Sterling Canyon's 2010 Arkansas Diamond List

Sterling Canyon reports on the 2010 list of diamond finds in the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Ark., the world’s only diamond-producing site open to the public.  It is here that for a small fee, anyone can go scrounging for diamonds.  What people found last year is nothing but remarkable.  Leading the year was a 4.89-carat grayish-white stone unearthed in April by a man from, can you believe it, Diamond, Mo. In March, a woman found a 3.17-carat yellow stone.  Of course, a rough diamond is just that.  After the stones are cut and polished, they are a fraction of their original size.  Still, a 3 carat yellow diamond could produce if the cuts are right, a 3/4 carat beauty.  It almost makes a trip to Arkansas inviting.  if you can’t make it to Arkansas, shop Sterling Canyon for the finest in gemstones and pave diamond necklaces and bracelets. Free shipping always.

Dressing your Best in Jewelry

Sterling Canyon wishes to let women know about the ins and outs of dressing  properly in jewelry in the morning.  Not all women need advice, certainly not the common sense types.  This advice is for the women who have no common sense.  You know who you are. Admit it.  Read on, you’ll learn something.  The fact that most women have all types of jewelry in their dresser is no mystery. Knowing how and when to wear the large, colorful, outlandish, stylish, plain, simple and single color piece is about to become clear.  In general, if your clothing for the day is simple and a muted color, choose a bright or wild necklace.  If your clothing is multi-colored and groovy looking, choose a simple piece.  Remember that opposites attract and will balance each other out rather than competing for attention.  A crazy floral top under a multi-colored heavy necklace will cause a bloody war on your chest.  It’s not worth the pain.  The only exception to the opposites attract rule is if you are wearing a plain black or non-pastel colors (red, blue, green, purple ect).  A beautiful pearl necklace would look stunning against this background.  Sterling Canyon offers such a terrific variety of fine gemstone necklaces and earrings.  If you’re the wild or plain variety, we have what you need. 

Black Coral Jewelry is a No-No

Sterling Canyon reports on the illegal trade of Black Coral and the jeweler that was found guilty of peddling it. Some species of Black Coral are an endangered species and is often associated with poachers from China and Taiwan. Court documents now show that the company that operates the Bernard K. Passman chain of jewelry stores will pay $2.5 million in fines after pleading guilty to knowingly accepting illegal shipments of endangered black coral. Some jewelers are desperate to increase sales and will go to great lengths to offer usual and sometimes beautifully illegal items.  folks, don’t buy coral jewelry, especially black and red coral.  Both are endangered.  There are legitimate jewelers that sell white coral that is dyed black or red but that fact must be disclosed to the customer.  Sterling Canyon sells the finest Sterling Silver and gemstone necklaces and earrings.  No need to impress our customers with black coral jewelry.  Our Sterling Silver does that by itself. 

Silver Jewelry is the New Wedding Gold

Sterling Canyon reports of a new poll conducted by MVI Marketing that found that more and more consumers are buying silver jewelry than gold or platinum.  And what’s more surprising is that more people are buying silver to carry their diamonds on rather than gold.  It isn’t unusual for wedding rings now to be made of silver than 18k gold.   Gold has gotten too expensive for the average bride.   Perhaps after gold becomes more reasonably priced in a few years will people have their diamonds re-mounted in gold.  Meanwhile, silver is the new wedding gold.  Sterling Canyon carries one of the most comprehensive silver selections on the web.  Shop Sterling Canyon and you’ll always get free shipping.

Sterling Canyon Loves Elephants

Sterling Canyon on-line jewelry store reports on the environment:  "By now, many of you have heard of the actions of a competitor of ours; GoDaddy's CEO in the killing of an Elephant (An interview of his can be seen here: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFsfchClBPk).
We have welcomed a very large number of former GoDaddy clients over the last month due to outrage over his actions.




