CUSTOM DESIGN JEWELRY PROCESS at OKG JEWELRY

It's another day at our workshop, where we custom create high-end jewelry based on our exclusive designer/master setter Gary Azatyan's vision. Every week he designs and creates spectacular pieces for our showroom in Little Neck, NY. 

This week he is working on a few different pieces, one being a very substantial Criss-cross diamond "Cigar" Ring. 

It all started with his vision of this solid rose gold ring encrusted with pave / bead set round brilliant cut diamonds.  

We began with basic sketches of the ring from different angles, just to set the proportions and general outlines. 

We love making one of a kind pieces our customers will enjoy a lifetime. 

At the moment the creation process is still on and he is still debating on whether to use white diamonds or chocolate diamonds, since it is a beautiful pink gold piece. Chocolate diamonds usually look the best with rose AKA pink gold. 

Next step was handing over the sketches to our cad design team so that they could create a 3D version of this beautiful diamond cigar ring with the actual measurements. 

Usually every design looks much more masculine and chunky in the cad version. Please keep in mind that this just a 3 Dimensional blueprint, therefore all the edges are squared off and it almost looks robotic. Once the actual piece is created the edges get rounded off by our master polishers and after the diamonds are carefully set, the whole piece is refinished to give it its beautiful shine. 
After going back and forth with our cad designers, we finally confirm the final design and the next step is casting. 


Here is the actual ring casted out of 14kt solid rose gold. This is what gold, regardless of color being yellow, white or rose, looks like when it is first casted. This is called a raw casting. It kinda looks like plastic but it is actually solid gold! It's super matt and rough looking. It first has to go through detailed cleaning and tumbled. 

Tumbling is a technique used to smooth out and polish the rough surface of jewelry. There are different shape and size metal pieces used in a soap or ammonia based ultrasonic type liquid solution inside the tumbler. There is also a magnet at the bottom of the tumbler. Once the magnet starts turning al the metal pieces starts rotating in high speed in the tumbler and different shapes polish different crevices of the jewelry. This makes the metal much smoother looking. 

Next, Gary picks the right size and quality diamonds for the piece. 

As we mentioned earlier he is still debating between using white or chocolate diamonds. I have a feeling that he will make one of each version, first one being the chocolate! Before he sets the diamonds, the ring will be pre-polished, meaning it will be all shined up, so that the seats under the diamonds will reflect the shine beautifully. 

Here are the basic sketches together with the actual ring.

 This ring will be completed by next week and once it reaches its final stage, we will post pictures of it right away! 

It is March 6, 2014 and Gary Azatyan's gorgeous creation is complete! He made this particular version with champagne and chocolate color diamonds with black rhodium.

This ring is to LIVE for!!

you can see the details of the beautiful craftsmanship and the black rhodium finish that makes it so elegant.

DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO SPEND A FORTUNE TO IMPRESS YOUR GIRL ON VALENTINE'S DAY? WE DON'T THINK SO

Ok it's that time of the year again that you feel pressured into buying a gift that will reflect the level of love and appreciation you feel for your other half in the best way possible. You also have to spend proper amount of money not to look cheap or be misunderstood. Isn't that so stressful and an intimidating feeling that you rather not experience? Well, it doesn't have to be that way…

Ok, we agree that if you can afford a spectacular expensive diamond engagement ring or a jewelry of that sort, your other half (wife, girlfriend, love of your life …) would be over the moon happy and ecstatic and if your budget allows you to do so why not do it?

HOWEVER, if that's not the case you can certainly get something as beautiful with a fraction of a big budget and still make her fall in love with you all over again.

Let's see what could be these beautiful options:

La Costa Green Calcite Earrings

These gorgeous earrings from La Costa Collection are hand crafted in 925 Sterling Silver with 6 natural green Calcites and black and white Swarowski Crystals that are individually controlled by a certified De Beers Jeweler. Push Backs, The length of each earring is about 3 1/8"

Ross Druzy Collection by La Costa 

Each piece of jewelry is handcrafted from beginning to end with the highest quality of materials and workmanship. The semi-precious stones are 100% natural, never coated by synthetic colors. Each stone is carefully hand selected to provide the most vibrant aspect of its natural beauty. Each and every Swarovski crystal is individually set by hand and quality controlled by a certified De Beers jeweler. Finally, each piece is individually melded with 925 Sterling Silver. This bold collection merges the dynamic brilliance of natural beauty and glamorous design.

Fashionable Soft Bangles

 Italian hand-braided gold over silver bangles with cubic zirconia in various colors starting from $95

These bangles are very comfortable to wear and extremely stylish. They are valuable in White, yellow, rose gold and black rhodium plating. 

