Are you guys feeling the pain of our economic downturn? Whoa! I thought I would take this time to tell you a little more about moissanite, an economic and smart alternative to diamonds. It is silicon carbide and it is the new up and coming alternative fine jewel choice. Moissanite was first discovered at a meteor crash site, but the pieces discovered were too small for jewelry. So once manufacturers figured out how to duplicate moissanite in larger sizes… voila! We now have moissanite jewelry! Moissanite has the highest refractive index making it the most brilliant of all jewels. It is similar in color to an I color graded diamond. Because they are man made, they have excellent clarity. Charles & Colvard is the exclusive manufacturer for moissanite intended for jewelry, and Elizabeta Jewelry offers Charles & Colvard moissanite. Rest assured this premier company offers lifetime guarantees on their stones. So if you are faced with an engagement ring purchase but can’t quite justify the expense of a diamond, moissanite is a brilliant choice, literally and figuratively. Since you won’t spend most of your budget on the diamond, you can buy the perfect ring. If you or your significant other has their heart set on a diamond, you can always upgrade to a diamond down the road when finances are more stable. Don’t let emotional diamond industry marketing (they are genius, aren’t they) stop you from popping the question sooner rather than later. Moissanite is truly beautiful!

We know times are tough. We are feeling it too. That is why we put together a selection of rings that we feel are a great value. They won’t break the bank yet they are quality rings that will last a lifetime. Please click on Great Values and you will be directed to some of the rings we selected. Be sure to check back regularly as we will be updating them daily. If you have a style you would like to suggest, please let us know – service@elizabetajewelry.com.

* Buying an engagement ring? We are offering a free 1ct diamond hybrid, OR a $250 discount on a 1/2ct diamond, a $500 discount on a 3/4ct diamond,OR a $750 discount on a 1ct diamond! And we will set the stone for you at no additional charge. Our diamonds come with a GIA or AGS grading certificate and are guaranteed to be as described. All of our stones are conflict- free. Contact us for available diamonds and prices.
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* If you already have a center stone, we will include a Swiss watch for him at no cost! Contact us for details.

Hello Blogosphere! Usually my blogs are kind of one sided, just spewing out information… This time, I am hoping that you’ll give me some feedback. With the economy in a pinch, and your upcoming engagement or wedding approaching, what are some ways you are looking to save money on engagement /wedding rings and jewelry? Here are some questions…

1) Will you buy gold instead of platinum, an engagement ring with a smaller diamond, substitute a diamond with a colored gemstone or synthetic stone, get an engagment band with no large stones, or forego an engagement ring altogether?

2) What will you be looking for in wedding bands? Gold, platinum, titanium, tungsten carbide, palladium, or silver?

3) How about wedding day jewelry? Will you make some trade offs to get the jewelry you have always wanted or will you cut back on jewelry to make up for another wedding expense?

We would love to hear from you. Thank you for your time.

Liz Ratcliff

Elizabeta Jewelry

If you are like most of us during these tough economic times, you are doing whatever you can to make the most of your money. So if you are planning on making a jewelry purchase, make your money go far, but even more important, make the meaning behind the jewelry really count! It isn’t always the size of your pocketbook that touches the recipient, but rather the thought and effort put into the jewelry. We love to custom design special pieces for most any budget. Sterling silver, palladium, 14kt gold, 18kt gold, and platinum are all available for a variety of price points. And there is a vast selection of gemstones, each with their own symbolism and significance that can be used. From engagement rings to wedding rings, Valentine’s gifts to Mother’s Day gifts, birthday gifts to Christmas gifts, we can accommodate your request. If you wanted a special piece that commemorated the place you went on a first date, a piece to remind you of a future goal, a piece that symbolizes your family, a spiritual piece, a memorial piece… we can design it for you or help you find it. Best Wishes for a happy and meaningful 2009!