Fine jewelry is a timeless Christmas gift that becomes an integral part of a person's life.
An anniversary ring, a locket that our grandmother wore or a pocket watch passed down by our grandfather reminds us of our deepest sentiments for the people we love.If you want to choose a Christmas gift that will be memorable for a lifetime, choose quality jewelry, advise Allan and Brenda Baird, owners of Diamond Designs in Sandy's South Towne Center.
This Christmas season customers are purchasing customized jewelry items. For instance, a young woman is restoring her mother's school ring to wear to remind her of her family heritage. Another woman is having her husband's grandfather's ring remolded using the same gold and design but adding new gold to strength the ring. And a teenager is having her grandmother's ring made into earrings, said Baird.
Custom designs are also very popular. "If you have an idea about a design for a ring, necklace or locket, we can create jewelry from your idea or sketch," said Baird. Gold chains or broken jewelry can be melted and made into a new jewelry item.
A young woman whose boyfriend was leaving on a 24-month mission for the Mormon church came up with a creative jewelry idea. She purchased a watch and asked Bairds to replace the face of the watch with her own photograph. "Every time her missionary looks at his watch while he's on his mission, he'll think of her . . . The only problem is that the hands of the watch are attached to her nose," Baird jokes.
Diamonds, sapphires and rubies connote love and timelessness, he said. "Precious gems are always in style. They are gifts that don't lose their value over time like some fads but only increase in value sentimentality and economically," said Baird.
According to legend, the word "diamond" originates from the Greek word "adamas," which means unconquerable. Diamonds were once considered a talisman against phantoms and nightmares. They were also supposed to give courage and virtue to soldiers in battle.
Kings of ancient times believed sapphires protected them from harm and envy. The Persians believed that the Earth rested on a great sapphire, the color of which was reflected to give the sky its blue color. Sapphires are also the symbol of truth and constancy.
Historically, it was believed that the wearer of a ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in affairs of the heart. The wearer also acquired magic ability to live in peace with his enemies, as long as the ruby was worn on the left hand. An ancient myth about rubies promises the wearer of the red gem freedom from a lover's doubts and anxiety.
Pearls, like diamonds, are elegant and practical gifts because they can be worn with anything. The color of diamonds and pearls never clashes with anything, said Baird.
Christmas is a time for renewal of relationships, said Baird. "A diamond ring at Christmas says to your loved one, `I love you and I am committed to you forever,' " said Baird.
Mothers' rings are an elegant Christmas gift. Rings are designed with the birthstones of each child embedded in them.
"Working as a husband and wife team, we're thrilled to be in a business that results in such happiness for customers. People seem to develop a personal attachment to their jeweler. We frequently meet the children of couples who have purchased their wedding rings from us," said Baird.