4 Reasons You Should Get to Know Your Jeweler

4 Reasons You Should Get to Know Your Jeweler | Cecil's Fine Jewelry

Whether you just said, “yes” to a proposal or you’ve been saving up for a certain stunner, chances are there’s a new piece of jewelry in your life–or there will be soon. And as a new, proud owner of fine jewelry; there are certain ins, outs and advantages that a close relationship with your local jeweler will help with.


Customization Options

Just like your special someone, every piece of jewelry is unique, which in turn means that every piece of jewelry requires unique services. Whether you’d like your piece resized, engraved or repaired; knowing who your jeweler is will ensure that the highest-quality updates are made–which is especially important with particularly delicate or important items like the lovely diamond on your left hand.


Seeing is Believing

We’ve touched on this topic before, but it bears repeating–not all diamonds are created equal, and when you order jewelry online, what you see is not always what you get. There’s no substitute for seeing your sparkler in person, and when you visit a trusted jeweler, you’re given that option of touching and feeling your selected styles long before you purchase. For the best of both worlds; try window shopping online to learn your likes and dislikes, then visit a professional jeweler for hands-on (literally) shopping.


Trust Building

Diamonds may be made under pressure, but at Cecil’s Fine Jewelry, we don’t think your purchasing decision ever should be. When you have a relationship with your jeweler, you can confidently know that not only are you getting your money’s worth of “wow,” but that your most precious pieces are in good hands when maintenance is needed.


They Know You

Long after questions have been popped and “I dos” have been given, a local jeweler will have history of what you and your partner’s likes and dislikes are. In fact, here at Cecil’s, we pride ourselves on being your jeweler for life–and for good reason! From birthdays to weddings and everything in between, we know our clients and their tastes, and hand-pick each and every item carried in our store to suit those. That level of service doesn’t cost a thing–it’s just a quick trip to Cecil’s Fine Jewelry.

Engagement Ring Trends by the Decade

A Blast from the Past: Engagement Ring Trends by the Decade | Cecil's Fine Jewelry

From trendy to timeless, engagement ring styles– like all styles– have evolved over time. And that isn’t stopping anytime soon! So sit back, relax and take a walk down memory lane as we spotlight each decade’s trends. You may be surprised at what you learn.

1950s

The 1950s spear-headed two, distinct engagement ring trends that still hold their own in today’s age. The first, is a diamond ring itself. Believe it or not, the idea of giving your special someone a sparkling stunner the size of your love was not common practice until diamond manufacturer, De Beers, began his, “Diamonds are forever,” marketing strategy in the late 40s.

Less showy but no less sparkling, American actor, Mel Ferrer, kicked off the trend of stackable rings when he proposed to Audrey Hepburn with an iconic trio. Since the star was notoriously style-conscious, he designed each ring to be a different metal so that she could match her ring with her outfit. Although Hepburn was reported to never, ever wear the rings stacked, modern trends implement this classic look with a twist.

1960s

By the 1960s, headline-making starlets were venturing away from Audrey Hepburn’s sleek and simple rings for a more wow-worthy wear, and brides-to-be were following suit. In fact, between Elizabeth Taylor’s 33-carat ring and Jackie Kennedy’s emerald and diamond duo, the 60s were a decade of “the bigger, the better.”

1970s

Although princess, radiant and emerald cuts were rumored to have been invented in the 60s, they were perfected by the 1970s, and the amount of fiancées dawning these dazzlers is proof. Square, geometric diamonds in yellow or rose gold became more popular than ever during this era, and brides began to coordinate their wedding bands to match.

1980s

Following in the footsteps of fashion’s bold colors and busy prints, elaborate diamond cuts such as pears, emeralds and cushions continued to gain popularity in the 80s. And while we’re on the topic of popular styles, we’d be remiss to leave out the most iconic ring of the decade (and maybe century)– Princess Diana’s. Not only did her sapphire engagement ring popularize the use of colored gemstones in rings again, but it also caused jewelers from around the world to create replicas.

1990s

Stepping away from the statement-making styles of the previous decade, left hands in the 1990s were adorned by less intricate, but more brilliant styles. White gold and platinum metals made a strong comeback, ushering in a resurgence of simple bands with solitaire, elaborate diamonds taking center stage.

2000s

In the new millennium, engagement rings took a turn for the traditional, and we have the internet to thank for it. From pavé bands and halo settings to three-stone rings with a show-stopping diamond, the 2000s mixed and matched styles from previous decades, by adding in unique takes on metals such as platinum, white gold and rose gold.

Recent Years

In the past few years, there has been a trend of juxtapositional engagement rings– large diamonds à la Kate Middleton (and previously Princess Di), with skinny bands to give the illusion that the diamond is even more grand.

From decade to decade and style to style, one thing always remains the same– Cecil’s Fine Jewelry is your jewelry team for life.

2019 Engagement Ring Trends

2019 Engagement Ring Trends | Cecil's Fine Jewelry

With each new year comes new resolutions, new habits, and our personal favorite– new trends. Whether you’re planning on popping the question, suspect that an engagement is on the way or simply like preparing for the future; Cecil’s Fine Jewelry has the rundown on the rings you’ll be seeing on every bride-to-be in 2019. And who knows? Maybe one of these beauties is already tucked away in a special box waiting for you!

Three Stone Rings

As soon as Meghan Markle unveiled her left hand’s newest addition at the end of 2017, we knew that three stone rings would spark jewelry trends worldwide for years to come. Featuring a large center diamond accented by two smaller stones on either side, we predict that 2019 will be a year of engagement rings inspired by royalty, but with a twist. Be on the lookout for uniquely shaped diamonds, like baguettes and trillions, perched delicately on top of thin, elegant bands.