Silver Ottoman Turkish Style Green Agate Ring

Is she into antique and funky styles? Here is a perfect gift for her!

This ring is so festive with its detailed finishes, and large round green agate center gemstone, along with pave set round cubic zircons and rubelites. it is hand crafted in antiqued/ oxidized 925 sterling silver,in a byzantine Ottomean Turkish style.

Antiqued Key Pendant

Here is a very Romantic gift without being cliche like a heart

Ladies sterling silver key pendant, hand crafted with pave set cubic zirconia and black rhodium plating. The length of the key including the bail.

White, Rose and Yellow Gold Overlayed, Silver Monogram Initial Disk Pendants

What’s more personalized than a custom made monogram pendant with her initial?

 Perfect gift for special occasions, especially Valentine's day. Crafted in solid sterling silver with 14kt white, rose or yellow gold overlay in approx. 1/2" diameter, floating on chains. These pendants are available in any diameter, color and in gold as well as sterling silver. Starting from $110 

Heart Pendant 

Is she a traditional heart girl? Don't worry we got you covered! 

This beautiful heart shape pendant is perfect for any romantic occasion. It is hand crafted in 925 sterling silver containing prong set round cut cubic zircons and silver chain. The length of the heart including the bail is a little over 3/4". The chain is 16". Please indicate the length you would prefer in the notes to seller section. This Pendant is only $145

FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE AMETHYST

Just in case her birthday is also in february you can get her a beautiful piece of amethyst jewelry and maybe dare to combine 2 occasions in one? 

Sterling Silver Amethyst Earrings with Gold Plating

These beautiful Amethyst earrings are hand-crafted in Sterling silver with gold overlay, containing 2 round shaped, multifaceted amethysts in bezel setting and wire backs. The total length including the wire is 1"

Carved Amethyst CZ Earrings 

These earrings are one of a kind. Hand crafted in 925 sterling silver, these earrings contain specially faceted amethyst and pave set cubic zircons with avery comfortable huggie backs.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY in advance! 

WHO DO I TRUST WITH MY JEWELRY REPAIR?

                        

Imagine your beautiful piece of jewelry, (the one that your favorite aunt passed on to you, or a push present for your first born baby) needs a repair and you are terrified to leave it into just any jeweler's hands. How do you find a trustworthy jeweler that will treasure your item as much as you do?

At OKG Jewelry, we specialize in creating custom design jewelry and take pride in our one-of-a-kind pieces. In addition to this, having a family owned business and workplace composed of an expert jeweler (George Azatyan) and a master setter/designer (Gary Azatyan), we have a full repair service shop behind the curtains of our sparkling retail store. We repair all kinds of jewelry from silver to gold, cubic zirconium to diamonds. And whether the jewelry was bought with us or not, we still provide repair service. 

George Azatyan 

Gary Azatyan

Some repairs are simple and quick and others are more complex and take time. But there is almost nothing that cannot be fixed. However, there is something that must be kept in mind that every job is different and unique in its own way. The same type of repair may come in and two totally different techniques may need to be applied to fix them. Each piece of jewelry has its own personality. There is not one ultimate procedure to do a specific repair. Everything must be viewed in a different light with an open mind and a creative approach, in order to figure out the best solution.

So, how does this jewelry repair process work? 

            

Let's take the example that a customer comes in with a diamond tennis bracelet with a missing diamond or a broken link.

             When a customer with this situation comes in, we first do a full examination of the bracelet, including testing the diamonds. Once we are sure they are diamonds, we try to figure out why the diamond fell out in the first place. 
Typically this is due to two reasons: The diamond breaks (yes, diamond can break or chip) or the prongs break or get pulled out. 

Internally, 2 things may happen to the diamonds. The diamond inside the prongs moves ever so slightly. In time the diamond scratches and wears off the prong(s), creating more room for it to move and it eventually cuts the prongs enough to fall out. The other thing that may occur is that, there may be large natural imperfections in the diamond (or even inclusions that reach the diamond surface such as "feather inclusions" and from wear and tear, the imperfection can get bigger and reach the surface of the diamond, resulting in the diamond to crack. Examining the prongs helps us figure which was the case. If the prongs are in place, then the diamond most likely shattered and fell. If one or more of the prongs are broken or out of place, then the diamond fell out due to this. Sometimes, the gold on the outside of the prong wears off or the prong gets caught on to something, allowing the diamond to fall out. 

Another common issue we come across with regarding to bracelets is that the bracelet itself breaks, typically near the clasp. When someone is putting on a bracelet they are usually putting it on by themselves. The only way to lock the clasp is to push the 2 sides together. When you try to do this with one hand you might end up squeezing the bracelet between your fingers and in time this damages the links in that area and eventually it breaks from the weakened spot. It's safe to say that bracelets have a certain life time. The more often you wear them the weaker the connection between each section gets. In time the links get stretched out or bend out of shape, especially if you keep the bracelet on when you are sleeping. 

