Vintage 2.44ct Diamond Engagement Ring Restoration

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Recently we had a client approach us with a ring she inherited from her husband's family. The ring has been gently loved for about 40 to 50 years and she would like to restore the glory of the design, as well as wear it on a daily basis. The diamonds have taken a few heavy blows over the years which contribute to their lack of brilliance. The center diamond has 2 large significant chips on the girdle of the stone and the major side baguette diamond is broken in half.

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The challenge for this project is multifaceted and this is why we felt this would make a great topic for a blog. We will need to work close with our diamond cutter to repair the damage on the center diamond. This needs to be done with minimal weight loss, as well as little to no effect on the symmetry of the modern cut. The diamond currently weighs 2.44 carat. We anticipate the diamond will weigh 2.10 when we are complete. This is a minor sacrifice for a major gain in beauty, brilliance and value. We will need to locate a tapered baguette replacement diamond for the side. This needs to blend seamlessly in color, cut, and shape to be considered a perfect match. Once these parameters are met, we can move onto restoring the platinum settings and the rest of the ring.

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While our professional diamond cutter is re-cutting the center diamond, we have the opportunity to sort through many potential baguette diamond replacements. The perfect baguette is one that matches all characteristics in shape, size, color, and clarity, ensuring the rings attributes are restored to its original make.

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Once the new diamond baguette has been selected, it is set within the restored tab prongs, not just for the newly selected baguette, but for all the baguettes within the ring. Not only does this ensure that all the baguettes, new and original will be secured for future years of wear, but it also creates a constant appearance throughout the ring.

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The center diamond is returned from our professional diamond cutter weighing in at 2.09 carats, which came close to our original estimate of 2.10 carats after being cut. The brilliant diamond can now be reset within four restored center prongs, ensuring the diamond is safe and secure.

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The entire ring gets a final polish and cleaning to ensure an exceptional appearance when being presented back to the owner.

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Vintage Engagement Ring...Re-imagined.

This Summer, we had the pleasure of working with a long time client.  She is always on the move, crisscrossing the country.  Boston is a frequent stop for her, however the West Coast is where she calls home.  She has a deep appreciation for all jewelry, so we can all connect on that level creating some amazing pieces for her through the years. Recently she became engaged, her fiancé gave her an amazing and unique vintage ring including twin European cut diamonds bezel set side by side on top if the ring.  The condition of the ring was typical for a ring that is over 100 years old.  The shank was worn, thin and split.  All the settings on the sides were worn as well as the under gallery being compromised by wear over the years.

Our Customer provided this image
when she first acquired the ring

The condition of the ring
 when it arrived to us

Our client loves color, so to truly make this ring hers and one she would love to wear for years to come, she wanted to incorporate (somehow) an
incredible gem in the center sandwiched between the two twin diamonds.  She has an impressive collection of loose gemstones in various shades and intensities, but a cushion shaped sapphire with intense color was the perfect selection. The bezel setting was created in CAD and fitted into place, however the remainder of the transformation was hand tooled in our workshop.  Our team worked together to make our client's dream of the perfect 'enhanced" engagement ring possible. 



Work in Progress:  Side image of the ring while the
 stones are being set

Work in Progress: The diamonds on the side bezel
 being set in place.






When our customer arrived to pick up her ring, she was overjoyed.  Not only was her vintage ring restored to a wearable condition for everyday use, but her ring had transformed into the style that she had always envisioned for her engagement ring.  Having vision and trust in the design and restoration process to create a spectacular heirloom to enjoy for many years to come.

Do you have a vintage ring that just does not suit your style?  Can it be re-imagined?  Contact us to discover the possibilities or visit our website for more information on restorations and our process.