Yellow Gold

While we’re on the topic of the Duchess of Sussex… Ms. Meghan Markle has brought back the trend of yellow gold sparklers, and if you ask us, the look is better than ever! After all, there’s a reason why so many 1980s brides dawn this look– the eye-catching metal looks gorgeous with any gemstone and nearly as many settings. And as an additional bonus, yellow gold is easily resized if necessary.

Colored Stones

Just like brides themselves, engagement rings can come in all different shapes, sizes and colors. While we’ve seen more out-of-the-box fiancée’s favoring the look of colored diamonds and gemstones for the last several years, there’s been an even larger uptick of 2019 brides incorporating color in new and interesting ways. From rubies to emeralds, any stone can be the star of your engagement ring!

Pear-Cut Rings

Created as a fashion-forward hybrid of marquise and oval diamonds, pear-shaped sparklers are a bold cut that we look forward to seeing everywhere in the new year. Perfect for those who want to stand out and make a statement, it’s no surprise that we’ve seen this popular pretty adorning the hands of celebrities from Victoria Beckham to Cardi B.

Fashion-Forward Settings

A round solitaire on a sleek band will always be timeless, but that’s not your only option! From criss-cross settings to a well-curated stack of sparklers, 2019 brides-to-be are adding their own, personal touch of drama to their most personal piece of jewelry; and we don’t see this trend going away anytime soon.

Halos

When it comes to rings, halos will always top the list of trends. And with their near magical ability to make any center diamond appear larger, why shouldn’t they? This year though, we predict couples making their halos more creative than ever. Through distinctive shapes, delicate details and offbeat ideas; halo looks will be on the hands of classic and bohemian brides alike.

Trends will come and go, but Cecil’s Fine Jewelry’s commitment to helping Arkansas brides find the most brilliant selections, never will. So visit us today! We hand-select each and every style carried in our store, and if you don’t see what you want– no problem! Our team of jewelers can help you create a custom piece of jewelry as unique as your love story.

12 Days of Christmas Gifts

Twelve Days of Christmas Gifts | Cecil's Fine Jewelry

Many of us know the childhood, “Twelve Days of Christmas” carol by heart– it’s a classic! As lovely as some of those gift suggestions are though, not everyone wants to unwrap three French hens come December 25. Instead, visit Cecil’s Fine Jewelry to find your true love a gift that’s quieter, cleaner and much more easy to admire.

On the First Day of Christmas: Engagement Ring

The best way to pop the question this holiday season is with a one-of-a-kind ring for your once-in-a-lifetime love. With fan favorites like Hearts on Fire, Memoire, Peter Storm, A. Jaffe and more; you’re sure to find the ring that makes your loved one’s dazzle dreams come true.

On the Second Day of Christmas: Earrings

Two turtle doves are hard to come by, but two diamond hoops aren’t! Visit Cecil’s to see how Mémoire put a twist (literally) on a classic pair of wear-with-everything earrings.

On the Third Day of Christmas: Gift Certificate

It turns out that stress-free holiday shopping does exist, and it starts with a Cecil’s Fine Jewelry gift certificate. They make the perfect present for everyone on your list, and as a bonus: nobody’s ever received agift certificate that’s not in their size!

On the Fourth Day of Christmas: Men’s Bands

You said “yes” to marrying the man of your dreams, but now it’s his turn! From gem stoned to two-toned, our men’s bands are as tough, masculine and sophisticated as the man who wears them.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas: Five Golden Rings 

Give a nod to Mr. Frederic Austin by following his gift-giving suggestions– at least for the most part. Five separate golden rings can add up, but with Hearts on Fire’s Illa Wraparound Comet Ring, you get all the “wow” of a stacked look, for a portion of the price.

On the Sixth Day of Christmas: Custom Jewelry

This holiday season, you can enter Cecil’s Fine Jewelry as a shopper, and leave as a designer. Whether you want to start from scratch or customize a classic, our team of experienced jewelers is here to help bring your visions to life with custom pieces, beautiful and exclusive to you.

On the Seventh Day of Christmas: Alex Sepkus Bracelet

As a designer who believes that jewelry is meant to be fun, not serious, who better to inspire holiday spirit from than our own Alex Sepkus? Your Secret Santa will twinkle like tinsel after receiving a hand-crafted bracelet from this Italian designer.

On the Eighth Day of Christmas: Repaired Jewelry

Give her most sentimental jewelry a second (or third or fourth) chance by bringing it by Cecil’s Fine Jewelry. We have a full-time bench jeweler on staff who works with gold, platinum, sterling silver, palladium, semi-precious and precious stones; and can help you bring new life to a beloved, old piece.

On the Ninth Day of Christmas: Marco Bicego Necklace

With the days getting darker sooner, make your loved one’s wardrobe brighter with one of our favorite Marco Bicego beauties. Hand-crafted in Italy then hand-chosen by Cecil’s Fine Jewelry’s staff, these 18K pieces are sure to make any recipient swoon.

On the Tenth Day of Christmas: Watch

If your special someone is resolving to be on time or simply more stylish, we have the solution to both. Handsome and powered by any light, our Citizen Eco-Drive watches are a style that’s, ironically enough, timeless.

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas: Engraved

You wrote your letter to Santa, and now it’s time to write yours to someone who means a lot more to you. Visit Cecil’s Fine Jewelry to commemorate your message forever. We provide engraving services on the inside of rings and on the outside of jewelry in an array of fonts and styles.

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas: Cecil’s Fine Jewelry Staff

You’ve made your list and you’ve checked it twice, but have you visited Cecil’s Fine Jewelry for a gift that’s twice as nice? From hand-selecting each and every piece in our store to customizing them to best fit your style, our experienced staff loves serving you through all of life’s most special occasions.