Category: blog

Mother’s Day 2018

Posted on by PhilPancer

Mother’s Day is the one-day a year you can truly thank your mom for everything she’s done for you, whether that’s cutting the crusts off your PB&J sandwiches or driving you to soccer practice it’s important that we thank our mom’s for always putting us first.

Here at Ringleader we adore moms. Moms make the world go round. And we can help you find the perfect gift to show your mom just how much you love and appreciate her.

This month is also a special month for Ringleader Jewellers. We are celebrating our 20th anniversary this month! And that is all thanks to our wonderful customers. We’ve celebrated many a mother’s days with you and want to show you just how much we appreciate you all by hosting a sale for the entire month of May!!!! You can save up to 60% off in store merchandise, which is perfect for your wallet while you shop for something special for mom.

Mother’s Day is about more than hallmark cards and flowers. Mother’s Day is about thanking your mom for all the sacrifices she has made to ensure that you’re happy and healthy. Moms always come to the rescue no matter how big or small!

Are you stuck on what to get your mom for Mother’s Day? Let us help you! Whether its earrings, necklace or maybe even a bracelet we have something for every mom and our expert sales associates will help you with the entire process.

What To Do During The Ice Storm??

Posted on by PhilPancer

I’m staring out my window and watching/listening to CP24 news channel watching out for the impending doom that is suppose to hamper our weekend, I.E. freezing rain and very nasty windy rainy cold “Spring” weather? So… Not being the greedy type, I also don’t believe in jewellery emergencies. Therefore, I decree Saturday April 14, 2018 Nasty Weather Day!! Can’t say snow day, however, you never know in the province of Ontario. It’s quite possible that Ringleader Fine Jewellers could be closed on Nasty Weather Day. Here are some suggestions for what YOU can do on Nasty Weather Day. You could help your wife clean the house, like I just might do, binge watch your favorite series on Netflix, make sure you have working flashlights and a supply of candles a lighter or matches in case we get power failures, however you might want to do that ASAP. But the most important thing to do on Nasty Weather Day is to do some SPRING JEWELLERY CLEANING!! That’s right!! Get together all your broken down, single earrings, out dated and unwearable jewellery that’s just collecting dust when you could bring it into Ringleader Fine Jewellers and recreate it, or trade it in for something in our showcases or GET CASH for it!!!

Also, even though we most likely will not be open on Nasty Weather Day look at your ring(s) and try to remember the last time you had them inspected and cleaned. I tell my customers that they should have this done EVERY SIX MONTHS. It’s an easy habit to get into and usually complimentary at RINGLEADER FINE JEWELLERS.

Our usual hours are Tuesday-Thursday…10:00am to 6:00pm; Friday-Saturday…10:00am to 5:00pm and closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Stay SAFE

Phil

Ringleader Fine Jewellers

Is quicker the better way when it comes to jewellery repair?

Posted on by Robyn Pancer

Same-day or overnight delivery guaranteed.  That is Amazon’s key to success.  Consumers love instantaneous gratification.  I know I do.  I can be anywhere, order something online and have it sent to me the following day.

So it really doesn’t surprise me when I get inquiries requesting jewellery repairs done on the spot while waiting.  Once again, clients want instantaneous gratification.  In this case, it is not practical.  Let’s go back one step.  A potential fiancee has purchased a custom made ring for his hope to be a bride but it is a bit too small or a favorite piece of jewellery has been inherited and it needs tip work.  When you have such meaningful heirlooms, isn’t the best job possible more important than being expeditious?  If you had to wait an extra week or two for a top-notch job, as opposed to waiting half an hour for novice workmanship, which would you prefer?  Once you have decided to leave your precious gems, a repair bag with the necessary information will be reported, logged into our data system and a photo of your trinket with the instructions will be taken.

Alright, so now you have been reassured that it is ideal to have the best possible job done.  Now you are being told the job is not being done on the premises.  More caution bells are ringing in your head.  How do your precious baubles get from point A to point B?  There are two possible scenarios.  Either personally or by courier.  Ringleader Fine Jewellers only considers one option.  We personally deliver, consult with the finest experts in the trade and pick up our repairs when they are completed.  Our suppliers also have a logging and tracking system.

Another query from inquiring minds is that seems like a lot of extra work when you could just hire a tradesperson to work in your shop?  One might think so except for the fact that jewellery is an extremely specialized field.  For instance, in creating a diamond ring the following experts would be involved:  If complicated, a CAD designer would design the ring.  It would then go to a casting house to cast, produce the piece of jewellery.  A goldsmith would then clean up and polish it before sending it to a diamond setter for installing the diamond.  If a message is inserted in the ring, an engraver would do this at the end.

