Jeweler, Author, and founder of Why Mom Deserves a Diamond contest.
Lorraine Brentlinger was born January 7, 1919. Her mother, Elsie, died one week later most likely from complications of childbirth, but this is non-verifiable. Elsie’s husband, Roy Brentlinger, was born August 15, 1894. He became a chief dispatcher of Norfolk Southern Railroad and was a Deacon of the church. During the same year that his… Continue reading The Brentlinger Diamond
Gemologists can seem strange at times. That’s because we know that our business extends beyond what we see. We have been known to burn amber in an inconspicuous place to smell its smoke and determine its authenticity. We rub pearls beneath our front teeth to ascertain if they are real. (A smooth feel is an imitation, slightly… Continue reading Be Thankful for your Eyes
Question What is more important: quality or size? Answer Both! For the same amount of money, one has the choice of purchasing a diamond that is white, flawless, and of perfect proportions-- and another that contains only a few inclusions and is cut less perfectly. The first diamond will be beautiful, but may be very… Continue reading What is More Important- Quality or Size?
Interview by Ashley Vitar. 1. What type of jewelry do you sell? We offer fine diamond jewelry and everything from antique to modern including custom designs. Today, we are the largest seller of fine mothers jewelry in the nation. As purveyors of estate jewelry, we have antique pieces that date more than 140 years old.… Continue reading Ten Questions for a Jewelry Store Owner
I love to joke when someone asks how big of a diamond he should buy for his lover. That is always a good time to reply, "it depends how much you love her," or, "whatever size one year of your salary can buy." In truth, size doesn't matter. (To back up a little, the value… Continue reading The Size of a Diamond
People ask me how big of a diamond they should get their girlfriend or how much to spend. Please do not worry about these things. The size or the price does not determine how much you love someone. In fact, it is not a diamond that makes a person happy, it is the memories associated… Continue reading Giving a Diamond
We have always be told that diamonds are the hardest natural substance in the universe. If that is true, why do they sometimes chip or break? The reason is that the definition of a gemstones hardness is its resistance to scratching, not breaking. The scale of "break ability" is called toughness. In fact, if you… Continue reading My diamond chipped!
The term "clarity enhanced" is an advertising term. The word "enhanced" means to become better or more desirable. In fact, the FTC says that a diamond dealer cannot use this term because it does not accurately describe the nature of the diamond. A fracture-filled diamond is simply that. It is a diamond that is injected… Continue reading What are Fracture-Filled or “Clarity Enhanced” Diamonds?
Question Where should I buy my diamond? Answer I hope I am the person who helps you select this special gem that will symbolize your eternal love. If I cannot help you, may I recommend that you find a GIA gemologist who is an expert in diamonds. A GIA gemologist must go through rigorous education… Continue reading Where should I buy my diamond?
Question How do know I am getting the diamond I selected? Answer Trust and honesty make up most of the jewelry profession. Throughout history, diamonds have been "blind" products. One must first feel comfortable with the jeweler he or she is dealing with. Secondly, it is important to loupe one's diamond before and after the… Continue reading How do know I am getting the diamond I selected?
Question What if I don't know my girlfriend's ring size? Answer Try to find one of her old rings and bring it to a jeweler. He or she will gladly tell you the answer by slipping the ring on a metal ring size gauge called a mandrel. Note: it is important to know which finger… Continue reading What if I don’t know my girlfriend’s ring size?
Question What if I don't know my girlfriend's finger size? Answer Try to find one of her old rings and bring it to a jeweler. He or she will gladly tell you the answer by slipping the ring on a metal ring size gauge called a mandrill. It is important to know which finger she… Continue reading What if I don’t know my girlfriend’s finger size?
Question Where should I buy my diamond? Answer I hope I am the person who helps you select this special gem that will symbolize your eternal love. If I cannot help you, I recommend that you find a GIA gemologist who is an expert in diamonds. A GIA gemologist must go through rigorous education and… Continue reading Where should I buy my diamond?
I love the jewelry business. I am also a crazy buyer of vintage and estate jewelry. Estate jewelry may have never been worn, or it may have been enjoyed and then bequeathed to a family member. I am one jeweler who is not quick to melt the gold or recut the diamonds. I prefer finding… Continue reading The Mystery of Estate Jewelry
Learn to love the word "no." A great salesperson loves when a prospect says the word no. That is because a great salesperson understands the answer no is simply the next stage of the negotiation process. Therefore, do not translate the word no as rejection, but rather as the next step you can now take… Continue reading Love the Word No