In 1940s, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) introduced the 4 C’s - Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight, creating a universal language to classify factors that affect the quality and beauty of diamonds.
First up is the cut - the diamond's most important characteristic, as it impacts the diamond’s brilliance more than any other 'C'. But wait, the cut isn’t just about shape; it’s about how well the diamond facets interact with light. A diamond cut too shallow or too deep can lose light from the sides and bottom, making it appear dull. An excellently cut diamond, however, will reflect and refract light brilliantly, making it come alive in any setting.
The GIA grades diamond cut on a scale from Excellent to Poor, taking into account a multitude of factors including brightness, fire, scintillation, weight ratio, and durability.
Color is the second 'C', and this one is tricky because it's all about the lack of color. The GIA scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown), with color distinctions that are so subtle, they may not even be visible to the untrained eye. The absence of color, especially towards the colorless end of the scale, ensures that light can pass through the diamond without any hindrance, resulting in a play of light that's nothing short of a spectacle.
Remember, fancy colored diamonds are a different ball game altogether - these rare gems come in intense colors like blue, pink, or canary yellow, and are graded separately.
Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions or blemishes within the diamond. These are like nature's fingerprints, and while they add character, they can also be an interference in the way light plays within the stone. The GIA clarity scale has various levels, including Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions that are obvious under magnification or even to the naked eye).
Now, it's important to note that clarity often takes the back seat in day-to-day wear. Many inclusions are often not visible without magnification and do not take away from the diamond's beauty or compromise its durability. However, for many, achieving the highest clarity is a pursuit in and of itself - one that can significantly increase the diamond's price tag.
Carat weight, the final 'C', is perhaps the most widely known but often misunderstood of them all. Carat is a measure of a diamond's weight, not its size. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams, or roughly the weight of a standard paperclip. As a general concept, heavier diamonds can be larger, but this also depends on how the diamond is cut in relation to its weight. The spread - the diameter of the diamond relative to its carat weight - influences the diamond’s 'face-up' appearance and overall size perception.
Don’t fall into the size trap; consider the diamond's proportions as well. A savvy buyer will find a diamond that is neither too shallow nor too deep, maximizing the spread and ensuring that the carat weight is a true representation of its size.
Navigating the world of diamonds can be a daunting task, but with the 4 C's in your arsenal, you're equipped to make an informed and satisfying purchase. Remember that each 'C' is critical, but finding the balance between all of them is what makes a diamond uniquely yours.
There are nuances within the 4 C's that only a trained eye can discern. It's this beautiful and complex interplay of characteristics that makes selecting a diamond such a personal and rewarding experience. It's more than just a ring - it's a piece of your story that’ll be proudly worn, cherished, and passed down for generations.
Whether you're navigating this path alone or with a partner, the 4 C's are a compass, guiding you towards the diamond that truly speaks to your heart. And in the end, that's all that matters - finding a gem that resonates with your emotions, your values, and your sense of beauty. Stop into either of our locations and our diamond experts will help you find the ideal diamond for you. Happy diamond hunting!
]]>One of our most anticipated events of the year is back for one month only! The best part of this event is that you get to choose your offer: three years, zero percent interest financing OR 15% off your engagement ring setting purchase of $1000 or more! Take advantage of this special event before it ends April 30th!
How Does It Work?
Typically, we offer 6 - 12 month interest free financing all year long, subject to credit approval. During this event, we’re offering THREE YEARS, zero interest financing on purchases over $1000, meaning you can make smaller payments over a longer period! The financing can also be used on jewelry purchases if you want to get a head start on your Christmas shopping.
If you’re purchasing an engagement ring but aren’t interested in financing, you’ll save 15% on the ring!
How Do I Know If I Qualify?
If you want to see whether you qualify for financing before visiting us in store, please follow this link for more information:
https://christopherwilliamjewelers.com/pages/financing
If you’re ready to pop the question, now is the perfect time to stop by Christopher William Jewelers!
*Lab Diamonds & Consignment pieces are excluded.
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What can you get appraised?
-Engagement Rings
-Wedding Bands
-Diamond & Gemstone Jewelry
-Watches
-Estate Jewelry
-Loose Diamonds & Gemstones
-Gold & Platinum
Why Get An Appraisal?
Appraisals provide more information to insurance companies than a jewelry store receipt. They also provide current values for estate and heirloom pieces, as well as proof of ownership if an item is lost or stolen.
What Should Be Appraised?