A client of ours showed us the video below of someone getting excited when learning about HostGator and their funny reaction about GoDaddy CEO's Actions (it's funny!):

"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rU_iegDCzs

Understand the Lab Grown White Diamond

Sterling Canyon reports that a new diamond collection is about to emerge onto the market.  These are not ordinary diamonds from ordinary sources.  They are in fact manufactured or synthetic diamonds.  Synthetic diamonds are usually associated with drill bits or perhaps Cubic Zirconia.  Perhaps synthetic is the wrong term here.  These diamonds are lab-grown, the latest being white diamonds are large, averaging close to one carat.  They are manufactured by a company in Florida called Gemesis.  The diamonds are grown under a high pressure and high temperature process.  They are made from carbon, just like the natural ones from Mother Earth.  The Gemesis stones are unique because of their size.  They have been making colored diamonds for years but the white  variety have been a long time to perfect.  The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has tested and graded these white diamonds.  "In the eBrief, GIA notes that all 16 diamonds submitted were round brilliants, save one rectangular-cut diamond. The largest diamond was 0.90 carats, while the smallest was 0.24 carats. None of the diamonds submitted were a carat or larger in size.     Additionally, three of the lab-grown stones submitted were colorless while the majority--11--were near-colorless, and two were lightly-colored. The diamonds were all type IIa diamonds and achieved high clarity grades, ranging mostly from IF to VVS. The report notes, however, that observations “strongly suggest” that the lab-grown stones were heat treated after growth to improve their color and transparency.  The report also states that a notable feature of the lab-grown diamonds was their weak to moderate green fluorescence in short-wave UV radiation and their characteristic growth striations.   “Although the quality of CVD synthetics continues to improve, these new products can be clearly separated from natural diamonds,” the brief concludes. 
So there you have it folks.  According to the Federal Trade Commission, retailers will need to disclose whether the rock you are about to buy is lab-grown or natural.  It's your money.

Amethyst Jewelry Tips and Trites

Sterling Canyon's secret tip into buying Amethyst jewelry. You've all seen it.  Purple gemstones that are sold in practically every department and jewelry store.  But what are they really, and how should you choose the more valued pieces?  Amethyst is a type of quartz with a form of iron embedded in it which gives it its purple or reddish purple color.  It is mined all over the world, mostly in Brazil and Ontario. It is a simple recipe that now there is widespread synthetic Amethyst on the market.  Discount Amethyst that one would buy at Macy's or Walmart most likely is synthetic.  The higher end jewelry stores like Sterling Canyon offer authentic high grade Amethyst jewelry.    Look for the deep rich color. Russian Amethyst is highly prized for its deep color.  Buy it if you can find it. It's rare. Meanwhile, shop Sterling Canyon for a fine selection of beautifully rich purple Amethyst jewelry. Free shipping.

Color My Jewelry World With Sunshine

Sterling Canyon reports that the colors are set and the styles are lasting - at least for a while as New York Fashion Week has set the stage for this year's fashions.  The styles and colors have been appearing in this year's awards shows and the verdict is - blue and green.  These colors have been appearing in the chunkiest bracelets and the longest drop earrings, and slinking down the cleavage with 20 inch necklaces.  “Fashion designers have set the stage in terms of color for the season, so we will see that well into spring of 2012,” Michael O’Connor, jewelry style expert and celebrity stylist, says. 
Variations in styles of bracelets are acceptable but the set colors of green and blue are here to stay.  Their lasting value is expected to last well into next Spring.  Sterling Canyon has added wonderful blue and green necklaces and earrings to their catalog.  What a chance to take advantage with Mother's Day around the corner.

Blue Tanzanite Hits it Big

Sterling Canyon reports that TanzaniteOne, the largest producer mine in Tanzania of Tanzanite has increased production by 70% over last year.  The Tanzania government has enforced an export ban for stones larger than five carots.  However, the mine's output efficiencies have increased  to 71 carats per ton, up from 58 carats per ton a year ago.  Will this stabilize prices?  Perhaps. But the Tanzania government is hungry for money and will try to squeeze as much money out of the mine as the market will bear.  Sterling Canyon is introducing Sterling Silver mated with the incredible blue Tanzanite like the necklace above.  The customer demands it and we wish to fulfill that demand.

Chandelier Earrings are an Award Winner in Country Music Awards

Sterling Canyon reports that celebrities look for the awards at the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.  The spectators look at what the celebrities are wearing.  Carrie Underwood is shown wearing a Sutra designed Diamond and Sapphire chandelier earrings. Below a lucky winner is shown wearing Rhonda Faber Green chandelier zultanite gemstone earrings, made with 18-karat white gold and diamonds

though difficult to see under her hair, chandelier earrings are in style, sexy and elegant.  New and exciting collections of earrings and pendants are appearing daily in the Sterling Canyon catalog.  Shop today for 20% off all collections.

