Chris Van Dyke
Chris's latest writings
Asheville Jewelers: 5 amazing jewelers at the Folk Art Center
Asheville, a small town in Western North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains, gets approxamately 3 million visitors a year. It's a mecca for jewelers and other artists. If you happen to be in town or planning a visit to Asheville, one of the best places to check out the work of local Asheville jewelers is the Folk Art Center. Located just north of town on the Blue Ridge Parkway, its a... (posted by Chris 1 year 33 days ago.)
Asheville, a small town in Western North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains, gets approxamately 3 million visitors a year. It's a mecca for jewelers and other artists. If you happen to be in town or planning a visit to Asheville, one of the best places to check out the work of local Asheville jewelers is the Folk Art Center. Located just north of town on the Blue Ridge Parkway, its a... (posted by Chris 1 year 33 days ago.)
So You Want To Be a Bench Jeweler?
In the 10 years that I have been surviving in the trade of making and repairing jewelry in Asheville, NC., I have noticed that there are certain traits common to most successful jewelers. The following are some characteristics that have helped me along the way, that I feel are crucial to anyone looking to make a profession at the jewelers bench. Attention to detail is crucial. Being a perfectionist is not. Are you... (posted by Chris 1 year 192 days ago.)
In the 10 years that I have been surviving in the trade of making and repairing jewelry in Asheville, NC., I have noticed that there are certain traits common to most successful jewelers. The following are some characteristics that have helped me along the way, that I feel are crucial to anyone looking to make a profession at the jewelers bench. Attention to detail is crucial. Being a perfectionist is not. Are you... (posted by Chris 1 year 192 days ago.)
The History of the Diamond Engagement Ring
Diamonds, though expensive today, were especially expensive prior to the late 19th century, when they discovered large diamond deposits in Africa. Coincidentally, this large diamond discovery happened during the industrial revolution in the United States. This combination of increased size of the middle class and an increase in supply prompted the rise in popularity of diamonds as engagement rings that continues... (posted by Chris 1 year 195 days ago.)
Diamonds, though expensive today, were especially expensive prior to the late 19th century, when they discovered large diamond deposits in Africa. Coincidentally, this large diamond discovery happened during the industrial revolution in the United States. This combination of increased size of the middle class and an increase in supply prompted the rise in popularity of diamonds as engagement rings that continues... (posted by Chris 1 year 195 days ago.)
Why Buy Jewelry from a Local Jeweler?
As a independent jeweler in Asheville, NC, I know firsthand that one of the challenges of running a small business, let alone a mom and pop jewelry store, is competing with the big guys. The mall stores and chain outlets that have hundreds of different items to chose from along with a huge staff and lots of great advertising. Each of these adding up to a very powerful presentation of variety, customer service and... (posted by Chris 1 year 199 days ago.)
As a independent jeweler in Asheville, NC, I know firsthand that one of the challenges of running a small business, let alone a mom and pop jewelry store, is competing with the big guys. The mall stores and chain outlets that have hundreds of different items to chose from along with a huge staff and lots of great advertising. Each of these adding up to a very powerful presentation of variety, customer service and... (posted by Chris 1 year 199 days ago.)
Diamond Color Guide
The most important variable when looking to save money on a diamond is the color grade. What color grade is best for what you are using it for? Most importantly, how noticeable is the color of a stone that has a lower color grade? The short answer is that it's not nearly as important as most people would have you believe, especially as a solitaire without side stones. Most diamond buying guides will tell you that color in a... (posted by Chris 1 year 205 days ago.)
The most important variable when looking to save money on a diamond is the color grade. What color grade is best for what you are using it for? Most importantly, how noticeable is the color of a stone that has a lower color grade? The short answer is that it's not nearly as important as most people would have you believe, especially as a solitaire without side stones. Most diamond buying guides will tell you that color in a... (posted by Chris 1 year 205 days ago.)
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