Paradise Points Newsletters

Click here to give me your e-mail address to receive Paradise Points by e-mail
Here are the previous newsletters:
        April, 2002
        May, 2002
        June, 2002
        July, 2002
        August, 2002
        September 1, 2002
        October, 2002
        November 1, 2002
       
December 4, 2002
        March 12, 2003
       
June 19, 2003
        May 20-2004
Click here for Tables of Contents of Newsletters


Barry Nicholls - Owner

April, 2002
Hi! Happy Friday!
You're getting this e-mail because you put your e-mail address on a customer card at Paradise Jewelry. If you would prefer not to get these mailings, please send me an e-mail with "remove" and your first and last name so I can remove you. I'll need your first and last name to find you - it's not automatic.
I'm going to start sending out a monthly newsletter with information on our upcoming events (like Ring Sizing - Same Day Service dates, Appraisal - Same Day Service dates (we size rings and do appraisals every day, but on a few days we offer same day service!) as well as gem and jewelry info.
Don't forget our Referral Rewards Program! If you recommend us to someone, make sure that they know to tell us that YOU sent them because we send you a $50 gift certificate!
Our next Ring Sizing - Same Day Service dates are Tuesday, April 23, May 7 and May 21.
Our next Appraisals - Same Day Service dates are Saturday, May 11 and May 25.
Your name is also on the Super Deals list and you will be receiving notices of Super Deals from time to time. Usually those are things that are going for less than I would pay for them. Really SUPER deals. When I buy estates, sometimes I get too much jewelry, or jewelry that isn't quite what I'm looking for. If I can get a really quick turnover, I can let it go for some really incredible prices... thus the Super Deals! First caller gets the deal, so don't miss out!
Did you know that the largest Pearl in the world weighs over 14 pounds! it's true.
Opals can cut glass just like a Diamond does - it's amazing.
You can also go to my website for more information (www.paradise-jewelry.com) and the sizing and appraisal dates are usually on the Calendar of Upcoming Events page.
Take care, Barry

May 1, 2002                                      Back to Main Menu           Back to Top

Hi!  Happy Wednesday!             
 
This Month:
     Gift Coupons - 10% off!
     Referral Rewards Program
     Ring Sizing
     Appraisals
     Tanzanite news
     Aquamarine rumors
     Jewelry Question of the Month
(from my website)
 
You're getting this e-mail because you put your e-mail address on a customer card at Paradise Jewelry.  If you would prefer not to get these monthly bulletins, please send me an e-mail with "remove" and your first and last name so I can remove you.  I'll need your first and last name to find you - it's not automatic.
 
This month I'm sending out a 10% off Gift Coupon for everyone with a Birthday or Anniversary this month.  Watch for yours in the mail.  Happy Birthday & Happy Anniversary to everyone!
 
Don't forget our Referral Rewards Program!  If you recommend us to someone, make sure that they know to tell us that YOU sent them because we send you a $50 gift certificate!
 
Our next Ring Sizing - Same Day Service dates are Tuesday, May 7 and May 21.
Our next Appraisals - Same Day Service dates are Saturday, May 11 and May 25.
Remember that we do this every day.  Twice a month we offer Same Day Service at the regular price.
 
Your name is also on the Super Deals list and you will be receiving notices of Super Deals from time to time.  Usually those are things that are going for less than I would pay for them.  Really SUPER deals.  When I buy estates, sometimes I get too much jewelry, or jewelry that isn't quite what I'm looking for.  If I can get a really quick turnover, I can let it go for some really incredible prices... thus the Super Deals!  First caller gets the deal, so don't miss out!
 
You can also go to my website for more information (http://www.paradise-jewelry.com) and the sizing and appraisal dates are usually on the Calendar of Upcoming Events page.
 
Tanzanite Rumors
You will hear all kinds of rumors about Tanzanite.  Especially if you go to the islands!  If you are a Tanzanite lover, don't be alarmed.  They are not mined out and they are not in short supply.  But there is a germ of truth to the rumors.  Some of the mines were closed a few years ago when flooding killed many miners.  Since then those mines have re-opened though.  The finer qualities are coming out of the ground less now also - but they aren't mined out!
 
Aquamarine Rumors
You will sometimes hear that Aquamarine is no longer being mined or it is impossible to find.  Not true.  Years ago when blue Topaz became popular, it made a dent in the market for Aquamarines.  Some stores stopped carrying Aquas.  Occasionally sales clerks have taken the liberty of telling customers that they can't get Aqua any more.  They prefer to get the customer to buy a Blue Topaz rather to go to the extra effort of finding them a nice Aqua. 
 
If you are ever looking for Aquamarine, I always have some nice ones on hand.
 
Jewelry Question of the Month (from my website):
 
Dear Barry:
Just a couple of questions regarding appraisals...
How do you tell what kind of appraisal you are looking at at the jewelers? i.e. my jeweler showed me an appraisal for a ring that states it is $6000 yet he is willing to sell it to me for $2800. Does this mean the price is inflated?
I know there are insurance appraisals, fair market value appraisals, etc. but how do you know what you
are looking at in the store? If you are looking at an insurance appraisal what would be the fair market value to pay for the ring...i.e. 50% ? 60%? of appraisal?
Hi!
To address your first question: It will say right on it (if it's a real appraisal).
A professionally done appraisal will always state what kind of appraisal it is and it will include a definition and usually what purposes it can legally be used for. For instance: Insurance appraisal, Liquidation Appraisal, Fair Market Value Appraisal.
 
Second question: Maybe, probably.
One key question is this: Can it be replaced for that amount? When someone says they can sell you something for much less than it is worth, you have to wonder how you know it is worth the higher price. Anything is worth what someone will pay for it. In theory that appraisal is saying that someone will pay $6000. If that is so, then this question comes automatically: why doesn't he sell it to that person instead of you? (How much can you sell a $20 bill for?)
There could be legitimate reasons why it really is worth $6000 and reasons why he really needs to sell it right now for $2800. BUT - if that is how he runs his business on a day to day basis (assuming it really is worth the higher amount) he will soon be out of business.
So find out if you can get another one at the low price. If you can, then that tells you that it is being sold for what it's worth and the appraisal is simply an inflated amount used as a sales tool. It does you the additional harm of having you pay too much for your insurance premiums. Keep in mind that when it comes time to replace the item, the insurance company won't "pay" you the inflated amount. They simply replace or pay you their cost to replace. That figure will be less than you paid and that can leave you feeling pretty raw!
Last question: If you are looking at an inflated appraisal, there is no way to tell what you should pay in relation to the price shown because you have no idea how inflated it is. If someone uses an "appraisal" as a selling tool, they will determine how big of a discount they want to give. Remember, a discount is like an overcoat - you can't take it off until you put it on. Does he want to discount to half? Then he has to mark it up double his normal markup. Does he want to discount it to 1/10th? Then he has to mark it up ten times more than usual. You have no way of knowing.
If it is a real appraisal, it should be very close to the price you pay. After all it is telling what the piece is worth, right? (In other words what someone (like you) is willing to pay.)
Fair Market Value though, is talking about what it would sell for outside the store. For instance, If you own the piece and a friend wants to buy it. Between you, you will decide upon a price that suits both of you, sort of a "meet in the middle" scenario. That price will typically be significantly less than it sells for in a store.
Usually when I look into these things, I find that the person who bought at a discount paid a little more than I think he or she should have. They didn't get screwed except that they were told that they were getting an amazing bargain and they weren't. That amounts to fraud, but since they got an okay deal, few people pursue it.
If you want to get the piece, get a guarantee (in writing) that you can have it checked by a certified appraiser (*NAJA, AGS, for instance) and if it doesn't appraise close to their appraisal price, you can get your money back. You can send it to me if you want. My appraiser is NAJA certified.
Does this help?
Take care, Barry
 
*NAJA - National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.  AGS - American Gem Society
 
I hope you enjoyed this newsletter!
 