Ringleader Fine Jewellers has been specializing in custom-designed jewellery and repairs with over tens of thousands successfully completed for twenty years.   We are a local, independent, family-run business looking forward to assisting you in your next milestone or celebration.  So now you understand that in the jewellery industry, quicker isn’t always better.

What’s Trending In Jewellery?

Posted on by PhilPancer

Every season brings a new jewellery trend and this year at the Oscars there were plenty of bold accessories worn by everyone from Kendall Jenner to Amy Adams. Some of the trends seen were statement earrings, hoops and layered necklaces. Although not all these trends are wearable for an every day basis there are still some alternatives and inexpensive dupes so that you can bling out your outfits without breaking the bank.

Hoops

One of the most prevalent trends to come out of the Oscars are hoops. Particularly gold hoops have been seen on fashion bloggers and red carpets since last summer. The simplicity of a gold hoop is what makes this jewellery trend so easy and affordable to rock. They can both dress up or dress down an outfit. They can be girly or edgy. Inspired by the 90’s this basic earring style changes constantly with the weather. This spring chunky hoops will be the go-to fashion accessory with dainty pastel dresses and cork wedges.

  

Statement Earrings

Statement earrings are popping up all over social media. In particular, tassel earrings are making a bold declaration in the fashion scene. Bright colours such as red, orange and yellow are what beauty bloggers and celebrities are reaching for when completing their outfits. Although the red carpet is filled with diamond encrusted statement earrings the tassel look is a nice inexpensive dupe.


Layered Necklaces & Pendants

If there is one trend to look out for this spring/summer it is layering. Whether you’re going to the beach, a wedding or even just grabbing some lunch with friends layering your necklaces and earrings is a great way to spice up an outfit. Layers of dainty gold chains with small pendants make an average jeans and t-shirt outfit into an instagram-worthy brunch ensemble, not to mention you can make the chains uniquely you. Custom layering pieces have been seen on every celebrity this award season and will definitely continue being a staple, especially as the weather gets warmer. Simple little chains and pendants with dates of birth, names or even horoscope signs make your layering pieces uniquely yours.

Do you want to sport some of these jewellery trends? Ringleader Jewellers can help you achieve all your trendy dreams with pieces from every trend. Come by and make some custom dainty gold chains and pendant or purchase your own pair of statement hoops. We are always up to date on the latest trends in jewellery!

The Four C’s – Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat

Posted on by PhilPancer

If you’re going to customize your jewellery why not customize your diamonds too? Yes, I did just say customize your diamonds and that’s because every diamond is different. Remember the four C’s – Cut, Colour, Carat and Clarity. These four categories play a huge role in how your diamond is going to look. If you’re going to invest in your jewellery you should ensure that you’re getting the best diamond for your budget!

The cut determines how sparkly your diamond will be! Diamonds are cut in various ways to allow light to reflect through them. The better the cut the more the diamond will sparkle. Making the best use of light through the cut is the best way to ensure that you’re getting the maximum amount of sparkle for your diamonds.

The colour is based on the amount of yellow present within a diamond. Essentially the more white the diamond the better. However, diamond colour is measured on a GIA Colour Grading Scale. Diamonds are measured from the letter D to the letter Z with D being the most colourless/white and Z being a yellow diamond. A cut and a colour combo can help mask the yellow in a diamond and make it appear whiter than it actually is. This is an important to note when choosing the perfect stone for you.

The clarity describes its internal purity. The less imperfections within the stone the more rare and valuable it is. Some diamonds are described as “eye-clean”, which means that their imperfections are not visible to the unaided eye. Most diamonds have imperfections!

The carat of the diamond is the weight of the diamond. The larger, whiter and cleaner the diamond the more valuable it is. More weight equals more money so the higher the carat the more expensive the diamond will be. Again, if you are on a budget the carat of your diamond is important in ensuring you stay on or below your desired budget!

Don’t be afraid to ask your jeweller questions about the four C’s. It’s important to both buyer and seller that you are well informed so that you can make the best decision possible. A good jeweller will always ensure that you are aware of the four C’s and explain each factor when picking the right diamond for you.

 

Why You Should Have Your Rings Cleaned & Checked!

