Category Archives: Tips

Protecting Your Jewelry

Posted on by

0

Every year I like to put out a not-so-subtle reminder about keeping your precious jewelry items protected. If you’ve been waiting, here’s this year’s rendition {wink}.

Your jewelry is a BIG investment. And, it’s more than just a “thing”. It’s a representation of life’s most precious moments. That ring signifies your everlasting love. That necklace, your firstborn. And those earrings, twenty-five years of togetherness. Taking care of your jewelry is more than just maintenance, it’s a guarantee that your memories will live on … for generations to come.

Even if your pieces don’t look broken chances are they could use a tune-up. Makeup, bulky clothing, and our daily life activities tend to wreak havoc on our favorite accessories. This is why I recommend everyone bring their jewelry to Yelton Fine Jewelers at least twice per year so that they can be cleaned, inspected, and repaired if needed.

Here’s a little summary of my full proof protection plan …

  1. Stop in every six months to have your jewelry checked and cleaned.
  2. If needed, leave your items for repair. All repairs are done in-house by our amazing goldsmiths, Lynette and Lesley. They have just under 24.5 years of combined experience and they are the best in Cincinnati! As a bonus, we’re offering 20% off of all repairs through the end of February.
  3. Let our friendly staff member teach you how to properly care for your heirloom pieces so that they are protected all year long.
  4. Buy jewelry cleaner. Not just any jewelry cleaner, but OUR jewelry cleaner!
  5. Make sure that your pieces are properly insured. Bring in an existing appraisal or let us conduct one for you. From there are can discuss your insurance options through Jewelers Mutual, our preferred provider.

If there is one piece of advice that you take from me, let this be it! I want to see that your precious jewelry and the moments they represent continue to twinkle. If you have any questions simply swing by the store, or give us a call! I expect to be seeing you soon.

 

Meet The Jeweler & Goldsmith Of Yelton

Posted on by

0

It’s Repair Month at Yelton Fine Jewelers. Along with all of the deals that we are offering, we wanted to take the time to introduce you to our talented Jeweler {Lynette} and Goldsmith {Lesley}. If I had to describe them in just two words they would be – rock stars. While it’s easy to focus on all of the sparkly items in our cases, if you ask me the real magic is all thanks to them!

Here’s a little preview into their world …

IMG_4715 (1)

When did you decide to become a jeweler/goldsmith?

  • Lynette: Back in 2000 while attending Miami University. I was taking a jewelry metals class and decided then that I wanted to make a career out of it. From there I left Miami and went to school at GIA in Carlsbad where I received the Graduate Gemologist, Graduate Jeweler, and Marketing degree.
  • Lesley: After graduating with a Bachelors in Business and Sign Language Interpreting I was on the hunt for a job and Yelton offered to train me. Originally, I wasn’t looking to become a goldsmith, but after learning how to do several types of repairs, I found that I really enjoyed the work. And so, I kept on and to this day I continue to learn everything I can to become a better goldsmith.

IMG_4716 (1)

How long have you been with Yelton?

  • Lynette: I have been with Yelton Fine Jewelers for 11.5 years.
  • Lesley: I have been with Yelton Fine Jewelers for almost 6 years.

What’s your favorite part about being a jeweler/goldsmith?

  • Lynette: Taking a broken or “dated” piece of sentimental jewelry and transforming it into a piece that is wearable again.
  • Lesley: Lynette stole my answer! Once the item has been repaired I love seeing the joy that overcomes that customer. It’s wonderful to see the smiles and occasionally the tears.

IMG_4714 (1)

What are your hobbies?

  • Lynette: Disc golf, concerts, board games, reading, and cooking
  • Lesley: In the last couple of years I’ve taken up disc gold, normally with Lynette. I like playing games (Uno is a family favorite), reading, baking, and as weird as it sounds, I love to organize.

And, as a bonus here are a couple of jewelry tips that everyone can benefit from – straight from the experts …

IMG_4718 (2)

How often should a ring be cleaned?

Every six months. Along with cleaning the ring we also like to inspect the stones and prongs to ensure that they’re secure. If you have a hard time remembering to come in, a little trick is to do it every time the time changes.

When should a ring be resized?