Bostonian Jewelers Restorations

Photo Credit: Bostonian Jewelers and Client Photo

Bostonian Jewelers 1-888-523-0130



Auction Previews at Skinner Inc. | Park Plaza

Skinner is one of the world’s leading auction houses for antiques and fine art.  It is the only full-service auction house with their headquarters in New England. Founded over four decades ago, Skinner offers more than 60 auctions annually. Skinner auctions reach an international audience and showcase the unique, rare, and beautiful in dozens of categories, including the fine and decorative arts, jewelry, modern design, musical instruments, science and technology, wine, and many others. Currently Skinner has two locations; Marlboro MA and Park Plaza Boston. One of their specialty areas is the Fine Jewelry Department.  This department was founded by Gloria Lieberman in 1980.  She sought Bostonian Jewelers, specifically Hagop Matossian for expert restorations.

“ At last I have found someone to repair antique jewelry without destroying it and within a reasonable timeframe” Gloria Lieberman Vice President | Skinner Inc.  Explore more Gloria Lieberman

 

As a complement to its auction preview, Skinner invites you to participate in its Jewelry Clinic, hosted by Mr. Hagop Matossian from Bostonian Jewelers.  Mr. Matossian, an antique and period jewelry restoration expert, is viewed by his peers in the industry as a pioneer in laser restoration techniques.  For the past 30 years, he has collaborated with dealers and private collectors on restoration and alteration projects.  He will be available for individual consultations concerning items in the action throughout the afternoon”

Hagop Matossian attending Sale 2671B in lot #666

Mr. Matossian’s passion for vintage objects and his “ make it right” attitude gives him a unique perspective during the Fine Jewelry preview.  All preview attendees are welcome to ask Mr. Matossian about objects in the sale. Some items included are in perfect condition and others have been gently loved over the years.  He can provide his opinion on condition, restoration or value in the marketplace.

The Skinner Jewelry Auction provides two full preview days, as well as their online catalog (below).  The Live Auction is always scheduled on a Tuesday. If you plan on a visit to Skinner’s Park Plaza location for the preview, Mr. Matossian is only available on the Sunday prior, from 12 to 5pm. 

If you have questions regarding your own vintage or period restoration and would like to schedule a consultation with him in his Downtown Boston location, please call 617-523-2934 or email him directly at hagop@bostonianjewelers.com.

Bostonian Jewelers & Manufacturers, Inc., located in downtown Boston in the Jewelers Exchange Building, specializes in estate and period restoration, custom design and manufacturing exceptional jewelry. Family owned and operated since 1969, Bostonian Jewelers uses the latest in Laser technology.  They can restore even the most intricate of antique and period jewelry in platinum, gold, sterling silver and base metal.

 

Skinner’s Holiday auction is always the event of the season and is sure to bring all things Merry and Bright. 

“ Fine jewelry offerings at Skinner include estate, antique, modern, and artist-designed fine jewelry and gemstones from the 18th through 21st centuries.”

 

Photo | Catalog credit: www.skinnerinc.com, https://www.facebook.com/bostonianjewelers

From Philly's Streets To Bostonian's Hands

Art Deco | Sapphire and Diamond Brooch | Circa 1920

An out of state client contacted us to restore her grandmother's heirloom brooch she had inherited. I asked her to take some photos from all angles and email them along.  A few days later my heart sank when I opened her email and saw the condition of a piece of history in shambles.

Her item was completely destroyed on both sides inward, as it had been run over by cars multiple times on a busy Philly street.  This brooch was in serious need of tender love and care.  The owner had contacted many jewelers in and around the state of Pennsylvania, none were willing to take on her project of restoring this beautiful brooch. When I held the piece in my hands, I saw why.

The degree of damage was so extreme from the outside in, on left and right, including twisted, deformed and crushed settings.  In addition to missing, smashed and loose gemstones everywhere.  




Top view

Back view

Side view

These are the actual client images sent to Bostonian.




After about three weeks into the project, we have turned the halfway point on this restoration. We have reformed the platinum in the center areas and crafted new outer segments to be attached. Next is to custom cut all the small square blue sapphires that are going to be remounted.

Damaged outer frames removed (not in pic) center section re-aligned and new top outer frames fabricated.

As we meticulously reverse all that has gone wrong with this unlucky brooch, I can only imagine the many happy days of yesteryear; the dinners and receptions where this brooch was center stage, at least for one lucky woman.  This is what keeps our team determined to restore what has gone bad and erase those memories of that horrible night watching the beautiful brooch being run over, again and again...

