Buying an Engagement Ring

Buying a Diamond Engagement Rings

Before Buying an Engagement Ring

Planning to propose can be a daunting task buying an engagement ring. Between settling on the details of the proposal and conquering your nerves, you need to select the perfect ring for the occasion. We have compiled a list of the questions which you must ask yourself and your jeweler when purchasing an engagement ring.

Before Buying an Engagement Ring

How much money can I afford to spend?

You will want to begin with an assessment of your bank account, then determine the ideal ring that fits your price range. Also think about the personal significance which this piece of jewelry will hold for your betrothed and future generations. Communicate your budget to a jeweler immediately, so they can help you choose a stylish and high-quality ring with your financial preferences in mind.

What shape would she like?

Your significant other will most likely have a distinct style, from her wardrobe to her values. This aspect should ultimately influence the shape of the engagement ring you buy for her. To gather some clues, notice the clothes that she wears on a daily basis. Take some notes, and make sure you bring them to the appointment with your jeweler. They will be able to recommend a particular shape based on this information.

Which metal would work best for her?

Choosing the most appropriate metal for your engagement ring will involve another glance into your significant other’s closet. Specifically, you will want to focus on the colors that she wears most often – and the jewelry she already owns. Again, once you tell the jeweler what you have observed, they can help you pick the right metal. Another note: if your significant other has sensitive skin, you should also let the jeweler know.

When Shopping for an Engagement Ring

What are the four C’s of this diamond?

After your first meeting with the jeweler, they will prepare a selection of the diamonds that fit your established specifications. You will want to ask about the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight of each stone, so that you can get the highest possible quality for your engagement ring. The jeweler should be able to walk you through the aspects of each diamond and help you make the correct choice.

May I see the grading report on this stone?

You will also want to inquire about the grading report on each stone that the jeweler has chosen. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) appraises every diamond for some important characteristics, including the four C’s, any treatments on the stone, and light performance. The jeweler should readily present this document to you, and then explain each part for the particular stone in question.

What are my payment options?

Purchasing an engagement ring will be a large investment, so you will certainly wonder about paying for it. Each jeweler approaches this situation from a different perspective, and they all have different rules. While some jewelers will request an upfront deposit, others will provide payment plans or special discounts. Ask your jeweler which fits their clientele better.

General Questions

What kind of maintenance do I need to perform, and how often?

When you have decided on the engagement ring that you’ll purchase, your attention should turn towards preserving this crucial asset. Talk with your jeweler about the steps which are required to keep your diamond in sparkling condition and maintain the beauty of the setting. They will let you know their personal tips, or even offer in-store services for this important step.

Will you be able to repair the ring, if needed?

Over time, your engagement ring will get damaged from wearing it every day. No matter whether the stone is misplaced or scratched, a jeweler should have the skills to fix the ring without any hassle. Before you buy the ring, ask the jeweler if they will repair your piece in the store.

What types of warranty can I get?

It is important to know exactly which repairs will be covered by the jewelers’ warranty on your engagement ring. These typically include lost stones, broken prongs, or polishing services. You should have a discussion with your jeweler about the warranty which they provide on engagement rings – and more specifically, your distinct piece of jewelry.

Modifying the ring later, and how easy is it?

Your engagement ring might initially look like a dream, but you may want something better within a few years. Some couples choose to add stones during their marriage, change the size of the ring, or engrave something special in the band. Regardless of your intentions, you will want to know the modifications which the jeweler can make on the unique ring you have chosen. Also ask the jeweler about the costs to implement these modifications.

Located at 829 Asbury Drive in Mandeville, Anne Dale Jewelers has helped several couples find the perfect engagement ring over the past 40 years. The store offers a large selection of diamonds in the newly renovated engagement ring gallery. We can answer all these questions and more. Just call (985) 626-4266 to book an appointment with our GIA-certified gemologist and a master goldsmith today.

Valentine’s Day

Stackable Diamond Rings

Valentine’s Day

Most people associate Valentine’s Day with images of heart-shaped candy, flowers, and other romantic symbols.

But the origins of this holiday are not as rosy as their modern interpretations would let on.

Instead, they are deeply shrouded in historical legends that involve curious rituals about  February 14 commemoration bears.

The ancient Roman calendar included a holiday to encourage the health and fertility of the city’s people. A date that men and women selected their potential mates’ names from a jar, around the fifth century, the current pope outlawed this ritual in favor of honoring Saint Valentine.

Some mystery surrounds the exact identity of the Saint who deserves the credit for bringing lovers together, though. Historians recorded three different narratives about a man named Valentine being martyred on the same day, February 14.