Before the customer leaves, we give them a pick-up slip indicating all the details on the bracelet such as the approximate total carat weight, the total gram weight and the type of metal, the style and an approximate price estimate for the repair.

Before the item gets to our repair expert, it is placed in the bath for a good cleaning. The item is cleaned for at least half an hour to make sure it is 100% clean. When the item gets to the jeweler, he checks everything a second time. He checks from the clasp, to the original gold casing, the connecting links, to all the prongs to make sure they are secure. He figures out what needs fixing and he proceeds with the repair and if there are diamonds missing, our master diamond setter and designer Gary chooses a proper diamond that will match the quality, shape and size of the surrounding diamonds. Once finding the perfect diamond that satisfies all the variables, he must now fix the prong. If the prong is still attached, then all that must be done is placing the diamond in the space, using special pliers. A steady hand and the right amount of strength  will push the prong into place on top of the diamond securing it. If the diamond fell out due to the entire prong falling off then the prong must be replaced.

To replace the prong, a wire of the same metal type and width of the surrounding prongs must be picked and soldered from the bottom of the missing prong. With electronic powered sandpaper in a wheel shape, the wire is filed to make the sides smooth. The diamond is put in place and with the same pliers the prong is placed down. With the electronic sandpaper wheel the tips of the wire are shaped.

For extra security, Gary will tighten all the other prongs and do one last check of everything. Then the bracelet will be polished, cleaned in the ultrasonic solution and steamed. The bracelet is now ready to be picked up by the customer.  

As you can see, so much care and expertise is needed to do even a simple repair on a piece of jewelry regardless of the cost of the item. We respect the fact that the item may be an inexpensive piece of jewelry and have a great sentimental value for the customer, therefore it should be regarded with care. 

OKG Jewelry- Azatyan Family Jewelers

MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFTS MISTLETOE WORTHY

Christmas 2015

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 

December has officially arrived and we all know what that means, Christmas time! Getting past the initial excitement of celebrating with family, eating delicious food and receiving presents, the realization hits you like a ton of bricks... YOU have to buy gifts! Buying gifts can cause some of the most anxiety during the holiday season. Have no fear, OKG is here to help! 

Here is a list of some of our fabulous jewelry that is sure to be the present of the party. 

A great present for all ages are our Monogram Necklaces

Whats more personalized than a custom made monogram pendant. Perfect gift for the holidays, these necklaces come in solid 14kt white, rose and yellow gold in approx. 1/2 diameter, floating on solid gold chains.

But these pendants are available in any diameter, color and gold as well as sterling silver.

Our Amethyst and Lemon Quarts Necklace is definitely a beautiful option  

This Gemstone station necklace is crafted in 14kt solid yellow gold, containing 10 multi-faceted Amethyst and Lemon Quartz in bezel setting, interspaced by 14kt yellow gold chain. 16" chain plus 2" extension. 

 Fancy Cut Sapphire Necklace

 Fancy Cut Sapphire Necklace

Detail View

Gemstone station necklace is crafted in 14kt solid yellow gold, containing 6 fancy cut Multicolor sapphires 32.66ct tw and 14 round brilliant cut diamonds .14ct tw in bezel setting, inter-spaced by 14kt yellow gold chain. 36" Long. 

We have many variations of these necklaces in the store:

 

 Here are some other ones,

 Fancy Cut Sapphire Necklace

 

You can never go wrong with simple color stone and diamond pendants,


Topaz Diamond Pendant 

This cushion shape Blue Topaz-Diamond Pendant, hand-crafted 14kt white gold, containing 12.00ct Natural, Multi-Faceted, checkerboard cut Blue Topaz, surrounded by 1.30ct tw round brilliant cut pave set diamonds sliding on a 14kt white gold cable chain. The Pendant is 5/8" by 1/2" including the diamond bail.  

Turquoise Diamond Pendant

Turquoise Diamond Pendant

Oval Turquoise-Diamond Pendant, hand-crafted 14kt white gold, containing 2.22ct Natural, Cabochon cut Natural Turquoise, surrounded by .11ct tw round brilliant cut pave set diamonds sliding on a 14kt white gold cable box chain. The pendant is 1/2\ by 3/4\ including the diamond bail.  



Our Beautiful Crosses for the Beautiful celebration of Christmas

14K White Gold Cross 1.90ct Round Diamonds

Diamond Cross

14K White Gold Cross with 2.25ct Pave Set Diamonds




Hand Braided Bracelet 

   

Refreshing Sky Blue Ring

14K white gold ring holds 1.30ct of aqua surrounded by 0.34ct diamonds.



