Pairing Perfection: Engagement and Wedding Rings

Pairing Perfection: Engagement and Wedding Rings | Cecil's Fine Jewelry

Your engagement ring has been the center of your hand’s attention since the day your S.O. popped the question– and rightfully so! But with your big day around the corner, you’re ready to upgrade that wow-worthy ring to become a dynamic duo, and your friendly staff at Cecil’s Fine Jewelry is here to help. From traditional solitaires to three-stone stunners, learn some pairing tips and tricks from the pros.

 

If you have a solitaire:

No matter the cut of your diamond, solitaire engagement rings are classy, simple and ultra-versatile. While this type of ring will look lovely alongside any band, brides-to-be can easily upgrade this set from “simple” to “statement-making” with the addition of some sparkle. A timeless, traditional look can be created with a diamond band, or you could introduce something less expected, such as a curved ring, that frames the center diamond.

 

If you have a halo or three-stone ring:

If the unusual shape of halo or three-stone rings are causing you to feel stuck, the answer may be closer than you expect. The secret is to opt for a wedding band that shares a similar element with your engagement ring. So, if your center diamond is a round cut, lean into that style and accent it even further with round diamonds on your band à la the Hearts on Fire’s Fulfillment Band. And as a failsafe, you can never go wrong with a pavé band.

 

If you have a gemstone engagement:

Brides who swoon over eye-catching colored stones should consider incorporating that same, fun flair into their wedding bands. If your center stone is sapphire, an alternating sapphire and diamond band is a good way to create a seamless combo, without competing for attention against your engagement ring.

 

If your ring is unusually shaped:

We’ve seen a surge in unusually-shaped engagement rings over the past decade, and we’ve found that often, the “less is more” adage rings (pun intended) true when it comes to pairing. Whether a simple, pavé pretty or a custom band that complements your engagement’s curves, you’ll make a statement with this outside-of-the-box beauty!

 

At the end of the day, shopping for the perfect pairing for your engagement is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so have fun, follow your heart, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Our jewelry team is expertly-trained and can’t wait to be your jeweler for life.

5 Summer Style Staples

5 Summer Style Staples | Cecil's Fine Jewelry

As we transition from July into August, the only things hotter than this Arkansas summer are the trendy styles we’ve selected for our store. From classic to colorful, take a look at some of our favorite finds this season.

Vibrant Hues

If you’re looking to “summer up” your wardrobe, pops of bright and bold jewelry are an easy way to do it. And thanks to pieces like our Alex Sepkus candy rings, colorful accessories just got even classier.

Flower Power

Our love for floral finds just keep on blooming! Ranging from understated silver and gold, to loud and proud pinks and purples; this season’s bouquets look absolutely gorgeous as your outfit’s finishing touch. Oh, and there’s zero watering required. It’s a win-win!

Layered Looks

Perfect for your 9 to 5 or a night out, layered necklaces continue to reign as a style staple for runway models and “real world” ladies alike. Mix and match with dainty delicates like our Hearts on Fire Aerial Eclipse Pendant and Color Merchants Triple Diamond necklace, or purchase your piece pre-layered like Marco Bicego’s Supreme Three Strand stunner.

Beads & Tassels

The bead and tassel-laded looks from a few years ago? They’re here to stay– especially for summer! If you’re packing for a beach vacation, go bright and bold, but don’t shy away from this trend if you’re not! Neutral blacks, whites and metal tones are quick ways to take this style from “summer vacay” to sophisticated.

Statement Hoops

A good pair of hoop earrings are always a classic, but this season, we’re seeing a surge of style icons upgrading their looks. From unique shapes to bold colors, we predict you’ll be shouting, “Hoop Hoop Hooray” by early fall. Our personal favorites? These Hearts on Fire Fulfillment Hoops.

Whether you’re a trend follower or trend setter, Cecil’s Fine Jewelry has the hand-selected pieces your wardrobe has been waiting for. Find your favorite selection online, then visit us in store to try before you buy!

Why You Should Buy Your Engagement Ring In Person

You Should Buy Your Engagement Ring In Person… Here’s Why

Between cuts, carats, and the proposal itself, there’s a lot to consider before getting down on one knee. The last thing you need on your mind when making one of life’s biggest decisions, is the fear of whether or not “NotFakeDiamondRings.com” is a reputable engagement ring source. When you’re ready to propose to the love of your life, remember that buying in-store has several advantages…

 

What You See is What You Get

Not all diamonds are created equal, and when you order online, what you see is not always what you get. Since there are so many different factors that go into a “good” diamond, there’s no substitute for seeing it in person, and comparing and contrasting its beauty. This way, you can see, touch and fall head-over-heels for the ring that’s supposed to signify your eternal love.

