Summoning lost skills and techniques through abandoned tools Reubin Simantov accepts challenges most jewelers trade for the modern technology of CAD-CAM assisted jewelry manufacturing.

Insistent that clients and customers observe and respect the time, attention and thought put into every custom piece, he will often discourage clients who expect delivery before the estimated completion date.

Those who understand the energy and resources needed for his level of creativity wait patiently, sometimes several months before the commissioned pieces are completed.

While behind the scenes, Simantov and his workshop wait for the perfect stone for each piece, and use nature as inspiration as guides.

Not only is his jewlery created from layers of observation and attention,  but the combinations of materials often make them even more exceptional.

Gun metal steel inlaid with 24kt gold, carved obsidian (volcanic glass), and hidden mechanical works that conceal charming and surreal surprises are just a few of the trademarks of R. Simantov.

Recalling and recreating the delight from lost technique from artists like Faberge’, Reubin Simantov reunites his clients and admirers with a deep appreciation and respect for the highest levels of craftsmanship that capture multiple senses, emotions and dimensions in each of his jewelry creations.

Join me in learning about R. Simantov, his jewelry creations, and what sets him apart by transcending trends and traditions.

To see his jewelry, visit @R_Simantov on Instagram, his website rsimantov.com, or his studio in Nantucket, Massachusetts.

You’re onboard Jewelry Navigator Episode 11, Chips are for Lunch,they’re not diamonds, and other helpful tips to

shop with confidence and understand what you already have.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the episode - welcome aboard!

What makes metals used in jewelry better than just regular metal, and is one better than another?

If it looks like gold, then it is, right?

What is gold and silver plated jewelry, and what’s the difference from actual gold?

What about the gemstones - are there really ones more precious than

others to be called semi-precious?

If the diamonds set in halo and on the sides of jewelry are small, are they even diamonds or are the just small pieces of diamond chips?

And speaking of diamonds if you didn’t know already like almost to every gemstone, diamonds are now being lab created or man-made in labs in just a few weeks rather than millions of years.

These are some of the challenges shoppers face to distinguish the difference between fine and fashion jewelry that I’ll be sharing with you today on Chips are for Lunch, Not Diamonds and Other Helpful Jewelry Tips.

Jewelers and designers featured in this podcast are:

R. Simantov

Everyday Luxury NYC

Thesis Gems

Juler's Row

Crash Jewelry

Criffin Designs

California Girl Jewelry

You can find show notes and future photos on jewelrynavigator.com

What could possibly complement a private showing of fine jewelry better than a glass of champagne while beholding rare gems, like taaffeite, a lavender gem that sparkles as much or more than diamond, and blue color change Bekily garnet?!

Today, I visit with the daughter of the mother - daughter team of California Girl Jewelry, Denise Forbes, where from their boutique in San Francisco, they treat clients and walk in customers to champagne and an entrancing selection of gemstones, along with jewelry designs in which to enhance and showcase them.

Originally from New England and NYC, Mariel Baker, mother of the two partners, moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, and continued her executive level career in the dot com industry.

Her desire and interest in jewelry set with rare gemstones followed her into retirement, where she began California Girl Jewelry.

Denise later joined her mother in San Francisco.

Together they bring phenomenal jewelry to gem aficionados and jewelry lovers all over the world.

The rare, beautiful and exclusive gems they procure directly from mine sources are their signature.

Their gemstones are complimented by high quality settings of 18kt white, yellow, rose gold and platinum, set with full cut, F/VS quality diamonds, yet prices are comparably  affordable due to their in-house manufacturing, and guiding motto, “Jewelry made for women, by women.”                                                                                                                                                                                                            

With spring and summer as popular wedding seasons, that also means anniversaries!

Shop smart from your heart and your wallet!

In this episode, I share jewelry to give as new gifts, along with tips on how to pass along an heirloom piece for a gift.

Having a jeweler you know and trust is so important, because they can save you lots of money through repairs that revive old pieces.

I also share:

• unique pearl jewelry gifts that are updates to your grandmother’s pearl necklace

Jewelry and Designers featured in this episode:

• Veronica Eckert Studio

By Museum Specialist Robyn Einhorn, 

February 11, 2014

Jewelry that smiles?

 Dangling gold fish with diamond eyes?

This week I share this and more, like vintage treasures, old and new just in time for Mother’s Day jewelry shopping.

Last week, I introduced you to seven of my favorite designers and their jewelry, and this week’s episode is the continuation of my Mother’s Day Jewelry Shopping Guide!