The most popular tale depicts Saint Valentine as a Roman priest who married young soldiers against the emperor’s wishes, and he was executed for his crimes. As a result,

Valentine became regarded as the patron saint of romantic love.

If you are searching for the perfect gift to impress your Valentine, look no further than Anne Dale Jewelers. The family-owned and operated jewelry store, now located at 829 Asbury Drive in Mandeville, features a wide selection of diamond jewelry including bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and of course, engagement rings. You can also find classic pearl designs and colored gemstone pieces, such as sapphire, ruby, emerald, and tanzanite creations. A local north shore community’s jewelry store since 1999, servicing the cities of Covington, Abita Springs and Madisonville.

Since 1983, Anne Dale and her husband Michael have offered a unique experience to their customers. Each client receives the opportunity to interact with the gemologist and the master craftsman right in the store, as they understand that only the highest quality of jewels went into their purchase.

The store is open Tuesday through Friday from 11am to 5:30pm, (also by appointment) on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.[/vc_column_text]

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Diamonds and Art of Love

Three loose diamonds

Linking Diamonds to the Art of Love

Since Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day near the middle of the month, it is no wonder why February has been long used to honor love and romance.

And there is perhaps no better way for a man to declare his love than a piece of diamond jewelry. By doing so he understand Diamonds and the Art of Love.

To find out how diamonds became associated with matters of the heart, let us consider some beliefs rooted in Greek mythology.

Greek tradition held that the god Eros, who ruled over passionate love and desire, shot diamond-tipped arrows to bring couples together. Even the word diamond can be traced to the Greek word adamas, which signified an insurmountable and enduring force. This certainly defines love, especially in marriage.

Other sources mention the fact that diamonds are naturally formed under the pressure of the earth, and many couples find their love has been strengthened by the hardships they face together. Diamonds also are not formed overnight – neither is love.

Located at 829 Asbury Drive in Mandeville, Anne Dale Jewelers offers a vast selection of engagement rings in the store’s newly expanded gallery. For the past 40 years, the family owned and operated jewelry store has helped Northshore couples find the perfect piece to represent their eternal commitment.

Anne, a registered GIA gemologist, and her husband Michael, a master craftsman, put their personal touch on every engagement ring in the showcase. This way, you’ll know that you are getting a special and unique design made from the finest materials.

The store is open Tuesday through Friday from 11am to 5:30pm – Saturdays between 10am and 2pm also by appointment. 

Private Jeweler vs Big Name Jeweler

Private Jeweler Experience

It would be safe to say as a independent jeweler that most of our jewelry business is derived from the store’s 40- year history and its loyal clients. Others might have discovered Anne Dale Jewelers by searching on the Internet when in need of our jewelry services.

However, our greatest joy (and most beloved challenge) comes from our word-of-mouth client referrals. When a long-time client suggests our jewelry business to their friends and family members, these referrals create a competitive excitement in our jewelry shop.

Anne Dale thrives on being the perceived underdog in the head-to-head competition against the area’s more highly advertised jewelry stores. With their high traffic locations and built-in generational customer bases, sadly many have lost (or never had) the passion of their store’s founders. Michael and Anne Dale have built their business from a position of love and passion for over 40 years.

How a Private Jeweler competes against the big budget jewelers?

Simply, Anne Dale Jewelers does not spend tens of thousands of dollars advertising nor do we pay outrageous rents. Big name jewelers may win in the amount of jewelry items sold, but high volume was never our goal. In fact, we are the opposite of mass-produced and aggressively-advertised jewelry.

A premier private jeweler like Anne Dale offers something that far exceeds the competition, both online and when compared to big-name jewelry stores. Here are some reasons why.

The Quality

High-volume jewelry stores often buy jewelry, diamonds and gemstones in bulk. While this may be an efficient way to get a cheap price, quality is often sacrificed in the process. On the other hand, you can expect a local jeweler to hand-select the best values in premium diamond jewelry. Private jewelers will source gold, diamonds, and other jewelry findings from select reputable suppliers.

The Experience & Service

Big-name jewelry stores can spend a lot of money on their locations, advertisements and storefronts. However, this business model can create a crowded and noisy store environment. When you become just another face in the crowd, sadly there is nothing special about you – or the selection to choose from, for that matter.

For the owners, it is a numbers game. You may get lost in the volume and find yourself waiting for a while.