 

Comfort Counts

We don’t want to be pessimistic, but the internet is… the internet. Instead of filtering through the good and bad diamonds sold by both good and bad merchants, visit us. We love jewelry, and love to share that knowledge, experience and passion with our customers. Our expert jewelers can evaluate your style and budget, and guide you in the direction of your perfect “I do” piece, that you may not have ever known existed.

 

Customize Your Creation

There are countless engagement ring trends that come and go, but here at Cecil’s, if you can’t find the perfect, one-of-a-kind ring for your once-in-a-lifetime love, we’ll create it! Our team of experienced jewelers can help bring your vision to life by creating a custom piece that is beautiful and exclusive to you.

 

Long-Term Relationships

Diamonds may be one of nature’s toughest materials, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need a little TLC! Unlike online counterparts, our trusted jewelers at Cecil’s Fine Jewelry maintain a relationship with you long after you pop the question. That way, from sizing to appraisal to repair, we’re your jewelry team for life.

Shopping for an engagement ring should be an experience you’ll remember forever. After all, she’ll be wearing this ring forever! Visit us today to pick your special sparkler, and we’ll make sure your memories are preserved and maintained– as all things precious should be!

Accessorizing Your Wedding Dress

The Do’s and Don’ts of Accessorizing Your Wedding Dress | Cecil's Fine Jewelry

The flowers are ordered, the catering is scheduled and the only thing left on your special day’s “to do” list is the finishing touch– jewelry. Sure, your wedding dress will take center stage, but your accessories can be the supporting roles needed to take your wedding’s look up a notch (or nine or ten). Before you buy, consider these style tips for accessorizing your happily ever after.

Tie in your tones.

That color wheel you learned in elementary school art class? Dust it off because now’s the time you’ll need it! Similar to the way certain colors pair better together, certain metals match up better than others. For example, if your dress is pure white, gold might be too harsh of a color clash. Instead, opt for silver, platinum or pearls. If your dress leans on the ivory side of the shade though, a yellow gold will highlight the warm, cream color of your fabric. Don’t forget to consider the details on your dress either! If your gown’s embellished with silver, pick out jewelry that’s predominantly the same metal.

Consider the whole look.

When picking out your wedding-wear, remember to keep your entire day’s look in mind– from head to toe. Those dangly diamond earrings may be gorgeous, but if you’re wearing your hair down, few will get to admire them. Instead, a classic pair of stud earrings complimented with a statement necklace may be your best bridal look.

Less is More.

It’s your special day, and you want to make it unique to you– we love that! But few people can pull off the veil, tiara, statement necklace, shoulder-grazing earrings and “bride” sash combination all at once. If you want to make a statement, focus on one area to accentuate with larger jewelry pieces, then tone the other accessories down to let it shine.

Notice the neckline.

When shopping for your bridal bling, always remember your gown’s neckline. For a sweetheart or strapless dress, a bold necklace is ideal. On the other hand, if your dress has an illusion neckline or sleeves, you may choose to ditch the necklace altogether and invest in a sparkly pair of statement earrings.

Be Yourself.

Instead of layering on the trends or following people’s advice on what to wear, remember that this is your day! Whether it’s big and bold or delicate and dainty, choose jewelry that expresses your style and personality. You’ll feel relaxed and in your comfort zone– which is really the best look you could hope for!

Visit Cecil’s Fine Jewelry.

Between meetings and wedding showers, taste testings and venue hunting; there are enough details to make any bride-to-be’s head spin. So take a few off your plate! Visit Cecil’s today, and our expertly trained staff will help you select the most beautiful bridal-wear from our hand-selected pieces.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day Gift Guide | Cecil's Fine Jewelry

Although we think moms should be celebrated every day of the year, Mother’s Day marks a day to go above and beyond for the most special lady in your life. Whether she’s your mom, sister, wife or grandma, get her a gift as unique and beloved as she is by shopping through our top 5 personalities, and what our team at Cecil’s Fine Jewelry thinks she’ll most love.

The New Mom

New moms may be exhausted, but they still desire the gift of glamour… just maybe one that’s not easily pulled, swallowed or chewed upon. The perfect solution? Our Hearts on Fire stackable rings. Gorgeous together, separately or paired with a wedding set; these trendy-meets-classic stunners will give her something to admire during those late night feedings.

The Animal Lover

She’s never met an animal she doesn’t love, and that trend’s not changing this Mother’s Day! From bulldogs to yorkies and everything in between, our Dog Fever line will turn man’s best friend into mom’s best accessory.

