Tag: GTA

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.

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.

 

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.

Can you trust your Jeweller

Posted on by Robyn Pancer

Phil and I have combined work experience in the jewellery business of over 50 years. Wow, how time flies, but I did say combined.  We feel like we have seen and met a gamut of people and experiences.  When a new client comes into our store and  asks “how do I know I can trust you”?, I have given up trying to plead our case of why one should leave their most precious pieces in our care.  I can only give a synopsis of our history and let the individual make their own conclusion.  It really doesn’t even matter what I say.  I tell people the bottom line is all about trust.  And if you don’t get a good feeling from us, then don’t leave your most treasured jewels in our care.

Buying fine jewellery is unique, just like the gemstones that compose each piece.  Comparing two diamonds is difficult since each one is rare and has its own particular composition.  Also, fine jewellery, like many industries, has a list of lingo, that may be overwhelming to some.  Generally, people shop jewellery stores  when marking a milestone occasion.  In today’s society, with so much information at our fingertips, one should feel confident with their jeweller.  So how do you know if you can trust your jeweller?

  1. Just as you would with any major purchase, word of mouth is the best.  Ask your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors who they recommend.  If buying something special, you may want to stay away from the internet.  Diamonds and fine gems need to be seen.  The average person can not be expected to understand what it takes years of training for a knowledgeable person in the industry to learn.  However, google is ideal for checking out potential companies.  It provides feedback and gives insight into the stores strengths.  For instance, do you want something custom or ready made?  Do they have a gemologist on site?  A good website will also show all the services available and how long the company has been in business.
  2. If you are interested in a custom work, a CAD, computer-aided design should be available.
  3. A reputable jeweller should  have a selection of stones to choose from, and the knowledge to answer all of your questions and concerns.  Taking the time to explain  the 4C’s will aid in making a informed selection.
  4. Make sure the time frame is a fair  for both you and the jeweller.  A classic solitaire should have a fairly quick turnover time, a week or two at the most if the mount needs to be cast.  But something more unique in nature, which includes a CAD is more labour and time sensitive, so keep that in mind.  Remember you want a good job, not a fast one.

    I must state, that I know many jewellers in the industry and believe, for the most part that they are a good bunch.  Is it an old wives tale, that someone took a ring into a store and the jeweller changed the diamond?  Or did it happen in smalltown USA?  Regardless, I have not heard that happening in our country.  Jewellers want to sell their goods, not steal someone elses’ and have a reputation to maintain.  We know that word of mouth is key, and Ringleader Fine Jewellers prides itself on exceptional customer service while producing custom pieces for ectastic clients.

    Robyn & Phil

 

 

[Ringleader Fine Jewellers] There’s more to Jewellery than Gold and Gemstones.

Posted on by Robyn Pancer

 

 

 

 

 

I remember as a young girl how fascinated I was with my mother’s jewellery. Every piece told a story and helped me make a connection to my family, some of whom I had never met and also places that I had only heard of. It was shiny, sparkled and in many ways magical.
Every trinket and bauble in your jewellery box also has a message. Many of these tales may have been told by previous generations and your mission is to pass this little bit of history onto the next echelon. That is one of the amazing qualities of these tangible goods. For instance, every bride can look at her engagement ring and recite the five W’S (who, when, where, why, what) associated with that special day. Every item you own represents something. It may be a symbol of hope, inspiration, celebration, remembrance or loss.
The price tag that we pay for jewellery is based on rarity, gold content, workmanship and design. That is how we justify our purchase. Delivery of these one of a kind pieces make it symbolic. No other durable goods, computers, smartphones or cars for example, have lasting power. These shiny baubles mark special occasions, promises, commitments and milestones for many years to come.
So this spring, if you are looking for something special, for mother’s day, christening, confirmation, graduation, birthday, anniversary, wedding or just because, remember Ringleader Fine Jewellers. Create your own lasting legacy.

[Ringleader Fine Jewellers] wishes all a Happy New Year

Posted on by Robyn Pancer

 

 

 

Better late than never, so let me be the last one to wish all of our loyal clients and citizens of the Pickering Community a very happy and healthy new year.  Phil and I would also like to thank our loyal clientele for your business with one of your most cherished possessions.  As always, we are here to  answer any questions or concerns you may have.  Wondering the value of inherited goods, considering  jewellery repairs or wanting to remodel or create a one of a kind piece, we will explore all of your possibilities.

Best wishes for a very happy and healthy  new year,

Phil & Robyn

Ringleader Fine Jewellers

SOLD CUSTOM DESIGNED DIAMOND FLOWER PENDANT WITH PINK SAPPHIRES

Posted on by Robyn Pancer

Displaying 1-P1070410.JPGSOLD One of a kind, custom designed diamond and pink sapphire pendant.  Over eight carats of diamonds.  Can be worn as a pin or as a pendant due to its foldover bail at the top of the pendant.

CUSTOMERS REMARKS:  “I had a vision for a multi use pendant/pin in a two dimensional flower design.  This was no small task.  Ringleader Jewelers did an outstanding job.  Not only were they easy to work with but they also were very helpful in the design aspect.  I was extremely happy with the final product.  It is truly  a work of art!!!”.

Shop at home, shop by phone, concierge service.

Posted on by Robyn Pancer

 

Present / gift

 

June 30th, 2015, our first time driving to work with the new, hopefully temporary H.O.V. lanes enforced.  We were anticipating a higher volume of traffic and thinking we would have to take an alternate route, as if that would make a difference.  With the dreaded thought of traffic, chaos and congestion, now would also be the perfect time to launch our concierge service.  Ringleader Fine Jewellers is all about customer service and we like to make every shopping experience a pleasurable one, even if you cannot make it into our store.  Give us a call or email, tell us some pertinent information and we will make arrangements to have it delivered, either personally or with a service.  It’s that easy.  Now let’s just hope we have an easy drive home.

Summer’s here. Relax, enjoy and create new memories.

Posted on by Robyn Pancer

 

 

Phil Pancer

The end of June is always a busy time.  Kids are finishing school and getting ready for summer,either off to camp, hanging out with friends or off to the cottage.  Adults tend to destress more, since they may not be on such a tight schedule due to the demands of their children.  Regardless, the weather is nice (hopefully) and it is time to get outdoors and enjoy the company of those we appreciate most.  Summer is also a time for celebrations.  Family reunions, vacations and parties.  If you are celebrating a special milestone or occasion, why not remember it with a piece of jewellery to treasure for many years to come.  Choose from our inventory, or if you have something special in mind, we can custom make whatever you envision.  Also, the month of June, we have a sale on our engagement rings and wedding bands.

Best wishes for a happy memorable summer.