Posted on by PhilPancer

We know it’s only February but we’re already thinking about all the Spring-cleaning we want to do with this little taste of warm weather in the air!

Cleaning your jewellery shouldn’t be considered a chore. Your jewellery is important to us and you should where it well and often. What better way to celebrate the end (well, hopefully) of a long cold winter than by getting your beautiful diamond rings, necklaces and earrings cleaned in as little as one minute. It doesn’t take long and it doesn’t cost a thing. And while we’re at it we’ll even check up on your precious stones to ensure that nothing is loose, cracked or missing.

Your engagement band and wedding ring are overlooked items that should be sparkled up and checked at least twice a year. You wear them every day and everywhere. They tag along on every trip and memory. They’ve been exposed to dish soap, dirt from the garden, lotion and maybe even a cheeky batch of holiday treats or two. They need to be cleaned! All the gunk that gets built up from all that you do with your hands lies in the crevasses or your wedding ring. Kind of gross, right?

Although we recommend bringing in your rings at least twice a year don’t let that stop you from paying us a visit more often! A little sparkle to your rings for any special occasion can really make a difference and will hopefully encourage you to make it a habit of coming by for your ring check ups.

Prevention is the key to lasting jewellery. If you don’t get your rings checked you may lose a diamond and we hate diamond causalities! So prevent that from happening by coming by and allowing us to inspect your jewellery for loose stones, worn out claws and any other sign of damage. We want to make sure your jewellery ages with you and not before you.

This year put ring inspection and cleaning on your spring-cleaning list. Start the new season with some sparkle and shine. Your ring will thank you later!

Looking for a jeweller in Durham Region?

Looking for a jeweller in Durham Region?

Posted on by Robyn Pancer

ringleader logo

December has arrived. Family, friends, neighbours and coworkers all seem to be busy with an endless list of festivities. Whether i’ts parties, shopping for gifts or the necessities for the perfect meal.  This last month of the year is all about traditions, having fun and creating lasting memories.  The ideal gift that is tangible and will bring back memories of the joyous season, or any occasion, is jewellery.

This year in particular, a change has occurred in the jewellery landscape in Durham region.  That great little shop that you went to is now gone.  We seem to be hearing this a lot lately.  Whether its Brian’s Gold in Scarborough, Galbraith in Ajax, Graziellas, Liffy’s Gold or Gems a little further east.  For various reasons, sickness, retirement or being held up one too many times, these shops have vanished for good.

Ringleader Fine Jewellers is busier then ever.  We seem to be picking up the slack from many of these now defunct establishments.  With over 30 years of experience, Ringleader has the knowledge, along with experts in the industry to create or restore that one-of-a-kind piece that will be handed down for many generations to come.  The list of services that we provide include repairs, remodelling, custom, insurance replacement, corporate work, appraisals, watch repairs, engraving and buying gold.

Our mission is simple.We  are a small, independent jewellery store and believe it is important to treat others the same way we wish to be treated.  That is, to be acknowledged and spoken to in a kind, friendly manner.  Our track  record speaks for itself.  We have a 4.7 rating on Facebook and a 5.0 star rating on Google.  So, whether you need a small repair, custom engagement ring or that special holiday gift, don’t forget Ringleader Fine Jewellers.

Toronto Maple Leaf Stanley Cup Ring Set

Toronto Maple Leaf Stanley Cup Ring Set

Posted on by PhilPancer
The Toronto Maple Leafs did not reward their players with Stanley Cup Rings until 1947, when the team that included Turk Broda, Syl Apps, Ted Kennedy and Bill Barilko won hockey’s greatest prize. Earlier champions (1932,1924 and 1945) were awarded various other gifts, including a choice of a sterling silver
tea set or a sterling silver smoking set.

When the World Championship rings were created for the Maple Leafs in 1947, management found themselves creating four rings in the next five years, only missing the Stanley Cup Championship in 1950.
The gold rings, originally created by Henry Birks and Sons, but manufactured in a limited run by a small manufacturer in Ajax Ontario,feature a Maple Leaf-blue horseshoe (for good luck and because team owner Conn Smythe’s love of horse racing) surrounding a maple leaf, with a diamond set in the centre. The Blue Enamelled horseshoe read: Maple Leafs World Champions. The year of the Stanley Cup victory is below the maple leaf. On one shoulder, the year of the win would have been engraved while the opposite side would have the player and/or executive’s name engraved on that shoulder. Since these rings were the original prototypes, there is no engraving on the shoulders.These rings are an incredible keepsakes and are extremely rare and quite valuable. The team did not award a new ring with each of the four Stanley cup championships, but instead, increased the size of the diamond in the rings belonging to repeat winners.These rings are on display at Ringleader Fine Jewellers and available for purchase….what would they be worth to you? We are entertaining serious enquiries only, because who knows the next time you’ll see one of these rings, on one of the Toronto Maple Leafs again?

