People have created jewelry using the Earth's most beautiful resources since before recorded history. Many recognizable and distinct design styles have emerged over time, as jewelry aesthetic preferences have often followed high fashion and even architectural design trends. Today, Krikawa is th… see the full article

It's that time again, when we're faced with the question of what to give our loved ones for the holidays.  You've done the socks, the ties, the gag gifts, perhaps even the diamond earrings and the watch. This season, consider something that your special someone will cherish forever (hint, hint, John :).

In my experience, there's nothing as sentimental as a jewelry gift.  Why is that?  Well, quality, precious jewelry lasts forever.  A woman cherishes the REAL jewelry she hoards away in her jewelry treasure box, and when she wears it, she remembers EXACTLY when and where she received it.  Even the daughters and granddaughters end up knowing the story.  Whether it's for Christmas, Hannukah, or a birthday, a beautiful piece of jewelry speaks volumes.  see the full article

It catches your eye as she walks by; is that ring real?  We've all seen the celebrity engagement ring with the supersized stone, and the flurry of look a-likes that flood the market afterwards.  What makes the original so luxurious, and the imitation just that; the ugly stepsister?

There's more to a luxury engagement ring than meets the eye.  If you really want to feel that luxurious supernatural hum when you look at your engagement ring, or if you truly hope for your beloved to swoon every time she gazes at the ring you engaged her with, consider these three things. see the full article

It’s pretty safe to say that in today’s world, almost everything we do is dependent on or influenced by technology. With our abundance of smartphones, computers, gadgets, and gizmos, we have grown accustomed to being connected to the rest of the world with the touch of a button. With… see the full article

Diamond engagement rings are simply not “one-size-fits-all” and when you are shopping for yourself or a lover, keep these handy tips in mind for choosing the right stone.

At first, this question might seem simply answered, “it’s all about what you can afford.” Yet many other factors should influence your design decisions and will make a big visual impact when you wear your diamond ring.

see the full article

It’s happened to the best of us: You pick up a fun piece of jewelry and only get in a few wears before it starts to darken or turn colors. It’s not your eyes playing tricks on you. Costume jewelry is notoriously vulnerable to tarnishing or turning green. see the full article

Engagement rings are a lot of things: an outward symbol of your love and commitment, a sign that you’re officially off the market and, of course, a nice piece of jewelry. But let’s be honest, they’re also a lot of fun to show off. In fact, part of the thrill of getting engaged is sharing your proposal story with and waving your sparkler of a ring around friends, family and perfect strangers. As any bride-to-be will tell you, showing off your ring is even more fun if it inspires a little envy, too. Here are five gorgeous styles that will cause a serious case of the “I want’s.” see the full article

The Foolproof Way to Design a Surprise Engagement Ring She’ll Love

Considering all the time, effort and expense that goes into creating the perfect engagement ring, is it any wonder so many men want some element of surprise? It elevates their all-important question into a sweeping, romantic gesture -- not to mention, most women like it when their guy picks out the ring.

Of course, just how much surprise depends on the couple. In our 15 years of creating custom rings, we’ve seen it all -- from men who designed their intended’s ring entirely on their own to ones who include their partners in the decision-making process. (We even had someone propose in our shop!) There’s no one right way to go about it, but there are some things you can do to help ensure your surprise ring is well-received. see the full article

Though the much-anticipated wedding of Brad Pitt and Angeline Jolie had some nontraditional elements, like their children drawing pictures on her veil, other parts were nothing short of classic. My favorite? Brad’s ring, a yellow gold, 4 millimeter, half-round shape that’s the epitome of a vintage men’s band and a style your grandfather probably wore on his own wedding day. see the full article

In my last post, we talked about the best ways to clean your diamond. Today, I’d like to focus on what you can do to keep it looking beautiful for many years to come. Because here’s the thing: Diamonds are very hard and quite durable, but they’re also expensive and precious. Treat them like they’re valuable (because they are!). Here are my tried-and-true tips for caring for your diamond ring between regular check-ups and cleanings. see the full article

I’m a big fan of online shopping. In fact, a healthy amount of our business comes from our online store. But even as we’re becoming savvier Internet shoppers, I still have customers bring in sub-par stones they bought online--and paid way too much for. And hey, I get it: It’s tough to assess a piece of jewelry’s quality based solely on a website photo. 

While nothing can replace holding a piece in your hands and inspecting it from all angles, shopping brick-and-mortar-style isn’t always feasible. Sometimes you browse a site and end up falling hard for a piece you can’t imagine living without. Or sometimes you’re pressed for time and find that it’s easier to handle the whole transaction from the comfort of your laptop or smartphone. But before you click “buy,” check out these tips to help you suss out the real deals from the all-out scams. see the full article

I don’t know about you, but I’m not a big fan of stuffy jewelry stores. They tend to be imposing and even a little intimidating, which is not the way most of us want to feel when making a major purchase like an engagement ring. Still, even in the most casual of settings, it’s tough not to feel overwhelmed by all the choices. While any jeweler worth his or her loupe will help guide you through the process, missteps will happen. Here are some of the most common mistakes I see customers make—and my best tips on how to avoid them. see the full article

There’s a place for rules, but trust me, a jewelry store is not one of them. In fact, I’m a firm believer that you should check those pesky do’s and don’ts at the door and rely on your instincts instead. After all, unlike a set of arcane rules, your heart won’t ever steer you wrong—especially when it comes to choosing an engagement ring or wedding ring. Here are five of the most common rules you should toss right out the window. 

Rule #1:

Never mix metals. I have nothing against wearing pieces that are the same tone, if that’s what floats your boat. But I also think the days of worrying about whether the earrings match the necklace and ring are over. It’s perfectly fine to embrace your current crush on platinum and still wear that beloved heirloom gold ring. What matters more is that you’re putting on pieces you love and feel good in.   see the full article