Take care, Barry                            Back to Main Menu            Back to Top

                                       

Paradise Points Newsletter
June 12, 2002


Hi!  Happy Wednesday!  
 
This Month:
 Ring Sizing - Same Day Service Date
 Appraisals - Same Day Service Date
 Crystal Healing info
 Jewelry Question of the Month (from my website)
 Absolute Auction Discontinued - But I'm replacing it  with something great!
 
You're getting this e-mail because you put your e-mail address on a customer card at Paradise Jewelry.  If you would prefer not to get these monthly bulletins, please send me an e-mail with "remove" and your first and last name so I can remove you.  I'll need your first and last name to find you - it's not automatic.
 
Our next Ring Sizing - Same Day Service date is Tuesday, June 18.
Our next Appraisals - Same Day Service dates is Saturday, June 29.
Remember that we do this every day.  Twice a month we offer Same Day Service at the regular price.
 
Your name is also on the Super Deals list and you will be receiving notices of Super Deals from time to time.  Usually those are things that are going for less than I would pay for them.  Really SUPER deals.  When I buy estates, sometimes I get too much jewelry, or jewelry that isn't quite what I'm looking for.  If I can get a really quick turnover, I can let it go for some really incredible prices... thus the Super Deals!  First caller gets the deal, so don't miss out!
 
You can also go to my website for more information (http://www.paradise-jewelry.com) and the sizing and appraisal dates are usually on the Calendar of Upcoming Events page.
 
Crystals and Healing
 
Here are a few beliefs about what healing powers area associated with certain crystals.
Amethyst: Acne, adenoids, alcoholism (and/or preventing drunkeness), cankers, eczema and gum ailments.
Azurite: Asthma (and other respiratory ailments) and tonsillitis.
Cerussite: Abscesses, conjunctivitis & other eye ailments, headaches, emotional stress,  and hyperactivity.
Cinnabar: Bladder ailments, back pain, appendicitis, leg circulation and
hemorrhoids. (WARNING! Cinnabar contains mercury!  I don't recommend handling it and especially don't heat it, boil it or eat or drink anything that has come in contact with it!)
Malachite: Bronchitis, diabetes, heart ailments, flu and pleurisy.
Pyrite: Circulatory problems, liver and kidney aliments, dry skin, gastritis, and flatulence.
 
Australian Aborigines, among other indigenous populations, also still use Crystals for medicine.
Their favorites are Multi-Color Crystals, as they believe that they hold the
energy of the Rainbow Serpent, acting as a bridge between the spirit and
physical worlds.
 
Jewelry Question of the Month (from my website):
 
Why does my new ring turn my finger black?  Is it fake?   
If it turns your finger black, it is probably real gold.  There are probably abrasives in your soap or hand lotion.  This results in microscopic bits of gold being rubbed off of your ring.  They look black because when they are so small they don't reflect yellow color, but just look black.  The resulting gold dust is harmless and will wash right off.  The same thing can happen to your clothing with a necklace or bracelet.  This is due to your detergent or starch having abrasives, and again, the gold dust will wash right out.  It is called "Dermographism".  Sometimes you can prevent it by coating the inside of your ring with clear nail polish, but it's not a long term solution.
Now if your jewelry turns you green, that IS a problem and usually means it is copper or brass.
Gold can tarnish though. The alloys in gold (14k gold is 58% gold) can react with various chemicals, etc.  Sulphur is a big one for causing tarnish, and even more so on Silver.
 
Absolute Auction Discontinued - But I'm replacing it with something great!
 
Here is the e-mail I received about my Absolute Auction: (and below is what I'm going to do about it)
 
-----Original Message-----
From: BRAUCTIONS@aol.com [mailto:BRAUCTIONS@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, June 03, 2002 1:45 AM
To:
Subject: (no subject)
Hi Barry,
The online auction you are having here is against the law in Florida unless you have a State of Florida Auctioneers License and a State of Florida Auction Business License. If you have those licenses then you are required to post them at the auction site and in all auction advertising.
Florida law requires licensing when offering to sell at auction or when selling any item of property at auction no matter how it is offered or what the media (telephone, television, radio, Internet, etc.). Licensing is required even if you own the item being sold at auction if it was purchased for resale or if you are commercially involved in the sale of such merchandise.
Bill Roye, CAI, AARE
 
When I got that e-mail I immediately discontinued the auction and started looking for a way to continue the fun (thanks for the wonderful e-mails of support - you folks are the greatest!).
 
Here is what I came up with: I'm going to post pictures of items with prices.  Every few days I will reduce the price.  Sooner or later someone will call and say: I want it!  Same idea as an absolute auction, but in the opposite direction.  No one can tell me what to sell my jewelry for so I can just keep reducing the price until it matches what would have been a high bid.  Sort of a Dutch Auction, I guess.  If you want a piece, try not to wait too long.  At a certain point it will pay me to melt it for scrap.  Anyway, I'll have that ready in a few days, so check the auction page for the new deals!
 
I hope you enjoy this newsletter!
Take care, Barry                                       
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Paradise Points Newsletter
July 3, 2002

Hi! Happy Wednesday! 
I send these e-mails out with NO attachments so that people need not fear opening them. Some people have reported getting an attachment that they couldn't open. My computer guy says that some e-mail programs add a gibberish attachment for some unknown reason. If you get an attachment from me - just ignore it. I didn't send it. If I ever do, I'll tell you first. Take care, Barry

This Month:
Ring Sizing - Same Day Service Date
Appraisals - Same Day Service Date
New Auction!
Latest Jewelry
Jewelry Question of the Month (from my website)
Birthstone of the month: Ruby

You're getting this e-mail because you put your e-mail address on a customer card at Paradise Jewelry. If you would prefer not to get these monthly bulletins, please send me an e-mail with "remove" and your first and last name so I can remove you. I'll need your first and last name to find you - it's not automatic.

Our next Ring Sizing - Same Day Service dates are Tuesday, July 9 & 23.
Our next Appraisals - Same Day Service date is Saturday, July 13.
Remember that we do this every day. Twice a month we offer Same Day Service at the regular price.

You can also go to my website for more information (http://www.paradise-jewelry.com) and the sizing and appraisal dates are usually on the Calendar of Upcoming Events page.

NEW Auction!
As you know, the Absolute Auction has been discontinued and replaced with a new program. I post items on the page and I put their normal price and a "bid" which is much lower. That is the "auction price". Every few days I will reduce that price until someone grabs it. If you want the item, don't be slow! Send an e-mail immediately! Make sure to include your name, address, and phone number, as well as your e-mail address. In the case of a tie, I will use the date/time stamp on the e-mail to determine who gets the item. 
Click here to check out the latest deals! http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/New_Auction.htm

Latest Jewelry
We now have Adjustable Toe Rings in 14k and 10k gold
The Reversible Omegas are fantastic!
We now have Reversible bracelets too! 