Burmese Rubies - A World of Shame

http://bit.ly/eL7Ji5

Cover your ruby necklace in shame ladies.  Sterling Canyon reports that the Burmese government is taking land away from farmers and using children as young as four to mine for Burmese rubies.  A new video has emerged, its link above that shows the atrocities.   The video shows that slave miners are shifted around at night, invading a farmers land. If rubies are found, the government seizes the land.  Raw rubies are pictured above.
The United States and the EU have embargoes on Burmese rubies as well as Jade from Myanmar. However, the rubies and jade can be sent to China or other importing countries where they are polished and finished and then sent to the U.S. or Europe with falsified papers of origin.  Kind of like money laundering.  So, there you go.  Sterling Canyon will not sell rubies or Jade for this very reason. Other fine precious gemstone jewelry is always offered with free shipping and 366 day returns.

Tanzanite Jewelry's Many Happy Returns

Sterling Canyon offers several jewelry pieces containing Tanzanite.  But the gemstones coming from one dug up from the TanzaniteOne mine in Tanzania will be truly remarkable.  One 12,100 ct stone was recovered and is now being prepared to be cut into smaller more useful gemstones.  This find is the third largest in the world and proves that this mine is one of the best producers of Tanzanite.  Tanzanite is found and mined only in Tanzania, hence the name given this beautifully blue gem.  This rough stone is worth several million dollars and the individual stones will make the total value escalate.  Visit Sterling Canyon and shop the best gemstone jewelry at the best prices.  And free shipping always and 366 day returns!

Silver Ghost Town Comes Alive

Sterling Canyon reports on a lonely figure in the west Texas scrub.  Remember if you will the movie Andromeda Strain and the old town where all the bodies were found.  That was the ghost town of Shafter, the feeder to this silver mine you see here and soon to be a lively ghost town.  The price of silver in the past two years has risen 5 times what it was.  Two years ago, silver was trading at around $8.00/ounce. It closed today at around $38.00.  The price of Sterling Silver and the lovely jewelry that comes from it has gone up also.  With this news comes the announcement that a Canadian mining company Aurcana has revived the abandoned mine of Presidio in west Texas and plans to produce up to 3.8 million ounces of silver annually.  State history shows that Spanish Franciscan friars mined the area in the 1680′s.   There is still plenty of silver left in the area.  Will this production help reduce the price of silver?  Not likely.  The Chinese and India have shown a terrific appetite for precious metals in recent years and it doesn’t plan to subside.  Look for pricier jewelry in the future. Sterling Canyon has done its best to keep prices low on the jewelry it carries.  We had to raise some prices recently but the quality will never go down.

California Nixes Cadmium Silver Jewelry

As Sterling Canyon reported last October, the California Center for Environmental Health sued a number of retailers over their peddling of Cadmium laced childrens jewelry.  All of the jewelry is made in China, and today the suit was settled with Tween, owned by Suffern, N.Y.-based Ascena Retail Group Inc. which runs nearly 900 Justice stores, many of them in California.  Terms of the agreement state that no jewelry containing over 0.03 percent may be sold in California. 

According to the CNBC report, Michael Green, executive director of the Center for Environmental Health, said in a statement that Tween is “leading the industry in adopting this health protective standard for their jewelry customers.”  “The company responsibly recalled its cadmium-containing jewelry and went beyond California law in agreeing to instruct its suppliers to provide Tween with reformulated jewelry on a nationwide basis,” he said. “We expect other companies to follow suit, for the sake of their customers’ health.”  

The question remains as to why parents would buy cheap Chinese jewelry for their children. Ignorance may be a reason.  Or perhaps these parents live under rocks and are not aware of the poor product reputation China has created for itself.  One of the reasons why Sterling Canyon offers the finest Silver jewelry all made in the United States or Europe. 

Blackened Sterling Silver Goes High Style

Sterling Canyon reports from Hollywood where stars such as Halle Berry, Hilary Swank and Michelle Williams were seen working a silver or white look with their clothing during the Academy Awards.  Certainly the stars can afford Platinum jewelry but the average consumer cannot.  Plain Sterling Silver jewelry can be boring if not designed well.  Here is where blackened Sterling comes in.  It adds another
level to a fine metal that continues to increase in price in the commodities markets.  The styling and detail can also be remarkable like the earrings pictured right.  And it doesn't have to be expensive. Check out Sterling Canyon and see for yourself.