 Here is a combination of our color stone rings,

 

My Lucky Lady Ring

Diamond Bracelets

Diamond bracelet, crafted in 14kt yellow gold, with 2 diamond setions containing 68 round brilliant cut diamonds .47ct tw set in pave setting.  Evil Eye Bracelets   Ladies diamond evil eye bracelet, hand-crafted in 14kt white gold, centered by a round sapphire in bezel setting, surrounded by mother of pearls and turquoise which is framed with .09ct tw round brilliant cut pave set diamonds and 14kt white gold double chain

Black and White Diamond Earrings 

14kt White Gold Earrings, containing 4.76ct tw Black and White Diamonds. 

These Long Drop Earrings are crafted in 14kt white gold, containing 12.00ct of natural briolette cut blue topazes and organic cut amethysts and round cut Iolites with European wire backs.

Long Drop Earrings

 

What’s  more fun than these Diamond  Butterfly Earrings, containing 1.50ct tw diamonds, Tanzanites and citrines with "omega backs.

 

Double Butterfly Earrings

Smoky Lace Earrings

Smoky Lace Earrings from OKG's new LACE COLLECTION is crafted in 14kt solid yellow gold, containing 2 smoky topaz 12.09ct tw and 50 round briliant cut .37ct tw bezel and prong set diamonds, surrounded by a lacy filigree and milgrain detail.  



Here is some beautiful pendants from the Lace Collection

Pearl Diamond Earrings

Ladies Black Pearl and diamond earrings, hand crafted in 18kt white gold, containing 2 natural Tahitian black pearls surrounded by 5.00ct round brilliant cut pave set diamonds with "omega" post and clip backs.  

Blue Moon Ring

Blue Moon Ring, hand crafted in 18kt white and yellow gold, featuring 12.00ct cabochon cut bezel set Calcedony and surrounded by 1.60ct tw round brilliant cut pave set diamonds.  

ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Last but not least least, the most important jewelry of all, THE RING ans we don't mean on the phone as Ertha Kitt Said! 


This is the hottest style which is called halo,

"Galaxy"Setting:

It feels like the diamonds can't help but surround and swirl around the stunning center stone with the attraction of its brilliance! The swirly side view is unforgettably unique and beautiful. Crafted in 14kt white gold, this setting contains .71ct tw "French Pave" set diamonds that are brighter than the stars due to their quality.

Available in different metals upon request.

You can check our website's "DIAMONDS" tab to find the perfect center diamond for this setting.

WE HAVE LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE* ON GIA CERTIFIED DIAMONDS**

Royal Tulip Ring

Royal Tulip Ring

Royal Tulip Ring

"Royal Tulip" Split Shank Engagement Ring setting

Completely hand-made in 14kt white gold, containing 42ct. total weight pave set diamonds on the band and around the crown, along with a knife edge detail that can be seen from birds eye view. Accomodates a round, oval or cushion brilliant cut center diamond.

The side view of this ring reminds us a beautiful white tulip which symbolizes the purity of a bride, walking down the isle.

Available in different carat weights and metals upon request. - See more at: http://www.okgjewelry.com/?mod=dispitem&product_id=453&product_number=12968#sthash.klPWhUGn.dpuf

"Royal Tulip" Split Shank Engagement Ring setting from Gabriel&Co.

Completely hand-made in 14kt white gold, containing 42ct. total weight pave set diamonds on the band and around the crown, along with a knife edge detail that can be seen from birds eye view. Accommodates a round, oval or cushion brilliant cut center diamond.

The side view of this ring reminds us a beautiful white tulip which symbolizes the purity of a bride, walking down the isle.

Double Halo Ring

This Double Halo Ring is a Million Dollar Look!

Spectacular hand-made diamond engagement ring, crafted in 14kt white gold with a "Double Halo" center crown and a split band. It contains .82ct tw exquisite quality "French Cut-Down Pave" set diamonds. Gabriel & Co.

The Perfect Halo Engagement Ring

The Perfect Halo Engagement Ring is hand crafted in 14kt white gold, containing a 1.65ct pear brilliant cut natural center diamond, surrounded with 1.65ct tw "Cut-Down Pave" set side diamonds on the split band and under the crown.

This stunning 3 Stone Diamond Engagement Ring is also called as "Past, Present and Future", hand crafted in 14kt white gold, containing 1.21ct round brilliant cut GIA certified center diamond, I-Color, VS2-Clarity,  Very Good Cut, and 2 round brilliant cut .36ct tw side diamonds set in prong setting, with 12 round brilliant cut .35ct tw pave set side diamonds on the band and around the center crown. 

Double Halo Ring