Jewelry Question of the Month (from my website):

Is jewelry a good investment?
There is no finer investment than gems or fine jewelry - if you are investing in the joy of good living. Nothing you can buy will give you more return on your investment by giving you what it is intended to give - joy and pleasure.
If you feel a need for pleasure and some fun (we all do), you can pay for dinner and a movie. You can treat yourself to new clothing or shoes. You can even buy a new car. Wonderful. But... ten years from now, what do you have? If you buy fine jewelry to give yourself a lift, in fifty years it is still sparkling and getting you compliments just like the day you bought it! With minimal maintenance it will be giving the same pleasure to your grandchildren's grandchildren. No other item available for purchase will do that. In fact when you factor in the time over which this "investment" repays you, it is the cheapest investment (in pleasure and the joy of good living) in the world!
However, if you want a financial investment, virtually any financial instrument will give you a better return.
Fine gems and jewelry always appreciate in value, but turning that value into cash is usually difficult. Buy them to enjoy, not to sell.

Birthstone of the month: Ruby (from the Latin for red - ruber)

Ruby is the red form of the mineral corundum (the color comes from chromium impurities) which is an aluminum oxide. Red corundum is Ruby. Any other color is Sapphire. Ruby has a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Rubies exhibit strong fluorescence under incandescent lighting. Most of the worlds rubies are mined in Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. They are also found in Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Afghanistan, India, and the USA.

Synthetic rubies are also available. The finest are from Chatham and Kashan. They are grown the same way nature grows rubies, but they are a fraction of the cost.

The red spinel, pyrope, and almandite garnets, red tourmaline or rubellite, and red zircon resemble the ruby in color.

Some of the beliefs about Ruby:
In India, rubies are the king of stones and are associated with royalty, dignity, zeal, and power. In Burma, they are thought to confer invulnerability. When worn as jewelry, they are believed to ward off misfortune and illness, discover poison, and correct evils resulting from mistaken friendships.

Rubies are believed to have great powers. It's been said that owning a ruby will ensure a peaceful, harmonious, and healthful life. Ruby is also thought to control one's passions and thoughts. To many people, its stimulating color represents heat, life, and power. Ruby has been worn as an amulet for protection from plagues, poison, sorrow, and evil spirits. The ancient Hindus considered ruby to be "Lord of Gems." To them, this fiery stone burned with an inextinguishable fire, one that could boil the water in which it was placed. The Greeks believed it could melt wax. In India, it was said that he who offered rubies to the gods would be reincarnated as a powerful king or emperor. The Burmese felt a ruby must not just be worn, but embedded in the skin to become part of the body, thus making the wearer invulnerable.

Known as the "Lord of the Gems", the ruby is said to protect their owners from all kinds of misfortune. A fine ruby assured its owner that he would live in harmony with his neighbors. Many ancients believed the ruby possessed an inner flame that burned eternally. Rubies are found in Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Afghanistan and India.

Synonymous with passion, the ruby is believed to protect one from being seduced and has the ability to soothe anger. The ruby has always been a symbol of love, charity and victory. The earliest cultures worshiped rubies, calling them "perpetually burning fires" and assigning them magical powers. In ancient times the fiery stone was associated with courage, its red coloring evoking red blood and fire. Worn on the crowns and helmets of kings, rubies were a royal insignia believed to protect the wearer from injury and to keep him safe and healthy. The ruby has long been considered a sacred mineral offering the wearer protection in times of war.

Historically, Ruby has been symbolic of love and passion, considered to be an aid to firm friendship, and believed to ensure beauty.

The largest cuttable ruby was found in Burma and weighed 400 carats.

I hope you enjoy this newsletter!
Take care, Barry                                                        Back to Main Menu           Back to Top

Paradise Points Newsletter 
August 1, 2002

Hi! Happy Thursday! 
I send these e-mails out with NO attachments so that people need not fear opening them. Some people have reported getting an attachment that they couldn't open. My computer guy says that some e-mail programs add a gibberish attachment for some unknown reason. If you get an attachment from me - just ignore it. I didn't send it. If I ever do, I'll tell you first. Take care, Barry

This Month:
Ring Sizing - Same Day Service Date
Appraisals - Same Day Service Date
New Gemstone! A new gemstone has been discovered!
Latest on Orange and Yellow Sapphires
Latest Jewelry Quite a bit of Peridot just came in!
Jewelry Question of the Month (from my website)
Birthstone of the month: Peridot (and Tashmanire!)

You're getting this e-mail because you put your e-mail address on a customer card at Paradise Jewelry. If you would prefer not to get these monthly bulletins, please send me an e-mail with "remove" and your first and last name so I can remove you. I'll need your first and last name to find you - it's not automatic.

Our next Ring Sizing - Same Day Service dates are Tuesday, August 6 & 20
Our next Appraisals - Same Day Service date is Saturday, August 3 & 17
Remember that we do this every day. Twice a month we offer Same Day Service at the regular price.

You can also go to my website for more information (http://www.paradise-jewelry.com) and the sizing and appraisal dates are usually on the Calendar of Upcoming Events page.

New Gemstone - Tashmarine!
Tashmanire is a new gemstone discovered in the former Soviet Union. Cousin to Chrome Diopside (with the same hardness: 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale) it's color is halfway between Peridot and blue-green Tourmaline. The color is natural and the gems are not heated or irradiated as so many are nowadays. I propose Tashmarine as a new alternate birthstone for August!

Latest on Orange & Yellow Sapphires
New treatments in Thailand are producing gorgeous Orange and Yellow Sapphires. Untreated oranges and yellows are in the $600 per carat range and up. Treated oranges and yellows are available for as low $200 per carat. I've seen some of these and they are breathtaking!

Latest Jewelry
Ladybug bracelet
Seafoam Green Tourmaline filigree ring
JUST in : Peridot bracelet, pendants, and earrings!

Jewelry Question of the Month (from my website):

Is jewelry a good investment?
There is no finer investment than gems or fine jewelry - if you are investing in the joy of good living. Nothing you can buy will give you more return on your investment by giving you what it is intended to give - joy and pleasure.
If you feel a need for pleasure and some fun (we all do), you can pay for dinner and a movie. You can treat yourself to new clothing or shoes. You can even buy a new car. Wonderful. But... ten years from now, what do you have? If you buy fine jewelry to give yourself a lift, in fifty years it is still sparkling and getting you compliments just like the day you bought it! With minimal maintenance it will be giving the same pleasure to your grandchildren's grandchildren. No other item available for purchase will do that. In fact when you factor in the time over which this "investment" repays you, it is the cheapest investment (in pleasure and the joy of good living) in the world!
However, if you want a financial investment, virtually any financial instrument will give you a better return.
Fine gems and jewelry always appreciate in value, but turning that value into cash is usually difficult. Buy them to enjoy, not to sell.

Birthstone of the month: Peridot

Peridot is of the olivine mineral family and is green to green/yellow with the color due to iron impurities. Peridots form as the result of volcanic action and were first discovered on
St. John's Island (also called Zebirget) in the Red Sea. Cleopatra liked them and some of her famous "Emeralds" were really fine Peridots.

The finest Peridot is found in the Isle of St. John, Burma, and Arizona (US).