If you didn’t get a chance to listen to last week’s episode, I share jewelry perfect for all our super hero moms, with photos accompanying the podcast in the blog post on jewelrynavitgator.com.

This week, I tell you about four designers who have made an impression on me:

Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry introduces us to Love Tokens, Dan Popkie and his goldfish necklaces, Hania Kuzbari Jewelry Designs and her smiling jewelry, and Hugo Kohl jewelry, making old jewelry new again.

At the end of the podcast and in the blog post, I’ll share coupon codes and special offers from the jewelers and designers.

Jewelry that smiles?

 Dangling gold fish with diamond eyes?

This week I share this and more, like vintage treasures, old and new just in time for Mother’s Day jewelry shopping.

Last week, I introduced you to seven of my favorite designers and their jewelry, and this week’s episode is the continuation of my Mother’s Day Jewelry Shopping Guide!

If you didn’t get a chance to listen to last week’s episode, I share jewelry perfect for all our super hero moms, with photos accompanying the podcast in the blog post on jewelrynavitgator.com.

This week, I tell you about four designers who have made an impression on me:

Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry introduces us to Love Tokens, Dan Popkie and his goldfish necklaces, Hania Kuzbari Jewelry Designs and her smiling jewelry, and Hugo Kohl jewelry, making old jewelry new again.

At the end of the podcast and in the blog post, I’ll share coupon codes and special offers from the jewelers and designers.

Mother’s Day Jewelry Shopping Guide

With Mother’s day coming up in less than two weeks, I thought I’d share some of my favorite jewelry designers  with shopping tips on how to make our moms happy this Mother’s Day!

Some people shy away from jewelry shopping afraid it’ll cost too much, but I have a wide selection to share from pleasantly affordable to high value jewelry treats.

From jewelry created from luxury cars to rings that reveal she’s a Wonder Woman and jewelry that honors moms of human and fur babies, this episode shares jewelry that shows all moms how special and deserving they are.

By the way, These ideas are for anytime and anyone, so don’t think they’re limited to Mother’s Day.

Be sure to Download this episode or bookmark the blog post for future reference for future gift ideas.

Thank you, and enjoy the episode!

Jewelers and designers featured in this podcast are:

-California Girl Jewelry of San Francisco

-Crash Jewelry, Los Angeles

-Paul Michael Jewelry, Pittsburgh

-Patrick Mohs Jewelry, Wayzata, MN

-Nayla Shami, Lubbock, TX

-Julers Row & Katherine & Josephine, New York

Welcome to episode 6 of the Jewelry Navigator Podcast, and the part 2, and conclusion to last week’s episode, Diamonds Demystified with diamond insider and wholesaler, Marc Knobloch, vice president and third generation with Aron knobloch, Inc in New York’s Diamond District.

Last week, Marc called on his 30 years of experience to explain the importance of seeing a diamond and how leaning on its statstics on paper can lead to faulty comparisons;  what the most important of the 4C’s are in choosing a diamond;  the magic ingredient to choosing a diamond;  and explained the primary purpose for diamond certificates.

If you missed it, go back after this episode to catch up on what you missed in Part 1 from last week.

Today, we continue as Marc explains the process put in place by the industry to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market.

Marc also shares a diamond’s journey from mine to market, and how diamonds positively affect communities and regions of their origins.

We share what our favorite diamond shapes are, and discuss what makes certain cuts different from the rest.

Thanks so much for joining us today for the conclusion of my visit with Marc Knobloch.

Welcome to episode 6 of the Jewelry Navigator Podcast, and the part 2, and conclusion to last week’s episode, Diamonds Demystified with diamond insider and wholesaler, Marc Knobloch, vice president and third generation with Aron knobloch, Inc in New York’s Diamond District.

Last week, Marc called on his 30 years of experience to explain the importance of seeing a diamond and how leaning on its statstics on paper can lead to faulty comparisons;  what the most important of the 4C’s are in choosing a diamond;  the magic ingredient to choosing a diamond;  and explained the primary purpose for diamond certificates.

If you missed it, go back after this episode to catch up on what you missed in Part 1 from last week.

Today, we continue as Marc explains the process put in place by the industry to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market.

Marc also shares a diamond’s journey from mine to market, and how diamonds positively affect communities and regions of their origins.

We share what our favorite diamond shapes are, and discuss what makes certain cuts different from the rest.

Thanks so much for joining us today for the conclusion of my visit with Marc Knobloch.