Special thanks to Kevin Shea for your diligent research with respect to these rare artifacts.

Celebrate Canada’s 150th!

Posted on by PhilPancer

On July 1st we celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday!

Even though Canada is celebrating 150 years, the diamond industry is relatively new. Although Canada is the 3rd largest diamond producing country in the world the discovery of diamonds only happened in the early 1990s.

Canadian diamonds are defined as, ‘diamonds that have been mined in any one of the major provinces and territories of Canada’. In Canada there are 6 current mines that are operational.

Canadian diamonds are special within the diamond industry because of the emphasis placed on them as an alternative to the blood diamonds mined in Africa. It was Canada who was the main supporter of the Kimberly process, which was a certification that was created in 2000 to help discourage the trade of conflict diamonds.

Canadian diamonds are also important because they have created a booming mining industry for Canadians. The diamond industry adds greatly to the Canadian economy, which is a great reason to always choose Canadian diamonds!

All Canadian mines are regulated by the Canadian Mining Regulations for the Northwest Territories, and they ensure of the preservation of surrounding land and aquatics habitats. Ethically, Canadian diamonds are one of the best choicest when choosing your jewellery or custom pieces.

So, to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday come on down to Ringleader Jewellers and checkout our limited edition Canada 150 pendants, or come by and create a custom piece using Canadian diamonds!

We can’t wait to see you and celebrate Canada’s 150th!

Father’s Day 2017

Posted on by PhilPancer

Your dad is your forever-best friend and with Father’s Day quickly approaching it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to get dad for his special day.

The misconception that most people make is that jewellery is just for women, but jewellery has no gender rules. Men’s jewellery is full of statement pieces and small details. From bracelets to rings to watches and cuff links men’s jewellery is it’s own category completely.

So, with Father’s Day on June 18th why not surprise dad with something special he can wear to work, every day or special occasions?

I remember in elementary school we made Father’s Day presents in art class. During recess I picked the biggest, brightest rock I could find and painted “Dad, you rock don’t ever change”. To this day my dad still has that messily painted rocked on his bedside table. They are so easy to place because they truly, genuinely love anything you do for them.

It’s the little things that dad’s do that make them so special. They are your loudest supporter on the sidelines and your number one fan on the bench. Dads make the bad days better with their “dad jokes” and quirky laughs.

I always want to spoil my dad after all the post-soccer game ice-cream’s and long drives to middle of nowhere fields.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to show your dad how much you love and appreciate him. With the cost of gold rising there are some alternatives, such as bracelets comprised of leather and stainless steel, silver and even black diamonds! All of which are very affordable, handsome and the perfect gift for Father’s Day.


Maybe your dad is more laidback and likes the simple things. A gold, silver or stainless chain is a perfect everyday piece and the perfect for dad’s who prefer a beer to fancy champagne.

You could even customize the chain; buy a dog tag to go with it, or even an initial. Your dad can wear it tucked away in his shirt for only him to see, but the feeling of that chain will always remind him of your love and your appreciation for everything that he has done for you.


Maybe your dad is a dress-up for work every day kind of guy. Why not go with a brand new pair of cufflinks? You can customize them to ensure that they are perfect for your dad. He can show off his present to all his co-workers and be the dad that all the other dad’s envy at the office.


The thing with dads is that they are all so different, yet extremely similar. Maybe yours likes fishing and beer, maybe he’s stuck in the 80s or maybe he’s a summer grill master. Dads come in all shapes and sizes, literally, but they all have the biggest hearts.

Father’s Day is a celebration of all the awkward moments that dads have had to endure, kind of like that first time he found your bra in the laundry. Father’s Day is about all the times you had to wipe away tears after laughing so hard from one of his jokes. Father’s Day is for all the soccer games he never missed, the new skates he careful laced up and the broken garage doors from hockey pucks that he had to fix. Father’s Day is more than just a day; it’s a date to thank your dad for being the best coach in life and on the field.

Before June 18th come on down to Ringleader Jewellers and pick something special out for dad. We’ll help you find something that encompasses everything that it means to be a father.

-Lauren