Associated with the sun, Peridot is believed to have the power to break evil spells and dispel the mysteries of the dark. During the Middle ages people wore Peridot to gain foresight and divine inspiration. It was considered an aid to friendship and was also believed to free the mind of envious thoughts. Because of its yellowish green color, it was also believed to cure or prevent diseases of the liver and dropsy. Additionally, it is believed that if worn on the left arm it would protect the wearer from the evil eye

I hope you enjoy this newsletter!
Take care, Barry                                                   
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Paradise Points Newsletter
September 1, 2002

Hi! Happy Tuesday!
I send these e-mails out with NO attachments so that people need not fear opening them. Some people have reported getting an attachment that they couldn't open. My computer guy says that some e-mail programs add a gibberish attachment for some unknown reason. If you get an attachment from me - just ignore it. I didn't send it. If I ever do, I'll tell you first. Take care, Barry

This Month:
    Cremains Made Into Diamonds!
    Sting Catches Undercaraters in New Jersey
    Ring Sizing - Same Day Service Date
    Appraisals - Same Day Service Date
    Latest Jewelry A Chrysoprase ring, Iolite jewelry, and some new Super Deals
    Birthstone of the month: Sapphire

You're getting this e-mail because you put your e-mail address on a customer card at Paradise Jewelry. If you would prefer not to get these monthly bulletins, please send me an e-mail with "remove" and your first and last name so I can remove you. I'll need your first and last name to find you - it's not automatic.

Our next Ring Sizing - Same Day Service dates are Tuesday, September 10 & 24
Our next Appraisals - Same Day Service date is Saturday, September 7 & 21
Remember that we do this every day. Twice a month we offer Same Day Service at the regular price.
You can also go to my website for more information (http://www.paradise-jewelry.com) and the sizing and appraisal dates are usually on the Calendar of Upcoming Events page.

Cremains into Diamonds
From the Associated Press: A company called LifeGem is taking orders to convert the "cremains" of a loved one into a Diamond. Technicians collect the carbon created when a body is cremated and they turn it into graphite (basic Carbon). That is sent to a lab in Germany that uses the same technique as Nature (intense heat and pressure) to create a Diamond from the graphite.
The process costs about $4,000 for a quarter carat diamond which can then be made into a special piece of jewelry in remembrance of the loved one

JVC Helps Expose Underkarating in New Jersey
By Victoria Gomelsky
AUGUST 07, 2002 - CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ -- Investigators from the Consumer Protection/Weights and Measures Office of Camden County found that nearly two-thirds of the gold jewelry they purchased from local retailers was underkarated, according to an announcement by the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), which assisted in the four-month-long investigation.
"Once again, our industry monitoring showed underkarating of the gold in jewelry items victimizing buyers at bargain stores," said Cecilia Gardner, JVC's executive director and legal counsel. "This activity damages retailers' reputation for integrity, and constitutes fraud."
The results of the investigation revealed violations of New Jersey State law, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Guidelines and the National Gold and Silver Stamping Act.
The Camden County team selected the stores at random. After going on an undercover buying spree, they delivered the jewelry, which was priced between $20 and $149, to the JVC's Precious Metals Testing laboratory, where it was tested using a non-destructive x-ray assay to determine whether it lived up to its quality mark (i.e., 10K, 14K, 18K). Out of 36 items tested, 23 did not meet the standards set by the FTC, according to the announcement.
"We are gratified that Camden County turned to us to conduct complete research," Gardner said. "Because of our equipment and legal expertise, we were able to determine that the majority of the items examined were indeed not as represented-in most instances there was underkarating."

Latest Jewelry
Chrysoprase Ring - it looks just like the finest Jade!
Two more Amethyst Bracelets
One Iolite Ring and two pair of Iolite Earrings
    Iolite looks just like Tanzanite, it’s been around for thousands of years and it’s not expensive!
One Green tourmaline Filigree Ring
And some new pieces have been added to the Super Deals Page!

The September Birth Stone is Sapphire. Click here for info

I hope you enjoy this newsletter!

Take care, Barry                                             Back to Main Menu           Back to Top

Paradise Points Newsletter
October 1, 2002
 
Hi!  Happy Tuesday!    
I send these e-mails out with NO attachments so that people need not fear opening them.  Some people have reported getting an attachment that they couldn't open.  My computer guy says that some e-mail programs add a gibberish attachment for some unknown reason.  If you get an attachment from me - just ignore it.  I didn't send it.  If I ever do, I'll tell you first.  Take care, Barry
 
This Month:
      
Tashmarine - Newest Gemstone - it's here!
      Tanzanite Rumors
      Sales Tax Reporting
      Survey of What Women Want as Gifts
      Unsubscribe Story - this is funny!
      Ring Sizing - Same Day Service Date
      Appraisals - Same Day Service Date
      Latest Super Deals
      Birthstones of the month: Opal & Pink Tourmaline
 
You're getting this e-mail because you put your e-mail address on a customer card at Paradise Jewelry or you send me an e-mail.  If you would prefer not to get these monthly bulletins, please send me an e-mail with "remove" and your first and last name so I can remove you.  I'll need your first and last name to find you - it's not automatic (see the "unsubscribe" story below.  :-)
 
Tashmarine - It's Here!
 
I just got in two Tashmarines!  One is an 8 mm round Portuguese cut (2.20 ct) and one is a 2.93 ct oval.  Real beauties!
Tashmarine (tm) is a new gemstone discovered in the former Soviet Union. Cousin to Chrome Diopside (with the same hardness: 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale) it's color is halfway between Peridot and blue-green Tourmaline. The color is natural and the gems are not heated or irradiated as so many are nowadays.
For pictures and more information you can go to:
http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/tashmarine.htm
 
Tanzanite Rumor
 
There is a rumor of a new discovery of Tanzanite in Tanzania.  These new gems are multi-color, bi-color, and even alexandrite-like color change Tanzanites!  If this rumor has any truth to it, it is an incredible find.  I'll let you know as soon as I find out anything more.
 
Sales Tax Reporting - FYI
 
There is news that many states are going to be checking into sales tax reporting because of lost revenues to Internet sales.  In some cases authorities are reported to be subpoenaing records of Internet sellers to see what sales and use taxes may be due.  For out of state sales, it isn't necessary for the merchant to collect sales tax, but the tax is still due in the state where the merchandise is received (in most states).  It is the responsibility of the buyer to report the purchase and pay the appropriate tax.
 
Survey of What Women Want as Gifts (from National Jeweler magazine)
 
A recent poll by Jewelry.com (an information web site owned by jewelry manufacturer Andin International) showed that 36.6% of men polled thought that women would most prefer receiving lingerie as a romantic gift. BUT only 2.5% of women polled said they would like lingerie as a gift.
Actually 59.4% of women polled said that they would most prefer receiving jewelry!  Only 17% of men polled had the right answer!  Ladies - make sure your men know your tastes!  And Men - read this and prosper in your love life!
 
Unsubscribe Story - this is funny!
 
I always ask people who wish to unsubscribe to send me a message and give me their first and last names.  I explain that the process isn't automatic and I have to be able to look up their name in order to delete them.  Here is a message I received recently from someone who wanted to unsubscribe:
"I did not sign up for this newsletter. Kindly remove me immediately. My attorney says it is not necessary to give you my first and last name. I will not expect to receive any future e-mails from you. Thank you."
I don't know how he expected me to take him off of the e-mail list without knowing who he is.  Luckily his return address had his name in it (they don't always), so I found him and took him off the list.  You have to wonder how much his attorney charged him for that opinion - heh!
 

    Our next Ring Sizing - Same Day Service dates are Tuesday, October 8 & 22
    Our next Appraisals - Same Day Service dates are Saturday, October 5 & 19
    Remember that we do these services every day.  Twice a month we offer Same Day Service at the regular price.
 
You can also go to my website for more information (http://www.paradise-jewelry.com) and the sizing and appraisal dates are usually on the Calendar of Upcoming Events page.
 
