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Eight Tips for Buying a Fancy Sapphire

September 21st, 2012 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

Fancy Sapphire and Diamond Bracelet, 18K white gold

If you think all sapphires are blue, take another look– this gorgeous bracelet is set with in an amazing array of beautiful sapphires, from deep purple to soft green to sunset orange to bright pink to golden yellow. In the gem trade, we call these unusual colors “Fancy” sapphires. Here are some handy insider tips about buying a Fancy Sapphire. Read the rest of this entry »

12 Tips on How to Buy a Blue Sapphire

September 12th, 2012 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

Sapphire is one of the loved of all gemstones– it’s bright beautiful color, extreme durability, and rarity have made it desirable and sought after for centuries. Because sapphire comes in a wide range of quality, it’s cost can range from very reasonable to crown jewel expensive. Here are some valuable tips that will help you buy sapphire the right way and get the most for your money. Read the rest of this entry »

Fashion’s Night Out #2 in Downtown Riveriside

September 7th, 2012 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

Mardon Jewelers was proud to participate in downtown Riverside’s Fashion’s Night Out on September 6th.  A mostly young crowd filled our neighborhood with their energy and enthusiasm.  Students from the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire partnered with the Riverside Downtown Partnership to create a fun experience of current Riverside fashion.  Hairstyling and makeup demonstrations, marketing project designs, a fun-filled fashion show, and various fashion-related contests provided plenty of free entertainment as well as shopping ‘till 9:00. Read the rest of this entry »

12 Tips on How to Buy a Peridot

August 17th, 2012 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

7.56 ct Gem Burma Peridot

 

Peridot is a beautiful lively gemstone that can be quite affordable. It’s an easy gem to buy because what you see is what you get and there are lots of great Peridot gems to choose from. Here are some tips that show how a professional gem trader buys. Read the rest of this entry »

Mardon Sale Begins & Last Chance to Vote

August 1st, 2012 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

Today, the 16th Annual Sale at Mardon Jewelers begins and the Press Enterprise Reader’s Choice voting ends.

A very small independent business like Mardon must compete not only with other independent jewelers but with large retail chains like Ben Bridge and Zales, with discount warehouses like Sam’s and Costco, and with the Jewelry Mart vendors who claim to sell “wholesale” to the public. It’s tough, but we’re still here and have been family owned and operated since 1961. Read the rest of this entry »

A Custom Opal Parure

July 20th, 2012 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

This beautiful opal ring is the final piece of a set of custom jewels we just completed. A frequent visitor of art and gem shows, our client had collected an eclectic mix of opals over several years. Read the rest of this entry »

Reader’s Choice 2012- Don’t Forget to Vote

July 18th, 2012 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

The Press Enterprise Reader’s Choice voting is going on NOW! You have until August 1 to cast your ballot, naming your favorite businesses and services in Riverside and the Inland Empire. By showing your support for locally owned and operated businesses, you are helping the businesses that are unique to our community survive– it’s important! Read the rest of this entry »

An Opulent Amethyst Cameo

July 13th, 2012 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

We just acquired this striking Amethyst cameo from an estate. Measuring almost an inch and one half long, the piece is not for the shrinking violet. Imagine the drama of making an entrance wearing this grand purple adornment! Read the rest of this entry »

Reader’s Choice 2012- Time to Vote

July 4th, 2012 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

Don’t throw away today’s Press Enterprise just yet– this year’s Reader’s Choice ballot is on page 4 of the local C Section– easy to find between the funnies and the TV guide. You can also vote quickly and easily online, no postage required. Read the rest of this entry »

Custom Gemstone Jewelry – Russian Alexandrite

June 30th, 2012 by enterprise

ALEXANDRITE–THE CHAMELEON OF GEMSTONES

What better time to talk about the beauty, richness and chameleon-like qualities of the alexandrite than in June! That’s when Alexandrite is one of three birthstones (along with the pearl and the moonstone) that represent this sunny month. Like June’s Gemini Twins, the rare chrysoberyl stone has two distinct personalities. By day it shines a vivid blue-green. Then by night it transforms to a rich purple-red. Read the rest of this entry »