Sterling Silver Rises with the Tide

Sterling Canyon has an update report for you financial gurus out there who have not noticed the metals market lately, the price of silver closed at $36.09 per ounce today.  Like gold, silver is also on the rise.  Like any other commodity, finished products like silver jewelry increase in price as the raw materials increase.  I had to increase some of my prices on silver jewelry today.  One clue whether "silver"jewelry in real is in the price.  At $30 per ounce, real silver or Sterling Silver will become more expensive.  It is predicted that by the end of 2011, silver may approach $100 per ounce. A $10.00 Sterling Silver bracelet is not Sterling Silver.  At the most, it is silver electroplated.  Don't be fooled into buying cheap silver jewelry.  It ain't silver. Sterling Canyon will continue to offer fine Sterling at affordable prices. We'll do what we can to maintain the best prices for you.

Reds and Blues Rule in Jewelry for 2011

Sterling Canyon reports from New York fashion week the coming styles in fashion for 2011.  Some are not surprising considering that with a Democrat in the White House, fashion tends to get looser, brighter and more free-form.  The fashion designers are veering toward bright colors with reds, blues, greens, purples and oranges.  In the jewelry sense, this means large and bright gemstones.  People want to be noticed and people want their jewelry to stand out for all to see.  If you are going to wear big and bright, don't let it be cheap. No plastics or Chinese imitations from Macy's or Walmart.

As with non-stone jewelry, large cuffs will be in.  Whether you wear them around your neck or around your wrist, big is in.  This large wrist cuff above is from Thistle and Bee and is solid Sterling.  Quality and function will wear well this year.  Affordability is the key and Sterling Canyon offers all three.  Shop Sterling Canyon today.

Grammys Let the Bangles Shine

Sterling Canyon reports that the hottest and most admired pieces of jewelry were bangles, multiple bangles that glistened and shouted along with the music.  At left is Miranda Lambert showing off her 18-karat Gold Bavna bangles with pave diamonds and an 18-karat Gold Bavna wave bracelet with diamonds, retailing at $22,500 and $21,750, respectively.

Above is Nancy O’Dell, who chose two diamond and gold cuff bangle bracelets by Neil Lane.  The fact that those attending and winning were wearing bangles is exciting. Last year, jewelry of most types did not make an appearance partly because the economy was hurting big time.  Flashing jewelry was in bad taste.  Not this year.  Take advantage of the new year with a fantastic selection of bangles and bracelets, all in solid Sterling Silver, some with precious gemstones.  And only at Sterling Canyon.  Free delivery too.

A Primer for Sterling Silver

The world and Sterling Canyon's standard for jewelry is Sterling Silver, made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper or other alloy.  Pure silver is a soft metal.  Silver reflects 98 percent of light, the highest value of any of the precious metals. To make silver harder, copper is usually added.  It is the copper that can make Sterling Silver tarnish over time. Silver, like gold, does not age. When silver becomes tarnished, this has nothing to do with oxidation. The discoloration develops when the silver binds with sulphur, and silver sulphide is black. Sulphur is present in the air, for example as a component of exhaust gases. The tarnished coating is easy to remove but is an unnecessary chore. Sterling Silver is therefore electrostatically coated with a metal like Ruthenium or other alloy.  The majority of Sterling Canyon’s jewelry has an e-coating made of several metals including Ruthenium that is extremely hard and tarnish resistant.  Sterling Canyon provides a free jewelry cloth with each purchase. Use it to wipe away the film that dirty air can leave on your jewelry piece.  If you make this a habit, your piece will look beautiful for a lifetime.                                     

Holy Cow! Gemstone Prices Going Up

Sterling Canyon reports that colored gemstones, like the ones that belong on your earrings, are expected to increase in price by perhaps 50% in the coming months.  We reported the expected increase in silver in the past couple of months but now the colored gemstones are heading up also. This is because of civil strife and export caps in the African nations where these gemstones are mined.  Civil strife in Africa?  Say it ain't so.  Perhaps the export caps are brought on by the warlords who want to squeeze our pocketbooks for more money.   At any rate, this is causing a shortage of gemstones and therefore higher prices.  Sterling Canyon does its best to bring you the lowest possible prices and the highest quality.  If you have comments about this, send us a note.  We would love to hear from you. 