I posted 21 new Super Deals at
http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/Super_Deals.htm
If you would like to receive an e-mail notification each time I post new Super Deals, just send me a message to put you on the Super Deals list and you'll be among the first to know!
 
The October Birth Stones are Opal & Pink Tourmaline.  Click here for info:
http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/opal_jewelry_opals_are_wonderful.htm
http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/tourmaline_jewelry.htm
 
I hope you enjoy this newsletter!  Feedback and comments are always welcome.
 
Take care,                                                                 Back to Main Menu           Back to Top
Barry

Paradise Points Newsletter
November 1, 2002

Hi! Happy Friday!

I send these e-mails out with NO attachments so that people need not fear opening them. Some people have reported getting an attachment that they couldn't open. My computer guy says that some e-mail programs add a gibberish attachment for some unknown reason. If you get an attachment from me - just ignore it. I didn't send it. If I ever do, I'll tell you first. Take care, Barry

This Month:                                 Layaway now for the Holidays!

    Bleach Dangers
    Consumer Confidence Drops (I don’t think so!)
    The Ze Collection
    Super Deals list
    Paradise Jewelry Holiday Schedule 
    Ring Sizing - Same Day Service Date
    Appraisals - Same Day Service Date
    New Estate Jewelry, Tourmaline Jewelry
    Birth Stones of the month: Topaz
& Citrine 
    Tanzanite Announced as new December Birthstone - details in next newsletter

You're getting this e-mail because you put your e-mail address on a customer card at Paradise Jewelry or you sent me an e-mail. If you would prefer not to get these monthly bulletins, please send me an e-mail with "remove" and your first and last name so I can remove you. I'll need your first and last name to find you - it's not automatic.

Bleach Dangers
I am frequently asked questions about mysterious damage to jewelry. There are a lot of different mysteries and explanations for them, but today I’ll cover chlorine bleach and ammonia. Chlorine attacks gold and its alloys. Ammonia attacks the alloys in white gold. In other words they both do a lot of damage to gold! Before you get too worried - it’s okay to swim with your jewelry (but be careful not to lose it or leave it on the sink in the locker room!). If you swim A LOT, you should leave your jewelry at home (no, saltwater won’t hurt it at all). Hot tubs can also be a problem. But what you really want to worry about is soaking your jewelry. To be on the safe side, don’t soak it for a long time in anything, and especially not in ammonia based cleaners, and NEVER in ammonia or bleach. Both can do a lot of damage, and it won’t be obvious damage. Prongs are especially vulnerable. Your gold can become porous and brittle making it easy to crack and break. Gems can be lost when prongs fail.

Many years ago I found out personally what ammonia can do to white gold. I was tipping four prongs on a customer’s white gold anniversary band. It had five diamonds with four prongs on each (20 prongs). The four outside tips (two at each end) needed to be retipped - the prongs at the sides of a ring always wear out the fastest. I did the four tips, polished the ring and dropped it in the ultrasonic cleaner which was filled with an ammoniated cleaning solution. I forgot about it until the next day. I took it out and dried it off, then I tested the prongs with my fingernail to make sure they were well attached. The first one popped right off! I thought "Darn, I’m going to have to re-do that one". I checked the next one and it popped right off too! This was strange. I expect an occasional defect, but not two right together. I checked them all and every single tip popped off of the diamonds!!! They had all been fine before and I needed to do the end four tips because they were worn, but they had been solid at least. Now I had to replace 20 prongs! On top of the four I already did, that made a total of 24 and I was only getting paid for doing four!
I did some research and found out that it was the ammonia in the cleaning solution that had weakened the alloy in the white gold prongs. It would have been okay if I hadn’t left the ring in overnight, but this story vividly illustrates the dangers of chlorine and ammonia, and soaking your jewelry for too long in anything. (By the way, if you ever mix chlorine and ammonia it creates a poisonous gas that can quickly kill you - be careful!)

Consumer Confidence Drops (I don’t think so!)
A poll reported in National Jeweler (a jewelry industry trade magazine) says that consumer confidence is down 14.3 points from 93.7 in September, and is at the lowest point in nine years. I don’t know who they are polling, but business is good here. My business is up compared to this time last year. Not up a great deal, but definitely up. We have a positive attitude here and our customers do too. I hope that the media doesn’t influence the economy too much in a negative way, but we are doing our part to keep a good outlook.

The Ze Collection
I’ve just gotten in the Ze Collection by Jill Zvaignzne. These are enchanting new innovative designs. I love them and you will too! There are always lots of new designs hitting the market. Some are strange, some are new twists old designs. Seldom are they REALLY compelling and different - but these ARE! Moving, curving, charming - she uses White Pearls, Black Pearls, Blue Topaz, Iolite, Peridot, Garnet, and Diamonds to amazing effect!
Check them out at:
http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/Ze_collection_by_Jill_Zvaigzne.htm

Sign up for Super Deals List
I've started an e-mail list to notify people of certain Special Deals. I am always buying Estates and I often get more jewelry than I can handle as well as some pieces that are not what I am looking for. These items I can blow out for some incredible prices - as long as I get a quick turnover. So - I'll send a quick e-mail to the people on the "Super Deals" list with a description, details, and a price. The first person to call or e-mail gets the "deal"! (Satisfaction guaranteed!)
You can check them out at:
http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/Super_Deals.htm

Paradise Jewelry Holiday Schedule
In addition to our normal schedule we will be open the last two Mondays before Christmas day, December 16 & 23 from 10 to 5:30

Our next Ring Sizing - Same Day Service dates are Tuesday, November 19
Our next Appraisals - Same Day Service dates are Saturday, November 16
Remember that we do these services every day. Once a month we offer Same Day Service at the regular price.

You can also go to my website for more information (http://www.paradise-jewelry.com) and the sizing and appraisal dates are usually on the Calendar of Upcoming Events page.

I have also posted some new (well, old) Estate Jewelry at:
http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/estate-jewelry.htm
And some gorgeous new tourmaline items at:
http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/tourmaline_jewelry.htm
The November Birth Stones are Citrine and Topaz. Click here for info:
http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/topaz.htm
Here is Blue Topaz jewelry:
http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/blue_topaz_jewelry.htm
And here is some Teal Topaz:
http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/teal_topaz.htm

I hope you enjoy this newsletter! Feedback and comments are always welcome.

Take care,                                                         Back to Main Menu           Back to Top
Barry

Paradise Points Newsletter
December 4, 2002

Hi! Happy Wednesday! Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
I send these e-mails out with NO attachments so that people need not fear opening them. Some people have reported getting an attachment that they couldn't open. My computer guy says that some e-mail programs add a gibberish attachment for some unknown reason. If you get an attachment from me - just ignore it. I didn't send it. If I ever do, I'll tell you first. Take care, Barry

This Month: Layaway now for the Holidays!
Paradise Jewelry Holiday Schedule 
Ring Sizing - Same Day Service Date
Appraisals - Same Day Service Date
Next Diamonds & Gems Class
Under-karating Scandals
Buyer Beware on the internet 
Newest items - Diamond Studs, Tashmarines, Tennis Bracelets, and Ladybugs
Birth Stones of the month: Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, Blue Tourmaline, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, and Tanzanite!
Tanzanite Designated as new Alternate Birth-stone for December!
Unsubscribe info
Click here for past newsletters: http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/paradise_points_newsletters.htm

Paradise Holiday Schedule
In addition to our normal schedule we will be open the last two Mondays before Christmas day, December 16 & 23 from 10 to 5:30

Our next Ring Sizing - Same Day Service dates are Tuesday, December 17
Our next Appraisals - Same Day Service dates are Saturday, December 14
Remember that we do these services every day. Once a month we offer Same Day Service at the regular price.
Next Diamonds & Gems Class - Begins Tuesday, January 7
at Barron Collier High School. 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm for three Tuesday nights. Cost is $30 per person. For more info:
http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/Gemology-Class.htm 

You can also go to my website for more information
(http://www.paradise-jewelry.com) and the sizing and appraisal dates are on the Calendar of Upcoming Events page.