Two goldsmiths work together on this project.  One is focused on the metal fabrication including the filigree details and the other, being a superior gemstone setter, on the diamond and sapphire setting and assembly. 



Top right completed



Top left completed



We finished the top tier on both left and right side, set all of the gemstones and assembled them back to the brooch on both sides.  We have fabricated the bottom frames for both sides and hand crafted the fine Art Deco filigree wire that will be assembled and welded in place to secure the middle of the top and bottom tier together.  This will replace the original filigree work that was destroyed along with adding structural integrity to the frame of the brooch.

Close up of side filigree and bottom frame, along with pin stem and catch

The hardware for the pin stem and catch is the last area of restoration.  We were able to salvage and recycle the original platinum pin, however the client chose to update the catch system to a modern style, to ensure better safety for future wear.  A final quality control and polish completes the project.

This restoration has taken the team at Bostonian a period of twelve weeks from start to finish. Each day dedicating four to five hours of the goldsmith's time. It was quite a challenging project in many aspects, but equally as rewarding to see an heirloom continue on it's journey. 

 

Super Bowl Bling - NFL's Crowning Jewels

With the Super Bowl this weekend, what better topic to discuss than NFL jewelry! and how jewelers are involved in the game? But first, some interesting facts.  These rings are not only huge, but expensive.  Upwards of 5K per ring per player and multiple carats of diamonds.  Many players say they simply don't wear jewelry and will only wear these things for public appearances. The Super Bowl ring represents a collective and symbolic memento for the players and team members to immortalize their victory. So who has the most bling?  Wikipedia update: Neal Dahlen. He earned 7 rings in his many years as an administrator with the 49ers and the Broncos.  Read more about Neal Dahlen 'Lord of the Rings" . We'll see if anyone tops his record this weekend.

Who makes the rings? That honor goes to a list of 6 or 7 jewelers that bid each year on a design contract of 150 customized Super Bowl rings, bragging rights and great publicity. The NFL cap's the spending at $5,000 per ring, which means that the jewelers will have to absorb the cost for anything over that $5,000. On the opposite end the company who is awarded the contract also creates the losing team rings. According to NFL policy the losing team ring is only allowed to cost half of the winning team's ring. A company called Jostens tops the list of ring designers with a total of 26 Super Bowl Rings. They were also the first company to design a ring for Super Bowl I champs, the Green Bay Packers.

Each Super Bowl ring is unique in the design and representation.  Check out the "NFL's Crown Jewels",

a great timeline through Super Bowl history.

The rings over the years have evolved from humble to humongous! The first Super Bowl ring was designed out of yellow gold and a single round diamond. Today they're "blinged" out and covered in diamonds, intricate pave and multiple color gemstones. One of the most impressive Super Bowl rings ever was the Patriots 2005 Super Bowl ring. It boasts 124 diamonds, 3 of which are shaped like footballs and a total weight of 4.94 carats. It's made out of 14k white gold and has intricate diamond pave wording and small side sapphires on the ring.

This years ring's have yet to be released but in the spirit of the Super Bowl...I predict many, many diamonds, 14K white gold and quite the big ring size! So while some of you watch the game for the sportsmanship, some for the company or food, and still others for the commercials; we'll be waiting for the next day when the designs are released and our predictions are right!

If you have any design questions, ideas or are looking for customized jewelery please visit our website at www.bostonianjewelers.com

Made in America - Bostonian's American Dream

Actually, made right here in Boston.  For over 30 years Bostonian Jewelers has been an American manufacturer creating jobs and doing our bit to contribute to the economy and America's future. 

We do not purchase jewelry made overseas or from designers that source inexpensive labor from other countries. We make all your treasures right here.   Manufacturing in America is a tremendous ongoing challenge to compete in the global marketplace and succeed.  It speaks of the integrity and courage our owners have in the future of Bostonian and the future of America.