The Go-Getter

We all know and love this kind of mom. She’s the one up at the crack of dawn, coffee in hand, ready to tackle the day and check items off her “to do” list. Essentially, she’s Wonder Woman. The perfect gift for this go-getting gal is one that pulls double duty– a Citizen watch that’s as gorgeous as it is useful. As a bonus? She’ll think of you every time she lays eyes on it.

The Sentimental Mom

There’s nothing she loves more than her family… so get her a reminder of that! Melt her heart with Cordova’s Encore color line. You can mix and match birthstones, diamonds and initials for a unique piece of jewelry that can be grown from generation to generation. It’s truly the gift that keeps on giving!

The Politely Picky

Although we’re confident that your favorite lady will adore anything you choose for her, you can’t go wrong with a Cecil’s Fine Jewelry gift certificate. It’s the perfect, stress-free way of saying, “See? I really do listen!”

5 Engagement Trends You Need to Know

5 Engagement Trends You Need to Know | Cecil's Fine Jewelry

Spring has finally sprung here in Arkansas, and although we enjoy the sunshine and warm weather that come with it, there’s one thing that tops our list of things we love about spring– love.

 

Early spring tends to be the time when couples choose to commemorate that love with an engagement, and if you’re looking for the perfect one-of-a-kind ring for your once-in-a-lifetime love, we have it! Hold on to your wallet because we’ve got our exclusive list of this year’s most popular engagement ring styles that she’s sure to love.

 

Oval Diamonds

Oval diamonds are considered classics for a reason, and they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon! This simple-yet-stunning cut is ideal for the bride who wants something unique, without the sacrifice of a traditional engagement ring.

 

East-West Setting

We predict that, in 2018, more and more brides will be opting for the oval cut mentioned above, but with an original spin– literally! Brides are swapping out their vertically-placed center stones for horizontally-faced ones, and in turn, amplifying their engagement rings from “unique” to “statement-making.”

 

Intricate Halos

Whether because of the vintage-inspired look or simply because it makes a diamond look larger, halo designs surrounding round or cushion diamonds have been growing in popularity over the past years. Now, we’re spotting more and more distinctive twists on this trend by decking out their halos with flowers, curves, petals and intricate details unique to the wearer.

 

360° Brilliance

Although the “bigger is better” mentality that’s been popular in years past is beginning to fade, brides-to-be haven’t marked glitz and glam off their wishlist just yet… it’s simply relocated. Intricate side details or diamond-accented baskets or shoulders on a ring ensure that her sparkler shines from all angles.

 

Rose Gold

Millennial Pink is everywhere this year– including on your finger! This gold and copper alloy has rapidly gained popularity due to its durability (it’s stronger than yellow and white gold!), affordability and appearance. With a warm and romantic style that’s flattering on all skin tones, it’s easy to see how this flirty look has been a staple of 2018 trends.

 

Whether you’re a trend-setter looking for a ring with all of these items and more, or you tend to prefer more of an understated look, we’re confident that our hand-selected bridal pieces at Cecil’s Fine Jewelry will be exactly what you’re looking for your “I do” moment. Take a scroll through some of our inventory here, then visit us in store to find your ring worthy of forever.

Jewelry Box Needs

5 Classics Your Jewelry Box Needs

Just like a little black dress or that pair of heels that can be worn with everything, our team at Cecil’s feels like there are certain jewelry box staples that every woman needs in her life. From a daytime desk job to a weekend away, these classic pieces will complement any outfit, for any occasion.

Pearls

Pearls aren’t just for your grandmother… though we imagine she’d love a good pair, too! Whether you want to invest in a long strand of these sea gemstones or prefer simple studs, the understated elegance of pearls have been considered classy and sophisticated from decade to decade.

Good Watch

Don’t let this often overlooked practical piece fool you. A good watch should be filed in the same category as classic investment pieces like a tailored blazer or a leather handbag. A classic watch never goes out of style and can instantly upgrade any outfit. And as a bonus, it helps you stay on time!

Diamond studs

Whether big and bold or sleek and simple, many women believe that an outfit isn’t complete without a sparkly pair of diamond studs. Diamond studs consistently stand the test of time as classic, glamorous and one of the easiest ways to instantly elevate your look– the perfect finishing touch for a job interview or a night out.

Long necklace

Popular since the 1920s, an easy-to-wear long necklace is the key to instantly elongating your look and pulling together any outfit, whether styled classically or bohemian.

Hoop Earrings

Dramatic or dainty, simple hoop earrings are known to add instant interest, elegance and fun to the wearer’s outfit. Hoops are appreciated most for their versatility, pairing perfectly with both work-wear and jeans.