Under-Karating Scandals
Underkarating means making gold in a lesser purity (karat), but stamping it higher. In other words gold may be stamped "14k" and represented and sold as 14k when it might actually be 10k (or much less). This tends to happen in areas where price is king and everyone is discounting heavily. Customers go from shop to shop asking for the lowest price on something they think they can accurately compare, apples to apples, in other words. Merchants will be quoting "per gram" prices for standard gold chains for example. The customer thinks that the lowest price per gram is the best deal. (There are a number of reasons why that may not be true, but right now I'm just talking about
underkarating) If the gold isn't really 14k, then the merchant can sell it for significantly less than his competition and the customer thinks it is the best deal. Stings in the Los Angeles jewelry district several years ago found gold as low as 8kt being stamped as 14k. Just lately, stings in New Jersey and Florida uncovered more of the same. Click here for the full articles: http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/underkarating_articles.htm

Buyer Beware on the Internet
I just got this from a jeweler friend in another town:

"I'm guessing one can sell on E-Bay without making any type 
of disclosure. This week alone the gemologist has 
identified a Flux Ruby that was sold as a "natural Ruby". 
We've appraised a clarity enhanced diamond engagement ring 
the customer had sized by a local jeweler who did not catch 
it and now the stone looks like junk. The print out she 
had did not disclose it was clarity enhanced. Finally, a 
synthetic Sapphire ring that was sold as a genuine sapphire. 
All off E-Bay. People LOVE those good deals."

Bottom line: deal with someone you know you can trust, and don't trust those who only sell on price!

Newest items - Diamond Studs, Tashmarines, Tennis Bracelets, and Ladybugs
If you're looking for Diamond Stud earrings they're in stock right now! From .02ct total weight up to 1.80 ct total weight. They are brilliant and you'll love the prices! (And the usual Total Satisfaction Guarantee <http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/jewelry_ordering_information.htm> of
course!)
Tashmarines are back in stock! They are so gorgeous that I'm having difficulty keeping them in stock!
Tennis Bracelets are in good stock right now - from $965 up to $6,800. All sizes and qualities. Elegant and eye-catching! (We also have a full selection of tennis bracelet jackets!)
Just in - Ladybug Anklets and Bracelets!

The December Birth Stones are Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, Blue Tourmaline, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, and Tanzanite. Click here for info: http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/birthstones_and_their_lore.htm
http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/topaz.htm
Here is Blue Topaz jewelry: http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/blue_topaz_jewelry.htm
Here is some Teal Topaz: http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/teal_topaz.htm
<http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/blue_topaz_jewelry.htm> 
Here is some Blue Tourmaline jewelry: http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/tourmaline_jewelry.htm
Here is some Tanzanite jewelry: http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/tanzanite-iolite-jewelry.htm

I have also posted some new (well, old, but new to me - heh!) Estate Jewelry at: http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/estate-jewelry.htm
And some gorgeous new Tourmaline items at: http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/tourmaline_jewelry.htm

Tanzanite is the newest Alternate Birthstone!
By Victoria Gomelsky 

OCTOBER 31, 2002 - DALLAS -- Tanzanite, the popular blue-violet gemstone that hails from only one place in the world--a five square mile area in the hills of Merelani, Tanzania--has joined turquoise and zircon as a December birth stone, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) announced.

Discovered in 1969, tanzanite is the second most popular blue gemstone after sapphire. Almost all tanzanite crystals are subject to heating, which turns the stone's natural muted gray green color into a rich violet hue. 

"This announcement comes at a very important time of the year," said Douglas Hucker, executive director of the AGTA. "We are working closely with other industry associations like the Jewelers of America and the American Gem Society to disseminate information quickly before the holiday selling season begins. Consumers will be in the stores soon searching for the perfect gift and we hope that gift is tanzanite."

Tanzanite has been added to the official birthstone list. It joins turquoise and zircon as a December stone. The birth stone list has not
been amended since 1912, according to the American Gem Trade
Association (AGTA), but Tanzanite's popularity with both the trade and the public earned it the designation.

I hope you enjoy this newsletter! I try to make it interesting and informative. Feedback and comments are always welcome.

Take care,                                                              Back to Main Menu            Back to Top
Barry

Paradise Points Newsletter
March 12, 2003

Hi! Happy Wednesday!                                         

This Month:
My Apologies
Business at Paradise Jewelry - thank you!
Worlds Most Valuable Sapphire for sale 
Gemprinting
New Items in Stock! Tashmarine Jewelry, Atocha coin jewelry,
Mermaids, Snook Design, Stainless Steel and Gold Bracelets
Tanzanite declared new December Birth Stone
Underkarating news 
Birth Stone of the month: Aquamarine
Unsubscribe info

Click here for past newsletters: http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/paradise_points_newsletters.htm

My Apologies
Sorry to have missed two months of newsletters! The Super Deals page has been behind too. I was out of the store quite a bit around Christmas time. My Dad was in the hospital for 3 weeks and then passed away just when it looked like he would get better. It's been really tough on me, but the worst is past. At the same time, Peter, my jeweler had to leave two days before Christmas for what turned out to be quintuple bypass surgery - yikes! He's doing fine thank goodness, but he just came back to work two weeks ago. And to make things even more interesting (!!!) the week before Valentine's Day I was in bed all week with the worst cold I've ever had. (It REALLY kicked my behind!) So I've been playing catch up and trying to get things back to normal. Thank goodness for my incredible staff who kept everything running smoothly in spite of all the obstacles!

Business at Paradise Jewelry (Thank you!)
We finished out 2002 up an amazing19% against the year before - THANK YOU! This year is going to be even better. (February was up an incredible 47% over last February!) I just got back from the New York show to look at some really neat new equipment. Look for announcements soon about powerful new capabilities at Paradise Jewelry!

Also, I have been buying too many beautiful pieces and I am seriously overstocked right now. There isn't room for all of the jewelry in my showcases - not good business. If you don't show it, you can't sell it! SO... many items will be put on SALE for 30% off through Easter.

$50 Million Sapphire For Sale 
By Barbara Green 
DECEMBER 13, 2002 - BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- It's larger than a hen's egg, encircled with 35 brilliant cut diamonds, and now available to those who have the means. Said to be the world's largest and most valuable sapphire, the Black Star of Queensland will be sold by Beverly Hills art and antiques curator Jack Armstrong on behalf of the Kazanjian Foundation. It weighs 733 carats an is reportedly valued at $50 million. The immense and stunning stone comes from the Anakie sapphire fields in Central Queensland, Australia. On a picnic with her family, Mrs. Roy McKinley stubbed her toe on the mostly-submerged gem, thus originally discovering it, news reports from the 1930s say it was. The Black Star arrived in America in the 1940s, acquired by the Kazanjian brothers, who were immigrants from Armenia and became highly successfully California-based precious stone jewelers. Their descendants now oversee the Kazanjian Foundation. The stone was displayed at the Smithsonian Institution for 17 years.