Definitely anytime it’s too big, you don’t want to risk losing it! On the contrary if the ring is too small you may notice a rash, or an itching sensation. Sometimes dermatology treatment is necessary, so you’ll want to size up ASAP. If you have any numbness or tingling we can cut the ring off and if we’re not available go to your local fire station.

Thanks to Lynette and Lesley for all of their hard work!! Whether your jewelry needs a little love or a complete overhaul be sure to take advantage of our August repair deals before it’s too late. Give us a call or stop by our store with your damaged items. From there our team will work their magic and have you sparkling in no time.

 

 

Summer AKA Repair Season

Posted on by

0

Every three to five thousand miles we bring our cars in for an oil change. We have the tires rotated. And, when something seems a little “off” we take it into the mechanic. When it comes to our homes we spend countless hours per week tidying up. We replace carpeting when it gets dingy. And, when the hot water heater fails us we get a new one … right away.

Maintenance.

It’s a part of life, and an important step in protecting any asset. So, why is it that when it comes to our jewelry we only tend to fix it when it’s broken? That is, if we even do that. At some point or another we’ve all broken a necklace chain and thrown it right into the abyss that is our jewelry box. Never to see it again … sigh.

Just like your car and your home, your jewelry should be inspected, cleaned, and serviced regularly. After all, you paid a lot for in the first place. Don’t you want to keep it shiny and bright?!

If you’re looking for a little incentive to bring your jewelry items back to life, well, now is the time because it’s repair season at Yelton Fine Jewelers. Now through July 31st we’re offering 20% off of all jewelry repairs and a whopping 50% off of watch batteries*.

Yelton_RepairsAvailable_Email (1)

Bring us one piece, or your entire jewelry box. Come with the necklace that broke yesterday and that ring that’s been missing a stone for years. Whatever you have hiding at the back of your jewelry drawer – we want to bring it to life!

And, it doesn’t stop there.

Once your broken jewelry items are restored to their original condition, don’t forget to give them the regular love and attention that they deserve. I recommend cleaning monthly, if not weekly. Your prongs should be checked every six months. And, even if your jewelry doesn’t look like it’s suffering still bring it to Yelton Fine Jewelers annually for a check-up. Please, I beg you!

Because jewelry is meant to shine!

*Some exclusions apply. Cannot be applied to watch repairs. In-stock watch batteries only. Valid through 7/31/2017. See store for details.

The New Year Jewelry Cleanse

Posted on by

0

For those of you who know me, you also know that I am obsessed with organizing. In fact the opportunity to declutter and start fresh might just be my favorite thing about the New Year. Along with the champagne, of course.

One question that I get all of the time is, “how do you keep your jewelry organized?” Well ladies and gents, it’s a little secret that I like to call the Jewelry Cleanse – get rid of the old, fix what’s broken, and organize what’s left. Here’s how you do it …

Tina_Jewelry_Cleanse.jpg

GET RID OF THE OLD

Getting rid of jewelry might be one of the most difficult things to do. But, let’s face it, styles change and so do we. I go through my jewelry box a couple of times per year and make three piles …

Love It: Easy, gives these pieces a fresh clean and put them back in your jewelry box.

Over It: For the items that you know you’re ready to part with, you have a couple of options. Either sell them or pass them along to someone that will love that particular piece of jewelry just as much as you once did.

Over It, Yet So Attached: We all have them. Those pieces that are sentimental, but never quite find their way into our wardrobe. My suggestion – transform them into something new. Your grandmother’s old earrings could become a beautiful modern necklace. That promise ring he bought you two decades ago? Why not resize it for your daughter instead? Once you start considering the possibilities, it will come to you!

FIX WHAT’S BROKEN

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. There is nothing worse than a broken piece of jewelry! What’s the point?! At least once a year gather up all of your damaged items and bring them to us at Yelton Fine Jewelers. We’re here to see that your favorite bling lives to shine another day.

ORGANIZE WHAT’S LEFT

When it comes to jewelry storage you should have at least two items on hand – one {or even two} large jewelry box to house your entire collection, as well as something to store your favorite everyday items. If you invest in a good jewelry box, most of the organizing is done for you. Just remember to keep things in their spot! As far as your “go to” pieces keep them on your dresser or in your powder room for easy access {morning and night}.

