by Kendra Wollert, CGA | Mar 2, 2023 | Uncategorized
What You Need To KnowLaboratory-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic, man made, cultured, lab created, etc., are grown in a controlled manufacturing setting that mimics the same environment that a natural, earth made diamond is created. This environment consists of...
by Kendra Wollert, CGA | Feb 28, 2023 | Uncategorized
How do you know if you just purchased quality jewelry? Read on to find out because it can help you understand why some pieces will last generations with just a few repairs versus some pieces that are in for repairs frequently. Many goldsmiths can argue most of these...
by Kendra Wollert, CGA | Nov 2, 2022 | Uncategorized
What are gemstone inclusions? According to Gemsociety.org, an inclusion is “any material that is trapped inside another mineral while that mineral forms.” Inclusions tell us a lot about how or where the gem grew. Inclusions can range from simple gas bubbles, to...
by Elisa O. Miller AGS, FGA, GIA | Oct 6, 2022 | Uncategorized
Here’s What’s New At Olufson Designs One of our owners, Elisa, spent two months this summer studying Computer Aided Drafting/Computer Aided Modeling (CAD/CAM) at the Gemological Institute of America in California. She came back with the skills to help Sean...
by Kendra Wollert, CGA | Sep 1, 2022 | Uncategorized
Have you noticed how chains are becoming more popular? You can do just about anything and you won’t be wrong. Layering chains with multiple lengths is one way to go. Try layering a sixteen inch, eighteen, and twenty inch necklace or pendant with a V-neck shirt to be...
by Kendra Wollert, CGA | Jul 28, 2022 | Jewelry
Kendra K. Wollert CGA and Lita Wilson CSA Whether you are 40 or 4 years old, being able to wear earrings with your favorite outfit sure makes anyone feel extra pretty. Unfortunately, not all new ear piercings run a successful course. We hope all people choose a...
by AGS Reprint | Jun 10, 2022 | Uncategorized
Diamonds are well known for their rarity, but did you know there are other rare gemstones? Get ready to learn some interesting facts on four gems rarer than diamond. Tanzanite Tanzanite is a stunning blue and purple variety of the mineral zoisite that is only found in...
by AGS Reprint | Jun 2, 2022 | Uncategorized
(Reprinted with permission from the American Gem Society June 2022) Why not surprise dad with something different for Father’s Day this year? Instead of the usual tie or gift card, jewelry—such as a Father’s Day bracelet or necklace—can be a special keepsake. There...
by Kendra Wollert, CGA | Mar 31, 2022 | Uncategorized
What’s in your jewelry box? Just like a fine piece of furniture receives stain to highlight the woods natural beauty, gemstones also receive treatments to make them more marketable. Treatments make gems more available and affordable to consumers. We are proud...
by Kendra Wollert, CGA | Jan 27, 2022 | Uncategorized
The Basics What is your ring made of? You are convinced you purchased a genuine gold ring, so why is it turning your finger black? Even authentically gold rings can do this to the best of us. Let’s start by understanding what rings are made of. Gold is measured using...