Typically, insurance companies require appraisals for pieces valued over $5,000. Most providers will accept a store receipt for anything of lesser value. At Christopher William Jewelers, we provide complimentary appraisals for all new purchases over $3,000.
When Should You Update An Appraisal?
Most insurance companies request pieces to be re-appraised every five years. Values can change frequently due to the ever fluctuating diamond and metal markets.
]]>When it comes to planning the perfect Mother's Day celebration, the key is to make her feel cherished and loved. Surprise her with breakfast in bed, a heartfelt card, a bouquet of flowers, or a thoughtful gift that speaks to her personality. If your mom is the adventurous type, plan an outdoor activity like hiking or a picnic. If she's into pampering, set up a home spa day with massages, facials, and a bubble bath. Whatever you choose, ensure that you plan ahead to make her day extra special.
The best gift you can give your mom is your time and attention. Set aside your weekend, put your to-do list away, and focus solely on spending time with your mom. Whether you go out to eat or stay at home, spend quality time together watching a movie, playing board games or having family conversations. Even if you live far from home, you can still connect with your mom through video calls, sending letters, or planning future visits.
Take the time to tell your mom how grateful you are for everything she has done for you. Write a heartfelt letter to her, share your favorite memories, or give her a call to tell her how much you appreciate her. Let her know how much she means to you and how much you love her. Simple expressions of gratitude go a long way in making your mom feel appreciated and loved.
There's no better time to acknowledge and honor our mothers than Mother's Day. It's a time to express gratitude, love, and appreciation in all the ways we can. We adore our mothers, and this is the day to let them know that. So, go all out and make your mom feel loved and cherished for all that she has done for you. Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms out there.
]]>So, how does it work? With a Pandora purchase of $150 or more, you’ll receive a free, limited edition, silver bangle! Spend $325 or more and receive a free rose gold plated bangle! Pandora is all about expressing yourself, so mix and match charms, create a layered necklace ensemble, or design a ring stack that’s totally you, and receive a free bracelet to top off your look!
Whether you're creating the perfect Mother’s Day gift or treating yourself, you won’t want to miss this special Pandora event. Supplies are limited, so stop by our Harrisonburg store while you can!
]]>On top of free cleanings, we’re offering 20% off jewelry repairs! Now is the perfect time to bring in your broken chains, or rings with missing diamonds. We understand how special jewelry can be, and we want you to be able to wear it with confidence!
This event will take place March 21st - 25th, exclusively in our Weyers Cave location. To set up a cleaning appointment or repair consultation, please follow the link below, use our chat feature, or call us at 540-234-9075.
The Nature Buff
Virginia is full of scenic parks and hikes, from Natural Bridge to Crabtree Falls. Imagine standing with your partner, staring at the stunning sunrise (or sunset!) and getting down on one knee with the perfect, floral inspired engagement ring that will forever remind you both of this beautiful moment.
The Artist
Spend an afternoon exploring a museum, and finish up the evening with a painting date, complete with brushes, paint, and canvases. After completing your masterpieces, pop the question with an engagement ring as unique as her personality with special details just for her, such as a milgrain texture or hidden halo. Don’t forget to write the date on your artwork so you never forget this special day!
The Rockstar
Whether she likes country, pop, rock, or something in between, a concert proposal is sure to be memorable (bonus points if you see a local band that will give you a shoutout over the mic!) Show her she’s a star with the perfect engagement ring featuring a unique center stone, such as a marquise or pear shape, or even a colorful gemstone like a sapphire!
The Traditionalist
You can’t go wrong with a classic. If she loves romance and simplicity, a proposal at a fancy restaurant or surrounded by her family will make her heart sing. Keeping things classic and traditional, take her breath away with an engagement ring featuring clean lines, such as a stunning solitaire that lets the diamond do the talking.
A proposal doesn’t have to be a big production, it just needs to be something special between you and your partner. When you’re ready to pop the question, let Christopher William Jewelers help you find or create the ring of her dreams.
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Save on our top bridal brands like Hearts On Fire, Gabriel & Co., and so much more! We have styles to fit every personality, and we can even custom design a ring just for her!
There are so many options when it comes to diamonds. From shape and size, to color and clarity, our diamond specialists are ready to guide you through every step and answer all of your questions. If we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, we can source stones that fit your criteria brought into our store for you to see in person!
Shop our wide selection of wedding bands for the one that best fits your style and personality. With plain gold bands, diamond rings, and even curved bands to fit against uniquely shaped engagement rings, we’ve got something for everyone! Don’t worry guys, we have plenty of choices for you too, including unique patterns and alternative metals for all sorts of lifestyles!