Happy New Year, and happy jewelry cleansing everyone! If you have other questions about storing, organizing, or cleaning your bling, don’t hesitate to give me a shout.

Tina’s Holiday Sanity Checklist

Posted on by

1

tina_holiday

With only a handful of days left until Christmas, it’s more important than ever that we keep our cool. For our children. For our family members. And, of course, for ourselves! If you’re looking at your growing to-do list wondering how you’ll ever hold it together, start by taking a deep breath. Inhale. Exhale.

Ladies {and gents}, we’ve got this. If you’re looking for tips to keep you in a good space, check out my holiday sanity check-list. I’ve been using it for years, and it works!

1. Cherish family time. During the holiday season my favorite moments aren’t the fancy ones. I love the slow mornings. Making cookies in sweatpants. The movie nights. Those moments, with my boys and my hubby, are the ones that I cherish.

2. Pay It Forward. Whenever I start to get bogged down by my holiday task list, I remind myself that the stress I am feeling is actually a luxury. At this time of year I think it’s more important than ever to donate to the less fortunate with time, money, food, or gifts.

3. Enjoy Indulgence. Calorie counting during the holidays should be a crime. Between parties, dinners, and baking we’re all bound to consume a little more than we normally do. Don’t beat yourself up about it; rather enjoy the opportunity to indulge.

4. Plan a night out with friends. Even when I have a million things to do, it’s so important that I make time for my ladies. There’s nothing that a little escape, a lot of laughter, and a few adult beverages can’t cure.

5. Accept less than perfect. So the tree might be a little lopsided, the cookies came out a little brown, and some of your gifts are on back order. Let it go. You did everything else right!

6. Go to church. Attending church regularly throughout the holiday season helps me remember what it’s all about. It serves as a great reminder not to sweat the small stuff.

7. Keep positive people close. A Grinch can seriously ruin the holiday vibe. Whether at work, or in a social environment make a conscious effort to surround yourself with people that are on the “nice list”. You’ll thank yourself for it.

8. Play dress up. Whether it’s a new dress, or a sparkly piece of bling, I always feel more confident entering those holiday soirees when I love what I’m wearing. I know it may seem silly, but to me it makes all the difference.

9. Smile. It sounds simple because it is. Even on those days when you feel completely worn down, count your blessings, remember what’s good, and then … put a grin on your face. It’ll benefit you, and those around you.

10. Drink lots, and lots, of Starbucks. There is only one way to juggle work, a household, gift-wrapping, shopping, decorating, and planning holiday meals. It’s called caffeine folks, and don’t you dare try to take it away from me.

Ho ho ho. Happy holidays everyone! Wishing you an amazing time amongst family and friends. When in doubt, fill up that coffee cup and keep smiling. I’ll see you all in 2017!!

Keeping Your Diamonds Intact

Posted on by

0

Ring_Prongs_Tacori

Last week, I asked you if there was specific advice that you wanted from me. You asked about non-traditional engagement rings, necklace lengths, diamond qualities, and more! Such great questions. Thank you to everyone who submitted. I’ll be sure to get to all of them eventually, but today I’m going to focus on a question that was submitted by Jillian. She asked …

“How often should I have my ring prongs checked?”

This is top of mind for me as I recently had a gentlemen bring his wife’s engagement ring in because it was missing a diamond. He had no idea how this could happen, but as our conversation went on I learned that they had been married for twenty years and at no point had the ring been checked. Eek. It’s like driving a car and never bringing it in for an oil change. You just don’t do it!

At Yelton Fine Jewelers we recommend that you have your prongs professionally checked every six months. With our goldsmiths in house we make it easy. I should also mention that this service is free, whether you purchased your ring from us, or not. If your ring needs repair we’ll provide a quote for you onsite. Most of the time we just need to tighten the prongs around the center stone, though sometimes additional metal needs to be added to the prongs to build strength. In either case, when you walk out the door, you can do so knowing that your precious diamond is safe!

So ladies, if it’s been a while since your ring prongs have gotten some love, now is the time! It’s quick and easy. Plus, it’s a great excuse to peruse the jewelry store and check out some fancy bling. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! Above all I want to keep all of your diamonds safe and intact!