Father's Day is just around the corner and hey...we Dad's like jewelry too!  Of course, we like our fishing poles, hammocks, big screen TV's, etc...but did you know...

1. We "Love" Watches especially the new cool ones on today's market
2. Money clips are back in style and we don't always like a bulky wallet
3. Many Dad's enjoy gold or silver chains/necklaces
4. The new stainless steel men's rings/necklaces/bracelets are really pretty "Hip"!

Above all else, let Dad have a comfortable, relaxing day and be sure to let him know how much he means to you!

Sincerely,

Bill Warren - Gemologist (And a Dad As Well)
http://www.hudsongoldmine.com/
828-726-1009
545 Main St.
Hudson, NC 28638

Christmas Time In the Small Town of Hudson

Now...this is the way Christmas is supposed to be! I love it...beautiful snowfall coming down, shoppers rushing home with their presents! My wife and I love to decorate the Gold Mine for Christmas...notice in the picture to toy soldiers we have affectionately named "Hanz and Franz"! It seems that even with all the stress of the recession, people still are shopping, still having a good time and yes, things do seem to be turning around for the economy and what better time for it to do so than at Christmas?

I consider myself most fortunate to be able to help celebrate my customer's important milestone events in their lives such as Christmas, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.....Burl Ive's sang about it in the hit song "Silver & Gold" and yes, silver and gold makes things brighter.

Thanks everyone for allowing me to play a small part in your life as your jeweler...its an honor I cherish and enjoy! Merry Christmas and I wish you a very Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine
545 Main St.
Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-1009
http://www.hudsongoldmine.com/
goldman86@bellsouth.net

The September Birthstone

Sapphire is the September birthstone as well as the accepted anniversary gem for the 5th and 45th years of marriage.

Sapphire, a variety of corundum, comes in all colors except red (the red variety being known as ruby), but is especially popular in deep blue. Fancy colored sapphires-including pink, green, orange, and golden yellow-are magnificent when combined in a necklace or bracelet.
Prince Charles chose a blue sapphire for Princess Diana's engagement ring. The stone's durability, combined with its beauty, makes it the perfect alternative for an engagement ring.
Ancient priests and sorcerers honored sapphire above all gems, for this stone enabled them to interpret oracles and foretell the future. Ancients believed the Ten Commandments were written on a sapphire tablet. Marriage partners put great faith in the stone. If its luster dimmed, one knew his or her spouse had been unfaithful. Sapphire refused to shine when worn by the wicked or impure.

As part of the customary fashioning process, virtually all blue, yellow and golden sapphires are heated to permanently produce or intensify their color.

As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.
Sapphire is found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), Kasmir, Australia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, China and the U.S.

I hope you found this information as fascinating as I did on the beautiful blue sapphire...the September Birthstone!

Success,

Bill Warren, Registered Gemologist/Owner

The Gold Mine

www.hudsongoldmine.com

828-726-1009

email: goldman86@bellsouth.net

Gold Mine Awarded Caldwell County Small Business of the Year

I'm pleased to announce that The Gold Mine Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Inc. was awarded the "Caldwell County Small Business of the Year Award" for 2009 from The Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce! Needless to say, we were honored & humbled to receive such an award which is given to local Caldwell county businesses because of job creation/employee development, exceptional customer service, unique product development and marketing.

Certainly, we feel there are many businesses in our area deserving of this award, but thanks Chamber of Commerce for your kindness in giving us this award.

It is our hope that even during this difficult recessionary period that other businesses and individuals can see that they can still be successful...you simply have to search for a niche and fill it! Dig a little harder, knock and the door will open. We're reminded that even during the Great Depression, that business was still being done and some were being successful.....don't let the news get you down...yes, times are tough, but tough times don't last, tough people and businesses do!

Most of all, thanks go to our valued clients for supporting all these many years and to the Lord for giving us grace and for making a way, when sometimes the pathway got really dark!

Success,
Bill Warren, Owner
The Gold Mine
828-726-1009
http://www.hudsongoldmine.com/
goldman86@bellsouth.net

Christmas & Jewelry - A Sparkling Combination

Ever since I was a kid, I have loved everything about the Christmas season...the music, the food, family, memories made and of course the gifts! Now don't get ahead of me here...I'm not talking about receiving but the "giving of gifts". Many folks are just like me and they love to see the look on the face of the receipient of their gifts...that smile, that look of surprise, appreciation & love....that just says it all! Even after having been married for nearly 20 years and having been in the jewelry business for 25 years, Angie my wife still loves to receive the gift that sparkles....fine jewelry!!!

Of course, jewelry comes in all sizes, tastes, designs and certainly, one item doesn't fit all. Diamonds are always an appropriate gift because of the things they represent: durability (your love endures forever), fire (the excitement of your relationship), beautiful clear white color ( the perfect gem for all occasions) the cutting or faceting (representing all the facets of you and your loved one's life). Lets also not forget about gold & silver, long treasured for their intrinsic value & worth (can show the worth & value you put on your relationships). Gemstones of all colors of the rainbow in a wide array of jewelry such as bracelets, earrings, rings, necklaces...you name it...there is a gemstone for everyone (lets not forget that everyone has a birthstone!) Each anniversary has a gemstone assigned to it as well as the tribes of israel in the Bible (each has a gemstone).

So you see, jewelry truly can represent many important facets of your life and its an enduring gift that lasts for years! I love to see families pass jewelry down through the generations as family heirlooms....what a great tradition! Let me make a suggestion...why not start a new family tradition with a new jewelry heirloom to be passed down and treasured for many generations with the gift of fine jewelry this Christmas? Above all else, lets not forget to treasure those who mean the most to us this season.......

Season's Greetings,
Bill Warren - Owner/Registered Gemologist Appraiser
The Gold Mine Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Inc.
545 Main St.
Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-1009
website: http://www.hudsongoldmine.com/
email: goldman86@bellsouth.net