Gemprinting
I am going to start having Gemprinting While You Wait days once or twice a month. In Gemprinting I shoot a weak laser into the center of your diamond and I record the pattern of reflections that come out. . It is impossible to cut any two diamonds exactly alike and the cutting determines the pattern of reflections that come out of your diamond. This pattern is
completely unique to every single diamond. 

Your diamond's pattern is registered at a central database, making it possible to identify and recover your diamond if it is ever lost or stolen. It is also possible to positively prove if your diamond ever gets switched.

Some insurance companies will give you a discount on your premiums if your significant diamonds are Gemprinted.

You can also go to my website for more information
(http://www.paradise-jewelry.com) and the Gemprinting dates will be on the Calendar of Upcoming Events page.

Newest items - Loose Tashmarines and Tashmarine Jewelry - great
designs! Mermaids! Atocha Treasure
Coin reproduction jewelry (the fish and crab are really cute!) My new
Snook Design is finally done too.
Stainless Steel and Gold
Bracelets - incredible look at a great price! $299 and up (with
Diamonds!)
Just in - Ladybug Anklets and
Bracelets!
The usual Total Satisfaction
Guarantee of course!)

Tanzanite is the newest Alternate Gemstone!
By Victoria Gomelsky 

OCTOBER 31, 2002 - DALLAS -- Tanzanite, the popular blue-violet gemstone that hails from only one place in the world--a five square mile area in the hills of Merelani, Tanzania--has joined turquoise and zircon as a December birth stone, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) announced.

Discovered in 1969, tanzanite is the second most popular blue gemstone after sapphire. Almost all tanzanite crystals are subject to heating, which turns the stone's natural muted gray green color into a rich violet hue. 

"This announcement comes at a very important time of the year," said Douglas Hucker, executive director of the AGTA. "We are working closely with other industry associations like the Jewelers of America and the American Gem Society to disseminate information quickly before the holiday selling season begins. Consumers will be in the stores soon searching for the perfect gift and we hope that gift is tanzanite."

Tanzanite has been added to the official birthstone list. It joins turquoise and zircon as a December stone. The birth stone list has not
been amended since 1912, according to the American Gem Trade
Association (AGTA), but Tanzanite's popularity with both the trade and the public earned it the designation.

*** I recommend that Tashmarine be declared a new alternate birth stone for August. I hope that other gemstones get slated for various months. Iolite, Andalusite, and Kunzite for example. Beautiful gems that deserve more recognition.***

Underkarating News
JVC Works With News Channels to Weed Out Underkarating, Advise Consumers

By Barbara Green 
NOVEMBER 14, 2002 - NEW YORK -- With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) has been working with area news channels to protect consumers and make clear that a "bargain" is not always what it seems.

Partnering with the UPN 9 investigative news team, the JVC recently tested a variety of precious metal jewelry items purchased for between $15 and $85 from "discount" jewelry stores across New York and New Jersey.

Out of 11 items tested, nine did not meet the standards set by the Federal Trade Commission. While such deceptive claims may be relatively uncommon in the jewelry industry overall, JVC Executive Director Cecilia Gardner said, even one instance of underkarating can undermine retailers' credibility and tarnish reputations.

"The public is being victimized by bargain stores representing gold jewelry items as 10 karat or 14 karat that were actually seven or eight karat and in some instances less," Gardner said. "This activity damages retailers' reputation for integrity, and constitutes fraud 

JVC Helps Florida State AG's Office and CBS Identify Underkarating 
NOVEMBER 27, 2002 - FLORIDA -- Eight retailers in four Florida cities have been charged by the attorney general's office with representing underkarated jewelry as 10-karat or 14-karat gold.

Civil complaints are also being filed in Broward, Leon, Miami-Dade and Seminole counties that carry penalties of up to $10,000 per violation under Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

The stores named in complaints include: Golden Bay Jewelers at the Swap Shop in Fort Lauderdale; Golden Way located in Miami's Mall of the Americas; S.B. Jewelry located in Miami's 7th Avenue Flea Market; Watches Plus located in the Tallahassee Mall; and Big Daddy's Gold & Silver Mine, Infinity Trading, Universal Jewelry and YB Jewelry, all located at Flea World in Sanford.

"The pieces that failed to meet minimum gold standards are nothing more than pretty yellow metal and are not gold under the law," said Jewelers Vigilance Committee Executive Director and General Counsel Cecilia Gardner, who helped with the investigation. "Though the law does not require manufacturers to stamp a karat mark on fine jewelry, most do. If a jewelry manufacturer stamps a karat mark, the law does require that its registered trademark also appear next to it. And, even if an item is not stamped, when a jewelry or other outlet sells to a consumer, they must indicate the items' karatage to the buyer in some way."

Birth Stone of the Month: Aquamarine
Click here for more info: http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/aquamarine.htm
Paradise jewelry is one of the few stores that always has Aquamarine jewelry in stock! You may have heard rumors that Aquamarine is no longer being mined - not true!

I hope you enjoy this newsletter! I try to make it interesting and informative. Feedback and comments are always welcome.

Take care,                                                                      Back to Main Menu            Back to Top
Barry

Paradise Points Newsletter
June 19, 2003

Hi Everybody! Happy Thursday!

This month:
Welcome Artist/Jeweler - Tim Thompson
World News: Black Opals, Incredible Diamonds at
Smithsonian, money laundering in New York
JVC note on "wholesale"
New Additions - Titanium Wedding Bands and 1.18 ct
natural Alexandrite
Birthstones of the month - Alexandrite, Pearl, and
Bloodstone

Tim Thompson - Artist/Jeweler
If you get a chance, please come by and welcome the newest addition to the Paradise Jewelry team - Tim Thompson. Tim worked here for a while some years ago before moving on to other opportunities, and now he's back! Tim does great repair work and he excels as an artist and designer. Ask for a look at his portfolio. If you'd like, he can design a special creation just for you. Tim is well known in the Naples area for his innovative designs, fine workmanship, and attention to detail.

World News:
If you read L. M. Boyd every day, you may have read the following
recently: "What makes Australia's Lightning Ridge unique is it's the only place in the world where you can find black opals" I enjoy reading L.M. Boyd every day, but he does make an occasional mistake. Black Opals are found in a number of locales (and not only in Australia). Lightning Ridge is probably the most famous location though. I have some black opals that come from Honduras in Central America. I have seen black opals from other locations as well. 

Here is a story that was in the Naples Daily News a few days ago: The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History is going to be displaying a group of rare diamonds from June 27 to September 15. On display in the Harry Winston Gallery will be: The 45.52 ct famous Hope natural blue diamond (it's always there), and accompanied by the Steinmetz Pink (59.6 cts), the DeBeers Millenium Star (203.04 cts - never before displayed in the U.S.), the Heart of Eternity (27.64 cts and vivid blue), the Harry Winston Pumpkin Diamond (5.54 cts
- bright orange), the Allnatt (101.29 cts - yellow), and the Ocean Dream.

Also in the news: in New York there was a big sting in the 47th St. Diamond and Jewelry District. It seems that some jewelers were making common items like screws, wrenches, belt buckles, etc., out of gold so they would be easy to smuggle into Colombia as part of a big money laudering operation. Now some of them will get a chance to work in the prison laundry - heh!