The owners of Bostonian Jewelers immigrated to this country based on opportunities America could provided to those who were willing to work hard for them.  Those years of hard work paid off and Bostonian is now well known across the Nation for their excellence in custom design and restorations.  During the time when manufacturing was moving out of America, Bostonian increased their manufacturing right here with their popular styles like the "Bostonian Three Stone Ring".  In some cases, going door to door selling our products and services. This was not a time to abandon the dream and take another path.  They saw this as a challenge to set their place as a leading American manufacturer.  That same principal applies today. Bostonian is still considered to be the place where jewelers bring their tough jobs that need to be done right.   Our owners are steadfast in their commitment to the "American Dream" and what it means to our customers and to our employees.

How Patriotic is your jewelry?  When we create an item all of the fabrication is started and finished in Downtown Boston, and most, if not all of the ingredients are from the U.S.A.  We do not source pre-made jewelry and imports and sell them as our own.  All of our products were designed and made proud in America. We will responsibility source gemstones from all over the world as well as our own 50 states for our clients and all of the products we make are stamped with our quality and manufacturers trademarks.  Best of all, when you make the choice to purchase an American made product, your supporting your own community.  

Bostonian Jewelers was founded on the principals of  this country with the same dream in hand and this is what makes the fabric of Bostonian.  Our commitment to the three magic words. "Made in America".

Photo credit: apportionment.us/resources.html

Most Romantic Spots in Boston…

Whether you have been married for 50+ years or met just moments ago, there is nothing better than finding your special place in the bustling city just for the two of you. Here are a few of our suggestions from Bostonian Jewelers for some memorable moments in the heart of our city.

Boston’s Harbor Walk is full of so many activities, quite places and discoveries that it ranked #1 for us Bostonians! Together you can spend the entire day and night exploring Boston’s neighborhoods in a 50 mile stretch of newly developed public space. We have a few of our favorites listed, but walk along and you will be sure to find your own romantic spot.

Rose Kennedy Greenway: Boston is truly blessed with this transformation on the waterfront. This is the perfect “low-tech” spot to stroll along and discover artists, new food vendors, and spectacular fountain shows. Make your way under the Arch at the Christopher Columbus Water Park (a perfect spot to drop to one knee). An arched walkway illuminated at night and is glorious in all of Mother Nature’s seasons.

Free! What could be more romantic than free? Hatch Shell on the Esplanade offers free music and movies throughout the Summer. Just pack some snacks (no alcohol) and a comfy blanket and snuggle up under Boston’s starry night sky. 103.3 WODS Free Summer Concert Series offers a variety of live concerts starting at 7pm and cool cartoons every Friday at sundown sponsored by WBZ Free Friday Flicks.

Fenway Park: Take in a Red Sox Game. We can’t think of anything sexier than Boston’s Champions. From box seats to nose bleeders, enjoy all the action with your loved one and make sure to make your move while singing “Sweet Caroline”.



Charlestown Navel Yard Ferry - MBTA: Who would think to have the word romantic and “T” in the same place, but yes it is true. A little known route from Charlestown Navel Yard to Long Wharf is a fantastic opportunity to have a romantic boat ride with spectacular view of Boston. For $1.70 you can relax with your loved one and confess sweet nothings. The ride is about 15 minutes long, so this is a great way to start or end your adventure.



Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum located on the Fenway is romanticism at it’s finest. Wander the museum’s inner courtyard together as you discover the beauty around you as well as the beauty of the person your with. Every inch of the Museum has been choreographed to reflect the passion of Isabella Stewart Gardner. Visit the café and gift shop, or venture out. You will be sure to find many local cafés in the area.

Fine Dining evokes all of the senses and somehow sets the mood for romance: Boston has some of the world’s best culinary artists right here in our city.  Many support ingredients from local sources, and refreshing their menu seasonally, ensuring a new adventure at every visit. Our internet pic to find the place to suit the moment.. urbanspoon.

 “There is no love sincerer than the love of food.”

George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright (1856-1950)

Photo Credits: provided by Bostonian Jewelers clients with permission.