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Mardon Introduces New Citrus Heritage Raincross Jewelry

November 19th, 2011 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

?Heritage

The latest addition to our Famous Raincross Collection of fine jewelry is simply stunning! We think our fine silver pendant wonderfully captures the unique style and bright colors of the orange crate art from the heyday of California citrus. Read the rest of this entry »

Mardon voted Best Jeweler- Again!

November 10th, 2011 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

We want to thank our loyal friends and fans who once again voted Mardon the Best Jeweler in Riverside for the third year in a row! Read about it in the annual Press Enterprise Reader’s Choice supplement in today’s paper. We truly appreciate your support! Read the rest of this entry »

Ancient Future Necklace

October 29th, 2011 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

Wife Kaye just created this charming necklace for a client, using relatively inexpensive materials including the baroque ammolite center, a freshwater cultured pearl, glass beads with copper and silver wrapped wire. This particular lady likes play-of-color,  asymmetry and a slightly funky look for not a lot of cost– Kaye captured her wishes perfectly! Read the rest of this entry »

Double Deco Delights

October 21st, 2011 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

Recently, we’ve had the pleasure of working with some outstanding vintage Art Deco jewelry. We appraised this wonderful diamond and black onyx ring which features two large Old European cut diamonds, both approximately 1 3/4 cts, both eye clean, near colorless and well matched. Imagine some flapper gal dancing the night away in a Roaring 20’s speakeasy wearing this striking piece, the epitome of the cocktail ring!

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Geneology in Silver-Restoring a Family Bracelet

September 15th, 2011 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

Family Bracelet Before Restoration

Wife Kaye recently worked with a local family to renovate this heirloom bracelet, composed of sterling silver panels, strung on a ribbon, each hand engraved with the initials of a family member. Judging by the style, the bracelet probably was started around the late 1800’s or so– the most recent person on the bracelet was a grandmother.

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Repairing Broken Hearts and Broken Diamonds

September 3rd, 2011 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

 

.96 ct. Broken Old European Cut Diamond

Our client sadly thought this family heirloom .96 ct. Old European cut diamond had little or no value– after years of wear, it had been cherished almost to death and looked like it had been through the garbage disposal. Mardon to the rescue!

A close inspection in our gemological microscope revealed that while the stone was badly chipped on 3 sides, the heart of the diamond was intact, and in fact, was of very good quality, well worth saving. Read the rest of this entry »

Colorful Engagement Rings are Center Stage

August 13th, 2011 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

1.24 ct. Ruby Engagement Ring

Celebrity brides are becoming known by their engagement ring choices, and the colored gemstone ring is very much in the limelight. Princess Kate, in the wedding of the decade, wore “The Ring“, her famous heirloom sapphire and diamond ring, Penelope Cruz is setting style with her sapphire and diamond ring, and Jessica Simpson is stunning in her gorgeous ruby and diamond ring.

There is no question that the colored gem engagement ring makes a statement of style and individuality, but there are other compelling reasons to make this your choice, including beauty, rarity, durability, and of course, affordability.

Compared to diamond, a truly beautiful colored center stone is well within reach of most couples. This wonderful 1.24 ct. natural unheated ruby appears in size like a one carat diamond, yet its price is much less than half that of the diamond.  The price of a better (not best) quality GIA certified one carat round diamond, say SI1 H color, is about $7000 just for the diamond.  The total price of our 14K ring including 1.24 ct. ruby, and .39 ct VS-SI near colorless diamonds, $2450! Read the rest of this entry »

Reader’s Choice Vote, Counting Down

August 1st, 2011 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

Just a reminder that the annual Press Enterprise Reader’s Choice voting ends this coming Friday, August 5.

Fashion Forward Engagement Ring with Pigeon’s Blood Red Ruby

July 30th, 2011 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

Sunday wedding ceremony2

We always love the stories that go along with our jewelry, especially the ones about the special engagement or wedding rings of our customers. I just received this picture via email from a client in London, England, showing the magnificent ruby his bride is now wearing. Read the rest of this entry »

Vintage Modernist Munsteiner Jewel

July 16th, 2011 by James L. Sweaney, CGA, FGA. GG

Want to own a piece of historical art jewelry? We are pleased to showcase this wonderful handmade Modernist brooch/pendant of 18k yellow gold set with diamonds and a fabulous red fantasy cut tourmaline weighing 10.05 carats, created by the brilliant lapidary artist, Bernd Munsteiner. Read the rest of this entry »