The New Emerald - Tsavorite

Sterling Canyon reported a couple of weeks ago that a new gemstone was making its way onto the world market.  It was going to be billed as the new Emerald, a rich green that is in some ways better than Emerald.  Tsavorite is that gemstone and is more beautiful than any other gem.  Why?  Emeralds and Ruby are stones that when extracted from the ground, require some processing.  These stones require heating, fractures need filling with epoxy, and other doctoring that when examined up close, can show undesirable imperfections.  Tsavorite is different.  It is totally natural.  What comes out of the ground is what you see and what you get.  No doctoring is needed. It is cut and polished and done.  What a beauty it is. And mounted as earrings or on a necklace it can't be beat. Sterling Canyon will be bringing to you Tsavorite in the near future. Come by and visit us and witness the beauty of Tsavorite.

Valentine's Day in Sterling Canyon

No other day in Sterling Canyon’s calendar year commemorates love and affection more than Valentine’s Day, Feb 14 th .  It is a symbol and celebration of love and renewal that dates back to 3 rd century Rome and a Roman priest named Valentine or later Saint Valentine who died in mid-February 270 A.D.  Much later, during the 15th century in England and France, February was known for the time when birds began to mate. The populous began to recognize these events and began to commemorate February 14 th as a day of love. The oldest known valentine was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.  Perhaps with that note, the King included a piece of jewelry.   
Most everyone has a jewelry item that represents a special moment, a symbol of love.  Is it the necklace your husband gave you when your child was born? Or, is it the earrings that your Dad gave your Mom for Valentine’s Day when you were a young girl?  My wife says she can smell the Channel No. 5 her mother wore anytime she looks at the sterling silver and ruby necklace her Dad gave her Mom 30 years ago.  Those items become our family heirlooms.  
At Sterling Canyon, an online sterling silver jewelry store, we hope that we can help you build memories and find those special jewelry items.  Sterling Canyon offers a broad selection of finely-crafted sterling silver jewelry for most any budget.   Sometimes, we men need a bit of a nudge in the right direction. Shop Sterling Canyon today.

Sterling Canyon Introduces Glenn Lehrer: Master Gem Carver

                                                       Wing form executed in gem (chalcedony)

Sterling Canyon would like to formally introduce you to Glenn Lehrer.  Mr. Lehrer is a gemstone cutter from California who carves brilliant shapes from ordinary gemstones.  He is more than a stone cutter or sculpture.  He is a refined artist who can take a small gemstone and create an extraordinary piece of art.  He is one of the first cutters to formally train in Europe and is one of the tops in his field, where he is recognized for fluid gemstone carvings and precisely faceted stones. A jewelry designer as well, Mr. Lehrer creates and sells custom designs at his Larkspur, Calif.-based retail store and studio. I reported on him a couple of days ago when auction house Bonhams and Butterfields announced in San Francisco that they will host a show featuring Mr. Lehrer and his work.  The show runs March 19.

Colored Gemstones Popular in Engagement Rings

Sterling Canyon knows the beauty of colored gemstones.  You can't beat the shine and pop of a Citrine gemstone against a platinum band. Simply stunning in itself.  The popularity of these styles of jewelry is growing rapidly and becoming a big trend for 2011. This trend is due mostly from the popularity of television shows like Madmen.  Vintage styles are new again.  Pearl necklaces and colored gems are part of the trend.  According to preciousplatinum.com, in 2011, expect to see engagement rings with a variety of floral motifs inspired by the 1970s. Whether the design consists of “petals” surrounding  the center diamond, or the floral motif is part of the band, much of this intricate detailing can only be accomplished in platinum. This style is ideal for brides-to-be who prefer romantic looks.  Its good to be old again. Sterling Canyon has always offered classic designs because these styles never go out. They simply rest and come back.

China the Reason for Rise in Sterling Silver Pricing

Last week Sterling Canyon reported that the price of Sterling Silver, the stuff that your favorite necklaces and earrings are made of will be increasing in price.  It was disclosed that the reason for this increase, in addition to market speculators, is the increasing demand from China and India.  Shipments to these countries have increased by 25% over a year ago.  It is well known that these two countries have a large market for cheap low grade Sterling jewelry.  They wouldn't want to stab themselves in the foot by causing the increase in silver prices, thereby increasing the cost of their jewelry. Silver closed today at $30.50 per ounce.  A year ago it hovered around $17 per ounce.  Sterling Canyon continues to refuse jewelry made in China or India.  We prefer European and the United States craftsmen.  You should too.