Already have a wedding set? Mix things up with stackable bands! You can add more sparkle to your original set, or you can mix and match rings on your right hand for a balanced look. The possibilities are endless!
Visit either of our locations or shop on our website to save 20% during our Everything Bridal Sale, now through February 14th. Make this Valentine’s Day extra special and stop by Christopher William Jewelers, where Virginia gets engaged.
*Sale excludes Tacori and estate.
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Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen is important all year long, but especially in summer. That being said, sunscreen is great for your skin, but not so much for your jewelry. Be sure to take your jewelry off when applying sunscreen to avoid cloudy buildup that takes away your pieces’ shine.
Pools and Hot Tubs
You should never wear jewelry in a pool or hot tub. The chemicals used to keep the water clean can react with the metal in your accessories and seriously damage them! Whether you take a quick dip to cool off, or relax in the jacuzzi, it’s best to leave your jewelry at home.
Ocean
There’s enough treasure lost in the ocean, your jewelry doesn’t need to be part of it! With never ending waves, it’s easy for your jewelry to get swept off of you. Plus, salty seawater can irritate your gemstones and metal.
Sandy Beaches
Sand is known to be irritating on skin, so you can imagine what it does to jewelry. The small, coarse granules love to get into every nook and cranny, scratching your metal and gemstones.
Swelling
It’s common for fingers to swell due to heat. If your rings are feeling a bit snug, it may be a good idea to take them off for the day. If you can’t get them off, don’t panic! Fingers can swell an entire ring size in a day. The important thing is not to pull and twist your rings too harshly, or you may cause more irritation and swelling.
If you have any questions about protecting your jewelry during summer, our sales associates are happy to help! If you find your pieces looking a bit dingy after a season of summer fun, stop by to have your jewelry cleaned and inspected!
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There’s so much more to peridot than meets the eye. When you wear this gemstone, you’re wearing a piece of history!
]]>An appraisal confirms a replacement value of your jewelry. This will give your insurance provider an idea of how much it will cost them to cover your items as part of your policy.
Why Get An Appraisal?
Appraisals provide more information to insurance companies than a jewelry store receipt. They also provide current values for estate and heirloom pieces, as well as proof of ownership if an item is lost or stolen.
What Should Be Appraised?
Typically, insurance companies require appraisals for pieces valued over $5,000. Most providers will accept a store receipt for anything of lesser value. At Christopher William Jewelers, we provide complimentary appraisals for all new purchases over $3,000.
When Should You Update An Appraisal?
Most insurance companies request pieces to be re-appraised every five years. Values can change frequently due to the ever fluctuating diamond and metal markets.
Pricing
Free
We offer free appraisals on each piece of jewelry purchased from Christopher William Jewelers valued over $3,000.
$30 Re-appraisals
Appraisal updates on pieces not purchased at Christopher William Jewelers.
$75 Appraisals
Per Item. 2 week turnaround. No appointment necessary.
$100 Appraisals
Per Item. Same day express service. By appointment.
Questions To Ask Potential Insurers
Appraisals are done in our Weyers Cave location, but you are welcome to drop your pieces off in our Harrisonburg location if that’s more convenient. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our associates for assistance.
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Pearls
These are not your grandmother’s pearls. These classic gemstones have gotten a modern facelift, perfect for 2022. You can’t go wrong with the traditional white, round pearl, but don’t be afraid to play with different shapes and colors. We’ve been seeing an interesting mix of pearls and chunky chains, combining edgy and feminine vibes. In all honesty, pearls never truly go out of style, and always add an element of class to any outfit.
Colored Stones
Life is too short to be boring, and your jewelry is no exception! Candy colored gemstones were everywhere during fashion week, and we love the fun and happy vibes they add to an outfit! One of the great things about colored stones is that there are so many options to choose from. If you’re more cool toned, blues, purples, and greens would be most complimentary to your skin tone. If you’re warm toned, try fiery reds, pinks, and yellows!
Layering
Chokers and long, chunky chains are in, which can only mean one thing: time for layering! Layering necklaces of different lengths is a great way to mix and match pieces, and it helps you get the most wear out of your jewelry. Pre-layered necklaces with multiple chains and one clasp make this trend super easy to achieve!
Whatever your style, the sales associates at Christopher William Jewelers can help you find the perfect pieces to compliment your wardrobe!
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