 

No matter your style preference, our team at Cecil’s Fine Jewelry works hard to hand-select both beautifully classic pieces and statement-makers that your wardrobe will thank you for. Don’t hesitate–visit us today to shop our selections!

 

 

How to Store Fine Jewelry

How to Store Fine Jewelry

At Cecil’s, we understand that the fine jewelry you choose to invest in is more than “just an investment”– it’s a point of sentimentality. From your grandmother’s engagement ring to the necklace your husband gave you for your first anniversary, your fine jewelry is meant to last for years to come, and it will if you follow these 5 tips.

 

Avoid Extremes

Just because you don’t wear certain pieces every day, doesn’t mean it’s time to pack them up and send them to the attic. In fact, areas with extreme temperatures or humidity (i.e. hot attics; drafty, cold closets and even steamy bathrooms) are some of the worst locations to store your jewelry. Instead, designate an area that maintains low humidity, like your bedroom, that will prevent your finest pieces from tarnishing under the stress.

 

Jewelry Box

With one stroll through a grocery store’s organization aisle, you’ll quickly realize that not all jewelry boxes are created equal. In the world of metal, wooden and even hard plastic jewelry organizers, opt for one with soft fabric lining instead. This eliminates the risk of damaging your gemstones on those frenzied mornings when you’re searching for a particular piece, and protects them from further tarnishing.

 

Hang Necklaces

Make knots, kinks and the “I can never wear this again because it’s too tangled” statement a thing of the past by hanging your necklaces on hooks. Not only do those messes cause frustration, but they also weaken, and sometimes even break, your jewelry.

 

Single Storage

Diamonds are the hardest stone on the market, and are capable of scratching any material softer than them– including other gemstones. While you don’t necessarily need to have a separate box for each stone, avoid storing them in stacks or piles. Choose, instead, to protect your finest pieces from scratches by keeping them in a tray or separator.

 

Safety

Sometimes it seems impossible to store your fine jewelry in a dry, organized and soft space, without feeling like it’s on display, front and center, for potential theft. You aren’t alone! Choose your most valuable pieces, and lock them in an inconspicuous location where you can follow our tips above. For added security, make sure your fine jewelry is insured. Stop by our store today for an appraisal from our Germological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist, Beverly Brannan.

 

The Five C’s of Diamond Shopping

The 5 C's of Diamond Shopping

Diamond shopping… It’s one of the most exciting (and likely most expensive) purchases you’ll ever make. Sure, they’re all sparkly and beautiful, and you may be tempted to immediately hand over your wallet to the first sales associate you see, but wait right there! With such an investment, you’ll want to be certain that you’re getting the absolute best value for your cost. That’s where our team of professionals at Cecil’s Fine Jewelry comes in– to educate you on more than just the four Cs you should keep in mind when diamond shopping– but the five.

 

Cut

As the most important “C’ on our list, it’s important that cut is always considered first. In fact, a diamond’s cut is so important that, even if the color and clarity are all perfect, a poorly cut or disproportioned diamond won’t be as eye-catching or shiny as it could be. Don’t make that mistake! In order to maximize your budget, we recommend opting for the highest diamond cut that your budget will allow. From there, everything else will fall into place.

 

Color

The second thing your eye naturally notices after the cut’s sparkle, is also the second most important of our list– color, or lack thereof. Ranging on a scale from D (rare and absolutely colorless) to Z (light yellow or light brown), the less color that a diamond has, the higher the grade it will be. Colorless diamonds allow more light to be reflected in flashes often referred to as “fire”, whereas diamonds with noticeable color won’t have that same “fire” because they’re not as reflective.

 

Clarity

Although diamonds without blemishes are rare, those with inclusions are often so microscopic that they’re quite literally overlooked. The clarity of a diamond is graded at a 10x magnification level. The fewer and less visible the diamond’s blemishes are, the higher the clarity grade it will be given.

 

Carat

The most known, yet also most objective and misunderstood, “C” on our list is carat. Contrary to popular belief, carat does not actually measure the size of a diamond, but instead, the weight of it in metric carats. The larger and heavier, a diamond is, the more increasingly rare it’s considered. Therefore, the diamond’s price-per-carat increases at an increasing rate as well.

 

Cecil’s Fine Jewelry

Though some people claim there are only four Cs to purchasing diamond, our team at Cecil’s Fine Jewelry likes to believe there are five! At Cecil’s, we hand-select each and every piece of jewelry, and do our best to help make every customers’ experience special. Visit us today to take a look at some of the most beautiful jewelry in Central Arkansas.