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The holidays are just over two weeks away and if you haven’t already thought about what to get that special someone in your life, its time to start thinking.  Before you walk into a jewellery store waiting for that special item to call your name, ask yourself a few questions.  What kind of metal and colour gold do they like?  Do they have their ears pierced?  Hoops or studs?  And is a certain piece, i.e. bracelet or necklace out of the question because they don’t like it or they simply do not have one.  Also, are they partial to coloured stones?  And if so, which ones?  Just like knowing the right clothing size, the answers to these questions can make your shopping experience a much easier experience.Ringleader Fine Jewellers has something for every one on your list.   For the fashion conscious on a limited budget, we have the fashion line from fellow Canadian Jacqueline Kent.  She is a new addition to our store and has received multiple orders from individual clients due to a combination of great style and affordable price point.  Silver is an alternative option and there are many styles and choices in everything from earrings, to pendants and bracelets.  An ideal choice for someone who wants both a great look at a reasonable price.  Looking for something finer.  We have a variety of gold, either on its own, or set with gemstones or diamonds.  Our estate section includes diamonds and gemstones at a discount, a great economical alternative.  Looking for a special diamond, or want to get engaged?  No problem, we still have time to pick up that one of a kind gem just for you.

When it comes to the holidays, a piece of jewellery conveys sentiment and will become a treasured trinket.  In the future, a story may be told how a piece of jewellery from our store became someone’s prized possession and wore it for a lifetime and then passed it down for many generations to enjoy.

On behalf of Phil and myself, we would like to thank you for your patronage and wish you and those close to you a very happy holiday filled with love, laughter, cheer and of course good food.  And may the new year bring peace, prosperity and happiness.

It’s always nice to have a unique, one-of-kind ring. We work with your budget and you can actually pick what gemstone you would like to be set in your ring.

In today’s jewellery world, most custom ring designs start as an idea, a sketch, a photograph, google images, etc. and the it goes to a CAD (Computer Aided Design). Once you have a CAD and you have made whatever necessary changes to it, if needed, the information is sent to a printer and a plastic model is grown.

Once you have the plastic, it goes into casting to be made into a precious metal ring. From there, the ring is polished and cleaned and then goes for gemstone setting. The ring is then polished and cleaned up again and ready to be appraised. After your ring has gone through all of these stages, it is ready to be picked up!

The jewellery industry is so specialized that everyone has their own important role. Gone are the days of model makers widdling out wax models (there is only one left that I know). Also gone are goldsmiths that do it all…carve waxes, do casting, clean and polish, set stones….not happening!
Once upon a time, we had an old time “real” Goldsmith who did it all. Unfortunately, he died of Emphysema. Think of all the chemicals he was breathing in over the years (not to mention the 2 packs of  cigarettes he smoked daily for probably 40-50 years)…
So, here are a few tips to keep in mind, especially if you’re going to have a custom ring done for Christmas.

First, give yourself adequate time. All the months that you may have taken researching rings, remember that unique and personal rings take time, perhaps even 3-4 weeks.

Next, buy diamonds, not paper!! I’m a bit of a caveman when it comes to buying diamonds on the internet. Too many incidents could happen….diamonds are lost, poor integrity appraisals (if any at all), return or non return policy? Would you buy a car without test driving it first? Maybe, but if I were investing a fair amount of money into a piece of jewellery, I’d like to see what I’m getting myself into.

We like to get the customer involved. Customer participation represents a large part of the experience of making a custom piece of jewellery. It also lends to tell your story of how you helped by creating your own custom ring! Once you’ve mastered the art of creating your own custom ring…the sky is the limit! Next you’ll need custom wedding bands…..

See you soon!
Phil & Robyn

Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes and budgets vary.  Ringleader Fine Jewellers is quite conscious of this and will guide you in the best direction possible.  Whether it is a quality diamond  from Canada, Europe or even from our estate collection, we will make every effort to find that special statement piece and keep you in line – monetarily of course.

 As for designs?  The trend seems to be making jewellery from a picture clients have saved, either exactly or with some modifications.  We love pictures, since there is no mistaking what people are after and they make a great starting point.  Next, we will render a CAD, if necessary.   This is a computer image of your design.  Upon approval, the CAD is printed, cast, polished and set, if necessary before being placed on the clients’ finger.

And if you have any old gold?  Even better.  That is always a good starting point.  And any gold works since we will give a credit for it and use fresh gold.