I received a note from JVC (Jeweler's Vigilance Committee) yesterday. They object to my use of the word "wholesale" in the popup ad on my website. The popup ad asks if you want to be added to the e-mail list to be notified of new items on the Super Deals page. In the ad I asked if you'd like to get some "incredible deals" and "how would you like to buy at below wholesale?" It is improper to offer "wholesale" to the public (it's actually a contradiction in terms. If it is to the end user, it is retail regardless of the price. Wholesale means "for resale", not the price.) I apologize if I misled anyone with my wording (it has been changed now in the popup ad). Here is what I meant: On the Super Deals page I am offering items at much lower than normal retail prices. I often set starting prices at close to or less less than I would pay if I were to buy that piece from one of my suppliers (at wholesale). Since the prices go down every day or so, many times they are WAY below "wholesale" pricing before someone buys them. SO. the pricing is VERY low, but it can't accurately be called "wholesale". You can check out the latest Super Deals here: http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/Super_Deals.htm

A quick word of praise for the JVC: They are to be commended for their vigilance. They are doing a great job and helping to improve the overall level of professionalism and integrity in the jewelry industry. (I happen to be a member.)

New Additions:

We now have a cool line of Titanium Wedding Bands. Ligthweight and strong, this Spaceage metal is available in different sizes and shades of color, combined with gold for great accents. With and without diamonds - these are some really neat wedding bands.

This is exciting - I just got in a 1.18 ct Natural Alexandrite! One of the rarest gems on the planet and this one is a real beauty! Stop by for a look when you get a chance. Alexandrites change color depending on what light they are under - electric or sunshine.

Birthstones of the Month: Alexandrite, Pearl, and Bloodstone. http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/Pearl.htm

I hope you enjoy this newsletter!

Take care,
Barry                                                                                Back to Main Menu            Back to Top

Paradise Points Newsletter
5-20-04

    Hi Everybody! Happy Thursday!

Here is exciting news:  The largest diamond ever discovered has been announced!
Until recently, the largest diamond in the world was the Star of Africa.  530 carats!
But now, scientists have announced the discovery of a diamond that is......
10 billion, trillion, trillion carats!!!  (that's 34 zeroes!)  It is 2,500 miles across.
It was discovered by astronomers in the Centaurus constellation 60 light years away in outer space.  It is the core of a collapsed white dwarf star that crystalized into one big carbon crystal (diamond!)
 
Synthetic diamonds are finally hitting the market.  Does anyone have any interest them?  If so, let me know and I will check into
prices and availability.  They will be less expensive than the same quality of natural diamonds, but I don't know exactly how much.
 
A few words about synthetic versus natural:  in gemology, when we say "synthetic" we mean:  real, but made in the laboratory.  In other words, a synthetic sapphire is really a sapphire in every way, optically, chemically, and physically, but it did not occur by accident in nature.  It was made on purpose in a lab.  "Simluated" means that it looks like one but isn't.
 
Antique jewelry from the early part of the last century has a LOT of synthetic gems.  At that time, true synthesis was relatively new and very exciting to a lot of people, so many synthetics found their way into fine jewelry.  The unfortunate side effect is that many people think they must have inherited real, natural gems because Grandma had such good taste and would "never have worn something fake".
Well, maybe they are "natural", but then again, maybe they are synthetic.  They have to be checked to be sure.  The mere fact that they are very old (true synthetics started in the mid to late 1800's), and that they belonged to grandma doesn't make them natural.  (If you have any items that you are wondering about, bring them in.  I'll be glad to take a quick look at them - no charge.  Call ahead to make sure that I'm here.)
 
Announcements:
1)     I am a candidate for Man of the Year.  The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is having a fundraising competition and the winners will be declared man & Woman of the Year in Collier County.
PLEASE HELP!  This is a very worthy cause!  Dells grandaughter died of leukemia.  My father had blood cancer (related to leukemia) when he died last year.  You probably know someone who has it or has overcome it.
I'm making it very EASY to donate.  Anyone who donates $100 or more will receive a $50 Gift Certificate from Paradise Jewelry!
(That's a good deal!)
I've donated a number of pieces of jewelry and for $10 each you can purchase raffle tickets.  Prizes include a $1000 pair of Diamond Stud earrings! (and lots more!)  You can see all of the prizes here:
http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/donation_prizes.htm
Please stop by, or send a check, or call with your credit card! (1-877-591-2645)
 
2)     The next Diamonds & Gems Class will start Tuesday, October 26.  The class is two hours a night for three Tuesday nights at Barron Collier High School.  It goes from 6:30 to 8:30 pm and costs $21.  Registration is the night of the first class.  The text of the class is on my website at:
http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/gemology-class-text.htm
 
3)     The next Gemprinting While You Wait will be Saturday, May 22.  Gemprinting involves taking a laser fingerprint of your important diamond, so that it is identified.  That helps to prevent switching and also makes it possible to reclaim your diamond if it is ever lost or stolen.
 
The Birthstone for May is Emerald.  Emerald is the green form of the mineral Beryl.  When Beryl has the impurity of Iron, it is blue, and we call if Aquamarine.  When it has the impurity of Chromium or Vanadium, it is green and we call if Emerald.  You can read more about it here:
http://www.paradise-jewelry.com/emerald.htm
 
Jewelry FAQ)
I have a question that I hope you can help me answer. I had my engagement ring sized up one size at a local jewelry store. After about a month there were two cracks in the ring. I took it back to the jeweler. He was very puzzled and then asked if I have a pool or hot tub. I said I have a hot tub that I have been wearing my jewelry in. He said this explained why the ring cracked. The chemicals (bromine) had damaged my gold. He says he can not repair my ring and that I have to buy a new setting. Do you agree with this? My husband thinks that it can be repaired. I was hoping for a second opinion from you.
Thank you!
K.M.
Dear K.M.:
I'm afraid that your jeweler is correct.  Several chemicals are known to do major damage to gold: ammonia, chlorine, and bromine. There are others, but these are the most common ones. The amount of exposure from swimming or hot tubbing is usually not enough though, unless you really spend a lot of time soaking.  If your ring has extensive exposure, then he is right, and the ring is beyond repair.
I try to warn people about this, but it's not easy getting the word out to everyone.  
 
There are many cleaning solutions available commercially, but if you want to use something else, you can use detergent ammonia from under your kitchen sink. Dip a toothbrush in the ammonia and scrub your jewelry with it, then rinse it well. Do NOT soak your jewelry in bleach or ammonia! For your diamond and gold pieces, you can then boil them to get at any dirt that your toothbrush was unable to reach. Diamonds and gold can withstand a lot of heat, and boiling water can only reach 212 degrees Fahrenheit, so those pieces will be safe. Don’t do this with anything but Diamonds and gold! Use a few drops of liquid dish detergent in the water to cut grease and oil. Don't use too much or the pot will foam over and make a mess on your stove, and don't forget and let the pot boil dry, you will ruin your pot and possibly your jewelry too.

NEVER put gems or jewelry in your microwave!

Paradise Jewelry Ad (heh!)  Don't forget that we do a lot of Custom Design as well as fine jewelry repair.  We also have the only Laser Jewelry Welder in Naples.  (That makes it possible to do repairs which would otherwise require us to remove delicate gems such as emeralds, opals, etc.  We can even repair some costume jewelry!)

Referrals:  Don't forget that when someone comes into the store and fills out a customer card, if they are a new customer, and they tell us that YOU sent them - we send YOU a $50 Gift Certificate!

Final Note:  Please donate to the Luekemia & Lymphoma Society!  (I've made it as easy as I can!)

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Paradise Jewelry
The Friendliest Store In The World!
5455 Airport Rd. North
Naples, FL 34109
Toll Free 877-591-2645
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