A local private jeweler will do jewelry repairs and alterations right in the store. This means you will not wait long to get your ring back, and you won’t have to worry about it being lost in shipping. In addition, the slower environment is usually much friendlier and more helpful. At Anne Dale , you can schedule private appointments for one-on-one consultations and enjoy the full attention of a private jeweler.

The Choices:

When it comes down to the number of choices available for diamond engagement rings, big-name jewelers often carry branded pieces that are mass-produced. These have typically been acquired through buyer groups, so they are available in multiple store locations. When you choose a private jeweler, you can design your own custom engagement ring. The options are endless. This allows us to provide insight and assistance throughout the process, as you create a truly one-of-a-kind diamond engagement ring.

The Price:

Especially when it comes to real fine jewelry, the saying “you get what you pay for” does not always apply. Unfortunately, at big name jewelry stores, you often can get much less than you paid for. If you want to make a simple change or personalize the piece in any way, you can expect to pay extremely high customization fees. Their business models simply revolve around inventory turnover on the SKUs (product) in store.

Visit Mandeville’s premier private jeweler at Anne Dale, and let us create the perfect diamond engagement ring of her dreams today.

Local Jewelers vs Chain Jewelry Stores

contact us jewelry store

7 Reasons Local Jewelers Are Better

Than Big Box Jewelry Stores

●  Certified Expertise

●  Quality Over Quantity

●  Price & Value

●  Experience & Atmosphere

●  Professional Service

●  Product Selection

●  Community

Certified Experts

Local Jewelers and local jewelry stores are often invested in the jewelry trade. At Anne Dale Jewelers , we have both a Certified GIA Gemstone Expert and Master Goldsmith in the store.

At a high-volume jewelry store, you are likely to find sales associates with limited knowledge in a very highly specialized field. While a sales associate may have a passion for jewelry, often they are unable to share product knowledge beyond the price on the small jewelry tag. Most offer basic information along with a sales pitch, followed by an offer of in-store financing. This is all in the hopes of closing a sale and processing a transaction. Even their product recommendations are mass-produced, with little or no personalization for the customer.

Quality Over Quantity

Independent jewelry stores for the most part cherry-pick the gold, diamonds and gemstones featured in the showcases. A local jeweler can custom design or handcraft jewelry items to fit the customers’ needs – often capturing rites of passage and memorable moments in jeweled art.

Chain jewelry stores are scalable businesses that operate in a lower market. As a result, the jewelry comes with huge markups that offset their expensive mall rents and advertising budgets. These high-volume jewelers choose products that fit specific price points. These stores also carry SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) that are mass-manufactured with little to no connection to the consumer.

Anne Dale, as an independent jewelry store, hand-selects each diamond, sapphire, emerald, pearl and ruby from reputable sources that take immense pride in their craft. Every piece of jewelry is uniquely created to make every customer feel special.

Much of the pieces from independent jewelers are one-of-a-kind creations. Price & Value

Prices in local jewelry stores are often based on the cost of components (precious metals and gemstones) plus skilled craftsmen’s time. The prices vary, but the true value is a sum of the craftsmanship and the rarity of the materials used that were mined from the earth.

A local jewelers have a skill set above the assembly line functions found in an overseas manufacturing facility. Also, there is an economy of scale in mass-produced items as opposed to truly handcrafted, unique art.

Experience & Atmosphere

Smaller jewelry stores may know you by name, since the staff is a family jeweler that lives in the community. These stores exist based on their reputation and word of mouth marketing. The physical location is close to home and the atmosphere feels like home.

Large mall chain jewelers and high-volume jewelry stores struggle with their bigness, and by design, they always fall short on personal service and atmosphere.

Professional Service

A jewelry store with less volume has more time for its clients, providing a level of professional service that many other industries can simply no longer offer. The owner is the jewelry craftsman, who not only attends to you at the jewelry case but later creates a masterpiece for you or a loved one.

By contrast, the mere foot traffic inside a high-volume or chain jewelry store demands less-experienced sales associates to service the masses.

Product Selection

You can find a work of art in that jewelry box at an independent jewelry store. You will receive an intimate personal experience and a selection of truly fine jewelry crafted with care, knowing the final wearer will enjoy the items before passing it on for generations.

The branded jewelry store has replicated items, which have been formed from a mold and mass produced with specifications to satisfy a return on investment from the company’s shareholders.

Community

A locally owned jewelry store stands for generations of love and commencement. The store’s name and owners are intimately involved with local weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, baptisms and untold rites of passage. In the stage play written by Karol Józef Wojtyła as a college student before becoming Pope John Paul II, The Jewellers Shop portrays the role the little jewelry shop has on generations, and in the end the love always returns.